Centre For Social Concern Kanengo Malawi/ revue de Presse

The Malawi nation buried the First Lady Madame Ethel Mutharika at Ndata Farm in Thyolo in the month under review. Both international and local dignitaries attended her funeral. The death of Madame Mutharika happened at time the State House was being secretive about her absence from public. But then, although there were some issues that arose before Mrs Mutharika died, the Malawi nation united in paying last respects to the first lady. Madame Mutharika died at a time when there was political tension among some political leaders but all the enmity was set aside during the mourning period. Some people have prayed for continued unity among Malawians. Against this background the clergy have asked Malawi citizens to continue living peacefully.

It seems that calls by the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation for parties to hold conventions have been heard. Recent reports have disclosed that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is going to hold a convention during which members will choose their presidential candidate and members of the National Executive Committee. The UDF party, founded by the former president Dr Bakili Muluzi, is expected to hold a convention amid reports that Muluzi is planning to come back as the party's presidential candidate. This has left some members who also wanted to put their names forward to shy back. It is still questionable whether people will come forward to compete against Muluzi at the convention, thus just giving him rubber-stamp candidature. Whatever happens the idea of having a convention means that at least democracy is being respected.

Just when people thought there was unity among politicians who normally do not see eye to eye the Supreme Court of Appeal, the highest court in the land, has upheld the controversial section 65 of the Constitution. This allows the Speaker to declare vacant parliamentary seats of legislators who have crossed the floor. The section has been giving some politicians headaches and sleepless nights as their political future was not clear before the ruling. Now it means the ball is in the Speaker of the National Assembly's court as he is the one who has the powers to declare the seats of members of parliament vacant. Following the ruling more than 70 seats in the august house are expected to be vacant. Perhaps this is what has caused political analysts to ask the Speaker to declare the seats vacant.

The tension that has come about following the section 65 ruling continues to be heavily covered in the press. Following the ruling the press have carried contradicting articles of what is going to happen after the ruling. Among other things the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is going to suffer terribly if the Speaker declares some seats vacant, has already announced that the Speaker's seat should also be declared vacant because the DPP believe the Speaker belongs to other organisations, which are political in nature. Whatever happens some political analysts have noted that democracy should be the winner. Others would want the National Assembly to prioritise what is good for the nation, namely the passing of the budget.

The Catholic Church and traditional leaders also took their turn to speak about Section 65. Although issues of this nature do not directly involve the church and chiefs, the two groups advised the current sitting of parliament to focus on the budget and nothing else. The Catholic Church feels that declaring some seats vacant would disturb the current peace and democratic practices that the country is currently enjoying.

After winning the legal battle over the name Malavi the party is now struggling with registration. The Malavi People's Party (MPP), which the former Minister of Agriculture Uladi Mussa formed, is having problems to register at the Registrar of Parties. Media reports have shown that party officials were sent away twice, a thing some say was deliberate. Meanwhile Uladi Mussa, the leader of the MPP, is alleged to have told the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the party that fired him, that he is willing to rejoin it if he is given the post of Vice President. Mussa is reported to have also told the United Democratic Front (UDF) that he will only return to the party if they offer him the Vice Presidency of the party.

Despite civil society's efforts to stop African governments from signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs) with the European Union, some organisations on the continent have chosen to differ with this stand. The country's civil society feels the signing of the EPAs would do more harm than good to Malawi's economy. But the Common Market for Southern Africa (COMESA) feels the EPAs will help countries in development. Whatever situation governments in the COMESA grouping want to put their countries into, they should always put the life of their poor citizens first. The Centre For Social Concern is one of the civil society groups that are against the EPAs.

Although tobacco is the backbone of Malawi's foreign exchange, the world is currently lobbying for minimum use of tobacco. To begin with some countries already banned people from smoking in public places. Here in Malawi tobacco related companies are not allowed to sponsor anything. On the other hand health experts have always warned of the dangers of smoking tobacco and what damage it causes to one's health. Similarly some reports have shown that tobacco is the second major cause of death. The future of tobacco farming looks bleak with such reports. As a country that relies on the crop reports of it being a second major cause of death are disturbing.

As Goodall Gondwe, the Finance Minister, is expected to table the 2007/2008 national budget, reports have shown that there is not going to be a change in the financial year. Earlier reports had indicated that Gondwe had planned to propose a change in the financial year set up. It has been suggested that the financial year should be from January to December as opposed to the current July to June. Some opposition members of parliament vehemently opposed the proposal although it had not been formally put forward. The Malawi nation eagerly awaits the resumption of the parliament, which will begin with the budget session.

During the month economic experts condemned the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly for continuing to give out allowances to members after the House had adjourned. The House adjourned prematurely after the death of the First Lady Madame Ethel Mutharika. Despite the adjournment press reports disclosed that members of parliament continued to receive their daily allowances amounting to K15, 000.00 each. This meant that the 193 parliamentarians got their daily allowances without working. So this was money that was dished out for free. Now some economic experts question why so much money was spent.

The price of maize seems to be falling drastically because Malawi now has plenty of it and can afford to export some of it to neighbouring countries. The fact that there is plenty of maize in the country, which is the staple food of Malawi, has been hit by the demand and supply rule, there is a greater supply of maize in comparison to the demand. Most people have their own maize and as a result they cannot find a place to buy the grain because it is in abundance. For some farmers the fact that they have to sell their crop at such a low prices is very painful considering the time and resources they invested in its production. In this regard some farmers have asked the government to look into the issue. The government has not yet released the national prices for maize.

On the same note the delay in announcing the national price of maize has meant that unscrupulous traders have ripped off some farmers. Press reports have shown that the delay in opening some of the ADMARC markets has left some farmers with no option but to sell their harvest to these traders. As a result of the plentiful supplies of maize the traders are buying it at very low prices. Such cries should not fall on deaf ears but deserve immediate action from all stakeholders. Press reports have also included rice and other agricultural products that are suffered greatly from the fluctuation of prices.

Other commentators have disclosed that farmers are having difficulties when they want to sell their farm produce because of the lack of funds. It has been disclosed that some national grain markets are failing to buy maize and other crops because of shortage of funds. Much as people would like to buy and sell their farm produce at ADMARC the fact that some of its outlets are not open is already a minus. Perhaps that is why they resort to unscrupulous traders. What is the way forward? After a year of plenty people want to sell some of their produce at profitable prices.

As the month of June was coming to an end there were fears that some opposition members of parliament from the United Democratic Front were going to shoot down the budget if government did not implement a universal subsidy on fertilizer. But experts have echoed that it is not possible for government to dance to this tune. To remove the fears of effects of budget delay, would not affect the distribution of subsidised fertilizers. President Mutharika's government reduced the price of subsidised fertilizer from K950 to K900. The subsidised fertilizers have also been condemned as one of the reasons why there is plenty of maize and was criticised as being bound to be abused.

During the month the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) appealed to political parties to hold conventions. The plea follows the recent announcements by some parties who declared that they are not going to hold conventions. Almost all the political parties have not yet conducted their convention where members from the grassroots freely choose their presidential candidates. Although some of the political parties like the United Democratic Front (UDF) have announced that they will conduct a convention in July. Although this is the case human rights organisations feel it is vital for parties to hold conventions. If the right to democratically choose representatives is to be observed then conventions should be encouraged.

As the wrangle on borders between two synods of the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) continues, retired moderators in the church pledged to assist in mediation over the issue. The Synods of Nkhoma and Livingstonia have been in a dispute over borders for about 40 years now. Both synods have accused each other of not respecting the borders instead they have opened churches beyond the demarcated borders. Following the continued wrangle, former moderators of the CCAP church, including the Reverend Dr Silas Ncozana, have vowed to assist in mediation talks over the wrangle. The former reverend's efforts should not go unmentioned, as this could possibly be a step towards the end of a dispute that has continued for more than four decades.

As a body that looks after consumers' rights Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) in the month under review asked the government to ban smoking in public. In Malawi there is no law that bars smoking in public. Living in this kind of situation non-smokers have been exposed to some amounts of nicotine that is inhaled after breathing polluted air. Meanwhile England has banned smoking in public places. If the same happens in Malawi she will be among the 142 countries in the world that have signed a protocol that protects citizens from second hand smoking.

The month of June saw eight of the most powerful countries in the World meeting in Germany at the famous G8 conference. The meeting, among other things discussed the economies of African countries and how they can be of assistance. However some African countries commented on the meeting saying the G8 leaders should try to act instead of just putting words on paper. Collings Magalasi of Actionaid Malawi represented Africa.

As the African continent was commemorating the day of the African Child, Malawi focused its attention on trying to end child labour. Press reports have shown that some Malawians are in the habit of employing children to work in homes or on their estates. Since many people like to have cheap labour, it has proved that children are always readily available at very low costs and sometimes at no costs at all. Against this background some members of society have asked government to help in setting up policies that would help in eliminating child labour completely. However reports have shown that there is need to have the community's participation. Child labour eradication can only work if the community where these children are employed takes part in the programme is identified and sensitised.

The issue of child labour has also seen some practices mushrooming from it. One illegal practice is human trafficking. It seems locally cases of human trafficking are increasing because of a lack of knowledge on these issues. Media coverage during the month under review has shown that children and women are the main targets for traffickers both locally and internationally. Women and children are taken and promised to get employment either in Malawi or outside the country, but what they get is not what they expect. Some are forced into prostitution and have their human rights violated when they were promised decent jobs. Against this background some organisations are tackling the issue of human trafficking. At least the involvement of some faith-based organisations in fighting against these acts is gaining ground. Such organisations should be commended for a job well done.

Press reports in the month under review have disclosed that not too many old people donate blood. It has been reported that only the youth are the ones that are donating blood to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Services. Reports have shown that the number of young people who donate blood in Malawi is very high. But at the same time a very small number of older people donate blood. Observers have noted that some of the grown ups are afraid to donate blood because of the testing that is involved. There is a general fear among some people every time blood testing is mentioned. This perhaps is one of the reasons why there are always some fears whenever blood donation is involved.

Some faith communities have observed that it is high time witchcraft was legalised and put in the constitution of Malawi. History has shown that although some church leaders have acknowledged the presence of witchcraft amongst us, it is very difficult to take people to task because such allegations are difficult to prove. Although some cases have been tried in courts, some faith leaders strongly feel there is need to have witchcraft in the constitution. Some Christian leaders and Muslims recognise witchcraft while others do not. The Roman Catholic Church has vehemently supported the idea of legalising witchcraft so that those found guilty should be punished by law. A number of Catholics have been suspected of practicing witchcraft either by teaching children the trade of killing humans or eating their flesh.

Recent media reports in the month of June have shown that more boys are dropping out of schools than girls. This is contrary to what other researchers had reported. They had indicated that it is girls who are dropping out of schools. Among other reasons reports disclosed that more and more girls drop out of school due to early marriages. Some are forced into marriage because they come from poor families and going to school is like a luxury. They are in extreme poverty and they cannot afford to have clothes that they can wear in school. Against a background of shortage of pupils in school a Mzimba chief has asked government to implement a system of compulsory education for all. Others believe the proposal should be encouraged and implemented.

As the country is fighting for the improvement of education standards some stakeholders have noted that this battle could be meaningless if institutions are not looked after. Press reports have disclosed that some institutions of higher learning continue to have shortages of learning materials and have structures that are not education friendly. One such institution is the Polytechnic, which is under the University of Malawi. Press reports have disclosed that the institution has in the past produced engineers and many more graduates who are now in the industries. Such reports should be taken with caution because if situation continues Malawians should not expect miracles to happen in the education sectors if things do not change for the better.

The Polytechnic is not the only institution that has problems with dilapidated structures. Students at Mkomachi Community Day Secondary School at Area 49 in Lilongwe are reported to be having their lessons in renovated toilets. Although the will to learn is there, learning in a former toilet could psychologically affect the students. Such a scenario needs immediate and quick intervention from government. For sure one of government's goals is to have a well-educated future generation. To realise this goal there is need to have concerted efforts from all stakeholders to make sure students are accessing education in dignified structures.

Press reports have also disclosed that the current status of education in the country needs a lot of attention if the country is to realise its goals. Observers have noticed that although some organisations have made efforts in trying to raise the standards of education in Malawi, the opposite has been proved to be true. The reintroduction of National Secondary Schools Quiz Programme has made some stakeholders to have the hope that at least the competition among students will raise the standards of education. But what came out has left some people wondering if at all the current situation as regards education will be improved. It was found out that some students failed to answer questions from their syllabus. Such a revelation should give Malawi enough homework on what should be done to save this worsening situation.

The June media report has revealed that despite the Malawi government effort to improve the health workforce and services, the number of nurses migrating to overseas countries does not seem to lessen. The Ministry of Health is training about 60 nurses each year but is losing 100 annually. Most of these go to Britain particularly to Manchester where it is alleged there are more Malawian doctors than the total number of those in all Malawi.

The battle against malaria will soon take a new twist when DDT is reintroduced to help kill mosquitoes. In the 1980s DDT was discontinued because it was said its toxic residue was affecting plants and food. Malaria kills thousands of Malawians each year and now Mr Lee Wells an expert in malaria drug 'Coartem', has second thoughts on DDT. Mr Wells says DDT must be re-employed to spray areas where mosquitoes breed.

According to the media reports all is not lost for Malawi because the country is in step with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG 4) on reducing children's deaths. In its 2006 annual report UNICEF says the mortality rates among children have significantly been reduced. This has come about because of Malawi's improved disease management, better access to clean water, the elimination of polio, measles and neonatal tetanus and malaria prevention.

It should be noted that close to 30,000 babies are born every year with HIV infection as a result of mother-to-child transmission. In 2000, one in five children did not live to see their fifth birthday, but by 2004, this had improved to one in seven children.

The arrival of HIV and Aids pandemic has witnessed a variety of Malawian self-proclaimed herbalists who say they can cure the disease. One of them is 'Doctor' Scaver Million Chikopa from Lilongwe. He claims his concoction, which he discovered in 2000, has so far cured 2,215 Aids patients. While the Malawi government is refusing to agree that Chikopa has discovered the right drug, more and more people are visiting his premises. Perhaps the right thing would be to take the concoction to the medical experts for examination and prove him wrong physically.

The media reports have revealed HIV and Aids is devastating not only the ordinary people but even the political leaders in Africa. First it is well to note Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about 25 of the 39 million people worldwide infected with HIV and Aids. In Malawi a recent study revealed that a total of 42 MPs have died between 1994 and 2006 and out of these the Speaker of National Assembly attributed 28 of these deaths to Aids-related causes.

The Malawi nation joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Environment Day in the month of June. This perhaps is the reason why environment received massive coverage from the press in the month under review.

Although the environment is an important aspect of life, evidence has shown that not too many reporters and writers like to disseminate environment stories. This scenario has affected the sector badly because there has been shortage of information about the subject. However it is nice to know that some journalists who took time to inform the people about the environment were rewarded. It goes without saying that the journalists are now motivated and Malawians should expect increased coverage on the environment.

It seems Malawi as a nation is facing a lot of environmental degradation because of the increase in the population. As the number of people is increasing, the need for use of environmental products has also risen. This being the case it has become so difficult to have the forest reserves maintain their beauty, the more environmental products are being used, the more they are moving to extinction. Among other examples some fertile soils are no longer fertile because heavy rains swept away the topsoil. If only the inhabitants of such areas were careful about cutting down of trees, some of the damage could not have occurred.

In the past 13 years Malawi has suffered a lot in terms of pollution. The coming in of democracy saw the boom of many businesses to the extent that some traders to date do not have proper trading places. Now such a scenario has its own impact on the environment. As too many traders are operating from one place it becomes very difficult to dispose waste matters. Even the left overs of the commodities are at times dumped in places where you wouldn't expect. Among other places vendors in some markets resort to dumping wastes in rivers that are close by. As the waste is rotting the bad air that comes out of the waste pollutes the scenario to the extent that people are always greeted with a strong stench every time they visit the markets. It is sad to notice that some people have to think twice before they go to the markets for fear of inhaling polluted air. Surely such a situation needs to be dealt with in a hurry.

Some months after government enacted the domestic violence bill, which was meant to at least protect women and children, it seems the situation on the ground is not improving. Reports of older men defiling babies and children continue to be a daily occurrence in the press. The rate at which women and children are being abused one would think there is no law against such acts. At one point it is difficult to understand why some of the perpetrators of violence are not brought to book because their relations would try as much as possible to have go free without facing the law. It has to be made clear that having the law alone is not enough if those who are abused do not report it to the authorities. More work has to be done to sensitise the people on what exactly are the examples of gender-based violence.

Much as many women would want to be treated in the same manner as men, it seems the efforts are meeting resistance from other quarters. What is surprising is the fact that the resistance that the women are meeting is not only coming from the opposite sex but from fellow women as well. While the government is leaving no stone unturned in making sure that more women are put in decision-making positions, reports have shown that it is the same women who pull each other down. It seems not too many women would want to see their fellows in top positions. So this is the attitude that people should change for the whole purpose of gender equality.

The upholding of Section 65 of the national constitution by the Supreme Court has left some people wondering what is going to happen to the number of women in the National Assembly. There are fears that if the Speaker of the National Assembly decides declare the seats of Members of Parliament who crossed the floor vacant, a good number of women might lose their seats. This will affect badly on the already small number of female representation in the House. Currently there are only 27 female MPs out of the 193 members. If the speaker decides to act immediately on the section 65 ruling the number female representatives of the house will drastically drop.

The press took some time to report on the death of Late Madame Ethel Mutharika. Some women's organisations have commended the work of the late Mrs Mutharika, who was a founder of the Ethel Mutharika Foundation. In her tenure as First Lady of Malawi Madame Mutharika assisted orphans and many other underprivileged people. Madame Mutharika who has been a companion to president Mutharika since 1967 will be remembered for the charity works that she did for Malawians regardless of their religious and political affiliation. Others will remember Madame Mutharika as a humble woman whose example people should try to emulate.

Center for Social Concern (CFSC)
Box 40049 Lilongwe 4
Area 25
Next to St. Francis Parish
Tel: 01 715 632
jkuppens@malawi.net -