Centre For Social Concern Kanengo Malawi/ revue de Presse

On the political front, section 65 of the constitution continued to create tension and uncertainty among adherents of different political parties. The deferred date, 7 November for its hearing was probably aimed at giving ample time for all concerned to reflect on the implications of the appeal. The shifting of the date to a month later showed how people want to be prudent about the process. It should be a process of much wider consultation. However, the frequent change of dates usually removes the momentum and enthusiasm usually generated by cases such as this one.

Political commentators have foretold the section's serious implications on the people, saying the obvious result is that there would be about 70 by-elections by those who have crossed the floor and would like to remain where they are. Certainly, government would be unable to meet this demand. Its impact would likely be felt in parliament where debate and decisions depend on numbers. There is a growing realisation that the issue at hand is highly sensitive and needs careful interpretation to avoid causing problems to the already instable political landscape. It may be a question of what should be done as compared as what can be done in the present context. This may keep the peace but could also easily neglect the principles. In other words is the interpretation of the law only about the law or (and even more so) about what the context dictates.

The distribution of development projects by political authorities did not meet positive response. Different political parties and the general public questioned the rationale of diverting funds from intended projects. Amid various press releases and other explanations, the papers noted the alleged diversion of funds to other priority areas as a deprivation of what people deserve in the different parts of the country. It does cause a problem for democracy: should the executive override the approved budgetary votes?

The October media reports noted some gaps in the impeachment procedures, saying they lack principles of natural justice. It is argued that parliament cannot be the accuser, the judge and the one to pass the verdict. Lawyers and friends of the courts have since been advised to include issues related to natural justice.

Besides the impeachment of the president and his vice, the reports during the month initiated yet another impeachment process of members of parliament. This has been seen as a mechanism that will ensure that MPs are committed to their work. However, this process if hatched in favour of the party would put any legislator at a disadvantage because the parties could remove any member whom they are not pleased with. However, it was suggested that the ground for the removal should be coming from the electorate.

It is clear from the above proposal that the August house is never short of twists and turns. Previously, the majority of MPs threw away a whole recall provision from the statute books for fear that it would be abused. Terminology has changed; the same house wants to use another section of the same constitution to remove a legislator. If the intention is to help constituencies to sift 'non-performers' from 'good representatives', then, there is nothing wrong with the procedures. But learning from the experience of the hurriedly crafted procedures for removing a president or his vice president, the new exercise had better be done with a lot of caution and with sound rationale. The necessary debate should heavily involve the electorate that sponsors individuals to parliament.

The issue about screening fake certificates and of under qualification for public appointments raised a lot of debate to extent of verifying whether the former head of state had all the needed qualifications. This applies to both top officials in government as well as in the opposition. However, media observation has shown that those in the opposition have since faced the wrath of being probed and convicted. The fake certificates possessed by an unknown number of Malawians demonstrate that there is corruption at all levels. It is counter productive to all efforts to improve the current poor education standards. From all fronts, education should be seen as a prerequisite to any socio-economic development. One tends to question the rationale and value of going through the laborious and painstaking path of education, if some people, upon playing their cards well, may find themselves reaping the harvests he/she did not sweat for. It is painful to those who sweat it out in various learning institutions. Any shortcut to the desired qualification undermines the system and puts doubts on the integrity of leaders. The opposition is throwing stones at government and appeals to sweep its house clean by removing those with fake certificates. The exercise on the probe of certificates saw government withdraw its CV's of its officials from the website.

The hiring and firing of public officers (ministers) continued to take centre stage, a situation that showed how risky such positions can be. The reports decried lack of due process and application the law to protect people in high offices. Political commentators suggested that those faci
ng the wrath of dismissal should be told the reasons why, even if some of these reasons may not be for public consumption. The press considered it natural that disgruntled individuals in such circumstances should be accorded an audience to express their feelings. The reports noted that the absence of such interface meetings led to the frustration of individuals whose contracts were terminated. The firing of the then agriculture and economic planning and development ministers provoked different reactions among the general public. Critics have suggested that the ministries currently under the direction of the head of state should be handed over to other persons deemed capable to perform. This would be seen as one way of demonstrating trust and delegation of duties at the highest level.

The story about the vice president, Chilumpha's case moving to Mzuzu High Court was also reported during the month. The change of venue raised suspicion as to how and when the case would be concluded. Every month, there are reports about any development in the office of the vice president.

Media reports carried stories of a possible high profile meeting between president Bingu wa Mtharika and former president Bakili Muluzi. Following failure by many mediators to intervene in the on-going tussle between the two leaders, one wonders who next could possibly convince them to resolve their misunderstanding amicably and reconcile for the good of the nation.

The Rumphi Central by-elections made a lot of news, speculating what would happen when political parties will be campaigning for the general elections. The number of candidates contending for the vacant seat was alarming. It was an indication of how people want power to themselves. It is the only way by which leaders want to get support in parliament.

Following last month's debt cancellation, the Paris Club has put Malawi on the road to economic recovery as evidenced by its 100% debt cancellation. It is logical that this relief should call for celebration from all Malawians and that civil society organisations and religious groups should get more credit this time for the struggle they waged for debt cancellation since 1995. If well managed this debt cancellation will see low interest rates, more foreign exchange on the market and the obvious appreciation of the kwacha.

The Scottish government has also announced its aid package increment to Malawi, a development that one would attribute to the various donors that have cancelled the debt. The bilateral cooperation between the two governments seems to grow each passing day. The increment is from MK784 million to MK1.176 billion over a period of the next three years.

The October reports made an evaluation of this year's performance of the tobacco industry in Malawi and have described it as the worst in many years in terms of prices. It is alleged that the low prices are partly attributed to the presidential directive that raised expectations among local farmers. However, the press admitted that reasons for poor prices are wide and varied and that they include poor handling. In spite of this different players in the trade industry have confirmed that this year's prices were unreasonable, saying the season has been the most pathetic.

On the same tobacco farming, the reports have expressed deep concern over the nameless, faceless, small-scale farmers who toil all year round to earn a decent living but all ends in vain at the time of sales. Actually local farmers are lured by the returns the country's major forex earner promises, but unfortunately, they have always watched prices unrealistically go down. In Malawi experience has shown that local farmers do not have a viable alternative besides growing tobacco. After a consistent trend of poor prices at the auction floors, local farmers should have dumped the crop and embarked on different ones.

Critiques commented that while the president was right in demanding the rightful dues for farmers, the tactics used went against the very tenets of free trade in a liberalised economy. It is heartening though to learn that other countries have already started lobbying for better prices.

The October media reports continued to show how people still struggle to meet their basic needs. The shortfall in food requirement has been attributed to lack of proper planning because the country is endowed with a lot of natural resources that can be put to good use. One sees the fertile plains of Malawi as an enormous treasure to rely on. Meanwhile, the country remains in a precarious food shortage. Nutrition experts have said that the lack of basic requirements contributes to high mortality. At the same time, 49% of children are chronically under nourished. A random survey across the country showed that 833,000 families need extra food to survive.

Agricultural experts have attributed food insecurity to climate changes (droughts) that have had enormous impact on farm produce. One could still describe Malawi's rainy season as unpredictable. There has been a lot of talk on irrigation to improve food security; the proposal is good when applied to areas where irrigation can easily be implemented. Winter cropping, which is done via irrigation is one of best ways of ensuring food security. Meanwhile, the situation makes Malawi an exclusively rain-fed nation. Press reports have emphasised commitment and accountability in making Malawi a hunger free nation.

Other alternatives to improving food shortages include planting more drought resistant crops that would respond better to climatic changes. Another suggestion that came up in the papers was the use of compost manure that enriches the soil and requires less capital to make than chemical fertilizers.

On food security, the World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed concern over funding shortfall forcing food aid cuts to as many as 4.3 million chronically vulnerable people across Southern Africa. This is despite this year's reportedly good harvest in the region. It is foreseen that this shortfall in food supply will obviously hit people living with HIV/AIDS who need more and balanced diet.

The controversy over the buying of maize at Admarc depots made headlines during the month. Since the start of the buying of the commodity, most smallholder farmers have cried foul over non-availability of cash for their product at Admarc depots and the treatment they get from officials. Experts have called for an overhaul of the marketer's management, saying politics has dominated the corporation.

In its monthly publication of the Basic Needs Basket (BNB), the Centre For Social Concern continued to remind the public on the cost of living which is much higher than what most civil servants get per month. The basket described the maize situation as stable but raised an alarm at the ever-rising cost of other items such as fish. The press has warned smallholder farmers to refrain from selling too much of what they harvested during the last season to avoid creating unnecessary panic in the months to come when food is most scarce.

Following the country's debt cancellation by International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) and this month, the Parish Club (PC), observation has shown that all the applause has been given to government, an oversight of the undeniable contribution from Civil Society and Religious Groups for it to happen. The prayers and activism by civil society needed to be appreciated in the press so that both are seen as partners in resolving issues affecting Malawians.

Earlier in the month, the civil society organizations applauded the Public Accounts Committee of parliament (Pac) for taking government controlling officers to task over financial mismanagement. Many stakeholders who have a lot of expectations in the outcome of the process have commended the move. However, knowing that one cannot bite the finger that feeds her/him, the same civil society recommended that PAC should have an independent source of funding, because the executive arm of government can at any time stop funding to the committee should it feel attacked in the process of financial investigations.

The October reports bemoaned the inflammatory language by politicians, a development that has heavily contributed to the current state of conflict rocking our society. The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and the Center For Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) emphasized on the need to have conflicts positively and non-violently transformed.

During the month media reports stressed the importance of constructive inter religious dialogue that would contribute to peaceful co-existence. In its programme, called "Ndife Amodzi (we are one), Story Workshop continues to raise awareness on the dangers of conflict between religious groups, especially Christians and Muslims. Another effort to contribute to a better understanding between religions is the report "An Assessment of the Current Religious Tension in Mangochi" by the Centre For Social Concern (CFSC) launched on 28th September 2006. The Centre has been working on promoting religious tolerance since inception in 2002. Initially through a research on religious marginalisation and its impact on development, the center made efforts to mediate in the conflict between Muslim and traditional believers in Likuni. The Mangochi research will have a follow up through a program to promote cooperation and tolerance in Mangochi. The Forum for Dialogue and Peace will run the office.

Another issue that made headlines in the October press was the stance of some human rights bodies, which openly challenged the move of American pop star, Madonna to adopt 13-month-old David Banda, arguing that the local constitution does not allow international adoption. However, government and other stakeholders saw the law as outdated and called for its review. Therefore, the famous adoption is a wakeup call to critically look at the law in such matters. Because of the petition, the rights bodies have come under attack from many people calling their action as meant to deter international adoption. One questions why all this noise? What if a Malawian living in the U.K. adopted the boy? Would it have been so easy? Apparently not as some BBC interviews have shown. The question here is not so much about the law but why it has been selectively applied. Did money speak louder? One advantage: more people now know that Malawi is indeed a country. In other words, this has put it on the map.

The feud between CCAP Nkhoma and Livingstonia synods over border disputes continued to be one of the topical issues according to the October press reports. Their relationship has soured even more as the Livingstonia Synod recently launched three churches in its sister synod territory. The aftermath of this development saw the Nkhoma synod threaten to ex-communicate all members worshipping in churches established under Livingstonia Synod within its territory. The infighting of the CCAP church has had a negative impact on their following and the general public since people generally look up to them as initiators of peace.

Media reports carried previously untold stories about experiences of cultural taboos in different parts of the country. In fact, the daily gruesome reports take place every month, raising concern over what would happen if the trend continues. It is a worrisome development that calls for urgent intervention at all levels. More and more taboos are recorded in our local papers and they are a shock to society considering the rate at which they occur. They are sad stories indeed. The reports have expressed wonder as to what could be the root cause of all this mess. It is assumed normal nowadays to hear of men raping or marrying their own daughters. For Malawi, this is certainly an infringement on the rules that govern society. What can we all do to curb this violation of human rights as reported in the media?

The October reports covered witchcraft as something pre-occupying the mind of the people. As a possible remedy, religious leaders have since advised government not to turn a blind eye to it. Certain people have been killed on the accusation of bewitching someone. The practice is perpetrated by witch doctors who magically name those responsible for someone's (sudden) death. They attribute the absence of a law covering witchcraft to the colonial system because no expatriate believed in witchcraft. However, it should be realised that it is tricky to enact a law now because witchcraft is unnatural and mysterious.

The 13-15 October Southern African Social Forum (SASF) held in Lilongwe, Malawi exposed many rural Malawians to global issues like globalisation, privatisation, and liberalisation. Deliberations at different presentations showed the lack of knowledge on how these issues work. The press has been rather silent on this international event, not realising its importance as a counter balance to the neo-liberal mode of economy. Is it sign that Malawi has embraced the neo-liberal ideology?

Following her initiative to support orphaned children, Madonna's recent adoption of David made quite some publicity. There are mixed reactions to this development, people wondering whether due legal process was observed. Critics have argued that Madonna could have adopted more deserving children who have lost both parents - real orphans. On the other hand, the reports expressed fear whether her actions had traits of human trafficking, which is on the increase everywhere in the world. Some still accuse Madonna of using the child as a publicity stunt. Generally this publicity also shows the uniqueness of the case, where people make news -US$100 for single interview with David's father.

During the month of October, the media highlighted education as key to development and Malawi is encouraged to make strides to reach the expected standards. Everywhere in the world ministries of education remain key and feed into other ministries. For instance the Blair regime got its votes on the basis of sound education policies. Malawi, a former British protectorate should have emulated the example. Unfortunately, the Malawi education sector does not go by practical examples. There is more talk than action. There is more news about the ministries failures than its achievements, an indication that is not healthy for the needs of the country.

The press noted the delay in paying out teachers' salaries as one of the major issues that frustrate the efforts of the teaching staff. The meager perks that teachers get monthly draw more attention than the huge sums of money that government top officials get, and any teachers' salary review gets more publicity than those who get more. One wonders the rationale behind such noise about teachers. Through its leadership, the Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) once said if one has a big family, one must buy a big pot. Similarly, if the ministry of education is seen to be key and bigger than any other ministry, then it automatically follows that it gets a lion's share of the total annual budget. There is serious and urgent need to address working staff 's concerns so that sit-ins, strikes, riots, boycotts are reduced in schools.

There was a report about the benefits of adult learning that took place in Nkhotakota and many other places in the country. Different people have commended the initiative, saying that those who did not go to school for various reasons can now find themselves exposed to simple learning that would certainly help in running small-scale businesses. However, reports expressed worry at the number of people who are still illiterate, citing the situation in Chikwawa where the illiteracy rate is at 90%.

Media reports have noted a continuation of government deficit in financial allocations to different departments in the ministry of education. The tertiary institutions of Malawi have always called for more funding following daily needs of students, learning and teaching materials. The ministry could always improve on its promises to these institutions. The government owes Chancellor College, a constituent college of the university of Malawi about MK38.9 million in fees and tuition.

The national bank has often noted the need of students especially at the University of Malawi. The month saw a donation to the college that will go a long way facilitating the learning process. Even the general public have applauded the gesture, saying it is a manifestation of the interaction between the university and the private sector.

According to media reports in the month of October Malawi delayed to recognize the capacity of HIV/AIDS pandemic to erase millions from the face of the earth. Hon. Justin Malewezi who is former vice president of this country rightly said recently that from afar the eyes of the lion may resemble those of a monkey, but you only realise it is a lion when it reaches your doorsteps. About 25 years down the line, Malawians shun voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) either because they are afraid of what other people would say if they are found to be HIV positive or because of sheer unwillingness to go for the test. The fear of being discriminated against seems to be the prominent factor in the unwillingness to go for testing.

Malaria too refuses to die. There was a false hope a few years ago that malaria was going to be the story of the past. Unfortunately, it has re-surfaced, now affecting four out of every 10 patients. But all hope is not lost because the World Bank has come to our rescue with a package of US $ 5 million for a malaria monitoring and evaluation programme. Would that this would also mean a shift in the attitude of pharmaceutical companies in their search for a vaccine!

Despite the seeming endless fight to attain safe motherhood and newborn care, family planning and prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, Malawi together with the rest of Africa are sinking deeper into reproductive health problems because they lack safe sexual and reproductive health methods.

Rather shocking was the sudden attack of diarrhoea on tobacco workers in Mzuzu forcing sales to halt. This was surprising because the disease normally occurs during the rainy season. The press doubted if there weren't other causes of the pandemic.

The October reports noted Malawi breathing a sigh of relief after a specialist in tuberculosis, Dr. Felix Salaniponi ruled out the outbreak and existence in Malawi of extremely resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). The media commended the announcement, saying it calmed down the false alarm in time because Malawi does not have the necessary drugs to combat the infection.

Every month, there are reports about the charcoal industry," Cashing in on illegal business" in which most vulnerable groups are clandestinely involved. One wonders what will happen in the next decade if the trend continues. It is certain that the practice would continue if government does not intervene in providing the lasting solution. The people want to survive and the rate at which trees are cut down shows the deep-rooted problem in trying to meet their basic necessities.

The transportation of charcoal is also illegal. Which is why people from the forestry department are part of various roadblocks staff to intercept any smugglers of charcoal. However, the product still finds its way into the cities despite these mounted checkpoints.

Reports have bemoaned the use of the Central East African Railways (CEAR) for offering to transport the illicit product. Statistics show that more people prefer Cear transport to land because it is cheaper (K80/bag while trucks and others demand K120/bag). But why does CEAR transport charcoal, which is illegal? Where do they get documents to authorise transportation of the illegal product? It is time that all of us joined hands to protect the environment, especially by planting the same amount of tress that we cut, because till the time that Malawi is endowed with cheaper alternative sources of energy, the destruction will continue, losing 50,000 hectares of indigenous trees every year, ranking the highest in the SADC region. Statistics show that only 4% of the population have access to electricity while the rest rely on wood fuel. As an alternative, media reports have spotlighted the use of fire briquettes as a cheaper source of energy. Surely the electrification of as many households as is possible should be considered. Some of the debt relief money should go this way!

Making positive use of the environment takes efforts as demonstrated by Kammwamba Community Integrated Natural Resources Management and Use (KCINRMU") There is growing realisation that the youth could be quite instrumental in making use of the natural resources positively. Even certain school going youth have come together and formed clubs with the goal to improve the environment.

Media reports have called on different stakeholders to replant trees by way of nursery beds where seedlings are raised. The press exposed the youth as active members in safeguarding the environment.

The reports have extended the awareness raising campaign to the wild life, calling on different stakeholders to appreciate wild game. It has been noted with great concern that certain quarters of our society do not appreciate will animals, describing them as a source of problem and discomfort.

The October media reports again looked at gender issues seriously, analysing them for possibilities of harmonising the unbalanced status of men and women of our society today. Noting the indispensable role that women play in society, religious leaders called for the betterment of their status chiefly training in business skills. There are calls that this training should target the rural people who face different problems in each passing day. Experience has always shown that such groups of women face more problems than success stories. The media further appealed for closer coordination between those privileged women and those who have less means.

There is growing knowledge that women in Malawi have become notorious for pulling each other down, a development that is counter productive. Besides financial resources, there is need for a proper coordination of the human resource to ensure togetherness is upheld in the activities. Different stakeholders are called upon to lead in civic education so that women realise the importance of working for a common goal. Comprising about 52% of the country's population, any disorder or misunderstanding in women's society is easily noticed. The lack of collaboration among women has resulted in their participation deficit in various activities. The press observed that male domination in issues of important decision-making start from household.

The newspapers have said that women have more often fallen prey to men' barbaric behaviour with regard to sexual relationship. The men have always forced women to succumb to their demands that have resulted in serious harassment. Men have gone to the extent of raping even their daughters, an indication that women are more vulnerable than men.

The press mentioned the advantage of having more women MPs to influence the passing of the bills to become laws. The bill on gender-based violence was largely seen to have passed due to the pressure from the women legislators and the public. This is a realisation of serious steps towards the SADC declaration of having at least 30% women representation in key positions.

Observation has shown that we need more than the law on gender violence. People must behave and respect others' dignity. The perpetrators of violence should realise that it is a violation of others' rights if one is sexually harassed. It seems many have turned a deaf ear to this unwanted attitude and behaviour. Therefore, the nation is compelled to act decisively to ensure that the vice is eradicated. The call is made to all communities, churches, mosques, civil societies, non-governmental organisations to tirelessly work for the empowerment of women and children at all levels. On their economic efforts, the National Association of Business Women (NABW) engaged in training women in business management skills in order to make them self-reliant and to ensure sustainability to their daily livelihood.

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