MALAWI PRESS REVIEW September2005
From Centre For Social Concern (see our house)

PREVIEW

On the political scene the issue of impeachment of the president resurfaced with some more opposition parties showing interest in the move. Others have condemned the timing of the proposed impeachment motion, as the country needs concentration on the food crisis and other important and crucial issues.

Malawi's economy experienced the after effects of the fuel hike. Prices of commodities in the month came about because of the fuel price increases. The situation is unhealthy for many Malawians who live on less than $1. It also calls for more concerted efforts from all sectors if the lives of Malawians are to improve.

The hunger situation in the country continues to worsen with reports of some people losing their lives. Observers have advised government not to politicise the food distribution exercise.

Civil Society organisations continue to act as watchdogs in the September Malawi Press. They have condemned the negative attitude that politicians are displaying towards mediation talks. The need to have peaceful coexistence among politicians will help in development works.

Traditional chiefs have started revising some cultural practices that help in spreading AIDS. After some cases of deadly practices that have cost villages dearly the chiefs have resorted to do away with such practices.

Problems of drug shortages are going to be history with the new principles that the Ministry of Health is going to follow. On the other hand the Education sector still faces a lot of problems ranging from shortage of teaching and learning materials.

POLITICS

As it has always been the case in the past, politics continues to dominate press coverage in Malawi. This month like any other month saw some exiting political developments. The Democratic Progressive Party DPP news that Gwanda Chakuamba had been fired from his ministerial post was commended by certain quarters of the society. They felt if government succumbed to Chakuamba's demands it would have been setting precedence for the others. Reports revealed that Gwanda was bitter with government for demoting him by offering him a smaller ministry. Among other things he was not happy with government's decision to withdraw the state of the art BMW X5.Others have predicted tough times for Mutharika in parliament without Gwanda who had 16 Members of parliament from his former party The Republican Party.

Reports on the political front continue to take twisting turns as observed by recent events. The press have revealed that the Republican Party is not on the list of parties as Chakuamba had deregistered it after he had joined the DPP. In this case RP according to the Electoral Commission cannot contest in any elections. This sudden revelation by the office of the Registrar General has raised some commotion among the remaining party officials who feel cheated. On the other hand Chakuamba's recent announcements about his intention to interrupt the December Bye-elections are disturbing especially coming from a mature politician like him.

The People's Progressive Movement (PPM) one of the parties that vowed to work with government has expressed concern over the way government is operating. This comes after a series of decisions by the current government that were made without consultation. Reports have shown that although PPM is in a working relationship with government, the authorities have made some decisions without informing the party or seek its advice. Observers have indicated that such a scenario is not good for the future of government's relationships. Recently president Mutharika announced the names of 10 people to go on foreign missions in various countries, an issue that has sparked a hot debate among observers.

Political analysts have condemned president Mutharika's recent outbursts that have been targeting the opposition. The analysts have observed that one of the important things that Bingu needs for the smooth running of government is reconciliation with political parties. Coming from a party that does not have a seat in parliament, Mutharika needs to be reconciliatory in his speeches. Among others the Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP has condemned Bingu's utterances that have resulted inn provoking anger from concerned parties.

Media reports have disclosed a continued abuse of state funds by the incumbent president. Reports have revealed that President Mutharika has spent over K72 million for the trip he made to the United Nations Summit in New York, United States of America. The public has reacted to this news with dismay especially at this time when the country is looking for funds to buy food. Again revelation that 40 people were taken to the summit including chiefs, DPP members and some Zimbabwean chefs has left some quarters of the society with more questions than answers. Some people have questioned the wisdom in having such a huge entourage when the country's economy is in not in shape. Others have started doubting the promises Mutharika made about maintaining fiscal discipline.

In the month under review the press revealed the resignation of Ken Zikhale Ng'oma from the president's party. Ng'oma's resignation comes 3 weeks after another heavy weight Gwanda Chakuamba left the party. Just as the press had reported earlier on that there were cracks in DPP, the latest developments testify to these sentiments. However some quarters have doubted the significance of leaving a party because one's needs could not be met. In his resignation letter Ng'oma who was a very close ally of Mutharika accused the president of not being grateful. The former DPP Campaign Director has accused the DPP president of not fulfilling the promises he made to him appointing him minister. Whether Zikhale is serving the people's interest first by resigning or his own, one thing is sure: this calls for thorough searching of the type of leaders we have.

ECONOMY

In the month under review there has been much media coverage on the cost of living, foreign exchange availability, and implementation of the budget. Despite the approval of the new PRGF by International Monetary Fund (IMF) in August, 2005, the media has observed that Malawi still face uphill battle to combat inflation, maintain adequate foreign exchange, and keep its spending within manageable levels.

Media reports have highlighted the after effects of fuel price hikes. It has been observed that the cost of living continues to be a major problem faced by many poor Malawians. Many households are reported to be struggling to make ends meet. With the recent fuel prices adjustments, both food and non-food essential items have increased significantly during the month. The Centre for Social Concern (CFSC) has also made similar observations in its Basic Needs Basket (BNB) survey conducted on 24th and 26th September 2005. Meat has increased significantly due to both scarcity of animals and increase in fuel prices. The BNB survey has also revealed that most food items such as maize, meat, beans, dry fish, and cooking oil have increased over the month. It has therefore been concluded that the recent fuel price adjustment has brought more misery to the ordinary citizens than good. People are now spending more than was the case before the recent fuel adjustment was approved and implemented. However it has been observed that despite the increase in commodity prices arising from fuel prices, very little has been done to improve workers' salaries to match the falling standards of living. The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has noted with disbelief with magnitude of the consumer price increase that has emanated from the fuel hikes and has warned consumers to check the prices from several shops before they actually purchase the commodities.

In related development, economic technocrats have revealed that the high inflationary pressures do not only negatively affect consumers in a society but also lead to economic stagnation as a lot of resources would be used for consumption than for investment and saving, the two key variables in the economic growth model. With prices adjustment, there have been clear signs that people are now digging deeper in their pockets for the commodities they once bought at slightly cheaper prices. The economic experts including the Finance Minister have predicted more increases in fuel prices because fuel prices at the world markets have doubled. Malawians are therefore urged to be prepared for more fuel adjustment during the current financial which will have a multiple repercussion on the economy. As a small importing country, Malawi would not have any control over some of the economic determinants such as fuel that are exogenously determined.

On the availability of foreign exchange on the local financial market, media reports in the month under review have reported a slight increase in the country's imports cover from 1.24 months in February 2005 to 3.52 months in September 2005. The current improvement in the import cover is attributed to resumption of aid flow from donors following the approval of the New PRGF by the IMF in August 2005. The improvement in the foreign reserves means Malawi can now afford to import raw materials to boost economic growth. Such revelations are good news after coming from a situation of shortage of foreign exchange. However some commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaux have dismissed the claims that the foreign exchange situation has improved in the country. They partly blame the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) for holding on to the foreign reserves and the tendency of some tobacco farmers who prefer to sell their tobacco, our main foreign exchange earner, outside the country. In reaction to these accusations, RBM officials confirmed that the foreign exchange situation has indeed improved but has not adequately trickled to the commercial banks and foreign exchange bureau for the simple reason that the reserves have been earmarked for importation of maize and fuel. It is therefore expected that once the importation of maize is completed during the second quarter of the financial year, the foreign exchange availability is expected to return to normal to be distributed to all interested parties.

According to the reports during the month under review, some members of the opposition, civil society, economic watchdogs and economic analysts have expressed their dissatisfaction in the manner the government has implemented the first quarter of 2005/2006 budget. The government has been blamed in the manner the fertilizer subsidy programme has been handled contrary to what was agreed and approved in parliament. The experts have also cautioned the government over frequent presidential internal and external trips and that the big entourage associated with these trips would lead to over expenditure. The reintroduction of the fringe benefits on employees is another worrisome development towards the implementation of 2005/2006 during the first quarter. It has been observed that if the above observations were left unchecked, Malawi would be heading to yet another economic disaster.

FOOD SECURITY

On food security, the press continues to put more emphasis on the current food shortage. Reports have revealed that despite the United Nations plea for funds to assists Malawi in its food crisis, the plea has met deaf ears as no single coin has been raised. After a UN envoy launched an $88 million hunger appeal countries have proved reluctant to donate the money. Despite the fact that the UN representative likened the Malawi situation to that of Niger where children are dying on a daily basis government is hopeful that food shortage will be dealt with.

Although the country is facing a food shortage, the press has highlighted the need to change one's eating habits. As many people did not have high maize yield experts have commended the use of some other food crops for consumption. Reports have shown that certain areas have plenty of other food crops that Malawians can rely on in the times of maize shortages. This will however depend on the change of people's attitudes towards nsima eating.

Some quarters of the society have highlighted the need to stop depending mainly on rain fed in farming. The format has proved not to be reliable in recent years. Reports have shown that despite facing food shortages year in year out, there is a solution to such problems, which is irrigation. Experts have noted that Malawi has plenty of water that is just being wasted. They have insisted that government to dwells on irrigation to supplement the rains that have not been predictable. It is high time people started investing in irrigation, so that its fruits can be highly appreciated.

In the month the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture advised government to consider universal distribution of food. The advice came out after reports had indicated that Southern region was the only region that was receiving relief food. The committee also warned government to declare Malawi a state of disaster. It is believed countries would be able to help Malawi in the current situation if only they are told how serious the situation is. Recently president Muatharika told the press that it was important to instil a spirit of helping one another among Malawians hence the launch of the Feed the Nation Fund. This initiative was set up to avoid begging money only from other countries and develop an independent spirit among the citizens.

Media reports have highlighted the persisting maize shortage. It has been reported that some depots for government's sole agricultural market ADMARC are running without the grain. The press have revealed that such a scenario has forced the authorities to ration the grain in different depots. This has come after some customers were forced to sleep in their cue at ADMARC in searching for the grain. Recent

The press have highlighted the stand that traditional leaders have taken in the middle of a food crisis. The leaders have advised parliamentarians to stick to the food shortage in their debates other than the proposed impeachment of the President. It has been observed that at present what Malawi needs is quick solution to the hunger situation and the legislators should do their constituents a favour by discussing the problem with haste.

CIVIL SOCIETY AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS

The Civil Society as watchdogs continues to pour out their concerns over the current government and political situation. In the month under review the press highlighted president Wa Mutharika's attitude towards the opposition. The Civil Society observed that Mutharika's statements were non-reconciliatory. In this time when the country is in a food crisis the political outbursts by the president have been greatly condemned. If anything the president should be seen to be inspiring people from all walks of life to come together to solve this crisis.

Reports have highlighted civil society's concern over the president's remarks on Mardef loans when he said with or without parliament's blessings he will go ahead distributing loans. Media reports have highlighted the wrangle that existed between the Parliamentary Committee on Finances and the president's stand on the loans. Although it was clear that the committee was not happy with the way funds were going to be distributed, and suspended it, President Bingu challenged this and vowed to distribute the loans even if the committee said no to it.

Media reports in the month have bemoaned the president's recent comments in the press concerning his relationships with the opposition party. The Human Rights Consultative Committee has branded Mutharika as somebody who lacks statesmanship. These statements have come after the Committee analysed the topical issues in Malawi since May last year. The committee observed that if only the president was tolerant enough the existing political stalemate would be resolved.

The Press have revealed that the much-publicised mediation talks to resolve the political wrangle between Mutharika and the opposition seems to have no future. Reports have indicated that although the Public Affairs Committee PAC has tried its best to reconcile the two sides, the people concerned have not shown interest. Press reports have clearly shown that Mutharika has shunned all sorts of efforts for possible talks with the opposition.

The Malawi Economic Justice Network MEJN an organisation that monitors Malawi's economy has added its voice saying that trade liberalisation has not worked in Malawi. Reports indicate that although Malawi liberalised trade in 1994, the results of the move have not benefited the sector. The country has imported more of goods than it has exported. This has not worked to the advantage of Malawi as a lot of forex has been used in buying the goods from other countries.

SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LIFE

Just like any other month reports on social and cultural life concentrated on the role the traditional chiefs are playing in the fight against AIDS. With the ever-increasing cases of AIDS, traditional leaders have decided to do away with customs that fuel the disease. Both print and electronic media have for some time highlighted some cultural practices that some villagers still perform. Although messages on AIDS are not new in the country such practices continue unabated. Perhaps the messages are not reaching the masses in a very effective way. Against this background the traditional leaders have finally decided enough is enough and are going to let go of such cultural practices.

The press have revealed that cultural complications are hindering women from participating in decision-making activities. Some women have failed to participate in any activity because it is a taboo in the culture for a woman to stand in front of men. Much as the ladies would want to take part in developmental activities, they find it very hard to do so because their culture bars them to do so. However the Nyika Media Club, advised women to take an initiative by standing firm to defeat such practices. If men see that women are contributing positively to such activities, for sure the practices are going to be changed.

The month under review witnessed yet another case of a Zambian national in a human trafficking scandal. August media reports disclosed a case of another Zambian national who was caught while trafficking 15 children to his country. The man was ordered to pay K24, 000 fine which Civil Society organisations felt was too lenient. However another case of human trafficking was reported in the same district Mchinji. This time around the accused was told to pay K50, 000. The simultaneous occurrence human trafficking is cause for concern over the safety of our children. One seems to wonder if the two that have been caught are the only ones in the trade.

Reports in the month under review have disclosed that some Non Governmental Organisation NGOs have teamed up in a bid to fight property grabbing. Malawi Carer on of the NGOs noted that the practice is on the increase with some chiefs being in the forefront. The NGOs have noted that despite having the Wills and Inheritance Act in Malawi people are not aware of such an act and hence they continue the practice. Because people do not know the constitution and what is in it becomes very difficult to identify that it is wrong to victimise people by grabbing their property. The move by the NGO's is a commendable job that will help people in Thyolo district to be aware of their right to own property without fear of having it grabbed when one spouse dies.

 

EDUCATION

Malawi has experienced low education standards in the past 10 years. Media reports have highlighted many things that led to the dwindling of the standards of education. Recent reports show that the advent if democracy is partly to blame for the mess in the education sector. In the democratic Malawi a lot of things changed in the sector including syllabuses and the attitude to teaching among teachers. This also led to lazy pupils who resorted to cheating in examinations. The result of students who pass examinations by cheating is non-performing managers..

The press in the month under review has revealed that government confiscated over 200 fake certificates. The Malawi National Examinations Board MANEB announced that some people were getting jobs with these fake certificates at the expense of rightful qualified citizens. Reports indicate that most of the fake certificates were produced in 1998 and that some people working in South Africa are using them. However the board changed the certificates last year so that it has become difficult to forge one because it bears the holders photograph.

Despite involvement of teachers in a civil servant strike earlier this month, reports have shown that Junior Certificate Examinations JCE went on smoothly. Although some teachers had promised to disturb the exam because of the strike, reports indicated that nothing of that sort happened. The national examining body however reported cases of cheating among some students here and there. Cases of cheating have been on the increase in recent years with some students being penalised or disqualified.

Media reports have revealed the University of Malawi's intention to review the loan that it gives to students. The Ministry of Education has noted with great concern that it has become too difficult to have the loans they gave out to university students paid back. They show that some university students do not pay back the loans after they graduate. This leaves the ministry with a task of searching for the loan defaulters. Against this background, the ministry responsible is in the process of reviewing the loan distribution to the needy students.

HEALTH

The health status of Malawi continues to face a lot of hurdles as evidenced by this month's reports as well as the previous months. Media reports have shown that some citizens do not have access to health facilities. Many hospitals have poor health facilities. This scenario has made conditions in Malawi hospitals worsen with more than 50% of its wards filled with AIDS patients. Against this background it has become very difficult to hope that Malawi will fulfil its Millennium Development Goals MDGs.

The press this month has highlighted the need for government to look into the accelerating numbers of health personnel leaving the sector. Recent reports have revealed that the situation in Malawi hospitals is very pathetic with 1 nurse looking after 60 people. September news reports indicate that there are more Malawian doctors in Manchester United Kingdom than in Malawi. With so many health personnel leaving the sector there has to be a quick solution to this problem.

Malawi continues to lose its productive citizens through AIDS. While 10 people are dying every hour, Aids is not the only threat to Malawians according to reports. They have revealed that Malaria has also killed a lot of people in Africa. Reports have shown that malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds. Such statistics are quite alarming considering the fact that many families in Africa are very poor and cannot afford medical treatment. This has prompted the World Bank to engage Malawi in the fight against Malaria.

Although Malawi has drugs that have been curing Malaria, patients in recent years, reports have indicated that some people have become resistant to it. The drugs that have been used for many years include Fansidar SP and Quinine ands some people do not get healed when they take them. This has forced government to seek ways of adopt a new drug called Artemisinin. However the new anti- malaria drug is very expensive and government plans to lobby the 'Global Fund' so that it helps to introduce the drug in government hospitals. The new drug has given hope to the country where at least 20 out of every 100 deaths reported in hospitals are linked to malaria.

After running short of drugs for some months hospitals will now have plenty thanks to government's efforts in finding new reliable suppliers. Media reports have disclosed that in the past government had some suppliers who were failing to meet their obligation. The trend made the ministry seek for serious suppliers who are expected to do their work professionally. This is expected to improve the amount of medical supplies and drugs in hospitals. In the face of drug shortages in some hospitals, some Malawians based in the United Kingdom donated medical supplies worth K2.5 million.

Reports in the month highlighted a 3-Day Measles campaign that the ministry launched. The idea of the campaign came about after cases of the ailment came about in some areas. The campaign targeted children under the age of five. The move by the Ministry is good because it is one way of ensuring that children are guarded against the disease.

ENVIRONMENT

Media reports have disclosed that a programme to work in collaboration with the communities on environmental degradation, a government response to the wrongdoing. The programme that has funding of K148 million (US $ 2 million) from the United States Agency for International Development USAID is expected to help in social economic development. Reports have indicated that the other districts will benefit from the fund.

Reports in the month under review have disclosed that Malawi is going to have normal rainfall this rainy season. The Meteorological Department has announced that this coming rainy season Malawians should expect normal rainfall. This is good news to the farmers and the country as a whole as we are now facing a food shortage because of rain shortage early this year.

Just as was the case last month, newspapers in the month have also highlighted continued bush fires in Zomba forest. Some environmentalists have blamed irresponsible citizens for the fires that are seen every day in the Zomba Mountain. Although some people find time to pant the trees others choose to start fires. Environmentalists have condemned such acts that have helped in degrading the environment. To begin with continued fires pollute the air and it becomes difficult for people near the forest to breathe clean air. And again the soils lose their nutrients and their cover and can be easily washed away with the rains. One solution to the problem could be putting in place laws that would take to task people who are caught in the act.

The press have also highlighted the wanton cutting down of Malawi's prestigious Mulanje Ciedar. These reports come after some people were spotted selling and cutting down the rare species illegally. Although the Mulanje Ciedar only found in Mulanje is heavily protected, recently the mountain has witnessed the cutting of large numbers of the tree. Much as people have freedom and a there is liberalisation of trade, cutting down of such endangered species of trees is out of question. Such trees need to be guarded for future to enjoy.

 

GENDER

Media reports on gender continue to dwell on the empowerment of women. Reports have shown that despite calls by gender activists in Malawi on women empowerment very little has been done in this area. A commonwealth meeting that disclosed that only 3 countries out of 12 managed to have 30% of women representation in their national assemblies evidenced this. It showed that although the 12 SADC member states signed an agreement in 1997 to have 30% of women representation in decision-making positions, very little has been done to meet the requirement. Against this background the Commonwealth meeting extended time for countries to meet the requirement from 2010 to 2015. Although the time was expanded, countries need to put more effort in trying to achieve their goals.

However some reports have shown that some women do not need empowerment at all. This argument comes after media reports highlighted a number of achievements some women have made without crying for empowerment from other sectors. Some women find themselves in top positions because they worked hard in class and deserve what they have now. An example is given of a young lady who is a pilot at Air Malawi is clear evidence to such women who need no empowerment. Analysts have advised gender activists to stop crying for empowerment instead they should educate more girls. After the girls attain high educational qualification, they will find it easy to take top position in any sector.

In the month the press highlighted government's intention to identify women achievers in the country. The Ministry for Gender, Child Welfare and Community Services would want to recognise the work of women that have contributed to Malawi in various fields. The initiative is commendable as it will inspire some more women to participate fully in activities that will make people recognise their efforts. This is one step of appreciating women' roles in our society and at the same encourage others to follow suit.