Atupele Muluzi Says Unperturbed by Criticism

Son to former President Bakili Muluzi, Atupele, tells Zachimalawi he is unfazed by criticism over his political credentials, agenda and ideas.
Atupele says most of his critics are old-timers with nothing more to offer.
"I am just observing things; I am not under pressure to respond to these people. I think it is fredom of expression at its best," says Atupele.

Malawi National Cricket Team Leaves for South Africa

Game to be beamed on Super Sport
The Malawi National Cricket team leaves for South Africa today to take part in a tournament to be held in Benoni, South Africa.
The tournament is called Division 2 of the African Region of the World Cricket League (WCL)
The games, to be played from May 13 to 18 this year, will be beamed on Super Sport.
Team Coach, Dave Thompson, is optimistic that Malawi will do better than last year.
The team has been training at Saint Andrews International High School.

ANPPCAN Malawi Chapter's Country Director, Kenwilliams Mhango, Speaks on Witchcraft, Policeshorts, Minority Rights

Kenwilliams Mhango, Country Director for the African Network for the Protection and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN)-Malawi Chapter, says Malawi is making headway in fighting against child rights violations perpetuated by people who accuse children of practicing witchcraft.
Mhango said baseline research ANPPCAN-Malawi Chapter conducted some three years go in the Southern Malawi district of Machinga and Northern region district of Karonga revealed that witchcraft among children was affecting their class performance.
The ANPPCAN-Malawi Chapter head also said witchcraft accusations were affecting children psychologically, in many cases leading into declining confidence levels and school performance as such children begin to feel inferior.
The recipient of the 2010 Human Rights Consultative Committee's (HRCC) Human Rights Defender accolade said no country could develop through superstitions.
"In fact, witchcraft accusations affect children for life, making them less productive in national development. For example, we recently had a case in Bangwe (a township in Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city) where a 12 year-old boy committed suicide a month ago,,ostensibly because he was being accused of practicing witchcraft," said Mhango.
He, however, said such cases have since dwindled, and atributed this success to his organisation's untiring efforts in fighting for the rights of Malawian children.
"We will continue to defend human and, specifically, child rights. It is the only way Malawi can develop," he added.
Said Mango: "Interestingly,, we are now seeing many well-wishers coming forward to help. In the past, most Westerners did not understand the issue of witchcraft, and treated it as a petty issue. How can it be an irrelevant issue when children are sleeping in class because of failure to sleep the previous night, as they were on night errands? How can this be a small issue when children are committing suicide."
He asked for more man-power, technical and financial help as most of witchcraft issues take place in rural areas. He said ANPPCAN-Malawi Chapter wants to launch a big campaign on the same.
Malawi has just freed the oldest jail-serving woman on accusations of witchcraft. This happened last week.
The Association for Secular Humanists have been in the forefront fighting for people imprisoned on accusations of practicing witchcraft.
The Association's Executive Director, George Thindwa, ,maintains that witchcraft does not exist, and has challenged Malawian witches to bewitch him.
"I am offering K500,000 to anyone who may bewitch me; so long as I don't die. Those people will need to come forward and avail themselves to journalists so that there are witnesses that, indeed, they are the ones who have bewitched me and not natural causes," said Thindwa.

KENWILLIAMS MHANGO

For more information about ANPPCAN-Malawi Chapter's work and efforts in dealing with the issue of witchcraft, human and child trafficking, and general human rights issues in Malawi, please contact 'Sir' Kenwilliams Mhango, ANPPCAN Country Director for Malawi, on (+265) 888 573 595
E-mail: anppcanmalawichapter@yaho.com
anppcanmalawichapter@gmail.com

N.B. Mr. Mhango adds that ANPPCAN-Malawi Chapter is also advocating for Minority Rights.
"

We treat the issue of minority rights seriously. In fact, minority rights are human rights. Malawi has an obligation to honour them, says Kenwilliams Mhango.
Mhango is the first President of the Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU).

"During my time, when the one party regime was suppressing women's rights, I advocated for their right o wear trousers. Even the Malawi Police Force (now Service); they used to put on shorts, instead of trousers, and would suffer a lot during the cold months. I advocated for their rights to wear trousers.
"

Now, it is time to fight for minority rights. These people are Malawians, to. I will not relent but fight for minority rights. Malawi should stop violating people's rights in the name of culture,

" says Mhango.

Four Malawians Reach Music Final in Turkey

Details to be compiled on Monday, as the competition's finals are scheduled for May 28, 2011.

Britain Open for Business

PN64/2011 10 May 2011

Britain Open for Business

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green have today set out how they plan to make the UK one of the leading destinations for global investment.

Today the Ministers officially launched the new UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Strategy and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Business Charter. These new plans demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting international business, supporting UK business overseas and attracting investors to the country.

Some of the measures of interest to the international business community include:

• Bringing more private sector expertise into the UK Government.
• Supporting institutional investors to win new business for large scale projects in the UK.
• Supporting a major international business programme during the Olympics.
• Getting Ministers to develop closer relationships with major investors and exporters.
• An ambition to attract a pipeline of up to 750 foreign direct investments every year.

The FCO Charter will focus on using FCO resources to meet the needs of British business. It is part of the FCO’s work to drive lasting prosperity for the UK, setting out the specific contribution that the FCO will make to support business across the world. Embassies and High Commissions overseas will continue to champion the UK as an excellent place to invest and do business.

Today’s announcement follows from a raft of measures announced in the Budget including cutting corporation tax to 23 per cent by 2014, offering investors the lowest tax rate in the G7. The UK has also introduced new ‘Entrepreneur visas’ making it easier for idea-generators and job-creators to establish there businesses in Britain.




Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
"The UK has a great reputation as a place to do business and we want to do all we can to make sure foreign investors come here.
"Today, we're announcing practical help for UK companies to ensure they win business overseas. And we're setting out how we will actively attract inward investment to the UK with ambitious plans to target sovereign wealth funds and expand the global entrepreneur programme."
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“The Charter for Business is part of our commitment to inject a new commercialism into the Foreign Office, using our international influence to help British businesses secure new trade opportunities.

“We will work tirelessly to champion UK business abroad and to help attract investment to the UK.

“Businesses will be able to capitalise on the FCO’s in-depth local expertise to identify opportunities. Ministers will continue to build the strong bilateral political relationships needed to help business thrive, as well as working to influence trade policy internationally.

“Together with the Trade and Investment strategy, the Charter marks an important step in delivering commercial diplomacy and sets out a clear vision for how the government will deliver growth and prosperity for the UK.”

Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green said:

"The Strategy we have developed builds on our successes to date but this is not business as usual by any means.

"As UKTI seeks to become more entrepreneurial, it will bring more private sector expertise into its relationship with exporters and inward investors and develop new partnerships with key businesses which support SMEs.

"Our plans will ensure that UKTI is well equipped to face the demands of the future, listening to the concerns of businesses so that we have an economic climate that benefits us all."

Trade and Investment fact file

• Companies tell UKTI that its support to exporters has helped them generate £6 billion of profit for the UK economy. This additional profit has helped generate more than 126,000 jobs in the UK.
• Last year, UKTI played a role in securing 759 investment projects, nearly half of the national total. These projects helped generate more than 40,000 jobs.
• For every £1 spent, UKTI generates £22 for the UK economy.
• In October 2010, UKTI was named as the best Trade Promotion Organisation in the Developed World.
• Ninety per cent of UKTI’s customers are small and medium-sized businesses.
• UKTI has a network that extends to almost 100 overseas markets, which generate 98% of world GDP. It also has a presence in the UK regions and online at www.ukti.gov.uk.

Media Contact:

Lewis Kulisewa Tel: 002651772400
Email: lewis.kulisewa@fco.gov.uk

Notes to editors:
1. The UKTI Strategy and FCO Charter are available online at: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktistrategy

2. The Trade and Investment White Paper is available online at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/trade-policy-unit

3. The Government’s Plan for Growth, the first part of the ongoing Growth Review, was published at the Budget. The plan, setting out the detailed actions across government, can be found at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ukecon_growth_index.htm.

4. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.

For more information visit: www.ukti.gov.uk | www.youtube.com/UKTIWeb | http://blog.ukti.gov.uk | www.flickr.com/ukti | http://twitter.com/ukti

5. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) works hard to promote and protect Britain’s interests around the world and run a global network of offices (Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates) in more than 170 countries. We have aligned our activities, financial resources and staff to focus on those things that matter most to Britain and the British people and where we can make the biggest difference. We regularly measure our performance against these priorities. This includes building Britain’s prosperity by increasing trade and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources, and promoting sustainable global growth, helping over two million British nationals abroad every year and funding the BBC World Service, British Council, Wilton Park conference centre and scholarship programmes.

6. BIS' online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.

Britain Open for Business

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green have today set out how they plan to make the UK one of the leading destinations for global investment.

Today the Ministers officially launched the new UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) Strategy and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Business Charter. These new plans demonstrate the Government’s commitment to supporting international business, supporting UK business overseas and attracting investors to the country.

Some of the measures of interest to the international business community include:

• Bringing more private sector expertise into the UK Government.
• Supporting institutional investors to win new business for large scale projects in the UK.
• Supporting a major international business programme during the Olympics.
• Getting Ministers to develop closer relationships with major investors and exporters.
• An ambition to attract a pipeline of up to 750 foreign direct investments every year.

The FCO Charter will focus on using FCO resources to meet the needs of British business. It is part of the FCO’s work to drive lasting prosperity for the UK, setting out the specific contribution that the FCO will make to support business across the world. Embassies and High Commissions overseas will continue to champion the UK as an excellent place to invest and do business.

Today’s announcement follows from a raft of measures announced in the Budget including cutting corporation tax to 23 per cent by 2014, offering investors the lowest tax rate in the G7. The UK has also introduced new ‘Entrepreneur visas’ making it easier for idea-generators and job-creators to establish there businesses in Britain.




Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
"The UK has a great reputation as a place to do business and we want to do all we can to make sure foreign investors come here.
"Today, we're announcing practical help for UK companies to ensure they win business overseas. And we're setting out how we will actively attract inward investment to the UK with ambitious plans to target sovereign wealth funds and expand the global entrepreneur programme."
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:

“The Charter for Business is part of our commitment to inject a new commercialism into the Foreign Office, using our international influence to help British businesses secure new trade opportunities.

“We will work tirelessly to champion UK business abroad and to help attract investment to the UK.

“Businesses will be able to capitalise on the FCO’s in-depth local expertise to identify opportunities. Ministers will continue to build the strong bilateral political relationships needed to help business thrive, as well as working to influence trade policy internationally.

“Together with the Trade and Investment strategy, the Charter marks an important step in delivering commercial diplomacy and sets out a clear vision for how the government will deliver growth and prosperity for the UK.”

Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green said:

"The Strategy we have developed builds on our successes to date but this is not business as usual by any means.

"As UKTI seeks to become more entrepreneurial, it will bring more private sector expertise into its relationship with exporters and inward investors and develop new partnerships with key businesses which support SMEs.

"Our plans will ensure that UKTI is well equipped to face the demands of the future, listening to the concerns of businesses so that we have an economic climate that benefits us all."

Trade and Investment fact file

• Companies tell UKTI that its support to exporters has helped them generate £6 billion of profit for the UK economy. This additional profit has helped generate more than 126,000 jobs in the UK.
• Last year, UKTI played a role in securing 759 investment projects, nearly half of the national total. These projects helped generate more than 40,000 jobs.
• For every £1 spent, UKTI generates £22 for the UK economy.
• In October 2010, UKTI was named as the best Trade Promotion Organisation in the Developed World.
• Ninety per cent of UKTI’s customers are small and medium-sized businesses.
• UKTI has a network that extends to almost 100 overseas markets, which generate 98% of world GDP. It also has a presence in the UK regions and online at www.ukti.gov.uk.

Media Contact:

Lewis Kulisewa Tel: 002651772400
Email: lewis.kulisewa@fco.gov.uk

Notes to editors:
1. The UKTI Strategy and FCO Charter are available online at: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktistrategy

2. The Trade and Investment White Paper is available online at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/trade-policy-unit

3. The Government’s Plan for Growth, the first part of the ongoing Growth Review, was published at the Budget. The plan, setting out the detailed actions across government, can be found at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ukecon_growth_index.htm.

4. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.

For more information visit: www.ukti.gov.uk | www.youtube.com/UKTIWeb | http://blog.ukti.gov.uk | www.flickr.com/ukti | http://twitter.com/ukti

5. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) works hard to promote and protect Britain’s interests around the world and run a global network of offices (Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates) in more than 170 countries. We have aligned our activities, financial resources and staff to focus on those things that matter most to Britain and the British people and where we can make the biggest difference. We regularly measure our performance against these priorities. This includes building Britain’s prosperity by increasing trade and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources, and promoting sustainable global growth, helping over two million British nationals abroad every year and funding the BBC World Service, British Council, Wilton Park conference centre and scholarship programmes.

6. BIS' online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom for more information.

Malawi leader defends British envoy expulsion

Malawi's President, Bingu wa Mutharika, has for the past 48 hours spoken out twice about the much-reported expulsion of British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet.
Mutharika first touched on Malawi's hottest issue on Saturday, during the elevation of two Ngoni chiefs in the Northern Region; and repeated his sentiments yesterday, during his Democratic Progressive Party's mammoth-crowd rally held in former Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe's, constituency.
On Saturday, Mutharika said Cochrane-Dyet was interfering in Malawi's domestic affairs- notably, politics.
On Sunday, Mutharika cupped it all by describing Cochrane-Dyet as big-headed.
"In European citizens' gardens, they have a bird called Robbin. Should they (Europeans) dismantle the Robbin's nest because it is small; is there any justification in destroying the Robbin's nest simply because it is not an Eagle's (nest)?
"Malawi is small, yes, but we are a sovereign state. In fact, Britain, the US, Russia and Malawi all cast one vote in United Nations votting sessions. So, why belittle us? Yes, we are small, but we deserve respect," said Mutharika.
He then faulted what he called "some stupid Europeans" for listening to the misguided advice of "stupid opposition leaders".
Mutharika also touched on the issue of his growing dictatorial tendencies, saying:
"If I ask all people to pay a deposit before conducting demonstrations, is that autocracy? I think not; I am just protecting people who may suffer from damage caused by the demonstrators. If the opposition, donors and NGOs tell me who will pay for any damages inflicted on innocent people during demonstrations, then I will drop this issue. Otherwise, I maintain that demonstrators pay a deposit, and also maintain that this is not being autocratic but reasonable."
Mutharika also maintained that he deserved to be protected by his party youths from detractors and critics.
"I need this protection as DPP and State President. Don't just watch people criticise me and get away with it. Again, this is not dictatorship but the way things ought to be."
Mutharika has come under a spate of criticism for poor governance, disrespect for minority rights, the closure of University of Malawi colleges- Chancellor College and The Malawi Polytechnic-, and cracking down on dissent and intellectual discourse.

CFSC BASIC NEEDS BASKET PRESS STATEMENT 6TH MAY, 2011

FOOD SECURITY ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH THERE IS NEED FOR CLEAR ECONOMIC SECURITY STRATEGY FOR MALAWI AHEAD OF THE TOUGH TIMES, CAUTIONS CFSC.

The combined pressures of resource scarcity, globalization, and economic stagnation are steadily pushing more and more classes of Malawian workers nearer to a position of economic insecurity. Economic security or financial security is the condition of having stable income or other resources to support a standard of living now and the foreseeable future. However, to attain economic security decent work is inarguably an indispensable element of human dignity and as such cannot be separated from poverty eradication agenda. Therefore, the Labour Day theme for Malawi this year of ‘Strong partnership for collective bargaining and social justice to flourish towards decent jobs in Malawi!’ resonated very well with the current challenge of Malawi economic insecurity. It is essential to pay attention to this theme as a large segment of the working population is paid too little to enable them move out of poverty.
But how far the country succeeds in promoting economic security through economic growth thereby attaining decent work largely depends on what strategies the Government will use to create more productive employment and investment opportunities. For instance, will the upcoming National budget and Malawi Growth Development Strategy two (MGDS II) include strategies for reducing the proportion of employed people living below the poverty line? Are we likely to see an increase in formal employment? What about the question of a minimum wage that meets at least the cost of minimum basic needs for a household of six members? Food security alone is not enough there is need to fight hard to achieve economic security.
Malawi government ought to make tough decisions to build up a large budget surplus to act as a buffer in tough economic times that are already experienced now. Therefore CFSC urges all members of parliament (MPs) regardless of their political affiliation to consult widely and prepare a lot to make meaningful contributions in the upcoming budget session. Meanwhile, Parliamentarians are supposed to be scrutinising beforehand all the policies that are aimed employment creation for instance, promotion of energy and rural development,research and incentives to encourage labour-intensive investments, better access to housing and land, improved infrastructures, measures to eliminate biases against women and other vulnerable groups such as producers and consumers (minimum wages, measures against discrimination), improved access to capital through financial sector reforms of micro credit schemes such as MARDEF and YEDEF, provision of secure ownership of key bassets. In order to guarantee their success, critical scrutiny should also go to sound macroeconomic management policies that would be concerned with preventing the occurrence of shocks by, for instance, keeping the inflation low, stabilising interest rates and reducing price fluctuations. The combination of micro and macro-economic preventative measures would guarantee that disadvantaged groups do not slip further on the distribution scale due to their inability to respond to shocks. The implementation of these policy measures need thus not to destabilise the economy financially or otherwise. Hence, the oversight should not stop at planning and allocation but extend to cover processes such as expenditure management, performance management and public integrity to yield impressive outcomes.
Today evidence of these economic tough times is already seen and the government ought to act carefully to come up with clear and realistic economic security strategy to generate budget surplus to strengthen Malawi economy. This clear economic security strategy will act as a significant economic response to deal with extraordinary economic times i.e tobacco, forex and fuel crises that have multiplier effects in the economy.
According to the CFSC Basic Needs Basket (BNB), the April cost of food for an average household of six in Lilongwe was K52,825. This meant only an insignificant increase of K469 from K52,356 in March. In Blantyre , cost of living during the month of April went down to K52,723 from K54,701 in March. In Mzuzu, cost of living in april was at K46,492 from K46,015 with an insignificant increase of K477. In Zomba cost of living was at K44,241 in April from K43,377 in March with a significant increase of K864. While reductions were recorded in items such as maize, dry fish such as utaka, meat, protex and boom soap, these were offset by increases recorded in other essential items such as Kazinga cooking oil, sugar,tomatoes, eggs, onion and Vaseline blue seal during the period under analysis.

Social Conditions Research Programme, Center for Social Concern, P.O. Box40049, Lilongwe,
E-mail: jkuppens@cfscmalawi.org or fmkomba@csfcmalawi.org Website: www.cfscmalawi.org
Mobile cell: The Executive Director ( Fr Jos Kuppens) on 0888824552
or the Social Conditions Programme Officer (Fydess Mkomba) on 0995277164
Physical Office Location: Next to St. Francis Catholic Parish, Area 25 C, Kanengo

Female genital mutilation - A crime against humanity

130 million women and girls have been mutilated


Kenyan teens fight back: 'I will never be cut'


Watch this inspiring, empowering video, 'I will never be cut', showing young Kenyan women organising and resisting female genital mutilation: http://bit.ly/CApoF6

"Kenya is one of 28 African countries where female genital mutilation (FGM) is practised," reports Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation, the Peter Tatchell Foundation..

"In Kenya, a 1991 survey found that 78 per cent of girl teenagers had been mutilated, compared to 100 per cent of women over 50. But this is changing. There is now a fourfold drop in FGM rates among Kenyan girls who have had a secondary education.

"Across Africa, about 92 million girls aged 10 years and above are thought to have undergone FGM.

"Worldwide, an estimated 130 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM, with an extra two million being mutilated every year.

"FGM is practised on young girls aged four to 15. Most are ignorant of the dangers and of the damaging health and sexual consequences. They have no choice. There is no informed consent.

There are three main types of FGM:

· The removal of the tip of the clitoris
· Total removal of the clitoris and surrounding labia
· The removal of the clitoris and labia and the sewing up of the vagina, leaving only a small opening for urine and menstrual blood - a process known as infibulation. This requires young brides have to be cut open to allow male penetration on their wedding night. They are often sewn up again afterwards and cut open again to give birth. Cutting and sewing may be repeated several times during the lifetime of some women.

"All three methods diminish women's sexual pleasure, resulting in increased infections and causing urination and birth complications, including maternal and new-born deaths.

"Despite FGM being illegal in the UK, an estimated 500 to 2,000 British resident girls are subjected to FGM each year. This happens covertly in the UK or they are taken abroad by their parents for this purpose," said Mr Tatchell.

Watch this Guardian video with testimonies from women and girl victims of FGM:
http://tiny.cc/h41rk

■ Reasons for FGM include conforming to social norms, enhancing sexual pleasure for men and reducing it for women, ensuring virginity and chastity.

■ No European country accepts the threat of FGM as a reason for granting women asylum.

Joyce Banda: No Looking Back

Joyce Banda, so quiet and obscure in days that are past, tells Zachimalawi her sacking from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) late last year has helped her become focused and resilient.
Banda launched her yet-to-be registered People's Party's offices in the Southern region last week, vowing to bring change and real democracy.
"I am not looking back. Malawi needs change, we want change; but change does not come voluntarily, you initiate it," Banda told Zachimalawi Friday morning.
She is a woman on the move- not to be stopped by "government-initiated" delays to register "our party", one-party like frustration tactics, and the threat of violence.
"We will souldier on<" she says.
However, Banda's fall may be the people she has personally hand-picked to key positions. The likes of retired-from-retirement Brown Mpinganjira, well known for his defunct National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Peter Kaleso is also there.

(N.B. I am sorry, I have just received a call that my landlord has passed on: I have to leave now. Hope I will continue this some day. Apologies for stop here, in mid air)

Malawi Cricket: Latest News from the Malawi Cricket Union (MCU)

Dear Fellow cricketer,
The new season is upon us. I am sure you are all planning teams, fixtures and training sessions to prepare you for the months ahead. I wish you all well and that you have an enjoyable season.
This letter is to update you with what is happening with cricket in Malawi at this time.
At the MCU AGM held at Blantyre sports centre a new committee was elected to lead cricket in Malawi. I would like, on your behalf, to thank Mr Riz Omar and his team for the work that they have done over the previous years to keep Malawi on the map and to ensure that cricket continues to be played.
The new committee is comprised of the following members:
Members Skills
Dave Thompson Deputy Head teacher,
St Andrew’s International High School,
Brereton Drive, Private Bag 211,
Blantyre, Malawi.
dthompson@saints.mw Not finance, but yes to administration, delegation,
Meeting deadlines, public speaking, cricket coaching.
Junior Development.
Vivek Ganesan Bateman’s
mcu.malawi@gamail.net Administration, management skills, not finance,
coaching playing
Robin Tiffin CFAO Malawi
rtiffin@cfao.com Delegation, leadership, finance, umpiring, coaching
Bhavesh Dhanesha Mister Hardware, P.O.Box 119, Blantyre
Bdhanesha123@yahoo.com Administration, leadership, coaching, National level,
MCU well known, ACA – known ISC -
( Indian Sports Club) – B Division Mumbai Cricket
Association.
Jayendra Kher Agora
jkher@agoramw.net Administration, player – SA coaching
accountant
Azeez Quereshi Past Chairman of MCU Administration, finance, cricket administration.
(Joined 04/04/2011
The Committee has been appointed for a period of 6 months leading up to an AGM on 6th October 2011 at a venue to be agreed. The role of the new committee is outlined below;
1. To review the MCU Constitution
2. To ensure the accounts from the previous year have been audited
3. To prepare a team to play in the T20 Div 2 tournament in Benoni South Africa.
4. To send delegates to the ICC Conference in Kenya with the required documentation.
5. To ensure that Malawi meets all the criteria for being an Affiliate member.
6. To draw up a development plan linked with the budget for this year.
7. To ensure that development according to the Affiliate criteria takes place.
8. To take feedback from the ICC ACA audit and put in place anything identified.
Work carried out so far.
A. So far, has the constitution has been drafted and will be sent out to all players for discussion in their clubs.
B. The audit has taken place and key areas for development have been identified.
C. It was decided to change the name of the organization to Cricket Malawi, update the headed paper and prepare for the website.
D. The National team has been selected following an open training camp held at St Andrew’s International High School in Blantyre. Players from Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre have been selected according to the Malawi selection criteria. (All players must be Malawian passport holders or PRP holders).
E. Two further camps have been identified for the 14 players, plus a fitness programme to ensure all players are able to play 3 games in 3 days. These are 9th /10th April and 30th April/1st May
F. Playing kit and equipment suitable for International tournaments has been purchased and will remain the property of the MCU.
G. 4 temporary contracts have been issued:
1. Administrative staff member at 10,000kw per month
2. Keeper of inventory and up keep of all equipment at 3,000kw per month
3. Personal fitness trainer to the national team at 6,000kw per session (5 sessions planned)
4. Accountant to the MCU at 17,000kw per month.
Immediate work to be carried out.
H. A development plan to be written and sent out for review.
I. Registration forms which have been designed to fit in with ICC/ACA requirements need to be distributed to all players and returned. (A copy is attached to this email). We need these so that we can contact all players, inform all players and collate information for ICC/ACA regarding numbers and experience. I would urge you to forward these forms to all your players and ask them to return them to Corra Nyirenda on cnyirenda@saints.mw who is the admin support for the MCU. This is also the email you should use if you have any queries about cricket development.
J. We are planning a website for MCU to include all the information about cricket in your area and details about all clubs. Please send this to Corra now. The site will also include MCU policies and the new constitution when it has been agreed.
K. An MCU handbook will support the website.
We want to engage and inform all players. Please pass on comments and information to us to go out in the next information letter. The more player emails we have the more people that will be informed.
Regards
MCU Committee.

Statement by UNDP Associate Administrator Rebeca Grynspan on the occasion of World Press Day 3 May 2011

On this 20th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration for the promotion of free and pluralistic media, we reflect on the role it plays today in enhancing people’s ability to actively participate in shaping their destinies.



The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day, 21 Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers, reminds us of the many events, some still unfolding, where the popular call for democratic change reiterates the home-grown cry for choice, participation and transparency. It also highlights the role old and new media can play in allowing different voices to be heard in the public space - from radio and television through to mobile telephony and the internet.



Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have made significant progress in the last 20 years in broadening political participation and more countries than ever do hold regular elections. Between 2010 and 2013 up to 23 countries in eastern and southern Africa will have conducted elections. 2010 marked the biggest election year in the history of Africa, with more countries than ever holding various assortments of elections, including referendums.



This is unparalleled in the history of the continent and it means not only that more countries have competitive and fairly open elections, but also that a higher voter population is becoming increasingly vocal and assertive, calling upon its elected leaders to be accountable by delivering on election promises, including public service, socio-economic justice and human development.



A free and fair election is not only about casting a vote in proper conditions, but also about having adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself so that voters can make an informed choice. As such the role of the media is critical in ensuring successful elections across the world.



In sub-Saharan Africa, UNDP works with journalists to promote the ideals of fairness, ethics and transparency. We work with regional media organizations such as the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) to enhance the capacities of media practitioners for effective investigation and reporting of corruption, and for ethical reporting on elections.



Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) can also play a critical role in ensuring participation of those who have previously been voiceless in decision-making processes. Sub-Saharan Africa is the region where mobile technologies are growing more rapidly. And latest estimates suggest that by 2015 at least 80 percent of the population will have access to a mobile device.



New media outlets are already emerging and citizen-based journalism, such as community radio and crowdsourcing, is on the increase, demonstrating the role of different types of media in ensuring greater accountability and transparency in society.



As we mark this day, let us remember the journalists and other media professionals who have lost their lives bringing us the news, and also heed the voices of those they bring to us, and are calling to be heard.





Rebeca Grynspan, the Associate Administrator of the UN Development Programme is on a week-long official visit to Zambia and Angola.

MISA MALAWI STATEMENT ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

MAY 3, 2011

The United Nations set aside May 3, as World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), for
nations across the globe to reflect on the role the media plays in social
and economic development in their respective countries. It also offers an
opportunity for journalists and media workers to brainstorm on the
challenges and opportunities that are there in the course of executing
their duties.

Today, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has
joined the international community in commemorating WPFD. Just like in
2010, MISA Malawi, in collaboration with other partners, has this year
organized regional celebrations to increase the hype and excitement in a
bid to offer an opportunity to both the media and members of the public to
grace these activities.

The 2011 celebrations started on April 23 in Blantyre, Southern Malawi
with a freedom march from Kamuzu stadium to Blantyre Sports Club where a
panel discussion was conducted. Journalists were joined in the march by
advocates of media freedom and freedom of expression. The topic for the
panel discussion was “State of Freedom of Expression in Malawi: Are
Citizens Free to Express Themselves?” The aim of this debate was to give
people an opportunity to assess freedom of expression in the country.
Panelists were drawn from the academia, civil society, government and the
media fraternity.

The celebrations continued in Lilongwe, Central Malawi on April 30 where a
freedom march was held from Lilongwe Old Town post office to Silver Club
Conference Hall. Another panel discussion was held on the topic “Access To
Information and New Media: Opportunities and Challenges for Malawi”. The
aim of this debate was to give an opportunity to the citizenry to assess
relevance of 21st Century media in promoting free expression and access to
information.

The climax of this year’s celebrations will be on May 7, 2011 in Mzuzu,
Northern Malawi where journalists as well as advocates of media freedom
and freedom of expression will yet again come together to crown it all
with a freedom march from Obrigado Leisure Centre to St. John of God
Centre where a panel discussion will be conducted on the topic “Millennium
Development Goals and New Media: Opportunities and Challenges for Malawi.”

The central theme for this year’s celebrations is “21st Century Media: New
Frontiers, New Barriers.” This theme seeks to cast the spot light on the
importance of new media in promoting transparency and exchange of
information even in societies that do not promote free expression.

As nations the world over are commemorating the day, MISA Malawi would
like to highlight some developments that have occurred over the past year,
which had an impact either positively or negatively in as far as media
freedom and freedom of expression in the country is concerned.

Of great concern is the amendment of Section 46 of the Penal Code which
empowers a minister to ban publications deemed ‘not in the public
interest.’ Interestingly, government argues that the amended clause is in
line with Malawi’s democratic values.

The old section read:

“If the Minister is of the opinion that the importation of
a) any publication
b) all publications published by any person
would be contrary to the public interest, he may in his absolute
discretion, by order, prohibit the importation of such publication or
publications and in the case of a periodical publication may by the same
or subsequent order prohibit the importation of any past or future issues
thereof.”

The amended section states:

“If the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the publication or
importation of any publication would be contrary to the public interest,
he may, by order published in the gazette prohibit the publication or
importation of such publications”.

The operative word in the old section was importation. The amended version
may have removed the minister’s “absolute discretion” and replaced it with
“reasonable grounds” but in essence it has expanded the minister’s powers
to ban not just importation of certain materials but local publications as
well. Further, the minister remains with power to ban publications without
any guiding framework.

Arguably, the minister can decide to ban any publication critical of the
State on the pretext of safeguarding public interest. This is a serious
threat to media freedom and fails to satisfy the test on limitations on
rights as provided for under Section 44 (2) of the Malawi Constitution.
Section 44 (2) of the Constitution requires that any law that seeks to
limit the exercise of human rights should be “reasonable,” “recognized by
international human rights standards” and “necessary in an open and
democratic society,” and Section 46 of the Penal Code, as amended, clearly
fails this test.

Looking at recent developments in the country – government advertising ban
in all publications of Nation Publications Limited namely, The Nation,
Weekend Nation, Nation on Sunday and Fuko early 2010 and ban on the
Weekend Times in November 2010 based on a 1964 legislation (Printed
Publications Act) because the paper ‘was not registered’ with the National
Archives – it is clear that the amendment was strategic and aimed at
providing government with a ‘modern’ legal framework to ban publications
critical of its policies and actions.
The environment has been hostile for journalists and media workers who
have often times been accused of unprofessionalism. Both members of the
public and some overzealous politicians have accused sections of the media
of bias towards one camp or another and generally, Journalists continue to
be booed at presidential press conferences when they ask questions deemed
irrelevant by party followers despite President Bingu wa Mutharika’s
assurance of media freedom in the country.

MISA Malawi will continue to lobby government, specifically the State
House, to consider scheduling presidential press conferences in secluded
places such as the VVIP lounge at the airport as has been the case in the
past or at state residences where journalists would feel more protected.
Such press conferences should also be restricted to the media. Some
opposition parties are also on record to have harassed journalists. An
example is a scuffle that ensued between former president Bakili Muluzi’s
bodyguards and a camera person for the state-controlled Malawi
Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) during one of the former president’s
appearance at the High Court. Such incidences are uncalled for and
retrogressive for our nascent democracy.
On freedom of expression, MISA Malawi is unease with the president’s
directive that any organization or grouping that intends to stage either a
commemoration or protest march, should deposit MK2 million (about US$13,
157) as payment for property that might be damaged in the course of the
march. In our view, this is a strategic move to gag people from expressing
themselves. This is also a violation of people’s constitutional right to
free expression.

MISA Malawi has also noted, with great concern, the increasing number of
injunctions that are being taken out against media houses, both print and
electronic, from publishing stories of prominent politicians or government
authorities for fear of tarnishing their image. Much as we appreciate that
it is the constitutional right of every Malawian to obtain an injunction,
MISA Malawi feels such tendencies are denying Malawians their right to
information and that they are in themselves an abuse of the courts.
On a positive note, however, MISA Malawi has noted the emergence of new
media such as online publications which have and continue to offer
Malawians and other information seekers an opportunity to have a wider
choice of news and information sources. Such publications include the
Maravi Post, Malawi Voice, Nyasatimes and other online publications. MISA
Malawi also acknowledges the freedom of information dissemination through
blogging, facebook and twitter, among other new media.

The emergences of these news media outlets attest to the fact that
Malawians are hungry for information. There was hope that the country’s
communications regulatory body, the Malawi Communications Regulatory
Authority (MACRA) would grant licenses to individuals and organizations
that had applied for radio and television licenses. It has been over a
year since MACRA advertised for frequencies but until today, such licenses
have not yet been granted. MISA Malawi is appealing to MACRA to expedite
the process of scrutinizing applications to enable more players in the
broadcasting sector. In our view, Malawi continues to experience
incidences of pirate broadcasting due to delays in granting frequencies in
areas where signals for some mainstream broadcasters are not available.

On the campaign for the enactment of Access To Information (ATI) Bill,
MISA Malawi applauds government, specifically the Ministry of Information
and Civic Education for spearheading the process of drafting a policy on
ATI. We strongly believe that once the policy has been fine tuned, the
bill will be taken to cabinet and finally to parliament for debate. It
needs not to be overemphasized that the ATI Bill is not only for the
media, but for members of the public as well.

In conclusion, as we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, MISA Malawi is
appealing to government authorities to consider making the environment
more free to journalists, media workers as well as advocates of media
freedom and freedom of expression by considering repealing all laws that
are inconsistent with the Constitution such as Section 46 of the Penal
Code and other laws that are, in our view, an insult to the media
fraternity in Malawi. MISA Malawi is also appealing to government to
consider advertising in all private media outlets.

A free media will result into a vibrant democracy and a transparent and
accountable nation.

Anthony Kasunda
ACTING MISA MALAWI CHAIRPERSON

Malawi Has A National Rugby Team

Malawi finally has a National Rugby Team.

And the first Rugby Tournament will take place this Saturday in Blantyre.

Officials of the Malawi National Rugby side say the country is ready to face any country in the world.

But their main focus for now, they told Zachimalawi, is to raise public awareness on Rugby, and how the sport is suitable for the country.

Malawi has never had Rugby sides since independence. However, the coming in of people who once played Rugby in both African and European countries should be good news to Malawi Rugby enthusiasts.

It is over, finally

The British-Malawi ordeal.

Flossie Gomile-Chidyaonga is home (in Malawi), finally.

She boarded the Flight of Shame in Britain, and arrived in Malawi Tuesday this week.

Hers were footsteps troding in the opposite direction of expelled British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet. The two personalities to have walked the path of shame the past one week.

To be a persona non grata is to be lifeless among the living. And this, the two have been.

Gomile-Chidyaonga left Britain quietly, though; while Fergus Cochrane-Dyet gave a last kick at Kamuzu International Airport on Friday. In the company of his wife and three children, he felt sad for Malawi.

The ex-British envoy to Malawi- how strange to be called ex- today, when last week he was His Excellency- said Malawi was getting back to autocratic rule.
He said he had been travelled the length and breadth of the country- from Chitipa to Nsanje, Nkhotakota to Mchinji- and heard people complain that the political situation was getting worse in Malawi, just after some 17 years of democracy.

Democracy came, in Malawi, and came at a cost. Over 30 years over autocratic rule has made Malawians suspicious of their leaders. And alert.

So, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet said Malawians- the majority he had spoken to- were worried about the sudden turn of events, and how President Bingu wa Mutharika is becoming a dictator.

Fergus Cochrane-Dyet was clearly sad and concerned.

In his heart, it pained him so badly. His sentiments were an expression of love and concern, and sounded more Malawian than Lake Malawi.

But Gomile-Chidyaonga left Heathrow Airport in London quietly.

And arrived home, on the wings of that Kenyan Airways flight, equally hush.

The sign of a woman in shock!

Shocked with who: President Bingu wa Mutharika or the United Kingdom?

That is the question Gomile-Chidyaonga will one day have to answer.

Gomile-Chidyaonga has, however, promised that she will speak To Zachimalawi after seven days.

Till then, it's: it has happened. And fast.

Brian Banda USA-bound

Capital FM’s celebrated journalist Brian Banda will travel to the United States on Friday April 29 where he will participate in a Foreign Press Center (FPC) six-day reporting tour commemorating the 20th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), in Washington, DC, and New York City.



The WPFD tour is going to be a unique opportunity for Brian to meet with journalists from around the world and to interview high-level officials from the United States Department of State, United Nations, and NGOs working on press freedom.



Brian, a nationally acclaimed radio interviewer and host of the famous Straight Talk program, will also witness the award of the annual UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize to imprisoned Iranian journalist Ahmad Zeidabadi on May 3. Zeidabadi was selected by an independent international jury of 12 media professionals.



The tour will take place from May 1-6, 2011. Up to 40 journalists were selected from across the world to participate in the program. The tour is consistent with the U.S. Government's continuing commitment to world press freedom, as outlined by the 1991 Declaration of Windhoek: "The establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development."

Public Affairs Committee' s gaffe

It is sheer madness, for the Public Affairs Committee (PAC- a grouping of Malawian religious leaders) to write a letter of apology to the United Kingdom.
Wrong and unprecedural because the 'brewer' of the concoction is scratching his stomach in satisfaction. After all.
It is sheer madness to rush into sense at this confusing hour.
If anything, it was time to pray, and pray hard.
Doesn't it make sense, what other religious leaders- led by former Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs Malani Mtonga. Don't mind what Presidential Spokesperson, Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba, said of Mtonga: that he banged his official vehicle to a tree; that his church has no offices. Why did President Bingu wa Mutharika, Brewer of Our Circumsantial Concoction, appoint him (Mtonga) to the advisory position, after all?)- planned.
Remember, they wanted to organise prayers aimed at asking God to let Mutharika really see
Is Mutharika seeing?
Is it because the prayers never took place?
Is it...?

At least, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has a head on

By Richard Chirombo
Yes, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet is now gone with the winds
Which winds propelled his flight home,
A frightful pack-home,
A frightful landing.
Expelled from the land that warms to the grave.
But, at least, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has somewhere to be 'expelled' to:
Home.

But for us, Malawians
The moment one big mortal decides,
To 'expel' you
He will send you to heaven!
The one thing about heaven,
One troubling thing about going,
When the Big Mortal speaketh
Is that they squeze you around,
Getting the air outa you

Until you, like
Fly away:
Floating into the air from you squeezed
To push you beyond lands far and wide
Where to perch,
Without arms or limbs and trees
Somewhere beyond the blueless sky.

Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has somewhere to be expelled to:
Home.
For the Malawian,
Heaven.
Gone with the winds from the throat,
Squezed into worlds unknown.

Somehow,
To be hugged by the rain clouds,
Ferried by the welcoming back of the spirits.
To stumble into peace more felt than known,
More hoped for than planned.

Where Fergus Cochrane-Dyet does not go as yet,
Only propelled by the winds to London,
Somewhere he disgracefully calls home,
Hit by a hand that sounded black

Poem: Stumbling into the unwelcoming arms of London, Lilongwe days

That is the bad thing about bullet proof jackets. At first, you fear no bullets.

Of course, you stop to respect the sun's rays and the rains.

Then, you fear no Britain.

Next, Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet goes home. To stumble into, and be welcomed by, the cold arms of a London day.

It's not finished. A poor woman, Gomile-Chidyaonga, packs her brankets, too. Britain is cold, at times. But Chidyaonga has no time to donate them to the poor, white kids in London. She does not need them, back she takes them home. Because she is in a hurry!

But home she goes; this being Malawi, home she comes.

Lastly, you count the damage.

Least. You feel the pain.

Evil. Politics, that is.

Made so by the people who live in a box, protected from perceived enemies by a false sense of safety.

Confident to a fault.

It is true; perhaps our leaders are over-educated for the masses. Representative politics gone wrong.

Yes, Chidyaonga comes. Home.

Cochrane-Dyet went with the winds, too.

Between London and Lilongwe: The Battle Finally Begins

Malawi threw a small political kick last week, a kick that jammed into the big tummy of Britain.
Britain, Malawi's former colonial master and largest bilateral donor until two years ago, sort of stumbled into the unwelcoming arms of hard reality.
This was not true, an impoverished Southern African Development Community (Sadc) member state- always blacketed within the 160 ranks of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Indices for the past 47 years since independence from Britain in 1964; never able to cover up for the 40 per cent in financial resources development partners inject into the wobling economy- making the shots.
Within the confines of the New State House in Lilongwe; perhaps when President Bingu wa Mutharika was relaxing under the enormous artificial shed of Sanjika Palace in Blantyre; or, may be, at Ndata Farm, where the former Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa)is suspiciously spending much of his time these days, holding Blantyre's Masauko Chipembere Highway in five-minute-on-average no traffick till-Bingu-passes prison sentences- came the decision to expel British High Commissioner to Malawi, Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, over a leaked cable that described Mutharika's leadership as autocratci and dictatorial.
Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet, for all what he has done in this world, is persona non grata amonsst the ever-smiling people of Malawi.
Nobody knows whatever happened to the 'Warm Heart of Africa'.
What is clear, though, is the fact that the idea to expel Mr. Cochrane-Dyet first originated from Mutharika's mind before its sound and pepurcussions reverberated across Malawi; even before it oozed out of his mind through the walls of his Ndata Farm house in Thyolo, Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, or The New State House in Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, to the streets of Malawi (through our daily newspapers, The Nation and The Daily Times.
It is Mutharika's biggest political decision of his political career. Mutharika knows the depth of shame associated with failure very well, having had to suffer the humiliation of being 'chased' from Comesa over allegations of poor administration and autocratic management style.
As Secretary General of Comesa, Comesa inside workers confided to Zachimalawi, Mutharika thought he was the 'head' of over 16 African presidents!
And as a boss behaved he, so much so that he faced the chop from the regional body in the end.
Just in 2002, Mutharika did not even have a laptop. Actually, he borrowed one from Mr. Harry Chiume while he (Mutharika) was staying in Lilongwe's Area 43, and, to date, he has never returned that laptop! Mr. Chiume does not even know the whereabouts of that laptop. At that time, a group of over six concerned Malawians, including businesspeople and politicians, was concerned with the run of government play by former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi.
They were concocting ideas that would conceive a tangible human solution through a visible human being (and not just abstract, hairless ideas, so powerless as to fail to push a dead man's eyelid). Little did they know that just such a human being would be the 'guy' they were so charitable enough to lend a laptop.
A laptop lent to so thankless a man its whereabouts remains unclear.
But Bingu became that idea of a promised messiah; perhaps, Muntharika, too, had his ideas of a promosed messiah for Malawi.It happened in 2004, when Mutharika won the race to the Head of State and Government throne at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.
He came into power a 'yellow'man, the colour and symbol of the United Democratic Front he so unceremoniously dumped on February 5, 2005 to form his own Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
People form political parties as ferries to carry them through the dirty waters of politics into government, abstract government. Mutharika went into a government to form a political party!
Signs that Mutharika was a different man came early, after May 21(the month of the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections) in 2004. In a move that was largely criticised by opposition UDF as a "shameless decision", Mutharika's first line of call was Taiwan, or the Republic of China.
Which Taiwan he later dumped for Mainland China. So many promises between Malawi and Taiwan were made before Malawi started 'double-crossing' the two Chinas, which promises Malawi broke at one go, as the country stumbled into the welcoming, short, arms of China.
Mutharika's second biggest decision it was, the first one being the fast one he pulled on the United Democratic Front, forcing Muluzi to acknowledge at a public meeting organised in honour of his (Muluzi's) own political shame that "I made a very big mistake, hand picking Bingu. That ungrateful man!"
Muluzi then apologised.
But politicals analysts accused him of shedding crocodile tears. He had prepared this concoction himself, when he allowed the likes of Aleke Banda (former UDF Vice President), Justin Malewezi (Muluzi's own Vice President), among other notable personalities, to leave the yellow party over Muluzi's hand-picking of Mutharika, a rank outsider.
Rank outsider? At least to myopic political analyists, which political analysts (in Malawi) speak common sense. Nothing of value, really, because they talk about what people have already thought at the moment, thinking that their academic titles with add some value to common sense.
The truth is that Mutharika was part of the fight for multiparty democracy. In 1993, he traveled from Lusaka, Zambia, just to attend the UDF Convention that elected Muluzi, an uneducated man whose only brush with tertiary education happened when he went to Boston College in London, and attended classes without ever writing examinations. At least he went to College; Boston College.
To the likes of Mutharika, it is papers that matter.
At the UDF convention, though, Mutharika's name was not even mentioned.
Somehow, people felt that he was more stranger than international airspace! The wa prefix in Bingu wa Mutharika also raised suspicions. People don't use wa in Malawi, and Mutharika had a wa- another sign of the stranger in Mutharika; the surpriser.
"Well, I added the wa deliberately. I wanted to hide my identity from former President, Ngwazi Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda's State agents. That is all there is to it," Mutharika told the UDF News in February 2004.
That's all there is to it, he said, but there is more. This was a sign of the surpriser in him, the unpredictable human being who once got used to taking cold showers during his days at Dedza Secondary School.
Dedza is cold. And Bingu used to take cold showers. He is tough.
The decision to expel the hapless British Top Citizen in Malawi should have been Mutharika's third toughest; if not forth, or fifth, because the man has on expelled expartriate tobacco companies managers for offering "my people" below par prices. Mutharika has never hesitated to call these "colonialists". Perhaps because of his close relationship with Zimbabwean President Comrade Robert Mugabe.
Let me be honest here, not me not hide: Mugabe is my hero. Period. He is.
To Mutharika, he is not just a hero; he is a model. That is where we differ because I am no president; just a journalist who is planning to study Politics and International Relations at London University next year (2012). With the current stand off, now that Britain has also expelled (read, given 72-hours matching orders) to Malawi's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Flossie Gomile-Chidyaonga.
I wonder if ever I will pursue this course with the University of London anymore.
Her Excellence Madam Flossie Gomile-Chidyaonga is coming home, finally. Over a decision concocted by Mutharika, in his high political thinking attitude.
As Gomile-Chidyaonga packs her belongings and heads back home, Malawians are afraid, very afraid.
It is so soft, the statement "We are a sovereign state". But, when you made politically costly decisions like chasing the representative of your long-time, best friend, reality hits hard it more than dawns; it stings.
Stings that hurt the ordinary man and woman, Mutharika being so secure in his over-dreesed frame he fears no sun or rains or porcupine quills.
He fears no Britain.
Welcome home, Flossie Gomile-Chidyaonga. But let me do my Politics and International Relations course in Britain. What has happened between the two countries gives me fertile ground for a thesis.
Britain, you hear me?
I was sleeping when Mutharika made the decision!
You hear, Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet!
At least, Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has somewhere to be expelled to: home in Britain.
Most of us do not. When the time comes for us to be 'expelled', our leaders will have no option but to 'expel' us to heaven!
And there is no other (better) way of expelling you to heaven than squeezing the breath outa you.
At least Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet has somewhere to be expelled to: home.