MISA MALAWI STATEMENT ON ATTACKS ON ZODIAK BROADCASTING STATION

The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is
disturbed with the recent events where Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS)
has twice been attacked by unknown masked thugs in the Capital, Lilongwe.

Is President Bingu wa Mutharika Malawi's new-found dictator?

MISA Malawi learnt with shock the smashing of ZBS vehicle on Sunday
morning and setting ablaze of another vehicle on Monday night at its
premises.

On the second attack, reports indicate that around midnight Monday, masked
men in a dark salon car attacked ZBS staff and set ablaze the vehicle the
media crew were driving in. The Police and well wishers rushed to the
scene in time to put out the fire.

It is disheartening that some people would want to instil fear in media
houses and media practitioners who are doing their job professionally in
the country. These are very unfortunate developments because an attack on
the media instils fear and anxiety and leads to self censorship which is
dangerous and retrogressive for our nascent democracy.

MISA Malawi strongly condemns the attacks by these unknown masked thugs.
We do not want to believe that these unwanted developments are strategic
and serving the interests of some people of influence.

In our view, the media in the country is fulfilling its rightful role as
watchdog of society and taking a proactive role in alerting responsible
authorities to put in place necessary measures to curb any impending
crisis.

In Blantyre today (Tuesday), ruling Democratic Progressive Party youths have been threatening people with Panga knives ahead of demonstrations on July 20, 2011

Section 35 and 36 of the Malawi Constitution guarantee freedom of
expression and the press, respectively. Malawians do not want to be taken
back to the era when journalists were not free to publish news
objectively.

We expect authorities and indeed any other persons who have problems
against journalists in the country, to channel their complaints through
media bodies such as MISA Malawi or the Media Council of Malawi which are
mandated to guard against violations against media freedom and
professional ethics, respectively.

We appeal to government to step up security for the media houses and media
practitioners in the country and trust that Malawi Police Service will
track these thugs down and bring them to book.

We sympathise with ZBS on the loss of property and we would like to assure
the management of ZBS and all the staff that we are with them during these
difficult times they are going through.

To all media houses and media practitioners, these are signs of times and
we should all tread carefully without losing our professionalism. This is
a clear sign that the media is under siege but let us all remain calm as
we discharge our duties as watchdogs of the society.

Signed

Anthony Kasunda

MISA MALAWI ACTING CHAIRPERSON

Things fall apart for President Bingu wa Mutharika

Tyranny!

...fear
...as mass demonstrations' day draws nearer

Things are falling apart:Ruling Democratic Progressive Party youths who are causing terror in Blantyre

Things are getting out of hand as July 20, 2011- dubbed the day of reckoning by civil society organizations planning to march against fuel and forex crises- draws closer.
In Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial city, fear has gripped residents. Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) youths, officially called ‘Youth Cadets’ by President Bingu wa Mutharika, have for the past three hours been traveling in DPP-marked vehicles brandishing Panga knives.
Just 50 minutes ago, as I passed Clock Tower Petroda Filling Station in Blantyre, the DPP Youths disembarked from two Nissan ½ ton Pick ups and rubbed their Panga knives against tarred road and concrete.
There was a stampede as people scampered in all directions. Women vendors three bananas packed in winnowers down, so did vendors selling airtime- most of them left their Airtel, TNM, and MTL units and run for dear life.
Apparently, the DPP Youth Cadets’ intention was not to grab things from people, or take their property away; their main task, it seems, is to instill fear in people, so that tomorrow, the 20th of July, they do not turn up for the planned march.
But their behaviour contradicts what Mutharika said publicly yesterday, that he does not want any DPP followers to stage a counter-march as has been planned.
As of now, the DPP Cadets are in Limbe, spreading fear and terror against the just demands of Malawian citizens.
Malawians, the majority of them, want a return to normal life; life full of fuel and forex and food and peace.
Not a life full of threats and disturbed minds.
The wishes of demonstrators seem to meet with unprecedented support, however, as the Malawi Law Society and Malawi Human Rights Commission have both backed the intentions of the marchers.
However, the two bodies have urged for calm and peaceful demonstrations.
With DPP cadres in the forefront spreading fear and violence, and reminding Malawians of the long days of gloom and terror now gone by, it remains to be seen how the rest of today ends, and whether people will go back home with their limbs intact after tomorrow’s march.
What is clear, however, is that President Bingu wa Mutharika is a coward and dictator- rubbing his over-sized ego against the wishes of the powerless majority.
The term resignation does not exist in his mind as he positions himself towards consolidating power and exercise tyranny.
After all, when ruling parties start brandishing Panda knives and machetes, it is a sign that their time is nigh; time to pack their bags of shame and go hide behind History’s eternal concretes.
So many things will go into that bag of history:the smashing of Zodiak Broadcasting Station's vehicle on Saturday; the burning of the Zodiak Broadcasting Station radio's vehicle on Monday, and many more.
Malawi is in nothing short of a crisis. First, the crisis was centred on fuel and forex; now, a silent crisis is ravaging through citizens' hopes.
Of all crises in the world, the most dangerous is that of hope. When citizens run out of patience, it is not worse. But, once hope runs out, it is hold-your-own-son for everybody!
That is Malawi now, under the confused leadership of President Bingu wa Mutharika.
How, one asks, can one chase a traditional donor and former colonial master Britain through that brain-less decision to get British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fergus Cochrane-Dyet going?
How, one wonders, can a 'whole' President say he "will never apologise to Britain" over Cochrane-Dyet's unceremonial 'booting'?
How, one tries to figure out, can a leader worth his salt allow a 'small' problem to get out of hand and evolve into a crisis, and the crisis merges with another crisis to become crises, and the crises grow further to make records?
'When shall all these problems come to an end' is Zachimalawi's theme for the month of July.

All Set For July 20 Mass Demonstrations: Cry Our Beloved Nation

Dzikoli ndilathu
Dzikoli ndilathu
Koma...
Koma Lisitoni waononga!!!

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: A KEY CHALLENGE FOR MALAWIAN CITIES, AN ALARMING CALL FOR JOINT EFFORT, SAYS CFSC

PRESS STATEMENT

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: A KEY CHALLENGE FOR MALAWIAN CITIES, AN ALARMING CALL FOR JOINT EFFORT, SAYS CFSC
The Centre For Social Concern (CFSC) has expressed concern over prevailing poor household and housing conditions in the cities, especially Lilongwe and Blantyre. The National Statistics Office 2008 Population and Housing Census has shown that 36 dwelling units out of 100 dwelling units you can see in Lilongwe are permanent (built using modern and durable materials) while almost more than half of the dwelling units are semi permanent (built with modern and partial lasting materials). The trend is similar in the other cities for instance, in Blantyre (35.9% permanent and 59.7 semi-permanent). Zomba city with 59.7% permanent dwelling units and 29% semi-permanent dwelling units seems to have the most improved dwelling unit structures followed by Mzuzu city (48.7% permanent and 31.1% semi-permanent).
According to the CFSC, this situation is making decent housing unaffordable to the majority of Malawians, forcing the low and medium Income earners to reside in poorly constructed houses with inadequate space to decently accommodate all family members. “While it is irrefutable that housing is a basic need” says CFSC, “there is need for a joint effort from indigenous business community to take lead to complement the Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) efforts in providing affordable housing.” The Malawi government housing policy has been implemented within the context of Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy I (2006-2011) where Land and Housing is embodied under the theme of sustainable development specifically at sub-theme six, Land and Housing. The CFSC through its Satellite Homes Research, a qualitative survey of living conditions in high and medium density areas of Blantyre, Zomba, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu has over time revealed that this right is ignored. Currently, private housing rental rates in the high and medium density locations in all the cities ranges from K8, 750 to K25, 000 for a two bed roomed house on average. On the other hand, the Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) has fair housing rental rates. For instance, in Blantyre a MHC two bed-roomed house is pegged at K8, 800 and K6, 600 in Lilongwe. The situation is different in Mzuzu where MHC housing rental rates vary depending also on the time when the house was built. Thus, an MHC two bed roomed house rental rate goes up to K18, 150 if it was built in 2009, K10, 780 if built in 1990s and can go lower up to K6, 600 if built in the 1960s.
As such CFSC welcomes the low cost housing project plans for middle class as announced recently by the Lilongwe city council. However, there is need to put in place a deliberate Housing and Transit Policy updated in line with the 21st century to avoid time lags as it has happened over the past years. Affordable housing if well designed creates jobs and also supports economic recovery in the following ways: Mantains and retains skill workforce. The growing concern on shortage of affordable housing makes it difficult for large investors to retain blue-collar job workers. Secondly, it creates an entrepreneurial opportunity for job creation and support for local investment. Finally, it generates local government revenue and increases its property values. Housing generates revenue for local government through rentals and taxes. Thus, building new houses creates jobs in construction thereby boosting and attracting other business such as retail and healthcare industries. Renters spend money on goods and services. The CFSC through its Urban Basic Needs Basket (BNB) advocates for a three bed room house in high and medium density areas to promote a decent standard of living and also adequate for an average household size of six. The urban poor are increasingly pushed to the periphery looking at the current demand for affordable housing. As a consequence, the cost of decent affordable housing exacerbates inequalities among the rich and the poor. Certainly, there is an urgent need to improve poor urban resident’s housing needs. It is the CFSC’s hope that the indigenous business community will accelerate their efforts in addressing decent housing concerns.

Center for Social Concern, P.O. Box 40049, Lilongwe, Malawi
Tel: 265-1-715-632 Fax: 260-1-716-136 E-mail: jkuppens@cfscmalawi.org or fmkomba@cfscmalawi.org /cfsc@malawi.net ; Location: Next to St. Francis Catholic Parish, Area 25C, Kanengo Website: www.cfscmalawi.org

Uniting for Peaceful Resistance against Bad Economic and Democratic Governance

Outline, Notes on Planned Demonstrations

Theme: Uniting for Peaceful Resistance against Bad Economic and Democratic Governance

“A Better Malawi is Possible! “

Task to be done:-
• Establishment of a core organising team, comprising of leaders from stakeholder organisations
• Letters to City Assemblies (North, Centre and South) for notification on the demonstration
• Write the police to provide security and guard against thugs, unruly elements seeking to disrupt the March;
• Mobilise urban and rural stakeholders to generate a massive response;
• Coordination ensuring that we all move together, handling internal communications, establishing chain of command;
• Drafting of themes for flyers/ posters/banners, use of red cards. Flyers should be distributed 2/3 days before the demo date. 20,000 flyers to be printed. 500-1000 whistles. Flyers will include issues in relation to economic hardships and bad governance. (key fuel ,forex shortage and undemocratic laws)
• Use of an open truck and one or two musicians on it during match or pre-match into key townships.
• Publicity – to organise & handle media coverage to achieve maximum effect through i.e. Zodiak, Joy, Mij, nation and daily times. We need use of public address a day before for publicity and on the actual day.
• Radio announcements to emphases DISCIPLINE during demonstrations.
• Creating publicity through social networking i.e. FB/twitter/SMs etc.
• Liaise with Vendors Association, Minibus Association and Taxis Association.
• Linking up with Nurses Ass. Congoma, MCTU, CCJP, Nkhoma Synod and Students.
• Linking up with Cosatu and other SADC regional NGOs for solidarity.
• Press conferences; 2 days before the march and immediately after the march
• Invite international media to cover
• Assign a communication officer from one participating organisation to coordinate recording of the events in all regions (through videocam and still camera’s)
• Assign someone to manage demo facebook page and update the demo page constantly, especially with pictures
•

Tentative date: - 20th July 2011/ Regional demonstration/down tools.

Message: 'If you can't join and you're a all CEO, MD, Police, Army, and Civil Servant' please release your house servant/garden boy etc on that day.

Aftermath: - Continued voice and maintaining the pressure on the Government until they address the issues and improve their performance/ use creative media to mobilise involvement e.g. facebook, blogs, twitter;

Colours to be used: - Red Colour (dress/wear anything RED (T/Shirts/Red Card/ placards/ banners, Red whistles)

Route to Use:-

Southern Region:- Blantyre District Office through Kamuzu Highway to Kamuzu Stadium to Civic Offices

Central region: from Community ground through old town/ Kasungu highway to City Centre

Northern Region: From Katoto Ground to City Assembly.

UTHENGA KWA A MALAWI ONSE-PAMOMWE DZIKO LATHU LIKUYENDERA NDIZOFUNIKA KUSINTHA.

UTHENGA KWA A MALAWI ONSE-PAMOMWE DZIKO LATHU LIKUYENDERA NDIZOFUNIKA KUSINTHA.

Malawi Watsopani Ngotheka!

Inu nonse a Malawi mukudziwa kuti mu zaka zisanu zoyamba za ulamuliro wa pulezidenti Bingu wa Mutharika anthu tinatangwanika ndikuona ngati tiona zeni zeni ngati dziko. Ife ngati anthu amene timatsatira mwandondomeko zakayendetsedwe ka boma la dimokilase komanso potsatira zimene inu a Malawi eni munasankha m’mene tinkasintha kuchoka ku ulamuliro wa chipani chimodzi mzaka za 1992 mpakana 1994.
Malawi tsopano wabwerera mbuyo ndipo wasanduka choseketsa cha anthu zifukwa za zinthu izi:
1. Kusowa ndalama za kunja zomwe timatha kugulira zinthu monga mankhwala, mafuta ndi zina zofunika.
2. Kupereka bizinesi kwa anthu omwe ali pa ubale ndi pulezidenti ndi amtundu wake.
3. Kusamvera malangizo ngakhale ochokera kwa atsogoleri a mipingo ndi zipembedzo.
4. Kudzichemerera ndikusamvera kwake kwa mtsogoleri wadziko lino
5. Kufuna kusandutsa u pulezidenti ngati ufumu pofuna kusiira mng’ono wake mpando wa pulezidenti mopanda kutsatira ndondomeko zoyenera za dimokalase ndi ulamuliro wabwino.
6. Kuchitira nkhanza ndi kusawalemekeza a Malawi ena omwe agwira ntchito yokonza dziko la Malawi mbuyomu komanso ngakhale omwe iye wagwira nawo ntchito chifukwa chomulangiza.
7. Kuthamangitsa anthu othandiza dziko lino komanso otigula malonda athu ngati fodya.
8. Kuopyedza ufulu wachibadwidwe wa a Malawi poopsyeza atsogoleri a mabungwe omwe si a boma komanso manyuzipepala ndi mawailesi omwe si a boma.
9. Posintha malamulo mosaganizira zomwe a Malawi anawakhazikira
10. Kusowa kwa mafuta a galimoto ndi zina zotero kwa nthawi yayitali.
11. Kuletsa kugula mafuta m’zigubu ngakhale galimoto litakuthera mafutawo panjira kapena kunyumba kwanu.
12. Kunyozera zigamulo za ma khoti komanso kuopyeza ogwira ntchito m’makhotimo ndikuwamana malipilo awo motsutsana ndi malamulo.
13. Kukondera popatsa maudindo a boma ndi mabungwe a boma komanso bizinesi kwa anthu a mtundu wake wokha.
14. Kuzunza atsogoleri akale ndi ena monga a pulezidenti opuma powakaniza kupita kuchipatala komanso a Cassim Chilumpha.
15. Kuzunza wachiwiri wa pulezidenti wa dziko a Joyce Banda powachepetsera ndalama za mu ofesi yawo mu bajeti ya chaka chino
16. Kuzikundikira chuma pogula ndi kumanga nyumba 15 kunja ndi kuno komwe pogwiritsa ntchito ndalama zomwe zikanatukula dziko lino.
17. Kupatsa mkaza wake malipiro (salary) pogwira ntchito yothandiza yomwe ena amagwira wosalipidwa.
18. Kumangiridwa nyumba ndi zina ndi kontalakitala (contractor) yemwe akupatsidwa ma kontilakiti a boma mosatsatira ndondomeko.
19. Kusamutsa sukulu ya ukachenjede (University) yoti imangidwe ku Lilongwe kupititsa ku mudzi ndi munda wake ku Ndata ngati ndi yake
20. Kumpatsa galimoto zomwe ziyenera kuyenda ndi anthu ngati pulezidenti ndi wachiwiri wake (convoy) kwa Peter Mutharika atalanda kwa Veep ndi a pulezidenti opuma pamene mchimwene wakeyo ali nduna wamba.
21. Kupereka chimanga mwaulere ku Zimbabwe mopanda chilolezo chochokera kunyumba ya malamulo.
22. Kunamiza a Malawi kuti iye ndiwa nzeru pamene akulephera kuyendetsa dziko.
23. Kutseka sukulu zaukachenjede pamene analumbira kuti muulamuliro wake sukulu zimenezi sizizatsekedwanso.
24. Kunyoza mavenda ndi anthu amalonda.
25. Kuononga ndalama za boma pomanga damu (doko) ku Nsanje popanda kuwafunsa a ku Mozambique omwe akukhudzidwa ndi mbali ina yantchitoyi.
26. Kuwabera anthu omwe akupereka zinthu m’boma ponama ndi nkhani ya funding.
27. Kukhometsa misonkho mosaona kuvutika kwa anthu.
28. Kuopseza atsogoleri a zipani zotsutsa ndi amabungwe amene si a boma
29. Kugwiritsa ndi kuphangira nyumba zoulutsila mau za MBC potukwana amalawi.

Nkhani zonsezi ndi zina zotero zikuonetsa kuti a Pulezidenti athu boma lawakanika kuyendetsa- akuyesa kuti utsogoleri ndi njira yongolemelera ndikutchukirapo. Tsopano nthawi yakwana kuti a Malawi tonse tidzuke ndikuwonetsa kuti mphamvu zoyika ndi kuchotsa munthu pa mpando wa upulezidenti zili ndi ife. Tiyeni tonse pa 20 July tidzatuluke ndi kuyenda pa nseu mwa bata ndi mtendere pakuonetsa kusakondwa ndi m’mene zinthu zili m’dziko muno ndiponso kusakondwera ndi utsogoleri wa a Bingu wa Mutharika.
Ife a Malawi okhudzidwa

Messages for Malawi's July 20 Mass Demonstrations

Messages
1. A better Malawi Is Possible.

2. We need our Freedom Back! Enough is Enough!

3. Malawi is a Constitutional Democracy!

4. Stop bulldozing Undemocratic Bills!

5. We don’t need an Injunction LAW!

6. Injunctions law is unjust law

7. Academic Freedom is a Constitutional Freedom!

8. We don’t need Dictatorship Malawi!

9. Malawi is not a monarchy! NO POWER TO A BROTHER!!!!

10. Nepotism and Corruption are punishable crimes!

11. Where is our FUEL and FOREX

12. Lack of fuel and Forex equals Failure to govern

13. Boma ili Lakukanikani !

14. Running a Government is Serious Business

15. STOP that Corruption please!

16. We are tired of lip service!

17. We want Change now! 2014 is far!

18. Stop Paying the First Lady our Taxes!

19. First Lady Salary at the expense of medicines?

20. First lady salary at the expense of primary school teacher’s salaries?

21. First lady salary at the expense of nurses’ salaries?

22. Heavy Taxes are making us more poorer

23. Is anybody in Charge?

Uthenga kwa a Malawi: Malawi Wabwino Ndiwotheka

Uthenga kwa a Malawi
“Malawi Wabwino Ndiwotheka”
Tafuna tikudziwitseni a Malawi nonse ndi onse okhudzidwa kuti ife ngati nzika zokhudzidwa takonza zionetsero za padera zomwe zidzachitike mwa mtendere pa 20th July 2011 mu zigawo zonse zitatu za dziko lino.
Zionetsero zimezi zakonzedwa motsatira ufulu omwe tili nawo movomerezeka ndi malamulo a dziko lino kuti tidzawonetse kusakondwa ndi m'mene chuma chikuyendera komanso kulira kwa a Malawi pa nkhani ya demokilase. Cholinga cha zonsezi ndikufuna kuthetsa mchitidwe woyika fundo zachabechabe za chuma komanso ulamulirowosakomera anthu ambiri.
Zionetsero zimenezi zikhala zoyamba zomwe zidzatsatiridwe ndi zionetsero zomwe zidzachitike madera onse a dziko lino pa 17th August 2011.
Mutu wa zionetsero zimenezi ndi "Mgwirizano pakulimbana mwa mtendere ndi fundo zoipa za chuma ndi kayendetsedwe ka dziko kosakomera anthu. Malawi wabwino ndiwotheka"
Zionetsero zidzayenda motere:
Chigawo cha kum'mwera (Blantyre)
M'dipiti udzayambira pa Blantyre District Office kudutsa mu Kamuzu Highway mpaka pa Kamuzu Stadium to ndikukathera ku ma ofesi a city council a Civic Offices

Tikuwapempha a Malawi onse okhala ma dera a Ndirande, Chilomoni, Chilobwe, Bangwe, Zingwangwa, Machinjiri, Mbayani, Chileka, Ludzu ndi onse ozungulira Blantyre ndi maboma ena kuti adzafike ndikuyenda nawo pa tsikuli

Chigawo cha pakati (Lilongwe)
Kuyenda kudzayambira pa galaundi la Community kudutsa ku Old Town ndikukalowa Lilongwe/Kasungu Highway ndikukatsirizira ku City Centre.

Tikupempha a Malawi okhala ma dera a Area 25, Kawale, Biwi, Mchesi, Chitsapo, Area 23, 33, 49, 39, Bunda, Likuni,Mugona ndi onse ozungulira Lilongwe ndi maboma ena m'chigawo cha pakati kuti adzafike ndi kuchita nawo zionetserozi pa tsikuli

Chigawo cha pakati (Mzuzu)

Ulendo udzayambira pa Katoto Ground kudutsa mtauni ndikukathera ku ma ofesi a Mzuzu City Council.

Tikupempha anthu okhala ma dera a Zolo Zolo, Katawa, Chiwanja, Mzilawayingwe, Chasefu ndi ma dera onse azungulira mzinda wa Mzuzu ndi ma boma ena kuti adzafike pa 20th July kudzachita nawo zionetserozi.

Tikupempha a Malawi onse kuti pa tsikuli tiyeni tidzavale chovala chafiyira kuli konse kumene tili ngakhale tilibe mwayi wodzayenda nawo pa zifukwa zosiyanasiyana.

Ngati simungakhale nawo pa zionetserozi chifukwa ndinu wamkulu wa kampani, mwini wake wa kampani, kapena ndinu a polisi, msilikali wa nkhondo kapena ogwira ntchito za boma, chonde tumizani a ntchito a m'nyumba mwanu kuti adzakhale nawo pa mwambo wapaderawu.

Pempho: Zionetsero za tsikuli ndi za mtendere ndipo tikupempha a Malawi onse kuti adzasunge ulemu pa nthawi yomwe tidzakhala tikuyenda. Tiyeni tonse tionetse kwa atsogoleri adziko lino kuti ngakhale akutipondereza, ndife anthu a mtendere komanso ofuna kumanga dziko.

Uwu ndi mwayi wathu tonse kuti tibweretse kusintha powonetsetsa kuti mau athu amveka ndiponso agwiritsidwa ntchito potenga nawo gawo pa zochitika za pa 20th July.

Bwerani nonse tidzayendere limodzi

Patsogolo ndi ufulu wa demokilase! Patsogolo ndi kumenyera ufulu!

Bingu Should Resign, Says Opposition Leader John Tembo

"President Bingu wa Mutharika has failed Malawians; the best thing he should, and not can, do is resign and leave Malawians in peace. Our people have suffered a lot; we cannot endure this any more," was all John Zenus Ungapake Tembo,
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament;
Member of Parliament for Dedza South;
Former Malawi Congress Party strongman;
Former Reserve Bank Governor;
Former teacher at Dedza Secondary School, and;
Above all, a symbol of so many meanings in Malawi
- could say to Zachimalawi Friday morning.
Tembo says so many things have "gone wrong over the past ten months; and my fear is that some of these things- I mean, the damage- are irreversible. Malawians will have to pay for some of these things for a long time to come", a situation Tembo hoped could be reversed ony through "Mutharika's resignation".
"In fact, I will not be surprised to hear that Mutharika has resigned. I don't expect him to stay on; the situation now is so bad that,if things like fuel shortages and forex shortfalls are allowed to go on because the President is still there, we should be bracing ourselves for tough times ahead. No, let the President resign."
But Mutharika is sure not to resign.
On July 6 this year, which falls for the day Malawi attained independence from Britain 47 years ago, he told a mammoth gathering in Malawi's Northern region city of Mzuzu that "contrary to opposition and civil society claims that this is the worst term ever for me, I say that is not true: this is my best ever term, with more development initiatives than during my first term."
But there were no fuel shortages during Mutharika's first term, a term that spanned from May 2004 to May 2009.
Of course, forex has always been Malawi's other friend, but the situation has never been this precarious also.
So bad is the situation that, until Thursday this week, Malawi commercial city of Blantyre had no drop of fuel.
While calls for him to resign get louder, Malawians know for certain that the term 'resignation' is anathema to Mutharika's way of doing things.
It comes as no surprise, therefore, that he was sacked as Secretary General for the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on issues bordering on poor governance and stubborness.
A case, it seems, of what Malawi Democratic Party president Kamulepo Kalua describes as 'Hyena-behaviour'.
Kalua never tires to remind Malawians at any best opportunity: "A hyena is a hyena, a change in hunting ground does not make it any human."
Mutharika movedfrom the bush of COMESA to the forest that is Malawi, propelled, as it were, by allegations of poor people management and governance; now, civil society organisations accuse him of being pour at governance.
Thus, the these for the Blantyre/Lilongwe/Mzuzu demonstrations is: 'Uniting for Peaceful Resistance against Bad Economic and Democratic Governance'.
That is what happens when Mutharika changes bushes, forest, and hunting ground: his traits follow him.

Mass Demonstrations On

Organisers of the July 20, 2011 Mass Demonstrations against bad governance say the protests will go on despite government's counter-efforts.
Undule Mwakasungula, Human Rights Consultative Committee's Chairperson, says civil society organisations are not shaken by counter-efforts being orchestrated by purpoted government zealots, describing them (government's counter-efforts) as counter-productive.
"We will go on with the planned demonstrations, and these will take place simultaneously in Mzuzu, Blantyre and Lilongwe (cities)," says Mwakasungula.
Malawians are currently grappling with an economy-racking forex shortage, a problem compounded by fuel shortages across the Southern African Development Community member state.
This has prompted civil society leaders to organise demonstrations.
On Thursday, Britain announced that it had cut aid to Malawi by K5.3 billion, but assured Malawians that direct assistance to social services would continue.
The United Kingdom's action is the latest twist to the chasing of its High Commissioner to Malawi, Fergus Cochraine-Dyet earlier this year on allegations that he was interfering in the internal matters of Malawi.
The UK retaliated by sending Malawi's envoy back home.
Now, with the latest development, hopes of the country's former colonial master ever appointing another envoy (in place of the 'chased' Cochrane-Dyet) are fast disappearing.

Fun Amid Fuel Crisis

People started fighting yesterday.
But the fuel, Petrol to be precise, they were fighting for came just three hours ago.
News that the Rashid Gaffar tank hired to ferry the fuel 'home' reached consumers yesterday noon, and almost everyone new where the 'home' was: Blantyre Central Business District Caltex Filling Station, close to Kandodo Corner Shop.
Vehicles, a long line of vehicle, spent the whole of last night on the queue- in the hope that the liquid that gives vehicles life would have.
It was an act of faith, too; waiting there in the sunlight, standing still in the biting-winter cold, and then bracing the darkness that was yesterday night.
Today came, and the hopes still did not fade.
This hope was paid around noon, when the Rashid Gaffar Truck came with Petrol. It is Petrol that people want; Diesel is not a problem this week.
But the driver came with his rule: no motorist within 10 metres of his fuel tanker.
Other motorists hestated, fearing they could lose their place.
THe driver, in a blue worksuit, simply threatened to put the ignition key on that little whole that falses vehicles to pay attention to the driver, and go to another station.
No choice, people obliged.
Malawians have been reduced to robbots, obeying people who pump the fuel into their vehicle tanks. People who, just two years ago, were also wiping windshields and mirror glasses!
How things change.
The courtesy is gone.
President Bingu wa Mutharika, too, has lost direction.
The president is a blind man now (no offense intended), he is busy leading the nation astray.
Well, the tanker was done with the fuel-defacation task within 30 minutes.
Refueling started, and went on well.
But two hours later, the fuel attendants announced that fuel had run out.
Motorists, angry and stranded, took tree branches and inserted them into the fuel storage tank, trying to gauge the levels of the fuel remaining, and trying to gauge the trustworthness and honesty of the fuel attendants.
The 'tree' measurements revealed the Petrol was knee-high in the storage tank.
But the attendants said it was finished.
Now, the motorists have put their feet down, saying the fuel is there, and that they will not leave the Caltex Filling Station without full or half tanks.
So have the fuel attentants; they say the fuel is over now, and will not resume refueling vehicles simply because the refueling substants is not there.
That is what people are doing at Kandodo Corner Shop.
They are peddling lies and empty threats.
Which brings us to the theme of Zachimalawi during this winter month of July;the theme is a question: When shall all this come to an end?

THEJOURNALISTS UNION OF MALAWI

Protecting labour rights of journalists
PO Box X261•
Post Dot Net•
Crossroads •
Lilongwe•
Malawi •
Tel: + (265) 999 4000 61•
Email:jumamalawi@yahoo.com
Web: www.jumamw.com

JUMA media statement

The Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA) was formed in December 2007 with the core objective ofpromoting and protecting labour rights of journalists.
During the first meeting of the newly electedGoverning Council held at Hippo View Lodge in Liwonde on June 09, 2011, it was resolved that:
I.BEST PRACTICES AWARD (BPA)Effective next year (2012) JUMA will introduce the Best Practices Award to two media institutions (electronic and print).
The awards will recognize institutions which offer goodworking conditions for journalists and live up to such. The award is to encourage employers to do more to promote the welfare of journalists.
The award will be presented on 3rdMay each yearduring the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).
II.WELFARE FUNDJUMA will also from next January set-up a Welfare Fund to financially support its fully-paid upmembers for three months in the event of a professional or labour dispute against an employerthat may lead to suspension or dismissal. The intention is to alleviate the suffering a JUMA member may be subjected to as a direct result to the suspension or dismissal.
III.LEGAL FUNDJUMA is working on mechanisms to create a Legal Fund to benefit members in the event of alabour or professional dispute against an employer.
The JUMA Governing Council and the leaders of the Regional Chapters of the Union have since formed atask force which will develop Terms of Reference (TORs) for the new services being introduced.
The Union will also work with local, regional and international institutions that share similar interests in itspursuit to achieve better working conditions for journalists in the country.

For further information contact the undersigned: e-mail: flyzeze@gmail.com , cell: 0999 4000 61. Maganizo Fly MazezeJUMA President12thJuly, 2011

Harold Williams

To live again,
now:
At the College of Medicine in Blantyre.

Interesting

The way things are going in Malawi.

Twists, reversals, and more surprises.

These things are taking place in so many areas: politics, education, culture, religion, business and economics, health, sports.

A compacted life, kind of, it is too early to judge anything.

But watching has never improved anything either.

Fuel shortages continue, and there is literally no Petrol in the whole of Blantyre City.

Diesel is not a problem, so much of it there are no queues anywhere.

Quastion: When shall all this come to an end?

2014?

Never?

Poly, Chanco Still Closed for Learning

Despite MBC-TV's assertions to the contrary.

Call it a national lie from MBC-TV.

So Much Sadness

Harold Williams.
Chipiliro Matiya.
O'brien Nazombe.
Jika Mkolokosa

...and the sad stories continue.

When shall all this come to an end; this big, touchable sadness?

...at Kamuzu Upper Stadium Today

Man of the moment, for bad or worse- and self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri- is at Kamuzu Upper Stadium this afternoon.
The meeting has now started.
Many people have now gathered, in sharp contrast to the situation some twenty minutes ago.

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri: Malawi will witness one year of hunger before 2015

The Enlightened Christian Ministry's founder will be taking to the stage one-and-a-half hours from now.
The ground is set for the Prophet, as the faithful prepare their minds and hearts to receive the words of salvation.
Bushiri told Zachimalawi today (Friday) morning he was geared to "sharing the word of God".
"Time is ripe, and is now, to share the gospel. So many things are about to happen. In fact, I foresee one year of hunger coming before 2015. We must pray harder that, perhaps, God will save us from peril," said Prophet Bushiri

Bingu Cannot Resign, Enjoying Himself

As pressure piles on President Bingu wa Mutharika, and calls grow ever more loud for him to resign, the truth remains that the 'guy' cannot resign- he simply does not have the word 'resignation' in his vocabulary.
Need examples? His July 6, 2011 Indepencence-Day Speech in Malawi's Northern Region City of Mzuzu, where he claimed that contrary to criticism that his second term is the 'worst', things are all rosy in Malawi.
"My second term is the best ever," he said.
This he said knowing fully well that the country has never been in so painful a fuel crisis, so deep a forex shortage hole, and so grav-deep low citizens molare this passes for Malawi's saddest moment.
The wrangle between University of Malawi lecturers and the University Council continues, with no solution in sight.
The Democratic Progressive Party remains stuck in the attitudes of autocracy as, on the other hand, Mutharika attempts to influence the judiciary to toe the Executive's line of thinking.
That is why Mutharika lamented the proliferation of court injunctions during the swearing in of two High Court Judges and Justice Dr. Jane Ansah less than a week ago.
This is, at best, sad and regretable.
Surely, Bingu is enjoying himself and finds no sense in resigning from enjoyment!

Support women demanding an equal voice in shaping Egypt’s future

Egyptians will vote for a new parliament in September 2011, please urge the Egyptian Prime Minster not to sideline women ahead of the elections.

Women played an equal part alongside men in Egypt’s recent uprising. Today, women have an equal right to participate in shaping their country’s future. Call on the Prime Minister to make sure that women’s rights are respected and that women are not shut out of the process of reform.

Egypt’s '25 January Revolution' held great promise. Women and men stood together as equals and demanded respect for their rights. But less than a month later, women were excluded from a new committee set up to revise the constitution. The new Prime Minster’s cabinet, announced in March, included just one woman. The following day, International Women’s Day, women demonstrating peacefully were attacked by groups of men.

Women protestors, Cairo, 28 January 2011.© Sarah Carr

Real change will not materialize if women are discriminated against and left out. Equality and non-discrimination must be at the heart of the country’s reform process.

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Sees Femine Before 2015

...at Kamuzu Upper Stadium Today

Man of the moment, for bad or worse- and self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri- is at Kamuzu Upper Stadium today from 01:30p.m.
A few people can be seen seated now, waiting for the Enlightened Christian Ministry's founder to share and square the 'Living' words.
Bushiri told Zachimalawi Friday morning he was geared to "sharing the word of God".

Prophet Shepherd Bushiri: Malawi will witness one year of hunger before 2015

"Time is ripe, and is now, to share the gospel. So many things are about to happen. In fact, I foresee one year of hunger coming before 2015. We must pray harder that, perhaps, God will save us from peril," said Prophet Bushiri.