Malawi Roundup: Gates and Obama visit, opposition outburst, parliamentary chaos
Health sector arrests
Police in Malawi have arrested two health sector officers for allegedly scamming potential job seekers of K600,000 ($360) on November 17. According to the police, the two health officers, Agness Dzumani and Ivy Chinguwo while operating under the pretext of being recruiters for the Bwaila Hospital duped at least three people, Malawi24 reports. The police further said the two have admitted to the scam and will be arraigned before court.
Opposition leader calls Malawians stupid
Former president Peter Arthur Mutharika has called Malawians stupid for voting him out of power, three years after the general elections. While addressing the media at the PAGE House, Mutharika digressed and said “I’m sorry to say this, Malawians you made a choice; ‘munandinena kuti ndine okalamba, opanda mano’ (you called me old, toothless) and that nonsense and all that stupidity,” he is quoted by Nyansa Times. In 2020, Mutharika, who sought his second five-year term lost his presidency to Lazarus Chakwera who gained 58.57%.
Melinda Gates and Michelle Obama visit
Malawi hosted Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States of America, global philanthropist Melinda Gates and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney for a girl child empowerment tour aimed at fighting early child marriage in the country. Representing their respective organisations, the three women toured selected schools in the country in a bid to empower and raise awareness about their objective, The Lead News reported. “It is an honour to visit Malawi with Melinda French Gates and Amal Clooney and meet so many incredible women and girls who are working to end child marriage,” said Michelle Obama. Melinda Gates added, “For the past five years, the Girls Opportunity Alliance has been working with leaders on the ground who are changing outcomes for girls in the country – including Ulanda Mtamba and her remarkable team at the AGE Africa program, who are making sure girls can delay early marriage and get the education they deserve.”
Trade unions engage government
As part of global celebrations of decent work, the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) has announced plans to start engaging the government to secure salary increments for all their members and employees. Their decision follows the recent devaluation of the Malawian Kwacha by 44%. President for the MCTU, Charles Kumchenga said, “Workers in the country, both in the public and private sector have been hit hard by the unprecedented devaluation of the Kwacha which has triggered the rise in cost of living as the cost of goods and services have drastically gone up," he is quoted by Nyasa Times. Kumchenga further noted that Malawi still grapples with achieving goals for decent work including, meeting minimum wages and eliminating sexual harassment.
Parliament denigrates into chaos
Malawi’s parliament turned chaotic on November 15 following a disagreement over a request by MP of Mzimba North Jeremiah Chihana to release the former bodyguard of erstwhile president Mutharika unconditionally. The request by Chihana was opposed by other members of the house which led to chaotic arguments with members hurling abusive words at each other, Nyasa Times reported. Norman Chisale former bodyguard of Mutharika was arrested in 2021 for allegedly amassing wealth to the tune of $2.2 million, according to Nyasa Times.
