–BB qualify 3-2 on aggregate

Big Bullets FC today survived Fomboni de Mahel’s scare when they gave up a two-goal first half lead to be held 2-all, but still scraped through to the first-round of the CAF Champions League on 3-2 aggregate having won the first leg 1-0 away in Moroni, Comoros.
It was the stuff of footballing fantasy as the visitors trailed 2-0 at interval before a packed Kamuzu Stadium, but roared back like unstoppable force of nature to draw level in a contest that drove the big turnout into a bewildering gut of emotions.
After a rather slow start, Bullets shrugged off some early lethargy and moved the ball around with remarkable grace with Dalitso Sailesi and Tizgobere Kumwenda at the heart of their best moves, but there was no end product in terms of goals.
And as time ticked on, the huge turnout that included Sports Minister Grace Chiumia and her Energy and Mining counterpart Atupele Muluzi, oozed with anxiety.
Then it came. A cross that was floated with precision by captain Fischer Kondowe from the right in the 36th minute saw Victor ‘Vibre’ Limbani swing upfield to plant home the opener to send the stadium into delirium.
The goal inspired the hosts and there was an interlude of spellbindingly beautiful movement and passing from a team soaring with confidence backed by overwhelming home support.
Then seven minutes later, the People’s team added the second goal following a defensive error by Fomboni’s Ali Faidine and Tizgobere Kumwenda ghosted in like a sneak thief to shoot past helpless ‘keeper Velonjara Salimo– it was all simple.
Precisely what gentle words were delivered during half time pep talk remain firmly in the classified category, but suddenly there was renewed purpose from the visitors who were buoyed by a handful of ganyu fans.
Bullets lost the plot as complacency crept in thinking they were home and dry—how wrong they were!
And just eight minutes into the second half Marius Alphonse pulled one back for Fomboni, albeit in slightly bizarre circumstances when the defence and goalkeeper Vincent Gona were caught napping allowing the slippery forward to dink the ball on the far post.
Barely two minutes later, Mozambican referee Anibo Amando Antonio awarded Fomboni a penalty after Yamikani Fodya, who otherwise had a good game, fouled a dangerously advancing Asser Abdallah and Alphonse made no mistake, sending Gona the wrong way.
Sensing danger, Bullets made a double substitution, taking off Henry Kabichi and Jaffalie Chande for James Chilapondwa and Mussa Manyenje respectively, but still Fomboni frustrated the People’s team with their zonal marking and Bullets survived by the skin of their teeth when the referee blew the final whistle.
Bullets coach Nsazurwimo Ramadhan attributed the loss to complacency.
“When we scored the second goal, we got carried away, thinking that it was over. We also lost concentration and the result and performance had given us plenty of food for thought,” Ramadhan told The Nation.

Kamuzu Stadium was full today and could not take in more BB fans, gates had to close early due to reduced capacity of the ground currently under renovations

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I read in a press statement recently attributed to an NGO spokesperson that Malawi is poor because a few people get big salaries while the majority get low salaries. Low salaries are blamed for low morale and corruption in the civil service.

Blaming low salaries for the poverty and corruption in Malawi is like putting a cart before the horse. This makes forward movement impossible. To describe an elephant as an animal with four legs hardly gives the complete picture.

Low wages is not the cause but the result of our country’s poverty. University lecturers, court officials, civil servants will get higher remuneration when the economy has experienced higher levels of growth.

One of the things we must do in order to enhance economic development in Malawi is to know how other countries have attracted and handled Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In this article we shall look at FDI in the recent history of China.

When the emperor of China learned of how India was colonized by western nations he and his people became wary of contacts with foreigners. When Mao Zedong formed the Peoples Republic of China in 1949 he retained the traditional suspicion of China against foreign contact. Between 1949 and 1979 there was hardly any FDI in China and its foreign trade was minimal.

With its huge population of more than a billion people, China was able to practice a good deal of autarky, but at a price. Surrounding countries Japan first then Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia were undergoing industrial revolution and becoming prosperous. Reasons they had established firm contacts with foreign markets and sources of capital as well as technology.

The leadership of China after chairperson Mao began to espouse what they called ‘socialist market economy’ in place of the strict command economy. President Deng uttered a memorable slogan; it does not matter if the cat is white or black so long as it catches the mice. In other words, the end justifies the means. Any system that modernised the Chinese economy would be acceptable.

From 1979 China began to welcome FDI but cautiously. Each proposed investment was separately scrutinised to determine to what extent it would benefit China. Preferred investments were joined ventures in which the foreign investor contributed 49 percent of the capital while 51 percent was contributed by the Chinese partner.

The multinational enterprises were keen to go and do business in China because of its enormous market but the Chinese government through a variety of methods discouraged imports. Hence the multinationals found that the surest way to access the Chinese market was to transfer their production facilities to China. In other words to engage in direct investment.

Each investment proposal was subject to the approval of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MoFTEC). The authorities of the ministry rejected a proposal investment that introduced nothing of extra benefit such as technology not available in China. An investment which would merely replicate what was already being done in China had no chance of approval unless it involved improving the products currently being made by the Chinese company.

Where a joint venture was proposed the following were the steps to be undertaken.

1. Potential partners sign a letter of consent. This was not a binding contract , the letter just gave the broad outline of the future contract.
2. The Chinese partner submits a proposal including a preliminary feasibility study to the immediate administrative supervisor.
3. Once the authorities have approved the proposed joint venture the investors must complete a feasibility study that includes sales prospects, equipment to be used, labour content and infrastructure requirement.
4. The partners draft and sign a contract while keeping the authorities appraised of the agreements contents.
5. The agreement is sent either to the local authority or to MoFTEC for final approval.
6. The approving authority gives a deadline when the actual investment must be made. Delays attract penalties.
7. The joint venture must obtain a business licence.

For a long time Malawi has been described as a country where bureaucracy hampers investment. The current DPP government has reportedly simplified dealings with potential investors. This is welcome but there should be no give way.

In China, Japan and the four Tigers of the Pacific rim governments have made sure there is optimum indigenous participation in the economy. Most businesses belong to the nationals of the country; they are either State owned or privately owned, South Korea and Japan were particularly insistent on this.

Our politicians must pursue the policy of pragmatism subject to an overarching economic philosophy. To what extent is the State to divest itself of participation in the economy? Which parts of the economy should be reserved for the citizen of the land and which is open to foreign participation.

This must be said in view of the recent move by government to privatise the Malawi Savings Bank (MSB). There must be clear thinking about flagship entities.

The post Foreign Direct Investment in China appeared first on The Nation Online.

Farmers for tobacco, the country’s principal forex earner, have urged the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) to stop the steep appreciation of the kwacha because it would lead to loses when the marketing season opens.

Tobacco Association of Malawi (Tama) chief executive officer Graham Kunimba in a telephone interview on Wednesday said since the kwacha gains value during tobacco marketing season and loses value when farmers are buying farm inputs.

Tobacco farmers stand to lose in kwacha appreciation

Kunimba urged the government and RBM to implement deliberate policies that would control the volatility of the local unit.

“The policies favour consumption and not production. The current seasonal volatility of the kwacha discourages farmers from producing more tobacco, the country’s main forex earner,” he said.

However, he could not quantify the losses that the farmers would experience due to the appreciation of the kwacha saying they would assess the losses soon.

But last year, a renowned tobacco farmer Felix Jumbe was quoted in The Nation having said that tobacco farmers were going to lose about K30 billion due to the appreciation of the kwacha in exchange rate losses.

The kwacha lost about 20 percent, in about two months from selling at K412 to the dollar, just before the closure of the tobacco marketing season, in September last year, to about K488, according to figures provided by RBM.

Due to prudent monetary policies since December last year the kwacha has been appreciating  against the dollar which was officially selling at K448.48 on Tuesday compared to K514.19 in December last year when the local currency turned the corner.

But RBM spokesperson MbaneNgwira, in a telephone interview on Wednesday said a stable currency is in everyone’s interest and not just tobacco farmers.

“Whenever the kwacha gains or loses value there is a sector that is affected. As a central bank we are concerned with the appreciation of the kwacha because it means there is a discord in the system.

“The appreciation of the kwacha is being influenced by too much forex in the market or speculation. We are taking out the supply that is why our forex reserves are increasing,” said Ngwira.

He noted that the appreciation of the kwacha may have an impact on the country’s exports depending on whether the commodities are processed or not.

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Despite some tactical frailties, Big Bullets coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan is still optimistic that his side can go past Al Hilal of Sudan in the 19th edition of the CAF Champions League.

Bullets will face the Sudanese giants who qualified on a 2-1 aggregate against KMKM of Zanzibar. Al Hilal won the first leg 2-0 at home, but went down 1-0 in the return leg on Saturday.

The game is scheduled for March 15 away in Sudan.

Bullets struggled to see-off minnows Fomboni Club De Maheil from the Comoros 3-2 on aggregate on Saturday, but Ramadhan insists his team should not be written off against the Sudanese two-time finalists.

“The past does not matter in soccer. If they reached the semi-finals last year, what can prevent us from doing the same?

“The problem we had on Saturday is that we underrated Fomboni, especially after taking a two-goal lead in the first-half. We conceded those goals due to lack of concentration at the back,” Ramadhan told the press soon after the game.

The Bullets coach also said there is need to work on the mindset of his charges, who were tactically naive on Saturday.

Fomboni’s Malawian player Wister Phiri said Bullets nearly paid the price for playing to the crowd.

“When they were two goals up, they thought it was all over and they turned to flowery football to please the crowd.

“They forgot that a match is not won until after 90 minutes, so my advice to them as they progress to the next stage is not to throw caution to the wind and fight until virtually the last gasp. Otherwise, I wish them good luck,” said Phiri.

Al Hilal, also known as Al Hilal Omdurman, were founded in 1930 in the city of Omdurman. They have been crowned champions of the Sudan Premier League in seven of the past nine seasons. They won the championship 27 times during the league’s 45 seasons.

They have twice (in 1987 and 1992) qualified for the CAF Champions League and managed to qualify for the semi-finals five times, including last year while Bullets went as far as the quarter-finals in 2004 when they were sponsored by former president Bakili Muluzi.

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The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) has given local pugilists Charles Misanjo and Robert Kachiza the greenlight to engage Namibians in 10-round elimination bouts on March 20 in Windhoek, Namibia.

If they win the bouts, the two will make it into the final elimination fights before qualifying for the WBO title bouts in middleweight and bantamweight categories respectively.

Misanjo (R)

According to Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba, his board nominated five boxers for the opportunity, but it was only Misanjo and Kachiza’s records that impressed WBO.

“Apart from the two, we also nominated Alick Gogoda, Limbani Masamba and his younger brother Aubrey, but they said they only recognised Misanjo and Kachiza because they are in their records,” said Zimba.

He said it is a prerequisite for those fighting in WBO fights to have their records documented on Boxing Records website, but it seems Malawi Boxing Association (Maba), which was the sole overseer of boxing in the country, did not document and send records of all local boxers for such purpose.

Nevertheless, Misanjo and Kachiza said they are happy that they have been offered the elimination bouts.

“I will do my best to put Malawi on the map by winning all bouts that will come my way,” said Misanjo.

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Minister of Transport and Public Works Francis Kasaila on Thursday revealed that the tentative budget for rehabilitation of damaged roads in flood stricken areas was K2 billion (US$4.4 milliom).

According to Kasaila his ministry is depending on donors to raise some of the money and the rest will come from government in the next financial year.

Contractors working on Thuchila Bridge at Nkando

“We are discussing with donors to help us raise the K2 billion to rehabilitate the roads that were made impassable due to the floods,” he said.

Kasaila said the World Bank is among the known donors that will help in raising the money although he did not mention the amount the World Bank would pump into the project.

He said most of the roads damaged by the floods are now passable except for the Bangula to Mawona  Road.

Some of the districts that were affected by the floods include Chiradzulu, Thyolo, Mulanje, Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi, and Salima.

He also revealed that during the next budget sitting the money for road rehabilitation will be discussed separately from the allocation that will go to his ministry.

“The money for the rehabilitation of the roads will be a separate allocation because we do not want it to crash with other developmental allocations for our ministry,” said Kasaila.

He further said the money will also include the bridges that were washed away as they will make the rehabilitation complete—Mana

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Big Bullets have said they anticipate to gross about K25 million (US$55 556) from last Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary round second-leg tie against Fomboni FC that was played before a packed Kamuzu Stadium.

The ailing stadium was packed to capacity, such that the fans resorted to invading the restricted areas to catch a glimpse of the continental club battle that returned on the local scene after 11 years. Some, who could not manage to buy tickets, were forced to return home.

Kamuzu Stadium was full and could not take in more BB fans, gates had to close early due to reduced capacity of the ground currently under renovations

Bullets general secretary Harold Fote said as of yesterday, the reconciliation of the ticket sales was still going on.

“We entrusted agents for the pre-sale exercise, but 22 000 tickets [as per current stadium capacity] were on sale and from what I gather, they sold out and if you multiply that by the minimum of K1 000 cheapest ticket, it gives you K22 million

“After establishing that tickets had been sold out and there were still many people outside, we decided to sell additional tickets and I gather about K2.8 million was realised. So, we expect something like K25 million, excluding proceeds from the broadcasting rights,” said Fote.

Asked if selling of more tickets was not compromising security, Fote said: “We had to take such a risk because we felt it was a better option as those that were outside were beginning to lose their patience and it could have led to chaos.”

However, Kamuzu Stadium supervisor Charles Mhango described Bullets’ decision to sell additional tickets as a big risk.

“Looking at the security personnel that was there, the decision was not proper because that led to some fans invading the cordoned-off areas, which was a hazard.

“That is why, initially, we suggested engaging more police officers, but our friends were adamant that we hire 150 police officers and in such circumstances, it was difficult for the police to remove them as they feared causing a commotion,” said Mhango.

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Four people were reported injured at Kamuzu Stadium during the match between Big Bullets and Fomboni FC after a dilapidated structure—near the MBC Stand—collapsed.

The victims were all male. One of them sustained a cut at the back while three others had minor injuries.

According to a steward, Elias Debwe, who was at the scene when it occurred, the victims were rushed to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

According to Debwe, the structure collapsed as many people had climbed onto it to have a vintage view of the game.

“The structure was old and dilapidated, but still some people decided to climb on it, causing it to fall,” said Debwe.

Police were not readily available for comment.

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Big Bullets board of trustees treasurer Gregory Madeya has joined the Super League of Malawi (Sulom) race for vice-presidency, bringing the number of contestants to three.

Madeya submitted his nomination papers by February 28 deadline. He is challenging Gift Mkandawire and DaudSuleman for the position in the March 14 Sulom elections to take place in Salima.

Contesting: Madeya

In his manifesto, Madeya promises to market the game owing to his vast experience in sales and marketing; and also building on his role within the rank and file of the Big Bullets family where he also served as vice-chairperson.

He says his manifesto hinges on seven main features revolving round corporate social responsibility, adding that corporate social responsibility (CSR) “can be used to deliver positive health impacts through programmes and initiatives designed around physical exercise”.

He promises to make Sulom a key element of the strategic alliance between the corporate world and government, “to enhance dialogue among committed clubs, players and commercial partners as well as local organisation in advancing social development through football.”

Meanwhile, the race for the presidency is now just as good as mere formality for incumbent Innocent Bottoman following media reports at the weekend that Daud Ntanthiko has withdrawn to concentrate on his treasury position in the Southern Region Football Association.

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I stay in Blantyre. So, it happens that most of the banks I go to lend money are in Blantyre. Also when I have a cheque to cash, I will often cash these in Blantyre. The same goes with deposits. I deposit money in “customer service” centres in Blantyre.

There are times when banking in Blantyre is acceptable for me. Let me say that I am not ‘that so busy’ a person. I am pressed for time, but not all the time. This has made me to be patient. I go to the bank and expect to transact business in under 30 minutes. Lately, however, I am starting to think that I may have grown unrealistic about the industry. I should reserve an hour or more to get things done in the banks.

There was this day I went to a bank and noted the time I arrived in the banking hall. An hour passed while on the queue. Then I saw a notice on the wall saying that if a customer was unhappy with the service, they should see the service centre manager. I hesitated on this advice as I wondered whether I was unhappy with the service or the lack of it. I reasoned that in Catholic theology, there are the sins of commissions (you sin because you have done something wrong) just as there are sins of omissions (sinning by not doing something good you were supposed to do). In any case, I knocked on the manager’s door and walked in. One thing I have noticed about offices is that if you knock on the door, you walk in. It is embarrassing to find another meeting going uninvited. On the other hand, even if there was no other meeting going on, the owner of the office rarely yells out a “come in.”

To the manager, I explained my frustration. He explained that it was taking time (so he thought) to get the bank contact the signatories of the cheque I was carrying. I then explained that we had not even reached that stage. I had not presented the check as yet and that was what I was dying for. The officer explained that there was a problem with network or something like that.  Then he also said: “Did you have to come in here to tell me that.” I thanked him and left; for I knew I could not have any meaningful discussion with an individual who was misplaced in his job. I felt sorry for him. Going to work each day, but not enjoying it.

The post Banks that do not tick appeared first on The Nation Online.

By Dr Richard Thomas

The world is currently immersed in a poaching crisis: thousands of iconic wild animals are being killed for their body parts, often used for decoration, as food, as perceived medicines or simply for showing off. Increasingly organized criminal gangs are directly profiting from the supply of such goods, leading to criminalization of society, increased political instability and threatening the rule of law.

An estimated 25,000 elephants were poached in Africa for their ivory in 2011 alone, the majority of which was smuggled to Asia, fashioned into jewellery and trinkets and sold into a flourishing black market. South Africa’s rhinos are increasingly threatened by poaching and there are many more species currently facing an extermination crisis. Scaly anteaters found in Africa and Asia known as pangolins and the Tiger, in some ways Asia’s equivalent to Africa’s Lion, are now under threat owing to an insatiable demand from Asia’s medicine markets.

Given the unprecedented surge in poaching and associated criminal activity, one may feel powerless to take action. My own organization, TRAFFIC has just over one hundred staff worldwide, but they are equipped with unrivalled expertise in wildlife trade issues, and knowledge is key. For more than 40 years we have been presenting decision makers with hard evidence and sound advice to take action against illegal and / or unsustainable trade whilst supporting efforts to promote sustainable trade.

Since 1989 TRAFFIC has monitored the global illegal ivory trade on behalf of CITES: documenting and analysing every elephant product seizure worldwide. Today, it is an established fact that China is the world’s biggest market for illegal ivory, but it was TRAFFIC who first provided the evidence this was the case. Our analysis allows us to identify those countries of concern over their role in illegal ivory trade and present this evidence to CITES Parties for appropriate action to be taken.  Other examples of our work range from our dealings with the World Customs Organisation to stop abuse of transport and logistics networks by wildlife smugglers through to working in Asia to change consumption behaviour, thus reducing the demand that is driving the poaching.

Counteracting the global poaching crisis requires a concerted global response by all those impacted, together with high-level political commitment and will to drive the measures needed to ensure the criminal networks orchestrating the trafficking are brought down. All countries need to recognise that wildlife crime is serious and introduce and enforce appropriate penalties for those perpetrating it.

Source countries like Malawi that currently bear the brunt of the devastating impact on their wildlife need to stand firm and strengthen their enforcement response. There needs to be equally firm, co-ordinated actions to counteract every other link in the chain, from the freight companies to border defences in destination countries, who also need to dissuade consumers with appropriate messaging that using illegal wildlife products is not cool but socially unacceptable.

The world has perhaps not paid as much attention to Malawi as it should have in comparison to the likes of Tanzania and Zambia given their bigger, more celebrated wildlife populations. However Malawi boasts some amazing biodiversity that is currently at risk (to lose the Mulanje Cedar to logging would be a travesty).  Plus, the country is being exploited via its trade routes by wildlife traffickers and urgent action is needed, both at a local and national level as well as through international collaboration.

Over the past year, Malawi has taken its place on the international stage to counter illegal wildlife trafficking. For a start the illegal wildlife trade assessment will provide a much needed picture of the situation on the ground and the local and national challenges that await along the entire law enforcement chain.  There has been the formation of a new interagency committee to counter poaching, harsher sentences for poaching offences and a review of the law is underway.  These are all laudable measures and a demonstration of the country’s commitment. In 2014, Malawi was one of more than 50 countries who adopted the London Declaration on Illegal Wildlife Trade, an important part of the global anti-poaching response. Next month in Kasane, Botswana, countries will meet once more to review their progress in implementing the commitments made under that Declaration. Malawi will have much to report, but there is a long road ahead for all of us.

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Centre for the Development of People (Cedep) and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) have lobbied Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the removal of restrictive laws against minority groups such as homosexuals and sex workers.

The two CSOs, who have been in the forefront of fighting for minority rights, said such groups have the right to enjoy sexual and reproductive health.

Lunguzi: The issues are a taboo

Chairpersons and members of several parliamentary committees, among them on HIV and Aids, Health, Social Welfare and Legal Affairs, sought clarification on minority rights and their place in the country’s laws and policy frameworks. However, scepticism about their acceptance remained after the meeting.

Human rights lawyer Chrispin Sibande informed the MPs that lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders were entitled to enjoy human rights as enshrined in the Constitution, but a restrictive legal framework prevented this.

Sibande said there were corresponding criminal provisions in the country’s laws which prevented minority groups such as homosexuals and sex workers from enjoying their sexual and reproductive health rights.

Preliminary results from a study conducted last year indicates that there about 40 000 homosexuals in the country whose sexual and reproductive health rights are not suspended just because of their sexual orientation.

Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Juliana Lunguzi, said issues of homosexuals were taboo in Malawi’s society and urged their proponents to package the information in a way it can be well received.

But Parliamentary Women’s Caucus chairperson Jessie Kabwila said there should be no choice to be made to recognise the rights of people who choose to love differently from the majority.

CHRR executive director Timothy Mtambo said the organisations decided to engage the MPs at the end of their meeting in Lilongwe to remind them about the values embraced when Malawi attained multiparty democracy in 1994 so that the majority can protect the minority.

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Information and communication technology (ICT) experts have questioned the higher cost of upgrading the Consolidated ICT Regulatory Management System (Cirms), widely known as the ‘spy machine’, compared to the buying price.

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) bought the system from Agilis International Inc of United States of America in 2010 at $6 142 608 (about K2.8 billion) to improve regulatory monitoring functions in four key areas of quality of service, revenue assurance, fraud management and spectrum allocation and management.

Macra’s Silika explaining how the machine works

However, the machine could not be put to use since its purchase as Macra faced resistance, including court battles, with operators and some concerned citizens on the one hand.

The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal last September ruled that Macra can start using it, throwing out an application by two concerned citizens—Hophmally Makande and Eric Sabwera—who had argued that through the machine, Macra would be listening to people’s conversations and accessing the short message service (SMS), thereby infringing on people’s right to privacy.

But the Supreme Court held that the Communications Act gives Macra the powers to monitor activities of its licensees to fulfil its statutory obligations, including consumer protection.

In the wake of the court ruling, Macra re-engaged the supplier, Agilis International Inc, who recommended the upgrading of the Cirms’ hardware and software due to technical advancement. The supplier revised the contract price from $6 142 608 to $13 871 969 (about K6.2 billion), meaning that Macra will have to pay an extra $7 729 361 (about K3.4 billion), according to a report Macra presented to Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa during their meeting in Lilongwe on February 25 2015.

However, an ICT expert has questioned how the cost of the system could be less than that of upgrading. The expert has since appealed to Macra to come out openly on the issue.

The expert, who is familiar with software and hardware upgrades, said: “For Macra to claim that the upgrading is actually more expensive than the cost of the software raises more questions to me.”

The expert said from the Internet research he carried out, Malawi has the most expensive system in all sub-Saharan Africa countries.

Another ICT expert, Dereck Lakudzala, a senior ICT consultant with Bumas  International, wondered whether the system is the right size for Malawi’s  economy.

He said: “It is most likely designed for large economies with very large telecommunications and ICT sectors. In those economies, the values [of the systems] might constitute a very small fraction of what can be saved using the systems.

“It is, therefore, not easy to justify that cost in a developing economy like Malawi.”

Lakudzala also asked whether, with rapid changes in technology which would require upgrading systems, Malawi will continue paying such large sums of money every few years.

He said: “On the surface, the figure mentioned is colossal and without answers to the above questions, it suggests a compromise in procurement prudence if buying decisions are made on the basis of only what has been made public. This is a definite red flag in prudent TCO [total cost of ownership].”

But Macra deputy director general Francis Bisika defended the investment, describing it as satisfactory and relevant.

Said Bisika: “Yes, we are comfortable with the upgrading price because other suppliers were more expensive than that. When the system was being purchased, subscribers were two million, but now [there are] about 5 million.”

He also admitted that the software is the most expensive in the sub-Saharan Africa, but defended it on the basis that it does multipurpose work.

But the ICT expert dismissed Bisika’s claims saying the cheaper software in other countries also performs all the functions that he has mentioned.

Nankhumwa said on Thursday the decision to start using Cirms is expected to generate $3 million (about K1.35 billion) in annual revenue.

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Staff at Lilongwe City Council (LCC) yesterday boycotted work demanding salary increment and settlement of their two months arrears which the council had not paid for the months of January and February this year.

The workers also threatened to prolong the strike and block the city’s sewage system if the council does not honour their demands.

Lilongwe City Council staff block the entrance to civic offices

A representative of the striking staff, Weson James, said the council approved salary increments of 68 percent  for workers on grades M1 to M3 and 40 percent  for workers on M4 grade to ground workers last year but the new salaries have not been effected.

Said James: “The approval was done in October last year and we were told that we will start receiving revised salaries in January this year but that has not been done to date so we are demanding arrears for January and February as well as a written communication of the revised salary structure.”

A series of meetings have been taking place between council management and representatives of the staff union but the staff members said they could only resume work after settlement of their arrears and assurance of new salaries.

LCC public relations officer Tamara Chafunya said she could only comment after management and staff representatives arrive at one decision.

As early as 7.30am in the morning, the workers blocked all entrances to the council’s offices with tree branches. More drama occurred when some workers dressed as gulewamkulu started dancing right in front of the civic offices.

The situation attracted the attention of Lilongwe City Centre Member of Parliament (MP) David Bisnowaty who tried to talk to the workers only to be told to talk to management to meet the workers’ demands.

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Nkhata Bay District Martyrs Memorial Committee has called on government to take full charge of the memorial ceremony and grave site to ensure sustainability of the event and preservation of the graves

Nkhata Bay registered 31 deaths in the fight against colonial rule on March 3 1959. The fight was also aimed at pushing for the release of leaders of the Nyasaland African Congress (NAC) arrested during a state of emergency.

Nankhumwa

To appreciate the role the martyrs played in fighting for the country’s independence, Nkhata Bay District holds a memorial ceremony every year.

However, Nkhata Bay Martyrs Memorial Committee chairperson, Senior Chief Mkumbila, on Monday said it is high time government took over the ceremony and look into funding of the event.

He said the committee does not have the capacity to raise funds for the ceremony held every year.

This year the committee has only managed to raise K700 000 (US$1 556) but the budget was pegged at K1.5million (US$3 333).

Said Mkumbila “It is not on that we should be begging all the time. We want government to inherit this ceremony as part of its activities and be able to fund it”

The chief also said government has to look after the graves by clearing and maintaining the gravesite.

Nkhata Bay district commissioner Fred Movete said despite that the ceremony is being hosted by Nkhata Bay, there is need for all Malawians to support the event.

Said Movete: “If there is an event that led to independence of Malawi, it was this one. The biggest number of people killed was in Nkhata Bay. With that the whole country was mobilised,”

Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture KondwaniNankhumwa could not be reached for comment. However former president Joyce Banda during the 2013 celebrations said government needs to accord the March 3 martyrs and other fallen heroes a decent resting place if their souls are to rest in peace but this has yet to materialise.

This year’s function will be graced by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe.

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Director of Public Officers’ Declarations Chris Tukula says K55 million (US$122 222) is needed to complete the initial verification of all declared assets.

Speaking during the official launch of the public access to declaration yesterday, Tukula said declarations made are treated as public information and maybe accessible to members of the public upon application to the director.

Tukula

Said Tukula: “We will finish the whole process of the initial verification by June, and since it is not a completed process, we are hoping the money requested will be enough as it will also cater for consultancies if need be. Therefore, the general public should also note that public access to declaration is a legally sanctioned and internationally recognised practice which is widely accepted as a reasonable, necessary and justifiable public interest derogation of private interest in modern democratic governance.

“This practice, apart from enhancing the effectiveness of an asset declaration scheme, is also aimed at enlisting citizen, media and civil society participation in the oversight and scrutiny of governance and its officials. In turn, this promotes transparency and accountability and fosters public confidence in the integrity of the public service.”

He also said the directorate will bring to book all defaulters and that all new office-bearers will need to declare their assets within 90 days.

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Former Flames striker Russell Mwafulirwa fears that Gerald Phiri Jnr could be lost to Zimbabwe football if the national team selectors continue to ignore the Caps United Malawian attacking gem.

Mwafulirwa spoke highly about the 21-year-old after watching him score a double when Caps beat Silver Strikers 2-0 during a friendly match at Silver Stadium, where Flames coach Young Chimodzi was also in attendance,

Scored both Caps goals: Phiri Jnr

“He has the height, confidence and accuracy of passing and shooting. He just needs a little bit of stamina. If not the Flames, he must, before we lose him, be drafted into the Under-23 national team. Remember, we lost former Silver player Jimmy Ukonde [now Mozambican],” Mwafulirwa said when he approached The Nation.

Chimodzi’s familiar comment is that the Flames door is open to all deserving players, but has not called up Phiri and other players holed in leagues of Mozambique and Botswana.

Contacted yesterday, Chimodzi said Phiri has potential, “he showed that with two good goals and we will consider him for a call up”.

Standing at over 1.8 metres, Phiri has a close ball-control and can play on either wing with ease, can dribble and is good at set pieces. However, a lack of power on the ball remains his weakness.

Caps United assistant coach Brenna Msiska, who was in charge of the weakened Caps, hailed Phiri, compatriots George Nyirenda, who was captain of the day, and Ishmael Thindwa.

Nyirenda said he felt there was no need to impress Chimodzi as he knows the defender’s quality whereas Phiri, who has been to Poland and South Africa for trials, was not interested in the Flames’ talk.

“I always play well. But playing well does not change anything for me in respect of the Flames, so I gave up,” said Phiri who used to form a deadly attacking combination with Frank Gabadinho Mhango at Brave Warriors of Blantyre in 2010.

“At Caps, we now have a new coach [Mark Harrsion] and I hope to score more goals as he is now featuring me in a more central attacking role. I will be playing on the wings once in a while.”

The ex-Epac striker Thindwa struggled during the match and was substituted. Caps face Big Bullets for a Zambezi Challenge Cup match this Wednesday at the same venue.

Chimodzi felt Thindwa was not more involved in the game whereas Nyirenda, the coach noted, controlled Caps defence.

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The Zambezi Challenge Cup match between defending champions Caps United from Zimbabwe and Big Bullets that was slated for this afternoon at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe has been postponed.

Organising committee head Kelvin Moyo on Tuesday confirmed the postponement, saying it had been switched to Thursday after Bullets communicated that due to logistics beyond their control, they could not fulfil the fixture today.

“So, it has been agreed that the match should be played on Thursday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre,” said Moyo.

He, however, said the development will cost them a lot in terms of expenses and they have asked government and FAM to consider providing a waiver.

Bullets general secretary Harold Fote confirmed that they had decided against playing the match on Martyrs’ Day after being advised accordingly by higher authorities, whom he declined to mention.

PS for Youth and Sports Justin Saidi said he needed to check before commenting on the matter.

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It is now official. Four Sulom candidates, including incumbent president Innocent Bottoman, are to be ushered in unopposed when the flagship football league governing body goes to the polls next Saturday.

Apart from Bottoman, who has no challenger in the quest for another four-year term at the helm of the Super League of Malawi (Sulom), treasurer Tiya Somba-Banda and vice-general secretary Thokozani Chazema are also set to be re-elected unopposed at the polls slated for Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima.

Going unopposed: Innocent Bottoman

According to Somba-Banda, Gilbert Mittawa is also set to have a stroll in the park as he has no challenger for the position of legal adviser.

Somba-Banda confirmed on Tuesday that Sulom has since closed receiving nominations, whose deadline was Saturday.

While Bottoman is set to go unopposed, the post of vice-president has attracted three contestants namely Gift Mkandawire, who is an executive member in the incumbent committee, Daud Suleman and Gregory Madeya.

The position of general secretary has attracted two contestants, the incumbent Williams Banda and Silver Strikers GS Mike Tembo.

There are 13 aspirants eyeing five executive member positions. These are Charles Manyungwa, Willy Phalula, Alfred Lungu, Dave Gondwe, Owen Munthali, Nelson Ngalonde, a Mwase, Korfball new president Zalhuso (L) and Makawa (R) after results were anounced Godfrey Makawano, Aggrey Khonje, Lyson Gowa-Banda, Kazizwa Banda, Willard Josaya and Geoffrey Tamutamu.

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Lawrence Majawa and Zicco Mkanda’s clubs in Botswana and Mozambique respectively have exited the 2015 CAF Champions League after losing the preliminary round second legs on Saturday.

Mkanda played for Liga Desportivo de Maputo as they lost 1-2 in Rwanda to APR who had managed a goalless draw in the first-leg in Mozambique.

Rwanda Times newspaper reports that Jean-Baptiste Mugiraneza netted a superb volley in the 82nd minute to guide APR to a 2-1 victory at the Amahoro Stadium.

In Gaborone, Majawa played for Township Rollers as they lost 0-1 to Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa at the National Stadium with Siyabonga Nkosi scoring on the 27th minute.

Chiefs, who won 2-1 in the first-leg played in Johannesburg, now proceed to the first-round where they will face the winner of the tie between Raja Casablanca of Morocco and Congo-Brazzaville side Diables.

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