Monday 9 December 2013

US President Obama is close to land in South Africa

Almost 70 heads of state and 10 former heads of state are expected to  arrive  in South Africa to pay their respects to former president Nelson Mandela.  

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation the  world leaders will travel with their own security detail but will have to work closely with local authorities. 

“Its like the whole world is literally coming to South Africa because the department is even  expecting the number to grow'.

 said  Department of International Relations spokesperson  Clayson Monyela 

The world's major organisations such as the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the World Bank will also be represented.

Apparently President Obama and the US delegation is close to AFB Waterkloof. a handful of buses are parked in the airbase parking lot and Tshwane Metro Cops have been posted to the exit intersection.


Air Force officials arming themselves with weed-eaters to neaten up AFB entrance.



FNB STADIUM

Serious logistical plans have been put in place for tomorrow's memorial at the FNB Stadium.

City of Johannesburg’s executive director of transport Lisa Seftel says roads around the stadium have already been cordoned off.

The Department of International Relations said it is hard at work preparing for the service which is expected to be among the largest gatherings of world leaders in history.

This follows a weekend which saw South Africans flocking to various places of worship to share in a day of prayer and reflection for Madiba. 


Friday 6 December 2013

Obama to attend Mandela funeral services

US President Barak  Obama will travel to South Africa next week to attend the funeral service  of world icon Nelson Mandela, the White House said Friday.
"President Obama and the First Lady will go to South Africa next week to pay their respects to the memory of Nelson Mandela and to participate in memorial events," said White House spokesman Jay Carney.
However Carney did not could not disclose whether  Obama would attend a large memorial service on Dec. 10 or a private burial service on Dec. 15, or both.
"We'll have further updates on timing and logistics as they become available," Carney said.
The services are included in a ten-day mourning period in South Africa, where Mandela waged a successful battle against the country's apartheid government and became its first black president.
Obama has directed that American flags be lowered to half-staff through Monday in honor of the freedom fighter who died Thursday at age 95.
In a brief eulogy on Thursday, Obama -- the first African-American president in U.S. history -- said that "I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela's life."
Obama issued a written proclamation saying that "the United States has lost a close friend, South Africa has lost an incomparable liberator, and the world has lost an inspiration for freedom, justice, and human dignity -- Nelson Mandela is no longer with us, he belongs to the ages."
Mandela "transformed South Africa -- and moved the entire world," Obama wrote. "His journey from a prisoner to a President embodied the promise that human beings -- and countries -- can change for the better."
The resolution said: "While we mourn his loss, we will forever honor Nelson Mandela's memory. He left behind a South Africa that is free."

Staement on the Arrangements for the laying to rest of former President Nelson Mandela


Compatriots and friends around the world,
We meet on the second day of the passing of our beloved founding President of a free and democratic South Africa, His Excellency Nelson Mandela.
We sincerely thank all South Africans for the dignified manner in which they have responded to the monumental loss of this international icon who was a symbol of reconciliation, unity, love, human rights and justice in our country and the world.
We thank the Heads of State and Government, international organisations and eminent persons around the world who continue to send messages of condolence and support to the family and all South Africans.
We announced yesterday that the Former President will be accorded a State Funeral. He will be laid to rest on the 15th of December, in Qunu in the Eastern Cape province.
We should all work together to organise the most befitting funeral for this outstanding son of our country and the father of our young nation.

We have declared Sunday, 8th of December as a national day of prayer and reflection.
We call upon all our people to gather in halls, churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and in their homes for prayer services and meditation, reflecting on the life of Madiba and his contribution to our country and the world.
The main activities of the national week of mourning are as follows;
The official memorial service will be held on the 10th of December at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
From the 11th to the 13th of December, the remains of our beloved Madiba will lie in state at the seat of government, the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he served as the first President of this young democracy. During these days, official memorial services will also be held in all provinces and regions.
Once again we thank all South Africans for the dignity, respect and the support that has been provided to the Mandela family, from the period of Madiba's illness to his eventual passing.
The outpouring of love that we experienced locally and abroad was unprecedented.
It demonstrates the calibre of leader that was Madiba.
We will always love Madiba for teaching us that it is possible to overcome hatred and anger in order to build a new nation and a new society.
We will spend the week mourning his passing.
We will also spend it celebrating a life well lived, a life that we must all emulate for the betterment of our country and Africa.

Obituary: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013

It is with deep sadness that the Government has learnt of the passing of the father of South Africa’s democracy – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela on 5 December 2013.

He passed on peacefully in the company of his family around 20h50 on the 5th of December 2013.
The man who was to become one of the world's greatest icons was born in Mvezo, Transkei on 18 July 1918, to Nongaphi Nosekeni and Henry Gadla Mandela. His father was the key counsellor/advisor to the Thembu royal house.

After his father's death in 1927, the young Rolihlahla became the ward of Chief Jongintaba Dalindyebo, the acting regent of the Thembu nation.

 It was at the Thembu royal homestead that his personality, values and political views were shaped. There can be no doubt that the young man went on to bring about some of the most significant and remarkable changes in South African history and politics.

It is through Mandela that the world cast its eyes on South Africa and took notice of the severe and organized repression of black South Africans. 

Yet it was also through Mandela that the world would learn the spirit of endurance, the triumph of forgiveness and the beauty of reconciliation. Indeed, the story of Nelson Mandela is so much the story of South Africa.

When he was only 25 years old, Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress. His political career would span decades more – as he himself said: "The struggle is my life." The young Mandela also qualified and practiced as a lawyer.

Together with Oliver Tambo he opened the first black legal practice in Johannesburg.
Mandela married Evelyn Nomathamsanqa Mase in 1945.

 They were married for fourteen years and had four children: Thembekile (1946), Makaziwe (1947), who died at nine months, Makgatho (1951) and Makaziwe (1954). The couple divorced in 1958.

He was instrumental in the formation of the radical African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the 1940s which was determined to change the face of politics. 

Mandela was elected the league's National Secretary in 1948 and President in 1952.
Much of the years that followed saw Mandela deeply involved in activism, rallying for political change against the increasingly aggressive apartheid government.

 He was a key player in the ANC's Campaign for the Defiance of Unjust Laws in 1952 and the Treason Trial in 1961.

 During this time he was incarcerated several times under the apartheid laws and banned from political activity.

 Realising that the ANC needed to prepare for more intensive struggle, he became an instrumental force behind the formation of a new section of the liberation movement, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), as an armed nucleus with a view to preparing for armed struggle.

 Mandela was commander in chief of MK.
On 14 June 1958 Nelson and Winnie Madikizela were married at a local Bizana church. They had two children, Zenani (1958) Zindziswa (1960). In April 1992 they were separated and finally divorced in 1996.

He left the country in 1962 and traveled abroad to arrange guerilla training for members of Umkhonto weSizwe.

 On his return to South Africa he was arrested for illegal exiting the country and incitement to strike. Mandela decided to represent himself in court.

While on trial, Mandela was charged with sabotage in the Rivonia Trial. This is his famous statement from the dock made in 1964: "I have fought against White domination, and I have fought against Black domination.

 I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

 It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

In the same year Mandela and the other accused were sentenced to life imprisonment in the Rivonia Trial and sent to Robben Island, near Cape Town. 

While in prison, Mandela rejected offers made by his jailers to be released on condition that he renounced violence. "Prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Only free men can negotiate," he said. He served a total of 27 years in prison for his conviction to fight apartheid and its injustices.


Released on 11 February 1990, Mandela plunged wholeheartedly into his life's work, striving to attain the goals he and others had set out almost four decades earlier.

 In 1991, at the first national conference of the ANC held inside South Africa after being banned for decades, Nelson Mandela was elected President of the ANC while his lifelong friend and colleague, Oliver Tambo, became the organisation's National Chairperson.

In a life that symbolises the triumph of the human spirit, Nelson Mandela accepted the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize (along with FW de Klerk) on behalf of all South Africans who suffered and sacrificed so much to bring peace to our land.

The era of apartheid formally came to an end on the April 27, 1994, when Nelson Mandela voted for the first time in his life – along with his people. However, long before that date it had become clear, even before the start of negotiations at the World Trade Centre in Kempton Park, that the ANC was increasingly charting the future of South Africa.

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was inaugurated as President of a democratic South Africa on 10 May 1994.
This world icon worked tirelessly even after the achievement of democracy in South Africa to continue improving lives. 

Even as he retired from politics, his attention shifted to social issues such as HIV and AIDs and the wellbeing of the nation's children. 

As a testimony to his sharp political intellect, wisdom and unrelenting commitment to make the world a better place, Mandela formed the prestigious group called The Elders – an independent group of eminent global leaders, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.
Mr Mandela is survived by his wife Graça, three daughters and 18 grandchildren.

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Conflicting reports on Mandela's health

Malawi High Commission in South Africa has dismissed reports that its citizens are stuck at the Lindela Repatriation Center  in South Africa after being arrested for illegally staying in the country.

The High Commission  was reacting to story which was broadcasted by the local  radio station ZBS that ABOUT 600 Malawians are stuck at Lindela Camp awaiting repatriation.

In reacting to the news the High Commission  official a Mr. Makumba  Malawi government  in connection with the Ministry of Home Affairs in South Africa are doing their level best to speed up the deportation process.

Makumba alleged that all Malawians being held at the Lindela Repatriation Center  are well taken care by the South Africa government  and the deportation process is in progress.

He further  said currently there close to 961 Malawians awaiting to be deported by the end of this month 
“  In total they were 961 Malawians waiting to be deported and from the month of  November South Africa government has deported   300 out of the 961” said Makumba  

Responding to the question as to what the Malawi government is doing to speed up the deportation process Makumba   said according to the law   it is the South African government which is mandated to transport  the illegal immigrants and the embassy only focus on humanitarian issues to make sure that  its citizens are well taken care.

He further disclosed that compared to last year few  Malawians have been deported  in 2013.

“ Last year all most 3000 Malawians were deported in South Africa by the month of December but only 961 has been deported this year.” Makumba said

He said currently the South Africa government is waiting for funds to finalize the deportation of remaining 661.  
Thousand of Malawians flock to South Africa searching for greener pastures and currently neither Malawi government nor South Africa have the proper figure as to how many Malawians are residing in South Africa  

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Mandela grave tampering charges dropped

South Africa National Prosecuting Authority  on Tuesday dropped  two charges against former president Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela.
NPA spokesperson  Luxolo Tyali said  on Tuesday that these related to alleged bigamy and grave tampering.
“Both cases were submitted to us a long time ago. We looked at the dockets and referred them back to the police for further investigation.”
When the dockets were returned, the NPA considered them and found there was insufficient evidence that would be admissible in court, Tyali said.
In July, 16 members of the Mandela family laid charges against Mandla Mandela after he admitted to exhuming the graves two years ago.
The remains were those of former president Nelson Mandela's eldest son Madiba Thembekile, who died in a car accident in 1969; Mandla Mandela's father Makgatho Mandela, who died in 2005; and Mandela's first daughter Makaziwe Mandela, who died as an infant in 1948.
On July 3, the three sets of remains were exhumed from Mandla Mandela's home village of Mvezo, in accordance with a court order, and reburied at Nelson Mandela's home in Qunu the following day.
The second matter arose in December 2011 when the Mvezo chief's first wife Thando Mabuna-Mandela laid a charge of bigamy against Mandla Mandela.
This was after he defied a court order not to marry a Pietermaritzburg woman Mbali Makhathini. The pair began divorce proceedings in 2008, after marrying in community of property in 2004.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Mandla Mandela's lawyers began legal proceedings against him to recover unpaid fees of almost R500 000.
Randall Titus & Associates Attorneys would no longer represent Mandla Mandela and court documents revealed that the firm was demanding R467 400 and interest of 15.5 percent.
The fees were reportedly for the period between May last year and May 2013.

Monday 18 November 2013

President Zuma visits former President Mandela. STATEMENT

18 November 2013

President Jacob Zuma has this morning, 18 November 2013, visited former President Nelson Mandela at home in Houghton, where he continues to recover.
The health of the former President remains much the same as it was when President Zuma last visited him, which is stable but critical while Madiba continues to respond to treatment.
President Zuma conveyed the well wishes of all South Africans and those of the peoples of the world to the Mandela family and assured them that nations are united in their thoughts and prayers for him. In addition, President Zuma expressed the good wishes of the leaders of the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting (CHOGM) from which he returned last night.

The President used the opportunity to personally present Madiba with the Lifetime Award for Global Peace from the Mahathir Global Peace Foundation which he received on his behalf in Malaysia. President Zuma also informed Madiba that he was looking forward to officially opening the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory Public Facility and the Permanent Exhibition on the Life and Times of Nelson Mandela in Houghton later tonight.

Zuma visits Mandela Houghton home


Presidency confirms that South Africa president Jacob Zuma visited Nelson Mandela this morning at his Houghton home

The visit comes amidst reports that the world icon is still is still in a critical condition and he's unable to speak, but usus facial expressions to communicate 

Mandela's  former wife  , Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, told to the local media that the 95-year-old remained "quite ill", but she dismissed speculation that he was on a life support machine.

Nelson Mandela is no longer talking "because of all the tubes that are in his mouth to clear [fluid from] the lungs", Ms. Madikizela-Mandela told South Africa's Sunday Independent newspaper.

"He can't actually articulate anything. He communicates with the face, you see. But the doctors have told us they hope to recover his voice.

 "I have heard this nonsense that he is on life support - he is not."It is difficult for him. He remains very sensitive to any germs, so he has to be kept literally sterile. The bedroom there is like an ICU [intensive care unit] ward," she told.

In September Mandela returned home after nearly three months in hospital with a recurring lung infection. 

The government has said his condition is critical and sometimes unstable. The South African presidency has been keen to reassure not just the Mandela family but the nation that he is no more vulnerable at home than in hospital. It has called for Mr. Mandela's privacy and dignity to be respected.

Nelson Mandela has been receiving intensive care at his home in a suburb of Johannesburg, which has been specially adapted for his care. 

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is revered around the world for leading the fight against white minority rule and preaching reconciliation with the white community despite being imprisoned for 27 years.

Friday 8 November 2013

Malawi top lawyer arrested with conspiracy to murder

Malawi police have arrested former Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara, National police deputy spokesperson Kelvin Maigwa has confirmed.
Police spokesperson  Maigwa told local media that  Kasambara was arrested as “a suspect in the shooting of Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo.”
The arrest  comes amidst the withhold of finacial aid by one of the country's major donor Britain.
Recently British High Commissioner Michael Nevin announced that it has withold £27 million of financial aid to Malawi following its disappointment in the looting and plundering of public funds at Capital Hill.
Nevin told Journalist in the capital Lilongwe that the amount would be part of about £115 million of annual aid pakage for Malawi
Malawi President Joyce Banda last month axed Kasambara in a cabinet reshuffle beside former Finance Minister Ken Lipenga, former Labour Minister Eunice Makangala and Minister of Disability and the Elderly Reen Kachere.
Police were yet to officially come out with the charges against Kasambara

Wednesday 23 October 2013

South Africa Government send an envoy to apologies to Malawi

South Africa deputy International Relations Minister Marius Fransman is expected to meet Malawian President Joyce Banda today to try smother the flames between South Africa and Malawi.RELATED STORIES

The meeting follows President Jacob Zuma’s comment that was seen by many as a diplomatic gaffe

“We can't think like Africans in Africa, generally. We are in Johannesburg. This is Johannesburg. It's not some national road in Malawi,” said Zuma as he tried to defend e-tolling in Gauteng.
Zuma's spokesperson, Mac Maharaj, has apologised on his behalf, saying Zuma was misunderstood.
International Relations minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane had to field questions about Zuma’s comment while hosting her Nigerian counterpart on Wednesday.
“We cannot be proud of Sandton, Sandhurst and Midrand. We want to create more of such hubs in Niger, in Malawi and many. 
"It's not only about words. Where does president Zuma spend most of his time not in South Africa? On the continent, talking issues development in practice,” said Mashabane.
But in a telephone intervie International Relations spokesperson Cleyson Monyela denied the deputy such a development saying Fransman visisted Malawi to attend a SADC meeting  
" I don't know where you got this but what I know is that the deputy minister is in Malawi to attend a SADC meeting and not to discuss Zuma's remarks" said Monyela

Tuesday 22 October 2013

MPHWIYO IMPLICATED IN CASH-GATE SCANDAL

 Leonard kalonga appeared before the acb for a recorded interviewon friday. where he heavily implicated Paul Mphwiyo on the cash-gate saga.

 Leonard told the ACB that it is mphwiyo who approached him to find companies that they could use to siphon out money.

He confessed that he  found the companies and disclosed that money was being siphoned out as a syndicate . He said Mphwiyo gave him the pin codes to ifms .

 ACB is expected to use the recorded revelation in court.


Presidency backed Zuma for insulting Malawi


 The South Africa government has backed its president, Jacob Zuma, for referring to Malawi as one of the poorest nations with bad roads infrastructure in Africa.

The presidency claimed on Tuesday said President Jacob Zuma’s remarks on Gauteng e-tolls were distorted by the media.

Zuma on Monday evening said, “We can’t think like Africans in Africa generally. We’re in Johannesburg, this is Johannesburg. It’s not some national road in Malawi.”

Zuma made the comments at the Gauteng ANC Manifesto Forum at the University of the Witwatersrand in the commercial city of  Johannesburg.

Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj defended the address.

 In a telephone interview  presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj  clarified Zuma's remarks by  saying   what the president means is that Gauteng roads can’t be compared to roads in other countries or towns.

“The words have regrettably been taken out of context and blown completely out of proportion.”
Maharaj says Zuma means comparisons shouldn’t be made as Gauteng is “the heartbeat of South Africa’s economy.”

“The remarks were made in the broader context of South Africa.”

Zuma defended e-tolls, saying Gauteng motorists should bear the brunt of the extra costs necessary to keep the province running.

“The roads are to be tolled to pay back the money we borrowed to build the freeways – to make the economy flow in Johannesburg.”

Friday 18 October 2013

MANDELA IS A FIGHTER - ZUMA


South African President Jacob Zuma has  described the world icon  Nelson Mandela as a “fighter” whose health was showing sings of improvement in an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24 on Friday.

Zuma made the remarks in an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24 TV network on Friday.

“He's a fighter. I think even the doctors admitted he is a born fighter because I think he has been able really to fight as he has done and really to a stage where you are able to see progress,” Zuma told the TV network in the capital of Pretoria.

“(Mandela) does things other people could not do, and I think even the doctors admit that he is an amazing kind of man,” added Zuma.

Almost 15 years after Mandela left the country’s highest office, Zuma has established control over the African National Congress and South Africa’s political landscape, despite drawing criticism over alleged authoritarianism and corruption.

Thursday 17 October 2013

MPHWIYO UNDER PROTECTIVE CUSTODY


Shot treasury budget director Paul Mphwiyo has been pressed on protective custody pending the ongoing investigation on his shooting and casegate saga.

Recently Malawi president Joyce Banda told the nation that Mphwiyo will recover quickly and he will help to give answers as to what has been going on at Capital Hill

This comes amidst reports that most suspects in the cash-gate saga are trying their level best to interfere with the investigations.

An inside government source who chose not to be named for security reasons revealed that Mphwiyo is being protected by a team of Malawi police officers who are working together with their South African counterparts.

" He is withing Gauteng and he is being protected by a special team of Malawi police officers with a help from the South African police service". said the source

However the source could not disclosed the particular area where he is being kept saying only the police are aware of the place.

In an a Telephone interview South African police national spokesperson Lieutenant General Makgale confirmed South Africa government is helping Malawi to provide security to Mphwiyo saying he is in a safe place.

However Makgale could not give more details on the issue

"What I can say is that the South Africa police is fully in control of the matter," said Makgale without shedding more lights on the issue.

However when Malawi police spokesperson Rhoda Manjolo was questioned on the issue she demanded a questioner but could not respond as we went to press.




Tuesday 15 October 2013

New Malawi Cabinet List

Malawi president Joyce Banda has announced her new Cabinet; Ken Lipenga, Ralph Kasambara, Eunice Kazembe and Reen Kachere dropped.

Below is the new cabinet list.

1. Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi, Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force and the Malawi Police Service, Minister Responsible for Statutory Corporations, Civil Service Administration, Nutrition, HIV and AIDS, National Registration Programme, and the Green Belt Initiative.

2. Right Honourable Khumbo Kachali, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi and Responsible for National Relief and Disaster Management,National Public Events Office, Central Government Stores, and Department of Printing Services. 

3. Honourable Sosten Gwengwe, M.P. – Minister of Industry and Trade

4. Honourable Dr. Maxwell Mkwezalamba, - Minister of Finance

5. Honourable Fahad Assani – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs

6. Honourable Mrs. Catherine Gotani Hara, M.P. - Minister of Health

7. Honourable Mohammed Sidik Mia, M.P. – Minister of Transport and Public Works

8. Honourable Ephraim Mganda Chiume, M.P. - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

9. Honourable Henry Duncan Phoya, SC, M.P. Minister of Lands and Housing

10. Honourable Mrs. Eunice Kazembe, M.P. Minister in the Office of the President and Cabinet Responsible for Good Governance

11.Honourable Mrs. Anita Kalinde, M.P. Minister of Water Development and Irrigation

12.Honourable Ken Edward Kandodo, M.P. – Minister of Defence

13.Honourable Uladi Mussa, M.P. - Minister of Home Affairs 

14.Honourable Mrs. Halima Daud, M.P. - Minister of Environment and Climate Change Management 

15.Honourable Enock Chakufwa K. Chihana, M.P. – Minister of Youth and Sports

16.Honourable Ralph Pachalo Jooma, M.P. – Minister of Economic Planning and Development

17.Honourable Grace Maseko, M.P. - Minister of Labour

18.Honourable Mrs. Rachel Patience Mazombwe Zulu, M.P. – Minister of Local Government and Rural Development

19.Honourable Dr. James Munthali - Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

20.Honourable Mary Clara Makungwa - - Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare

21.Honourable Moses Kunkuyu Kalongashawa, M.P. – Minister of Tourism and Culture

22.Honourable John Bande, M.P. – Minister of Mining 

23.Honourable Ibrahim Matola, M.P. - Minister of Energy 

24.Honourable Brown Mpinganjira, – Minister of Information and Civic Education

25.Honourable Dr. Lucious Kanyumba, M.P., – Minister of Education, Science and Technology

26.Honourable Ms. Rachel Kachaje, - Minister of Disability and Elderly Affairs 

27.Honourable Jermoth Ulemu Chilapondwa, M.P. – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

28.Honourable Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda, M.P. – Deputy Minister of Finance

29.Honourable Godfrey Jeff Kamanya, M.P. – Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development

30.Honourable Ephraim Abel Kayembe, M.P. – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

31.Honourable Chikumbutso John Hiwa, M.P. - Deputy Minister of Health

32. Honourable Agnes Mandevu Chatipwa M.P. – Deputy Minister of Education

Malawi President Joyce Banda axed 2 influential ministers.

With an aim to restore confidence among Malawians and the donor community Malawi President Joyce Banda has made a  crucial decision to fire two of her influential ministers following the recent increase of  corruption in Malawi government.


Amid mounting reports that some of her cabinet ministers were lining their pockets from state coffers in a country heavily reliant on foreign aid, Banda late Thursday made a surprise move by dissolving her entire 25 ministers packing.

Earlier today Banda appointed a new Cabinet where Minister of finance Ken Lipenga and  minister of Justice Ralph Kasambara were among the influential ministers which were shown the exit.

Banda also booted two female ministers Eunice Makangal and Reen Kachere
She therefore hired one of the country top lawyer  Fahad Assani  as minister of Justice, Dr Mawell Mkwezalamba  as minister of Finance, Mary Clara Makungwa minister of Gender, Luscious Kanyumba as minister of  Education and Rachel Kachaje as a minister of Disability Affairs.

The decision to dissolve her recent cabinet  came just hours after the European Union, one of the key donors to Malawi's budget, warned it would withhold its 29 million euro ($39 million) scheduled payout due in December until the authorities proved they were convincingly dealing with corruption.


I want to meet Mandela - Oprah Winfrey

The American  talk show host Oprah Winfrey came out to say that she would really like to visit ailing former president Nelson Mandela but respects the family's decision to grant him privacy during this difficult time.

Winfrey, who is in South Africa  wished the world icon a speedy recovery saying she prays for Madiba’s recovery every day.

"There was a time in July when he went to hospital again that I along with everybody was holding my breath and was relieved to find that he was able to go home".

Winfrey however  says that she does not have plans to visit because when President Barack Obama was in the country he was not allowed to visit the former president.

"I assumed that I would not be allowed to him but I will check in with Graca Machel before I leave though".

Winfrey has also brought with her a team of motivational experts to engage South African women of all ages on a positive mental attitude

Friday 11 October 2013

JOYCE BANDA DID VISIT MPHWIYO - HOSPITAL OFFICIAL

In a black Mercedes Benz registration number N 43 GP Malawi president Joyce Banda was spotted being driven inside the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg where treasury  budget director  Paul Mphwiyo was admitted  after being shot some weeks ago at his house in the capital Lilongwe.

But  Banda recently denied visiting Mphwiyo at the hospital by claiming that she traveled to South Africa to visit one of her minister Eunice Kazembe who is receiving medical treatment in the country.

The Mercedes Benz  used while going to Milpark was also captured at Southern Hotel in Pretoria where she was sleeping .
However speaking in a telephone interview Milpark hospital manager Antom Tillis confirmed that Banda did visit the hospital but he could not give more details as to why Banda did visit the hospital saying as the hospital they do respect patients confidentiality.

" As a matter of principal we are not in a position to discuss our patients or who visits them with anyone other than the patient themselves. We are ethically obliged to respect our patients confidentiality" said Tillis

However the same vehicle which took Banda at the O.R Tambo airport was the same car which was spotted at Milpark hospital and where she was residing  at Southern Sun Hotel in Pretoria.





Malawi President Joyce Banda Dissolves Cabinet

Malawi President Joyce Banda has dissolved her cabinet effective Thursday, October 10, 2013.
The development comes a few hours after she met the ministers on Thursday.
This comes amidst  pressure and calls from development partners, civil society organisations and the media that the president act on the continued looting and plundering of public resources.
According to a statement issued by State House Presidential Secretary Steve Nhlane whose copy Zodiak Online possesses, the decision is in line with the powers vested to the president by the constitution.
The statement said the President will announce a new Cabinet in due course.
“All ministerial matters will revert to the Presidency through Controlling Officers. Her Excellency the President will announce a new Cabinet in due course,” reads part of the statement.
The decision is in exercise of the powers conferred upon her by Section 94 (1) and Section 95 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, has today, 10th October 2013, dissolved Cabinet,” reads part of the statement.
Meanwhile a political analyst Dr. Henry Chingaipe says the dissolution of cabinet will give the president time to reflect on the scandal of public resource plunder.
He also advised that Dr. Ken Lipenga “be moved to another ministry if he is to be appointed into the cabinet again”.
A law expert, Associate Professor Edge Kanyongolo of Chancellor College says there is no legal requirement on when the president should appoint a new cabinet.
“There is no law that stipulates when the president should appoint a new cabinet but sooner is better

Civil Sosiety calls Malawi president to resign

The Malawi  civil society are demanding for the head of   President Joyce Banda  saying her administration has failed Malawians following reports of massive plundering of resources by government officers.


The call was made by the Consumer Association of Malawi Speaking following the increase of corruption in the country.

 CAMA Executive Director Mr. John Kapito maintained that the  mass demonstrations against looting of government resources, ‘Capitol Hill shut down’-will proceed as planned on October 10.
CAMA’s Kapito said, “President Joyce Banda has failed to provide oversight leadership on the management of the government affairs since she took office because she has been rarely found in her office other than the many foreign and local travels that she continues to undertake in the name of development when actual fact they are just a drain on the tax payers.”
According to CAMA, President Banda’s failure to provide leadership in the current economic crisis has ‘blown up’ in her face where everybody has decided to join her plundering the economy through theft and corrupt practices taking advantage of her weak leadership.
Kapito said, “The march will take place on 10th October and it will start from Parliament round-about up to Capitol Hill where they are going to present a petition to the chief secretary in the office of president and Cabinet Hawa Ndilowe.”
The CAMA petition to be presented to the chief secretary on 10th October is calling on the immediate removal of the current minister of finance and the entire cabinet to pave way for unimpeded investigations at the treasury and all the government ministries and departments.
CAMA is also calling upon the head of state to call for early elections, and that a forensic audit of all government ministries and departments by a firm independent of government and of international repute. 

SOURCE ZBS

Tuesday 8 October 2013

Joyce Banda visits Mphwiyo's hospital

President Joyce Banda visited shot treasury budget director Paul Mphwiyo on Tuesday at the Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg South Africa while she was coming from the United State of America where.
This visitation comes amidst calls from Malawian citizens, political and civil society for Banda to return home and address the looting of public resources at Capital Hill
Banda who jetted at O.R Tambo international airport in Johannesburg drove straight to the Milpark hospital in Johannesburg and spend close to four hours in the hospital.
However the press were not allowed to enter in the hospital saying the visit was private and confidential.
Speaking in a telephone interview Malawi embassy health attach Nedson Fosiko confirmed the presidential visit but denied to shed more lights on the issue by directing the reporter to speak to Malawi ambassador Stella Ndau.
" According to protocol I am not allowed to comment on that since all the issues regarding the presidency are always handled by the high commissioner herself" said Fosiko
However Ndau could not be reached on her cell number as her mobile phone was answered by her driver who said her boss was in a meeting.
" The owner of the phone is in meeting and she can not be able to pick up your phone" said the ambassadors driver
However commenting on Mphwiyo's current health condition Fosiko said the budget director is in a good condition and is expected to be discharge from the hospital anytime from today.
" He has improved well and the doctors who were observing him have recommended that he can be discharge and treated as an out patient" said Fosiko
When asked as to when Mphwiyo is expected to be released Fosiko said currently he is waiting for a final report from the doctor which indicate the particular date Mphwiyo will be released.
" I will meet with the doctors tomorrow ( Today) where they are expected to give us the final brief as to when he should be discharged but they are well impressed with his condition and they have recommended that he can be treated as an out patient." said Fosiko
Mphwiyo is now in the general ward after being from the ICU where surgical doctors removed four bullets from his body and reconstruct his jaws which was badly damaged. he is now able to talk and walk.
However despite his condition there is still tight security at the Milpark hospital


Friday 4 October 2013

Paul Mphwiyo wanted by ACB

Shot Malawi treasury budget direct Paul Mphwiyo is among the eight civil servants from the ministry of Finance being hunted by the Malawi Anti-Corruption Bureau on corruption charges and fraud. According to a source within the bureau the ACB have issued 8 warrants of arrest where by Mphwiyo's name and his deputy has appered on the list. The others nortable names which have appered on the list includes the ruling People's Party (PP) director of political affairs Ephraim Chivunde and Oswald Lutepo. The others others have not yet been disclosed reports indicates that they're withing the ministry of financefrom min of finance. According to the sources it has revealed that Ephraim chivunde have been implicated as the one who twisted the Mphwiyo saga and implicated one of the Top lawyers Wapona Kita and Minister of Justice Ralph Kasambara . The source further revealed that Chivunde is a sworn enemy of Kasambara and has reported several things about ralph to president Joyce Banda.