In Malawi,the effort to pass the national budget for next year has stalled. The problem is caused in part by opposition legislators. They say before the budget is passed, they want the dismissal of members of Parliament who have violated Section 65 of the Constitution. That section forbids members of Parliament from changing party affiliation. So far, scores of opposition members have joined the party of President Bingu Wa Mutharika. From Blantyre, reporter Lameck Masina has the story.
The Supreme Court says the speaker of the Parliament has the power to expel lawmakers who change their party affiliation. So far, 60 members of the opposition United Democratic Front and Malawi Congress Party have defected to President Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, which has 80 members in Parliament, while the opposition has 110.
Mr. Mutharika says the opposition wants to impeach him. He says they want to use Section 65 to dismiss the legislators who left the opposition to join the president’s party.
That would give them the two-third majority needed to impeach the president.
“You will agree with me," the president told the press," that the opposition does not want to approve the budget. Instead, they want to apply section 65 to bring down this government. The opposition is trying to take over the government through the back door. This can not and will not be allowed.”
The opposition dismisses the allegation and says it’s upholding the rule of law. It has tried before to impeach the president for abuse of power but says there’s no need to bring the government down now. They say the voters can do that in next year’s presidential and parliamentary elections, which they are confident of winning.
During last year’s budget meetings, MPs spent more than four months wrangling over which issue to deal with first – the renegade legislators or the budget. They agreed to begin with the budget, but after it was passed, the president ended the meetings. This time around, the opposition parties say they will not be fooled again.
Bakili Muluzi is the Malawi’s former president and leader of the opposition UDF.
“As chairman of this partyand as presidential candidate of this party, UDF,," he said, "I am saying: No Section 65, no budget.”
In late June, President Mutharika suspended the Parliament in an effort, he says, to bring sanity to the body. The suspension led to mediation efforts by the clergy aimed at finding a solution to the impasse.
But the opposition and ruling party have not signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) issued by the mediators, which contains possible solutions to the problem.
The mediators are led by Roman Catholic Archbishop Tarcizious Ziyaye. They propose that both issues be discussed at the same time. The mediators also suggest that the government help lift a court injunction obtained by some MPs to prevent the speaker from sacking the 60 legislators. The president is not expected to accept that proposal because lifting the court injunction would make it possible for the opposition to impeach the president.
The opposition has agreed to sign the memorandum of understanding. But President Mutharika has refused to link the latest budget talks to the section of the Constitution that forbids MPs to change parties. He is proposing a referendum to let the voters decide which issue should be decided first. But the opposition say that’s a waste of money.
He told the press, “I will not accept equating section 65 to the budget because the session that has been adjourned is a budget session, for goodness’ sake. It’s not a session for anything else and there we in the government will not accept discussing anything expect the budget.”
Economists warn a delay could harm many government programs. They say the government would not have the money to buy fertilizers, seeds, or other inputs to distribute to farmers – an effort that’s helped feed the country for the past two years.
Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations mission in Malawi, Michael Keating, says the impasse could lead to a loss of donor aid for Malawi.
President Mutharika has said that if the MPs don’t take action, he will continue governing without the budget until the general elections next year.
The country has been using a smaller emergency budget since the end of the financial year on June 30.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Peaceful Malawi shouldn't be rushed
Dusty hands mop at brows as the packed minibus pulls over again and stops in the direct sun. A smell of body odour permeates every corner of the wretched vehicle. Bags of rice placed in the aisle have torn, and grains spill down towards the driver.
Up the front a chicken squawks. Feet shuffle below the seats, striving for an extra inch of legroom to placate aching knees. Hands reach through the windows for oranges and bananas being sold by a shouting squadron of Malawian boys and women.
The matola – an overcrowded minibus – is an exasperating means of travel. But along with the pick-up truck, it's the main form of transport in Africa.
And after hours of pothole-induced pain, what better payoff than Lake Malawi, a seemingly never-ending expanse of impeccably clear, deep-blue water, with great diving, endemic fish life and out-of-the-way villages perfect for dropping in and dropping out.
For people accustomed to ocean beaches, it's hard to get your head around Lake Malawi. The ninth largest lake in the world, it stretches almost 600km through the country's east.
It is several hundred metres deep, a delightful 24degC all year round, and boasts secluded forests and deserted sandy beaches.
Lake Malawi's west coast is peppered with rural villages, some of which boast beautiful settings and have become havens for those looking to chill out and rest their weary legs.
Popular travellers' haunts include Monkey Bay, Cape Maclear, Senga Bay, Chitimba, Kande Beach and Nkhata Bay. Each has its own attractions; for some it's sandy stretches of inland beach and crystal-clear water, while at others it's the village vibe, tropical lushness and stunning views over the lake.
All the lake destinations are low-key and refreshingly free of package tour groups, and provide a afascinating introduction to village life. At each you'll be greeted by dusty streets lined with fruit and vegetable stalls, teenage boys playing soccer on a dirt pitch, women selling dried fish, a ramshackle minibus stand and the odd souvenir shop.
Ask people in the know and they'll tell you the time to visit is now. Alice Leaper, a 26-year-old English woman who has lived in Malawi for three years, bought a backpacker-style place in Nkhata Bay.
She employs people from the village, runs volunteer activities and has an onsite internet cafe where local children learn to use computers.
She says the lake and Nkhata Bay attract people because of their relaxed atmosphere, authentic village life and waterside setting. But Ms Leaper has seen tourist numbers increase, and fears an invasion of package tourists and charter flights from Europe could change the character of Nkhata Bay and the lake during the next decade.
"If this place ever gets jet skis on the lake, that's the day I leave," she says. "I think in 10 years it's going to be a very different place."
For now, however, visitors can expect a friendly and unspoilt destination that offers a range of activities. The superb freshwater diving is one of Lake Malawi's biggest drawcards and a different experience for those used to seawater.
Open-water courses are available at Cape Maclear and Nkhata Bay and cost $A260 ($NZ338) – among the cheapest in the world. Those on tighter budgets can opt for snorkelling to catch a glimpse of Lake Malawi's massive array of fish species, including the renowned chambo, a deliciously sweet morsel popular on dinner plates throughout the country.
But it's not all about killing time on the water. If you can draw yourself away from the lakeshore, there are some worthwhile diversions. Spotting Africa's famous big game is more difficult in Malawi than other safari destinations, as the country is not known for its concentration of wildlife.
But safari prices are far cheaper than the more famous wildlife parks in Tanzania or South Africa, making these trips a good option for travellers on a shoestring.
One such spot is the Vwaza Marsh, a forested area that virtually guarantees a close-up look at hippos lazing in waterholes or elephants enjoying a late-afternoon drink. Tour operators often combine trips to the Vwaza Marsh with the Nyika Plateau, a grassy highland area with large numbers of antelope, zebras, hyenas and hard-to-spot leopards.
But at more than 2000m, the plateau can get very cold on winter nights. And budget safaris can be just that. Our guide, Davie, promised a four-wheel drive and spotlights for night-time game drives during a three-day trip to Nyika.
On the first morning, however, the four-wheel drive had morphed into a battered Toyota minivan, the same type as those used as crowded matolas.
There were two live chickens on board. The vehicle was obviously completely inappropriate for tackling rough and steep four-wheel drive tracks, but the amiable Davie was not deterred.
"No, it's not a matola," he protested, insisting the van was a proper four-wheel drive.
At one point we had to get out and push the van up a rutted hill. The one spotlight he had brought for game viewing shone for three minutes before conking out, making our promised night drive impossible.
But these are the foibles of travel in Africa, where things rarely go totally to plan and nothing happens in a hurry.
Alongside the thrill of a safari or a lazy day in the sun, visitors will notice Malawi is a very poor and largely rural country where many people still live off subsistence agriculture.
Most Malawians have limited education and a simple diet based on the staple, nsima, a tasteless mound of carbohydrate made from crushed maize or cassava.
Despite the poverty, they remain surely one of the world's most friendly people, hence the glossy-brochure description of Malawi as "The warm heart of Africa".
Everywhere you go, children look and smile before greeting you: "Hello mzungu" (white person).
On buses or in the street, people want to talk to you simply for a chat, not because they want something. The warmth of the Malawians is perhaps the most enduring impression of the country for many travellers.
Malawi is quite a safe destination, perhaps a legacy of its status as one of the few African countries never to have experienced war.
One of the best things about the country for visitors is that it is extremely cheap, and if you have the time you can afford to linger.
Most accommodation around the lakeshore is geared towards the backpacker market, although there are a number of upmarket lodges if you want more comfort, notably around Monkey Bay and on the remote and spectacular Likoma Island.
A double room or chalet at a backpackers' place typically costs about 2300 kwacha ($15 ($NZ19.50), although dorm beds and camping are as little as $A3.
A lot of travellers to this part of Africa rush through Malawi on their way to better-known attractions like Zanzibar and Victoria Falls.
But many end up staying here longer than expected as they fall under the spell of the laid-back locals, the varied activities on offer and the chance to pass some time on the magnificent lake.
IF YOU GO
Flights reach Malawi through Nairobi, Johannesburg and other east African hubs.
Airlines serving Malawi include South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways, with connections to Australia via Johannesburg with Qantas or via Dubai with Emirates.
However, flying into Malawi can be expensive and most travellers enter the country overland. Australians and New Zealanders do not require visas.
Independent travel in Malawi is easy, although tour companies such as Intrepid, Acacia and Nomad can arrange trips.
Antimalarial medication is essential. Swimming in Lake Malawi may put you at risk of bilharzia; tablets are available to prevent this.
Local minibuses (matolas) are easy to use once you get the hang of the system, although they can be slow and uncomfortable. Each town has a matola staging area; vehicles leave when full.
WESTON GRAN PREPARES FOR MALAWI MERCY MISSION
A REMARKABLE grandmother from Weston is embarking on a final visit to Malawi to help impoverished and orphaned children.
Dr Rebecca Palmers, aged 78, has worked in the south eastern African country for over 30 years, delivering much needed aid and infrastructure support.
Her current project is with the Jegola Youth Support Organisation, through which she is providing clothing and supporting the Jegola Teenage Orphans Private Secondary School.
The school is home to close to 150 boys and girls, with two newly built rooms of residence for boarding girls.
Dr Palmer, a former educationalist who ran her own school, first got involved in voluntary efforts in Malawi as part of the Diplomatic Women's Organisation.
Affectionately called mother by the orphans on her visits, she is thankful to those who have generously supported the project.
Members of Beechan Cliff Methodist Church and All Saints Church in Weston have played a key role in contributing to the cost of the project.
As one of the school's directors, Dr Palmer wants to secure further support from organisations such as the Bill Gates Foundation.
She is fearful that the current economic climate will worsen the already dire situation in Malawi, with the price of basic foods rocketing.
To offer support or to get involved, call Dr Palmer on 317342.
Dr Rebecca Palmers, aged 78, has worked in the south eastern African country for over 30 years, delivering much needed aid and infrastructure support.
Her current project is with the Jegola Youth Support Organisation, through which she is providing clothing and supporting the Jegola Teenage Orphans Private Secondary School.
The school is home to close to 150 boys and girls, with two newly built rooms of residence for boarding girls.
Dr Palmer, a former educationalist who ran her own school, first got involved in voluntary efforts in Malawi as part of the Diplomatic Women's Organisation.
Affectionately called mother by the orphans on her visits, she is thankful to those who have generously supported the project.
Members of Beechan Cliff Methodist Church and All Saints Church in Weston have played a key role in contributing to the cost of the project.
As one of the school's directors, Dr Palmer wants to secure further support from organisations such as the Bill Gates Foundation.
She is fearful that the current economic climate will worsen the already dire situation in Malawi, with the price of basic foods rocketing.
To offer support or to get involved, call Dr Palmer on 317342.
WESTON GRAN PREPARES FOR MALAWI MERCY MISSION
A REMARKABLE grandmother from Weston is embarking on a final visit to Malawi to help impoverished and orphaned children.
Dr Rebecca Palmers, aged 78, has worked in the south eastern African country for over 30 years, delivering much needed aid and infrastructure support.
Her current project is with the Jegola Youth Support Organisation, through which she is providing clothing and supporting the Jegola Teenage Orphans Private Secondary School.
The school is home to close to 150 boys and girls, with two newly built rooms of residence for boarding girls.
Dr Palmer, a former educationalist who ran her own school, first got involved in voluntary efforts in Malawi as part of the Diplomatic Women's Organisation.
Affectionately called mother by the orphans on her visits, she is thankful to those who have generously supported the project.
Members of Beechan Cliff Methodist Church and All Saints Church in Weston have played a key role in contributing to the cost of the project.
As one of the school's directors, Dr Palmer wants to secure further support from organisations such as the Bill Gates Foundation.
She is fearful that the current economic climate will worsen the already dire situation in Malawi, with the price of basic foods rocketing.
To offer support or to get involved, call Dr Palmer on 317342.
Dr Rebecca Palmers, aged 78, has worked in the south eastern African country for over 30 years, delivering much needed aid and infrastructure support.
Her current project is with the Jegola Youth Support Organisation, through which she is providing clothing and supporting the Jegola Teenage Orphans Private Secondary School.
The school is home to close to 150 boys and girls, with two newly built rooms of residence for boarding girls.
Dr Palmer, a former educationalist who ran her own school, first got involved in voluntary efforts in Malawi as part of the Diplomatic Women's Organisation.
Affectionately called mother by the orphans on her visits, she is thankful to those who have generously supported the project.
Members of Beechan Cliff Methodist Church and All Saints Church in Weston have played a key role in contributing to the cost of the project.
As one of the school's directors, Dr Palmer wants to secure further support from organisations such as the Bill Gates Foundation.
She is fearful that the current economic climate will worsen the already dire situation in Malawi, with the price of basic foods rocketing.
To offer support or to get involved, call Dr Palmer on 317342.
Malawi grants broadcast licences to private TV stations
Malawi’s Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), a body that regulates communication facilities in the country, has issued television licences to two private religious stations, APA learnt on Monday.
MACRA Public Relations Manager Zadziko Mankhambo told APA on Monday that his board which met last week in Blantyre issued licences to All for Jesus International a Pentecostal Church and Television Luntha owned by Roman Catholic.
”These licences allow the two stations to include news and analysis reports in their coverage. But the stations are not a platform for political campaigns,” he emphasised.
TV Luntha and AFJITv will be the first private television stations to operate in the country, apart from the single state-owned TV Malawi now operating.
MACRA Public Relations Manager Zadziko Mankhambo told APA on Monday that his board which met last week in Blantyre issued licences to All for Jesus International a Pentecostal Church and Television Luntha owned by Roman Catholic.
”These licences allow the two stations to include news and analysis reports in their coverage. But the stations are not a platform for political campaigns,” he emphasised.
TV Luntha and AFJITv will be the first private television stations to operate in the country, apart from the single state-owned TV Malawi now operating.
Local firm third mobile phone operator Malawi
Malawi awarded a local firm a mobile phone licence to become the third operator of phones in the Southern African country. The firm Global Advanced Integrated Networks Ltd beat other foreign mobile firms which had applied to run its services in the country.
The country’s Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) said that the firm outclassed other two other foreign bidders -- U.S. firm Global Telecoms and Econet, a South African and Zimbabwean-owned firm.
Macra’s official Zadziko Mankhambo said his body was happy with the local firm and hoped that it will promote competition in the telecommunications industry.
"We are hopeful that the company will promote competition in the telecommunications industry, thereby increasing the quality and affordability of the telecommunication services for the benefit of all people in Malawi," he said.
The mobile firm is expected to meet stiff competition from the market which already has Celtel Malawi and TNM Malawi.
Already Malawians have felt the competition of Celtel and TNM and recently the two took each other by the horns when they reduced the prices of their cell phones.
However Celtel still leads the show as it has more customers.
The country’s Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) said that the firm outclassed other two other foreign bidders -- U.S. firm Global Telecoms and Econet, a South African and Zimbabwean-owned firm.
Macra’s official Zadziko Mankhambo said his body was happy with the local firm and hoped that it will promote competition in the telecommunications industry.
"We are hopeful that the company will promote competition in the telecommunications industry, thereby increasing the quality and affordability of the telecommunication services for the benefit of all people in Malawi," he said.
The mobile firm is expected to meet stiff competition from the market which already has Celtel Malawi and TNM Malawi.
Already Malawians have felt the competition of Celtel and TNM and recently the two took each other by the horns when they reduced the prices of their cell phones.
However Celtel still leads the show as it has more customers.
CAK eyeing third Malawian international
News that First Division FC AK are making overtures to a third Malawian international, midfielder Chikondi Likwemba, has fans asking where is all the money for these new players coming from?
Likwemba, who has been impressive for Malawi against Lesotho, Comores and Namibia in the on-going Cosafa Cup, confirmed to KickOff.com that FC AK’s new coach Ali Akan approached him during the course of last week at the Graceland Hotel where the Flames were booked, and offered him an immediate contract.
“They wanted me to join them immediately after the tournament, but I told them that it depends on my club. My coach, Young Chimodzi, is here and I asked Akan to meet him.”
Roodepoort-based FC AK were fined R500 000 (half of which was suspended) in their recently ended bribery and corruption case.
Apart from that, the South African Players’ Union submitted an application to the Arbitrator in the case stating that FC AK still owed R3-million in unpaid wages from the 2006\07 season.
The Union said that if FC AK were relegated the current garnishee order on their monthly League grant would force the club to be sold to meet these commitments and this would affect its current crop of players.
Reports last week were that two other highly-rated Malawian internationals, striker Chiukepo Msowoya and defender Elvis Kafoteka would be joining FC AK after the Cosafa Cup.
Kafoteka, who was also linked to Egyptian club Al Ahly, and a club in India, Tuna FC, says he is still having second thoughts and has not ruled out a trip to North Africa because the offer from there might even be better.
“I am going there (Egypt) to see the conditions then come back and think about it. If I am satisfied then I will go there, but what I can say is that FC AK are very serious,” he said.
The duo’s manager Abbie Rasimphi said that officials from their club in Malawi, Eskom, had already been in South Africa to conclude their transfer and that a figure of R500 000 (K10 million) for the two players had been set.
“This figure will make the two, the most expensive players ever to be sold by Malawi. A representative from Eskom who sponsored the club in Malawi also accompanied the officials to meet FC AK,” he added.
Likwemba, who has been impressive for Malawi against Lesotho, Comores and Namibia in the on-going Cosafa Cup, confirmed to KickOff.com that FC AK’s new coach Ali Akan approached him during the course of last week at the Graceland Hotel where the Flames were booked, and offered him an immediate contract.
“They wanted me to join them immediately after the tournament, but I told them that it depends on my club. My coach, Young Chimodzi, is here and I asked Akan to meet him.”
Roodepoort-based FC AK were fined R500 000 (half of which was suspended) in their recently ended bribery and corruption case.
Apart from that, the South African Players’ Union submitted an application to the Arbitrator in the case stating that FC AK still owed R3-million in unpaid wages from the 2006\07 season.
The Union said that if FC AK were relegated the current garnishee order on their monthly League grant would force the club to be sold to meet these commitments and this would affect its current crop of players.
Reports last week were that two other highly-rated Malawian internationals, striker Chiukepo Msowoya and defender Elvis Kafoteka would be joining FC AK after the Cosafa Cup.
Kafoteka, who was also linked to Egyptian club Al Ahly, and a club in India, Tuna FC, says he is still having second thoughts and has not ruled out a trip to North Africa because the offer from there might even be better.
“I am going there (Egypt) to see the conditions then come back and think about it. If I am satisfied then I will go there, but what I can say is that FC AK are very serious,” he said.
The duo’s manager Abbie Rasimphi said that officials from their club in Malawi, Eskom, had already been in South Africa to conclude their transfer and that a figure of R500 000 (K10 million) for the two players had been set.
“This figure will make the two, the most expensive players ever to be sold by Malawi. A representative from Eskom who sponsored the club in Malawi also accompanied the officials to meet FC AK,” he added.
School aids charity push
A CHARITY which supports some of the world’s poorest children reached a milestone this weekend, when its first consignment of backpacks was sent to Malawi.
Nearly 4,000 bags full of educational materials have been donated and filled by groups across Wales, as part of Mary’s Meals’ Backpack Project. Volunteers had aimed to collect enough backpacks to fill an empty container in Newport, and when pupils from the Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School in Cardiff added their contributions, they celebrated reaching their target.
“The response from the people of Wales has been amazing with so many getting involved and donating their time and surplus items to this project,” said Geoff Edge, volunteer organiser for Mary’s Meals Wales.
Nearly 4,000 bags full of educational materials have been donated and filled by groups across Wales, as part of Mary’s Meals’ Backpack Project. Volunteers had aimed to collect enough backpacks to fill an empty container in Newport, and when pupils from the Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School in Cardiff added their contributions, they celebrated reaching their target.
“The response from the people of Wales has been amazing with so many getting involved and donating their time and surplus items to this project,” said Geoff Edge, volunteer organiser for Mary’s Meals Wales.
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