Saturday, March 15, 2025
الرئيسية بلوق الصفحة 119

STANDARD BANK INTRODUCES DIASPORA ACCOUNT: Account will allow remittances back home for investments and other social needs

MUGHOGHO: The account comes with the option of either having a Malawi Kwacha account or keeping savings in a foreign currency denominated account

Lilongwe, May 13, 2022– Standard Bank Plc today proudly announces launch of the Diaspora Account to facilitate remittances for Malawians living abroad and wishing to invest back home.

Available in United States Dollar, Euro, South African Rand and British Pound sterling currencies, the Diaspora Account is supported with Malawian investment options, and carries no monthly fees.

Standard Bank’s Head of Consumer and High Net Worth (CHNW) Charity Mughogho said the account offers competitive exchange rates and can be opened with a passport by simply clicking here to download and complete the application documents.

“The account comes with the option of either having a Malawi Kwacha account or keeping savings in a foreign currency denominated account (with four currency options). The account carries no management fees with same day delivery of inward telegraphic transfers. It also allows customers to choose between a single or joint account that comes with a debit card which can be activated for use internationally,” she said.

Mughogho saiddiaspora account holders will be assigned to a dedicated account manager and would not be required to maintain a minimum book balance and will enjoy a number of bundled free services such as mobile and internet banking, e-mail alerts, same-day inward telegraphic transfer settlements and online purchases together with a streamlined account management service.

The CHNW Head said Standard Bank’s sister company, Standard Bank Bureau de Change will allow diaspora account holders to exchange their foreign currency into Malawi Kwacha at competitive rates. This option can be facilitated between the foreign currency account and Malawian Kwacha account upon instruction from the customer, she added. She said in coming up with the Diaspora Account, Standard Bank wanted to address challenges Malawians living abroad face when they want to invest back home or make important remittances to relations and causes.

She said the new account is line with Standard Bank’s purpose of offering innovative financial solutions designed to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Mughogho said “The new diaspora account goes in line with our purpose which is that Malawi is our home and we driver her growth. As Standard Bank we are giving diaspora clients the option to build their dream house without the stress of monitoring the project, as the bank works with accredited property developers to manage the project for you. If you already own a home, you can opt to access equity release to free up capital tied in an existing house. Equity release financing goes up to 70% of the home value. The funds accessed through equity release are available for use at the discretion of the account holder and can go towards property development or a new business,” said.

She said other services available with the diaspora account include funeral cover, travel insurance, vehicle insurance, loan protection cover and home owners insurance which are under the Bancassurance portfolio.

In addition, diaspora account holders will have access to their cash from anywhere in the world using Standard Bank’s 247 digital application, which will also provide full account management at the touch of a button and with no additional cost.

“Standard Bank is well aware of the many frustrations and challenges that Malawians in the Diaspora face when they seek to open a Malawian bank account, get the best exchange rates, send money back home and manage their account for future needs. This new account and bundled offers go some way in creating sustainable solutions to the need of Malawians living and working throughout the world. As they look to contribute to the economic growth of the nation and also put in place assets for an eventual return back home. Standard Bank is available to support Malawians living in the diaspora through every step of the journey,” Mughogho said.

Completed account opening documentation needs to be supported with a certified copy of the applicant’s demographic page of their passport, scan of a passport sized photo or digital equivalent, certified copy of residential permit and certified proof of income. The full application can then be emailed to diasporasupportcentre@standardbank.co.mw

Malawi Court chides Govt on FISD contracts freeze

FISD DIRECTORS: Have every reason to walk tall

The High Court in Zomba has quashed the government’s decision to deny Foundation for Irrigation and Development (FISD) an opportunity to participate in public tenders on account of criminal charges against four of its directors.

Four FISD directors are currently under trial allegedly for receiving double payment in  a Ministry of Agriculture project funded by the African Development Bank (ADB). 

Early last year FISD won a Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) tender to sink boreholes in Thyolo and Machinga.

The   board withheld awarding of the contract to the firm based on the legal opinion from the  former Attorney General who argued that FISD did not deserve public contracts because of criminal proceedings against some of its directors.  

FISD sought a judicial review against the decision. 

In his judgement, dated May 5, 2022 High Court Judge Justice Mzondi Mvula has quashed the SRWB decision describing it as unlawful and tantamount to passing a guilty verdict contrary to constitutional provisions under section 42 (2). The judge has also ordered the board to award the contract worth about K350 million.

JUSTICE MVULA: Delivered the judgement

Justice Mvula indicated that the presumption of innocence entitles an accused person to live a normal life and to carry out business, enter into contracts, until the fate is determined by the trial court.  

 “The withholding of the Contract by Government, in this contract and indeed all contracts pending against the Claimant has no backing of law. No legal provision under PPDA and indeed our laws sustain that act. The court in proper exercise of its discretion grants the application for declaratory orders sought.  The defendant is condemned in costs of these proceedings,” reads the judgement in part.

Justice Mvula also observed  that the law that governs public procurement does not provide for exclusion from contracts suspects of criminal proceedings.

“Criteria for award or denial to award a contract in our laws has been well laid down under Section 52 of the PPDPA. Denial, let alone withholding an award because of pending criminal proceedings, has not been listed as one of the criteria for eligibility to be awarded a procurement contract,” said Justice Mvula.

A lawyer in the government familiar with public contracts, who did not want to be named,  described the AG’s legal advice as ‘very strange’.

“It has nothing to do with the law but politics. Even if the four directors were guilty of an offence, you wouldn’t exclude the firm from participating in public contracts. And here they are just mere suspects and someone thinks they shouldn’t be given contracts. This is quite outrageous and costly. If acquitted, the directors may sue the government for this ill-treatment. I see the politics of victimization here,” argued the lawyer.

Martha Chizuma left in the cold as British NCA backtracks on illegal invasions in Malawi

After using the embattled Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General Martha Chizuma for illegal entry into Malawi, British National Crimes Agency (NCA) has now backtracked its actions on corruption probe.

The British NCA used Chizuma who is being now for by-passing other state agencies including Attorney General Office (AG), Director of Public Prosecution (DDP), National Intelligent Bureau (NIB), Immigration department on the alleged corruption investigations involving businessman Zuneth Sattar.

ACB boss Chizuma admitted that ignored and alienated the Attorney General (AG) in pursuit of the businessman after the NCA had tipped them on their two years’ investigation.

Sources within ACB told this publication on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 that British NCA is ashamed of its conduct on corruption probe.

The source said that with the leaked audio case in court has left NCA no option but to leave Chizuma alone as how will proceed with the case.

The source added that NCA failed to establish real public officers who were involved in the alleged corruption while targeting the suppliers only, who is Sattar.

“The British NCA are in a fix on how to proceed with their illegal investigation on alleged corruption probe; firstly, AG, DPP, NIB and Immigration were by-passed this means by law their (NCA) work is invalid. Secondly, there is only one side the British NCA and Chizuma are interested on supplier only not public officers who requested the services.

“If Sattar as supplier is being questioned for contract. Where is the buyer’s statements or explanation? Nothing is done or questioned. No witness statements either. Sattar is a target of Harassment. According to law. Supplier is the last to be asked. Buying entity is first to be questioned. But buying entity is free and only the supplier is harassed,” said the source.

The source added further that AG, DPP do not have enough grounds to prosecute someone which later will cost government heavily.

“With also the leaked audio case in court puts the British NCA on spotlight disarray which was also mentioned in the audio. The audio exposed all NCA and Chizuma (not ACB office) personal vendetta on businessman Sattar. Chizuma’s public trust is gone,” says the source.

However, there is a few names on social media circulating being tagged in the investigation including President Lazarus Chakwera, Veep Saulos Chilima, Prince Kampondamgaga (State House Chief of Staff), Chimwendo Banda (Sport Minister), Eisenhower Mkaka (Natural Resource Minister), George Kainja (Inspector General of Police), Vincent Nundwe (Army Commander), Suzi Banda, Atupele Muluzi (UDF leader), Dan Kuwali, Judge Chikopa and others.

This publication managed to contact Kapondamgaga, Mkaka, Muluzi who they denied of being involved in the alleged corruption.

Sattar was contacted for an interview where he went no comment and said he was traveling and could not continue the call.

However, when contacted Sattar’s Press officer, Zoe Iktiactivit said the said names do not give contracts.

“We have all information and supporting documentation if needed. A government contract is not awarded by an individual. Neither the said names have powers to give contracts. It’s a shame people think this way.

“A contract is discussed at first amongst an IPC. Then goes to the director of the department who then recommends to the senior management. Then it’s sent to PPDA who amongst 10-15 officers decide to approve or recommend to their board. Then the board of 5-10 officers sits to discuss,” says iktiactivit.

She added, “Then the recommendation is sent to ACB for vetting to check if there is no criminal record with the requested company. Upon no objection from ACB, the decision is still pending seeking the Ministry of finance to approve the procurement confirming funding is or will be available

“Upon this confirmation the matter is then sent as a provisional approval to the requesting department. Who then inform the supplier of the award of contract preparing a draft contract to then send to the ministry of justice for confirmation. Then after it is sent to government contracting unit. Further after there, it is then sent to OPC where the SPC signs the final approval for the contract to be awarded”.

Zoe quarrels, “The contract is binded and signed amongst the two parties. The contract literally goes through 70-80 government personnel’s till approved. How would one bribe all these officers? Just doesn’t make sense. And should there have been anything suspicious, at least one officer would have raised a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). Anyway let’s wait and see what the outcome comes out. We are all set with our calculations for our losses”.
“It is very unfair to suspect honest officers to be corrupt. It’s a shame. And again who is the complainant’? asked Zoe.
She added, “Government of Malawi is receiving the shipments as well and honouring their contracts and payments, so who is the actual complainant. If it’s the British government then who’s complained to them as in representative to GOM.
“Let’s not forget. Malawi is a sovereign nation and has its own decisions and cannot be ruled for others political interests”.

This publication understands that Sattar is waiting for the NCA to charge him and proceed to court.

That’s when the first argument Sattar’s Representatives from Raymond’s buildings called Simon Farell QC will ask for the legal mutual assistance in court as a start to the case argument.

Simon Farell QC is expected to cross examine the mentioned Malawi Government officials to confirm if there was any sort of corrupt practice amongst them as per the intelligence information the NCA have.

However, if no Legal Mutual Assistance was followed then all intelligence information cannot be used as evidence at all as per law it is unlawfully obtained and according to law it becomes irrelevant and inadmissible in a court of law.

“Knowing the British law and judges, they are no time wasters and very professional where they will trash such cases which don’t follow protocol.

“This case seems very difficult and one of the first of this type in the history of England where no witness statements or whatsoever from the buying entity of another country and a supplier who is based in UK to face charges on suspicion of corrupting and bribery,” admits British legal expert.

Sattar’s lawyer Simon Farell is a very senior QC who even at times is hired as a judge on some cases.

Simon Farell QC has dealt with cases for the Sultan of Brunei and we hear but have no confirmation that his charges are £1,500.00 an hour.

“If this case continues, it will cost Malawi government heavy legal billing that’s why both AG and DPP are studying the matter thoroughly without emotions the way Chizuma is currently doing.

“The current Tonse government is unable to conclude suspected corruption cases as arrests were done without enough evidence”, chipped in another legal expert.

Besides the disclosure about the ACB conduct in handling the matter, ACB did not collaborate well, thereby according to law putting the whole case in jeopardy in Malawi and United Kingdom.

“Why selling entity is being harassed and business accounts blocked. Anything that British NCA got is irrelevant and not submisible in court. This is illegal operation could cost the Malawi government billions of kwachas in losses to the supplier”, says senior legal advisor in the Ministry of Justice.

He added, “Chizuma’s trust among the public completely lost though some quarters of the society including CSOs do not want to come up against her for breaching ACB’s Office oath.

“Where on earth does someone continue to work when break Office oath? The pressure on Chizuma step down, is nothing to do with gender, being woman but respect of law in public office of ACB”.

Sources have confirmed Sattar to have signed a massive contract with the government of Ukraine of which deliveries have been shown but again Sattar when asked just laughed and said no comment again.

ACB acted illegally by communicating and accepting a team from NCA to operate and run affairs in Malawi without permission.

Both the AG and DPP argue that ACB contravened the Laws of Malawi: Chapter 8.04 and Chapter 16.01 which deals with mutual assistance in criminal matters and immunities and privileges respectively.

This means that any ACB involvement with British NCA without AG is invalid that the graft body needs to start all over again.

Mutharika’s Ex-Private Bodyguard Norman Chisale Ordered to Pay MK10 Million for Assault

The High Court in Lilongwe has ordered former president Peter Mutharika’s personal bodyguard, Norman Chisale, to pay Dingani Soko K10 million for assaulting him on November 22, 2018.

An order on assessment of damages by Assistant Registrar Brian Sambo that Nation Online has seen shows that Chisale has been given 14 days to pay the amount from Tuesday, May 10, 2022 when the order was made.

Chisale was found guilty on February 24, 2022 by High Court Judge William Msiska for assaulting Soko in 2018 when they had a misunderstanding at the roundabout which connects Mzimba and Paul Kagame Highway in Lilongwe.

Meanwhile, Chisale’s lawyer Chancy Gondwe says he has received instructions from his client to appeal the matter.

Think you’re made for film and TV? Then apply to join the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy Class of 2023!

MultiChoice is once again searching for 60 aspiring film and TV content creators from Southern Africa, West Africa and East Africa to be part of the Class of 2023.

Now approaching its fifth year, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy is excited to once again call for applications for its world-class film and TV training programme which kicks off in October this year!

The call is open to all emerging filmmakers with either some industry experience or a relevant post-school qualification, to apply for this exciting opportunity to hone their television and film production skills. Our curriculum combines film studies such as directing, sound design, the business of film, to name a few with workplace experience on M-Net’s top productions.

The 12-month fully-funded programme is open to candidates from Southern, Western and East African countries.

Under the leadership of three new academy directors, this will be a landmark year for the MTF Academy programme.

This year’s newly-appointed MTF academy directors are Atinuke Babatunde (West Africa hub), Victoria Goro (East Africa hub) and Christopher Puta (Southern Africa hub).

MultiChoice Africa is committed to building and sustaining the training-to-employment pipeline within Africa’s film and TV industry. The MTF initiative also aims for a 60/40 split in favour of women since its inception.

Coming in with 15 years of experience in audio and video production, Southern Africa Academy Director Christopher Puta believes that the growth of Africa’s film and TV industry starts with providing young people with the opportunity to produce quality content.

“By equipping students with what it takes to be world-class film and TV professionals, the MTF Academy programme is effectively raising the next generation of African storytellers and historians.” he says.

In addition to the hands-on training that all students will receive as part of the programme, they will also get enhanced training experience from the Academy partnerships, which include the New York Film Academy (NYFA), the Henley Business School, Dolby and Canon, among others.

Previous cohorts have also worked with the United Nations’ Verified campaign, and have pitched projects to Partners Against Piracy (PAP) and Creative Development on a climate change campaign.

“The continued support from stakeholders, partners and students has been overwhelming, and we couldn’t be more excited to have reached our fifth year as one of the MultiChoice Group’s leading initiatives directly investing in young African filmmakers,” says MTF Director Nwabisa Matyumza.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Then visit https://multichoicetalentfactory.com/ to find out more!

Applications will be open from Monday, 9th May and close on Friday, 3rd June 2022, and have to be completed on https://cte.multichoicetalentfactory.com/  Applications made outside of this website will not be considered.

Winiko Is My Ex-Husband- Whatsapp Admin Whom Winiko Sued For Defamation Speaks Out

Dollah Samson, a human rights defender and concerned citizen, whom comedian-cum politician Winiko sued for defamation, has exclusively revealed that Winiko is her ex-hubby.

Samson disclosed in an interview with the publication a short while ago, saying the two have been cohabitating for a couple of years before they part ways over Winiko’s suspicious deeds.

According to Samson, her ex-husband Winiko could borrow money from her {Samson} without returning back, which she said forced the two to separate, saying he (Winiko) was a ‘gold digger’ in the family.

To support her claim, Samson produced a court document dated 9 September 2021, in which she through her lawyer of YD Attorneys demanded Winiko to pay back the sum of MK 2,230,000 which he obtained as a loan from her, but up to date the comedian has not yet paid.

Out of anger and frustration, Samson created a whatsapp group named ‘Winiko Mbava’, where she demanded Winiko to pay back the loan.

In reaction Winiko through his lawyers accused Samson of defamation and went on to demand MK50 Million in compensation to be paid in seven days from Wednesday, 4 May 2022.

Kalindo is also demanding an apology from the Samson on the WhatsApp group she created namely.

However, the iron lady Samson said she is not moved by the lawsuit insisting that ‘Winiko ndi Mbava, Zanga Abweza.’

Chakwera settles for Speaker Gotani as Runningmate

As calls in MCP are getting louder to have President Lazarus Chakwera tear the agreement he has with his Vice President Saulos Chilima to rotate the presidency in 2025, it has now emerged that Chakwera will pair with Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara.

MCP is adamant and confident it will win the elections by pairing with Aford and have female candidate from the north.

“If you notice, the Speaker now is becoming powerful because she has been told of this plan. It was not surprising that she endorsed Chakwera over the weekend,” said our source.

However, the plans threaten to divide MCP as several people  are also eyeing to pair with Chakwera – one of them being Information Minister Gospel Kazako who is degenerating into an MCP cadet.

Politically and geographically, the move could be an outright political suicide in the event that DPP and UDF decided to support the candidacy of Chilima.

To prevent this, said the source, MCP has gone flat out to discredit Chilima with fake stories including the one that he has bought 200 vehicles using K3 billion.

EXCLUSIVE: EXPOSING SCHEME OF MULTI BILLION THEFT AND CASHGATE ON KENYATTA ROAD PROJECT

We have gone through the contract document which the government through the Roads Authority (RA) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation signed for the construction of the six lane Kenyatta Road project in Lilongwe. The revelations of plunder of public resources contained in the contract document are heartbreaking, Malawians will be ripped off their hard earned taxes!

1. The total project cost, on paper, is K19 billion. But there are projects within the project through which close to K10 billion will be stolen.

2. The Roads Authority valued the relocation of water pipes at K200 million. Government and Lilongwe Water Board are pricing the relocation of water pipes alone at K5.2 billion. That means K5 billion of public funds to be siphoned.

3. The Roads Authority valued the work of relocating electricity cables at K100 million. Government and Escom have now started claiming they need K2.5 billion. Another scheme to siphon K2.4 billion of public funds.

5. The works (moving the pipes and telecom and electricity wires was already a component within the project works totalled at K19 billion. These parallel schemes have created projects within a project through which officials will steal close to K10 billion.

6. To perfect the theft, the same company, China Civil Engineering,  that was awarded the work to construct the road (at a bid price of K19 billion) has been awarded the other alternative contracts.

FDH Bank gives K2 million for Press Freedom Day celebrations

Ndanga (left) receives the dummy cheque from Nkando-Jussab

Home grown and listed FDH Bank has given K2 million towards the 2022 2022 World Press Freedom Day celebrations slated for this weekend in Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay districts.

Presenting the cheque in Lilongwe, FDH Bank head of Corporate and Institutional Banking Mary Nkando Jussab said the bank felt honoured to As FDH Bank Plc we are honoured to sponsor the activities which include award categories of Sports Journalist of the Year, Lifetime Achiever Award, Best Girl and Women’s Award as well as commemorative T-Shirts.

“As a homegrown institution, we recognise the importance of putting our people first and resonate with the values that are important to the people of Malawi under our sustainability program, FDH Cares, which has Our People, Our Environment, Our Community and Our Economy as its pillars.”

“We recognise the integral role the media plays in the country at large and to different stakeholders and partners including the financial sector and FDH Bank Plc. On top of this, FDH Bank Plc believes that the media helps in enhancing customer service, financial inclusion and helps companies obtain a competitive environment, therefore, a true partner,” said Nkando Jussab.

She said true partnership means it is equally important for companies to support the initiatives that are of great value to the media hence FDH Bank Plc taking part in reflecting the fundamental principles of Press Freedom, evaluation of the state media and press freedom in the country and efforts in defending journalists.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter president Theresa Ndanga thanked FDH Bank for the support saying it will go a long way in making this year’s celebrations a success.

“As MISA Malawi, we are excited and appreciate the support that FDH Bank plc has given us as we celebrate the World Press Freedom Day on Saturday. We know businesses are struggling, but FDH has come through to support our cause. This support will go a long way in motivating journalists and encourage them to conduct themselves professionally,” said Ndanga.

The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Journalism under surveillance’.

GOSH! KABAMBE BOYS COORDINATING ANTI-CHIZUMA DEMONSTRATIONS IN LILONGWE

In a desperate attempt to avert prosecution and possibly conviction for his various alleged crimes, the retired RBM governor-turned politician, Kabambe has finally resorted to physically fight the ACB chief, Martha Chizuma.

It is believed that the DPP aspiring presidential candidate has bankrolled some three Lilongwe based men to lead calls for the removal of Martha Chizuma.

With direction from Kabambe, the three men, Fredrick Malata, Agape Khombe and Redson Munlo are on record to have obtained permission to hold demonstrations, calling for Chizuma’s head.

The former Central Bank chief, is implicated in a number of crimes committed when he was the top boss at the bank.

It is feared that once prosecuted, the guy will end up serving a long jail sentence and all his political ambitions will be shattered at once.

As such, he is willing to go to every length inorder to avert his

It is sad that, at a time when the country is reeling from the ills of corruption, one aspiring presidential candidate is busy fighting those fighting corruption.