CDEDI takes on suspended Salima Sugar Chief Kossam’s incompetence, fraudulent acts: Demands urgent Mutharika’s Govt action

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Salima Sugar Chief Wester Kosamu in trouble

Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has released a hard-hitting statement warning that Salima Sugar Company Limited (SSCL) has become a “ticking bomb” due to massive mismanagement, corruption and political interference.

Addressing the news conference on Monday, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa,accuses senior executives and politically connected individuals of siphoning billions of kwacha from the company through fraudulent contracts, irregular payments and reckless decision-making.

Capital One

CDEDI says the situation threatens the survival of the company and risks severe losses for the Malawian economy.

SSCL was originally formed as a joint venture between the Malawi Government through Greenbelt Holdings Limited and India’s AUM Sugar and Allied Limited. Its mandate was to introduce competition in the sugar market and provide affordable sugar to ordinary Malawians.

Instead, CDEDI says the company has been turned into a breeding ground for corruption.

The organisation links the current crisis to a 2023 directive by then Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, who instructed that all company matters be routed through Executive Chairman Wester Kossam. This position allowed Kossam to assume control over crucial operations of SSCL.

Although he appointed an acting CEO, Roy Apoovra, the CEO reportedly left Malawi for India shortly after his appointment, leaving Kossam to combine the duties of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer without oversight.

According to CDEDI, the consequences have been catastrophic. During the 2024–2025 crushing season, SSCL produced only 8,400 metric tonnes of sugar against a target of 20,000 tonnes, compared to 18,000 tonnes produced the previous season.

The organisation warns that this sharp decline puts the company on the brink of losing around K30 billion in revenue. With rains already falling, hundreds of sugarcane farmers now fear their uncrushed cane will go to waste.

The poor output has been attributed to chronic machine breakdowns and failure to maintain the company’s sugar mill, which has the capacity to crush up to 300,000 metric tonnes of cane annually.

CDEDI also reports that the drip irrigation system collapsed during the growing season, causing large portions of the crop to dry up before harvest.

Beyond operational failures, the organisation has raised serious allegations of personal enrichment. It claims Kossam authorised a K15 million payment for his private super-link trailer and awarded a lucrative K1.3 billion sugar import contract to ESTT Holdings, a firm linked to a politically influential individual, Ronald Mdoka.

A delegation sent to Brazil to inspect the purchased sugar reportedly found stock that was already destined for another country and the sugar has never arrived in Malawi. The payment remains unrecovered.

Further allegations include the use of a foreign currency account belonging to an honorary consul in the Middle East to facilitate the Brazil transaction and the issuing of unpaid credit facilities worth about K1 billion to politically connected individuals.

CDEDI also reveal scandalous fertiliser deals in which suppliers received hundreds of millions of kwacha upfront but delivered nothing.

On governance, CDEDI argues that Kossam’s recent suspension is meaningless because his term effectively expired when the Greenbelt Authority board was dissolved in August 2024 and again reconstituted in 2025 without his name.The organisation says government cannot suspend someone whose mandate ended long ago.

CDEDI has urged the government to ensure that all funds allegedly acquired unlawfully are refunded. It wants law enforcement agencies to summon all individuals involved, including those linked to the failed sugar import deal.

The organisation is also calling for an urgent audit of the entire company and for the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture to explore ways to rescue SSCL from a crippling loan that is costing the company over K1.1 billion every month.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa warns that unless decisive action is taken, Salima Sugar Company is headed for total collapse, leaving cane growers stranded and Malawians counting heavy losses.

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Ramaphosa challenges ANC Foes-“Name the date and l will resign”

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Airtel Malawi

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a bold challenge to his internal rivals, daring them to publicly state the date on which they want him to step down.

Addressing the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) during what insiders described as a tense and heated political session, Ramaphosa confronted detractors directly.

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He urged those plotting his removal to stop discussing his exit “in dark corners like cowards” and instead present their demands openly and transparently.

Ramaphosa further indicated that should the NEC formally request his resignation, he would comply immediately, signaling a willingness to abide by party processes.

The dramatic confrontation occurs amid escalating factional battles within the ANC, with some figures reportedly pushing for leadership changes and suggesting the creation of a national task team to replace the NEC.

Ramaphosa, however, insisted that the party cannot operate “mafia-style” and called for lifestyle audits of NEC members to enforce accountability and transparency.

His remarks come amid media speculation that he might resign following the G20 summit this weekend, heightening political tension within the party.

Despite the visible factionalism, ANC spokespersons maintain that the party remains united and that Ramaphosa intends to serve his full term until 2027.

Nevertheless, his daring statement exposes the depth of internal turmoil and pressures his opponents either to formalize their rebellion or abandon their behind-the-scenes campaign against him.

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Chakwera to address press amidst post-election speculations

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Chakwera with MCP supporters

Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Former President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is set to hold a highly anticipated press conference tomorrow at the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) headquarters in Lilongwe, starting at 10:00 a.m.

This will be Chakwera’s first press briefing since his defeat in the September 16 elections, fueling speculation about the topics he might address.

Capital One

Chakwera’s administration was marred by economic challenges and corruption allegations, which many attribute to his loss in the elections, even in his traditional stronghold.

His successor, President Peter Mutharika, has been working to address these issues and revive the country’s economy.

The press conference comes amidst ongoing political developments and rumors about Chakwera’s future plans.

During his tenure, Chakwera’s government implemented notable initiatives like infrastructure development projects in Lilongwe, such as quality highway roads.

Chakwera’s MCP had campaigned on a platform of continuity and progress, highlighting achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Despite his electoral defeat, the party remains a significant force in Malawian politics.

Tomorrow’s press conference will provide an opportunity for Chakwera to share his perspective on the current political landscape and possibly outline his party’s strategy going forward.

As Malawi navigates its post-election period, Chakwera’s words are expected to offer insights into his vision for the country’s future.

The event is likely to attract significant attention from Malawians, political analysts, and supporters eager to hear Chakwera’s reflections on the election outcome and his plans moving forward.

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UDF suffers blow as Eastern region senior leaders defect to DPP

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a significant blow to the United Democratic Front (UDF), several senior leaders have defected to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Malawi’s Eastern Region.

The joining leaders include regional governor Yaumi Mpaweni, deputy director of political affairs Gilbert Mwechumu, secretary general Janet Gwaza, former director of political affairs Yusuf Mwawa, and former publicity secretary Ken Ndanga.

Capital One

Speaking after being welcomed into the DPP, Ndanga cited the party’s fulfillment of campaign promises, particularly the implementation of free secondary education, as a key reason for their decision to join the DPP.

Bright Nsaka, DPP Vice President for the Eastern Region, welcomed the leaders, saying their decision was a testament to the party’s growing strength and influence.

The defection is a significant boost for the DPP, which has been making strides in consolidating its position in Malawian politics.

The party has welcomed several high-profile leaders from other parties in recent months, and this latest development is likely to further strengthen its presence in the Eastern Region.

The DPP has also welcomed some UTM district leaders for Mangochi, further expanding its reach in the region.

The party’s growing influence is seen as a major shift in Malawi’s political landscape, with the DPP emerging as a dominant force.

The UDF, on the other hand, is facing a challenging time, with several senior leaders leaving the party in recent months.

The party’s leadership is yet to comment on the defection, but analysts say it is a significant blow to their efforts to regain momentum.

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Isaac Jomo Osman speaks on leadership journey, mayorship vision

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Airtel Malawi

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman has shared insights into his leadership vision and personal journey in a Times Exclusive interview previously recorded during his tenure as Deputy Mayor.

Capital One

The discussion, now circulating widely following his recent election victory, highlights the experiences that shaped the new mayor’s approach to public service.

Osman once a street child and later a minibus call-boy–told Times Exclusive host Brian Banda that his background influences how he understands the struggles of ordinary residents.

He said this gives him a deeper appreciation of issues affecting vulnerable groups, including street-connected children and unemployed youth.

In the interview, Osman described his rise to public office as a testimony of determination and community trust.

He outlined challenges faced by the Blantyre City Council, including waste management, crime, and congestion.

He emphasized teamwork between councillors and the city administration as key to delivering meaningful change.

Following his election as Mayor on 14 November 2025, Osman reiterated many of the points he made in the interview.

He pledged to steer Blantyre towards becoming a “secure, cleaner and more prosperous city that serves all its residents, not just a few.”

His win, secured with 15 votes against challengers Eric Mofolo and Joseph Makwinja, also completes the Democratic Progressive Party’s sweep of all four major city mayoral posts nationwide.

As expectations rise, residents will be watching closely to see how mayor Osman translates his promises into practical action, especially on cleanliness, security, and youth welfare.

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Tensions rise in Parliament as MPs clash over alleged attack on Grezelder Jeffrey

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A routine parliamentary session on Friday took a tense turn when Member of Parliament (MP) Steve Malondera alleged that Nkhotakota Chia legislator Grezelder Jeffrey had been attacked by unidentified individuals travelling in a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vehicle.

According to Malondera, the alleged attackers confronted Jeffrey over her supposed failure to return a government vehicle she used during the previous administration.

Capital One

The allegation immediately raised questions in the chamber, particularly from Deputy Leader of the House Shadric Namalomba, who challenged whether it was procedurally appropriate for Malondera to introduce the matter on the parliamentary floor.

Namalomba argued that such accusations required verification and should follow established reporting channels before being debated in Parliament.

Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman intervened, advising Jeffrey to formally report the incident to the police if she believed her safety had been compromised.

Suleman reminded the House that law enforcement authorities—not Parliament—are mandated to investigate and act on criminal allegations.

Defence Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu later commented on the issue, downplaying its political significance and framing it as a personal matter rather than a partisan attack.

Chipungu drew parallels with his own experiences, recounting past confrontations allegedly involving Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters who had targeted him personally.

He also referenced a previous incident in which unknown individuals damaged property belonging to his family, which he suggested reflected a recurring cycle of political retaliation.

The exchange highlighted persistent political tensions and underscored the growing concerns about safety, accountability, and the role of political symbols—such as party vehicles—in alleged acts of intimidation.

As lawmakers await a possible police investigation, the matter continues to draw attention within political circles and among the public.

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