By Jones Gadama
A circular allegedly from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) claiming that MK3 billion has been disbursed to eight human rights activists has been described as fake and fabricated by enemies of the activists, according to Robert Mkwezalamba, one of the listed activists.
The circular, which lists prominent human rights activists including Benedict Kondowe, Robert Mkwezalamba, Fryson Chodzi, Unandi Banda, Gift Trapence, Undule Mwakasungula, Agape Khombe, and Mavuto Bamusi, claims that these individuals had submitted proposals aimed at enhancing civic education, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives.
However, in an interview with this publication, Mkwezalamba emphatically denied the authenticity of the circular, stating, “It’s fake, boss. Nothing true in that. NEEF is regulated by the Financial Services Act, and there is no way they will go to the public making such pronouncements. Even if it’s about those loans, they are signed between them and an individual and cannot be disclosed to the public.” Mkwezalamba added, “Adani athu basi awa bro (these are our enemies, brother)”.
Mkwezalamba pointed out several glaring errors in the circular that confirm its fake nature, including the fact that the letter is not signed, the address of NEEF headquarters is wrong, and the purpose of the alleged fund is national, which may not be refunded as opposed to the men or women small loans scheme.
When asked why this attack was launched against the human rights activists, Mkwezalamba was direct and unequivocal.
“If you look at the names involved, they have stood in defence of electoral integrity and have challenged the opposition to be objective and refrain from bringing the elections into disrepute by making false claims against Smartmatic and demands for an audit,” he said.
“On the other hand, the team has openly challenged IMF and World Bank policies that have resulted in a lack of jobs for more youths and poverty among Malawians. Again, we uncovered a plot by some politicians to let the omission in the amended electoral law, which currently bars almost 261,000 voters from exercising their right to vote. We have called on the president to convene an emergency session of parliament because those politicians wanted to use this clause to challenge the fairness of the elections if they lose the elections in September, claiming others were not allowed to vote because of their duties. We raised this early to prevent the worse from happening, and it hit them where they least expected. From these actions, it’s obvious the authors are those against the government, as they think our actions are in support or defence of the government without looking at the objectivity of our advocacy!”
Mkwezalamba emphasized that the attack will not deter the human rights activists from their work. “But we aren’t moved, and we will not be moved,” he stated.
“Blind following makes people do childish name-callings like these. Fortunately, all people who called to crosscheck on the same have condemned the acts, as they expose the activists’ families to attacks and public ridicule, and have demanded the authorities to fast-track the rolling out of the tracking equipment to bring these perpetrators to book. Let them be paid for real work, not these amateurish attacks on progressive activists. It has shown us that we are doing a great job, and we will not stop!” Mkwezalamba concluded.
The development has sparked widespread condemnation from the public, with many calling for the authorities to take swift action to identify and prosecute those behind the fake circular.
The human rights activists remain steadfast in their commitment to promoting electoral integrity, challenging unfair policies, and advocating for the rights of Malawians.
