By Suleman Chitera
The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has delivered a firm rebuke to critics questioning the Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) planned award of a K5.4 billion security contract, insisting that all Malawian-owned companies have a constitutional and legal right to bid for public business provided they meet established procurement requirements.
PAC spokesperson Bishop Gilford Matonga said the current uproar is misguided and risks undermining lawful procurement processes, stressing that business awards must be judged strictly on procedure and compliance, not on personalities or political sentiment.
Matonga was responding to mounting public criticism over MRA’s intention to award security contracts to Masters Security Services, Kamu Security Services, and Iringa Security Services—a deal that has attracted controversy due to alleged political links involving Cabinet Minister Alfred Gangata.
“The provision of any public business must correspond with laid-down procurement processes,” Matonga said. “If a company satisfies the conditions, ownership or perceived affiliations should not be weaponised to exclude it. We commend the Malawi Revenue Authority for being transparent by publicly declaring its intention to award the contracts.”
Matonga warned that selective outrage driven by speculation rather than evidence sets a dangerous precedent that could scare off local investment and punish Malawian enterprises for reasons unrelated to capacity or compliance.
Meanwhile, Christopher Njeula, Managing Director of Masters Security Services, has pushed back strongly against claims questioning the company’s legitimacy.
Speaking to Zodiak Online, Njeula said Masters Security Services is a limited company by shares and not owned by any individual, emphasizing that the firm competed fairly and transparently.
“We went through one of the most competitive procurement processes,” Njeula said. “We have been in the security services industry for over fifteen years, serving both public and private institutions.”
Njeula further alleged that the company previously suffered political and commercial persecution under the former administration, citing a rejected contract with ESCOM despite proven operational capacity.
“Our track record speaks for itself. What we are seeing now is a continuation of politicising business, which hurts local companies and weakens national institutions,” he said.
As debate rages, PAC has called on the public to separate governance from gossip, urging Malawians to allow oversight bodies and procurement laws to function without intimidation or political pressure.
“The integrity of public procurement is protected by law,” Matonga said. “If there is evidence of wrongdoing, it should be presented through lawful channels—not trial by social media.”
The MRA has yet to issue a further statement addressing the criticism, but the controversy has reignited broader questions about local enterprise participation, transparency, and political interference in public contracting.
