Delegates to the convention of Malawi’s ruling People’s Party on Monday endorsed President Joyce Banda and her vice president for operations, Khumbo Kachale. Banda, ranked the most powerful woman in Africa on Forbes magazine’s list of the 100 most powerful women in the world, promised to do her best for Malawi after the endorsement.
Malawi crime drops
Malawi’s police spokesman said this week that the nation’s overall crime rate has gone down sharply, despite public concerns that there has been an upsurge in certain violent crimes. Davie Chingwalu said police had stepped up efforts to prevent violent criminals from undermining the stability of the country.
Mine death probe
Human Rights Watch recently called on the South African government to make the Commission of Inquiry into the killings of Lonmin miners in Marikana on August 16, independent and impartial and ensure that it investigates the underlying circumstances that led to the killings.
Mswati accused
Swaziland’s King Mswati has been accused of brainwashing children as part of the Reed dance ceremony. The Sunday edition of the Times of Swaziland exposed how 500 young girls from different chiefdoms were bundled up and taken to the Ludzidzini royal residence and the Correctional Services institution in Matsapha, where they were taught a new song which demonises freedom of assembly.
ANC warns Khama
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has warned Botswana’s President Ian Khama of speaking on international issues. Khama is known for speaking out against dictatorial regimes including that of SADC colleague, President Robert Mugabe. ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said it was important for continental bodies to work together collectively on issues affecting them.
SA-Swazi loan
South Africa said negotiations into a possible R2.4 billion loan to Swaziland were ongoing, despite media reports that the loan had been approved. The cash-strapped Swazi government approached its neighbour for financial assistance to its fiscal crisis that came about as a result of the 60-percent decline in Southern African Customs Union revenue.
Guebuza: another term?
Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo Party is seeking a re-election of President Armando Guebuza as leader of the party. The party’s Central Committee said the desire to keep Guebuza was the general feeling of the central and local bodies of Frelimo and its affiliates, adding that he had been a catalyst in the growth of Frelimo, since the Party’s ninth congress in 2006.
Post published in: Africa News