The Malawian government has rejected reports that South African businessman Zunaid Moti was ‘secretly’ handed a diplomatic role and was granted special access to government contracts and mining licences.
According to reports, the denial comes after calls by governance watchdog CDEDI for a forensic probe into First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s charity, Beautify Malawi (BEAM).
This after reports emerged that Moti had allegedly donated money to the organisation.
Moti is a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist.
However, in a statement issued on July 14, Chief Secretary Justin Saidi dismissed the claims.
“The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has noted with grave concern a series of false and misleading social media posts alleging that South African businessman, Mr Zunaid Moti, has been appointed to a diplomatic position by the Government of Malawi and has also been accorded preferential treatment, including the award of Government contracts.”
He also addressed reports linking Moti to mining licences.
“The public may wish to know that since (the) DPP Government took over, a moratorium on issuance of mineral licences was issued. The sole purpose was to clear out the cadastre system which was congested with both active and non-active licence holders.”
According to Saidi, there was a need to carry out a compliance audit.
“Nobody has been issued with a new licence as portrayed by the false story and no new licences can be seen in the system.”
He said the OPC categorically refuted the allegations.
“They are entirely false, malicious and deliberately designed to mislead the public, tarnish the image of the Government, and undermine confidence in the administration of His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, particularly its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption.”
Saidi also denied that Moti had been given any government role.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Moti has not been appointed to any government position, diplomatic or otherwise.”
“Neither has the government awarded him any form of preferential treatment. Any suggestion to the contrary is wholly fabricated and without any factual basis.”
He warned that spreading false information is a criminal offence under Malawian law.
“The Office further reminds the public that the deliberate publication and circulation of false information intended to deceive the public, damage reputations or undermine public institutions constitutes a serious offence under the laws of Malawi, as it does in many democratic jurisdictions.”
“Citizens are, therefore, urged to verify information before sharing it and to use digital platforms responsibly.”
Saidi said the government remained focused on rebuilding the economy, restoring public confidence and implementing reforms.
“The government remains firmly focused on rebuilding the economy, restoring public confidence and implementing transformative reforms; there is absolutely no room for deliberate misinformation, political mudslinging or character assassination.
“Such conduct serves only to erode public trust, weaken national institutions and distract all well-meaning Malawians from the task of national development, luxuries Malawi cannot afford at this critical juncture.”
The statement follows reports by Malawi-based publication Nyasa Times alleging that Moti had been appointed Malawi’s ambassador-at-large for a five-year term.
According to the publication, the appointment was made under the authority of Mutharika but was not publicly announced by the State House.
Nyasa Times reported that the confidential document was instead leaked and published by a Democratic Progressive Party-aligned outlet.
According to the report, Moti and his associated companies would be given broad responsibilities, including promoting Malawi’s interests domestically and internationally, mobilising resources for critical sectors such as road infrastructure, mining and petroleum, including mineral exploration, as well as promoting tourism, strengthening the country’s healthcare system and building strategic partnerships to advance Malawi’s development agenda.
The publication said the reported appointment came months after Moti attracted attention when he was accused of donating MK4 billion ( approximately R3.62 billion) to the First Lady’s BEAM Trust.
The alleged donation is reported to have triggered criticism from anti-corruption campaigners, who demanded a forensic audit into the source of the funds.
Nyasa Times also reported that Moti has been linked to President Mutharika’s inner circle and allegedly chartered private jets for the president’s personal trips to South Africa.
The publication further claimed that Moti had been granted 10 mining licences in Malawi, raising fresh questions about the extent of his alleged influence within the corridors of power.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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