Covid-19 restrictions affect NAM elections

Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says its elective annual general meeting (AGM) awaits government’s determination on public health guidelines to contain Covid-19, especially restrictions on public gathering to 50 people.

The NAM executive committee’s four-year tenure expires this month.

In her address to regional and district committees through a WhatsApp forum, the association’s president Khungekile Matiya said it would be a challenge to come up with the date until government acts on the request to waive the public gathering restriction on sports.

She said: “NAM will conduct elections soon. We are just waiting for a government determination on public gathering restriction as regards sports.

“Once that is addressed, then we shall meet to determine the date and then we will communicate accordingly.”

Matiya also declared her intention to seek re-election.

She said: “There is a lot being said. People are spreading lies, but I wanted you to hear it from me. I want to inform you that I will be seeking re-election as president to continue with the plans and tournaments that we started and I want to ask for your support. Let us join hands.

“The constitution allows me to seek another term since I have only served one term.”

In a separate interview, Southern Region Netball Committee chairperson Judith Chalusa yesterday confirmed Matiya’s declaration.

“Yes, Khungekile Matiya is the only one who has so far, confirmed that she will seek re-election,” said the Queens legend.

But Chalusa’s Northern Region counterpart Chancy Munthali said none in the incumbent executive “has officially declared their stand”.

On her part, Matiya was elusive on the issue of seeking re-election in an interview on Tuesday, but said the executive committee will decide on the date for the AGM.

“We are yet to agree on the date.  This will be shared once the executive discusses this issue,” she said.

Meanwhile, as per NAM constitution, general secretary Carol Bapu is ineligible to seek re-election.

“It is true, I am not eligible to stand for the third time, but I have no further comments,” she said in an interview yesterday.