Former synod moderator blasts govt
Former moderator of Livingstonia CCAP Synod, the Reverend Clifford Baloyi has released what he calls a pastoral letter on economic and human rights violations.
While the Livingstonia CCAP Synod has distanced itself from the pastoral letter, government said it will respond once it has received it.
But Baloyi, who signed the letter, said on Monday that it was read in the churches under Embangweni Station where he is head.
The letter has highlighted issues of human rights, high cost of living, Presidential travels, homosexuality, arrest of (former) Cabinet ministers, quota system, Section 65 of the Constitution, public appointments and salary increments for civil servants.
“Life is already unbearable and a too heavy load to be carried by Malawians, who already suffered much (under) former president. We are in vicious circle, regrettably,” narrates the letter.
It also criticised celebrations the People’s Party (PP) administration carried out when, for examples, it reached 100 days or a year in government.
Says the letter: “100 days, 12 months (celebrations) for what? Too many celebrations within 12 months are counterproductive and only drain immeasurable resources of government being run on donor money.”
On cost of living, the letter acknowledges the necessity of devaluation, but blasted government for failing to put in place workable mechanism to cushion economic effects.
“When we had donor aid locked up, life was bearable, something that meant that development was flourishing in most parts of our country such as the Chitipa Road and the prices of commodities were controllable and affordable. Yet, today, when we have donor aid, life has even become harder for Malawians. Can (the) PP government justify the benefits of having the kwacha devalued, and account for the donor money?” queries the letter.
It also attacked the President for ignoring calls to reduce travels. On homosexuality, the letter expressed shock that President Banda’s maiden speech during the opening of Parliament included homosexuality, among bad laws that needed to be repealed.
General secretary of Livingstonia Synod the Reverend Levi Nyondo said: “No congregation is allowed to write a pastoral letter apart from the Synod. We know about that (letter) but it is unofficial to us because we did not sanction it.”
Malawi Government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu said Tuesday government will only respond after receiving it.
