Govt speaks out on Bushiri donation
Government has denied stopping Prophet Shepherd Bushiri from donating K44 million to the Flames for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea.
Minister of Sports and Culture Grace Chiumia said government has been in the forefront asking well-wishers to complement government efforts in uplifting sports.
“Sometimes it hurts when people thrive on lies or distort the truth to suit their wishes. As government at no time did we instruct FAM to refuse the donation? FAM has been receiving donations in the past without notifying government, why should we interfere now. I wanted to put this on record. We were not against Bushiri donation,” said Chiumia on Tuesday in Dedza flanked by FAM vice-president James Mwenda and Malawi National Sports Council executive secretary George Jana.
“It was Friday when I was notified of the donation from Bushiri. I was in Parliament. We gave them a go-ahead, but I could not attend the function because of Parliament. Let’s learn not to spread lies but tell the truth. Why should government be against Bushiri?” wondered Chiumia.
Mwenda admitted that at no time did they get instructions from government to refuse Bushiri-donation.
“We have a good working relationship with government and we were never directed to refuse the donation,” said Mwenda .
Bushiri donated K44 million (about $64 400) towards the national team Afcon qualifiers budget against Guinea.
When handing over the cheque at Chiwembe Technical Centre a fortnight ago Bushiri, who had to fly from South Africa, said he donated the money after being approached by Flames coach Ernest Mtawali.
