Nkhoma Synod urges sanity in land deals

 Nkhoma Synod of the Chur ch of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has asked government to ensure sanity in land deals, especially transactions orchestrated by traditional leaders nationwide.

Newly elected Nkhoma Synod moderator the Reverend Philip Kambulire said this yesterday at the close of the church’s 39th Biennial Assembly at Namoni Katengeza Lay Training Centre at Chongoni in Dedza. President Lazarus Chakwera graced the occasion.

He said it is sad that people, including chiefs, are selling land without considering that they would need the same asset at a later stage.

Kambulire said the way land is being sold in the country leaves a lot to be desired. He said this is the reason government should intervene.

H e said : ” Our investigations show that people sell land and offer different amounts, ranging from K20 000 to K50 000 per acre sold to chiefs. This is disheartening.

“As a church, we are ready to work with government so that this issue of selling land anyhow must be addressed as it is already out of hand.”

However, Kambulire expressed optimism that government will take heed of the land issues raised.

He also said Covid-19 adversely affected the church such that it is struggling to remit pension funds and pay as you earn (Paye). He said the synod was forced to send on unpaid leave some staff in a desperate bid to survive the impact of the pandemic.

In this regard, Kambulire asked government and all relevant stakeholders to find solutions and guide the nation to move forward amid the pandemic.

He, however, said that the synod will continue to work with government to ensure that it fulfils its obligation in serving needs of all Malawians.

In his address at the ceremony, Chakwera acknowledged that the country is going through various challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that government is striving to ensure that people are cushioned.

The President, however, said Malawians should unite to find solutions. He also asked leaders in various government ministries, departments and agencies to schedule and reschedule on how the country can move forward.

He said: “When we say the country is suffering, it is not only one person, but all of us. Therefore, let us all unite to map the way forward for a good cause in developing this nation.”

 Chakwera also hailed the synod for championing good governance and fighting corruption as well as playing a key role in fighting HIV and Aids together with the National Aids Commission (NAC). The synod is also involved in ending child marriages.

He also commended the Synod for partnering other stakeholders to play an oversight role that has benefitted the country at large.

During the assembly, Kambulire was elected moderator with the Reverend David Zembani as vice-moderator. The position of senior clerk was won by the Reverend Alfred Nyanda, wjile the Reverend Joseph Mnthinda Phiri and Reverend Mathalia Likhoozi were elected vice-senior clerk and actuary, respectively.

The new officebearers are expected to hold their positions until 2023.

Nkhoma Synod is part of the CCAP which also has Blantyre Synod and Livingstonia Synod in Malawi as well as Synod of Lusaka in Zambia and Harare Synod in Zimbabwe.