APM appoints more advisers

President Peter Mutharika has appointed three Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members and a family member as special advisers in his office.

The four include former MPs Simon Vuwa Kaunda, Nick Masebo and Songazaudzu Sajeni as well as the widow of his late brother, Bingu, Callista.

Vuwa Kaunda, a former MP for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, confirmed that he had been appointed presidential adviser on national unity and parliamentary affairs.

He previously served as minister for various portfolios in the government of the late Bingu wa Mutharika and was also co-accused with Peter Mutharika in the now discontinued treason case.

Callista, on the other hand, has been appointed as presidential adviser on Safe Motherhood and HIV and Aids in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), not long after a similar presidential initiative was moved to the Ministry of Health.

Until her husband’s death in April 2012, Callista was coordinator for Safe Motherhood and drew a salary of K1.6 million per month which irked some quarters.

Former Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) director general Bright Malopa, who was awarded K62 million from government for unfair dismissal, has been appointed chief adviser to the President on communication and strategy.

Confirming his new post, Malopa said: “Of course, I am immensely pleased to be part of Prof Mutharika’s brilliant team in part because our State President has a brilliant programme to industrialise this country. I have had endless discussions with the President about his vision and how he wants it communicated to his people.”

Apostle Timothy Khoviwa was appointed adviser on religious affairs to add to economist Collins Magalasi recently appointed chief adviser to the president on economic affairs.

However, neither the Office of the President and Cabinet nor State Residences Director General Peter Mukhito could shed light on the new appointments.