Malawi President Joyce Banda on Sunday donated about K30 million (about $75 000) to victims of the July 20 2011 anti-government demonstrations in which 20 people died and several others were injured.
The civil society organisations (CSOs) led the protests against perceived poor economic management and poor governance by the regime of former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party.
A statement from the State House quoted the President as saying: “My heart goes out to all of you who were affected by the shootings on 20 July 2011. I know you face a lot of challenges following the loss of your loved ones some of whom were breadwinners for their families.
“I know you do not have sustainable sources of income for your upkeep, for school fees for your children, fertiliser and other necessities.”
The President said she was giving them the $75 000 which she received as honorarium for the lecture she delivered in Lagos, Nigeria, on democracy on Thursday to help renovate or improve their houses.
The President said she has given them the money because she is concerned about the problems they are facing after losing their breadwinners.
