If I were Gertrude Mutharika

Founder of Beautify Malawi (Beam) and First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, I would realise that the cause under which the organisation was set up might have been good, but turning the charity into a business is a rip-off.

If I were the First Lady, I would realise that turning a charitable organisation into a profit-making entity by leasing out donated trucks to Blantyre City Council does not only violate procurement rules, but also smacks abuse of power considering my position as the President’s bed fellow.

Oh yes. If I were her, I would realise that no amount of defence from my communications team will justify my organisation’s act because spin doctors cannot shatter the secrecy over the shady refuse collection truck deal.

I would appreciate madam that charitable organisations worldwide are meant to support public causes and not to be income generating.

That the lease was not tendered or approved by the office responsible for public procurement raises more questions.

Under such circumstances, I would cancel the deal with BCC to avoid further damage to my reputation and indeed, that of my trust as well as, by extension, that of my husband, the President.

Unfortunately, I am not President Peter Mutharika’s better half that is Gertrude Hendrina Mutharika.