In a bid to avert possible disruption of the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations currently in progress, organisers of the July 10 2024 nationwide demonstrations have called off the protests.
The protests by a group calling itself Concerned Citizens seek to push the government to address economic challenges that Malawians are facing.
But in a statement issued on Saturday, the organisers said the protests have been postponed to a later date that will be communicated.
Reads the statement in part: “While there is no perfect time to hold demonstrations, especially during exams, we must weigh the options and respect the right to education.
“Therefore, we withdraw any notification letters sent to district commissioners and advise against calling for any stakeholders’ meetings based on those notices.”
The decision to postpone the protests follows discussions the organisers had with National Advocacy Platform (NAP), Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec), Independent Schools Association of Malawi and other stakeholders who raised concerns about the impact the protests might have on the MSCE examinations.
In an interview yesterday, NAP chairperson Benedicto Kondowe said both NAP and Csec were worried with the plan for protests, arguing the demonstrations would have affected the administration of the MSCE examinations and the future of the candidates sitting for the examinations.
He has since commended the organisers for listening to concerns.
“By postponing they have demonstrated that they are responsible enough. People have the right to demonstrate but where it is in conflict with other rights, there is need to reconsider the decisions, especially where young people are sitting for examination,” said Kondowe who is also Csec executive director. Malawi National Examinations Board started administering the 2024 MSCE examinations last week. About 184 978 students are sitting for the examinations.
