Register charities, causes
Recently, social media was awash with the news of a perceived stand-off between Deborah Mbale’s Mai Mbambande initiative for the elderly and sponsor Triephornia Mpinganjira.
This followed a communication breakdown after Mai Mbambande reportedly spent two weeks without acknowledging receipt of K2 million from Mpinganjira for the roofing of a hostel for the elderly.
Registering and regulating charities can reduce altercations between charities and donors.
The existence of charities and individuals proves that the government alone cannot develop the country.
Non-governmental organisations help the State to be accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of Malawians.
They are among the drivers of development, including in areas which are underserved or neglected by the government.
The NGOs and well-wishers bridge the gap. This is how States develop.
When Covid-19 and natural disasters struck, many non-profit organisations and individuals jumped to the front to raise funds and vital resources for those in need.
This exemplifies how love and unity triumph over adversity.
During Cyclone Freddy in March this year, owners of Land Rovers volunteered their vehicles to deliver relief items in hard-to-reach areas.
This gives a glimpse of the love that still exists among Malawians regardless of the differences in political ideologies, faith, sexual orientation and other considerations.
Similarly, individuals such as Pemphero Mphande, Patience Namadingo and Onjezani Kenani have mobilised funds for different causes in times of need.
This is commendable. Their contributions cannot be taken lightly.
They tremendously help the needy based on the trust they have built from their donors.
Nonetheless, some people need guarantees that the donations solicited may not be used for the intended purpose.
Others, including those who have not contributed a tambala to the cause, fear that part of the donations may have gone into the fundraisers’ private pockets.
The causes stated above are different from those of Mai Mbambande, who does not respond to an urgent need. Rather, she looks after the elderly who need constant support for as long as they live.
To do so, Mbale, 23, requests money from well-wishers for some projects. Her remarkable work exhibits her loving heart for the senior citizens in her care.
To constantly gain the support, she needs to register her foundation and so should many others who continue to help people.
Registration gives charities legal recognition that enables them to operate freely within the framework of the law.
Since people already have the trust of the fundraisers and their causes, registering their charities will make them more credible not only in Malawi, but also beyond the borders.
This will lead to an increase in donations and support.
Registration also shows that the charities and causes are transparent and accountable as they will be required to submit annual reports and, audited financial statements to operate effectively and show that they are using their funds as required.
Kenani exemplified the importance of transparency and accountability when he mobilised funds for Covid-19 treatment. This made people trust him more.
Registration gives charities the necessary permits to publicly fundraise or hold events. Although they already do that, they will be doing it within the law and this would increase resource mobilisation.
Registration enhances a charity’s reputation as a legal entity, which expands its partnerships and collaborations with other charities worldwide.
Registering charitable initiatives by individuals will do more good than harm.
It will prevent good people from being tainted because of glitches in communication and promote transparency and accountability.
Legal minds in Malawi need to assist philanthropists to continue doing their life-changing work efficiently and effectively within the confines of the law.
