Give JB her benefits – PP official

Peoples Party (PP)-South African Chapter has condemned President Peter Mutharika and his government for continuing ill-treating the former president. Joyce Banda by among other things denying her monthly salaries and other benefits since she left office in 2014.

Chairperson for the chapter Humphrey Mhango told Nyasa Times in an interview from his base in South Africa that  the DPP government is doing is a “violation of the constitution of the Republic of Malawi”.

Mhango has called upon Mutharika to honour the promise he made during the swearing in ceremony as President of Malawi that he will always respect and follow the laws in the Republican constitution.

When contacted to verify Mhango’s claims-that Banda is not being given her salary and benefits, Peoples Party Publicity Secretary Ken Msonda refused to comment much on the matter.

“Her salary, benefits and anything to do with the former president is handled by her office so the right person to comment is the spokesman in the office of the former head of state  Andekuche Chanthunya,” Msonda told Nyasa Times in a telephone interview before referring this reporter to Chanthunya.

In his remarks, Chanthunya confirmed to Nyasa Times that indeed Banda has not been receiving her salary.

“Since she left office, she has not been receiving her salary and benefits,” said Chanthunya.

Last year, PP leader in parliament-now acting President Uladi Mussa asked President Mutharika through a parliamentary deliberation that he should stop deliberately violating the constitution.

Later, government through itssSpokesperson who is also Information Minister Jappie Mhango issued a statement refuting PP’s claims and said Banda has been receiving all her benefits.

The government however claimed that Banda turned down some benefits for example a house as she was reported not to have fallen in love with the houses government organized for her.

At the mean time, it is not known when the PP leader is expected to return home.

“We will issue a statement when she is coming back,” said Chanthunya.

Banda left the country after losing the May 20, 2014 general elections on safety grounds.

While abroad, she has been carrying out a number of activities including attending some big global events and conferences.

She also received a couple of accolades in the process.

Meanwhile, the PP South African Chapter Chairperson has advised the DPP government to concentrate on issues that will help in transforming the country’s economy which is in sorry state.