Paul Banda’s treatment abroad: Government blocks Nankhumwa’s call for fundraising in Parly

May 19, 2021 Nyasa Times Reporter 26 Comments

Iconic Balaka-based musician ‘Sir’ Paul Banda is reportedly critically ill and requires specialist medical attention abroad. But when the Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa addressed Parliament on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 and made reference to the matter, government was not amused.

In his response to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) presented on May 3, 2021 in the 3rd Meeting of the 49th Session of Parliament and the 2021/2022 Budget Session, the Leader of Opposition requested parliamentarians to “to contribute funds towards Sir Paul Banda’s medical treatment abroad”.

Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa in Parliament-pic by Lisa Kadango

“On a very special note, let me inform this August House that our own music legend, Sir Paul Banda, has been unwell for some time. Sir Paul Banda has, for decades, played a very significant role in the political, and social and economic development of this through music.

“Through Alleluyah Band, Sir Paul Banda has inspired many people; trained and mentored many musicians, including his young brother ‘Soldier’ Lucius Banda, Billy Kaunda, Charles Msaku, Mlaka Maliro, among others,” he said and suggested that an ad-hoc parliamentary committee comprising MPs Bertha Ndebele, Malume Bokosi, Owen Chomanika, Billy Kaunda and Monica Chayang’anamuno be formed “to manage the fundraising drive and ensure that we raise the funds in the shortest time possible”.

But as soon as Nankhumwa wrapped up his presentation, Minister of Tourism Michael ‘Manganya’ Usi stood on a ‘point-of-order’, arguing that Nankhumwa was wrong to bring the matter into the House, especially considering that government, through his department of culture, was already taking care of Paul Banda’s welfare.

Sir Paul Banda in need to treatment

The minister ‘reprimanded’ the Leader of Opposition for discussing someone’s illness “in public”, claiming it can cause trauma on the patient and his family.

However, Nankhumwa counter-argued, saying he did not just dream about it but had actually met the patient and discussed his plight at length.

“I find nothing wrong in seeking financial support on behalf of a patient who needs specialist medical attention abroad; I just find it very necessary, especially also that I discussed this with him,” he said.

In her ruling on the matter, Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara said she found nothing wrong with Nankhumwa’s request for financial assistance, even if government was offering assistance.

In his speech, the Leader of Opposition noted that artists contribute immensely to the development of the country and well-being of society.

“Through their various artistic works, they reshape our country into a better place to live in. It is in this vein that I urge all of us, including government, to support our various artists in whatever way possible in creating a conducive environment for their work,” he said.

He urged Malawians to love one another and to co-exist peacefully regardless of differences in political persuasions, race, tribe and religion.

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26 replies on “Paul Banda’s treatment abroad: Government blocks Nankhumwa’s call for fundraising in Parly”

  2. A Manganya missed the target! The best response would have been “Hon. Speaker Madam, I wish to congratulate the Hon Leader of opposition for the request to support Sir Paul Banda. However, let me quickly say that it is good that the eye from that side(opposition) has seen the importance of leaving politics behind but join hands together as MPs representing all Malawians to support him to get the right treatment he deserves. As such I wish to inform the Hon Leader of opposition and the entire august house that as i stand here government has already taken a swipe to ensure that Sir Paul Banda is sent abroad for specialist medical treatment, Thank you Madam Speaker Madam.” This could be his response than bringing in politics that Tonse Alliance should be seen concerned unlike other Malawians in general. That is why our Hon Speaker Catherine found nothing wrong in what Nankhumwa said. Bravo Catherine keep managing the house in an impartial way!

  3. very very shameful to a minister’s response.If he is taking care of him then why is he not receiving the specialist attention.If Usi was still ‘Manganya’ he would have been making noise.My advise to him -this ministerial post is a short term employment as you point a finger at Paul,four fingers are pointing at you

  6. It’s OK to fundraise for Sir Paul. But our MPs should be more strategic in their thinking. Next time move a bill to allocate funds to build a specialist hospital in Malawi so that even the little known villagers can benefit. Not everyone is famous like Paul Banda but we all deserve proper medical care. Who will raise funds for Abiti Spindulo of kwa Mpondabwino, or Ayayaof Thyolo Thava, or Dada Malayamuchapenge of Bwengu when they fall sick? Parliament should be looking at the bigger picture and thing more strategically. Unfortunately our Parliament is full of half wits

    1. EQIALITY is what is needed. umbuli ndi matenda for the whole MP kha leader kuuza anthu asonkhe for one person . kha boma mukuti lipeleke but dont forget kuti osauka anapereka nsonkho omwe akuudyera ndiolemera. muli anyhu mmamizimu omwe anafulatililidwatu .
      cofunika ndi comanga cipatala konkuno.

      KULI COVID TU. INDIA WAKE UTIYO ATAPITEKOYO? KUMAGANIZA NGATI ANTHU AUBONGO PLS

    2. You’re very right my friend. Everyone needs is a citizen and needs that kind of special treatment. Let the government consider build a special hospital as you have suggested. I concur with your view in this matter

  8. That’s why one of former AFORD MPs said unelected members in the House are strangers and must not be given a seat or say anything.

  10. KKKKKKkoma abale the whole minister sakuona kufunika kothandiza munthu??? Jacob lero ali ndi moyo chifukwa boma linatengapo mbali,zalerozi ndiye ziti abale?????

  11. good Nankhumwa not munthu wamadrama uyo maundunaso awa amangopatsa mbuzi za anthu awa mukuti atourists kkkk

  12. I don’tnt know which school Manganya went. The sickness of Banda is known all over and people are starting making donations. Where is privacy? Does he know that people are aware of his (Manganya) health status. Mubusa matenda koma maliro simungabise

  13. Politicians love illnesses, funerals, and other human calamities to show that they care. Paul Banda has been ill for some time now, his fellow musicians organised a show to support him a few weeks ago. The leader of the opposition could have as well organised something, but he waited for an opportunity to say it in public not that he cares, but for the attention it would bring to himself.

  15. First and foremost, you politicians should have been pestering the government to build world class healthcare systems that we shouldn’t need to go abroad for treatment in the first place. But all you do is steal and now this fund raising you are talking about is just another way of stealing money. To hell !…

    1. komadi eti. we are a laughing stock. ngati Chaponda anaocha office yoti sanamange nao! nanji ma plesdent a dzulo dzana amangotitenthetsa kuti tiwavotere azapanga izi ndi izo lelo akukamanga mansion ku monkeybay mansion pa bunda turn off ndata yogonamo atafa muluzi kugula manyumba ku abroad ndalama kukaika mma bank akunja. AGALU OKHAOKHA

  16. A Nankhumwa yambani kubweza kaye ndalama munatenga mwachinyengo from the Covid-19 committee. Musawoneke a nzeru pa matenda. Misonkho mumaba ija is meant to go back to the people through medical treatment. Inu ndi anzanu a dpp mumaba ndalama zathu. You are very useless.

  17. This Mangnya is not serious. If Govertnment is taking care of Sir Paul, how come his close friends including Allelluah Band are in the roads fundraising for his medical assistance.
    Can we shake of this nosense for once, please?

  18. koma Aleluya band this is a painful lesson. ndalama zonse mumapanga zija mumangodya zonse? muzisungako, muzilowako masm kukonzekera pamawa. mwayendatu inu. internationally mpaka ku Rome, Italy. tiziti mmayenda ulele

    1. Kumalankhula ngati nanu mungazadwale mawa. MASM is a joke even on VIP scheme matenda akafikapo. The moment you are scheduled for MRIs etc you are in serious problems. You will be told dead in the face that your excess is half a million. Then hospitals like Adventist even charge for ” turning a patient”. Your itemized bill will say Wednesday, 5 turns. Nothing Christian about that hospital

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