Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rebecca Chimjeka
Published on 2024-03-27 06:51:24
Mulhakho wa Alhomwe, the cultural group representing the Lhomwe people in Malawi, is facing internal turmoil as former board chairperson Leston Mulli has evicted the group’s secretariat from his Celcom offices in Blantyre. The eviction comes after allegations surfaced that some members of the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe board had sold land intended for the Lhomwe people at Peletia in Blantyre without Mulli’s knowledge.
Mulli expressed his discontent over the sale of the land, stating, “I bought land for my Lhomwe people when I was the chairperson for Mulhakho wa Alhomwe. I am not happy.” As a result, he took the decision to evict the secretariat from his offices. The Chief Executive Officer of Mulhako wa Alhomwe, Pius Mvenya Jr, confirmed the eviction, stating that they are now operating from their headquarters in Chonde, along the Limbe-Muloza Road in Mulanje District.
While Mvenya did not provide detailed information on the reasons behind the eviction, internal sources revealed that the Mulhako wa Alhomwe board had decided to sell the property due to debts amounting to K183 million. Leston Mulli, in addition to his role as the former chairperson of Mulhakho wa Alhomwe, is also the managing director of Mulli Brothers Limited.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe was established in 2007 by the late former president Bingu wa Mutharika and has been organizing annual festivals at their headquarters in Chonde, Mulanje District, since then. The Lhomwe people, the group represents, are predominantly located in Chiradzulu, Mulanje, Phalombe, Thyolo, as well as some parts of Blantyre and Zomba.
The eviction of the Mulhako wa Alhomwe secretariat from Leston Mulli’s offices highlights the internal challenges and financial difficulties facing the cultural group. The decision to sell the property due to accumulated debts underscores the need for financial stability and transparency within the organization.
Moving forward, it is essential for Mulhakho wa Alhomwe to address the underlying issues that led to the sale of the land and work towards rebuilding trust and unity within the organization. Clear communication and a commitment to the group’s mission of promoting Lhomwe culture and heritage will be key in overcoming the current challenges and ensuring the sustainable growth and development of the group in the future.
Read the original article on The Times
