Amaryllis Hotel owner Shiraz pushed for closed-door hearing, then cited illness to snub PAC

…Zamba goes silent…

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has disclosed that businessman Shiraz Yusuf, owner of Amaryllis Hotel which was controversially purchased by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), sought an in-camera appearance before the committee but later cited illness and failed to commit to attending, while Colleen Zamba has not responded to the summons.

Speaking during the continuation of the probe today, Wednesday, PAC Chairperson Steven Malondera said Yusuf Investment Limited was expected to appear on April 23, 2026, but instead of confirming attendance, Yusuf requested that proceedings be held privately.

“Following the dispatch of letters on 10th April, 2026 requesting the appearance of Yusuf Investment Limited, this committee was expecting him to appear on 23rd April, 2026 but the committee received a communication from Mr Shiraz Yusuf in which he acknowledged receipt and raised a concern requiring in-camera.

“As chairperson of the committee and in consultation with the entire PAC members we resolved to turn down the request and upon providing guidance to him on 13th April, 2026, he responded the same day indicating that he is unwell and currently receiving medical treatment in the Republic of South Africa,” explained Malondera.  

The Chairperson said the committee has since rescheduled his appearance to April 29, warning that if he remains unavailable, board members of Yusuf Investment Limited, including those who signed the sale agreement, will be required to appear without fail.

Regarding Colleen Zamba, the former Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Malondera said has yet to respond to the committee’s summons.

In the absence of any communication, PAC says it will proceed on the assumption that she is expected to appear before the committee on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Malondera stressed that the proceedings are being conducted in the public interest and made it clear that cooperation is not optional, and warned concerned stakeholders to desist from unduly delaying the proceedings.

“Full cooperation from all concerned stakeholders is not optional but required the committee will not hesitate to invoke its powers to ensure attendance and production of necessary information where it is required,” he added.

Meanwhile, Former Reserve Bank Governor, MacDonald Mafuta Mwale has told the Committee that he had advised the fund not to proceed with the purchase, but the board went ahead regardless. He demanded a further probe into the matter

“I have grown up in the Reserve Bank, this is the first time. To me, it is very surprising and I cannot imagine any other institution in Malawi doing the same,” said Mwale. “These people have to be accountable.”