ReporterBlantyre Water Board (BWB) Chairperson Stanley Chirwa, who is linked to State House, has moved to defend his family after a video surfaced online showing one of his wives displaying what appears to be large sums of US dollars, sparking public outrage amid Malawi’s worsening forex shortage.
The video, widely circulated on social media, shows a woman identified by users as Chirwa’s wife holding bundles of foreign currency.
The footage has drawn sharp criticism from Malawians, many of whom say the display is tone-deaf at a time when individuals and businesses are struggling to access foreign exchange.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the BWB, which is already under pressure following the suspension of its Chief Executive Officer and a court injunction that blocked the board’s recent decision.
Responding to the backlash, Chirwa broke his silence after a comment by social media user Jannet Matewere linked the video to his public position.
“I ordinarily would never respond to such but I believe I have the right to defend my family. Check the timestamp on the photograph and reconsider your statement,” he said, suggesting the footage may have been taken out of context.
However, the response has done little to quell public anger, with critics tying the incident to broader concerns about leadership, accountability, and perceived privilege among those connected to power.
The episode has intensified scrutiny on the BWB’s leadership, as citizens continue to grapple with economic hardship, persistent forex shortages, and ongoing challenges in accessing essential services.
