…First Lady’s office challenged over interference concerns
Beautify Malawi (BEAM) Trust, a charity that disappeared when power changed hands six years ago, has returned with billions in its hands, but its K17.79 billion comeback has exploded into a controversy over who is funding the revival and why.
BEAM Trust was founded in 2014 by former First Lady Professor Gertrude Mutharika during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration. The charity later disappeared from public attention after the DPP lost power in the June 2020 fresh presidential election.
Now, the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), has reported that the charity’s relaunch attracted K17.79 billion in donations from several high-profile individuals and companies.
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has questioned the massive donations, demanding transparency and a forensic audit of the charity’s operations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the sudden return of wealthy business people with billions of kwacha raises serious governance concerns, especially considering that some of the reported benefactors have previously faced allegations, investigations or court matters linked to financial crimes.
“Going by the popular belief that there is nothing like a free lunch, we wonder what these business people anticipate to get in return for their billions,” said Namiwa.
The governance watchdog has also raised concerns that donations of such magnitude could create room for influence, including possible preferential treatment in government procurement processes.
Namiwa said the development appears to contradict President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s repeated commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that there are no “sacred cows” in the fight against graft.
“CDEDI hereby respectfully appeals to Professor Gertrude Mutharika to make a public undertaking to reaffirm her commitment in the fight against corruption by supporting the President’s stance on the same,” added Namiwa.
While acknowledging the President’s anti-corruption stance, CDEDI said the First Lady’s foundation must also be subjected to public scrutiny because it operates in a space linked to public interest.
The organisation has since challenged Professor Gertrude Mutharika to assure Malawians that BEAM Trust is not being used to influence state decisions, public appointments or procurement processes.
CDEDI is demanding a forensic audit of BEAM Trust covering the period from 2014 to 2020 and October 2025 to June 2026.
The organisation has also challenged the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate the K17.79 billion donations, including reported contributions of K5 billion from NBS Bank, K4 billion from South African businessman Zunald Moti, US$1 million from Zimbabwe-based businessman Wicknell Chivayo, K1 billion from Apostle Clifford Kawinga and K300 million from Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.
CDEDI says the investigation would help establish whether the donations were made purely for charitable purposes or whether there were other interests behind the financial support.
The watchdog also raised concerns over the role of the First Lady in state affairs, saying her office should not interfere in government operations, including decisions on public appointments, procurement and other matters of State.
“Undoubtedly, the act will put to rest fears and speculation fueled by the PIJ article that has undoubtedly sparked heated debate on the role of the First Lady in decision-making, public appointments and the seemingly the widening gap between President Mutharika and Vice-President Dr. Jane Asah,” he said.
