Questions over First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s BEAM Trust operations has shifted into a clash between activists over who should be held accountable.
Activist Billy Malata is challenging the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) to publicly disclose its financial records, including bank accounts, tax compliance status and employee obligations.
In a statement, Malata defended BEAM Trust, an organisation associated with First Lady Gertrude Mutharika, saying the charity is a registered entity with its own management structures and should not be judged solely because of its links to the country’s leadership.
Malata’s remarks follow calls by CDEDI executive director Sylvester Namiwa for accountability measures involving BEAM Trust, including demands for greater scrutiny of the organisation’s operations.
He argued that receiving donations by a registered charity does not amount to wrongdoing, saying organisations should be assessed based on their governance and compliance with the law.
“If we want to fight Gertrude Mutharika politically, let us fight her directly and not attack BEAM,” Malata said, arguing that the charity should not become a target because of political differences.
Malata said accountability should apply equally to all institutions, arguing that CDEDI, which advocates for good governance, should also demonstrate transparency in its own affairs.
He challenged the organisation to disclose whether it maintains proper bank accounts, pays taxes to the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), remits Pay As You Earn (PAYE) for employees and provides reports to its board.
Malata said organisations demanding accountability from others should lead by example, insisting that good governance requires openness and responsibility from all sides.
