The Malawi Government has dismissed social media allegations linking South African businessman Zunaid Moti to a diplomatic appointment and claims that he received preferential treatment, including the awarding of government contracts.
The statement, issued by Chief Secretary to the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC), Justin Saidi, described the allegations as false, malicious and deliberately intended to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the government. Saidi clarified that Zunaid Moti has not been appointed to any government position, diplomatic or otherwise.
The OPC also rejected claims that Moti had benefited from mining licences, explaining that the government had imposed a moratorium on the issuance of new mineral licences to allow for a review of the mining cadastre system.
According to the statement, the review was necessary because the system had become congested with both active and inactive licence holders, requiring a compliance audit to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of Malawi’s mineral resources.
The government maintained that no new mineral licences have been issued since the DPP administration took office and that no new licences exist in the system as alleged in the circulating reports.
“Mr. Moti has not been appointed to any Government position, diplomatic or otherwise. Neither has the Government awarded him any form of preferential treatment. Any suggestion to the contrary is wholly fabricated and without any factual basis,” Saidi said in the statement.
Saidi said the claims were aimed at undermining public confidence in President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration, which he said remains committed to integrity, transparency and the fight against corruption.
The OPC also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information, noting that the deliberate publication and circulation of false information intended to deceive the public, damage reputations or undermine public institutions may constitute an offence under Malawi’s laws.
The government reaffirmed its focus on rebuilding the economy, restoring public confidence and implementing reforms, warning that misinformation and political attacks risk distracting the country from its development priorities.
