Transformation Alliance convention in limbo: DPP’s Mchacha orders College of Medicine to cancel venue booking

Malawi’s vocal  political movement Transformation (T.A) has been left in suspense following the cancellation of venue booking at an eleventh hour by management of College of Medicine (CoM).

T.A leader Moses Kunkuyu confirmed receiving communication in an
interview with Nyasa Times on Sunday.

“I can confirm that College of Medicine called us at this eleventh hour to inform us that they can’t allow us to use their venue anymore
citing noise as a concern since they have their students on campus now. They also claim that the booking did not elaborate the nature of
the business but we wonder how could the whole management of College of Medicine really hired out the venue without asking what it was to be used for,” said Kunkuyu.

He further wondered why they gave them the nod in the first place.

“We met them before the booking then after the payment was made, we met them to look at the set up that we are going to use on the
conference day and those who are going to do the decorations, Public Address System and general protocol set up. We have been to the venue three times,” revealed Kunkuyu.

He said they are surprised that with all the meetings, they did not know what sought of an event it was going to be.

Kunkuyu admitted that the change will greatly affect their programme.

“We have been affected heavily since we already had our final preparatory meeting and to hold another meeting and re do the. logistics, it will not be easy. We have already paid transport, lodging and other arrangements not only for Malawi delegates but foreign as well,” said the Transformation Alliance leader.

He however expressed optimism that they will  secure a new  venue.

“We have no venue at the moment but I want to encourage all delegates that we are going to get a venue. We chose College of Medicine as a
central area and conducive befitting the calibre of people that we have invited who include officials from the ruling party and other political parties.We are hopeful that God will make a way” he said.

Kunkuyu however suspects COM decision is politically motivated.

“The caller simply said they can’t allow us anymore and pressed to give convincing reasons, she said her boss was better placed to give more details. I know that this is political and we are told that the order is from her top bosses and its the bosses who can say more,” he said.

He added: “Our business is intact regardless of where it will be transacted but we are not fazed by that we know the Political systems
we are dealing with in this country and we know there could be more but this makes our transformation agenda more timely and relevant.

“This was an opportunity for those in authority to show that they are part of the country’s democratisation process by allowing us to use facilities over which they have control which unfortunately isn’t the
case” concluded Kunkuyu.

Mchacha’s involvement

Meanwhile, well placed sources have confided in Nyasa Times that the COM Management has been forced to cancel T.A’s venue booking by ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Regional Governor for the South Charles Mchacha.

“It is Mr. Mchacha who has been issuing threats and shouting at the management of College of Medicine inorder to persuade them to cancelthe Transformation Alliance booking,” said the source.

Mchacha laughed off the allegations, saying ” don’t play with the ruling party.”

In reacting to the development , the. Transformation Leader said: “They
can block all venues but certainly not all avenues. The voices of Malawians will still be heard it doesn’t matter when, where and how”.

As we went online, T.A officials were busy looking for a new venue.

The convention is scheduled to take place on 25th August where the alliance will give out its concept in full details.

The conference will attract local and I nternatinal delegates.

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