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A governance watchdog has questioned how South African businessman Zunaid Moti allegedly obtained 10 mining licences in Malawi, barely weeks after donating MK4 billion to the Beautify Malawi (BEAM) Trust, a charity associated with First Lady Gertrude Mutharika.
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) says the timing of the licence awards has raised concerns over transparency and accountability in the allocation of mining rights.
Speaking during a news conference, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa called on authorities to explain how Moti was granted the licences.
“Malawians deserve to know the truth on how businessman Zunaid Moti managed to acquire about 10 mining licences. This is coming barely weeks after he donated MK4 billion towards the First Lady’s BEAM Trust,” said Namiwa.
Namiwa argued that the public has a right to know whether all legal procedures and regulatory requirements were followed before the licences were awarded.
He has also called for a forensic audit of BEAM, alleging possible wrongful enrichment and abuse of public office.
“We are calling for a forensic audit so that Malawians should know how BEAM is being funded and whether there was any abuse of public resources or influence,” he said.
The allegations come as President Arthur Peter Mutharika recently suspended the issuance of new mining licences and ordered a nationwide audit of all existing mining licences as part of efforts to reform the mining sector.
Government says the exercise is intended to enhance transparency, strengthen oversight, and ensure Malawi derives maximum benefit from its mineral resources.
Authorities have also announced a temporary ban on the export of raw minerals pending a review of the country’s mining laws and licensing system.
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