CHILD RIGHTS NGO CORNERED OVER ALLEGED EMBEZZLEMENT

By Chilenje Chilenje 

Government has issued a 15 day ultimatum to a non-governmental organization operating in Nsanje district to present financial reports following concerns of plunder of resources.

The organization in question is Timotheos Foundation which promotes rights of children in Nsanje district. 

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati, warned that the "organization risks closure if the timeframe is not met".

Kaliati expressed concern that most NGOs defy the country’s laws requiring submission and of reports and budgets to the NGO Board for scrutiny.

Community members in Nsanje district conducted protests against alleged financial mismanagement at Timotheos Foundation.

The organization’s new director, a Mr Omen denied that he swindled funds going towards orphans and vulnerable children by cutting the budget in half.

Meanwhile, Director of Economic and Monitoring Services at the NGO Board, Geoffrey Chimwala, promised to engage all NGOs to ensure compliance of submission of reports.