As activists gang up against Joyce Banda’s regime, there are fresh calls for the government to get rid of all deputy ministers in an effort to halt unnecessary government spending.

Bily Mayaya, in a no-holds-barred style told the president that she must fire all deputy ministers.

“…get rid of deputy ministers and trim the cabinet to 12!! Iyaa!!” demanded Mayaya who at a certain point in time organised the nfamous “July 20 demonstrations” against the autocratic leadership of Bingu wa Mutharika for poor governance, dictatorial leadership, and economic mis-management.

However, in what may be seen as a response to Mayaya’s demand, the president responded that she will not give in to what she called “jealousy and foolish” calls.

However, in Kenya, President Mwai Kibaki blocked a $110 thousand end-of term bonuses for members of parliament in order to reduce unnecessary spending after Kenyans had demonstrated against such demands.

In Malawi, however, the presidential perks and allowances and that of cabinet members are kept under close secrecy.??

It has been suggested by different stakeholders that Malawi can survive without deputy ministers. It is argued that such roles could effectively be played by principles secretaries.

So far, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has slated for a major conference to demonstrate against social ills facing the nation.
It is alleged that delegates will set a dateline-ultimatum for Joyce Banda and her Peoples’ Party.

As reports indicate that a cabinet reshuffle is eminent to accommodate Goodall Gondwe who has resignedfrom DPP as earlier on reported by this blogger, it is not yet clear if the president will give in to the activists demands to get riddance of the deputy ministers.