Chaponda promises to end UNIMA impasse

Re-appointed Malawi Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Dr George Chaponda, says his first major task in his new portfolio is to ensure that the current University of Malawi Council and Chancellor College (CHANCO) academic freedom impasse is resolved once and for all.

In his 32-member new cabinet released on Wednesday, President Bingu wa Mutharika has re-appointed Dr Chaponda to head the ministry replacing the president's brother, Peter, who had a torrid moment at the ministry.

Chaponda first served as education minister from May 2009 immediately after the general elections and in 2010 he swapped the portfolios with Professor Peter Mutharika's Justice and Constitutional Affairs ministry.

And speaking immediately after his re-appointment,  Chaponda promised to resolve the prolonged academic freedom saga and ensure that students go back to class.

Chaponda: To resolve issues surrounding academic freedom stand-off

"Certainly, the first task is to pursue the Chancellor College academic freedom impasse. I will make sure that a lasting solution to the impasse is found and that students return to the college to proceed with their studies," said Chaponda.

He said he had not yet been in his new office but he would be calling for a consultative meeting with all the stakeholders to map the way forward on the issue that has brought studies at the higher learning institution at a standstill for about eight months now.

Born on November 1, 1942 in Mulanje District, Dr Chaponda, a lawyer, historian and political scientist entered Malawian politics in 2004 and was immediately elected as a Member of Parliament for Mulanje South West.

In June the same year, he was appointed Foreign Affairs Minister in the first cabinet of President Mutharika and went on to serve in other portfolios like that of Local Government and Rural Development.

The academic freedom saga has seen the Chancellor College being twice closed down indefinitely after the warring parties failed to reach an agreement.

Last Thursday the High Court in Blantyre ordered the college students to leave the campus within 48 hours after they challenged University of Malawi (UNIMA) Council's decision to close it following their vigil due to lack of learning.

High Court Judge Joseph Manyungwa vacated the stay order but also ordered the UNIMA Council to resolve the matter within a period of 21 days which ends on September 22.

But lawyer for the students, Lusungu Gondwe, expressed discontent with the court's decision arguing "the students did not choose to stay away from classes for no good reason. This decision is in a way infringing on the students' rights to hold the vigil, which the court itself allowed them to because they cannot hold the vigil while they are at home."

Lecturers  have vowed not to return to class unless their four colleagues Academic Staff Union (CCASU) Acting President Dr. Jessie Kabwila-Kapasula, CCASU legal advisor Dr. Garton Kamchedzera, CCASU Secretary General Franz Amin and the man at the centre of the controversy, Dr. Blessings Chinsinga, who were fired by the council, are reinstated.

Nyasa Times 08 Sep, 2011

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Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/national/chaponda-promises-to-end-unima-impasse/
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