Debate erupts over MRA security contracts linked to cabinet ministers

There is growing debate on social media following reports that the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has awarded lucrative security contracts to companies linked to two serving cabinet ministers.

According to a public notice from MRA that has been widely shared online, MRA has awarded contracts to Masters Security Service, a company linked to State Minister Alfred Gangata, and Iringa Security Services, which is associated with Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale.

The notice indicates that Masters Security Service secured two contracts running for 24 months, a K1.237 billion deal covering the Blantyre cluster and another worth K2.158 billion for the Central Region cluster. Iringa Security Services has been awarded a separate 24-month contract valued at K1.141 billion.

The revelations have triggered a wave of reactions from Malawians, with some arguing that awarding such contracts to companies owned by serving ministers amounts to a clear conflict of interest.

One Facebook user described the development as “sad”, arguing that public institutions should avoid decisions that create perceptions of favouritism or abuse of office, especially at a time when many Malawians are struggling with high living costs and unemployment.

Popular social media influencer Onjezani Kenani also weighed in, questioning the procurement process. “When did the Malawi Revenue Authority advertise this?” Kenani wrote.

However, one of his followers, Thoko Zan Sawasawa, responded by sharing what appears to be an MRA advertisement dated 12 November 2025, captioning it, “Here is the advert osatha mawu guys,” suggesting the process was publicly advertised.

On the other side of the debate, some commentators have defended the contracts, arguing that there is no law that bars ministers from owning or running businesses.

They maintain that as long as the companies are legitimately registered, pay taxes, follow procurement procedures, and the contracts do not directly conflict with the ministers’ official duties, there is nothing illegal about the arrangement.

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