By Mercy Zamawa
Ombudsman Grace Malera has confirmed receipt of complaints from a group of creatives in relation to the awarding of grants by the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), through the Copyright Fund Committee, to allocate grants to COSOMA board members, which has triggered outrage from its members citing conflict of interest and unfair treatment.
In an interview with MBC Digital, Malera disclosed that her office is going the documents to ascertain if there was abuse of office among others.
The heated controversy surrounding the awarding of grants has seen a group of artists, some of whom have taken to social media, citing abuse of power and compromising the integrity of the Copyright Fund.
According to the petitioners, the COSOMA board members in question include Chairperson Reverend Chimwemwe Mhango, Wendy Harawa, and Deborah Ntopa, who were awarded grants amounting to close to K50 million. The petitioners argue that this move creates an uneven playing field for other artists and undermines the fund’s credibility.
Also commenting on the matter, Musician Union of Malawi Chairperson, Vita Chirwa, said the union remains committed to working collaboratively with COSOMA and all stakeholders to uphold high standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in managing corporate resources for the benefit of the artistic community and the nation.
The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications on the management of the Copyright Fund and COSOMA’s role in supporting Malawi’s creative industry.
As the debate continues, Ombudsman Malera said the office will communicate directly with the complainants regarding the admissibility of their complaints once the review is complete.
