Mumba’s foundation registration delays spark row

Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba’s People Over Politics Foundation has given the Registrar General seven days to finalise its registration as a charity or explain the delay, warning that it will take legal action if the matter remains unresolved.

In a demand letter dated September 15 2026, the foundation’s lawyers, Maxoreen Attorneys-at-Law, say the organisation submitted its application in January, but repeated efforts to obtain an explanation for the delay have yielded no results.

The dispute comes as the foundation prepares to launch on October 2 this year and roll out charitable activities, including a K1.8 billion student stipend fund for underprivileged students at public universities and colleges over five years.

Plans to launch charity: Mumba. | Nation

In an interview yesterday, the foundation’s lawyer Lughano Mwabutwa confirmed that the demand letter had been sent, but that “the response is yet to come”.

According to the letter, the foundation has repeatedly followed up with the Registrar General’s office on its application and made corrections requested by the office, but registration remains pending without an explanation.

“Our client intends to launch its charitable activities on October 2, 2026. However, despite the considerable period that has elapsed since the submission of its application, your office has yet to complete the registration process,” reads the letter in part.

The foundation also says it lost an opportunity to receive laptops for distribution to less privileged students because a prospective donor required proof of formal registration.

It argues that the delay has consequently affected not only its legal and administrative status, but also its ability to secure resources for its intended beneficiaries.

The foundation further alleges that some organisations that applied later than it, were registered in less than two months, raising questions about whether applications are being processed consistently or whether applicants are being treated equally.

“The first activity being a stipend fund for students is time sensitive and the foundation has already lost time because of delay with registration and the beneficiaries cannot wait any longer,” said Blair Mhone, the foundation’s director of media and communications.

But when contacted, Registrar General Chikumbutso Namelo said he does not respond to third-party enquiries about applications that are still being processed, arguing that any explanation is owed to the applicant.

He also questioned the foundation’s decision to involve the media rather than continue engaging his office.

Said Namelo: “It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow up. I deal with clients following up on their applications all the time and I do my best to assist or explain after checking with the team.

“I do not think a demand letter from a lawyer is helpful. Actually, a wise and helpful lawyer would have called.”

He did not address the specific issues raised in the demand letter when responding to questions from The Nation.

Mhone said the foundation would proceed with its planned launch and charitable activities even if its registration is not completed by October 2.

Asked about the source of the funds, Mhone said the stipend fund would come from Mumba’s personal resources, adding that “full disclosure and details will be shared on the launch”.

Mumba is Mzimba Central legislator (Independent) who, in the September 2025 presidential election, was running mate to Malawi Congress Party presidential candidate and former president Lazarus Chakwera.

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