One year on from the establishment of the Muhlakho wa Ahlomwe at Chonde in Mulanje district, a cultural school for the tribe was opened at which people can learn both the language and the culture of the Ahlomwe people. At the opening President Bingu wa Mutharika, who himself belongs to that tribe, defended himself against critics who saw the centre as political rather than cultural. Apparently there are allegations that he tends to give senior positions in public offices to his fellow tribesmen.