Malawian lawyer Justin Dzodzi, who is campaigning for a legal challenge
against the adoption, told Britain's Mail on Sunday newspaper: "The
sponsorship of Mr Manjolo could be construed as payment for the adoption.
The entire circumstances surrounding the case need to be re-examined and
this latest disclosure is something we would wish to bring before the
courts."
Madonna offered to pay for Manjolo's tuition fees when she was told the
Malawian government needed more trained social welfare officers.
Adrina Mchiela, principal secretary for Malawi's Ministry for Gender and
Child Welfare, said: "She asked us whether we had any problems and we saw
our chance. We told her the ministry lacked trained personnel and asked if
she could help. "Madonna indicated a willingness to sponsor more officers.
We just need to inform her of our need."
Manjolo, 40, started a social work degree at Swansea University, in Wales,
last September, a month before Madonna and David left Malawi.
Manjolo insists he was not involved in Madonna's adoption case and has never
met the singer, adding: "It is unfortunate if people use their wealth to
manipulate events, but I don't think it happened in this case. Her
application was considered on merit. I have been trying to do this course
since 1984 but funding was a problem. It was only last August that I was
told the money had finally been sourced. This course will help my department
to develop a policy to encourage Malawians to adopt Malawians."
Madonna has so far failed to comment on the matter.
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