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NBA Finals on ESPN now available to DStv & GOtv customers

Viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to greater access to the ESPN and ESPN 2 channels, thanks to an ‘Open Window’ from MultiChoice.

From 31 May to 3 July, more customers on DStv and GOtv will be able to revel in the thrills and excitement of ESPN’s incredible sporting coverage, in particular the National Basketball Association (NBA).

ESPN, which is usually only available on DStv Family and up & GOtv Max and up, will be available from the Access and Plus packages respectively.

ESPN 2, which is usually only available to customers on DStv Compact Plus and up, will be available on DStv Compact and GOtv Supa.

This means more sporting enthusiasts will be able to take in top-class football from Major League Soccer (MLS), the ‘ping’ of bat striking ball in Major League Baseball (MLB) and the brutality of the XFL (American Football) and the National Rugby League (NRL) from Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, top-class magazine shows such as ‘NBA Today’, ‘NFL Live’, ‘Pardon the Interruption’, ‘ESPN FC’ and ‘SportsCenter’ provide the widest coverage and most entertaining opinions on a huge range of sports.

But the crown in the jewel for this Open Window will be the NBA Championship Finals, which begin on the morning of Friday 2 June and can extend as far as 18 June if the series goes all seven games.

The Conference Finals (Championship semifinals) are underway, with the East seeing the Miami Heat take on the Boston Celtics, while the West pits the Los Angeles Lakers against the Denver Nuggets.

The Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in their Conference semi-final series, while the Lakers ended the reign of the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, with a 4-2 win in their series.

The Lakers started the season with a 2-10 record in their first 12 games, but a mid-season roster overhaul has sparked a brilliant run: “I felt like if we ever had an opportunity to upgrade our roster and put some more balance around myself and [Anthony Davis], I felt like we could make a run,” said star man LeBron James.

“I just wanted to come in and make some plays and be efficient and defend at a high level and help [Davis] rebound. Help our team make winning plays. And I was able to make a few of them.”

In the East, the Heat will face a stiff test against a Celtics team which is hungry to make up for last season’s Championship Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, though key player Jimmy Butler is confident.

“We’re one step closer to our goal,” said Butler. “We already knew what we were capable of from the jump, I’m talking about the beginning of the season. We got eight more to get. I always say we’re always going to be in this thing together. So proud of all of my guys for playing as hard as we did today and like I said, we got eight more.”

DStv and GOtv are your home of the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. Visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com to subscribe or upgrade and join in on the sporting excitement. And while you’re on the move, you can stream the action on the DStv App.

CFTC trains Castel Mw staff on compliance and consumer rights

Castel Malawi staff and CFTC officials pose for a photo after the training

The Competition and Fair-Trading Commission (CFTC) has trained 50 Castel Malawi staff from the Commercial, Sales and Marketing department in the Southern Region, on compliance and consumer rights.

CFTC Director of Legal Services, Apoche Itimu said they facilitated the training after being approached by Castel Malawi to impart knowledge on compliance and consumer rights.

“Training was about obligations of businesses under the Competitions and Fair-Trading Act and the Rights of Consumers. This was just to ensure that Castel Malawi takes matters of competition and consumer protection in Malawi seriously. We have also guided them on how they can come up with a compliance program as an institution and how they can conduct audits on competition and consumer protection issues.”

“It was a very good interaction because we had an audience that was able to engage, ask a lot of questions and we also learnt a lot of thigs from the Castel side, and we believe that everyone is committed to making sure that going forward they continue where they have been complying and where they need to improve, relevant improvements will be made,” said Itimu.

Itimu facilitating the training

Castel Malawi’s Commercial Director, Nelson Zoto said the training was significant for the people in his department as they will be equipped with enough knowledge on compliance as they serve customers.  

“The training was significant because we are commercial players in the market, which means that we have customers, consumers and other stakeholders that consume our products. So, it is important that we equip the team with knowledge of compliance and competition as we trade with the market at large. As a company we engage our employees, but we have a new team and it is important that we make sure that they are also well informed about the issues which they will be dealing with when they go to the market. Therefore, they need to be well conversant with the regulations and should be compliant,” said Zoto.

Castel Malawi Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba said they expect a lot from the participants in terms of compliance with the laws.

“This training was important to our commercial team because things are changing, the laws are changing every day. So, if we are behind on what the law requires on the market, we will not be compliant and therefore we find ourselves on the wrong side of the law. Now that CFTC facilitated the training to update the commercial team, not only on the revised laws and revised fines, but also to give them more knowledge on fair trading, so that they perform and execute their duties better, “said Zimba.

Some Castel Malawi staff follow the training

Traditional leaders are the growth engine of economic development-Says Minister Chimwendo Banda

Local Government Minister Chimwendo Banda elevating the Chief

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Williams Richard Chimwendo Banda said traditional leaders play a pivotal role in reshaping the socioeconomic transformation of the nation by among other things providing invaluable guidance to the government ending early marriages, mediating on civil cases among others.

Chimwendo Banda was speaking on Monday in Kasutu Village in Nkhotakota during the elevation of chief Kafuzila to Senior Traditional Chief

“In times of the economic hardships, that the country is passing through due to various natural disasters such as cyclone Freddy, Ukraine war, droughts in parts of the country, government depends on chiefs to help in resolving such insurmountable obstacles by giving advice and provision of leadership at society levels, said Chimwendo Banda who is also leader of government business in Parliament.

Chimwendo Banda poses for a photo with the elevated Chief, other traditional leaders and former Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu Banda

He also said government of President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera will continue to restore the pride and dignity of chiefs in country so that they can ably lead to the socioeconomic reconstruction of our nation.

“For the indelible script of economic transformation to take place in our society, government depends on the corrupt- free, non partisan, champion of unity, leaders that uphold rule of law and cultural sacraments among others and chiefs are the integral part,” said the Minister.

He later urged the new chief to continue upholding cultural heritage and preservation of historical events of their respective people.

Speaking earlier Senior Chief Kanyenda hailed government for increasing their honoraria during the last budget.

He however advised government to tread carefully on chiefs appointments that are resulting in conflicts in the society.

CHIMWENDO: Government of President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera will continue to restore the pride and dignity of chiefs

NBM urges SMEs to develop positive perception towards bank loans

By Gracious Chitakata, a Contributor

Customers display gift packs at the function

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has urged Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in the country to develop a positive perception towards bank loans which are affordable and easy to access.

Speaking during a breakfast interaction with SMEs in Blantyre on Thursday, NBM’s Head of Retail Banking Oswin Kasunda said most businesses have stagnated because its owners are afraid to access loans due to the perception that the interest rates are very high.

According to Kasunda,their interest pricing is slightly above two percent per month but people think it is a high rate because they are grossing it up per annum.

“If you compare withother microfinance institutions you will find that the interest rate is very high, probably 20 percent. So, our interest rates might be a bit high but we think that we are providing affordable pricing. Pricing is also a factor of a return that the customer is getting, we cannot charge a customer a higher price than what he can get in terms of return,” said Kasunda.

Kasunda addressing the SMEs

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute (SMEDI) Business Information and Advisory Officer,Compstone Soko, hailed NBM for the interaction session saying it will enhance partnerships between the private sector and the public sector in terms of helping SMEs access loans.

“We believe that through digital platforms SMEs can access the services as you are aware most of these financial institutions are located in the urban areas but yet we have more SMEs in rural areas, so with phones and the internet we believe these services can be easily accessed,” said Soko.

One of the SMEs, Brenda Chitanda of House of Men clothing shop said the interaction helped her to appreciate the tailor-made products NBM has in stock which has changed her negative perception of the bank loans.

“They have explained the kind of loan that SMEs can apply for and also the duration of repaying, but before this interaction we didn’t know how to go about it,” said Chitanda.

A section of SMEs at the event

NBS Bank boosts Mary’s Meals’ feeding program with K20 million

Chikusilo (middle) handing over cheque to Chipeta-Khonje as pupils look on

NBS Bank Plc has committed K20 million towards Mary’s Meals school feeding programme for the next four years.

Making a symbolic cheque handover at Mlambalala Primary School in Blantyre on Friday, the Bank’s Chief Operating Officer Shadrick Chikusilo, said as a long-standing bank that has been on the market for over 50 years, they understand that the mantle to develop any nation is passed on from one generation to the next and therefore needed to support and nurture the youth’s talent by providing the right products and services.

“We are passionate about youth development and the need to nurture young talent as they hold keys to Malawi’s future success. We strive to provide the right products and services that also speak to the sustainability of our society in efforts to inspire young minds and achieve their goals,” said Chikusilo.

He added that the Bank is also contemplating an increase in the future support after appreciating the commendable works Mary’s Meals is doing in schools across Malawi.

Chikusilo (right) and Chipeta-Khonje serve porridge to pupils at Mlambalala Primary School as Ng’ombe-Longwe looks

Mary’s Meals Country Director, Angela Chipeta-Khonje hailed NBS Bank for the support which she said will feed at least a thousand children in a whole school year.

“This donation will take us a long way to still keep the promise to the 1.1 million children that we feed in the country. Our plan is to make sure that the school feeding program reaches many children in the country,” said Khonje.

Khonje also indicated that one of the main challenges with the school feeding program is the increase in prices of corn soya blend by 50%.

Blantyre Urban Primary Schools Improvement Desk Officer, Prisca Mumbe, also commended NBS Bank for the gesture saying the Mary’s Meals school feeding program has helped to improve the pupils’ performance and attendance in the district.

“We appreciate the help from NBS Bank because Mary’s Meals will continue to give our children porridge which is helping our learners’ performance, their punctuality and health as we no longer have malnourished children,” said Mumbe.

Mary’s Meals is currently operating in 24 districts in the country.

Pupils enjoy their meal at Mlambalala Primary School

TNM scoops best internet connectivity award

TNM Chief Executive Officer Michel Hebert accepting the award

The Information Technology Association of Malawi (ICTAM) has named TNM as the “Best Internet Connectivity” company in Malawi at the association’s recent 2023 ICT Expo held in Lilongwe.    

TNM was awarded for its excellent internet service delivery which has revolutionized access to internet and improved broadband speeds in Malawi. TNM was competing with Airtel and Inq Digital.  

Accepting the award, TNM Chief Executive Officer Michel Hebert said that the award speaks volumes of value TNM internet offers to Malawians.  

“We are humbled that our decision to invest in internet innovation continues to be noticed as an important contributor to the country’s ICT sector and the Malawi economy,” said Hebert.  

Hebert said that the award will inspire TNM to continue pioneering innovative and integrated mobile network and ICT services that respond to the needs of customers.

“At TNM we strive to bring best internet connectivity that the country can leverage to bring forth exponential transformations within the business economy. This is just the beginning, Malawians should look out for more from the best 4G network in the country,” he said.  

Following latest approval by the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA), TNM has launched pilot phase of its 5G network to continue providing valuable internet connectivity to the country.  

“As a telco company, we are excited to be the first in Malawi to bring 5G network services. The network is designed not only to deliver faster, better mobile broadband services but can also expand into new service areas such as mission-critical communications,” added the CEO.  

Making the announcement at the event, the judges ranked TNM highly as an important driver of Malawi’s sustained development through its cutting-edge innovative offerings in the internet ecosystem.  

This year’s ICT Expo was held under the theme “Building Business Resilience Through Digital Technology”.  

For further inquiries.

NBM thrilled with Best Digital Banking Award

Kaunda (left) shows the award flanked by one of NBM Senior Managers Moses Ganiza

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc which has just won the Best Digital Banking Award has said digital services ought to be at the centre stage of the Malawi 2063 Agenda and the Malawi Digital Economy.

NBM plc Head of Digital Financial Services William Kaunda was reacting to an announcement at the just ended ICT Expo in Lilongwe that NBM plc has been awarded the Best Digital Banking Award.

“We, at National Bank of Malawi plc, especially those of use directly involved in providing digital services, are very excited with the recognition that ICTAM has bestowed upon the Bank. We also feel honoured by the recognition that we have received from a grouping of honourable ICT professionals. It is an honour to be recognised by astute professionals other than any others.”

Kaunda (second right) hoists the award flanked by fellow NBM plc managers

“It is our belief that digital services ought to be at the centre stage of the Malawi 2063 Agenda and the Malawi Digital Economy. As such we believe that as the Bank, we have to be responsive to the agenda by not only making sure that digital financial services are entrenched in our communities but also ensuring that communities are digitally and financially included. To this effect, various programmes have been aligned to ensure that new, focused products and services are rolled out to provide a platform for such,” said Kaunda.

He explained that for almost over a decade, digitalisation has been at the forefront of the bank’s strategy and this has translated to having over 93% of all their transactions being done on digital platforms adding that the award will help to consolidate the gains and guide the provision of customer-focused products and services.

“We are positive that the award will hasten the maturity of our products that are in the pipeline. Our customers should therefore look forward to more responsive digital services that bring meaning into their lives in this year and the years to come,” said Kaunda.

Kaunda poses with the award

Kaunda said NBM plc deserved to win the award because it has been in the digital space longer than any other in the market.

“It is a fact that NBM plc has been in the digital space longer than any other on the market and is also a fact that NBM plc has been a pioneer in bringing digital solutions to its customers for several years. NBM plc has been a bedrock that has propelled many players to join the digital provision space and we have a wide range of digital products and services – that meaningfully work. From mobile, to internet, to cardless, to ATMs, to card services to POS, to international card use, we stand unmatched. The recognition is therefore a testament to this fact,” said Kaunda.

ICT Association of Malawi(ICTAM) president Clarence Gama said the country’s ICT has improved and many companies are providing innovative solutions to the country in different sectors of the economy.

Activist Agape Khombe Appearing for Bail Application Over Defilement

KHOMBE: A defiler

Political activist Agape Khombe is today expected to appear before Lilongwe Magistrate court for Bail application and to be formally charged for allegedly defiling a young girl from Chinsapo township.

However, Khombe is upbeat of being granted bail today as he was overhead during a phone conversation with unknown person that he will be granted bail and that his case will be discontinued.

During the conversation, Khombe told his friend that his case file will get to the Director of Public Prosecution -DPP who will review the file through Attorney General and will discontinue the case. He alleged that he is well connected and that this serious case will not go far.

Khombe known for organizing anti-Martha Chizuma demonstrations, was arrested on Monday at Capitol Hill during a mission to disrupt vigils by the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development (CDEDI).

CDEDI is forcing Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda to honor his promise of recovering money meant for procurement of fertilizer for Affordable Input program (AIP) which was dubiously paid to a UK based Butchery.

During an interview with a local private television, Times TV, Nyirenda promised to recover the funds by December 2022 and vowed to resign if he failed to meet his timeline.

OOPS!POLITICAL ACTIVIST AGAPE KHOMBE ARRESTED FOR DEFILEMENT

A political activist, Agape Khombe has spent last night in police custody for being suspected to have defiled a young girl from Chinsapo township.

Khombe known for organizing anti-Martha Chizuma demonstrations, is reportedly being kept at Lilongwe Police Station in Area 3, after being arrested on Monday afternoon.

Police suspects that he committed the offense in Chinsapo following a report from Chinsapo Police Unit which received the complaint from the parents of the victim.

Police apprehended Mr. Khombe during the foiled demonstrations he had organized in the day with an aim of disrupting Centre for Democracy and Economic Development (CDEDI) vigils at Capitol Hill where the organization is forcing Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda to honor his promise of recovering money meant for procurement of fertilizer for Affordable Input program (AIP) which was dubiously paid to a UK based Butchery. During an interview with a local private television, Times TV, Nyirenda promised to recover the funds by December 2022 and vowed to resign if he failed to meet his timeline.

Khombe had hired 23 young men who were stopped from entering the gate of Capital Hill using a hired minibus after police had received a tip-off that some men were enroute to the area to cause havoc in the name of CDEDI.

However, later in the evening police released the boys following some orders but had held grip to keeping their leader Khombe over the reported serious offence of defilement.

Khombe is expected to appear before Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate court this morning to answer charges of defilement which attracts life imprisonment according to new amendments to the law.

FDH BANK PLC INVESTS K15 MILLION TOWARDS MALAWI INVESTMENT FORUM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Mkulichi: The Malawi Investment Forum is an important platform for facilitating growth for Malawi and the region

FDH Bank Plc has supported the upcoming Malawi Investment Forum in South Africa with K15 million sponsorship.

As a homegrown entity, FDH Bank Plc is committed to promoting initiatives that foster growth in the country.

The Malawi Consulate in South Africa in conjunction with the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) Malawi will hold Investment Forum in South Africa under the theme ‘A Prosperous Malawi through Strategic Investment Partnerships’. The Forum will take place from 24 to 25 May 2023 at the Emperor’s Palace, in Johannesburg.

FDH Bank Plc Managing Director Noel Mkulichi, said the Malawi Investment Forum is an important platform for facilitating growth for Malawi and the region.

“We have unwavering commitment towards promoting growth sectors for the Malawi 2063 Agenda. The Malawi Investment Forum is therefore an avenue for Malawi to explore growth opportunities in the region and beyond,” Mkulichi said.

“FDH Bank Plc has innovative investment, global market and trade finance solutions that can foster partnerships across the world with the intent to boost investment, develop industry and generate forex for the country,” Mkulichi explained.

” The Investment Forum is a solid platform for engaging investors to understand their investment requirements and FDH Bank Plc provides bespoke investment solutions to accelerate the attainment of Malawi 2063 and create an inclusively wealthy and self reliant nation.,” Mkulichi added.

The Malawi mission in South Africa hailed FDH Bank for the gesture.

“The Malawi Mission in South Africa would like to thank FDH Bank Plc for coming on board as a Platinum Partner for the First Malawi Investment Forum taking place in Johannesburg from 24th -5th May 2023. Without your assistance and sponsorship of 15,000,000, we would not be able to achieve our goal of hosting this key initiative to attract investors to Malawi,” said Stella Ndau, Malawi High Commissioner to South Africa.

NBS Bank, FAM give Charity Shield proceeds to beneficiaries

Ngwenya (far right) with the FAM GS Gunda, Red Cross president Majiya and beneficiaries

NBS Bank plc and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) have distributed proceeds from the NBS Charity Shield match and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers between Malawi and Egypt amounting K30.5 million to Cyclone Freddy victims and Flames legends.

NBS Bank pumped in K20 million into the Charity Shield match, which raised the same amount, before FAM added K10.5 million from the Afcon match proceeds to the cause.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mpira Village in Chiwembe, Blantyre on Thursday, NBS Bank Chief Executive Officer, Kwanele Ngwenya said as a ‘Caring Bank’, they are committed to getting involved in charity work.

“We are happy with the positive marks that are left behind through such initiatives. This works well with our strategy of reaching out to the society. Our partnership with FAM started last year when we supported other victims of the Cyclone, but this one is a very long one,” he said.

FAM General Secretary, Alfred Gunda said the association has divided the beneficiaries into four categories: football legends, football coaches whose houses were damaged, football players and some affected families from Mtauchira Village, Traditional Authority Likoswe in Chiradzulu.

Ngwenya (right) and FAM GS Gunda (left) handing over the cheque to Majiya (middle)

“This presentation underscores our strong belief that football is a force for good and NBS Bank’s continued support significantly helps the cause,” said Gunda.

Some of the beneficiaries include former Flames goalkeepers Clement Mkwalula and the late Boniface Maganga who got  K1.5 million and K1 million respectively in the legends programme.

FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserves and Malawi U17 National Team Assistant Coach Enos Chatama, Chitipa United mentor McDonald Mtetemera and the Malawi National Beach Soccer team captain Sandram Saddi, whose houses were affected by the disaster also received K1 Million each.

Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) have been given K23 million to facilitate construction of low-cost houses for four families that lost their houses in Mtauchira Village, Chiradzulu, and the family of under U-16 football player Mahara Mpholiwa, who lost his life in Chilobwe Township, Blantyre.

The balance K1.9 million will be used to buy groceries at the time the families will be officially getting their new houses.

Malawi Red Cross president Innocent Majiya assured that the Society will ensure the construction of the houses is completed in 30 days.

NBS Bank introduces ‘Open Banking’

Ng’ombe-Longwe-The system is robust

NBS Bank has introduced ‘open banking’, a form of integrational banking that allows other banks and financial institutions to integrate with its system for various payments to create new and more convenient financial services while promoting financial inclusion.

NBS Bank Head of Innovation and Digital Banking, Inqxhuiniso Dzoole-Mwale explained in an interview yesterday that ‘open banking’ benefits consumers by providing more choices, better services, enhanced convenience and increased control over their financial data among other things.

“Open banking is when banks and other financial institutions integrate their systems with regulated providers to access your financial information securely, with your permission. This integration of data helps create new and better financial services that are tailored to you. It gives you more control over your finances and lets you use different services from multiple providers in one place. Open banking is regulated to protect your data and privacy,” said Dzoole-Mwale.

He said the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) is the first key partner in the open banking initiative adding that this will see non-NBS Bank customers pay for services such as driver’s license, fines, COF, road permits, change of ownership, traffic register cards and number plate application, among others, using various digital banking platforms.

He said other merchants will be boarded on open banking later on.

“NBS Bank leverages open banking to empower individuals and communities in our country, fostering financial inclusion and driving economic growth. We strive to be at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with third-party providers to offer a comprehensive range of financial services that meet the diverse needs of our customers,” added Dzoole-Mwale.

Speaking on safety of funds because of the integration, NBS Bank Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Tamanda Ng’ombe-Longwe assured all customers that the system is robust as it is part of the revamp of the Bank’s digital banking platform popularly known as ‘EazyBank’.

“Customers should not worry about their money as this integration is secure for all users. As we are gearing towards the launch of the upgraded EazyBank digital banking platform, we have ensured that the revamp includes a robust security system to protect our customers, as well as those who will be privileged to use this platform,” assured Ng’ombe Longwe.

CDEDI condemns Chakwera’s Tonse for victimising refugees…Vigil at AG Nyirenda office on MK750 million AIP theft payment

The country’s civil rights group, Centre for Democracy and Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has condemned President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government for victimising refugees and asylums seekers in a sweeping exercise launched on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in the capital Lilongwe.

The grouping is also planning for vigil at Attorney General (AG) Office Chakaka Thabo Nyirenda, capital hill in Lilongwe on Monday, May 22, 2023 seeking clarification on proof of recovery of the MK750 million that was meant for the 2022/2023 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).

Addressing the news conference on Thursday, May 18, in Lilongwe, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa demanded Chakwera government to handle two issues with urgency.

“As Malawians may recall, Lilongwe District Commissioner Dr. Lawford Palani responded to our notice to hold vigils at the offices of the Attorney General (AG) until AG Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda provides proof of recovery of the MK750 million that was meant for the 2022/2023 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) feared to have been lost by promising to engage us with the AG.

“As a law-abiding institution, the Centre for Democracy and Development Initiatives (CDEDI) put on hold the vigils in order to give the promised dialogue a chance and, through the Lilongwe DC, on May 10 2023 we gave the AG seven days to set up the meeting with us,” says Namiwa.

He added, “Since the seven days have elapsed with the meeting neither being held, nor CDEDI hearing from either the presumed mediator or the office of the AG, we hereby inform the general public that we have no choice but to proceed with the vigils as earlier planned.

“So, the vigils are on at the entrance of the AG’s office at Capital Hill starting from Monday May 22 2023, from 7am to 12 Noon, until the AG produces evidence of full recovery of the MK750 million, and culprits are brought to book”.

Namiwa says, “As the law demands, CDEDI has, once again, dutifully notified the Lilongwe. District Council of the same. In the meantime, while joining those that have already condemned the Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale-Ngoma for gross violations of basic human rights for refugees and asylum seekers by bundling them and heaping them at Maula Prison without food and proper beddings.

“CDEDI hereby calls on government to halt the exercise which is running contrary to Ubunthu believe. It is strange that the Malawi Government sees nothing wrong in victimising fellow Africans”.

He adds further, “CDEDI, therefore, reiterates its stand that besides this exercise lacking merit, there are a several contentious issues that need to be addressed at Dzaleka Refugee Camp and, over and above everything, recamping the refugees is not a priority given the myriad challenges Malawians are facing.

“In fact, as predicted in our April 14, 2023 statement, this decision is slowly backfiring. Business has already come to a stand-still and low income consumers are now subjected to exorbitant prices of basic needs thereby pushing millions into untold misery”.

“It is even strange that the same government that is failing to feed inmates in our correctional facilities is forcing people that were feeding themselves and, also, created jobs elsewhere, to depend on the same government at the congested Dzaleka Camp.

“Most importantly, government should explain to Malawians how it intends to cushion the sudden price hike of basics following the closure of shops and other businesses operated by some of these refugees being recamped”.

Chakwera Tonse Alliance government is yet to comment on the two issues.

NBM commits K5 million towards EGENCO conference

AGF Group CEO Jules Ngankam (right) gives a gift to NBM Deputy CEO Harold Jiya

National Bank of Malawi Plc (NBM) has given the Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) K5 million to support this year’s 57th Association of Power Utility in Africa (APUA) conference next month.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque handover in Blantyre on Friday, NBM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) MacFussy Kawawa said the Bank decided to help EGENCO considering the relationship between the two institutions and that the conference will provide an opportunity to discuss issues surrounding the energy sector.

“For Malawi to host this conference it is an opportunity to discuss energy issues which are quite key to the development of our country but also an opportunity of presenting Malawi to the rest of Africa. Through this conference, EGENCO and other energy players will be able to tap knowledge from their colleagues from other countries that will benefit our country. As a corporate citizen, NBM is committed to building a great nation and therefore the initiatives within the energy sector are pertinent in the development of the country,” explained Kawawa.

EGENCO CEO, William Liabunya thanked NBM for being the first company to commit towards supporting the conference.

“This support will enhance our long existing relationship with the National Bank of Malawi. In fact, they are the first to have accepted our call for support. This support will go a long way in ensuring that we host the event successfully since we are expecting a lot of delegates from other countries, including CEOs and technocrats from power utilities across Africa. This presents an opportunity for Malawian businesses targeting the African continent as a potential market,” he said.

The conference will take place at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe from June 3 to 9.

SHAKA iLEMBE LAUNCHES IN JUNE!

The wait is over. DStv customers can look forward to the much anticipated prime-time drama series SHAKA iLEMBE which will launch on Sunday, 18 June at 20:00 CAT. 

MultiChoice General Entertainment CEO Nomsa Philiso revealed the date at a special event held in Johannesburg, South Africa today.

Philiso noted that, “SHAKA iLEMBErepresents the best of African storytelling. It was created for a local market, but it is also, most certainly, a global television property. This is an epic series, told on an epic scale and it is destined to keep audiences tuned in with strong plotlines, stunning visuals, an evocative soundtrack, and a range of powerhouse performances.”

And before showing an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming series, Philiso reiterated the launch date as a highlight on the DStv calendar.  “We are so excited for our audiences to see SHAKA iLEMBE, and embrace this world of Kings, Queens, prophets, warriors, strategists, and lovers. The cast and crew have done an outstanding job in telling this majestic, larger than life story. As a result, it is a polished and compelling drama series filled with conflict, action, romance, betrayal, sacrifice, struggle, triumph, and loss.” 

Featuring a stellar cast, SHAKA iLEMBEbrings together the talents of Nomzamo Mbatha (who played Mirembe in the 2021 film Coming to America 2), Lemogang Tsipa (who stars in the title role), Thembinkosi Mthembu (who played Mabutho in The River), Wiseman Mncube (from The Wife), Mondli Makhoba (from The Wife), Sthandiwe Kgoroge and introduces Ntando Zondi.

Starring alongside them will be Abdul Khoza (from The Wife), living legends Don Mlangeni and Vusi Kunene among many others, making SHAKA iLEMBE a powerful ensemble drama. 

With a Creative team helmed by Oscar nominated Director Angus Gibson, Executive Producers Nomzamo Mbatha, Nhlanhla Mtaka and Desiree Markgraaff, working with Professor Hlonipha Mokoena (Cultural and Historical Advisor). This is one of the biggest productions fully funded by MultiChoice Group as part of their expansive local content slate.

The 12-part series tells the story of the famous Zulu King and the events that shaped his remarkable life.  While the series is an entertainment title and a fictional interpretation of historical events, producers Bomb Productions have taken care to ensure that Nguni culture is authentically portrayed and respected.  Fittingly, SHAKA iLEMBE was filmed in 4K, with state-of-the-art visual effects, ensuring the best screen treatment for the sweeping dynastic saga that encompasses the Zulu, Elangeni, Hlubi, Mthethwa and Ndwandwe clans. 

So, get ready for 18 June… SHAKA iLEMBE is coming! 

For more information on SHAKA iLEMBE, visit www.dstv.com/mzansimagic or follow the hashtag #ShakaiLembeMzansi on social media.

NBM commits K5 million towards EGENCO conference

Kawawa (middle) handing over cheque to Liabunya (2nd left) surrounded by NBM and Egenco officials

National Bank of Malawi Plc (NBM) has given the Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) K5 million to support this year’s 57th Association of Power Utility in Africa (APUA) conference next month.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque handover in Blantyre on Friday, NBM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) MacFussy Kawawa said the Bank decided to help EGENCO considering the relationship between the two institutions and that the conference will provide an opportunity to discuss issues surrounding the energy sector.

“For Malawi to host this conference it is an opportunity to discuss energy issues which are quite key to the development of our country but also an opportunity of presenting Malawi to the rest of Africa. Through this conference, EGENCO and other energy players will be able to tap knowledge from their colleagues from other countries that will benefit our country. As a corporate citizen, NBM is committed to building a great nation and therefore the initiatives within the energy sector are pertinent in the development of the country,” explained Kawawa.

Kawawa (left) handing over cheque to Liabunya

EGENCO CEO, William Liabunya thanked NBM for being the first company to commit towards supporting the conference.

“This support will enhance our long existing relationship with the National Bank of Malawi. In fact, they are the first to have accepted our call for support. This support will go a long way in ensuring that we host the event successfully since we are expecting a lot of delegates from other countries, including CEOs and technocrats from power utilities across Africa. This presents an opportunity for Malawian businesses targeting the African continent as a potential market,” he said.

The conference will take place at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe from June 3 to 9.

OOPS: Caixa Bank yet to pay MS & Juba Group International billions for protecting rhinos in Mozambique…four years later

Leaked letter from Caixa Bank

MS & Juba Group International, a registered company in Mozambique with high skilled training Pilot that is currently in South Africa, a company which was contracted to protect Rhinos in Mozambique has raised an alarm after its payment got stuck in Caixa Bank in Spain an amount to be disclosed soon.

Since June 2019, the company has been waiting for payment which the Mozambican government channeled to Millennium Bank in Portugal and its humanitarian funds to help the country stop porches of killing the animals.

However, from the Millennium Bank, the funds were channelled to Caixa Bank in Spain which are taking abit longer to be transferred to the company’s account.

The funds need special clearance due to the fact that there are tax implications and also waiting for court ruling on the tax reduction request done by the owners of the company.

Maria De Sousa the lady that was appointed by the company to help with this process committed the following

“That money was to be paid longtime ago, but up to now we are yet to get any penny, a situation which has affected our business hugely,” she said.

The amount is more than $ONE Billion that would help this project.

The money is for salaries, equipment, operational cost and many more.

According to our sources, the company’s director Martins  Antonio and his Partner has been using their own capital to bankroll the project and he has since invested about 2.6 US Dollars.

Mr De Almeida know as VD had this to say “the company need to comply with all regulations of the bank and funds will be then transferred to the company account. We believe that MS and Juba group is a good client but they must understand that we don’t have any problems to do the payment, all we need is for them to submit their tax for 2021-2023 for the company, Mr António and his partner that is in South Africa. We meet with their legal team many times and they now what to do.

However, the company was thankful for Mr. Henry Scot for facilitating the project and intrust MS & Juba group international with the opportunity

The bank promised to do payment when all documents are in place.

The CEO of the bank refused to comment on this issue and said they will help where they can to make sure all is well.

Totally absurd when public institutions like ESCOM practice witch- hunting

It is totally sad and absurd that in this day and age, public corporations like Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM) are practicing witch-hunting, impunity, and discrimination of individuals based on political affiliations.

The case of termination of employment for one Paul Munyanga, a well-qualified and disciplined electrical engineering graduate, allegedly for the use of ‘derogatory remarks’ about ESCOM, which were made prior to his employment with ESCOM – is wrong on so many levels.

Checking the actual Facebook posts that ESCOM attached as evidence for his comments actually shows that there is nothing derogatory against ESCOM itself!

It is a dark day for justice and the labour system in Malawi as reports continue to emerge of politically motivated unfair dismissals by public institutions under Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

This despicable practice keeps leaving many hard-working individuals without a source of income, simply because they do not share the same political views as those in power. This is not just an attack on the livelihoods of these individuals but also on the very fabric of our democracy.

It is unacceptable that those in positions of power are using their influence to silence dissenting voices and crush opposition.

This injustice is particularly severe because it not only affects those directly impacted by the dismissals but also sends a chilling message to all Malawians.

If public institutions can act with impunity and dismiss individuals based on their political affiliations and without any professional merit, what is to stop this from happening in other areas of society?

Our democracy is only as strong as its ability to protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs. We cannot allow this type of behaviour to go unchecked.

It is time for Malawians to stand up and demand justice for those who, like Paul, have been unfairly dismissed. We must send a clear message to those in power that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in our country.

We call on the government and all public institutions to immediately end all politically motivated dismissals and to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and impartially. Our democracy depends on it.

UDF SUPPORTERS PETITION ATUPELE MULUZI: wants him to be the party’s torch bearer in 2025

Atupele Muluzi wife, Angella received the petition on his behalf

Hundreds of United Democratic Front (UDF) supporters today marched to the residence of the party’s former president, Atupele Muluzi, at Nyambadwe in Blantyre to petition him to be the party’s torch bearer during 2025 elections.

The marchers started from Kamuzu Stadium through Blantyre CBD via Magalasi road to his residence.

Among others, the supporters want the young Muluzi to stand as UDF’s presidential candidate during the 2025 presidential polls.

“We have decided to ask him to return and lead the party,” said UDF’s Regional Governor for South Dorothy Masinga.

This comes less than two months after another group called Friends of Atupele endorsed the former UDF leader.

In May last year, Atupele wrote the party’s secretary general Kandi Padambo that he had resigned from his position as UDF leader to venture into business.

Yellow Sea heading towards Atupele Muluzi’s residence in Nyambadwe

NBM plc gives K5 million for ICT Expo

Kaunda (right) handing over the cheque to Gama (left)

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has committed K5 million towards this year’s Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) International Expo scheduled to take place in Lilongwe next week after a two-year break.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Tuesday in Blantyre, NBM Plc Head of Digital Financial Services, William Kaunda, said by supporting the event, the Bank is giving the ICT industry a platform to discuss and come up with proper solutions on how businesses can be sustained.

“As a National Bank we appreciate that we are highly digitally dependent on ICT to provide services, so we do not take this lightly because if experts and solutions in ICT are not available we will not be able to provide digital products. The ICT expo  will also enhance our partnership with the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) through the ICT Innovation Jam awards that we sponsor,” said Kaunda.

Kaunda making his speech

ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) president, Clarence Gama commended NBM Plc for the support saying it will help make the expo and the innovation awards a massive experience to the participants.

“This has come timely and it is going to make a massive contribution to our plans. As technology advances, fraudsters also come up with new ideas which affect financial services like banks. As ICT experts, this Expo gives us a platform to bang heads on how we can deal with such fraudsters by coming up with solutions that will be way ahead of them,” said Gama.

Minister of Information and Digitization, Moses Kunkuyu will grace the Expo set for Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) from May 17 to 18 2023 under the theme “Building Business Resilience Through Digital Technology”.

STOP THE CHILDISH PROPAGANDA! KENANI’S FB POST ON KHATO, FND NEVER MENTIONED NANKHUMWA

On May 10, 2023 renowned social media commentator, Stanley Onjezani Kenani, wrote a Facebook post over an injunction that Forum for National Development (FND) obtained restraining two commercial banks, NBS Bank plc and National Bank of Malawi plc, from providing funds amounting to K105 billion to Khato Civils towards a water pumping project from Salima to Lilongwe.

It was an original post aimed at igniting a candid debate on the gridlock facing this very important project, which if completed will impact millions of people in Lilongwe and sorrounding areas.

Unfortunately, Kenani’s FB post was hijacked by elements who included their own words in the post to make it look like Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Kondwani Nankhukwa, did not utter any word about the issue, particularly on how the government side handled the [Lake Malawi Water Supply Project] Loan Authorisation Bill in Parliament, to authorize government to borrow money from banks on behalf of Khatho.

“These people have ulterior motives. The truth of the matter, however, is that Dr. Nankhumwa actually spoke about the Bill, condeming the secrecy with which it was brought to Parliament, and he is ably quoted as such in the media,” a DPP Member of Parliament, who preferred anonymity, told Malawi Voice on Wednesday.

Nankhumwa was quoted in the media as saying: “The Bill was circulated electronically at 9.40 am. Using its numerical strength, the government side moved a motion for the production of a supplementary order, which was passed. Consequently, the Bill was brought on the floor and got passed the same day amid protests from the opposition. How would members deliberate on a financial Bill that had just been circulated?”

According to the MP, the people who used Kenani’s to tarnish the image of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament may be those that do not wish him well ahead of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) national convention in July.

“As you may be aware, the DPP will go to the polls later this year to elect office bearers, including its presidential candidate for the 2025 election.

“The succession temperature is rising every day and it is not suprising that Dr. Nankhumwa is taking the most flack because he is the one who is clearly ahead by far and wide among the several presidential hopefuls, including the party President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who is retiring from retirement to contest again as the party’s President at the national convention.

According to the Parliamentarian, almost all the rival camps within DPP are stopping at nothing to stop Nankhumwa including using various unorthodox means, “including putting words in the mouth of innocent Facebookers like Onjezani Kenani to achiebve their myopic ends”.

GAME CHANGER: iMoSyS develops another app called Alonda

Peno demonstrates how the App works

With the country taking some steps on issues of innovation and ICT, iMoSyS, a Creative Hub has developed another application called Alonda.

 iMoSyS are the pioneers in providing digital solutions with the greatest social impact in Malawi’s health, agriculture, energy, and water sectors.

According to Desire Peno, iMoSyS Business Development Manager, Alonda is a game changer as far as in the ICT innovation.

Peno said: “Alonda is a threefold product, an app that is used to alert neighbors, loved ones, and rapid response when in an emergency, a directory where every household can use to find essential services, and a platform where businesses have access to a wider clientele.”

Peno further explained that, Alonda has been designed to promote Small and Medium Enterprises including entrepreneurs to registering their businesses on Alonda for free.

She said this has a positive impact to the country’s economic growth through Alonda innovation.

According to iMoSyS every subscriber on Alonda has access to these services from real estate, gas, refrigeration, solar, electrical, plumbing, and cleaning and fumigation.

Meanwhile iMoSyS has challenged Malawians to support local innovation saying this has potential of creating more employment to young people in the country.

This app is available for download across the country on Google Play and App Store.

You may learn more about Alonda by visiting their website at www.alonda.mw or following them on Facebook at ‘alonda’ to stay up to speed on new features and current specials.

TNM ON BETTER FOOTING AFTER UPGRADING LILONGWE NETWORK

A TNM customer transacting on the network in Ntandire

The trajectory for TNM operations in Lilongwe is looking better after the operator upgraded network resulting in a better experience for voice and internet users.

In random interviews, customers say they are now experiencing better speed of internet and voice calls on the TNM network.

The residents say they have noted remarkable improvements on the TNM network since April this year.

Andrina Macheso a resident of Area 43 said she is experiencing better download speeds and voice quality. “I have indeed noticed remarkable changes. It’s a totally new experience,” says Macheso.

Another resident, Abinala Jenti in Area 23 near Lilongwe’s Kamuzu Barracks says he is so far impressed with his improved experience following the upgrades.

Aerial view of Lilongwe City

“At first, I used to experience delays to connect when I answered the phone, but now it’s spontaneous. For Internet speed, I have always thought the TNM internet to be more stable and offering faster speed at affordable rates, especially with the Yanga 4G bundle,” he says.

TNM’s Chief Technical Officer Lloyd Gowera confirmed the upgrades saying they have been completed after months of what he described as an “optimisation project” that aimed to improve TNM network’s adaptability to high-call volume demand, internet connectivity speeds and address congestion.

“We are pleased to announce that upon completion of this exercise, TNM customers can now enjoy better voice reception, quicker connectivity when making and receiving calls, higher speeds in terms of Internet downloads and connectivity,” says Gowera.

GoWERA: Soon TNM shall be rolling out the 5G network

He says the project has contributed to overall improvements of customer experience in both coverage expansion, data, and voice services.

“The Lilongwe project aimed at further improving the quality of services on the network, with the goal of achieving an overall upgrade in the quality of services and experience of our customers in capital city,” he adds.

According to Gowera, the Lilongwe optimization project covered upgrades for 2G, 3G and 4G networks to improve coverage and quality. He says soon TNM shall be rolling out the 5G network.

“The results are overwhelming; 4G speeds improved by an average of 27 percent. For 3G, a 30 percent improvement was also experienced in the time taken for a call to establish between the users. Other notable improvements are network coverage which has been enhanced by 3 percent, while voice quality experience has improved by 9 percent,” says Gowera.

With these upgrades, the Chief Technical Officer declares that TNM now has the ‘best network’ in Lilongwe highlighting that they have deployed the best technology on the market powered by TNM’s technology partners, Huawei.

Reflecting on the journey to completion, Gowera notes that key challenge during the project was to balance resource utilisation especially in high density areas.

TNM Chief Executive Officer, Michel Hebert

TNM Chief Executive Officer, Michel Hebert underscores the significance of the upgrades in the perspective of Lilongwe as Malawi’s administrative capital, and now a sprawling hub of commerce, real estate development and commercial farming.

“These upgrades are important to Lilongwe and surrounding districts considering the strategic importance of Lilongwe as Malawi’s administrative capital, and the new settlement for residents supporting government business and commerce in the city. I invite all that are yet to use the enhanced network, to try and enjoy the amazing experience,” says Hebert.

Hebert says the upgrade is part of TNM’s drive to provide the best customer experience everywhere in the company, from the network, systems, sales, and services.

“This is part of the journey for TNM to become the best internet service provider that will empower every Malawian digitally,” he says.

Looking ahead, he adds that after Lilongwe, the network upgrade is now extending to the country’s key cities and towns to give the best experience across Malawi.

16,000 tokens generated in NBM’s ‘Mo Cardless’ Promo

NBM Business Development Manager Weruzani Kunkwezu (middle) draws the winner as Chirwa (left) and journalists Llywellen Mpasa looks on

The first month of the National Bank of Malawi’s (NBM) Mo Cardless Withdrawal Promotion has seen customers generating 15, 785 tokens which are used to access money without ATM Cards.

NBM launched the promotion last month with the grand prize pegged at K1.5 million for the first winner, while the second and third lucky ones will cart home K1 million and K750,000.

Speaking when they conducted the first draw in Blantyre on Friday, the Bank’s Mobile and e-Money Services Manager, Enala Chirwa said the figure represents the overwhelming response from customers in embracing the digital services.

“We want to ease access for the customers’ money even when they do not have cards with them. Our digital financial services strive to see customers getting away with the hassle of being on the queue to access their money when they can do so at the comfort of their homes. Through our cardless service, our customers can generate the token from their phones and access the money,” said Chirwa.

During the first monthly draw, 50 customers won various prizes including cash for generating the tokens and redeeming the money through the Bank’s Autoteller Machines (ATMs).

NBM officials during the draw

Out of the 50 drawn,  20 won  K30,000 cash prizes each, while 15 customers won NBM branded T-shirts and the other 15 won NBM branded magic cups.

Customers with the highest tokens generated and redeemed at the end of the promotion, will go away with the grand cash prize.

According to NBM, in cases where more customers generated the same number of tokens and redeemed, the winner will be identified based on the value of cash redeemed, as the one with the highest value will be considered the winner.

Chirwa-We want to ease access

MELAKA products for home, office cleanness products

When you choose today to think of cleanliness, then think of Melaka products- a new household name in town for all home and office cleanliness products.

Melaka is a Malawi-based company which was co-founded in 2023 by Founder and overseer of Powerhouse International Church Reverend Dr. Clement Nkhoma and his spouse Nancy who is responsible for productions and operations, specializing in manufacturing cleaning products.

The two started Melaka Manufacturing Company from the proceeds of tomatoes and cabbage farming.

“We manufacture a large range of high-quality products, for use in the home, office, or industrial market,” said Dr. Nkhoma, adding that the company has over 21 products on the shelf for peoples use.

The products, according to Dr. Nkhoma, include car shampoo, window cleaner, dashboard, and tyre cleaner.

“We also have soap, bath jell, liquid soap, foam bath, hair shampoo, car shampoo, washing powder, and many more products,” said Nkhoma, adding: ” we believe that with the shortage of forex this is a great solution for shop owners.”

He says that Melaka is meanwhile striving to be a household cleaning name in the world, manufactures its products using locally available raw materials.

“We have a team of part-time employees that have been trained for months in manufacturing but as the company grows we will employ more people to run the business,” Nkhoma said.

The two started the manufacturing business after being inspired by Kondwani Kachamba Ngwira, a local trainer and motivational speaker in manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

“We had a great harvest of tomatoes and cabbage that we sold and because of Kondwani Kachamba Ngwira, it inspired us to study and watch videos a lot. We bought manuals from abroad then my wife started with soap but she failed so many times but did not give up.

We always had rejects everywhere. Then she mastered it. I must say she could have given up but she did not,” narrates Nkhoma.

The Manufacturing industry remains one of the keys for sustainable economic development which creates jobs and helps to relieve the forex stress on financial institutions.

Senior Prophet Mtupa calls for more support towards Freddy Survivors

Malawi’s highly respected man of God, Senior Prophet Rodrick Mtupa has called for more support towards Survivors of Cyclone Freddy.

Mtupa, who is the father and founder of Holy Palace Cathedral International Ministry, made the call on Thursday as he celebrated his birthday.

“My heart still beats for Cyclone Freddy Survivors… I plead with Malawians to continue helping them and also console people who lost loved ones,” appealed Mtupa in a short birthday message.

He adds; “On my birthday l will still say, let’s continue holding the hands of those who were affected up until their life is balanced.”

Mtupa further pledged to continue praying for Malawi and all people saying the best gift a man of God can offer is prayers.

Activities to mark Mtupa’s birthday will take place this evening at Amaryllis Hotel in the commercial city of Blantyre.

Bwaila Hospital’s HR officer Thandie Mnkhondiya scores ‘Nepotism’ mark Again

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Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) from Lilongwe (Bwaila) District Health Office are planning to hold protests against Human Resource Officer Thandie Mnkhondiya.

Mnkhondiya is being accused of nepotism and abuse of office as the HSAs claim that she  ‘corruptly’ recruited her two school-going children as HSAs without following government recruitment procedures.

The source further said that Mnkhondiya’s children are on government payroll despite them not discharging duties as civil servants, a fancy one is at Bunda and the other at Mzuzu University.

“We as some of HSA’s, are deeply concerned with this behavior. May the District Commissioner look into this issue immediately before it becomes worse as was in Mchinji,” said one of the sources who opted for anonymity.

Meanwhile, Mnkhondiya is yet to respond to the accusations.

The development comes barely hours after Health Workers in Mchinji boycotted work and closed the District Health Office demanding the firing of four senior officials accused of displaying unethical conduct.

TNM conducts first draw of 2023 Zampira promotion

Blantyre, April 26, 2023 — TNM Plc, sponsor of the country’s elite league, TNM Super League has splashed cash and airtime prizes to over 100 football fans across the country in the ongoing Zampira promotion.

The promotion aims at adding value to the game of football by creating a platform for engagement with TNM Super league football fanatics.

During the draw, TNM rewarded four customers who won in the SMS Trivia Questions category.

One of the winners, a Mangochi-based businessman and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets supporter Tobias Elefanti expressed gratitude to TNM for the promotion.

“I feel good to win in this promotion and I thank TNM for coming up with this promotion which is getting us more involved into the game,” said Elefanti.

In his remarks TNM’s Head of Brand and Marketing Communications Madalitso Jonazi said that TNM is satisfied with the response from football fans.

“We launched the promotion to continue our engagement with football fans and develop the game of football in the country. So far, we have received 21,817 predictions, 46,506 participants in the trivia category and News Fixtures and Live scores recorded 19,565 entries,” says Jonazi.

As a passionate sponsor, TNM has this year introduced exciting set of prizes and innovations in the promotion to create great possibilities for football fans.

“We re-loaded the new Zampira Promotion season with exciting content on local and international football. During the promotions eight months period, eight customers will win a total of MWK29 million broken down as 16 million in monthly prizes, MWK6.4 million in question of the day prizes and an equivalent of MWK6.4 million worth of airtime,” he says.

Through the promotion TNM highlights its commitment towards developing football where winners will positively impact community teams of their choice.

“The monthly winner of MWK2 million is based on the draw of correct predictions of weekly games during the eight months period. The winner takes home K1 million and channels the other K1 million towards a soccer team in their community,” adds Jonazi.

The promotion also has a daily SMS Trivia Questions component aiming to enhance supporters understanding of the game by subscribing and answering daily soccer related questions. Four customers will each win K50,000 every week.

To participate in the draw, subscribers are required to send an SMS of their prediction to code 451 or dial *451# to access other features. The SMS costs K50.

CDEDI wants Chakwera rise above sugar-coated
campaign promises

By Iommie Chiwalo

Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has challenged President Lazarus Chakwera to rise above sugar coated campaign promises the Tonse Alliance made prior to the June 23, 2020 court sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election.

In a statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa , says as it stands,unless
he clears himself, Chakwera is too compromised to continue leading Malawians.

Namiwa says that calls by his organisation are coming after it is evident that Chakwera is really sleeping on duty despite numerous assurances that he will remain an agent of change in as far as transforming Malawi was concerned.

For instance Namiwa has said that Malawians are eager to know what has become of the earth-shaking revelations made under oath by the former National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hellen Buluma, before the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament whereby it was seriously alleged that the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba meddled in Nocma affairs.

“The President’s deafening silence on this matter gives credence to speculations that the SPC meddled in Nocma affairs under the President’s instructions,” he says.

Namiwa also calls for Presidential action saying the fate of the K750 million meant for the ultra-poor, through the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), that was paid to a butcher in the United Kingdom (UK) cannot just be wished away.

“It beats human comprehension and imagination that those millions, which were paid in the much sought-after foreign currency, were partly repaid in local currency by some lawyers at a commercial bank in Blantyre,” said Namiwa.

He says it is worrisome that, despite having a fully-fledged Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), the lawyers who partly repaid the money have not been held accountable for the same.

Exercising its watchdog role, CDEDI has penned President Chakwera highlighting matters requiring his urgent attention.

In a statement headlined “TROPICAL CYCLONE IS BEHIND US: LET’S GET BACK TO OUTSTANDING
MATTERS OF NATIONAL INTEREST” CDEDI, among others, is requesting for attention on eyebrows raised over the merit of government buying luxurious cars amid impending hunger following a difficult farming season which was worsened by a poorly delivered Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), and weather shocks epitomised by Cyclone Freddy that washed away hundreds of hectares of crop fields.

Namiwa is convinced that President Chakwera owes Malawians an explanation on his government’s decision to sell donated fertiliser to the vulnerable and marginalised Malawians.

“Worse still, government’s snatching of the MK30,000 from AIP beneficiaries in the pretext of advance payment for the fertilizer, which some of them have not redeemed to date,” he said.

The CDEDI Executive Director gave an example of constitutional powers abdication to unknown individuals as per the President’s own public admission, a scenario also echoed by the country’s Catholic bishops in their December 2022 pastoral statement.

He also cited endemic corruption and institutionalised incompetence as another important area that needs practical attention.

A clear demonstration of lacking leadership, President Chakwera informed Malawians that 84 people were implicated in alleged corrupt deals involving businessperson Zuneth Sattar but selective application of Justice is evident in the matter.

For instance upon firing of the then Inspector General of Police George Kainja and the Anti-Corruption Bureau subsequently arrested him but nothing of that sort happened to former Chief of staff at State House, Prince Kapondamgaga.

Malawians also witnessed Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima’s delegated powers withdrawn and after sometime, was also arrested by the ACB whose case is currently under Financial Crimes Court.

“Meanwhile tongues are wagging as to what has become of the suspended State House Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga? Is he a person of interest to the ACB as he was also reportedly linked to the alleged corruption involving Sattar? Has Kapondamgaga been silently taken back at State House? Are Malawians paying two people for the same position of State House Chief of Staff,” queries Namiwa.

According to Namiwa, Malawians have the right to know the future of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka’s case with the ACB, in relation to the Mercedes Benz believed to have been a donation from Sattar.

“Otherwise, as it stands, we are compelled to ask President Chakwera if the AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) is still relevant to the country, at least during the Tonse Alliance administration’s remaining two years,” he queries.

Namiwa has since commended President Chakwera for displaying the much needed leadership during the disaster caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit most parts of the Southern Region recently but cautioned on the need to dutifully not wish-away matters of national importance that the cyclone drew the nation’s attention from.

Chakwera who has been endorsed by his party as its torch-bearer in the 2025 presidential election is yet to give a comprehensive report on the future of the Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) and the outright torture subjected to former and existing employees.

Castel coughs K7m into Lawi show

Cheque presentation to Lawi Group

Giant alcohol producer Castel Malawi has given K7 million to afro-jazz artist Lawi for his exclusive dinner and dance  featuring renowned Congolese star Awilo Longomba scheduled for this coming Saturday evening at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

Presenting the cheque yesterday in Lilongwe, Castel Malawi Regional Sales Manager Nkhwachi Mhango said they supported the show to inspire Lawi’s vision of taking local music beyond the country’s borders.

Mhango (right) hands over the dummy cheque to Lawi

“His show is a big celebration in our understanding. He is bringing in an international artist and his dream is to take Malawi music abroad. As Castel we would like to partner with good moments. It is in our DNA by virtue of our products that we must be part of all fun,” he said.

Mhango further stated that the show will also form part of celebrations marking 21 years of its Kuche Kuche brand’s anniversary.

Lawi speaks to the media

“We also looked at other things like we are currently celebrating the Kuche Kuche Black Edition which is part of the bigger celebration of 21st anniversary of the Kuche Kuche brand which Malawians love. So, we thought, why can’t we extend our celebration and also share it with Lawi who is also loved by Malawians?” explained Mhango.

On his part, Lawi hailed Castel Malawi for the support disclosing that the funds will be used to meet the Awilo’s expenses.

“Castel’s help has done a huge amount of work for now. It is covering part of the fees for the artist,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lawi has said the tickets are selling overwhelmingly with some outlets running out of stock.

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in centenary celebrations

St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Blantyre

The St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi will this year hold the delayed centenary celebrations from 19 to 21 May 2023.

The centenary celebrations were supposed to be held last year but due to some foreseeable events they have been pushed to this year.

The event will mark 100 years since St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Church was consecrated in Blantyre on 22 May 1922.

Chairman of the Centenary Celebrations Committee Chifwayi Chirambo said in an interview that all preparations for the event are going on smoothly and they expect to hold a ‘big and memorable event’.

Chirambo- We are for Colourful celebrations

“We will have three days of celebrations starting on Friday 19 May, 2023, where we will have a documentary on the history of the church before embarking on a street parade in Blantyre the following day. In keeping with our theme from Ephesians 2:8, Saved by grace, to witness, we will also donate assorted items to an orphanage within our catchment area on the same day in order to assist them in mitigating the effects of Cyclone Freddy from which we are all still recovering. We will then have the main centenary celebration service in the Cathedral church on Sunday 21 May 2023,” said Chirambo.

He said they have invited the Honourable Chief Justice, Justice Rezine Mzikamanda, to be the Guest of Honour at the main event on Sunday.

“During the main event on Sunday, we are also going to launch a book on the history of the Cathedral Church and the Anglican Church in Malawi in general which has been written by Mr. Tawanda Madovi who is a congregant at St Paul’s Cathedral and a historian of the Anglican Church,” explained Chirambo.

Part of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral

He also said different guilds of the Church at the Cathedral will showcase different activities during the three-day celebrations. The popular Ndirande Anglican Voices, as well as different choirs from St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Church will also perform at the event, according to Chirambo.

“In commemorating this event, we have produced a centenary celebration cloth which is being sold at K7,000 per two metres in most Anglican churches in the diocese because we want all coming to the Sunday centenary celebration service to be in this colour, we want to make this event colourful,” said Chirambo.

The Chairman also said Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi Bishop Alinafe Kalemba and fellow Anglican Bishops in the other dioceses, Deans of the Anglican Cathedrals and members of the clergy and congregation from other Anglican churches in the country are expected to attend the celebrations.

Chirambo also said they are fundraising through contributions and donations from well-wishers to make the event outstanding.

St Paul’s Cathedral

NBS Bank rewards Salima Secondary School football team

Chakwera rewards one of the players with a gift from NBS Bank

NBS Bank Plc has rewarded Salima Secondary School football team players with K100,000 each following their exploits at the CAF African Schools Championship in South Africa two weeks ago.

The team competed with other African teams where they won bronze.

President Lazarus Chakwera broke the news to the players on behalf of NBS Bank after hosting them at Kamuzu Palace on Friday afternoon.

“It is impressive that you have accomplished this feat in the midst of your academic responsibilities. I want you to know that your country is proud of you and your President is proud of you,” said Chakwera.

NBS Deputy Chief Executive Officer Temwani Simwaka concurred with Chakwera and further indicated that as a ‘Caring Bank’ they are also proud of the team’s performance and that is why they decided to do something sustainable for the boys.

Good job-Chakwera rewards a Salima Sec School player

“We will open complimentary bank accounts for each of the players where the money will be deposited. Each account will be credited with K100,000 but the students  will only access the money after turning 18 years,” explained Simwaka.

The team’s captain Blessings Alex Saka said the tournament was a good platform for their exposure.

“It was our first time playing outside, but we have learnt some valuable lessons for the next tournaments,” he said.

Malawi School Sports Association (MASSA) President, Blackson Malamula said the country has a lot of youngsters with talent that needs proper investment to unearth.

Apart from the bronze medal, the team also received about K150 million.

The journey to the competition in South Africa also saw Salima Secondary School win K75 million during the regional qualifiers that took place at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) last year.

Chakwera (right) poses with one of the players

KUCHE KUCHE CLOCKS 21

BINAULI: The choice of black aims to connect with the nostalgia of great memories by imbibers

Castel Malawi limited on Friday night officially launched the black edition of its Kuchekuche brand as part of celebrations marking the brand’s 21st anniversary.

Speaking to journalists during the celebrations in Lilongwe, Castel Malawi’s Head of Marketing Frank Binauli said the company was delighted with the response the Kuchekuche brand has had over the years.

“The choice of black aims to connect with the nostalgia of great memories by imbibers. As Castel Malawi we look back and reflect on the milestones the Malawian Beer – Kuche Kuche has recorded since 2002. As such we have redesigned the look and feel of the brand, we chose the black color to connect with the old memories around Kuche Kuche since historical photos are shared in black and white,” Binauli said.

He however said that the black edition of Kuche Kuche brand will be on the market for few months.
On the taste and make of the black edition Binauli said it is only the design of the bottle that has changed but the beer remains same.

“We would like to assure our customers that the black edition is the same Kuche Kuche beer. For this limited edition, we have only changed the label and packaged it in the amber bottle.” Binauli said.
During the celebrations there were performances by renowned poets Quabaniso Malewezi, Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa and musician Lawi.

STANDARD BANK’S 2023 BE MORE RACE STARTS

Part of the fun

Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule has urged Standard Bank to use the Be More Race to market Malawi’s tourism industry. Kamtukule made the remarks on Saturday morning at the official launch of 2023 Be More Race at Standard Bank headquarters in Lilongwe.

Kamtukule said the race is no longer just a sport but a tourism tool.

“I urge Standard Bank Plc to grab this opportunity to make the Be More Race for tourism. We want to be More Race to spur domestic tourism in the first place because it draws together a lot of people in one place. And since the race attracts international athletes who will be patronizing our tourism attraction sites and services. ” She said.

MADINGA: The theme challenges people to do more and achieve more at a time the country is recovering from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Freddy

Speaking during the launch Standard Bank’s chief executive Philip Madinga said the bank was excited to sponsor the race scheduled for 17th June this year under the theme #LevelUp.

According to Madinga, the theme challenges people to do more and achieve more at a time the country is recovering from the devastating impacts of Cyclone Freddy.

“This year’s race under the theme; “LEVEL UP” aims to inspire us to do better in all our endeavors, and most importantly for each other. Through this theme, we want to motivate Malawians to do more in our collective efforts to achieve our dreams at individual, institutional, community and national level. The theme also encourages us to be more than average – to be extraordinary, to attain the best version of ourselves and to never give up and never get satisfied with mediocrity.

As a nation, we can achieve our vision for a self-dependent, healthy, and middle-income country by 2030, as espouses in our vision MW2063.” Said Madinga.

He said that currently the bank has several partners on board like Athletics Malawi, who are the custodians of athletics in Malawi – who support the bank with race administration and ensuring the race is credible and conducted at the recommended standard. He also said, Coca – Cola Beverages Ltd  has come on board as a beverage partner for the 2023 race as well as Mwaiwathu Private Hospital that is a medical partner to support the participants running on the race.

On his part Coca Cola Beverages Ltd’s public affairs director Godwin Ngoma said his company was proud to partner Standard Bank in the race.

And president of the athletics association of Malawi Godfrey Phiri commended Standard bank for the support it renders to the sport by sponsoring the marathon.

The 2023 be more race categories will attract a fee, as follows: the competitive 21km race – MK18,000; the 10km Fun Run – MK12,000; 5km Fun Run – MK6,000. This year there is a special consideration for children and have kits priced at MK5,000. As usual the proceeds from the race will be donated through CSR initiative to the education sector.

Kamtukule speaking at the event

For the competitive 21km Half Marathon, Standard Bank has maintained the five winning positions for both male and female categories as follows: 5th Position – MK110,000; 4th Position – MK220,000; 3rd Position – MK550,000; 2nd Position – MK1,100,000; 1st Position – MK1,650,000.

Opposition leader Nankhumwa appalled by deteriorating conditions at Kamuzu Central Hospital

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President (South), Kondwani Nankhumwa, has decried the worsening and deplorable medical services delivery at the referral Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in the Capital City, Lilongwe.

He has since urged the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government of President Lazarus Chakwera to treat the situation at KCH with much urgency to save lives.

Nankhumwa was speaking after he made a surprise visit to the hospital on Thursday, April 20, 2023, after he received information from various individuals about the deteriorating conditions at the hospital.

During the visit, the opposition leader found many patients sleeping on the floor.

The youthful politician also discovered most of the diagnostic machines not operational and that there was a serious shortage of essential medicines and tools, a scenario that has put many patients’ lives in danger.

He also said there are high levels of understaffing at Kamuzu Central Hospital, exacerbating the already dire medical situation.

“I am distressed, dismayed and saddened by the state of medical service delivery at this hospital, particularly for patients sleeping on the floor. I broke down when I listened to most of the patients and guardians relating their ordeals.

“As the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, I wish to make a solemn appeal to the President of this country [Lazarus Chakwera], and his government, to intervene in the worsening situation at the KCH, and obviously in other state health facilities, as a matter of urgency.

“As a country, we cannot afford to be losing productive citizens due to negligence in our hospital facilities, especially if we are indeed serious about becoming a middle income economy by 2063,” said Nankhumwa.

During the visit, the opposition leader made financial donations to some patients.

Conflicting remarks on Oman enslaved women irk CDEDI

By Iommie Chiwalo

The conflicting remarks by Foreign Affairs Minister on Oman enslaved women has been greeted with displeasure by Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) saying is just a ploy to conceal the ordeal.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, says what the Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo said to the press is just a trial to conceal the truth on how the allocated MK400 million was used.

Tembo is on record to have told the national assembly that Malawian women enslaved in Oman are refusing to come home.

However, Namiwa says his organisation finds such sentiments to be highly insensitive and a futile attempt by the ministry not only to frustrate efforts to rescue the women from slavery but, also, to dodge being held accountable for the MK400 million that was set aside for the repatriation of these women.

“It is not a sheer coincidence that such remarks are coming a few days after CDEDI wondered why the country’s daughters were still enslaved in Oman when government dutifully set aside MK400 million out of a total budget of MK2 billion that was approved by Cabinet,” he said.

It is confirmed that cabinet approved the money specifically for the repatriation exercise through Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA).

Namiwa wonders that instead of telling Malawians the whereabouts of the money, Hon Tembo is making such regrettable sentiments in the august House.

“If she were sincere and transparent enough, she would have told the nation the number of women government has rescued using the funding and also indicate particulars of those who are refusing to come. Sadly there is no information of that sort,” Namiwa said.

Namiwa has since called on authorities to respect the core values of governance such as transparency and accountability.

“In the interest of transparency and accountability, CDEDI and, indeed, well-meaning Malawians expect an explanation from both the minister as well as DoDMA, regarding the MK400 million included in its allocation for the
repatriation of the enslaved women,” he said.

Meanwhile, CDEDI considers that the sentiments by Hon. Tembo pass for torture of the country’s daughters in Oman.

“Actually, the insensitive sentiments have exacerbated the pain the enslaved Malawian women are enduring; hence giving the impression that the Tonse Alliance administration is treating these women as such due to their poor family backgrounds,” says the CDEDI Chief who adds that it would have been a different case if the women in question were daughters of families of influence in society, especially those with political connections.

Malawi Second Lady Mary Chilima graduates with a distinction…Veep Chilima says feat will inspire the girl child

Mary Chilima accolades

Wife to Vice President Saulos Chilima, Mary, Wednesday graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa with her second Masters degree, Master of Philosophy in Business Management: Evidence Based Management with a distinction.

Apart from the accomplishment, Malawi’s Second Lady also received six distinguished awards including the best overall students of over 200 plus graduating students.

The awards include Top MPHIL in Business Management Evidence-Based Management, Mini-Dissertation Evidence-Based Management, Introduction to Evidence-Based Management, Research Design, Thematic Studies Module 3 and Thematic Understanding Module 2.

Mary Chilima is one of the only two students who has earned an automatic entry into a PhD programme at the University.

Mary Chilima- Graduated with a distinction

Reacting to the news, her husband, Vice President Chilima congratulated his wife saying he is ‘proud’ of her achievements.

“I take this moment to congratulate my wife, Mary for attaining her second Master’s Degree – Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Business Management – with distinction from the University of Pretoria. I am further proud of her for receiving five other awards in the program, thereby automatically earning a place in the doctorate program.”

“This is no mean achievement. You are inspiring the Malawian girl child whom we must instill into them the mantra that only the sky’s the limit and that education is the greatest weapon in fighting poverty. Congratulations for the Stellar Performance!” wrote Chilima on his Facebook page.

IBONGETSE: MK 1billion Castel Challenge Cup is here

DEAL DONE: Agreement signing ceremony in progress

The country’s largest brewery Castel Distributors Ltd has unveiled a MWK1 billion Castel Challenge Cup which goes down the history books as Malawi’s largest sporting sponsorship ever.

For the next three years, Castel will stake MWK320 Million every year with the champion banking a MK50 Million cheque and MK25 Million for the runner-up. The champions will automatically earn their slot at the CAF Champions Cup, as dictated by FIFA rules that the winner of any country’s largest cup represents that nation in the continental cup winner’s tournament.

“As a company, we are challenging the footballers in the country to live up to their full potential. Castel is investing about MK1 billion into this cup with over MK320 million annually. This is an enormous economic responsibility and great platform for talent development in Malawi,” said Managing Director Thomas Reynaud.

He added; “Our commitment is to make sure we support the government in talent development from the grassroots and that the business positively impacts society.”

Castel Sales & Marketing Deputy Director Nelson Zotto Banda said the Challenge Cup, to be played on a knock-out basis nationally will take the bottom-up approach aiming to unravel young talent and develop grassroots football akin to how global icon Brazil’s Pele and Flames legend Kinnah “Electric” Phiri were scouted.

“By exposing young talent from rural areas, our hope is that we will create a platform where coaches and scouts can choose the right talent to play for the Flames. The best footballers in the world came from the townships. They rose from the fringes to break into the elite leagues of the world,” he said, adding games will be played at district, regional and national level where the 16 TNM Super League teams will be seeded.

Banda said the Castel Challenge Cup, under the theme; “Ibongetes” or “make it fiery”, offers immense socio-economic benefits for Malawi in terms of job creation and revenue generation at game venues, pubs and supporting businesses.

For his part, FAM President Walter Nyamirandu seemed blown away by the offer of the historic “humongous” sponsorship and could not hide his excitement with a boyish grin.

“I applaud Castel for Raising the Bar very high. This is humongous by our standards. It is a dream come true because the football family has been yearning for such lucrative sponsorship for a long time. I cannot stop pinching myself for such a windfall,” said Nyamirandu.

He said the cup will boost football development in Malawi given the intensity of competition it will create between fringe teams and the professional clubs playing in the top drawers of local and international football formations.

“I can assure you that with such a level of diversity and multifaceted approach, our game of football will never be the same again. There will be very stiff competition from bottom to the top and wholesome entertainment across the breadth of the country,” he said.

Minister of Sports Honourable Uchizi Mkandawire applauded Castel for coming forward to revive football sponsorship in grand style, noting the feat was unbelievable.

FAM 1st Vice President Justice Jabbar Alide spiced up the event when he stepped on the podium to break down the format of the knock-out cup and emphasize that it confirms the return of total football at all levels where every deserving team will win cash prizes.

“There will be something for everyone. Apart from the champions and their runners-up, district, regional and other qualifiers will cart home with cash prizes and share the football cake at every key competitive level,” he said.

The colourful cocktail launch spiced up with Castel bars, was graced by football stakeholders, corporates, distribution partners of Castel, sports council officials, government officials led by the Sports Minister, club administrators, SULOM officials, Super League sponsors TNM Plc, pub owners and Blantyre’s social dons.

NBM profit-after-tax 34% up to K45.9 billion

National Bank Towers and Business complex captured at night

Listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has announced an increase in their profit after-tax for year ending 31 December 2022 to K45.94 billion from K34.21 billion in the previous year representing a 34% increase.

A financial statement released by the Bank signed by NBM plc Board Chairman Jimmy Lipunga, Board Director Dorothy Ngwira, Chief Executive Officer Macfussy Kawawa and Chief Finance Officer Masauko Katsala said the results were driven by growth in customer deposits.

“Consequently, Net interest and investment income grew by 38%. In addition, there was growth in foreign exchange commissions. Overall net revenue grew by 26%. Operating expenses increased by 16%, a pace lower than the average inflation for the year.”

“On the other hand, impairment losses increased by 60% due to cleaning up of our foreign subsidiary’s loan book. Customer deposits increased by 45% year on year (2021: 38%) while the Bank’s loan book grew by 29% (2021: 20%). Investment in Fixed Income securities grew by 16% (2021:66%),” reads the statement.

The Bank has further acknowledged that all its subsidiaries contributed to the positive performance apart from Akiba Commercial Bank (ACB) in Tanzania and an associate company, United General Insurance which reported losses.

“Malawi economy grew by 1.7% in 2022 (2021: 4.2%). The growth in 2022 was adversely affected by weather related shocks in some parts of the country such as erratic rains and cyclones, low supply of foreign exchange and the Russia/Ukraine war which led to global supply chain challenges and high commodity prices.”

NBM Towers

“The country also experienced protracted power supply disruptions in addition to fuel supply shortages. The Malawi Kwacha was devalued by 25% in May 2022. However, despite the devaluation foreign exchange supply challenges continued resulting in a significant build-up of arrears in foreign payments,” reads the statement in part.

NBM plc has however projected challenges to the 2023 performance growth due to the impact of the Cyclone Freddy in the southern region, electricity and the foreign exchange supply.

“The Bank completed implementation of its 5-year strategic plan in 2022. A new strategic plan has been developed for 2023 to 2027 to take the Group to the next level and turn around strategies have been put in place to turn the two entities ACB and UGI that made losses into profitable entities.”

“The Board envisages a continuing challenging operating environment due the factors enumerated above. However, the Bank is expected to sustain its enviable performance through its ability to leverage on its core strengths, address challenges and exploit opportunities in the market, the hostile environment notwithstanding,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile the directors have recommended a total dividend of K33.0 billion in respect of 2022 profits representing K70.67 per ordinary share from K49.26 per share in 2021. 

Social Activist Chiza Mkandawire Declares Presidential Bid for 2025 Elections

Malawian business consultant and social activist, Ben Chiza Mkandawire, has announced a new party, Chipani Cha Amphawi M’Malawi (CCAM), which he says will focus on the fight against corruption and a spirited drive to enable the creation of good governance.

In an interview with Nyasa Times on Monday, Mkandawire, who is an active and renowned social commentator said it is time that Malawians as a people started doing away with impunity.

Said Mkandawire: “The party will stand for economic reforms, good governance and the fight against corruption in Malawi.”

According to Mkandawire, the creation of a federal system of government in the country will ensure equal distribution of development and effective accountability on the party of the leaders.

“The fact is that the unitary system of government in Malawi has failed us. It is because with the system we give a lot of power to the President and his cronies a thing that imbues executive arrogance in them,” he said.

He added: “There is already huge support and members and interested members are contented with our ideas.

“The truth is that every Malawian would like positive changes for the country in all aspects. Chipani Cha Amphawi M’Malawi is the solution and we assure Malawians to deliver our promises,” he said.

A snapshot survey on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp groups show that CCAM has registered a positive sensation.

Since last week when Mkandawire announced the party, hundreds of followers have been making positive contributions and eagerness to have the party structures established as soon as possible in preparation for the 2025 Presidential Elections.

Commenting on Mkandawire’s Facebook wall, Joshua Mayilosi from Chikhwawa said CCAM if it lives to its principles is the way to go for the country.

Wrote Mayilosi: “If your [Mkandawire] party will be committed to what you are telling us, the be assured of most Malawians’ support.

“Here in Chikhwawa be rest assured that I will personally help in garnering support….. Makamaka nkhani ya federal system of government. Malawi surely needs it.”

Once registered by the registrar of political parties, CCAM could add the number of political parties in the country to 58.

So far the popular political parties in the country include United Democratic Front (UDF), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and former governing People’s Party (PP).

Retired Anglican Priest Mapundula authors book

…Business mogul Mpinganjira buys copy at K1.1 million

Son Erasto poses with his parents after buying the book at K1 million

Retired Anglican Priest Canon Reverend Father Patrick Mapundula has published a book about his priesthood which was launched on Saturday in Blantyre where business mogul Thom Mpinganjira bought his copy at K1.1 million.

During the auctioning of the book, Rev father Mapundula’s son, Erasto also bought a copy at K1 million.

Several other people who included Guest of Honour Smile Life Insurance Company Chief Executive Officer Stain Singo, University of Malawi Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Sunduzwayo Madise, Business Computer Services Managing Director James Chimwaza, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc Head of Retail Banking Oswin Kasunda bought the book at above K100,000.

Business Computer Services Managing Director James Chimwaza (left) poses with Rev Mapundula and his wife after buying his book at K150,000

Mapundula told journalists after the book launch that he was happy that his dream of publishing a book with his experiences as an Anglican priest for more than 30 years has come to fruition.

“I am hoping that this book will change a lot of lives when they read it,” said Mapundula.

The book is titled ‘God’s call to Ministry. A Mystery and Irrevocable’ was edited by veteran book publisher and author Alfred Msadala who hailed Rev Mapundula for being open about his life in the 48-page 10-chapter book.

In the book, the 67-year-old retired priest narrates his journey from working as a Linesman at Escom to Nico Holdings where he resigned to become a full-time servant of God.

Rev Mapundula- I was destined to priesthood

Rev Mapundula narrates some chilling events he came across while serving at different parishes with revelations of superstitious plot of ending his life together with his wife soon after his ordination to priesthood in 1990.

Guest of Honour Stain Singo advised people to plan their retirement early and that when they retire they can have a hobby of writing books that would make their lives useful.

Rev Mapundula has been married to his wife Elizabeth for almost 40 years and they have four children and five grandchildren and runs a marriage counselling consultancy firm called Marital Counselling Institution (MCI) in Blantyre.

The book which is selling at K6,000 can be found in most Anglican churches and bookshops.

NBM support to MUST Endowment Fund bearing fruits

Kawawa (right) making a symbolic handover to Malata

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc’s K60 million three-year commitment towards supporting the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Students Endowment Fund has started bearing fruits with K10 million profit made by now.

MUST Vice Chancellor, Address Malata disclosed this on Thursday when they presented a progress report to NBM officials in Blantyre.

According to Malata, so far they have managed to source K2.5 billion for the fund but are targeting K5 billion.

“From the contribution by the National Bank, we invested the money and we are glad to report to them that we are now at K74 million minus the principal cash, which gives us a profit of K10 million that we can use for the scholarships to students.  We plan to roll out the scholarships next year targeting the needy students as beneficiaries.”

“In most Universities across the world, endowment funds are a way to go because banking on government funding is always a problem since the funds are not enough. We commend NBM for the support which will help more students in future,” she said.

Malata (left) delivering her speech as Kawawa listens

NBM chief executive officer (CEO), Mcfussy Kawawa expressed satisfaction with the report  by MUST saying as a Bank they value the long-term benefits of their support through the Endowment Fund.

“As a Bank we have a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) policy that does support investment in education. We also believe in sustainability, to have something that can have an impact, not today but for years to come. So, we saw this Endowment Fund as an opportunity for us to plant a seed by way of this donation that we know will help the students in the years to come.”

“We believe that the management of the fund is robust. It is also good to hear that there is a governance structure that makes sure that the funds are properly accounted for. We think that is important in ensuring that they achieve the aspirations of the fund,” said Kawawa.

During the event, NBM also handed over the last chunk of K20 million for the last year of their commitment in the Memorandum of Understanding.

Rays Super Butchery for high quality meat products

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Think meat; think Rays Super Butchery for high quality meat and meat products in Malawi and Zambia.

Trading under the slogan; ‘Meating’ Your Expectations, Rays Super Butchery is a ‘haven’ for meat and meat products.

Marketing Manager for Rays Super Butchery, Charles Nkungula on Friday said the butchery will continue supply high quality meat and meat at affordable price to its customers.

“We are the 1st class marketers of beef meat, goat meat, local and hybrid chickens and all meat products such as meat balls, burgers, samoosa, meat pies at a very affordable price,” said Nkungula

He added that Rays Super Butchery sells Halal certified meat products (A Halal certified product means that the product is permissible or acceptable in accordance with Islamic law.)

In Zomba, Rays Super Butchery is located at Matawale opposite Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) site office (along Jali road) while in Lilongwe M’manga building, Area 18A.

While in Zambia, Rays Super Butchery is located in plot No 12722 of Mumbwa road, Chinika area, P. O. Box 1871, Lusaka.

Rays Super Butchery can be contacted on +265881507520 (Zomba), +265996 225 558 (Lilongwe) and +260 972 781 585 (Lusaka, Zambia).

CDEDI trashes recampment of refugees, says it lacks merit

By Iommie Chiwalo

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has pleaded with the Minister of Homeland Security to suspend relocation of refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka refuge camp saying there are numerous issues surrounding the exercise that remain unresolved.

In a statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa says the calls are coming considering that the directive is lacking merit hence the responsible Ministry ought to approach the matter with sobriety and ensure that measures it employs in the exercise do not boomerang on it.

Government set tomorrow, April 15, 2023 as the deadline for all the refugees and asylum seekers staying elsewhere in the country to relocate to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa.

According to CDEDI, besides, the directive smacks of selective justice as it seems applicable only to refugees and asylum seekers from Rwanda and Burundi while it is business as usual for other illegal migrants.

Namiwa says while government is acting within the realm of the laws and regulations governing refugees and asylum seekers, more has to be considered.

He has cited the issue of congestion at the camp as an example of the numerous pressing issues saying, for instance, was designated to host 10,000 refugees but now is already hosting over 50,000 of them.

“Simply put, Dzaleka Refugee Camp is heavily congested and forcing more refugees will be a recipe for disaster and, to some extent, a violation of some rights of the refugees and asylum seekers,” he said.

Namiwa has also put to light glaring policy inconsistency given that the same government agitating for recampment, entered into an agreement with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and introduced what is called ‘self-reliant tokens’ to those that have proven to lead an independent life outside the camp.

This was an attempt to save the refugees and asylum seekers from starvation after it became apparent that both the Malawi Government and UNHCR could not provide adequate food at the camp. Till this hour, government is still issuing the self-reliant tokens.

And that in the year 2000 government opened up to refugees and asylum seekers that came in with skills and expertise beneficial to the society in areas of health, education and social work to go and live where they could put their skills and expertise to the benefit of the country.

“Most of those that took heed of the call have been peacefully living among Malawians for over 20 years and in the passage of time some have intermarried with Malawians. This scenario begs moral questions such as what would become of such marriages? How about the services rendered, let alone the movable and immovable assets accumulated throughout the decades of their stay in the communities,” wonders Namiwa.

He has since suggested that Malawi ought to learn from other countries in the region, particularly its neighbours, how they are benefiting from integrating refugees and asylum seekers.

“Surely, it beats human understanding that as a country we should be pushing back to a congested camp—where living conditions are dire—people who, besides being self-reliant are significantly contributing to wealth and job-creation in the country,” he says.

Adding that through the self-reliant tokens refugees and asylum seekers outside the camp have established businesses that are positively contributing to the social and economic status of the country.

“Needless to remind all and sundry that such businesses owned by refugees and asylum seekers have provided means of livelihood to many locals in form of employment,” he highlights.

The CDEDI Executive Director has since reiterated its call for the Legal Affairs as well as the Defense and Security committees of Parliament to look into concerns raised in its June 1, 2021 petition, which proposed the review of the archaic 1989 Refugees Act.

Namiwa feels the review will help to ensure that some of the refugees and asylum seekers are integrated into society as, despite their status, they have proven to be critical to the social and economic development of our nation.

Authorities have been reminded that there is an ordeal behind every refugee and just like any human being, they have basic rights and freedoms that ought to be respected.

TNM BRINGS E-TICKETING AS IPATSE MOTO SUPER LEAGUE SEASON KICKS OFF

“Customers can rely on TNM 4G network to livestream games,” says new CEO

HELBERT:TNM offers more opportunities to win fabulous prizes through the Zampira promotion in the league fan zone

BLANTYRE, APRIL 14, 2023— TNM, Malawian’s chief sponsor and greatest supporter of the country’s top-flight football tournament the TNM Super League, is proud to announce the official launch of the 2023 season under the theme “IPATSE MOTO”.

This season’s chant “Ipatse Moto” aims to ignite the intensity, passion and excitement of all football fans, clubs, and key league partners as they come together in the theatre of dreams that Super League venues are.

Chief Executive Officer, Michel Hebert — presiding over his first football season in Malawi — says he looks forward to a fantastic year of football razzmatazz.

“The launch of the new season offers renewed hope and optimism to develop our football by creating heartwarming impressions and lasting memories. As TNM, we have returned with a stronger sponsorship package and new incentives aimed at rewarding players, clubs, and fans,” he said.

He said the TNM network will support livestreaming of games this season.

“Our football-passionate customers can now rely on the TNM 4G network to livestream league matches all season long on their handsets or homes, no matter where they are in Malawi. Never miss a match again with TNM. And to heighten the excitement, TNM offers more opportunities to win fabulous prizes through the Zampira promotion in the league fan zone,” said the CEO.

The TNM brand has been genuinely synonymous with football for the past 17 years, and this year is no exception.

Michel said: “TNM will continue to do everything possible to uplift the quality of the game and ensure that we contribute to the success of the national team, the Flames, by nurturing talent through the Super League structures.”

The new CEO said the company’s decision earlier this year to increase the League’s sponsorship is anchored in its long-term vision of the game.

“Football enthusiasts should look forward to new innovations from TNM to better experience football in Malawi. For example, very soon we will launch e-ticketing payment through Mpamba for more convenient and safer access to matches”.

The 16-team league kicks off this Saturday with defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets slugging it off with Lilongwe giants, Silver Strikers . This new season will also welcome newcomers such as Extreme FC from Mchinji, Bangwe All Stars from Blantyre and Chitipa United from Chitipa to join the competition for even more excitement. Best of luck to everyone.

Business Partners Malawi challenges entrepreneurs on funding

Akuzike Kafwamba: BPI Malawi Country Manager Akuzike Kafwamba

Business Partners International (BPI) has challenged entrepreneurs that it is ready to provide business funding from a minimum K100 million to K1 billion saying their major focus is on the entrepreneurial ability and viability when considering funding.

BPI Malawi Country Manager Akuzike Kafwamba spoke on Wednesday during a breakfast interaction with business entrepreneurs in Blantyre saying BPI is a ‘risk financier’ because it funds businesses where others fail to fund as a result of common reasons like lack or nature of securities offered.

“We provide more than just money for businesses. We also provide technical assistance funding with no interest and help businesses select the expert resource from our pool to enable their businesses to thrive. We also look at the viability of the business, knowledge and experience of the owner, passion and drive which is more important than collateral,” said Kafwamba.

Some of the services provided under the technical assistance include financial management systems, training, recruitment/HR, Automation of operating processes, business trade fairs, marketing strategy, website development, ISO certification, mentorship by industry experts and business turnaround, according to the Country Manager.

Kafwamba also said to instill and inspire confidence in a business venture especially commercial property management which BPI is supporting, they make arrangements to procure shares in the business which are sold at the end of the loan period.

“The exit strategy is discussed at the beginning of this business relationship,” explained Kafwamba.

One of the invited guests, Beatrice Msindira who is also Managing Director of Stevensons Paints Limited described the breakfast interaction as ‘insightful and worthwhile’.

Beatrice Msindira: Describes the breakfast interaction as ‘insightful and worthwhile’.

“My advice to other entrepreneurs is that they should engage Business Partners Malawi for more expert advice, not just the security issues as demanded by other financing institutions but the technical support being offered by BPI is a fantastic element. This is a must to upscale the game and change the profile for an SME,” said Msindira.

BPI was established in 1981 and has a history and track record of success providing customised financial solutions, business premises and sector knowledge, mentorship, and other added-value services and operates in seven Sub-Saharan countries namely South Africa, Rwanda, Namibia, Malawi, Kenya and Uganda.

BPI Malawi was established in 2013 and has approved investments worth US$13.7 million (Approx. K14 billion) to formal SMEs through provision of loans in addition to technical assistance funding to the SME’s. For more details interested entrepreneurs can visit www.businesspartners.mw

NBS Bank commits K7 million more to Cyclone survivors

Chikusilo (second left) presents the dummy cheque to Plan International officials

Listed NBS Bank plc has committed K7 million to rebuild houses for some families who were displaced and lost property due to Cyclone Freddy in Chiradzulu district.

Speaking on Thursday during the handover of the money to Plan International who will facilitate the process, NBS Bank chief operating officer (COO), Shadrick Chikusilo said they felt the need to do more to avert the emotional, psychological and physical damage caused by the storm.

“It is a well-known fact that our country faced great devastation last month at the hands of Cyclone Freddy which saw approximately 40,000 homes being destroyed, over 500 lives being taken and 650,000 others being displaced across the country.”

“Your Caring Bank is not just a slogan to us. This is why we are here today to show in action that We Care A Little More. As a Bank, we believe that the damages cannot be repaired within a day and as Malawians, we need to hold hands and rebuild the lives of those affected by the tragedy that is Cyclone Freddy,” said Chikusilo.

Plan International regional manager for the Southern Region, Christopher Katutu said they will use the funds to build houses, pay rent for two months, purchase beddings, kitchen sets, and food baskets for the three female-headed households in Nguludi.

“Cure International reached out to us for assistance after three children who were treated at Beit Cure International Hospital with fractures from the Cyclone remained at the hospital after recovery because they had no home to go to. We will construct low-cost, decent housing for these families and the remaining funds will be used for social cash transfer for the elderly in the affected area,” he said.

This is not the first time NBS Bank has reached out to Cyclone Freddy victims.

The Bank through NICO Group of companies contributed towards a donation of K200 Million which was distributed amongst three institutions namely: World Vision, Rotary Club of Blantyre and Land Rover Defenders Club of Malawi.

They also donated various items worth K14 Million through its Service centres across the country to camps in Chikwawa, Mulanje, Zomba, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Limbe, Blantyre and Mangochi.

Just two weeks ago, NBS Bank also donated K20 million towards the NBS Bank Charity Shield Match which took place last weekend in collaboration with Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to raise more funds towards supporting survivors.

Over the week FAM announced that this year’s Charity Shield produced the record revenue at K20 million since its inception in 2016.

TNM Mpamba is enhancing digital economy’–Irish govt

Fleming during a tour of the Mtukula Pakhomo project

Ireland Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Sean Fleming has commended the partnership with TNM Mpamba Ltd for helping improve livelihoods through social cash transfers.

TNM Mpamba Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of TNM Plc provides the mobile technology platform which enables access to mobile cash wallets to unbanked people in rural areas.

Speaking at Kapalamula school in Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka district during a tour of the Mtukula Pakhomo project Flemming said the Irish government which is funding the project is satisfied with the security and convenience that TNM Mpamba offers to beneficiaries.

“I am impressed to see cash being disbursed using mobile phones because in other countries we visit, beneficiaries get their funds through hard cash. However, the process here with Mpamba is fast, safe, and secure as beneficiaries get what they are seeing,” said Fleming.

Fleming added that the mobile money technology is contributing positively to financial inclusion and mobile penetration.

“From what I have seen the mobile money platform is doing a lot in improving digital transactions. Mpamba is an excellent facility because it is enabling beneficiaries to save money, pay their bills and do cash-out on their phones,” he said.

Chris Sukasuka, TNM Mpamba Limited General Manager said the mobile platform is contributing towards the MW2063 development plan.

“The Malawi 2063 seeks to enhance financial literacy which is pinnacle to the development of the country. Mpamba is improving financial inclusion, furthermore people in the rural areas are able to understand some basic information around finances,” said Sukasuka.

While acknowledging Malawi government for enabling e-payment for social cash transfer, Sukasuka added that through the project, Mpamba is contributing positively to the economy.

“As Mpamba we recommend government for implementing e-payment in these projects that are changing lives of many Malawians. This is enabling Mpamba to create more jobs and business opportunities as well as improving mobile telephony technology penetration in the rural areas,” he said.

According to TNM Mpamba Limited, e-payment for social cash transfer on the platform is being implemented in 15 districts across the country.

Under the social cash transfer, the Irish government is supporting more than 25, 000 households in Ntcheu and Balaka districts.

Social protection programs are being implemented by the Malawi Government through the Ministries of National Local Government and Gender and Social Welfare.

MK400mn for repatriating enslaved women in Oman grow wings…Foreign Affairs Minister given seven days to update Malawians on the matter

By Iommie Chiwalo

What was seemingly to be a positive response by government in response to Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives’ (CDEDI) campaign dubbed “Operation Rescue Campaign” has been turned into a disappointment as K400 million allocated for the exercise cannot be traced.

CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa, has since penned Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo to update the nation on the same by asking her to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves.

Namiwa says it is disappointing after learning from impeccable sources that Foreign Affairs officials reportedly decided to use the money for other purposes that were neither disaster nor unforeseen circumstances in nature.

Namiwa says his organisation expects a prompt action since the issues are bordering on matters of life and death.

“We are therefore giving you seven days to make sure that the funds have been reverted. In the same vein CDEDI and indeed well-meaning Malawians expect Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in copy of this letter to act swiftly, now that we know the funds were already made available for this mission,” he said.

CDEDI demands are coming after details have emerged that cabinet released MK2 billion to DoDMA from which MK400 million was set aside for the rescue mission of these enslaved women, as it had done before at the height of Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Strangely, in what is discovered to be an empty rhetoric, nothing has been heard or seen about the said money while the women in question continue suffering in Oman.

“It is against this background that CDEDI writes you Hon minister, to intervene by flashing out whoever is sitting on this money at your ministry, to immediately transfer it back to DoDMA so that it should be used for its intended purposes,” he said.

For the sake of transparency and accountability, Namiwa has reminded the Minister in question that through Access to Information (ATI) Act, Malawians have a right to know the identity of the official who is sitting on the taxpayers’ money, including his/her intentions for doing so.

Namiwa wonders why the country’s daughters are still enslaved in Oman, while Government dutifully set aside MK400 million for the repatriation of 50 women trapped in slavery in the Middle East.

Capital Hill sources confirmed to this reporter that the K400 million set aside to bring back home the enslaved women was included in a MK2 billion budget that Cabinet approved for Dodma.

And according to Namiwa, CDEDI is also reliably informed that some officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took the MK400 million in the pretext that they would travel to Oman to rescue the trapped women.

“But as we speak the enslaved women are still crying for help. Strangely, the moment CDEDI announced the launch of ‘Oman Rescue Campaign’ appealing to well-wishers to join hands to save the enslaved women, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Malawians that it had secured 50 air tickets for the women to return home. Today, almost two months down the line, none of the trapped women has been flown back home, and the question is: Why is government not treating this matter with the urgency it deserves,” wonders Namiwa.

In a letter to Foreign Affairs Minister, Namiwa has highlighted that it is the intention of CDEDI to see government coming out in the open on what it is doing about the plight of the entrapped women.

“We seek transparency and accountability on the MK400 million that was earmarked for bringing back home the enslaved women and the 50 air tickets the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said had purchased for the women to be flown back home,” he said.

He also trusts that, as a matter of public interest, Dodma will equally feel duty-bound to explain its side of the story regarding the MK400 million included in its allocation for the repatriation of the enslaved women.

Namiwa has, therefore, taken the matter surrounding the matter as an opportunity to report that the ‘Oman Rescue Campaign’, has not yet achieved the intended result.

“It is our honest belief that the appeal, which coincided with the fall of Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit most districts in the Southern Region, shifted the attention of most of those we thought would support the initiative. But we remain committed and hopeful to the noble cause,”

Government is yet to give its side of the story on the matter but disclosures shows that letter from CDEDI is now in the custody of the Minister in question pending for her response.

Migogo unveils powerful manifesto ahead of Women’s Football elective AGM

Women’s Football presidential hopeful Adelaide Migogo has unveiled her ‘powerful’ manifesto ahead of Women’s Football elective Annual General Assembly slated for 15th April 2023 in Salima District.

In her manifesto, Migogo said her main vision is to recreate Women’s football as a brand, that will entertain, create value for both clubs and players, and have a strong presence in football in Malawi and beyond.

“I want Malawi Womens football to be as big a brand as or bigger than our netball has ever been. My project seeks to create a new direction for Women’s Football in Malawi, building upon the aspirations of its founders like Emmie Mphande, Flora
Mwandira, Charles Nyirenda, Chimwemwe Festino, Grace Mhango and David Dube just to mention a few,”said Migogo.

Migogo also said her wish is to work with and empower the existing club and regional structures, while also creating a very professional secretariat to take Women’s football to unprecedented heights.

For instance, she mentions that Malawi’s COSAFA results over the last few years show that has tremendous potential, but lacks systems, structures, initiatives and the vision to move this potential to full-blown success.

“I am also committing myself to the development of Women’s Football in Malawi and Iwill work with each affiliate, club, player, coach, fans, FAM and sponsors inadvancing the Women’s Football Agenda,”she said.

She has also outlined 7 key pillars which she said will form the bedrock of her tenure

The seven pillars include, rebranding Women’s Football, Inclusiveness, club development, club licensing & Competitions, technical development, growth (Technical & Financial),good governance and Success

Opposition leader Nankhumwa calls for emergency cash transfer programme for Freddy victims

Malawi’s Leader of Opposition in Parliament who is also DPP Vice President for the southern region and Member of Parliament (MP) for Mulanje Central Constituency, Kondwani Nankhumwa, has suggested that some of the funds meant to help Cyclone Freddy victims must be converted into an emergency cash transfer fund.

Nankhumwa said this on Sunday, April 9 at Chingazi Catholic Parish in Thyolo District where he was invited to pray with parishioners to mark the resurrections of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior this Easter season.

Nankhumwa said one of the reasons why he is calling for the implementation of a emergency cash transfer-system for cyclone survivors is because there are rising cases of theft of items that are meant to be distributed to victims in various areas and camps across the southern region.

“There are almost 12 camps around this area, but we just hear that items meant and recorded to be destined for some camps have not reached their destinations. I want to suggest that every family must receive at least K100,000 per month as cash transfer to help them pick up the pieces and recover,” said Nankhumwa, drawing a loud applause from the congregation.

The youthful politician psaid he knows that some people will grow rich and that some will build houses and buy cars using money meant for the victims. He added that this is the repason why he was calling upon the government to have other alternative measures of helping those who have been affected by the cyclone.

Nankhumwa thanked the Catholic Church for its consistency and focus in terms of implementing helpful projects such as schools, which he said have helped many people across the country regardless of their faith affiliations.

“There is nobody in the country who has not benefited from the Catholic Church in one way or another. If it is not you, it is probably your uncle or any other relative. That has always been the reach of the Catholic Church in this country, and I wish to thank them for these untiring efforts,” said Nankhumwa.

The opposition leader also thanked the Catholic Church for the critical role that it played to bring about multiparty democracy in the country, adding that democracy would probably have not been here were it not for the boldness of Catholic Bishops who challenged Kamuzu through that Pastoral Letter ‘Living Our Faith’.

Nankhumwa donated K300,000 for ‘fuel’, to the Parish before preaching a message of love to the congregation saying this Easter is a season of love and celebration. He said apart from celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter is also an opportunity for “all of us” to show love and compassion to one another and to forgive our enemies just as Jesus did through his death on the cross and resurrection.

“Jesus represented truth and love that is why we are here to celebrate his resurrection. I want to take this opportunity to wish you and all Malawians the very best and that when Jesus is rising today, we must rise with him. There is only one King and that King is Jesus Christ whose kingdom will be forever,” said Nankhumwa.

Before Nankhumwa spoke, Priest for the Parish, Reverend Father Dr. Damazio Ngoma thanked the Leader of Opposition for honoring the invitation to pray at Chingazi Parish. He said Nankhumwa and him go a long way and that the Leader of Opposition has always been a friend of the Parish.

“Honourable Nankhumwa is a true friend who has alway been there for us. He has always helped us every time we extend a begging bowl. When we were celebrating our 50 years, he gave us 40 bags of cement for our Mulesiva outstation Church construction project, and just recently he gave us another 40 bags on top of helping us in other various ways,” said Reverend Father Dr Ngoma.

He said Nakhumwa also bought them 117 iron sheets, and that the Parish’s six outstations are beautiful mainly because of the assistance that it received from Nankhumwa.

The Reverend then called for support for Dr Nakhumwa as he goes about his duties of providing checks and balances to government as Leader of Opposition.

“We must not forget that Honourable Nankhumwa is representing all Malawians from Nsanje to Chitipa as Leader of Opposition. I appeal to the opposition to be united and give proper checks and balances to government so that it serves Malawians well,” said Father Ngoma.

Chairperson for the Parish, Blessings Makwinja outlined some of the challenges that the Parish faces saying that the establishment has a monthly wage bill of about K500,000, which he says the Parish often fails to meet due to revenue collection challenges.

“Chingazi Parish has approximately 20,000 members but instead of collecting revenue from our members, often times we find ourselves giving the little that we have to our members due to levels of poverty owing to the tough economic times that our country is currently going through,” said Makwinja
He also thanked Nankhumwa for coming to pray with them whilst expressing optimism that the Leader of Opposition in Parliament will continue to be a true friend and to come through for the Parish like he has always done over the years.

Nankhumwa said he had noted what the Parish said and that as servant of the people, he would pass the message to the government through Parliament.

Said Nankhumwa: “As your servant, I will pass on to the government the message that there are no three meals a day as promised; that there is rampant poverty in this area; and that the price of basic commodities like soap have gone up; that cyclione Freddy victims are suffering and going for days in camps without food because those entrusted to bring items to them are stealing the same items.”

Nankhumwa hails Catholic Church, supports construction of new Mulesiva Church at Goliati in Thyolo

On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Dr. Kondwani Nankhukwa, attended a Resurrection Mass at Chingazi Catholic Church at Goliati Trading Centre in Thyolo district.

The Reverend Father Dr Damazio Ngoma welcomed the youthful politician with open arms and praised him for being a friend of the church.

During the Mass, Nankhumwa was moved by the spirit of the service and pledged his continued support to the church and its congregants, who were facing numerous socio-economic problems. He promised to do everything in his power to represent them and make a difference in their lives.

“I have been part of this church for a number of reasons. First, I appreciate the role that the Catholic Church played in the democratization process in Malawi,” said Nankhumwa, adding that he is also inspired and motivated by the vision that the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, who used to pray at Chingazi Catholic Church before he passed on.

“The late Bingu had wanted to construct a number churches here in Thyolo, and I’m here to fulfill that dream,” said Nankhumwa, who is also Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Southern Region.

Nankhumwa donated K300,000 to cater for transportation costs, which is a challenge at the Church.

Father Ngoma, in his sermon, bemoaned the divisions rocking the opposition DPP, which has made the work of to Nankhumwa in his capacity as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament difficult.

“We need a vibrant opposition that can efficiently provide the necessary checks and balances to the government in Parliament. But that can only happen when the entire opposition is firmly united, and accepting that the current Leader of Opposition in Parliament at this juncture is Nankhukwa,” said the Reverend Father Dr. Ngoma.

The Man of God then noted that the Nankhumwa was not only a friend of the Church but also a champion of development in the area. He said Nankhumwa has provided support in form of materials for the construction of the new Mulesiva Catholic Church, which is under the Chingazi Parish, which is currently close to completion. Father Ngoma said this was a testimony to the politician’s commitment to the community.

Congregants at the Church were inspired by Nankhumwa’s devotion to his faith and his commitment to improving the lives of the people.

The Reverend Father Ngoma said Nankhumwa’s attendance at the Resurrection Mass and his commitment to serving the people of Malawi, even in the face of numerous socio-economic challenges, proved to be a powerful story of faith, leadership, and dedication to the common good of all Malawians.

STANDARD BANK HEAD WINS CONTINENTAL WOMEN BANKERS AWARD

Charity Mughogho: Named among the top 10 Women bankers shaping Africa’s financial services sector by the Angaza Awards

The Head of Standard Bank Consumer business unit Charity Mughogho has been named among the top 10 Women bankers shaping Africa’s financial services sector by the Angaza Awards.

Mughogho Head Standard Bank’s Consumer and High Net Worth Clients (CHNW) segment and is a member of the Bank’s executive Leadership Council in Malawi.

Announcing the award, Chief Executive, Phillip Madinga congratulated Charity for emerging the first woman bank executive in Malawi and Standard Bank to be picked for the Angaza Awards. The Angaza Awards offer a continental platform that recognizes female senior executives and emerging leaders in Africa’s Banking, Finance and Investment sector. This year’s Angaza Awards has recognized Charity Mughogho as one of the women steering and shaping Africa’s financial services sector.

“Charity currently leads the largest department in the Bank with over 400 employees under her supervision. Along with her long list of accomplishments, Charity pioneered the first roll out of Bancassurance in the market of Malawi where she took a leading role in getting the bank to have the first Bancassurance license in the country. We can proudly say she set the pace in the country and we have now seen more banks setting up Bancassurance since then and benefitting more Malawians,” said Madinga.

In the advent of the digital revolution Charity was responsible for the innovative roll out of Malawi largest digital loan offering in 2021 that offered customers access to up to MK15 Million via digital channels leading to increased access to consumer lending for Individual customers.

Mughogho is key to enabling financial access to all Malawians by managing the bank’s key customer touchpoints such as Personal Banking, Executive Banking, Private Banking, the Branch network and ATMs, Customer Call centres, and Digital Banking.

“Financial Inclusion remains one of my key passions. I believe that through authentically listening to our people and customers, we can create financial solutions that revolutionize the Banking industry and create better lives. I am driven by the principles of ‘purposeful living’ and excellence and excited by new and innovative ways of creating financial impact for a brighter Malawi.” Said Mughogho

The CHNW head is among 10 women from eight African nations to be recognized by the Angaza Awards, now in their second consecutive year. In addition to Malawi, the other honorees are from Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Togo.

“All of us at Standard Bank Plc are extremely proud of this recent win. This is not just a win for Charity but for the Bank and the wider Malawi. Charity is the first Malawian recipient of this prestigious award, and she plays a critical role at a leadership level to support and groom future leaders who will drive our nation’s agenda even further. We hope that the win will inspire a generation of young women leaders within the Bank and beyond to push frontiers of excellence and innovation in financial inclusiveness,” said Madinga.

The Angaza Awards criteria includes an assessment of the applicant’s area of responsibility and contribution to firm performance beyond the organisation they work for . High scores were awarded for achievements that transcended the institution, resulted in industry development, and shared value creation.

Launched in 2020, Angaza Awards has helped raise international awareness of the seasoned professional women shaping and influencing the financial services through their organizations. The 2023 Top 10 Women will be celebrated during the Angaza Forum in Kigali, Rwanda August 3-4, 2023.

Charity Mughogho’s award also follows recent recognition for one of the Bank’s women board directors, Dr Rachel Sibande who was named amongst the top 100 Influential Young people in Africa in 2022 by Avance Media.

MUTHARIKA RESCUES CYCLONE FREDDY SURVIVORS IN THYOLO WITH FOOD ITEMS WORTH K21.8 MILLION

GOOD SAMARITANSMutharika and Kabambe at the function

Former President of Malawi, Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has asked for the resumption of the Cement and Malata subsidy program targeting cyclone Freddy survivors to help them rebuild their lives as the southern region is still grappling with it’s effects.

Mutharika was speaking in Thyolo, where he visited cyclone Freddy victims who are camping at Chisoka and Lunchenza Primary schools in the district.

“The Malata and cement subsidy program which was championed under my administration was meant to benefit rural communities who build their houses using mud bricks and common thatching grass instead of iron sheets. These houses can’t withstand natural disasters. Therefore, the MCP government must consider a resumption of the program, targeting cyclone Freddy victims, “said Mutharika.

During the visit, Mutharika made a donation of food items valued at K21.8 million.

Mutharika said the cement and malata subsidy program was developed with an aim of assisting less privileged Malawians to have strong houses that are resilient to natural disaster shocks. Continuation of the programme would ensure that the people are given affordable housing while working on other programs that would help them rebuild their lives.

Mutharika was accompanied by some senior DPP officials, including Regional Governor for the South Charles Mchacha, National Organising Secretary Chimwemwe Chipungu, former Reserve Bank Governor, who is also a DPP Presidential aspirant Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, among others.

NBS Bank dresses BT giants ahead of Charity Shield encounter

Longwe (2nd left) poses with the two teams and FAM officials

NBS Bank has spiced up Sunday’s Charity Shield encounter between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers by dressing the two teams with new kits on Wednesday morning.

The two sides will lock horns on Sunday at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe where proceeds will be channeled towards the Cyclone Freddy survivors in the Southern districts of the country declared a State of Disaster by President Lazarus Chakwera on 13 March 2023.

NBS Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Tamanda Longwe said the Bank felt duty-bound to kit the two sides with K5 million worth of uniforms as they clashed for charity.

“As a ‘Caring Bank’, we know of the need to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The teams have to look smart as they play for a good cause,” she said.

Longwe (left) giving Bullets official Kimpho Loka jersey as FAM competitions director Gomezgani Zakazaka looks on

The gesture brought excitement to the team’s officials especially when they realized that the uniforms were bought from their traditional respective suppliers.

Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga and Wanderers Administration Officer Steve Palemeza jointly thanked NBS Bank for the kits while assuring their fans that the two teams are ready for the Blantyre derby away from their home.

FAM Communication and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka also commended NBS Bank for the support saying with the kits available it means all is set for the encounter on Sunday.

“From us as organizers of the match, we are now good to go,” said Zakazaka.

Longwe (left) handing over the jersey to Wanderers official Steve Palemeza as FAM competitions director Gomezgani Zakazaka looks on

This is the second year NBS Bank is bankrolling the FAM Charity Shield which is used as an activity to open the new football season in Malawi.

This year, NBS Bank hiked the sponsorship package to K20 million from K15 million the previous year.

Last year’s proceeds were channeled towards Cyclone Ana victims in the lower shire districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje.

This year’s plans were to support the education sector before Cyclone Freddy hit thereby forcing a change to assist Cyclone Freddy survivors. 

FCB Nyasa Bullets street party set for April 23 in Blantyre. ..Ma Blacks, Gibo Pearson to spice up

Super League defending champions FCB Nyasa Bullets is set to host Street Party in Blantyre on Sunday, April 23.

A poster advertising the party which Malawi Voice has seen says the much touted FCB Nyasa Bullets Street Party will be held at Chilembwe Road which is adjacent to Livingstone Towers in Blantyre.

FCB Nyasa Bullets brand ambassador Eli Njuchi, the Izathera Ma Penalty star Gibo Pearson, Anthony Makondetsa of Mbumba Ya Abraham and reggae king the Black Missionaries will share the stage at the party.

Popular and award winning DJ’s; DJ Genes and DJ Zulu are expected to provide the much needed entertainment to fans at the Street Party.

The FCB Nyasa Bullets Street Party–which is projected to be mother of all street parties in the city-is expected to pull fans from Blantyre and surrounding districts.

The jamboree is being empowered by Entertainers Promotion.

NBS Bank profit after-tax up 146% to K18.9 billion

Vizenge Kumwenda- Chairman for NBS Bank

Listed NBS Bank Plc has announced an increase in the profit after tax for 2022 to K18.9 billion from K7.7 billion in the previous year representing 146% attributing the stellar performance to robust strategy implementation practices.

A financial statement the Bank for the year ending 31 December 2022 signed by Board Chairman Vizenge Kumwenda, Board Director Dr Matthews Mtumbuka, Chief Executive Officer Kwanele Ngwenya and Chief Finance Officer Ernest Tembo, the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed commercial bank said the performance is exceptional despite the challenging environment which included the 25% currency depreciation, insufficient power, fuel shortages, high inflation, low economic growth, and high interest rates.

“The improved performance has been attributed to robust strategy implementation practices which enabled the Bank to be adaptive and focus on high impact areas.”

“Both Corporate and Retail segments grew significantly in the year. The Bank plans to achieve further growth through the five-year strategy covering the period from 2022 to 2026 whose focus is investment in technology, efficient Balance sheet management and providing excellent customer experience,” reads the statement in part.

“Net interest income grew by 67% in 2022 from K30.8 billion to K51.4 billion compared to a similar period in 2021 largely because of growth of the loan book and effective management of investments in money market instruments. Non-interest revenue registered an increase of 26% to K14.2 billion against K11.1 billion reported in 2021 on account of increased foreign currency trading revenues,” reads the statement.

In the outlook for the year 2023, the Bank says it expects a negative shift in economic output due to the effects of Cyclone Freddy which hit some parts of the Southern Region districts.

“The balance of risks remains tilted to the downside, but adverse risks have moderated after a sharper slowdown in 2022. Russia’s war in Ukraine will continue to weigh heavily on the global and local business environments. The Bank will continue to monitor developments and changes in the monetary policy stance to make sure it mitigates market risk,” reads part of the statement.

Meanwhile, the Bank has announced a total dividend of K9.60 billion representing 330 tambala per share.

CDEDI wants illegal naturalisation statuses revoked…as Uladi is in jail, his beneficiaries are enjoying the illegally obtained status

By Iommie Chiwalo

NAMIWA: Something needs to be done about it because the situation poses a huge security risk to the country

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has called on the Minister of Homeland Security to act in the best interest of the country by revoking statuses of 115 foreign nationals, mostly Rwandans and Burundians, who were illegally naturalised as Malawians between 2012 and 2014.

In a statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa, the calls are coming after an analysis of files it is privy to revealed irregularities—in the manner applications for that process was done.

For instance, Namiwa reveals that some citizenship applications are bearing the same file number being used to obtain multiple nationalities and that some individuals above 18 years of age were presenting themselves as dependents and not to mention of numerous unvetted applications.

“Given this revelation, it is CDEDI’s conclusion that Malawi’s most sought-after documents expected to only belong to bonafide citizens are in the wrong hands, hence something needs to be done about it because the situation poses a huge security risk to the country,” says Namiwa.

Namiwa says it is CDEDI’s considered view that the naturalisation status of those people need to be revoked because a whole former minister of Homeland Security was jailed [and is still in jail] after the High Court found his approval of award of such documents to undeserving applicants irregular.

“So, if the process was irregular and someone was jailed for the issuance of those documents, there is no justification for beneficiaries of the illegal process to cling to a status they do not deserve. Which is why, given the security risk holders of those illegally obtained documents pose to the country,” Namiwa says.

ZIKHALE has been given 7days to act

CDEDI has since given current Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale-Ng’oma seven days to rise above politics and correct this anomaly forthwith.

“In fact, CDEDI believes this call augurs well with government’s directive that all refugees and asylum seekers move to Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa by the 15th of this month. Otherwise, it will be a mockery for government to be ordering all refugees and asylum seekers to go to Dzaleka without doing anything about those among them who illegally obtained naturalisation statuses,” Namiwa adds.

As a highlight of the malpractices in the system, a High Court ruling in Blantyre, which was delivered on 12th August 2022, brought to light cases where some foreign nationals acquired national identification cards (IDs).

And CDEDI’s independent investigation has revealed that Rwandese and Burundians dominate the list of foreign nationals who came into the country neither as visitors nor refugees but ended up corruptly acquiring important documents such as work permits, passports and the much sought-after national ID.

“Those foreigners who corruptly obtained such important documents and, by extension, been naturalised, include individuals on wanted lists in their countries for suspected criminal offences, hence the need to have their statuses revoked. After all, the Malawi Citizenship Act does not allow prohibited immigrants to acquire citizenship,” hints Namiwa.

Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma has several assignments to make and one of those is to have refugees and asylum seekers relocated to designated centers by April 15 as stated in the statement from his ministry. The general public is interested in the matter because dates for the exercise have kept on changing despite the fact that the funds were allocated for the same. The delays in implementing the exercise have created room for speculations that some senior government officials are pocketing kickbacks to shield the culprits.

FDH clears air on Phalombe incident

Listed FDH Bank Plc has cleared the air over an issue involving an ill customer who sought the services of the bank at Phalombe Service Centre.

Within the week, social media had reports of a certain lady who is ill was dragged to the Bank to withdraw funds from her account.

However, the Bank through a statement, has expressed regret and that efforts have been made for the woman to access her account through her family.

“To safeguard customer funds, our policy and prior experience require next of kin to provide a letter by the Hospital to access funds on behalf of our customer when they are ill. Contrary to reports circulating on social media. FDH Bank Plc would like to advise its customers and the general public that the Service Centre did not require the patient to visit the Bank.

“Based on what happened, it is clear that the guidance that was provided by the Bank was misunderstood. Please note that across our network of 51 service centres, we assist our customers with dignity and respect and that includes those customers who are ill and are unable to visit the bank to access their funds.

“As a Bank, we sincerely regret the trouble caused to our customer due to the misunderstanding and we have since engaged the family to ensure smooth access to the account when need arises,” reads the statement.

Earlier in the day on Monday, Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) issued a statement asking the Bank to apologise for what they termed ‘inhumane’ conduct towards the customer.

FDH Bank Plc has therefore promised to “remain committed to distinguished customer service and will strive to always delight our customers across our vast and growing network.”

NBS Bank hikes Charity Shield package to K20 million

Ngwenya (right) with FAM president Walter Nyamilandu and other NBS and FAM officials

NBS Bank has raised the sponsorship package for this year’s Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Charity Shield from K15 million to K20 million whose proceeds will be channeled towards the assistance to Cyclone Freddy survivors.

The Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Kwanele Ngwenya made the announcement on Friday during the unveiling of this year’s Charity Shield at Mpira Village in Blantyre.

“We are always looking for partners to solve some of our problems beyond us. We need more hands and the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has given us an opportunity to extend our hand to the people that should be assisted in this difficult time.”

“Last year we saw about 4000 people benefiting from this initiative. NBS Bank does not stop here in terms of contribution. Recently, we did contribute over K200 million together with our group companies in Nico, so this is an additional engagement with our society that has been affected, so we will continue finding ways of reaching out to the affected areas,” explained Ngwenya.

Ngwenya (right) handing over a cheque to Nyamilandu

FAM president, Walter Nyamilandu commended NBS Bank for their commitment towards the initiative.

“We are very grateful for the partnership between us and NBS Bank. They are making this Charity Shield more meaningful at this particular time when we have several areas in the society that are struggling. Bringing K20 million is a serious sign of commitment to do more,” said Nyamilandu.

This year’s Charity Shield will involve FDH Bank Cup and TNM Super League Champions Nyasa Big Bullets and Airtel Top 8 Champions Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who are scheduled to face each other at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday, April 9th 2023.

In one of its statements prior to the Charity Shield unveiling ceremony, FAM indicated that initially this year’s initiative was targeting to benefit the education sector, but the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy changed the plan.

Pressure on refugees relocation…as concerned citizens demands transparency

…MCYC set to operationalize the exercise should govt stuck on empty rhetoric

By Iommie Chiwalo

Concerned citizens are pressing for transparency and accountability over unending story of having refugees and asylum seekers relocated to designated centers.

In a statement signed by leaders of the concerned citizens in the name of Wells Khama, Cynthia Chikalema and Esther Kubwalo, they are demanding that at all cost, government must demonstrate to be transparent in the whole
process.

The trio says while government has shown interest in implementing the long outstanding issue, it is still challenged to conduct the exercise in a transparent manner.

On this, the grouping has said that all eyes are on Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma to prove that he will give different results considering that all his predecessors performed contrary to the expectations of the majority.

Government has issued a press statement indicating that it will start moving all the refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka Refugee Camp by the 15th of this month.

The pressure to have the exercise materialised is coming considering that all the ministers President Lazarus Chakwera
appointed to serve in the Homeland Security have made similar directives which have so far never yielded any result.

“It is for this reason that we the concerned citizens have received the news this time around with a pinch of salt, in fact all the eyes are on you Honourable Ken Zikhale-Ng’oma as to whether you are someone that can be trusted or not,” reads the statement from the concerned citizens.

Adding that, in the interest of transparency and accountability, Malawians would like to know how much government will spend to relocate the refugees in a likely event that most of them will not
move to the designated centers freely before the set dateline.

The grouping has since commended the Inspector
General (IG) of the Malawi Police Service (MPS) Merlyn Yolamu for arresting the suspects connected to the mysterious death of Lilongwe-based businessman, a Malawian citizen of Rwandan origin, Emmilie Habimana Noel, 31, who allegedly died in a road accident in Lilongwe along the M1 road around the Kanengo Northgate area on October 17, 2022.

“However, we are still following the case with very keen interest, until it reaches a logical conclusion,”.

In related development, Mzuzu City Youth Caucus has expressed disappointment with government’s new ultimatum on relocation of refugees and asylum seekers saying the approach by the State authorities, as observed previously, will not yield anything.

The caucus Chairperson, Gomezgani Nkhoma, laments that while the funds for the relocation exercise were allocated to have it implemented from February 2, 2023, there has been no any update from the State machinery let alone hearing or seeing anything tangible on the ground.

Nkhoma, has therefore, said government’s fresh ultimatum is not only time wasting but also shameful because by now the exercise would have been near completion.

He says Malawians feel betrayed by their own government, perhaps the allegations that some public officials received kickbacks to derail this important exercise are true.

“Now that we have lost trust in our government, Mzuzu City Youth Caucus has set Monday the April 10, 2023 as a day on which it will mobilise Malawians to relocate refugees and asylum seekers to their designated centers,” says Nkhoma.

He has also said that his organisation will not allow government’s negligence, incompetence and unpreparedness deprive Malawians the opportunity to triumph economically and socially.

But in an interview with Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ng’oma said what is contained in the statement from his ministry is what will happen come the said date saying concerned citizens better wait “until we cross the bridge,”

Good Samaritan JB Donates Assorted Items to Freddy Victims in Thyolo Central, MP Ben Phiri appreciates gesture

Malawi’ Former State President Dr. Joyce Banda and Right Hon. Richard Banda SC Retired are today cheering cyclone Freddy victims in Thyolo Central Constituency.

The Banda’s were welcome by incumbent parliamentarian for opposition Democratic Progressive Party and former Minister Dr. Ben Phiri fondly knows as Field Marshal.

 Among other things, Dr. Banda popularly known as JB donated blankets, bags of maize, bales of sugar, soya pieces, and vitamin packets and gave words of encouragement to the victims of Freddy.

As that is not enough, the former president shocked the Freddy victims when she went ahead to personally gave out MK 1,000 to the 500 families to be used for milling the donated maize.

On behalf of the victims, Hon. Dr. Ben Phiri thanked the former President for remembering the people of Thyolo central in her diary.

“I want to thank you Madame President for visiting my constituency to cheers the people i was called to serve, as you can see, these people are in dire need of basics and words of comfort. Your coming means alot to them and i want to extend my thanks giving on their behalf,” said Phiri

Thyolo central is one of the worst hit areas by Cyclone Freddy and there is an appeal for well-wishers to continue coming in with different relief items to serve the victims who are suffering.

TNM gives ICT boost to public universities

TNM officials (far left and second left) making a symbolic presentation of the server to Must representative (3rd from right), Mzuni representative (2nd from right) and Soche Technical representative (far right)

Malawi’s pioneer mobile network and ICT services provider, TNM Plc, has donated servers to the country’s four major public universities and two technical colleges.

The beneficiary universities are Malawi University of Sciences and Technology (MUST), Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Mzuzu University (MZUNI). Beneficiary technical colleges are National College of Information Technology and Soche Technical College.

TNM Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Services Macdonald Chamba said the donation aims to assist the public universities improve their technology infrastructure and enhance delivery of academic programs in ICT and telecommunications.

The multipurpose servers are designed to cater for various technological functions suitable for tertiary education.

“As TNM, we would like to underscore our commitment to contribute towards ICT development in the country. By boosting capacity of universities and students, we are creating capacity create for them to be able to test the deployment of enterprise architecture comprising of database servers, application servers and presentation layers, among other functions,” said Chamba.

He said that the servers will enable institutions to implement robust test virtualization which is the foundation of cloud computing infrastructure.

TNM Head of Infrastructure and Cloud Services Macdonald Chamba

“Test virtualization have proven to be very beneficial in tertiary education sector ranging from easy management of data to provision of security for students and the institutions,” he added.
TNM has reaffirmed of continued investment in tertiary education which plays an integral role towards the economic growth.

“Social economic development of our nation hinges on tertiary education, therefore, it is significant to support the sector. Our contribution will align our local colleges and universities to the world’s technology trends including quality cloud services,” he said.

The company believes that the donation will address ICT infrastructure gaps in high institutions of learning.

“At TNM we understand that distribution of ICT resources is inadequate in our universities and government alone cannot afford to satisfy that need. We believe that the donation will support government’s efforts in ensuring easy access to ICT and telecommunication services in colleges and universities,” added the infrastructure head.

Centre Manager at Mzuzu University who represented the universities and colleges, Donnex Chilonga admitted the mismatch of practical knowledge and theory being fueled by shortage of ICT equipment in public institutions.

“There is a huge gap between theoretical part and practical aspect due to inadequate IT resources in our universities and colleges. We have practical knowledge; however, we don’t have equipment to apply the skills. The development, therefore, creates a mismatch which is affecting the ICT industry in the country,” said Chilonga.

Chilonga expressed gratitude to TNM saying the multifaceted gesture will improve ICT in public institutions for both learning and usage.

“We are institutions that depend on government subventions that are not enough to cater for our needs more especially in technology. We are very happy to receive these servers from TNM, this means that we are moving forward in terms of technology,” said Chilonga.

Through the donation, TNM has distributed 25 working servers to the six institutions and other decommissioned servers that could be used for learning more especially those doing hardware engineering programs.

Illovo Sugar Malawi donates anti-cholera items to Chikwawa Hospital

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) has donated cholera kits and medical supplies worth MK10 Million to Chikwawa District Hospital.

The donated items include are oral rehydration salts (ORS) zink, cotton wool, glucose and spirits.

Generals Manager for Illovo Nchalo Estate, Geoff Trott said the donation aimed at providing cholera sensitisation and treatment requirements for the District Hospital.

He sounded confident that the donation will contribute towards the Chikwawa district hospital’s efforts in combating cholera.

“As a company, we understand the importance of supporting our local communities and we remain committed to delivering social responsibility projects that impact Malawi positively.

“It is essential to note that cholera is a preventable disease that requires timely action from all stakeholders in health, including the government and private sectors. We all have a role to play in combating this disease,” said Trott

He further said: “The donation we have just made to the Chikwawa District Hospital is symbolic of our commitment to this cause. We urge all of you to remain vigilant, especially in cholera-prone areas like Malawi.”

Illovo also pledged to continue supporting the Malawi government in its efforts to provide quality healthcare delivery to its people wherever possible.

Taking his turn, Chikwawa District Medical Officer, Wamaka Msopole commended Illovo Malawi for the donation.

The cumulative confirmed cholera cases and deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak is 56,552 and 1,719 respectively, with Case Fatality Rate at 3.04%.

According to Presidential Task Force on Cholera, A total of 54,668 people have recovered and 165 are currently in the treatments centres.

All the 29 Health Districts have reported Cholera cases since the confirmation of the first case in March 2022 in Machinga District. The outbreak has been controlled in four Health Districts.

Castel trains management in operational excellence

By Alexander Juma, a Contributor

Some of the trainees in a group photo

Castel Malawi Limited gathered 71 of its management team across the country for a three-day training in Operational Excellence specifically designed to equip them with knowledge on how they can advance new strategies as the company takes a new direction.

The company’s Human Resource and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba said they also felt that they should beef up the skills of the managers as part of building solid leaders for the company.

Sycamore’s Audrey Mwala training Castel Malawi staff

“We felt the need for the management team to be equipped with this end -to-end operational excellence knowledge because they are the ones who are entrusted with translating company strategies into operational objectives and deliverables. After the just-ended transition and with the new leadership, Castel Malawi is changing direction and focus, so there is need for these senior managers to be equipped to remain agile and ready to drive change.”

“We also believe in building and making successful leaders for our company. Castel Malawi Limited is also on a journey to drive gender-balance in terms of its recruitment and promotion policies. We have a mixture of male and lady senior managers, and we believe all of them can take Castel Malawi Limited into greater heights,” said Zimba.

Zimba (right) and Sycamore official handing a certificate to Lughano Nyirenda (middle)

“Apart from the academic qualifications and competences which the managers already have, we felt we should add this skill of Operational Excellence, because we also believe that these leaders are the ones driving company strategy, company objectives, vision, mission and values through team goals.”

“They are also the ones who design and drive operational objectives, operational key performance indicators and manage operational processes. We trust that after this training, they will improve their execution and delegation skills making sure that their team members align and are working in assisting the company to achieve company objectives,” explained Zimba.

Zimba (right) and Sycamore official handing a certificate to Thomas Mafuli

One of the participants, Lughano Nyirenda, from Lilongwe commended Castel Malawi for the training, saying the knowledge will be shared with other members of her team so that they push the same agenda to grow the Castel brand on the market.

“Because of the changes within the market, it is important to have such training. Our brand should still stand out despite the changes that are coming on the market,” she said.

Sycamore Consult facilitated the training which saw the participants awarded certificates of attendance.

FDH Bank promises more business growth

FDH Bank officials take questions from the investors

Listed FDH Bank plc has promised its continued passion and commitment to driving the business and supporting the economy by supporting the Malawi Vision 2063 which creates shared value for the investors, shareholders and other stakeholders.

The Bank’s  Board Chairperson, Charity Mseka made the remarks during an investors forum held in Blantyre on Friday.

FDH Bank Board Chairperson Charity Mseka speaks at the forum

According to Mseka, the forum was set to give a chance to stakeholders and shareholders to interact while the bank outlines its key activities and plans.

“Our esteemed investors, let me hasten to extend a vote of thanks to all the investors and shareholders present for trusting the Board and FDH Bank Plc when we listed on 3 August 2020. You made it a great success. Needless to say that at that time the Initial Public Offer was K10 per share and today it is hovering around K40 per share due to sustained strong financial performance registered by the Bank. Thank you very much for the confidence you have in the Bank.

Part of the audience at the forum

“This forum aims to share with you, our distinguished shareholders, where we are coming from, where we are and where we are collectively going as a Bank. This platform affords relatively ample time to share and discuss matters in more detail than the Annual General Meeting. I therefore request for your active participation and constructive contributions for growing our shared value,” she said.

Mseka also announced that the bank will open a branch in Likoma, an Island district which has never had a bank before, thereby forcing residents to access services at Nkhata Bay.

FDH Financial Holdings Limited CEO William Mpinganjira (left) poses with FDH Bank officials and an investor

She also indicated that following a previous forum, the bank considered one of the recommendations to have a seat for minority shareholders on the board.

“We are pleased to advise that on our Board we now have a lady of distinction Mrs. Juliana Somba Banda who will be properly introduced to you in due course,” she said.

One of the leaders of the minority shareholder association, Frank Harawa commended FDH for being pacesetters.

FDH Bank Managing Director Noel Mkulichi speaks at the event
An Investor Makhumbo Chikaonda take the floor
FDH Bank Managing Director Noel Mkulichi speaks at the event

Time for uncaring Estate owners to leave!

By Iommie Chiwalo

NAMIWA:Our findings are that it is only a handful of estate owners who have responded to effects of the devastating cyclone

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has not minced words but resolved to demand that all uncaring Estate owners must leave as they have abandoned their poor Malawian workers at a time they need them most.

In a statement released on Friday March 31 and signed by CDEDI Executive Director, Sylvester Namiwa said it is regrettable that most owners of various estates growing cash crops such as tea in the country have demonstrated that have no welfare of the people at heart.

“CDEDI hereby informs the general public that in the
event that the estate owners ignore the aforementioned demands, we will, beginning May 2023, mobilise communities to work on the affected roads and, thereafter, mount toll-gates,” reads the statement in part.

Continuing that as an alternative, estate owners not ready to commit to the demands above should
peacefully, and quietly, leave Thyolo and Mulanje districts.

Namiwa has thus far challenged estate owners, especially those affiliated to the Tea Association of Malawi (TAM) to voluntarily release idle land to allow for relocation of the landless affected families in Thyolo, Mulanje and Phalombe districts.

The CDEDI Chief has also demanded improvement of all roads in their catchment areas to gravel standard and work on bridges and culverts connecting their estates to the main roads.

He said this can be achieved by reviving corporate social responsibility initiatives such as providing potable water, constructing health facilities and providing bursaries to needy students.

Namiwa has also suggested the need to have working conditions and general welfare of the workers in the plantations improved.

“CDEDI would like to seize this opportunity to remind authorities, including the
estate owners, that the land the estates are using in Thyolo and Mulanje under freehold tenure was grabbed from the locals’ forefathers and that British colonialists inflicted pain on the locals in the early 1890s and, todate, nothing has been done to heal the same,” he said.

The observation comes against growing debate as to who actually benefits from the proceeds of the tea, tung, coffee and macadamia industry that has been in existence for over a century.

Namiwa says recent visit to the tea-growing districts of Thyolo and Mulanje has revealed that the estate owners are not moved by the plight of their workers who have been affected by effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which have moved all and sundry into caring mode.



“Our findings are that it is only a handful of estate owners who have responded to effects of the devastating cyclone by doing something to mitigate the suffering of their workers. For instance, in Thyolo, it is only Nchima Estate that has provided relief items to 300 affected families surrounding the estate while Eastern Produce Malawi Limited (EPM) fixed the bridge on Msuwadzi River in Thyolo and, also, contributed K2.5 million towards for relief items to affected people in Mulanje,” he says.

Adding that it is worrisome to note that only a few players in the industry who are ready to alleviate the suffering of locals when disasters strike, while the rest, most of whom have been using cheap labour to enrich themselves and their families abroad for the past 100 years, just sit and watch the locals suffer.

“Worse still, doing all this at the expense of the locals, from whom they grabbed land,” he said.

He has highlighted that unlike in the past whereby the estates used to provide jobs and markets in time of need, presently most of them have either abandoned the core tea-growing business or those still in the business are using technologies that have replaced labour demands.

This development, according to Namiwa, has created more idle land on one hand, and dilapidated structures and destitute ultra-poor locals on the other.

“It is a mockery to think that the landless ultra-poor locals can rebuild their lives in these difficult economic times,” he said.

CDEDI has also requested Thyolo and Mulanje district commissioners to summon estate owners under their jurisdiction to an all-inclusive stakeholders’ meeting and demand from them commitment to the
aforementioned measures.

People’s Land Organisation (PLO) which has also been advocating for the land to be given back to locals says the call for an all-inclusive meeting as suggested by CDEDI Executive Director, is a welcome move saying otherwise there can be a repeat of what happened in the past whereby blood was shed.

Meanwhile Namiwa has confirmed that his organisation has penned all concerned parties including Parliamentary Committee Chairperson responsible for the matter at hand, Mark Bottoman.

NBS Bank Service Centres donate to Cyclone Freddy survivors

A woman receives maize flour from NBS Bank Blantyre Service Centre Manager Madalitso Banda

NBS Bank plc, through some of its service centres in the southern region, donated various items worth K14 million to Cyclone Freddy survivors in the various districts  after government declared a State of Disaster.

NBS Bank Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Tamanda Ng’ombe-Longwe said the donations by various southern cluster Service Centres were additional to the K200 million which the Bank and other subsidiaries of the NICO group already committed to Cyclone Freddy survivors.

“We are a Caring Bank, so this is our way of showing that we care for the people and communities we operate in. We want to alleviate some of problems being faced by those affected by Cyclone Freddy,” said Ng’ombe-Longwe.

NBS Bank employees in red t shirts donates the items

The NBS Bank Service Centres visited in groups and donate in approximately 11 centres in Blantyre, Zomba, Mulanje, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Nsanje, Machinga and Mangochi Districts.

“Cyclone Freddy has affected thousands of people in the southern region and some of them are our customers and stakeholders in areas where we operate. Therefore, we cannot sit idle but took up the corporate social responsibility to go a step further to help a little more where we can,” explained Ng’ombe-Longwe.

Speaking when the Bank through its Liwonde Service Centre presented relief items in Machinga, Liwonde Service Centre manager Robert Mtemachani also said as a ‘caring bank’ they felt duty bound to assist the survivors of the cyclone.

“These are our people and most of them give us business and we felt we had to come in and assist them. It is paramount for business operators to give back to society,” he said.

President Lazarus Chakwera declared a State of Disaster in the southern region of the country after Cyclone Freddy caused destruction of infrastructure and claimed more than 600 lives and displaced thousands of people.

NBS Bank members of staff with some of the items before donation

POLL: Was it right for Fleetwood Haiya to coordinate football hooliganism against FAM President Walter Nyamilandu?

The aftermath of Egypt-Malawi game at BNS on Tuesday saw Malawi soccer reach another sad low when coordinated hooliganism was likely sponsored and perpetrated against the FAM President Walter Nyamilandu.

What action do you expect from FIFA amidst speculations that some names like Fleetwood Haiya may have incited that violence at a soccer match on the 28th of March?

VOTE HERE: https://bit.ly/3JVOtO3

HAIYA: Bankrolled hooliganism

Prophet Mtupa’s prophecy on Flames fulfilled  

A prophecy by Malawi’s highly respected man of God, Senior Prophet Rodrick Mtupa of Holy Palace Cathedral International Ministry, on Malawi National Football team’s ‘poor performance’ has been fulfilled.

The prophecy fulfillment follows Malawi National football teams, the Flames 4 nil defeat to Egypt on Tuesday at Bingu International Stadium in Lilongwe in the Group D stage of the AFCON qualifiers.

During the cross over night of prayers on  December 31, 2022 at Comesa Hall in Blantyre, the God’s servant Senior Prophet Mtupa made a Prophecy that Flames will perform badly in ‘AFCON qualifiers’. 

In his prophecy, Mtupa said: “It is only netball that will rise this year…Football is not strong to rise in the country, and our national team, the flames will perform miserably in AFCON qualifiers…”

Malawi’s next assignment in the qualifiers is against Guinea at home and away Ethiopia in June 2023. 

Eight Primary School Teams to battle for Limbe Leaf  Trophy finals on Saturday

Flashback- Limbe Leaf Managing Director Donal McAlpin gives a gift to one of the players during the 2019 edition of Limbe Leaf Trophy

Eight Teams from Lilongwe rural and urban primary schools are set to battle for the championship of the Under 12 and 15 Limbe Leaf Trophy set for Saturday at Area 30 IG Police Headquarters Ground in the city.

The eight include four football and netball teams in the Under 12 and 15 and football in the same categories.  

According to Limbe Leaf Corporate Affairs Manager, Leah Hez, this year the company has invested K11 million in the tournament.

The competition started in the zones in three Education Districts which ran from two months from the 29th of October 2022 before the inter-zone games were played from 28th January 2023 to 5th February 2023 while inter-district games were played for two consecutive weekends on 25th and 26th February 2023 and on March 4th and 5th. A total of 492 schools  have participated with eight teams reaching the semi-finals.

 This year’s finals will see Balang’ombe battle with Tsabango for the under 12 netball title, while John Lee will face Balang’ombe in the under 15 netball categories.

Balang’ombe football team will face Chatsala in the under 12-football category, while Mwenyekondo and Njewa will fight for honours in the under 15 football category.

“Limbe Leaf started sponsoring the tournament in the early 1980s to develop grassroots sports and to motivate children to stay in school. As a company, our initiatives towards primary education are multifaceted and include construction of infrastructure at primary schools, provision of learning materials, sanitary pads for the girl child and tools and equipment for after-school activities. All these greatly aid in the drive to prevent children from being engaged in field work and other risky behavior,” said Hez.

Part of the action during the Limbe Leaf Trophy finals in 2019

On prizes, Hez said the company usually gives the players learning materials that boost pupils’ interest in school but also lessen the burden on parents in purchasing school supplies.

“For all players in teams on positions one and two, prizes include school bags, school supplies, pens and pencils. For best players or scorers prizes include a drinking bottle, dictionary and an atlas, while champions and other schools up to position four receive t-shirts, footballs and netballs,” explained Hez.

James Chavula the tournament’s organizing chairperson said all is set and teams have promised to display good sports skills on the day.

“Preparations are on course. We have been in touch with the teams and they are excited not only to win, but even to play at one of the big and good grounds like IG Police Headquarters is a motivation to them. You know most of the teams are from rural areas where they do not have access to quality sporting materials. I am sure on the day we will see talent that the tournament aims to unearth,” he said.

This year 492 teams participated in the competition. This is about three years after it was suspended due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Since its inception, the tournament has produced notable players that have represented the Malawi national teams and big clubs in the country like former Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ defender Lucky Malata, Andrew Banda of Civo Service United, Gomezgani Chirwa , midfielder for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, former Bullets defender and midfielder Pilirani Zonda and Nelson Kangunje respectively, Silver Strikers goalkeeper Steve Micheta, striker Mphatso Philemon of Mafco, and netball star Joyce Mvula of Central Pulse and formerly Manchester Thunders in UK.

UGI staff donates to Cyclone Freddy survivors in Blantyre

Mataya helps a woman carry her bag of maize flour

Members of staff of United General Insurance (UGI) mobilized themselves to contribute and buy both food and non-food items worth K1.5 million which were donated to Cyclone Freddy survivors in Chilomoni Township in Blantyre on Wednesday.

UGI Human Resources and Administration Manager Katija Mataya said as members of staff they were touched with the hardships the survivors of Cyclone Freddy were going through and decided to help them to ease the pain the cyclone caused.

“We feel sorry for these people, most of them have lost their property and their loved ones in a blink of an eye. That is why as staff members, we organized ourselves to contribute financial and material resources to help our brothers and sisters as they start to rebuild their lives,” said Mataya.

Some of the items that were donated at Mulunguzi and Lumbila camps include maize flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil and some clothes.

Mataya (right) donates a bag of maize flour to one of the survivors

Ward Councillor for Chilomoni Phillip Kameta thanked UDG members of staff for the gesture saying about four people were washed away with water and only one body has been recovered.

“We appreciate your help to alleviate the suffering of these people. We are really humbled that this help has come out of your kind hearts as members of staff of UGI, we are grateful for this gesture,” said Kameta.

Mulunguzi Primary School evacuation camp is keeping 38 displaced families while Lumbila Primary School evacuation camp is hosting 16 displaced families.

Mataya (left) symbolically donates maize flour to Councillor Kameta

One of the survivors who is at Mulunguzi camp Rose Chiwalanga,45, said she managed to rescue all her five children to safety but lost her house and property which was swept away by the raging waters.

“We really need help to rebuild our lives, I used to do a banana selling business and would like to be helped so that I must build another house and restart my business,” said Chiwalanga.

Cyclone Freddy has claimed lives of more than 900 people and displaced thousands of people in the southern region of the country and President Lazarus Chakwera declared a State of Disaster in the southern region and called for international and local support to help the survivors as they try to rebuild their lives. 

A young boy carries maize flour donated by UGI staff members at Mulunguzi camp in Chilomoni

NBM launches ‘Mo Cardless’ Promo

By Alexander Juma, a Contributor

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has launched a new three-month promotion where customers utilising the cardless service stand to win different prizes with the grand winner going home with K1.5 million cash.

Speaking during the launch of the promotion dubbed ‘Mo Cardless’, NBM Plc mobile and e-money services manager, Enala Chirwa said the aim is to ease the lives of customers and provide seamless experience.

“The cardless service is an innovative solution that brings ease to customers who do not want to worry about losing their ATM card or forgetting it. To participate in the promotion, customers need to generate tokens which must be utilized. The more they use the service, the more tokens they generate, thereby increasing their chances of winning exciting prizes. The promotion is open to all National Bank of Malawi plc customers and the grand winner will be announced at the end of the promotion.”

“This promotion is a great opportunity for customers to take advantage of the cardless service and win exciting prizes. National Bank of Malawi plc is committed to providing innovative solutions to their customers and enhancing their banking experience,” said Chirwa.

The promotion has monthly prizes for customers generating more tokens that are redeemed, which includes K30, 000 for 20 people, branded T-Shirts, and branded Mug-cups.

Grand prize winner will cart home K1.5 million, while the second and third winners will get K1 million and K750, 000 each respectively.The promotion started on March 20.

NEW CEO TAKES OVER AT TNM

Michel Hebert, newly appointed TNM’s Chief Executive Officer

Pioneering Malawian mobile network operator TNM Plc has appointed experienced Canadian telecoms engineer Michel Hebert as new Chief Executive Officer, the operator said in a statement.

TNM Plc Chairman Ted Sauti-Phiri said in the statement that the appointment of Michel is with effect from March 15 and that he brings with him a combined 25 years senior level experience in telecommunications and technology garnered in Africa and the Middle East.

“His leadership as either the CEO or CxO has transformed organizations, delivered growth and opened new markets for well-known telecom companies such as Orange (Egypt), Ooredoo (Tunisia), Djezzy (Algeria), Comium (Cote D’Ivoire), Digicel (Papua New Guinea),” he said.

Sauti-Phiri said Hebert also worked as a senior consultant and telecoms strategist in U.S, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Sudan and South Korea. His vast expertise has taken him to high-profile mobile telecoms and tech firms such as Motorola, AT Kearney, Telstra, PT Inti, SK Telecom, Liquid, and Sudatel Group.

“Most recently, Michel has built, transformed and improved technology-led businesses at Sudatel Group (Sudan) in 4G LTE Advanced, Data Centres, Mobile Financial Services, and fibre optics deployments, gaining new market share, and doubling revenues and profits,” he said.

The chairman said Hebert has driven construction of thousands of kilometres of fibre for a massive new national infrastructure for Liquid in DR Congo.

“This opened new wholesale and home businesses with FTTH, which quickly dominated the Congolese internet markets, tripling revenues and profits in less than three years,” said Sauti-Phiri.

The chairman said in the statement the new CEO is an electrical engineer who earned his Bachelor of Science from Canada’s University of Waterloo and MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business (USA).

MultiChoice Africa donates R1 million  (MK58 million) towards Cyclone Freddy disaster management in Malawi and Mozambique

Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations, MultiChoice Africa

17 March, Johannesburg: As part of the disaster relief efforts, MultiChoice Africa today donated R 1 million (MK 58 million) towards disaster management in the countries affected by the devastating tropical Cyclone Freddy.

The aid which is facilitated by Gift of the Givers – an organization with a firm presence in both countries, will be channeled towards food security and other necessities. Together with its partners, MultiChoice Malawi and MultiChoice Mozambique, employee volunteers will assist with the distribution of the aid.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Malawi and Mozambique for the tragic losses they have suffered. This tragedy propelled us to make this humble contribution to support in whichever way is possible,” said Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations, MultiChoice Africa.

With a long history of providing quality content in the form of news, sport, and entertainment to citizens in both countries, the company further emphasized its willingness to deepen collaboration with governments in markets where it operates. “Our door remains open to finding solutions and contributing towards the upliftment and betterment of African lives particularly in such moments of great distress,” added Modimoeng.

Upon the handover of the funds, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, commented: “The donation from MultiChoice Africa will go a long way towards the disaster management in Mozambique and Malawi. It is imperative that corporates such as MultiChoice Africa continue to work with governments and foundations when it comes to disaster relief, no-one is able to manage the tragic impact of the likes of Cyclone Freddy on their own, it is only when we come together that we can support communities.”

For more information contact:

Moipone Tsotetsi

moipone.tsotetsi@multichoice.co.za

Mobile: +27 72 760 2869

Let’s stop propaganda and misinformation during this crisis…let’s promote unity as the President has implored

By Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma

When Cyclone Freddy struck us as a country, it became a unifying force that brought us together to support each other and work towards a common goal. This can be seen as a cataract, or waterfall, of unity that has flown through the country, strengthening bonds and encouraging collaboration.

Overall, it is important for individuals to come together during times of crisis and work towards rebuilding and healing their communities. This crisis has created a sense of solidarity and resilience that can help the country recover and grow stronger.

The President of Malawi, Dr Chakwera, after instructing his government to release funds to assist the victims, he is also personally visiting and consoling the victims of this natural disaster in their camps. On the other hand, several private citizens are also up and down providing a helping hand to the victims.

This is a positive move that shows support and solidarity towards the affected people. This would also boost morale and give hope to the survivors that their government and everyone else care for them in their time of need.

However, in general, it is not uncommon for crises or disasters like this to lead to an increase in misinformation and propaganda. This may be due to heightened emotions and a desire for quick answers or scapegoats. It is important to fact-check information and rely on trusted sources during these times to avoid being misled.

Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that mistrust towards the government during times of crisis is not uncommon. This mistrust may stem from past experiences, conflicting interests, or lack of transparency.

In this situation, it is crucial to remember that while the government may not always be perfect, it is still responsible for managing crises and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens. It is essential to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions and demand transparency, and clear communication.

It is also necessary to recognize the importance of coming together as a community and aiding one another during times like this. Anyone can pitch in and do their part to help those in need and promote unity and support, as the president has implored.

God Bless Malawi!!!!!

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc Responds To Flooding In Chikwawa

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has activated a flood victims support plan for its Nchalo estate and surrounding
areas.

The plan was initiated soon after it was announced by the Department of Climate Change &
Meteorological Services that Cyclone Freddy was likely to affect Southern Malawi.


The company has put in place measures to support its employees as well as villages immediately
surrounding its operations in Nchalo.

Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc’s Managing Director, Lekani Katandula said: “Our Nchalo Estate team in Chikwawa is on high alert with safety measures in place to protect employees and operations during this disaster”. We are also offering basic supplies to affected communities closest to our Nchalo Estate.”

The Company will be providing essential supplies such as maize flour, soya pieces, cooking oil, salt, beans, soap tablets, buckets, mosquito nets, water guard, tents, and sanitary pads. The company is also currently providing potable water to the victims and surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, the company is waiting for further damage assessment especially of infrastructure to provide the necessary support and mitigations.

The company has committed a total of K100 million towards the emergency response support plan to
complement current government efforts in the provision of emergency support especially in Chikwawa.


Recently ISM handed over 6,250 to blankets to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA)
in fulfillment of a commitment which Illovo made during the Presidential Golf Tournament, which was held on October 8, 2022.

The total cost of the blankets is K40 million. The handover has been timely as this will also go towards the victims.


Katandula further added that:  “as a business ISM is committed to ensuring the “creation of a thriving
Malawian community and that this includes responding to challenges which may threaten that objective”.


In his closing remarks Katandula sent his heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones as well
as those who have lost their homes.

 “It is not an easy time, but I believe that if we all come together as a nation, we can overcome this challenge. It is pleasing to note that many organizations and individuals are already doing so much to rally behind victim support initiatives. These are our everyday heroes, and we commend them.

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange with 76% of the issued share capital held by the Illovo group and the balance by public and other institutional investors.

 The corporate office is based at Limbe with two operations at Nchalo in the south of Malawi and Dwangwa in the mid-central region, producing sugar cane and raw and refined sugar, together with specialty sugars at Nchalo.

Illovo Malawi is the country’s sole sugar producer with more than 70% of total sugar sales sold to domestic consumer and industrial markets, and the balance exported to preferential markets in the EU and the USA, and the surrounding region.  

KABAMBE CALLS FOR MORE SUPPORT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TOWARDS CYCLONE FREDDY DISASTER

DPP Presidential aspirant Dr Dalitso Kabambe has called for more humanitarian assistance from the international community following the devastation caused by cyclone Freddy with the death toll gone over 300 and displaced thousands in most parts of the Southern Region.

Kabambe says, government and other stakeholeders that are on the ground are so overwhelmed with the unprecedented devastating impact of the cyclone, hence calling for more support from the international community. A concerted effort by many stakeholders will go a long way in managing the current situation and the rebuilding process.

He was speaking in the area of GVH Manguwo in Chiradzulu where a whole Ntawuchira village was swept away by a landslide from Chilimankhwanje village that affected over 60 households, and claimed 17 lives with many others missing. Dr Dalitso Kabambe was heartbroken to see only rocks and small streams covering what used to be a village with all the houses and agriculture fields gone.

Kabambe described the situation in the village as horrific and that it will take more time and resources for people to start rebuilding and recover from the disaster.

On his way to the village, Kabambe attended burial for 10 year old Eluby Tezalo who was killed in the landslide.

Meanwhile, some neighboring countries have started responding to calls for assistance.

Dr Dalitso Kabambe is still visiting and providing some food items to some of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas that have not yet had access to assistance.

Castel Malawi donates to cyclone survivors in Ndirande

By Alexander Juma, a Contributor

Castel Malawi MD Thomas Reynaud (right) handing over cheque to Kanojelera (2nd right) as Zimba and Milanzi look on

Castel Malawi, Malawi’s largest beverage company, has donated relief items worth K20 million to survivors of Cyclone Freddy which has claimed lives of more than 300 people and displaced thousands of families in the southern region of the country.

The donation was made on Thursday at four evacuation camps in Ndirande Township in Blantyre namely: Nyambadwe, Namalimwe, Matope, and Makata where the survivors have been relocated.

Castel Malawi’s Human Resource and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba, said they started with Ndirande township because that is where the company is located, but will extend this help to other areas since most of their employees, customers and other stakeholders have been affected.

Castel Malawi employees offloading the items

“We could not continue to operate without thinking of the people who are in need and are suffering. On humanitarian grounds, the company thought it wise that we give these people a hand as part of our corporate social responsibility. The items donated will help to ease the problems these people are facing at the moment,” said Zimba.

The company partnered with Young Achievers for Development and other stakeholders to ensure that the survivors benefit from the relief items.

Nyambadwe Ward Councillor, who is also Deputy Mayor for Blantyre City, Funny Balaba Kanojelera, expressed gratitude to Castel Malawi for the donation, stating that this will benefit a lot of people who were in great need of blankets and food items.

Zimba (middle) briefing Castel Malawi MD Thomas Reynaud (Right)

“As of Wednesday, the number of occupants at the Nyambadwe primary school evacuation camp was about 1141, and the number is still going up. This act of kindness is a reminder that, in times of crisis, we must come together to support one another and build stronger communities. We therefore thank Castel Malawi for they have brought what is required to sustain these people,” he said.

One of the survivors, Cathy Chaona, a mother of five, narrated that she has lost her house and is lodging at Nyambadwe Primary School with his children.

“The main problem we have here is food. With Castel bringing foodstuffs, we are assured that we will have a meal,” she said.

Some of the donated items include blankets, maize flour, polythene sheets for covering windows, plastic buckets, plates, cups, soya pieces, sugar, salt, soap and other food stuff.

Blantyre drinking joint Newz Café Manja…raises K1.2 million for Cyclone Freddy survivors

Patrons of Newz Cafe Manja cheering ‘Biggie’ (second right) at the Manja Evacuation Camp

Blantyre drinking joint Newz Café Manja put their ‘drinking rounds’ aside to raise about K1.2 million to help Cyclone Freddy survivors which has claimed more than 300 lives and displaced more than 30,00 people in the southern region of the country.

The patrons were jolted into action after some members shared video clips and pictures of the victims and survivors of the cyclone living in bad conditions in various camps on the pub’s WhatsApp forum.

Chairman of the Newz Café Manja patrons Higger Mkandawire said the Newz Café pub is like a family and they have been helping patrons in times of happiness and sorrow.

“At first, as patrons we were helping each other in terms of weddings, birthdays and funerals but when these pictures of victims started coming we thought that we should open our arms and help the survivors.”

Ready for distribution- One of the patrons offered a vehicle to distribute maize flour

“What surprised me was that apart from patrons buying each other rounds of drinks, they also supported this cause with huge amounts of contributions, others contributing as high as K100,000. In the end we managed to raise about K1.2 million within two days of contributions,” said Mkandawire.

The patrons purchased maize flour which was distributed yesterday in three camps in Machinjiri, Bangwe and Kapeni and will distribute other items in Lunzu tomorrow, according to Mkandawire.

“Since we are based in Manja Township, we thought we should use the different expertise of our patrons to help at the Manja Evacuation Camp. We had one of our patrons Ipyana ‘Biggie’ Mwagomba, who is a professional Chef, cooking for the people at the camp and we provided items like cooking oil, vegetables and other items to help him and others who were preparing food for the survivors up until the night,” said Mkandawire.

Biggie (right with towel) getting encouraging words from Newz Cafe Manja patron Leslie Mbisa

Most of the patrons joined ‘Biggie’ at the centre to cheer him up and encourage him whole helping in other chores to help the survivors.

Gentomeni the situation at Manja camp is bad, if some of you can come and help us it will be much appreciated, we cooked until midnight and some of the people I was cooking with are very tired, please Gentomeni it’s a critical situation,” wrote ‘Biggie’ on the Newz Face WhatsApp group.

It was at this moment when many patrons contributed more and others visited ‘Biggie’ at Manja Camp to render their support.

President Lazarus Chakwera declared a State of Disaster for the southern region on March 13, 2023 and called for support both local and international and many people have been offering their individual and organization support to the survivors of the cyclone.

Rural empowerment key to building resilient communities-Kabambe

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Presidential aspirant, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe has spoken the need to empower rural communities economically as one way of building a resilient nation that would be able to mitigate the impact of some of the natural disasters that affect Malawi time and again.

Kabambe, who is visiting cyclone Freddy victims in Phalombe, was speaking at Chisawa camp in the area of Group Village Head Namangale where over 5000 people most of whom are women and children have been displaced and are being housed in one of the local churches in the area.

“If the rural communities are empowered economically, they will be able to afford decent housing some of which will be able to withstand some of the natural disasters. Economic transformation of Malawi as a whole is key to a better life for all,” said Kabambe

The former Reserve Bank Governor, who has been touted for sound fiscal and monetary policies during his time at the central bank, has embarked on a humanitarian support initiative where he is donating food packs to over one thousand households that have been affected by cyclone Freddy that hit most parts of the southern region.

TNM keeps customers talking with All Networks bundles

 …One bundle rate to keep customers in touch amidst Cyclone Freddy

Blantyre, 16th March 2023 – TNM Plc, Malawi’s pioneer mobile network and ICT services provider says it’s one bundle rate voice service, the TNM-to All-Networks Bundle, is a long-term solution to affordable connectivity across networks.

TNM Plc is the first mobile phone operator to offer the cross-network voice bundle whereby customers do not incur additional charges for calling a different local network other than TNM.

Head of Brand and Marketing Madalitso Jonazi said the TNM-to All-Networks Bundle—which allows TNM customers to call other network on the same bundle rate—will be helpful to customers in this time of Cyclone Freddy and other adverse weather conditions when people must constantly keep in touch at affordable rates.

“With adverse weather conditions like Cyclone Freddy, the need to always keep in touch with family and friends is much greater than ever before as everyone wants to be assured that their loved ones are safe wherever they are. The TNM-to All-Networks Bundle makes this possible at an affordable, one bundle rate. No need to incur additional charges for calling from TNM to other local networks” he said.

TNM to All Networks bundles are offering customers a choice of four options including Mtolo 245 valid for 24 hours offering 10 minutes, Mtolo 900 valid for 7 days offering 50 minutes and monthly bundles called Mtolo 4800 worth 160 minutes and Mtolo 6000 worth 350 minutes.

According to Jonazi, the voice bundles under this category are using one bundle rate for both TNM to TNM calls and TNM to other local networks calls. This means that TNM customers are now assured of getting more value from their voice bundles at an affordable price.

“One significant aspect of these bundles is that they are providing convenience to customers by giving them one bundle rate for calling without the complexities of paying different rates for TNM to TNM calls as well as TNM to other local networks calls. We believe that customers are enjoying the bundles which are available for daily, weekly and monthly usage,” he said.

Jonazi said that customers can buy these bundles using a wide range of digital platforms.

“For customers, buying of the bundles is very simple through our mobile and digital platforms. They can use the TNM Smart App or our mobile money platform Mpamba and use our USSD Code *202#,” added Jonazi.

NBM plc donates K135 million to Cyclone Freddy survivors

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Kawawa(left) presents a dummy cheque to Kanong’oza

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated a total of K135 million to help in relief items for survivors of Cyclone Freddy which has claimed lives of more than 200 people and displaced thousands of families in the southern region of the country.

Speaking in Blantyre Thursday when the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed bank presented the donation through international humanitarian organization Malawi Red Cross Society, NBM plc Chief Executive Officer Macfussy Kawawa described the Cyclone Freddy situation as ‘heartbreaking’.

“Cyclone Freddy has left a trail of destruction in its wake, causing significant loss of life, damage to human settlements, and infrastructure of all kinds in health, education, power generation, agriculture, and bringing threat to food security across several districts in the southern region.”

“The death toll has sadly risen to 225 with 707 injured and at least 40 people reported missing. This is a heartbreaking situation, and our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster,” said Kawawa.

“At National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc, it is our responsibility to support our communities during times like this. It is against this background that we have committed a total of K135 million as support towards relief efforts,” added Kawawa.

He said the donation is in two bits with K15 million going through a consolidated Press Group of Companies (PCL) relief initiative and the K120 million to purchase first-line relief items for distribution to affected households through the Malawi Red Cross Society. NBM plc is a subsidiary of conglomerate Press Corporation plc.

Kawawa said the relief items will include food as well as non-food items such as tents, blankets, mosquito nets, plastic sheeting, utensils, buckets, and others adding that an allocation of fuel will also be made to the key players on the ground to enable their assessment and distribution efforts during this period.

“We recognize that these items may not fully alleviate the pain and suffering that those affected are going through, but we hope that they will bring some comfort and relief during this difficult time. It is our sincere hope that this contribution will be properly managed and will complement government efforts in providing aid to disaster-hit households,” said Kawawa.

Kawawa, who was flanked by NBM plc Deputy CEO Harold Jiya and NBM plc Head of Operations Brian Boby, also noted that ‘Cyclone Freddy has revealed a strong spirit of togetherness – Ubuntu among us’.

“It is our hope that we will continue to support one another during this difficult period and that we will stand together to rebuild our nation. Let me reiterate that NBM Plc is committed to supporting our communities in times of need. We will therefore continue to stand with our fellow Malawians, providing support and hope in the face of adversity,” assured Kawawa.

Receiving the donation, Malawi Red Cross Society Secretary General McBain Kanong’odza thanked NBM plc for the donation and assured that the donation will reach its intended Cyclone Freddy survivors.

“We want to assure you that we are going to account for all the resources that we have received to help the survivors and this donation will reach the intended beneficiaries,” said Kanong’odza.

According to a report released by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) at 11am on Wednesday the 15th of March, Cyclone Freddy has displaced over 19,676 households (approximately 88,312 people) and 165 camps have been set to accommodate the displaced with the death toll rising to 225 with 707 injured and at least 40 people reported missing.

Hip Hop Star Tay Grin to perform at Whisky A Go Go in USA

Malawi’s hip-hop superstar Tay Grin is expected to perform at Whisky A Go Go in United States of America (USA) on Thursday, April 20.

Tay Grin’s Agency Representation, Karen Osborn, has confirmed the development in a statement saying there is an agreement between Tay Grin and Whisky A Go Go on the show.

In a separate interview with TIMES 360 Grin said: “It is my desire to fly to America with my entire team, my traditional dancers and drummers because I want to go to America to showcase our beautiful Malawian culture and music,”

The celebrated rapper Grin also known as Nyau King will perform alongside RBL Posse, Adrian Junior, Dylan Garcia, and more. Whisky a Go Go is a historic nightclub in West Hollywood, California, USA. The club has been the host for musicians and bands.

The multi-award winner Grin born as Limbani Kalilani came on the scene over a decade ago; he introduced himself as a Business in hit-song “Ndabwera”.

Grin’s music has seen him establish a fan base not only in Malawi, but right across the continent.

The multi-talented artist has also won numerous local awards like the Nyasa Music awards and the Urban Music People (UMP Awards) in categories such as best live act, best video and best Male artist.

In 2014, Grin won a Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts (BEFFTA) award for Best International African Act.

In 2016, he won the BEFFTA Star Award in the music category. He has performed at the annual Lake of Stars Music Festival.

He also won the 2016 WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards Best Traditional Video award,] with the Video Chipapapa featuring 2baba.

He has also won numerous local awards like the Nyasa Music awards and the Urban Music People (UMP Awards) in categories such as best live act, best video and best Male artist.

In 2018, he won the UMP Fashion awards for Most Fashionable Celebrity.

TNM donates K20m relief items to flood victims

Gowera presenting the dummy cheque to Washoni

Blantyre March 14, 2023—Malawis pioneer mobile network and ICT services provider TNM Plc, has donated K20 million relief items to Malawi Red Cross Society to assist with relief efforts for victims of the Tropical Cyclone Freddy that have wreaked havoc in the country.

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has affected the southern part of Malawi causing deaths, injuries, and property loss for survivors.

Speaking during the handover ceremony TNMs Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Gowera said the donation underscores TNMs commitment to respond to the disaster and ease the pain and suffering of the affected communities.

“Following the occurrences of Tropical Cyclone Freddy we have witnessed devastating conditions of the victims in the affected areas. As a truly Malawian company, we felt obliged to play our part in contributing to the relief efforts and improve their rehabilitation,” said Gowera.

According to TNM, the donation which is comprised of food items (Maize flour, Soya Pieces, Salt, Sugar, Cooking Oil), Blankets and Buckets will alleviate some of the challenges in camps.

“We are looking forward to fast recovery of the victims as such we have come with necessities in our quest to alleviate their immediate challenges. This reaffirms our commitment to share our network in both good and bad times as we always say always with you,” he said.

Gowera said TNM decided to channel the funds through Red Cross because of the charitys vast experience in managing resources meant for disasters including the previous working relationship that started in 2015.

“TNM decided to channel the funds through Malawi Red Cross Society as they are working directly on the ground where the impact is. The Red Cross is one of the worlds largest humanitarian organisations. TNM Plc is confident that our contribution will be put to good use as has been the case in the recent past when we worked with them to respond to similar disasters before, he added.

The Acting CEO also expressed TNMs heartfelt condolences to families who had lost their loved one in the recent disasters, and wished those injured quick recovery and those displaced a quick rehabilitation.

TNM as a Malawian company is greatly touched by the disaster and the plight of the victims. We mourn with the bereaved families and pledge to continue collaborating with agencies like Malawi Red Cross in our response,” added the Acting CEO.

Malawi Red Cross Society Communications and Resource Mobilisation Specialist Felix Washoni appealed for more support to help in the ongoing rescue mission.
Right now, we are at a very critical phase of our operations which requires urgency and holistic approach. This is a Search and Rescue phase whereby we would like to identify survivors and enhance their rehabilitation, said Washoni.

Washoni expressed gratitude to TNM for the kind gesture and hailed the cordial relationship the two organisations have for the past nine year.

“Let me thank TNM for the timely donation towards the flood victims in the country this will go a long way. Since 2015 TNM has always been with us in times of our great needs. In addition, the company has made the donation after visiting the camps and appreciate the situation on the ground,” he said.

According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) in the Ministry of Homeland Security, the death toll from the Tropical Cyclone Freddy has reached more than 190 as of Tuesday and assessments are still going on.

PCL Group commits K180 million to Cyclone Freddy survivors

Mangani- Group-wide response

Conglomerate Press Corporation plc and its subsidiary companies have committed resources worth more than K180 million to assist the survivors of Cyclone Freddy which has claimed more than 200 lives in the Southern Region of the country.

Newly appointed PCL Chief Executive Officer Ronald Mangani said in an interview yesterday that the group has mobilized all its subsidiaries to contribute towards assisting the victims of the cyclone.

“We have embarked on a group-wide response to the disaster by working together with all the group companies to pool together financial, material and logistical resources to support the exercise.”

“A Task Force consisting of representatives from all the companies under the group has been formed so that we can reach the intended victims with our support,” said Mangani.

He said the group will work hand in hand with other agencies like the Department of Disaster Management (DoDMA) and other humanitarian organizations to make sure that the survivors are supported and helped.

“PCL wears a national face because of our various investments in the key sectors of the economy, and we are very concerned with the effects of the cyclone. That is why we have pooled these resources to help the people who are our vital stakeholders in our different businesses,” said Mangani.

President Lazarus Chakwera declared the Southern Region a disaster area and called for support from different public and private sector organizations to alleviate the suffering of the victims of the cyclone who have lost their loved ones and property, and have been displaced.

DoDMA Commissioner Charles Kalemba indicated that apart from the loss of lives, more than 4,000 households have been affected by the cyclone, translating to more than 10,000 people.

NBM’s Amayi Angathe Loans benefits 2880 women

By Alexander Juma, a Contributor

Women show off presents from NBM plc during the Tea party

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc’s ‘Amayi Angathe’ loan, a facility specifically designed to support women entrepreneurs, has benefited more than 2880 business women since its inception in 2019.

The bank’s business development manager, Wyson Kayira disclosed this in his presentation at the celebration of International Women’s Day in Blantyre last week.

Women interacting at the IWD Amayi Angathe event

NBM plc hosted a Tea Party to numerous women who have benefited from the ‘Amayi Angathe’ product that specifically targets women entrepreneurs in need of financial support to grow their businesses.

“The loan helps in the economic development of the country by bringing in sectors that have never been part of the financial service industry before. The loan product offers competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and customized loan amounts based on the individual business needs of the borrower.”

Women applaud during the NBM Tea Party

“The product also provides mentorship and training to help women entrepreneurs succeed in their businesses. National Bank of Malawi’s ‘Amayi Angathe’ product seeks to address these challenges and empower women entrepreneurs to succeed,” said Kayira.

Fawzia Gilbert, who is one of the beneficiaries of the loan, encouraged fellow women not to be afraid of getting a loan from the bank.

A Blantyre based business woman Michelle Mazibuko speaks at the Tea Party

“The loan from NBM plc of ‘Amayi Angathe’ does not require collateral and it does not take long to get it and women can do anything men can. Let me just urge all the women to be getting loans with the purpose of growing their businesses and not for enjoyment. You cannot get a loan to buy an air ticket to go outside the country to enjoy. As for me, I got the loan to grow my school business where I bought desks and built other blocks,” she said.

NBM Accounts Relationship Manager Mwayi Kalulu engages women during the Tea Party

During the event, women were also engaged in business and financial management sessions.

In Malawi, this year’s Women Day was celebrated on March 8 under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

NBM plc Mobile and e Money Services Manager Enala Chirwa engages the women at the Tea Party
NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa gives a word of appreciation to the women at the Tea party
One of the loan beneficiaries, Fawzia Gilbert testifying about how she benefitted from Amayi Angathe product
Entrepreneurs at the event

Castel Malawi commits K20 million to environmental conservation

By Alexander Juma, a Contributor

Castel Malawi Managing Director Thomas Reynaud gestures before planting his tree

Castel Malawi Limited in its forest restoration campaign has committed K20 million for this year’s tree-planting exercise in the country.

The initiative, aimed at restoring the lost forests was launched at the Mudi Catchment area in Blantyre on Friday, which is one of the key sources of water for Blantyre Water Board (BWB).

Part of the K20 million has been used to buy 10,000 tree seedlings, while the remaining part will be used in other interventions aimed at nurturing the seedlings as a way of recovering the lost forest cover and conserving the environment.

Castel Malawi Managing Director Thomas Reynaud (left) prepares to plant a tree

Speaking during the event, the company’s human resource and corporate affairs director, Gloria Zimba stated that the initiative is part of their commitment to environmental sustainability.

“We have put in place an initiative to ensure that together with the people in the surrounding area, we should hold hands to protect the trees. We will form a team with the help of Malawi Police composed of the people around the area to patrol the area and ensure that the trees are protected,” said Zimba.

She added that the partnership between Castel Malawi and the Blantyre Water Board (BWB) is an important step towards protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Castel Malawi Managing Director Thomas Reynaud waters his tree

“The tree-planting exercise is also aimed at creating awareness about the importance of conserving the environment and encouraging people to participate in environmental conservation activities. We will plant trees in other selected areas like Liwonde, Mzuzu and others,” explained Zimba.

In his remarks, BWB senior water quality and environmental officer, Joe Chimeta, commended Castel Malawi for the gesture saying it compliments their efforts to save Mudi Catchment Area.

“We have had a challenge with siltation of the dam due to the cutting down of trees around this catchment area. Five years ago, members of the surrounding communities encroached this place, but we are making progress to restore it,” he said.

Castel Malawi Head of Legal and Company Secretary Chipi Kauka

Group Village Headman Matope from Ndirande Township also commended Castel Malawi for the decision to plant and nurture the trees.

“Every year companies and organisations come to plant trees here but the place still looks the same because the trees lack care. It is therefore interesting to note that Castel Malawi has committed to take care of the trees planted today,” he said.

The participants who included school children around Ndirande, residents of Ndirande, BWB employees, Police officers and Castel Malawi employees planted the trees with enthusiasm, and there was a sense of satisfaction among them as they took part in an activity that will help to protect the environment.

Castel Malawi employees in tree planting exercise
Castel Malawi Human resources and Corporate Affairs Director Gloria Zimba after planting her tree

PIL donates K4.5 million items in Cholera fight

Pingani (left) handing over the items to Tembo (right)- photo by Gazette Media

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) has joined the fight against cholera outbreak in the country by donating 1500 intravenous drips worth K4.5 million to Blantyre District Health Office (DHO).

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Thursday, PIL operations manager, Edmond Pingani said they decided to intervene as part of supporting the government in the fight against the pandemic which has claimed lots of lives in the country since last year.

“The Government is doing all it can to stop the pandemic through mass vaccinations, awareness campaigns and provision of medication and is overwhelmed. We believe as corporates, we have a role to play. We are aware that most hospitals are experiencing a shortage of medication to treat this outbreak resulting in more deaths.”

“The shortage of ORS, proper cholera treatment facilities, clean water and ringer’s lactate, antibiotics and many more drugs have made it very difficult for the hospitals to combat this disease. This donation therefore is also in fulfilment of the commitment the PIL board of directors made to be socially responsive in times of emergencies and when need arises through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program,” said Pingani.

PIL team with BT DHO team at the event

Receiving the donation on behalf of Blantyre DHO, Pharmacy Technician Vuso Tembo commended PIL for the support saying the donation will go a long way in containing the rising cases as the items are one of the basic supplies required when treating cholera patients.

“We are so happy for this donation from PIL because ringer’s lactate is a must-have item when it comes to treatment of cholera cases. So, we cannot do without it. Currently the cases are dropping but then the battle is still on. We believe it is because people are embracing the preventive measures and also interventions by other organizations in raising awareness on the same,” he said.

PIL is a consortium of four petroleum marketing companies namely Vivo of Engen Filling Stations, Puma, Total Energies, and Petroda.

Some of the donated items

OOPS!MINISTERS’ MG 2 ATTACK T/A NJEWA, VILLAGEMEN OVER LAND

KENYATTA: Granted the injunction

Mayi wina yemwe dzina lake ndi Isabel Tungande watukwana mafumu komanso watseka mseu omwe anthu a mmudzi mwa a Makalani  ndi Senza akhala akudutsa mmbuyo momsemu.

Mseu umenewu unalumikizitsa midzi iwiri, mudzi wa Makalani ndi Kasiyafumbi mpaka anthu amakafika ku Ntandire akadutsa nseu umenewu.

Koma ngakhale mafumu akuyesetsa kuti msewu umenewu usatsekedwe koma ukule chifukwa ndiofunikira kwambili, mayiyo watemetsa nkhangwa pa mwala  chifukwa amanyengana ndi nduna ina yomwe yangosakhidwa kumene.

Even A TA Njewa anapondapo nkunena kuti pali nseu ofunika koma mayiyu wanyoza mfumu yaikuluyo komanso mafumu onse omwe anabwera atatumidwa ndi a T/A kuti akalongosole za nsewuwo.

Mochita challenge, mayiwu wauza mafumuwo kuti iwowo alibe  mphamvu zomuuza zochita chifukwa malowo ndiake ndipo adagula yekha ndindalama zake.

Ndipo adapitiliza kuwapanga challenge a T/A Njewa kuti ngati akufuna kuyankhula naye galimoto ya amuna ake omwe ali a Minister ikawatenga abwere nawo kunyumba kwake.

Mafumu anyozedwa kuti ngakhale iwowo anagamula kuti pali nseu iyeyo nkhaniyo akupita nayo kukhoti chifukwa pali anthu ena omwe iyeyo akudana nawo kuti asamaduse nsewuwo. 

Pofufuza mafumu apeza kuti anthu omwe akudana nawo ndi ma neighbor ake.  Akuti asamadutse nseu wapakhomo pake. Zifukwa zake zodziwa yekha. Nkomwenkomwe nseuwo ndi wa public.

Pano poti achibwezi ake apatsidwa unduna wapeza mphamvu zambili zotseka nseu ndipo anthuwo asevedwa ndi ma pepala a injunction omwe ma date ake akuonetsa kuti analembedwa chaka cha 2021 Nthawi yonseyi amawasunga nthumba! 🤣

 A Justice Nyirenda ndiomwe asayinila chiletso chodutsa nsewuwo. 

A Officer Incharge a pa Chitedze Police Station nawonso analipo pamilandu yomwe mafumuwo adayitanitsa. Chifukwa adauzidwa kutelo ndi Anduna.

Funso lochoka kwa mafumu nkumati;  Kodi mphanvu zolamulira anthu kumudzi zayambano kuchoka kwa zinduna? Kodi tayambanso kuyenda chamfutambuyo!  Kodi democracy ija kani ndimeneyi.

Mafumu nawo pofuna kuonetsa mphamvu zawo adamuuza mayiyo kuti zisadzamuonekele adzapita kwa Maloya(Lawyer) kuti adzamuthandize. 😡

Nkhaniyi ikupitililabe ndipo mafumu nawo akutemetsa nkhwangwa pamwala kunena kuti milandu ikakhala pakati pa mayiyu Isabel Tung’ande Vs Chiefs & people of Makalani Village.

Zidze pano mzatonse nduna uku ziyaluka chifukwa chochengeta azimayi a mtseri. Ndunayo muyidziwa pompano mafumu akaloleza kuti tiyitchule dzina lake.  Koma akuti ndiya ku Nkhata Bay.

IG Yolamu given seven days to update Malawians on sodomy case by Bakelines employee

By Iommie Chiwalo

The office of the Malawi Police Service, Inspector General, Merlyne Yolamu has another task within seven days to update the nation on the status of warrant of arrest for Bakelines official who is allegedly to have sodomized his co-workers.

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa has written the IG based on what happened on February 10, 2022 whereby social media influencer Idris Ali Nassah, posted on Facebook about two young men that complained that their boss, a foreign national used to lock them in a small room at their workplace at Bakelines Limited premises where he would then rape them.

“The terrified boys say they were threatened with death or disappearance should they tell anyone of this horrific abuse,” wrote Nassah.

And as a matter of progress, Malawians were informed thereafter that a warrant of arrest was secured and that the police launched investigations on one hand while details emerged on the other hand that the suspect was kept at a traceable house in Area 10 in Lilongwe while arrangements were being made to help him leave Malawi.

What is more of concern to CDEDI is that today, one year down the line, Malawians are in the dark on the progress of the matter, let alone the identity of the suspect as has been the case with all sodomy and rape cases where names of suspects are disclosed.

Namiwa has, therefore, said his organisation is giving seven days to the IG Yolamu so that can provide the requested information, and that failure to do so will leave Malawians with no choice but to take the next course of action to ensure that justice is served on the matter.

“It is against this background that CDEDI, in line with the Access to Information Act (ATI) writes you demanding that you make a public disclosure of the identity of the suspect and his current whereabouts.

Namiwa has also requested for proof to the nation the efforts, if any, the Malawi Police Service (MPS) in conjunction with Bakelines Limited undertook to ensure that the suspect should be arrested.

“It is important to put it to you madam, that your prompt response will put to rest the fears that the MPS exercises preferential treatment in the way it handles suspects of foreign origin,” reads the letter in part.

Following the incident, on February 11, 2022, the then Minister of Labour Hon. Vera Kamtukule reacted to this appalling revelation by visiting Bakelines Limited in Lilongwe and it was established that the employee in question indeed was in the habit of
sodomising local male employees.

“It is on record that the matter was first reported to the Area 30 Police Station on January 24, 2022, then to Kanengo Police Station where it was referred to a hospital and a medical examination confirmed sodomy. These findings are what compelling CDEDI to seek an update from the office of the IG.

The letter has since been duly delivered in the office of IG Yolamu but this publication is yet to get feedback on the next course of action by the law enforcers.

Need cash?Wait no more: TNM Mpamba Kashi-Kashi is here

TNM Acting Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Gowera speaking at the launch

TNM Mpamba Limited, subsidiary of Malawi Stock Exchange-listed TNM Plc Thursday launched the Mpamba Kashi Kashi promotion to reward customers and agents across the country.

Speaking at Nsungwi of Area 25 in Lilongwe, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Gowera said Kashi Kashi aims to share the multiple benefits that the mobile money platform is providing such as enhancement of financial inclusion.

“Our Mpamba platform is making a significant impact to the social economic development of the country. Therefore, the promotion aims at engaging our key stakeholders thus agents and customers to enhance their experience on digital transactions,” he said.

The promotion will give prizes to 840 agents and 1344 customers.

Some of TNM customers that patronised the launch

“Our goal is to encourage mobile transactions which is now a lifestyle for every customer and with the promotion everyone is a winner. Every two weeks customers and agents will be winning cash prizes ranging from K25,000 to K100,000. First winner will be getting K100,000, second winner K50, 000 and third winner K25,000 during the bi-weekly draws,” said the Acting CEO.

During the grand draw Mpamba Kashi Kashi will make 28 customers millionaires from every district in the country.

“We always live by our core purpose of creating possibilities therefore through the promotion we are going to accomplish that. The final draw of the promotion will dish out K1 million to 28 customers, one from every district. Furthermore, 28 agents will win K500,000 each from every district,” added Gowera.

Mpamba Kashi-Kashi has simplified entry modalities where customers will participate after any transaction of K500. Agents will participate after servicing customer transaction of K5,000.

The promotion will run from 9th March to 6th June 2023.

Chris Sukasuka, Mpamba General Manager speaking at the launch

Empowering women beyond human rights

By Benjamin Maona, a Contributor

Oswin Kasunda, NBM Head of Retail Banking

Malawi has a high level of gender inequality, and women face significant barriers to economic empowerment. On March 8 every year , the world commemorates  International women’s day as part of recognizing the human rights and roles of women in the society.

Malawi is not spared, and this year’s commemoration will take place at Malika Ground in Zomba District under the theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’.

Capitalizing on the theme, National Bank of Malawi Plc, is set to  empowering women beyond human rights by ensuring they are financially capacitated.

According to the Bank’s Head of Retail Banking, Oswin Kasunda, NBM Plc has arranged  business clinics for 150 women under its ‘Amayi Angathe’ Product and Service offering for borrowing and no-borrowing clients in all the three regions of the country in the month of March.

Kasunda said in an interview that the Bank intends to use the clinics to unveil its innovation, a WebPortal for the ‘Amayi Angathe’ Product , to enhance gender equity in business and to promote financial inclusion among groups that constitute a significant portion of Malawi’s unbanked population.

“Our typical Amayi Angathe client is a lady entrepreneur that are running her business in all sectors approved by Bank and with current annual sales turnover of up to Fifty Million Malawi Kwacha. These could be sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited companies. Additionally, the conference will also target prospective customers that could benefit from the offering.”

“The information sharing portal aims at promoting access to information in the financial system, acceptable banking practices and business management technics which have been a hindrance to growth of businesses managed by lady entrepreneurs. In order to positively contribute to the social and economic development of the country, NBM plc decided to target special groups with a long-term view of empowering them financially,” said Kasunda.

Kachelenga-This is commendable

With figures showing that women entrepreneurs are increasing in the country, Kasunda said it is important to empower them economically as this will also lead to the development of their respective societies.

“The Bank anticipates that these business clinics will eventually empower women entrepreneurs to stand on their own and contribute to the country’s economic development in general. The ‘Amayi Angathe’ product offering is designed in such a way that women entrepreneurs will graduate upon reaching the K50 million annual turnover threshold. At this point, the women will have acquired the necessary collateral and will now be able to stand on their own and enjoy  services offered by the Bank under the SME Programme,” he added.

According to Kasunda, the clinics are also expected to enhance information sharing among women so that other women entrepreneurs can learn how to manage their businesses through testimonies.

“It is also the Banks’s expectation through this financial inclusion drive that every woman in business will be made aware of the product offering and ultimately benefit from the clinics. The ultimate goal is to see the women’s businesses grow into big corporate entities,” he added.

Angela Kachelenga, a mobile money banking service provider and a Grocery owner plying her trade at Ngumbe Township praised ‘Amayi Angathe’ Loan saying she has grown her businesses so fast.

“I started utilizing the service the year it was launched when I heard that the loans do not require collateral. Through the soft conditions attached to the loans, I have grown my businesses after accessing K3 million, then K1.2 million which I paid back without problems. This year I am planning to get K5 million even though I already see it as small for the business,” she said.

On the business clinics Kachelenga said: “This is commendable as women need financial education on how to manage businesses. Gone are the days when people used to see business people as illiterates. As a beneficiary of ‘Amayi Angathe’ Loans, I have employed three people helping me to run my businesses, but my aim is to impart knowledge into them and have them graduate to own their businesses.”

“Currently, I have already trained one who is also running her own businesses. Therefore, the knowledge and skills I will acquire from the clinic will not benefit me only.”

With most business interventions, the challenge has been to follow up if they are making progress through the use of the knowledge given.

However, Kasunda said they have put measures in place to ensure it bears fruits.

“We are constantly making follow ups with targeted women in their places of business, as a bank we have dedicated account relationship teams who are regularly visiting them to appreciate the level of growth and the challenges being faced.”

“The team is always available to assist the women in acquiring relevant financial information which is crucial in the day-to-day management of their businesses. The session will also assist to solicit feedback from the women through panel discussions and questionnaires,” he concluded. 

NBM supports MLS lake conference with K2 million

By Alexander Juma, a Contributor

Mitole (right) hands over the symbolic cheque to Ngunde (left)-photo by Gazette Media

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given the Malawi Law Society (MLS) K2 million to support their Annual General Conference (AGM) set for March 23-26 in Mangochi.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque presentation on Tuesday, NBM Plc Company Secretary and Head of Legal Department, Zunzo Mitole said the bank recognizes the critical role played by the legal profession in shaping Malawi’s social and economic fabric.

“The conference will provide a platform for legal practitioners and stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on issues affecting businesses across the country. As NBM plc, we have confidence that this conference will be an insightful and thought-provoking event that will contribute to the growth and development of the legal profession in Malawi.”

Mitole (right) shakes hands with Ngunde (left)-photo by Gazette Media

“NBM plc’s partnership with the MLS is expected to create an enabling environment for its continued growth and success. The Bank appreciates MLS for its continued dedication and commitment to advancing the legal profession in Malawi,” said Mitole.

Malawi Law Society (MLS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chrispin Ngunde, expressed delight and appreciation for the sponsorship saying it will help them to meet the significant costs associated with the conference.

“This sponsorship will help support the MLS’s efforts to promote excellence in the legal profession and advance the rule of law in Malawi. We therefore extend our appreciation to the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) for the support,” said Ngunde.

The theme for the conference is ‘Beyond Rhetoric and Impunity: Law, Governance and Economic Transformation.’

ILLOVO SUGAR MALAWI PLC REINFORCES ITS COMMITMENT TOWARDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Illovo Sugar Malawi Managing Director Lekani Katandula

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) has reiterated its commitment of empowering women for economic development to make good strides in the country.

Managing Director for the company, Lekani Katandula reiterated the commitment in statement issued on Wednesday as the world commemorates International Women’s Day.

According to Katandula, Illovo celebrates women’s achievements and contributions, as well as reinforces its commitment to playing an active role in driving gender equality.

“Although there is a shift within the country with more women taking up leadership positions as well as an improvement in gender policies and practices, the road to achieving equal and fair representation of women in leadership positions remains long.

 In recognition of the need to step up our own efforts Illovo Sugar Malawi plc (ISM) launched a special forum called the Illovo Women in Leadership (IWIL) IN October last year to assist with progress towards female equality in leaderships roles within its operations,” reads the statement in part

It further reads: “The forum is tasked to find solutions and interventions around the acceleration of women inclusion into leadership positions within the Organisation. The platform will be the driving force behind empowering ISM’s female leaders, promoting gender equality in the workplace, celebrating success stories, and offering opportunities to create positive change.”

“We have set out ambitious but attainable goals for internal change and will be working towards influencing wider social change where possible. We are hopeful that IWIL will accelerate our progress towards achieving at least 30% women representation in leadership positions by the year 2025 from the current 12%.

Through active mentorship and the women’s forum initiatives, we hope to see a female workforce that is more confident and empowered to take on the next leadership position whilst also empowering their colleagues and subordinates. Additionally, we hope that career talks to girls in secondary school and universities will motivate and empower girls to be change makers and strive to hold leadership positions as they join the corporate world or run their own businesses.”

There is more, ISM has also partnered with Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) by providing funding for the University’s Endowment Fund worth K150 million— which aims to give financial support to disadvantaged but deserving students, with specific target being the Girl Child.

This further supports ISM’s diversity and inclusion strategy for higher women representation within not only its leadership positions but within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The decision to invest in this MUST Endowment Fund is driven towards facilitating more women in STEM -inclined roles. ISM stands to gain from more young women completing their STEM studies ready to take on possible future opportunities within the Organisation. Therefore, significantly contributing towards ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’.

These initiatives are part of the company’s Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) agenda within the Illovo Sugar Africa Group.

Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange with 76% of the issued share capital held by the Illovo group and the balance by public and other institutional investors.

The corporate office is based at Limbe with two operations at Nchalo in the south of Malawi and Dwangwa in the mid-central region, producing sugar cane and raw and refined sugar, together with specialty sugars at Nchalo.

Illovo Malawi is the country’s sole sugar producer with more than 70% of total sugar sales sold to domestic consumer and industrial markets, and the balance exported to preferential markets in the EU and the USA, and the surrounding region.

NBS Bank sees 140% profit jump after tax

Listed NBS Bank says it expects a 140% profit jump after tax for the year ended 31 December 2022 compared to the same period last year.

Earlier, the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed bank had projected a 110% profit after tax for the review period.

But in a revised trading statement signed by the Bank’s Company Secretary Marsha Ovi Machika, said the change in the expected profits is due to recoveries through courts whose conditions for recognizing the proceeds of the claims were met after the first publication of the trading statement was already published.

“The information in which this revised statement is made has not been reviewed or reported by the company’s external auditors,” reads the statement in part.

NBS Bank’s Company Secretary Marsha Ovi Machika

The statement also said a review of credit impairments on significant credit exposures has been made which has changed the results favourably.

In the year ended 31 December 2021, the bank recorded a profit after tax jump of 9% amounting to K7.69 billion up from K7.05 billion the previous year and NBS attributed this to ‘institutional growth’.

The bank’s half year profit after tax period ending 30 June 2022 jumped 16% to K5.1 billion from the previous year’s K4.4 billion amid a tough operating environment.

The Bank said at the time that it was going to continue to maintain a robust capital and liquidity position saying that it was well positioned to pursue opportunities for growth amid a projected challenging second half of 2022.

NBS Bank has now embarked on a new five-year strategy (2022-2026) to increase market share and enhance efficiency.

HS Winehouse pub donates Cholera supplies to Health Centre

Nyemera (right) presents some of the items to Makunganya

Patrons of Blantyre based uptown and trendy eatery and bar, HS Winehouse have donated cholera prevention supplies worth more than K250, 000 to Chirimba Health Centre to help in the prevention of the disease which has claimed thousands of lives.

The donated items include buckets, mops, laundry soap and other household cleaning products.

Speaking during the donation at the weekend, HS Winehouse Patrons Chairperson, Alijeao Nyemera said one of the patrons who is a medical practitioner inspired the idea to support the facility after he raised concern over rising cholera cases in the city.

“We observed that Chirimba registered the most cases unlike South Lunzu and Chilomoni health centres which are also located closer to HS Winehouse and we thought it was a good idea if we support the health centre with these items,” said Nyemera.

Nyemera (right) presents some of the items to Makunganya as an HS Winehouse patron looks on

Chirimba Health Centre Facility In-charge, Twaibu Makunganya said they have registered about 57 cholera cases and at least 15 deaths in the community. 

“We do not keep the patients here. We only do resuscitation and send them to cholera treatment units at South Lunzu and Gateway but we lost about 15 people due to cholera,” said Makunganya.

Makunganya however indicated that the situation at Chirimba has been improving owing to interventions by their environmental health teams which also conduct civic education on cholera prevention. 

HS Winehouse Patrons has a WhatsApp group with over 100 members from various professions and they mobilized themselves to contribute towards the cause, according to Nyemera.

Also present at the donation were directors of the club, Gerald Tasaukadala and Austin Jede Zimphango.

MultiChoice grows operations through Decoder Service Centers

CHISESA: Our customers can count on us

MultiChoice has introduced Decoder Service Centre’s which will provide GOtv and DStv customers with technical support through decoder diagnostics, repairs, swapping of decoders under warranty and the sale of hardware and accessories.

Through these centers customers can expect greater convenience and saving on cost of travelling.

Locations of Decoder Service Centers include; Directo Space, Area 47 Bwandilo in Lilongwe, Mild Electronics at 5 Miles in Zomba with the Mzuzu branch coming soon, supported by the existing Blantyre Decoder Service Centre at the MultiChoice Malawi head office.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue working with MultiChoice our customers can count on us,” said Joel Chisesa, Decoder Service Centre agent and owner of Mild Electronics in Zomba.

Whilst the introduction of the new Decoder Service Centers means greater convenience for customers, the initiative aims to display MultiChoice’s commitment to engaging local entrepreneurs.

One of the centres

“We aim to continue to grow with and through our communities and that is best achieved through social upliftment and working hand-in-hand with local businesses to sustainably extend our service offerings” said MultiChoice Malawi Managing Director, Emma Gichonge.

“Our Decoder Service Centre agents have been on boarded as service provider’s, upskilled through training and certified in customer service and technical expertise to ensure the customers needs are met” Gichonge added.

Customers can identify authentic Decoder Service Centre’s through framed MultiChoice certificates displayed in every branch in addition to the distinct GOtv yellow and DStv blue branding and signage outside each location.

Standard Bank upgrades Nchalo service centre

PAUL Nyirenda, Director of Insurance at Reserve Bank of Malawi and Standard Bank’s Chief Executive Phillip Madinga cut ribbon to mark the official launch of the branch

Standard Bank Plc has launched its refurbished service centre at Nchalo in Chikwawa, a move Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said supports the sugar and allied agriculture industries in the area.

Nchalo is the home estate of Malawi’s largest sugar grower and manufacturer, Illovo Plc. The surrounding Lower Shire valley is also major source of beef in Malawi, as well as Big Five tourism attractions at Majete and Lengwe game Reserves.

“The sugar industry plays a key role in our economy and in particular the agriculture sector. In that regard, Standard Bank has ensured presence within the two main hubs of Dwangwa and Nchalo where sugar is grown and manufactured, to support this vital business, industry and related other businesses,” said Madinga.

Sugar contributes about 10% of Malawi’s GDP, and about 35% of the country’s agricultural sector, according to available data.

Madinga said the rationale behind investing in Nchalo refurbishments is to give business, SMEs and individual customers of the Lower Shire the same ambience and comfort enjoyed in flagship Standard Bank branches across Malawian cities and regions.

“The new branch will help enhance the delivery of streamlined financial services to individuals and companies that drive the economy within the agricultural sector, and other sectors co-existing within the district of Chikwawa and surrounding areas,” he said.

Officially launching the branch, Reserve Bank of Malawi Director for Pension and Insurance Paul Nyirenda applauded Standard Bank for boosting its branch operations at Nchalo noting the development will improve access to financial services to secondary services in addition to sugar and livestock farming in the area.

Officially launched in style

“Nchalo is an economic hub in the country with focus on agriculture especially cattle rearing and sugarcane farming. While we associate the area with sugar manufacturing, it is imperative to recognize the growth of secondary services arising from the sugar business. Standard Bank will therefore play a key role to harness that growth sustainably,” he said.

Nyirenda further said RBM appreciates the role of Standard Bank in contributing towards the financial inclusion agenda as highlighted in Malawi’s MW2063 Vision.

“The RBM commends Standard Bank for constructing such a banking hall here at Nchalo. This means that the bank is taking the challenge of achieving the MW2063 vision with a great responsibility. Not only will the structure provide excellence in banking services, but it has changed the appearance of this place,” he said.

Led by Emmanuel Makwakwa the Nchalo will offer all services including providing support for digital banking available through an ATM, Unayo and the 247 platform.

MADINGA:The new branch will help enhance the delivery of streamlined financial services to individuals and companies that drive the economy within the agricultural sector
NYIRENDA:RBM appreciates the role of Standard Bank in contributing towards the financial inclusion agenda as highlighted in Malawi’s MW2063 Vision

FDH Bank donates CCTV Cameras and monitoring screens to Limbe Police

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Nkunika (right) presents the items to Chipumphula

FDH Bank Plc has boosted the fight against crime in Limbe Township by donating five state-of-the-art high definition closed circuit television (CCTV) zoom cameras and three monitoring screens to Limbe Police Station.

Last year, the station rolled out a digital security surveillance project to help in tracking criminals around the township.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Tuesday, FDH Bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Levie Nkunika said they thought it wise to invest in the project which he described as a brilliant innovation.

“Limbe Police is surely taking a leap in the fight against crime by embracing technology to protect the citizenry. We appreciate that this is not happening from a vacuum but it is within the MW2063 agenda.”

“As FDH Bank we have aligned ourselves with the MW2063 as well as Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we are creating a legacy that is to be more enjoyable for the citizenry and more sustainable for the future generations.”

“Be assured that this is not a once-off investment; let’s see how other police stations will align themselves in technology in order to reach out across the country. We received a request for cameras but having appreciated the work being done and the shortfall of three more screen monitors, we have decided to provide that as well,” explained Nkunika.

In his remarks, officer-in-charge for Limbe Police Station, deputy commissioner of police Gladson Chipumphula said they intend to include drones as well as fingerprint calibration machines in the project, which shall be connected to National Registration Bureau (NRB).

“The business here can maximize on their profits by extending closing times to as far as 9pm or beyond to allow people to shop at ease since they will be assured of tight security.”

“We are passionate to make this project a success to eradicate crime in Limbe for the present and future generations and also as the first step towards having such a system in all cities and towns across the country,” said Chipumphula.

PIL restores water at KK rural clinic

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An official explains to Mchiela about the water tank

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) has donated a solar water pump worth K3 million at Mpamantha Health Centre in Nkhotakota to restore hope for the communities to successfully fight against cholera.

Speaking during the donation of the solar pump in Nkhotakota on Thursday, PIL Finance and Administration Manager Kambani Mchiela said the donation is part of their corporate social responsibility activities which will help the facility to access potable water.

Mchiela (left) shakes hands with Clinician Thokozani Tambulasi

“The health sector is one of the sectors that we help as we realize that only healthy people can contribute positively to the socio-economic development of this country. When we heard that the hospital has stayed for about nine months without clean water after the previous solar pump was stolen, we thought it was important for us to intervene especially during this time when we have a cholera outbreak in the country,” said Mchiela.

Senior medical officer in-charge at the facility, Thokozani Tambulasi conceded that it has not been easy without potable water as they recorded 16 cases of cholera and one death at the facility.

Mchiela (right) and PIL official Amina Mwalabu wash hands

“The donation by PIL will help us in ensuring that our facility is always cleaned. We will also have enough water used for dissolving chlorine and washing beddings. The situation was dire not only because of cholera, but even at the maternity ward. Guardians were forced to go fetch water from other sources which are far from the facility,” said Tambulasi.

Chairperson of the health advisory committee (HAC) at the facility Charity Gwaluka, also commended PIL for the intervention saying it was becoming costly for guardians as they had to pay for the water from other sources around the community.

Mchiela washes hands

“Imagine a guardian spending much time at the borehole fetching for water than being with a patient. The boreholes are also a distance making the guardians tired and not providing the real care to their patients. Now we can do that comfortably within the hospital premises,” she said.

Group Village Headman Kaulungu urged the members of the community to take care of the new pump which serves over 22,000 people across the lakeshore district.

PIL is a consortium of four oil marketing companies namely Vivo, Total, Puma and Petroda.

“WORSE OFF” NGALANDE: GO FLY THE BALLOONS

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By: Malibongwe Chavula

Every time Malawians are about to go to the polls, Malawi becomes the land of comedy and drama. As the saying goes “mvula ikagwa kuchuluka zoliralira”. This time there is no exception.

As I was enjoying listening to fork tales of wisdom under the mango tree in Nthalire, my nephew in Nkhatabay called me to watch an exclusive interview on one of the TV channels.

Soon after watching the interview, gogo Jere laughed and just said talk is cheap, I have lived long enough on earth.
When we thought we had seen it all under the Chakwera administration, we never knew Malawians would be subjected to yet another joke in one Cedrick Ngalande.

Here is one man who is so busy buying relevance in our political sphere, where every time he is given space, all he does is to flaunt his aerospace engineering credentials and his stay in the US, as being the only reason why he thinks his name should be listed among some of the 2025 presidential hopefuls.

On Saturday evening he was featured on Times Exclusive. In the first place, I even questioned why they featured him anyway, because Ngalande hasn’t done anything worth the salt for this country to deserve such kind of attention.

I laughed out loudly even more when I heard the host Brian Banda asking him if he is interested to run for president because his name is being mentioned in most of the circles as a potential hopeful. Which circle?

Apart from the few boys he recruited from DPP, who later dumped him anyway, in the name of “media team” Cedrick’s name doesn’t appear anyway within the 2025 narrative.

The Times Exclusive Interview only managed to expose him. The guy is too pompous and far away from the reality on the ground.

Throughout the interview, Ngalande kept on saying “I have heard” “I am told” etc. meaning, he doesn’t know anything regarding the present sufferings of Malawians.

The host even gave him the chance to respond to one question in Chichewa, but instead, Ngalande chose to stick to his English. He was even told by the host that the question was meant to test his Chichewa.

Here is a guy who says he comes to Malawi once every year, mostly in December and thinks he has the magic wand to turning around our misfortunes? How?

To show that Ngalande is naïve; he went on to say those that were arrested under MCP should first clear themselves with the courts before running for president. This reasoning is flawed. It only shows Ngalande doesn’t understand MCP politics.

Since Chakwera came into power in 2020, his party has arrested almost anyone. You write a post on Facebook criticizing him, he locks you. You share something on WhatsApp against his government; the police will pick you up.

We all know that most of the arrests made were politically motivated, that is why some DPP officials that were arrested by MCP have not been charged two years down the line, while some cases keep dragging in court.

Ngalande has also proved that he doesn’t understand politics in Africa. Most governments in Africa use handcuffs in dealing with their opponents. In Zambia, President Hakainde Hichilema was a ‘kabwelebwele’ under Edgar Lungu. He was actually charged with treason in 2017.

MCP is well known for arresting its opponents. MCP arrested Bakili Muluzi, Chakufwa Chihana, Kamlepo kalua and many others. Does Ngalande even know about the assassination of the “Mwanza Four”?

In cold blood MCP assassinated Aaron Gadama, Twaibu Sangala, David Chiwanga and Dick Matenje. Does Ngalande really believe that these four were guilty of any criminal offence since they were labeled “rebels?”
That’s MCP for you.

So to say those arrested under MCP should not run for president only exposes Ngalande’s political acumen or lack of it. Sensationalism is cheap. Let him come and walk the talk and smell the coffee.

And with the current state of Affairs in Malawi, Ngalande thinks the country needs an aerospace engineer hahahaha! I think Ngalande’s services are more needed in the US to be flying balloons there. Especially now that China is busy flying balloons in the US airspace, that’s where Cedrick’ needs to invest his time and money in.

All said and done, gogo Jere reminded me that most aspirants to Plot number 1 promise many things, and yet they always fall short of explaining how they will implement and execute the promises. The one who will come along and show us how the promises will be executed is the anointed one.

As for this young man who was being interviewed, he is just one of the usual ones if not worse off.

Magical dramatic comedy Kulemela coming to OneZed in March

Family time for OneZed viewers just became more fun with the addition of a touching, hilarious and somewhat otherworldly comedy with a heart of gold. The dramatic comedy Kulemela, produced by Tauka Arts Pictures, premieres on the channel on 23 March.

Starring Precious Pungulani Denja, Talent Phoya, Edson Makande and Misozi Sumani, Kulemela is the story of Chopwicho, a shepherd renowned in his village for his exceptional – and some would believe magical – talent for breeding goats and cows. But deep down inside, he knows he is destined for something even greater.

By the twist of fate, he falls in love with a beautiful woman and decides to pursue her in order to win her heart. But it won’t be without its challenges, especially since he also has to fight his ruthless and cunning boss for a massive inheritance that rightfully belongs to Chopwicho.

Can love conquer all, or will the good guy finish last once again?

OneZed channel head, Mosibudi Pheeha says: “OneZed is a channel tailored to fantastic family viewing, so we’re pleased to be premiering an original show that tells an authentic local story. Having a series like Kulemela in a prime-time slot shows that we aim to keep our trusted viewers entertained and engaged.

“We cannot wait for our audience to enjoy what our brilliant local creatives and on-screen talent have worked on with this compelling new addition to the line-up,” she concludes.

The 13-episode Kulemela is set in rural and urban Balaka in a male-dominated Yao community. It’s the story of the pursuit of dreams, the strength of willpower, injustice and how people aren’t always who they appear to be.

This is a story that will inspire hope as much as it will keep the audience laughing as they reflect on the absurdity of life.

Don’t miss Kulemela season 1, premiering on Thursday 23 March at 21h30, only on OneZed (DStv Channel 172 and GOtv Channel 8). Follow @DStv_Zambia to stay in the loop with all things good TV.

Castel Malawi launches new spirits packaging

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Zoto addresses members of the media during the launch

Barely days after announcing the new spirits packaging for Malawi Gin, Malawi Vodka, and Premier Brandy, Castel Malawi Limited has officially launched the products.

Speaking during the event that took place at Grand Business Park in Lilongwe on Friday, the company’s sales and marketing director, Nelson Zoto Banda said this part of their efforts to innovate and deliver quality products to the market.

“The new packaging is an extension to the existing spirit line, and it is the same spirit as you know, it is the same iconic Malawi Gin, the same charming Malawi Vodka and the same smooth Premier Brandy. Yes, it is the same Spirit of Malawi with the same punch,” he said.

Team Castel captured during the launch

Zoto Banda further dispelled fears by some consumers that the new development would impact the availability of the spirits on the market just as it was the case with the 750ml towards the end of last year.

“As you are aware, around August 2022 we stopped the production of the spirits due to shortage of glass. The new 330ml bottle will ensure uninterrupted availability so you can enjoy your favourite spirits all the time. This is a returnable bottle, so we can collect it back from the market and reuse it many times over. This means non-stop supply of the people’s favourite spirits,” he said.

Zoto Banda carrying the newly introduced Malawi Gin bottle

One of the customers Arnold Makoni who is also one of the distributors of Castel Malawi said the new spirits packaging will close the gap that has always been there for consumers who want the products in small volumes.

“This means we can now reach out to the customers who will enjoy just like the rest, and we expect our business as distributors to grow,” he said.

Felix Fulatira, who owns Friends Corner Bar at Kanengo in Lilongwe also commended Castel Malawi for the new spirits packaging.

STANDARD BANK DONATES MATTRESSES TO MUDI CDSS

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Blantyre, February 23, 2023 — As a way of improving education standards in the country, Standard Bank PLC has donated 63 mattresses to Mudi Community Secondary School in Lunzu worth MK 2.6 million to enhance girls’ education at the institution.

 The bank made the donation to girls’ hostel that was constructed by Blantyre City Council (BCC) through a Community Managed Project that was funded by MASAF. 

The investment underscores Standard Bank’s commitment towards supporting education and alleviating challenges that affect the quality education and living standards for girl students. 

“Like many government schools, Mudi has a shortage of materials to carter for boarding students.

Therefore, reaching out to this school we are extending our impact to ensure that learners have a good place to live as they pursue their education,” said Alipo Nyondo, Head of Innovation Ecosystems and Partnerships, at Standard Bank

According to Standard Bank, the donation compliments government’s efforts to ensure sustainability in the education sector. 

“At Standard Bank we believe that education is key to transform the economic status of the country earmarked in the government’s policy. Our presence here is significant as we are enhancing secondary school education for sustained positive results and growth,” he continued.  

According to Nyondo the donation resonates with the Bank’s overall purpose of Malawi is Our Home, We Drive Her Growth.  

“This investment is a fulfillment of Standard Bank’s promise to give back into communities and be a reliable partner for development more especially in the education sector. This is in line with our purpose which seeks to unleash Malawi’s potential and drive the overall growth,” added the Head of Department.  

Council Chairperson at Blantyre District Council Akima Chipwatali who was the guest of honor during the handover emphasized on the need for consolidated efforts to improve girl education in the country. 

“Girl education is facing a lot of challenges where there is a need to have massive partnerships and investment to help in the achievement of meaningful development. The gesture by Standard Bank is commended as it will motivate girls in the area to work so hard in class,” said Chapwatali. 
  
Greyson Katimba, Head Teacher at Mudi CDSS said that the hostels will enhance school enrolment more especially for girl. 

“We embarked on the hostel project after noting a surge in school dropout more especially among the girls in the area. The coming of Standard Bank with the mattresses is ideal development that will support our efforts towards improving girls’ education.  

Katimba called on other companies to emulate the kind gesture by Standard Bank to help the school to register more desirable results.   

Highlighting challenges at the school, form 2 student Faith Chirwa called for more support to enhance safety as the hostels are not secured.  

“We have water and electricity challenges that are affecting our education on daily basis. However, despite having the hostels but we are not secured as the structure has no fence and we are prone to several risks,” said Chirwa.

She hailed Standard Bank for the timely donation that will see the school delivering quality education in the  process developing the nation.  

“This donation by Standard Bank is very important not because it is channeled towards girls, but it will enhance education. The development will arouse our curiosity to do more in our studies a motivation we always cherish, thank you Standard Bank,” she said.   

The donation to Mudi CDSS comes as the second investment the Bank has done so far since the onset of 2023 in the sector of education.  

With the first being the donation to Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) worth MK20 Million in January 2023. The Bank continues to invest in the education sector as a key driver in the nation’s attainment of Vision 2063.

CDEDI gags ADMARC over ‘rotten’ maize

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By Iommie Chiwalo

NAMIWA: CDEDI demands ADMARC to produce documentary evidence from a reputable laboratory

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) calls for immediate investigation on the conduct of Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) which is selling the so called rotten maize yet at an exorbitant price.

In a statement released on Thursday, CDEDI regrets reports that 10 000 metric tonnes of maize at ADMARC is said to have been rotten is being ferried from Malangalanga warehouse for sale at Mponela in Dowa and Salima ADMARC depots at an exorbitant price.

CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says investigations have revealed that about 15 trucks [ranging from 10 to 15 tonnes], most of which are owned by Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Members of Parliament and their close business associates started loading the maize at around 11am on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Namiwa has since asked President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to order his MPs
or, indeed, any other individuals, to take their hands off “the rotten maize” until a public physical inspection of the same is conducted.

“In the same vein, CDEDI demands ADMARC to produce documentary evidence from a reputable laboratory that tested the maize, and shows that it is not fit for human consumption,” he said.

He said that it is disheartening to note that the Tonse Alliance administration is playing
monkey tricks with the country’s staple food at a time Malawians need it most.

“Therefore, we beseech the Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale to invite Malawians, including us at CDEDI, to conduct a verification of the said rotten maize right in the Malangalanga warehouses. All is done in good faith knowing that there is fear of impending hunger following the messy 2022/23 Affordable Inputs Programme,”

But the grain marketer’s head of administration and human resources, Ethel Umali Zilirakhasu has told this publication that government has committed some funds to transport the commodity from reserves to depots.

She said the arrangement is there to make sure that maize is available and accessible.

Programs Officer for Centre for Social Concern, Bernard Mphepo is hoping the availability of maize in the parastatal’s depots will help lower maize prices which have skyrocketed on the local market.

Maize is now selling at more than K34, 000 per 50kilogram bag.

ADMARC is still restructuring after firing all its employees whose terminal benefits add up to MK8.9 billion. It has since started advertising for senior posts with an expectation of being back on its feet in few months to come as it is believed that it will employ additional 2000 workers.

STANDARD BANK SUPPORTS SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME

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Head of Innovation and Ecosystems Alipo Nyondo handing over to Mary Meal’s Umberto Bosco

Blantyre, February 22, 2023 – Standard Bank through its Limbe Branch has donated a sum of MK1 million to the global school feeding charity, Mary’s Meals aimed at feeding 45 primary school children for a full academic year. 

Speaking on Wednesday during the handover ceremony Standard Bank’s Head of Innovation, Ecosystems and Partnerships, Alipo Nyondo said the donation is aimed at ensuring that children are supported in their pursuit for education. 

“Standard Bank appreciates the efforts by government and Mary’s meals to provide for the needs of the children through the school feeding programme. Therefore, through our Branch Corporate Social Investment programme, Limbe Branch has donated this amount to support children in primary school,” said Nyondo 

According to Nyondo, Standard Bank has made the donation to drive Malawi’s overall economic growth through education.  

“As a bank working towards driving the growth of Malawi we look at education as a strategic sector to achieve our purpose. Therefore, we looked at the right partner who can help us to be part of the development of the country and Mary’s Meals emerged very strategic,” he said. 
  
Standard Bank Limbe Branch Manager, Dyson Mmina, added that they are encouraged by the positive impact of the school feeding programme, as it has helped to reduce absenteeism and improved attendance of classes by students over the years.  

“The school feeding programme has had many benefits such as ensuring children have energy and increased concentration in class, which has reduced absenteeism from school with increased enrollment, and access to nutrition for some that barely eat well at home,” said the branch manager.  

While acknowledging the bank for the donation, Umberto Bosco, Mary’s Meals Head of Programmes, pleaded for more support to help feeding children in primary schools across the country.  

“As Mary’s Meal we commend Standard Bank for this important donation as it will go a long way to feed almost 50 learners for the whole school year.

Our organization is feeding more than 1 million children in the country it’s a big number, therefore, we need support from the corporate world to help us feed them all,” said Bosco. 

Mary’s Meals is an international organization which started operating in Malawi in 2002 when the founder came across a child who indicated lack of food as the reason why he skipped classes. 

As of 2022, Mary’s Meals managed to feed over 1 million primary school children in 1,045 schools across the country.

FDH Bank gives Malawi Police 10, 000 tree seedlings

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FDH Bank plc, a subsidiary of FDH Financial Holdings Limited, has supported the environmental restoration drive by Southwest Division of the Malawi Police Service through a donation of 10, 000 seedlings.

The Division jointly held a tree-planting exercise for this year with the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Malawi Prison Service (MPS), and the Immigration Department at Malawi Police Training School in Limbe township.

FDH Financial Holdings Limited Group Chief Executive Officer William Mpinganjira said the gesture is one way of averting effects of climate change.

“We have all seen how our climate has been changing as a result of our own activities that have led to environmental degradation. Just last week we experienced disasters here in Blantyre due to careless cutting down of trees that acted as water breaks. We all saw that on social media.”

“As a way of trying to be part of the solution in the development of the country, FDH Financial Holdings Limited committed to plant one million trees by 2024 by working together with our staff, customers and stakeholders like the Malawi Police Service through various initiatives in alignment with the Malawi Vision 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals that aim to make the world a better place not only for us but also for the future generations,” said Mpinganjira.

Commissioner of Police for Southwest Division, Richard Luhanga commended FDH Bank for the support saying apart from providing vegetative cover, trees are very vital in their job.

“I am glad that when I shared our vision with the CEO Mr. Mpinganjira, he understood and committed to supporting the cause. To us security agents, the Police, Malawi Prison, MDF, and Immigration, trees play an important role for our training in the forests. Therefore, these seedlings will go a long way in creating a good environment for our work,” he said.

Luhanga then hailed the existing relationship between the two institutions which saw FDH construct additional Police offices at Ndirande Police Station two years ago.

During the 2023 planting season, FDH plc has partnered with Egenco, Blantyre Water Board, Mzuzu City Council, Mzuzu University, LUANAR, Catholic Men’s Organisation, Chileka Lions Club, CADECOM, Farmers Union of Malawi(FUM) and Zomba City Council, among others. 

PCL appoints Dr Mangani as new CEO

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The board of directors of conglomerate Press Corporation plc has appointed Dr Ronald Mangani as Chief Executive Officer effective 1 March 2023.

In a statement signed by Press Corporation plc Company Secretary Moureen Mbeye, Dr  Mangani brings to the group extensive experience in managerial leadership, investment decision-making, financial management, and strategic planning.

Dr Mangani replaces former CEO Dr George Partridge who left the company in January last year following a functional review which saw some changes including removal of some positions at the corporate office.

“Dr Mangani has demonstrable leadership skills having served as Secretary to the Treasury of the Malawi Government between 2014 and 2017. He also chaired the board of Old Mutual Malawi and served as an independent director on the boards of First Capital Bank Malawi, the Reserve Bank of Malawi, the Malawi Stock Exchange, MDC Limited and the Malawi Institute of Management among several others,” reads the statement in part.

Prior to his appointment as the Chief Executive of PCL, Dr. Mangani was an Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Malawi. He has also held visiting scholar positions at the International Monetary Fund Institute and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.

In an interview with one of the local newspapers, Dr Mangani said he wants to ensure that PCL companies and subsidiaries become a national pride.

PCL Board Chairman Randson Mwadiwa also told a local newspaper in an interview that Mangani best fits the position to propel the aspirations of the group.

Press Corporation plc is a public company incorporated in Malawi, under the Companies Act 1984; and is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE).

The highly diversified company has interests in different sectors of the Malawi economy which include financial services, telecommunications, energy,  property investments and hospitality and tourism.

Oman rescue campaign still on

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By Iommie Chiwalo

The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has emphasized that the “Oman rescue campaign” is still underway saying what is lacking to bring back the entrapped women is not Air tickets but rather ransom money.

In his response to the development that government has secured 50 Air tickets to bring back the women, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says “still ransom money is needed,”

The required ransom money is the total amount said to have been spent on each woman’s air ticket, visa, medical reports, police clearance and other relevant travel documents.

“It has come to our attention that government has secured 50 air tickets for our women enslaved in Oman. What this means is that there is need for $2,500, about 2. 5 million Malawi Kwacha as ransom money for each of the 50 women in order for them to be released,” Namiwa elaborates

He has continued appealing to the United Nations, local and international state and non-state actors including the private sector to join CDEDI in the campaign to raise $125, 000 about MK125 Million to rescue all the 50 women.

The CDEDI Chief has since appealed to those tempted to travel to the Middle East on the pretext of looking for greener pasture for they might be would-be victims.

On how to get involved in the rescue mission, people can contact CDEDI on +265993462700 or email at cdedimw1@gmail.com or alternatively contact the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

After CDEDI announced the launch of a crowd funding campaign to raise the funds, Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to announce that it has secured Air ticket sponsorship for 50 Malawian women who are stranded in Oman.

Spokesperson for the Ministry John Kabaghe confirmed of the arrangement.

He, however, said that what remains is payment of the money their captors are demanding to release them.

NANKHUMWA TELLS CHAKWERA ‘TALK IS CHEAP, LIES HAVE SHORT LEGS’

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RESPONSE BY RIGHT HONOURABLE DR. KONDWANI NANKHUMWA, MP, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT TO THE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (SONA) BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT LAZARUS CHAKWERA LILONGWE

20 February, 2023

THEME: “TALK IS CHEAP, LIES HAVE SHORT LEGS”

PREAMBLE


Let me begin by saying that what President Lazarus Chakwera delivered last Friday does not come any close to a State of the Nation address (SONA). It is the reason why I have entitled my address as “Talk is Cheap, Lies have short legs”.

Madam Speaker,

SONA is a yearly tradition when the President of a nation comes to report on the status of the country whilst unveiling the government’s agenda for the coming year including proposing certain legislative measures to Parliament.

It is clear that the speech that President Lazarus Chakwera delivered in this August House lacked these key characteristics. Most likely, the President himself does not have a clue on the status of this nation.

No wonder, the President failed to outline a clear agenda for his government in the coming year. That is not surprising, because you cannot provide a prescription without diagnosis.

Madam Speaker,

You diagnose first before prescription.

There is no progress report in the speech by the President as to what exactly has been achieved between what was said last year and the not surprising statement being considered as SONA this year. There is a total disconnect between the 2022/23 SONA and the 2023//24 SONA.

Madam Speaker,

Let me pick one example to illustrate my assertion on the failure and emptiness of this so-called SONA. The President emphatically talked of “fixing the broken systems”. The simple question is “what broken systems have been fixed to this day”? Is that too much to ask from the President?

What we witnessed on Friday last week is a man who is lost and does not know what direction to take and what options are available for him as President of this country.

We witnessed a man, who lacks self awareness; who cannot differentiate between a State President that he is and someone aspiring to be a State President. He is a President who is still promising three years down the line.

Here is a President who, instead of giving Malawians a status update of the country, is busy hallucinating what he thinks he will do. He is clearly stuck in the la-la land of speeches forgetting that he has a country to lead.

Madam Speaker,

Malawians are now used to their President being absent on critical issues; of being told that their President did not know anything when serious decisions on national matters were made.
I am now left with no doubt that President Chakwera does not know the pain that Malawians are going through under his leadership. Let me tell President Chakwera what Malawians are going through.

ON AGRICULTURE

Madam Speaker,

The President admitted that the Affordable Input Program (AIP) has been a mess this season. Fine. However, he should have gone further to tell Malawians why the program came crashing down rather than glossing over the matter with niceties, including outlining figures that did not reflect the situation on the ground.

Madam Speaker,

In the 2022/2023 budget, Parliament allocated K109 billion for AIP. Since that time, a series of events followed including the cancellation of local fertilizer supply contracts apparently because the government had secured fertilizer donations from Morocco and Russia.

The next thing, we learned that the government has been duped of K30 billion by conmen in its quest to buy fertilizer from a butchery in the UK. The Ministry of Agriculture denied the K30 billion figure, claiming the duped amount was just K750 million kwacha. Government is yet to recover this taxpayers money.

Madam Speaker,

There have been so many lies and dishonesty over the whole AIP program, which is why some of us said from the onset that it was doomed to fail. For example, the total allocation of 97 billion kwacha for fertilizer purchase was only enough to cater for 900,000 beneficiaries.

The 92,000 Metric tonnes of the donated fertilizer was also enough for 900,000 beneficiaries, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to just 1.8 million at most. This is in total contrast to the 2.5 million beneficiaries that the government said it would target. The government therefore cheated its own citizens by promising that 2.5 million people would benefit from AIP this season.

Madam Speaker,

As if that was not enough, there have been unprecedented late deliveries of both types of fertilizer to selling points. In many cases, fertilizer was accessed way after the crop had tussled.

There has also been unavailability of UREA fertilizer across the southern, Eastern and Northern regions while their counterparts in the central region were oversupplied. The clear lack of capacity by the only distributor, the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) only worsened the situation.

Madam Speaker,

Some MPs from the eastern and southern regions had to take matters into their own hands to camp at SFFRFM headquarters to force the organization to release UREA to their areas. This is not the job of MPs but there are times when push has to come to a shove.

As if this was not enough, the government has been collecting money from poor AIP beneficiaries while promising to give them fertilizer at a later date, and in many cases the fertilizer did not come. This is to say the least abuse of citizen’s rights and pure theft by the government.

Madam Speaker,

I can go on and on to describe the mess that has been AIP this season, but this is what I want to tell President Lazarus Chakwera. His acceptance that AIP faced challenges this season is not nearly enough and not acceptable because it is a man-made crisis that Malawians can ill afford.

As the opposition, we helped in passing the budget, including advising the government on the design and implementation. But look at what they did. Incompetent Ministers started flying around looking for fertilizers in bizarre places. Middlemen, including the President’s own relatives made deals under the guise of looking for fertilizer, and huge sums of money were stolen.

Madam Speaker,

Did we not end up buying fertilizer from a butchery? And Instead of being swift and decisive, President Lazarus Chakwera remained passive as though nothing happened. He swapped around the same faces that messed up the program in the first place hoping for different results. No, Mr President.

Now, we hear that even the donated fertilizer has also been stolen. Out of the 20,000 metric tonnes meant for Malawi, only 9,000 metric tonnes arrived in the country. The rest vanished in thin air or ended up in Mozambique. No one seems to come up with a plausible explanation.

What is disturbing is the fact that the same ‘connected’ and ‘untouchable’ presidential relatives, who played a key role in the procurement of fertilizer from a butchery in the United Kingdom, have also been mentioned in the grand theft of donated fertilizer.

Madam Speaker,

My question to President Lazarus Chakwera is: How far are you willing to go to sacrifice poor Malawians at the altar of family relations?

The President talked about re-designing the AIP framework to improve its efficiency. But let me assure him that we will be here talking about an even worse AIP mess next season if he allows his inner circle to use AIP as an instrument to enrich themselves through corruption, kickbacks and commissions.

Already, a report by Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) says Malawi will face hunger this year. It says crop production in Malawi in this season is likely to be below last year. It says maize production is estimated to be 30 to 50 percent below the five-year average. The government should not be surprised with this projection because that is the result of its investment in mediocrity and corruption.

ON THE ECONOMY

Madam Speaker,

That this country is sailing through troubled economic waters is evident even to a toddler. The President made an honest assessment that a slew of our macro-economic indicators don’t make good reading. For example, inflation is in double digits; our debt levels are the highest in the history of the country and very unsustainable.

The prices of basic commodities continue to rise beyond the reach of common Malawians. The Forex and fuel scarcity situation is still in flux and a typical case of ‘now-you-see-me-tomorrow-you don’t’.

Various stakeholders have talked and still talk about the glim and hopeless future that Malawians face under this administration. It is sad that the government continues to be business as usual with nothing happening on the ground to give hope to Malawians. Our economy has typically tanked, and hope is lost.

Madam Speaker,

The President entitled his speech as “Delivering Economic Transformation and Governance Reform through Sacrificial Action and Service Excellence.” Maybe the President must come clear on this one.

For example, which governance reforms? Sacrificial action from who? Malawians or the President and his ruling establishment?

If it is about taking sacrificial action, this government does not understand that language. President Chakwera is always the first to disobey his own austerity measures. He travels furiously and internationally in a hired private jet burning fuel and the little Forex we have, often with a large entourage earning fat allowances.

He travels locally often with a larger than life entourage carting allowances and conducting useless development rallies.

Madam Speaker,

Already, Malawians are going through untold suffering, not as a result of a global economic downturn or a war in Ukraine, but as a result of poor decision making or lack thereof of this government.

It is, therefore, an insult to the people’s intelligence for the President to call for sacrifices from the people when his inner circle, including family members, are not willing to take those sacrifices themselves; when corruption is erupting among the President’s own trusted lieutenants. Mr President, nothing will happen if you do not lead by example.

The President almost heaped blame on the slowness of conclusion of corruption cases on the Judiciary. In a subtle way, he did. However, my own opinion is that the Judiciary lacks adequate funding. The President knows it and he pretends all is well.

Madam Speaker,

In his SONA, I expected him to mention how much the Treasury has funded the New High Court Division and the Financial and Economic Crimes Division.

I am aware that the Division is underfunded. One wonders how the President expects that the fight against corruption would be seamlessly discharged without adequate funding for that Division.

Funding the ACB and bragging about it every day does not help the fight against corruption if the courts are not adequately funded.

I am also concerned about the plight of the Judiciary support staff. I wish to request the government to review the conditions of service of Judiciary personnel as a matter of urgency.

Madam Speaker,

I wish to state that progress in the Sattar case is deliberately hindered by the Office of the Attorney General. As required by law, the ACB wrote the office to ask the British Government to have the National Crime Agency (NCA) there to provide evidence and share intelligence with the ACB so that these Sattar cases can be properly prosecuted. The Office of the Attorney General has been dilly dallying. I wish to demand that the Office of the Attorney General must do the needful as far as Sattar issues are concerned, as a matter of urgency.

Madam Speaker,

Since this government came to power, the President has been talking about reforms; about fixing the systems. Which reforms and which systems? Two things: One: Can the President do justice to these reforms by telling Malawians what he did with the ‘Chilima Civil Service Reform’ Report?

Where is that report; and what were the recommendations? Why is the President sitting on that report without releasing it, and even implementing its findings? Two: about fixing the broken systems as he said in the last SONA, what is the progress like? What has been fixed and what has not? I want to assure the President that Malawians have had enough of a ‘talking’ President; they want an ‘action’ President even if he doesn’t talk.

Madam Speaker,

Before he came to power, President Lazarus Chakwera and his government placed the fight against corruption as a centrepiece of their campaign. It was one of the cornerstones of the Chakwera Hi-5.

Among other things, he said he would safeguard the integrity of the ACB, including removing appointing powers for ACB Director from the President.

Barely three years down the line, all that talk has remained just that. Talk. In fact President Chakwera and his Tonse Alliance panel have turned out to be the biggest stumbling blocks in the fight against corruption through their very action.

The fight against corruption under President Chakwera and his Tonse Alliance partners have been spurious to say the least, and a scatter-gun at most.

In fact, the President’s position in the larger scheme of the whole fight is that of a very dishonest man who cannot be trusted. The never ending story of the persecution of ACB Director, Ms Martha Chizuma is a very good example to sum up what I am talking about.

Madam Speaker,

In January 2022, President Chakwera said he knows that the ‘forces of darkness’ that recorded Martha Chizuma and deliberately leaked the audio so that she is found culpable and removed from her position.

He said he would not yield to such devilish wishes. He said he was standing behind the ACB Director and that he had forgiven her for whatever transgressions she may have committed.

I was sceptical, and I said it from the onset that this was all part of a larger scheme to remove Ms Chizuma and that President Chakwera was actually the Godfather of the whole plot.

Madam Speaker,

Fast track to December 2022, over 20 police officers arrested Ms. Martha Chizuma in a dawn raid like they were arresting a dangerous drug Lord. They did not allow her to put on proper clothing and drove her 50 kilometres away before locking her up, and leaving her traumatized.

This was the lowest moment in the fight against corruption in Malawi, and so unprecedented.

The President said he did not know anything. He quickly set up a Commission of Inquiry to establish circumstances surrounding the arrest, including finding out who actually ordered it.

Mysteriously, the President tweaked with the terms of reference for the Commission. It ended up with findings that were far removed from the questions that Malawians were asking. Up to now, Malawians still don’t know who actually ordered the arrest of Martha Chizuma.

Madam Speaker,

I know this may look like ‘The Godfather’ movie but it is actually what this government calls the fight against corruption. When President Chakwera’s own Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Ms Colleen Zamba, interdicted Ms Chizuma last month it is when we knew who was behind the plot to remove her from her position. President Lazarus Chakwera.

The President did not say anything about the interdiction of Ms Chizuma. He still has not said anything up to now, as usual preferring to work behind the scenes like he does not know anything.
What is sad about the whole fiasco is the desire by President Chakwera and his panel of suspects to fight Ms Chizuma through the court process, including sponsoring so called Civil Society Organizations to bad mouth and fight donors for simply speaking out against the persecution of the ACB Director.

We have now heard of words such as ‘Malawi is a sovereign state’ coming from the government telling donors due to their critical stance on corruption. Is President Lazarus Chakwera Serious? Is he sure he wants to take Malawians on a Kamikaze mission to fight donors? On this, I can bet my last penny that Malawians do not want to sink with him. Let the President go alone on that road.

ON THE FIGHT AGAINST CHOLERA/THE HEALTH SECTOR

Madam Speaker,

In December, I made a statement to the effect that the government, through the Ministry of Health, is losing the fight against Cholera. That time over 20,000 cases and 700 deaths had been reported. I urged the President to declare a state of national disaster in order to unlock aid towards the situation from international and local partners
As usual, my advice fell on deaf ears. The government continued to behave like there was no crisis despite the fact that the health sector was collapsing due to the lack of capacity, and preparedness. And yet the first cases of cholera were reported in the country in March 2022.

Madam Speaker,

The government continues to write all the wrong scripts in the health sector. The Cholera outbreak has gone out of control because it was given cursory attention like a small ailment that would go away with regular painkillers, and yet it was a time bomb waiting to explode.

When it exploded, the government looked to have been caught off-guard. The launch of the fight against Cholera at Mgona in Lilongwe was little action taken too late. In fact, what does it mean?

Madam Speaker,

The health sector has been transformed into a sector of death under this government. It is now a ‘death sector’. Hospitals lack basic supplies of drugs including inadequate personnel. People are dying en-masse in health facilities due to systematic neglect by this government.

Madam Speaker,

One of the key factors in fighting Cholera is access to clean water. Is there anything the government is doing to ensure access to clean water when even hospitals have dry taps, and don’t have clean water?

I submit that effective leadership or lack of it manifests during a crisis like the current Cholera outbreak. So many people who could have contributed to the development of this nation have lost their lives and more will lose lives due to nothing but leadership failure to manage a crisis.

Madam Speaker,

The Lazarus Chakwera leadership has been tested and has failed.

ON ENERGY AND OTHER MATTERS

Madam Speaker,

I do not need to emphasize the importance of energy in an economy that wants to grow and shrive. But our energy story is embarrassing to tell. With electricity as a specific example, our country has witnessed the worst energy crisis ever in the history of the country.
The President promised he would decisively deal with blackouts. To put it in his own language, “blackouts would be a thing of the past”. Madam Speaker, three years down the line, the president and his government have only managed to deliver massive blackouts, and nobody is coming out to tell Malawians in clear brews how we will get out of here.

OTHER DESCRIPTIVE MATTERS OF THE NATION

British Philosopher Bertrand Russell once said that perhaps the world was created by his enemy, Satan, when God was not looking. He could not understand why a God of so much loving kindness could allow so much suffering among his people.
Allow me, Madam speaker, to analogize that since so many things are happening in this government without the knowledge of the President, perhaps some of these things are happening when President Lazarus Chakwera is not looking. I, therefore, want to bring the President to reality.

Madam Speaker,

Does the President know that:

• His SONAs are delivered in nice English but very loud for their emptiness.

• That his government has no direction on how to reduce the local and foreign debt.

• That his government has no clear direction on ADMARC and agricultural markets in general.

• That there is no clear direction on blackouts and increasing the country’s power production.

• That his government has no clear direction on increasing exports.

• That his government has no clear direction on job creation, and that the 1,161,000 new jobs that he said his government has created only exist in a computer somewhere at Capital Hill.

• That his government has no clear direction on national security, and that security is fast deteriorating in this country

• That there is no clear direction on how to improve our health, agriculture, education and social welfare.

• That there is no clear direction on fighting corruption in this country. That instead of fighting corruption, his government is fighting Ms Martha Chizuma

• That there is no clear direction on how to improve public infrastructure including roads.

• That there is no explanation or direction on recent fertilizer scandals, and how the government will make sure that fertilizer prices go down.

• That there is no direction or explanation on how the country is going to deal with fuel issues like we experienced last year.

• Is the President aware that his SPC was pressurizing Helen Buluma to pay a middleman called Mr Chief the sum of $ 20 million for doing nothing?

• That his SPC was summoned by Parliament to respond to serious allegations of corruption made against her by the former CEO of NOCMA but she refused, and he did not reprimand her.

• That in his speech, he did not mention the Bridging Foundation, a foundation set to bring about 7 trillion Kwacha worth of grant to this country.

• Is President Chakwera aware that 17 trucks of maize meant for NFRA from ADMARC were stolen by his close friend and sold to Tanzania and that his friend revealed that there are also ‘big’ people doing the same thing?

• Is President Chakwera aware that his government is failing to repatriate 376 Malawian female domestic workers stuck in Oman and facing various forms of human rights abuses?

• Is President Chakwera aware about the elderly being tortured on a daily basis based on witchcraft allegations?

• Is President Chakwera aware that his government is collecting collateral from Malawians without disbursing loans under NEEF?

• Is President Chakwera aware that the relocation of government offices such as MEC, Immigration and MACRA from Blantyre to Lilongwe is economically suffocating Blantyre?

• Is President Chakwera aware that prolonged blackouts are crippling small businesses?

• Is President Chakwera aware that Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) soldiers get K1000 as allowance when they are on duty?

• Is President Chakwera aware that 800 US Dollars is deducted from MDF soldiers’ allowances when they go on peacekeeping missions abroad when they are supposed to receive 1,700 US Dollars per month?

• Is the President aware about the plight of ex-PTC workers, and that they have not been paid their surveillance payment? And that Malawian traders who have been supplying products and services to PTC have not received their money?

CONCLUSION

Madam Speaker,

I wish to reiterate that what the President came here with just a compilation of platitudes and a wish list that unfortunately does not have any chance of being implemented. I am saying this based on the experience that Malawians have had under this government.

When somebody says they have done something and spend hours explaining what they have done, it means they have done nothing. When you have done something, you shut up the things you have done speak for themselves.

Madam Speaker,

If the ship that Jonah boarded from Nineveh to Tarshish had a sleeping captain, the ship could have sunk because the captain would not have known the cause of their troubles.

But bravo to the captain of that ship because he was awake and alert to recognize the problem in time and fixed it by throwing Jonah into the lake to save the ship and the people. Our circumstances are very unfortunate because the captain is loudly slumbering on the job.

THANK YOU, MADAM SPEAKER, AND ALL HONOURABLE MEMBERS FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION

CDEDI launches ‘OMAN RESCUE’ campaign

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By Iommie Chiwalo

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has launched ‘Oman rescue campaign after noting that relevant State agencies have information about those involved in the human trafficking business, but choose to look the other side.

Government’s unwillingness to rescue the trapped women heightens speculation that it had a hand in this sinister labour-export business in a bid to deal with the forex shortage problem.

The launch follows the expiry of the seven days ultimatum given to President Lazarus Chakwera to address the nation on the fate of 50 Malawian women enslaved in Oman, in the Middle East.

In a statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa and made available to this publication says the campaign is aimed at enjoining those sympathetic to the plight of enslaved women should come together to save them, and at the same time discourage those intending to travel to such countries from doing so.

“CDEDI regrets to inform all well-meaning people who have been following the heartbreaking stories about the 50 women known to be working in dehumanizing conditions and six others whose whereabouts are unknown, that government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has openly refused to rescue them,” Namiwa says.

The remarks by Namiwa are coming after government has said it is not ready to refund the US$2, 500 needed as a ransom for each enslaved woman. This is the total amount said to have been spent by the so-called sponsors on each woman’s air ticket, visa, medical tests, police clearance and other related travel requirements.

“What is sad about the whole saga is that besides not willing to rescue the women, the Malawi
Government is acting strange by trying hard to sweep the whole matter under the carpet and,
also, unleashing State machinery to silence those condemning the human trafficking business in
which these women were caught,” says Namiwa.

The involvement of State in the whole saga is evident considering that the trafficked people get legitimate documents with government approval and clearance of their travel, namely medical reports, police clearance and letters from the Labour office.

Namiwa discloses that his Organisation is reliably informed that the ransom money is being paid through Foreign Affairs ministry here in Malawi, which is evidence enough that government is part to this evil cartel.

He has since appealed to the United Nations to come to the rescue of our poor women.

“In the same vein, CDEDI is appealing to the leader of Opposition in Parliament to lobby Members of Parliament on his side to do whatever it takes to let the plight of these enslaved women take center stage in the august House,” he said.

Namiwa says all these efforts are coming because government’s refusal to use funds from the unforeseen budgetary allocation to rescue the victims has shattered the trapped women’s hopes to ever walk back to freedom.

On the approach to have rescue campaign materialize, Namiwa says his organisation has details of all the women trapped in Oman, such as names, contact numbers, and their specific locations.

“Those willing to join the ‘Oman Rescue Mission’ should contact us on +265993462700 or e-mail cdedimw1@gmail.com. Otherwise, those not wishing to go through CDEDI are equally encouraged to engage the00 Foreign Affairs Ministry, which has reportedly set up a special desk to facilitate payment of the ransom money,” he said.

Apart from heartbreaking stories from Oman, there are also reports indicating that over 300 Malawians are trapped in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait facing a similar predicament.

Details have emerged that after the exposure of their sinister activities, the traffickers have stopped using Malawian international airports, opting for uncharted routes to Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa.

A clear observation is that the traffickers take advantage of the high unemployment levels in
the country and promise the unsuspecting job seekers the moon where they end up being tagged
‘shagari’, which means slave in Oman.

As the name suggests, they are subjected to dehumanizing working environment, which include
being forced to touch human waste with bare hands, assault, working while sick, denied medical
care and food, heavy workload and being used as sex objects.

Currently, six women whose whereabouts are unknown are feared dead due to malnutrition, starvation and torture.

“So far, only seven out 56 women that fell victim to the human trafficking in the guise of labour export have been rescued after their relatives and/or well-wishers paid the ransom money,”

Efforts to get more information from government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu as well as Foreign Affairs spokesman John Kabaghe proved futile as their phones went on unanswered after several attempts.

Malawi’s Leader of Opposition Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa set to respond to Chakwera’s SONA tomorrow

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Malawi’s Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Kondwani Nankhumwa is expected to rip into President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) tomorrow in Parliament.

Nankhumwa, who is also DPP Vice President for the Southern Region is expected to dive more into kitchen-table issues, energy, rampant corruption, AIP fertilizer collosal failure among other pressing issues.

Many Malawians, which Malawi Voice has spoken with, say they expect him to grill Chakwera on what they call “pocketbook issues” such as job creation, inflation, food prices that are a constant threat to their wellbeing.

“Nankhumwa has the whole world now waiting for him to stand up and tell Malawians that he and DPP are the alternative leadership by producing an extraordinary speech that would even sway independent and swing voters,” said Rose Sapao, a Lilongwe based vendor.

During SONA on Friday, President Chakwera was interrupted multiple times by jeering, boos and accusations of lying by opposition lawmakers.

Later on, Nankhumwa and his UDF counterpart Ned Phoya produced a scratching quick response describing the speech as “casual, insensitive and full of rhetoric.”

Prophet Rodrick Mtupa’s Prophecy on Malawi floods fulfilled

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Senior Prophet Rodrick Mtupa’s prophecy comes to pass as some parts of the country are experiencing flash h floods.

On December 31, 2022, the highly respected man of God Prophet Mtupa prophesied that Malawi will experience floods from January to February.

He made the prophecy during a cross over night which was held at Comesa Hall in the commercial city of Blantyre.  

“We will experience floods from January to February. Properties and lives will be lost in the process,” Prophesied Prophet Mtupa, who is the founder for Holy Palace Cathedral

On Sunday, February 12, floods struck the city of Blantyre and surrounding areas in southern Malawi claiming the lives of four people.

Meanwhile, Prophet Mtupa has promised to assist households that have been affected by floods with food and shelter.  

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says a total of 1 00,000 people have been affected by natural disasters, including storms, heavy rains, floods, strong winds, hailstorms and lightning, since the start of the rainy season in November 2022.

A total of sixty-two people have died and 185 have been injured. Roads, bridges, schools and hospitals have all been damaged.

FDH Bank partners Luanar in environmental conservation

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Jussab (right) handing over the tree seedlings to Sikawa

FDH Bank Plc has partnered the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) in the Be Green Smart Campaign by donating 10, 000 tree seedlings.

The campaign, which aims at planting one million trees by 2024, has seen FDH Bank donating tree seedlings to various institutions including Luanar, Farmers Union and others.

Speaking on Tuesday, when the Bank handed over the seedlings, FDH head of corporate and institutional banking, Mary Jussab said partnering the institution is one way achieving their goal of planting 1 million trees.

“FDH Bank Plc committed to plant 1 million trees by 2024 and we are driving this agenda through our staff, customers and stakeholders through various initiatives in alignment with the Malawi 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically goals 3, 6, 11, 13, 14 and 17.

“FDH Bank Plc recognizes the importance of a green environment and as a responsible corporate citizen we continually reinforce our commitment to champion a sustainable and resilient green environment that will foster the development of the country and nurture it against various environmental and economic forces i.e Climate Change.

“We applaud Luanar for their commitment to a pro-green environment and we further encourage management and students alike to not relent in these efforts. Championing a sustainable environment is key to a sustainable future for all, a progressive economy and for our wellbeing.

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources at Luanar, Daniel Sikawa said the tree seedlings will help restore the ecosystem at Bunda campus and surrounding communities.

“The donation is in line with UN declaration of decade of ecosystem restoration and also in line to support enable No 7 in the Malawi Vision 2063 which hinges on sustainable environment and this will then support Pillar no 1 of agricultural productivity and commercialization in the Malawi vision 2063.

“LUANAR pledges to take care of the seedlings and ensure excellent survival and the planting exercise will be done with communities surrounding LUANAR as part of community outreach to inculcate in the community the spirit of replacing trees and tree management,” he said.

By this year, the Bank has partnered with Egenco, Blantyre Water Board, Mzuzu City Council, Mzuzu University, Catholic Men’s Organisation, Chileka Lions Club, CADECOM, FUM and Zomba City Council, among others.

GLITTER AND POMP AS CLUBS, MEDIA TUNE UP FOR TNM SUPER LEAGUE AWARDS

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GOWERA: On Wednesday, TNM will pay special tribute to the heroes

Wednesday 15, 2023 will be a glittering night when TNM Plc—long-term sponsors of the country’s top drawer football league—will decorate outstanding players and journalists to seal the 2022 TNM Super League.

Speaking ahead of the night scheduled for Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lloyd Gowera said the awards gala gives TNM Plc the opportunity to reward and recognize individual brilliance in key categories of players, clubs and media.

“The end of every TNM Super League season is a time to look back at the Who’s Who of the local football industry for players and media practitioners. On Wednesday, TNM will pay special tribute to the heroes of the just ended season by decorating and bestowing upon them the medals of recognition they deserve,” he said.

He said the 2022 season was one of the most exciting in recent years as it marked the return to total football action after Covid-19 lockdowns, and that this is reflected in the tight competition for the awards slots in all the key categories.

In the football awards category, players and managers will slug it out for honours in seven categories namely; Goalkeeper of the Season, Defender of the Season, Best Midfielder of the Season, Coach/Manager of the Season, Top Goal scorer of the Season, Rookie of the Season and Player of the Season.

The outstanding players were identified through voting using a monkey survey system. Voters were Team Coaches, Captains and members of the media.

In the media awards category, eight awards are up for grabs in categories of Print, Radio, Television, Radio Commentary, Online, Photography (Still and Video) and Analysis. The media awards are adjudged by an independent panel comprising media scholars and experienced practitioners.

Full List of Nominees;

1) FOOTBALL AWARDS


1.1. GOAKEEPERS

· Pilirani Mapira

· Brighton Munthali

· Richard Chimbamba

1.2. DEFENDERS

· Miracle Gabeya

· Paul Ndhlovu

· Stanley Sanudi

· Gomezgani Chirwa

1.3. ROOKIE

Patrick Mwaungulu
MacDonald Lameck
Gift Chunga

1.4. MANAGER

Kalisto Pasuwa
Elijah Kananji
Charles Kamanga

1.5. MIDFIELDER

Chimwemwe Idana
Chawanangwa Gumbo
Patrick Mwaungulu

1.6. PLAYER OF SEASON

Patrick Mwaungulu
Paul Master
Gomezgani Chirwa
Babatude Adepoju


1.7. TOP GOAL SCORER

Babatunde Adepoju

2.0. MEDIA AWARDS CATEGORY

The Nominees are:

2.1. Print

Mabvuto Kambuwe
Garry Chirwa
Joy Ndovie


2.2. Radio

Frank Kandu
Richard Tiyesi
Norbert Jameson
Titani Willard

2.3. Television

Idah Mwambazi
Tadala Manda
Hankey Chimtengo
Mphatso Chakhadza

2.4. Online

Edwin Mbewe
Eric Chiputula
Anthony Isaiah
Pemphero Musowa
McLloyd Kadzingo

2.5. Photography (Television)

Taufiq Chipinga
Richard Issa

2.6. Photography (Still and Print)

Emmanuel Simpokolwe
Bobby Kabango
Chifundo Zigunde

2.7. Commentator (Radio)

Williams Gondwa
Steve Liwewe Banda
Bright Kanyama
Peter Fote
Innocent Chitimbe

2.8. Analysis

Garry Chirwa
Mabvuto Kambuwe
Eric Chputula

Gowera said the awarding process in the TNM Super League awards continues to undergo improvements focusing on quality, efficacy, impartiality and excellence.

“This year’s awards saw the adoption of digital media tools to aggregate, score and assess winners. For the media awards category, we launched a separate website which was used to collect entries from journalists and acted as a platform for sharing of information.

 In the player segment, the voting used an electronic tool, and overall, this has helped improve our efficiency in identifying winners,” said the Acting CEO.

BUSHIRI WINS IN EXTRADITION CASE: HIGH COURT ORDERS WITNESSES TO COME TO MALAWI

High Court in Lilongwe ordered that South African witnesses in the extradition case involving Prophet Shepherd Bushiri come to Malawi and physically testify before the magistrate court.

The ruling follows the appeal Bushiris had applied before High Court against an earlier ruling by the magistrate court that witnesses should testify in South Africa.

In his ruling, Judge Bruno Kalemba began by specifying saying witnesses to the extradition hearing are representatives of the requesting state.

“These representatives will be able to satisfy the court that their request meets all the requirements under Section 6 of the Extradition Act and answer questions and be cross-examined by the fugitive offenders,” he ordered.

In an interview, Bushiri said: “When we came to Malawi, we spoke about how unfairly we were being treated in South Africa. We had opened cases of extortion against some of the prosecutors who arrested us a year before the same accused officers arrested us.

“We also survived assassination attempts after we opened cases against some individuals in the Republic of South Africa and they have records of these cases in the Police and Judicial systems which we believe to be vital in our case.

“We welcome this fair ruling and we look forward to meeting them in court where we will exercise our right to cross examine them for a fair trial. Thank you everyone for your continued support. We will continue to pray for you as you pray for us,”

With the ruling it means, the case goes back to the Chief Resident Magistrate Court in Lilongwe for proceedings on a date and time to be announced.

CDEDI wants NRB probed over secret, speedy reforms

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By Iommie Chiwalo

NAMIWA: CDEDI does not look at changing the features on the ID as a priority since the nation is riddled with serious challenges

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has penned Parliamentary Committee Chairperson on defense and security to probe the secrecy and suspicious speedy conduct of National Registration Bureau (NRB) on features of National Identity cards.

In a letter addressed to Ralph Jooma and copied to United Nations Development Program (UNDP) country representative, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says the secrecy and the speed at which the process is being done is raising eyebrows.

Namiwa says there are confirmed reports that Principal Secretary (PS) responsible for the NRB Mphatso Sambo is reportedly to have singlehandedly working with the UNDP’s consultant, working on the National Registration Identification System (NRIS) Project, who is also singlehandedly pushing for these changes.

The matter at hand is that  CDEDI has learnt with regret about allegations that the NRB is reportedly geared at making drastic changes to the national Identity Cards (IDs) that will result in the removal of the micro-chip and expiry date for the card, on the pretext of cutting production costs, without consultations with the concerned stakeholders.

“It is against this background that CDEDI on behalf of well-meaning Malawians is calling upon your committee to invoke its oversight powers and summon the PS Sambo and the UNDP consultant to explain to Malawians why they have decided to bypass the country’s citizens on such an issue of national importance,” writes Namiwa in a letter.

He says the development is not only retrogressive, but it will also reduce the document into a useless plastic that will be susceptible to forgery.

Independent investigations carried out by CDEDI revealed that the UNDP consultant is on record to have convinced the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioners at a meeting that was held in Lilongwe on January 27, 2023 that it was cheap to make the changes on the national IDs.

Both MEC and NRB spokespersons are yet to comment on the matter but it is in records that NRB has not publicly raised an alarm that the card is expensive in its current form, regardless of the fact that the department is well funded and that the ID card replacement and renewal is done at a fee, hence being self-sustaining.

Meanwhile, Malawians in different parts of the country have not hidden their frustration with the delays of replacing the expired national IDs which are initially designed as a smart card where the micro-chip contains encrypted information of fingerprints, photograph, signature and other security features on one hand, while the expiry date, besides being a requirement by law, that after ten years, it is necessary to update the photo to capture any changes in appearance and personal status, it also provides an opportunity to vet eligibility of the card holder.

“Last but not the least, the Malawi National ID card uses state of the art encryption drawn from global standards such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) that are also used in passports and other identification documents. In line with ICAO, all smart cards and travel documents must have an expiry date,” he highlights

Adding that the micro-chip and the expiry date are therefore very fundamental features that makes forgery extremely difficult.

Namiwa says that the Malawian ID in its current status has the capacity to be used as a health passport, travel document, electronic wallet on top of being an identification card.

“At this juncture CDEDI does not look at changing the features on the ID as a priority since the nation is riddled with serious challenges,”.

NRB partners NBS Bank on National IDs payments

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Sambo (left) and Nhlema after signing the pact

The National Registration Bureau (NRB) has digitized payment processes for all its services and has partnered with NBS Bank to pilot digital payments of the services.  

NRB has moved from collecting revenue for its services through the Treasury Cashier to using NBS Bank’s Mobile Application, USSD Service, Banki Pafupi Agents, as well as Bank Tellers across the Bank’s Service Centres.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Friday during the signing ceremony of the partnership, NRB Principal Secretary Mphatso Sambo said the arrangement will ensure that applicants pay at their convenience and cut costs.

“Applicants used to travel long distances to get forms and pay at the Treasury Cashier where sometimes they could not find Cashiers but with this arrangement that we have with NBS Bank, applicants will pay at their convenience while saving on costs,” said Sambo.

NBS Bank head of corporate and investment banking Alfred Nhlema said the partnership will accelerate inclusion, bringing services closer to the people with simplified user journeys while leveraging a wider coverage of payment options, enhancing accountability, and maximizing government revenue collection. 

Sambo (left) and Nhlema sign the pact

“NBS Bank’s wide network of Service Centres and Bank Pafupi agents brings value to the nation to efficiently pay for NRB services. Additionally, our mobile-based platforms will provide quick, convenient, and easy to use options for payments.”

“Digitizing NRB’s payment processes complements ongoing government digitization efforts to improve service delivery and sets the government on course to achieve a ‘24-hour, self-service’ government,” said Nhlema.

He also said they have put up systems to enable those who do not hold accounts with NBS Bank to access ID e-payment services through wallets on the bank’s mobile platform systems. 

Illovo Sugar Malawi joins Cholera fight

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One of the leading sugar producers in the country, Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc has donated assorted items worth MK 20 Million to Blantyre District Health Office to help in the fight against Cholera outbreak.   

The historic handover ceremony took place on Thursday at Illovo Head office at Limbe, Blantyre.

Among the donated items are 51 buckets of chlorine, 135 kilograms of washing powder, 60cartons of soap tablets and a 7×5 meter tent.

The company is also building five pit latrines and five bathrooms at the Limbe Health Centre.

Managing Director for Illovo Malawi, Lekani Katandula said the company made the donation following a request from Blantyre District Health Office as well as part of corporate social responsibility.

“Towards the end of December 2022, the Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the entire Management of the Blantyre District Council reached out to Illovo with a request to provide support in the fight against the cholera outbreak.

“Illovo was quick to respond to this request because as a business we strongly believe that in order to realize our purpose of creating a thriving Malawian Community it is imperative that we also play a part in ensuring the health and well-being of the community.

This is because for a community to thrive it is important that they should be healthy,” said Katandula

On her part, Limbe Health Centre facility in charge Dorah Mwafulirwa applauded Illovo sugar Malawi for a timely gesture.

“Let me express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Illovo for this generous donation to the District,” said Mwafulirwa

The cumulative confirmed Cholera cases and deaths reported since the onset of the outbreak is 40,284 and 1,316 respectively, with Case Fatality Rate at 3.27%. A total of 38,007 people have recovered and 961 are currently in the treatments centres.

Castel Malawi donates K20 million worth items towards Cholera fight

Zimba (right) makes a symbolic handover to Jere-Nyasulu- photo courtesy of Gazette Media

Castel Malawi Limited has re-affirmed its commitment towards the fight against Cholera outbreak by donating items worth K20 million to the Ministry of Health to support the cause.

Some weeks ago, the company launched an in-house initiative against Cholera where among other things arranged for oral vaccination for the employees, apart from giving them hand sanitizers.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Blantyre on Tuesday, Castel Malawi’s human resource and corporate affairs director, Gloria Zimba said the intervention is a response to a call by government to the private sector to help out as numbers of cholera cases and deaths surge.

Castel’s CSR Manager Linda Kolomba (left) handing over equipment to Thomson Chipeta of Ndirande Health Centre- photo by Gazette Media

“We are targeting the worst hit health centres as we work hand in hand with the District Health Offices (DHOs) to donate to 20 health centres which they have identified across the country.

“As Castel Malawi we have our own policy on corporate social responsibility. We have six pillars and one of them is health and safety. So, on the health part, we are not only concerned about the health of our employees, but also our customers and stakeholders.”

“We had to partner with the Government because eventually we will get affected if the cases rise since some of our employees also reside in the communities with everybody. We have so far mounted billboards carrying the same message against Cholera,” she said.

Castel Malawi’s Gloria Zimba (right) officially handing over the goods to Jere-Nyasulu (left)- Photo courtesy of Gazette Media

Ministry of Health representative at the event, Blantyre DHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mirriam Jere-Nyasulu commended Castel Malawi for the timely donation.

“Castel Malawi has come at the right time when cases are on the rise even in rural areas. The Ministry of Health needs a lot of support and we believe this will go a long way in reducing the pressure on resources, especially for health centres in rural areas,” she said.

Some of the donated items include chlorine, ORS, drip stands, garden boots, sanitizer, and disposable syringes.

Some of the items to be donated in various health centres- photo by Gazette Media

Illovo Malawi makes K26.5 billion profit

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Illovo sugar (Malawi) Plc has achieved a 26.5 billion kwacha profit for the year ended August 31, 2022 as compared to 20.5 billion kwacha achieved from the previous year, representing a 30 percent increase.

Illovo sugar Malawi Plc Managing Director, Lekani Katandula disclosed the development during an investors session update at Mount Soche Hotel Blantyre on Tuesday.

Katandula further stated that the success comes amid significant reduction in total production which falls from 279 thousand metric tons to 230 metric tons.

The Managing director attributed profits to much higher domestic sales which went up from 173 thousand to 214 metric tons.

“On the basis of that performance, shareholders were rewarded with good dividends as compared to previous year,” said Katandula.

Illovo, which employs over 11,000 permanent and non-permanent workers, supplies more than 60% of its total sugar sales into the domestic consumer and industrial markets, and a portion of the balance exported regionally within the sub-continent.

MultiChoice Talent Factory goes live with online short courses for 300 filmmakers across Africa

The online courses are tailored for industry professionals working across the African continent and have launched in eight African countries. The courses are an expansion of the existing programmes MultiChoice Talent Factory already offers its beneficiaries.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory has partnered with SAE Institute, a world leader in creative media education established in 1976, to offer fully-funded online short courses to 300 media professionals from Malawi, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria who work at various broadcasters and production houses. In South Africa, they proudly offer nationally accredited Bachelor’s Degrees and Higher Certificates across 4 disciplines – Animation, Audio, Games and Film.

The online short courses have been custom designed by MTF and SAE, to fulfill the production knowledge gaps that exist within the industry. The five courses created are Script Writing, Production Management, Cinematography, Audio Post-Production and 3D Animation, with each short course running for five weeks.

“Following the success and immense impact of the MTF Academy, we’ve received numerous requests from established film and TV industry professionals, who are unable to apply for the Academy Graduate Programmes as they only cater for working professionals. We wanted to create short courses to further enhance their skill sets and this is our response to those requests. The TV & film industry is constantly evolving and as such we as professionals must continue to diversify and develop our skills” say MTF Director for Africa, Nwabisa Matyumza. 

The online orientation programme, hosted by South African comedian, Mpho Popps, was attended by the various film and TV industry professionals embarking on this exciting learning journey. During the orientation session, the participants were taken through the online learning platform and had the opportunity to meet their course facilitators and fellow students from across the continent.

“We’re excited to walk this journey with the MultiChoice Talent Factory. Our purpose is to educate, empower and employ and this partnership allows us to expand this purpose into other African countries.

These short courses provide much-needed upskilling for many self-taught individuals who have never had the opportunity to study at a university. It goes a long way in bolstering the existing skill and talent on the continent,” says Scott Rogers, Managing Director of Invictus Online at the SAE Institute.

No honeymoon in Govt…as NyaLonje only left with two days to facilitate funding approval

… CDEDI in pursuit to rescue Oman enslaved women

By Iommie Chiwalo

NAMIWA:

The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is not relenting on the rescue mission to see the return of enslaved Malawian women who are stuck in Oman.

In a letter addressed to newly appointed Labour Minister Agness Nyalonje, CDEDI has indicated that despite a recent cabinet reshuffle, government business is not supposed to grind to a halt.

“We at CDEDI therefore, would like to believe that you have had an opportunity to have a proper handover, and therefore you only have three days left in order for you to push cabinet to approve funding for the rescue of our young women,” reads the letter signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.

Namiwa says in case of failure by Nyalonje to passionately appeal to the Cabinet Chairperson who in this case is the President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera himself to release the funds to bailout the stranded citizens, it will be a call for action.

“Anything contrary to our request, will force CDEDI to start knocking on the doors of the international community and well-wishers within and outside the country to join in a fundraising initiative to free these vulnerable women from slavery,” he said.

Nyalonje who has confirmed to have received the letter from CDEDI is coming into this ministry at the time when the nation is deeply concerned with the plight of about 60 Malawian women that are enslaved in Oman, in the Middle East and six others cannot be accounted for in the past six months.

And before her appointment, CDEDI gave government a seven-day ultimatum to intervene after noting with dismay lack of seriousness on part of authorities in dealing with the matter in the past seven months by evidently attempting to sweep the whole matter under the carpet.

The labour Minister has indicated that “still will have to follow up the matter with relevant authorities as it is beyond labour matter,”

In its letter, CDEDI expressed shock over modern day slavery after revelations that in Oman, where our women went to seek greener pasture, are called ‘shagara’, which means slave.

“As the name suggests, our sisters were bought by agents of slavery at $2,500 each. This is the amount of money that was spent on each one’s air ticket, visa, medical tests, police clearance and related travel requirements,” says Namiwa who apart from congratulating Nyalonje for taking up an opportunity to lead a crucial ministry and has also reminded her that the Malawian youths are still waiting for the delivery on the campaign promise of the one million jobs.

South African Airways (SAA) to resume flights to Malawi

Ndau (left) with Lamola during the meeting

South African Airways (SAA) has announced the resumption of flights between South Africa and Malawi this year with effect from the 16th of March, 2023.

The announcement was made by Professor John Lamola, SAA Chief Executive Officer during a meeting he held with Her Excellency Mrs. Stella Ndau at the Malawi High Commission in Pretoria in the company of Ms Vimla Maistry, Head of Corporate Affairs at SAA and other Diplomatic staff. It follows a series of engagements and negotiations between SAA and the Mission.

During the visit, Prof Lamola expressed enthusiasm that SAA will finally be operating on this route as the challenges they have had were being resolved.

He stated that the national flag carrier has had to restructure and one of the focus areas was promotion of AFCTA within the SADC region and hence the rigorous planning that preceded the resumption of flights.

He commended Malawi High Commission for its efforts, commitment, and collaboration in ensuring the resumption of SAA’s flights to Malawi.

On her part, Her Excellency Mrs. Stella Ndau commended SAA for its decision saying it signified renewed confidence that South African businesses have in the operating environment in Malawi.

She also reiterated that the resumption of flights will contribute to the improvement of the tourism and transport sectors as stipulated in the MW2063 Agenda.

“We are excited with this development which we believe will ensure that Malawi should remain as one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the region. This will certainly compliment Government’s efforts of improving our economy,” said Ndau.

Ticket sales begin on Monday 6th February 2023.

NBM gives MDF K130 million surgical equipment

An MDF soldier briefs Kawawa on the new surgical equipment

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has handed over state-of-the-art surgical equipment worth K130 million to Malawi Defense Force (MDF) for the newly-constructed operating theatre at Kamuzu Barracks Camp Hospital in Lilongwe.

The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding in April last year for the Bank to buy the equipment.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony, NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) McFussy Kawawa said the bank believes in creating social impact through sustainable Corporate Social Investment (CSI).

“The Malawi Defense Force plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation and its people. We are aware that, through the Camp Hospital, the military is not only looking after its own but also serving the surrounding communities.”

MDF officials explain to Kawawa and other NBM plc officials on the new equipment

“We are confident that this donation will help improve the health outcomes of those who use the hospital and we are honoured to be a part of this meaningful initiative. Let me assure you all that this donation is a testament to the National Bank’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of all citizens in our country,” he said.

Kawawa further indicated that two percent of the bank’s profit-after-tax is dedicated towards creating social impact.

“By implementing sustainable CSI initiatives in Education, Health, Innovation, Sports Development and Environmental preservation, among others, we are sure that we will help create a better future for all,” he added.

MDF commander, General Vincent Nundwe commended NBM plc for the support, saying they have the right personnel to run the equipment, and that it will reduce referral cases of soldiers and their spouses to other hospitals.