Thursday, January 16, 2025
الرئيسية بلوق الصفحة 15

Mo626 College Basketball Top 8 kicks off Saturday

Malawi Observer
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Mo626 College Basketball Top 8 kicks off Saturday

Anticipation is building up for the Mo626 College Basketball Top Eight Basketball games set for Saturday (14th September 2024), at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Basketball Courts, bringing together the best university basketball teams nationwide for an electrifying showdown.

The Elite Eight teams comprise men’s and women’s teams divided into two competitive groups where each team is hungry for a shot at the semi-finals and ultimately, the championship.

In the men’s division, the competition is stiff, with Group A featuring teams from University of Livingstonia (UNILIL), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), and MUST, while Group B includes Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU), Malawi college of Accountancy (MCA) Blantyre, and African Bible College (ABC).

The women’s teams promise intense action in Group A featuring teams from UNILIL, UNIMA, MZUNI, and Catholic University (CUNIMA), while Group B comprises MUBAS, MAGU, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES), and BUNDA battling for supremacy.

The sponsors, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the Mo626 College Basketball Tournament aligns with its goals of supporting youth development, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering community engagement.

“NBM plc aims to connect with the youth, particularly university students, who are key to the future of the country. The partnership with basketball aligns with NBM plc’s commitment to education, youth empowerment, and nurturing talent.”

“Together, we are creating a pathway for the youth to not only thrive in sports but to also become positive contributors to society. The Mo626 College Basketball stands as a symbol of this shared vision, and we look forward to witnessing the extraordinary talent and determination that will be on display now that the tournament is nearing an end,” Hiwa explained.

Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) vice president, Banthari Banda said they expect the level of competition in the Top Eight to be exceptionally high.

“With the best university teams in Malawi participating, we anticipate intense matches and high-quality performances from both the men’s and women’s divisions. These teams have been preparing thoroughly, and we look forward to seeing a display of strong teamwork, technical skills, and tactical awareness,” said Banda.

The outcome of the Elite Top Eight games this Saturday will shape the finals which will be played in Lilongwe on 28th September 2024 at African Bible College Blue Gymnasium.

Gazette Media gives K0.5 million to Business Journalists

Malawi Observer
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Gazette Media gives K0.5 million to Business Journalists

Gazette Media, a media consultancy firm, has contributed half a million towards the Association of Business Journalists (ABJ) Annual General Meeting in Mangochi later this month.

Speaking after the symbolic cheque presentation in Blantyre on Wednesday, Gazette Media’s Lead Consultant, McDonald Chapalapata said they felt the need to support the meeting as it creates a platform for the business journalists to deliberate on best practices in the industry.

Chapalapata said Gazette Media works with various companies that also work directly with the business journalists.

“We are very impressed with the quality of work that ABJ is doing that is why we had to come in with this donation. As a media consultancy firm, we deal mostly with business journalists that is why we saw it necessary to make this donation so that the skills that the association imparts to its members will help in the long run and benefit our clients. When our clients get good stories published, they will be happy, we will also be happy, and it will make our work easier in media management,” said Chapalapata.

A representative of ABJ, Aubrey Mchulu commended Gazette Media for the support, and also disclosed that this is the first time for the media oriented-company to support the association since its formation in 2008.

Mchulu, who is also the Editor for The Nation newspaper, said the support will go a long way in ensuring the smooth organisation of the Indaba.

“As ABJ we are grateful for the donation by Gazette Media, this is a significant contribution to our budget for the general meeting. This is the first time we are receiving a cash donation from a media-oriented organization hence we are very grateful.”

“So far we have made progress in sourcing the funds and we believe in the next two weeks we should be able reach our target,” said Mchulu

The AGM is expected to take place in Mangochi from September 26-28, and will also give an opportunity to the members usher in new office bearers.

Chipani cha PDP chizayima pachokha

Malawi Observer
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Chipani cha PDP chizayima pachokha

Chipani cha Peoples Development (PDP) chidzatenga gawo pa chisankho cha 2025, poyima paokha.

Mtsogoleri wa chipanichi a Kondwani Nankhumwa anena izi pa msonkhano waukulu wa chipanichi ku Blantyre.

M’mawu awo ati anthu ena akhala akuganiza kuti chipani cha PDP chilibe chikoka kumadera a mdziko muno koma lero azionela okha.

Iwo ati kudzera pa msonkhanowu pomwe pabwera nthumwi zochokera maboma onse mdziko lino, ndichitsimikizo kuti chipanichi ndichamphamvu choncho sakuganiza kuti ndikoyenera kugwirizana ndi zipani zina.

Mthumwi pa msonkhano wu zatsimikiza kuti a Nankhumwa ndiwo mtsogoleri wachipanichi kwa zaka zisanu zikubwerazi ndipo iwo adutsa popanda opikisana naye.

Nthumwizi zasankhanso a Rose Sagala kukhala wachiwiri kwa mtsogoleri wachipanichi pomwe a Semion Phiri ndiwo awasankha kukhala mlembi wamkulu wachipanichi.

Nthumwi 1200 za PDP zafika ku Blantyre

Malawi Observer
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Nthumwi 1200 za PDP zafika ku Blantyre

Nthumwi zayamba kufika ku Comesa Hall mu mzinda wa Blantyre komwe chipani cha People’s Development (PDP) chikuchititsa msonkhano wake waukulu.

Yemwe akugwilizira udindo wa mneneri wa chipanichi a Rhodes Msonkho wati nthumwi zokwana 1200 ndi zomwe zikuyembekezeka kufika pa malowa.

A Msonkho atinso aitana zipani zina ku msonkhanowu. Mamembala ena a chipani cha Peoples (PP) afika kale.

Mtsogoleri wa chipanichi a Kondwani Nankhumwa, omwe alibe opikisana nawo, akuyembekezeka kutsekulira msonkhanowu.

TimesNkhani

Joy of Arts: Standard Bank pumps MK15m into UNIMA Theatre Festival

Malawi Observer
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Joy of Arts: Standard Bank pumps MK15m into UNIMA Theatre Festival
Tamanda Ng’ombe, Standard Bank’s Head of Brand and Marketing (third from left) presenting the donation to Unima’s representatives; Dr Catherine Makhumula-Mtimuni—Head, Department of Drama and Theatre Studies, Dr Sunduzwayo Madise—Deputy Vice Chancellor, Mr Martin Matululu—Registrar

ZOMBA, September 11, 2024 – Standard Bank Plc has donated MK15 million to the faculty of Arts, Communication, and Design at the University of Malawi (UNIMA) towards this year’s UNIMA Theatre Festival.

This vibrant event, set to take place from 22nd to 24th November 2024 at the Chancellor College campus in Zomba, celebrates creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, bringing together students, faculty, and the local community.

Coming under the Standard Bank’s Joy of Arts, the contribution will support the festival’s diverse range of events and activities, which showcase the artistic talents of university students and provide a platform for growth.

According to Tamanda Ng’ombe, Standard Bank’s Head of Brand and Marketing, the Bank appreciates the arts’ role in developing the country.

“Our Joy of Arts initiative supports the growth of the arts industry. We have sponsored the UNIMA Theatre festival because of the significant contribution it makes to young and upcoming talent. This festival is an opportunity for young people to showcase talent through performance and hone their skills through the workshops,” said Ng’ombe.

Standard Bank expressed optimism that this year’s festival will attract from across the country from various educational and entertainment institutions.

“Our MK15 million donation reflects our commitment to supporting the arts and investing in our youth. The young people here will take on a variety of roles from actors(ess), script writers, fashion designers, producers, voice artists, singers, choreographers and many more,” she said.

Ng’ombe added that Standard Bank is committed to supporting Malawi’s development in areas such as film, music, dance, and entertainment, which creates various opportunities for the youth.

Director of the Festival at UNIMA, Dr. Zindaba Chisiza expressed appreciation for the bank’s generous support saying it will alleviate resource challenge the festival faces.

“As the Department of Drama and Theatre Studies, we are immensely grateful for Standard Bank’s support. The bank’s support is a vote of confidence in the festival’s concept, brand, and unique position in the arts sector in Malawi.

“Standard Bank has been a significant investor in the arts in Malawi for many years, and we are proud to partner with them in the second edition of the UNIMA Theatre Festival,” said Chisiza.

The festival will offer a variety of experiences, including music performances, theatrical productions, visual art displays, and interactive workshops, all designed to engage and inspire attendees.

PROPHET MBEWE CALLS FOR FAIR ELECTIONS

Malawi Observer
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PROPHET MBEWE CALLS FOR FAIR ELECTIONS

One of Malawi’s leading men of God Prophet David Mbewe has called for an impartial Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) that will administer elections in the best interest of Malawians.

Mbewe, was speaking in an exclusive interview to this reporter at his magnificent mountainous home in Machinga.

Prophet Mbewe’s remarks come in the awake of an announcement by MEC that it will conduct a pilot voter registration exercise in some selected parts of the country.

According to MEC, the exercise is aimed at testing the newly adopted voter registration system using the Electoral Management Device and identify any potential operation challenges.

MEC says the pilot exercise will start on 13th September running up to 19th of September this year.

Reacting to the news, Prophet Mbewe, who is also the President of Liberation Economic Freedom (LEF) said all the people at MEC should realize that they have been given a duty to administer elections in the country without looking at sides.

“Every person in MEC start from the Chairperson, Commissioners and staff should realize that all Malawians have surrendered their trust in them and that whatever they do in discharging their responsibilities, must do that in the best interest of the country,” he said.

The respected man of God therefore called for impartiality on the part of MEC so that Malawians will remember them for their professionalism.

On the fourth coming elections slated for September, 2025, Prophet Mbewe said that his position and the of LEF is that all Malawians illegible to vote must be allowed to exercise their freedom without any hindrances.

“We don’t see any connection between national IDs and voter registration. Let the people be allowed to vote using the previous modes of identification including letters from our village headmen,” he said.

Mbewe further called upon MEC to give Malawians staying abroad a chance to vote in the 2025 elections saying in other countries it’s done why not Malawi.

“Some of these people staying abroad went away running away from the economic maladministration in the country. They must therefore be given a chance to have a say on what government should lead them next,” he said.

Mbewe further said that as a man of God, he doesn’t want to be forced to take to the street if MEC refuses to address the concerns they have presented.

“If worse comes to worse, we will be forced to mobilize our people and take to the streets and that will not be good for MEC,” he said hoping that the electoral management body will look into their concerns and address them with speed.

The popular Machinga based Prophet is the founder of a popular pentecostal organization , the Living World Evangelical Church (LIWEC).

THREE DAYS TO AFORD CONVENTION; Chihana ready to secure the future of all Malawians

Malawi Observer
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THREE DAYS TO AFORD CONVENTION; Chihana ready to secure the future of all Malawians

Political party conventions are rallying force where prospective leaders dish out speeches that are tailored at unifying the party, introducing alternatives arguments to the ruling or opposition parties and define general election main theme while outlining in broad strokes current economic policies, and provide a chemistry of the party’s nominee vision to the nation.

After the nominated presidential candidate has been unveiled, he or she entitled to officially launch the general election bid during that two or three days “pep rally”.

CAN AFORD AFFORD TO GIVE HOPE UNDER CHIHANA TO THE FORGOTTEN?

Convention speeches are pinnacle of party’s policies. A place where presidential candidates can not afford to lose direction because most of the times, it involves free media coverage, social and online media platforms. It is the time, presidential candidates are tasked to lift the nation on their shoulders with policies that are “for the voters” and any slippage becomes a bad omen for the elections. So far Alliance for Democracy- AFORD under Chihana have shown to Malawians that they are a ‘born again’ party as it has unshackled the accusations levelled against the leadership of regionalism by its opponents. Under Chihana, the party seems to have humanize itself with values that underpins “who we are as Malawians.” where everyone from all walks of life has find a platform to showcase their skills and talents.

Previewing his speech to reporters ahead of the weekend convention at Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, Chihana says AFORD does not mean only an Alliance for Democracy but also an “Alliance for Commonwealth” where the unforgotten soulsl are no longer unforgotten; those who can not shout out can be given a platform; those who are in the streets can find a comforting shelter; those who are hungry can find food; a party that will advocate for equality and justice based on morals law and fact; that those who are in diaspora must be taken on board, that youths are given a space to shape their future; that women and people with disabilities form part and parcel of transformative agenda,; that experts are rewarded for their hardworking spirit not based on where they come from but joining the train in shaping the future of the great nation. And that my voice will carry the voice of voiceless in malawian voice.

“We are going into this convention while many Malawians have no hope in our leaders due to lack of proper leadership. We are on the age choosing a path to self reliance or to continue being perpetual ‘street country’. Does it make any sense that Malawi must be begging food for her people as if we don’t have abundant waters and yet we have experts in irrigation graduating every year, Does it make any sense that Malawi must be borrowing generators for elections and yet we have leaders who find comfort in visiting a fauna with full of entourage just to see hyenas, does it make any sense that leadership must be always kissing sky just to greet other leaders for PR stunt while hospitals have no drugs even basic ones, does it make any sense for the president to have five houses while others are sleeping on the streets and others sleeping in a grass leaking house, does it make any sense for the leadership to allow their children to be part of the decision making body of the country while our children are failing to find peace meal job, does it make any sense that the leadership is failing to tell Malawians why the Chikangawa Plane Clash does not need commission of enquiry when the same leadership told us different versions during the accident? We are a failing nation by choice. But we can be great again if we tell each other the truth. We are party of common sense and rule of law that historically was formed to spur economic growth and defend workers and we proved that in 1993. We can do that again if Malawians can trust us.

“This is why AFORD under my leadership has chosen the convention theme to be be : “HONOURING OUR LEGACY, STRENGTHENING OUR DETERMINATION AND SECURING OUR FUTURE” to give Malawians a historical perceptive and a call to new ideas of which we pledge to secure for generations to come” he said.

He boosts that under his leadership, he managed to bring on board people from all walks of life such as human rights defender, Timothy Mtambo, academician Dr Imran Muhammad Sharif, youths and women of various background and religion a clear signal that AFORD is a party of different people but with common goal.

WHO IS ENOCK KAMZINGENI CHIHANA

He was born in 1964. He attended Hanock Msokera School in Kasungu from 1970 to 1974, followed by Chankhanga Primary School from 1974 to 1980. He then proceeded to Kasungu Secondary School from 1980 to 1982 and St John Bosco Secondary in 1982 to 1984.
Chihana pursued higher education at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, studying Labor Relations and Conflict Resolution from 1987 to 1989. He later attended Wichita State University in Kansas, USA, earning a BSc in Political Science and International Relations from 1990 to 1994.

During his time at Wichita State University, he also completed post-graduate work on democratization in Southern Africa, with a focus on Malawi.
Career Chihana’s career spans various fields, including politics, publishing and consulting. He worked as a Political Lobbyist in 1992- 1993, sponsored by the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights. He lobbied the American Congress and Senate to pressure the Malawi Government to release political detainees and open up for democratization.
From 1993 to 1996, Chihana was the Publisher of the Malawian Weekly New Vision Newspaper. He served as Special Advisor to the Alliance for Democracy President on Policy matters from 1997 to 1999 and later as Special Advisor on Special Duties to Former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi from 2000 to 2004.

Chihana also worked as a Political Consultant to the South African Government on Zimbabwe Politics from 2004 to 2007. He was elected and served as National Party Chairman for the Alliance for Democracy from 2007 to 2013.

Chihana has held various political positions, including:

  • Minister of Youth and Sports under Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, Former President (2012-2014)
  • Chair for Defense and Security Parliamentary Committee (2014- 2015)
  • Member of Pan African Parliament (2014- 2019)
  • Deputy Chair of Pan African Parliament (Southern Africa Caucus) (2019-2019)
  • President of Alliance for Democracy (2013)
  • President of Alliance for Democracy (2024).

Chimwendo Banda given seven days to clear his name

Malawi Observer
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Chimwendo Banda given seven days to clear his name

By IOMMIE CHIWALO

The Center for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has given Cabinet Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda seven days to clear his name on the plane that killed Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.

In a letter from CDEDI, the Minister has been linked to the saga due to the reports that show that he was barred from boarding the plane that was later crashed with only security and UTM officials.

“We, at CDEDI are of the view that your apparent silence ever since the announcement linking you to the ill-fated plane, means that Times told the grieving nation nothing but the truth. Therefore, you have two options to either name the person that prevented you from flying in the said plane or take to task Times television for misinforming the
nation,” reads the letter signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.

According to CDEDI, Chimwendo Banda as a senior cabinet minister, Leader of Government Business in Parliament, a Member of Parliament and more recently, Secretary General for the Malawi go Congress Party (MCP) has a reputation and image to protect.

“Since you have not disputed the said announcement, Malawians are of the view that you should help them exercise their right to know as contained in the republican constitution and fully backed by the Access to Information (ATI) Act by coming out in the open, to explain yourself on where you got the information which indicated that the plane was full to capacity,” he said.

The request by CDEDI is coupled with revelation that Dornier 228-202 has a passenger capacity of 19, meant that there was space in the military aircraft on one hand, while on the other hand, Malawians trust that Times Television did not misinform the nation.

The demand by CDEDI is part of following up on a press statement, dated September 3, 2024 titled THE ILL-FATED ARMY AIRCRAFT NEVER REACHED MZUZU ON JUNE 10, WHO TOLD THE PRESIDENT IT DID?

In the statement, CDEDI challenged public officers to justify their actions and sentiments in relation to the turn of events surrounding the whole incident.

It is the citizenry’s overwhelming response to the said statement stemming from the recently released interim report by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (FBU).

“One question has dominated the public’s reaction on credible online publications, pertaining to the repeated announcement that was made by Times Television during their live updates on June 11, 2024 that you Sir, were supposed to fly in the same ill-fated military plane but you were told that it was full to capacity. You may wish to agree with us Hon. Minister, that according to the initial
passenger manifest, the spouse to the fallen VeeP, Mary Chilima and her body guard were supposed to fly in the same flight but they never did,” Namiwa highlighted.

The letter has been delivered to Chimwendo Banda’s Office but is yet to respond to this publication to give his side of the story

Standard Bank committed to MUST Endowment Fund

Malawi Observer
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Standard Bank committed to MUST Endowment Fund

Standard Bank Plc has pledged to continue supporting higher education in Malawi after being impressed with strides under the K4.1 billion Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Endowment Fund Scholarships for which it is co-sponsor.

Chief Executive Phillip Madinga made the remarks at MUST in Thyolo during the launch of the endowment scholarship fund which was established in 2021 aimed at providing financial support to students in need.

As one of the sponsors of the fund, Standard Bank invested MK80 into the MUST Endowment Fund.

“MUST has always been a beacon of excellence and innovation in education, we are motivated to see its commitment to ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder the academic aspirations of talented and deserving students. This endowment fund is a testament to MUST’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and academic achievement,” said Madinga.

The Bank’s ongoing partnership with MUST and other educational institutions underscores its commitment to supporting initiatives that drive positive social change and educational equity.

“We commend MUST for its visionary approach in addressing the needs of its students. We look forward to seeing the profound impact this fund will have and are honored to be part of a community that values and supports educational access for all,” he said.

According to Standard Bank, education, especially tertiary, plays a significant role in attaining the Malawi 2063 goals.

Mr. Boyd Luwe, Chairperson of the Fund expressed optimism that the fund will bring equity and address financial challenges students have been facing.

“As MUST we are happy to be the first in implementing home grown solution for students to have equal access to education. Since the institution was established, lack of finances has been a major barrier to attaining higher education which the fund is addressing,” said Luwe.

Luwe commended partners from the corporate world for their relentless support that will help students emerge productive leaders in the future.

“We are deeply grateful to our partners whose generosity has made this fund possible. Their commitment to supporting our students reflects a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries of the Fund, Anastasia Mwamadi said that the endowment fund will reduce the number of drop out students due to lack of resources.

“Many students have been dropping out due to lack of school fees, accommodation, and meals. Therefore, I am happy for the initiative because it will help other needy students to continue with their studies here at MUST,” said Mwamadi.

MUST started the endowment fund with initial investment of MK1.3 billion which has now grown to MK4.1 billion which is being used for full and partial scholarships.

The first cohort sees 460 students benefitting from the fund which will also support innovation and research at the institution.

Mtumbuka confirms presidential run

Malawi Observer
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Mtumbuka confirms presidential run

… vows to champion change in the country

Renowned engineer Matthews Mtumbuka has announced that he has joined active politics and will vie for the presidency position at the UTM Convention on November 17,2024.

Making the announcement at a press briefing on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Mtumbuka said this is time for Malawians to stand up and transform ideas into action.

Mtumbuka, a well-known professional who has worked for the corporate sector in Malawi and other countries said the decision to join politics has been inspired by the late Saulos Chilima’s political dream.

“I stand before you today, humbled and honoured to announce my decision to enter the world of politics. This was not an easy choice, but one that I feel compelled to make, driven by a sense of duty, loyalty, and purpose. Therefore, today I, Matthews Chinombo Mtumbuka, stand before you, deeply honored and humbled, to announce my candidacy for the presidency of our great party, UTM,” he said.

He said through his experience in the corporate sector where he delivered positive results, he will ensure that the citizens collectively build a nation that works for all citizens.

“We have drawn up brilliant plans—plans that could have transformed our nation if they had been executed. Yet, for too long, Malawi has been a nation of ideas but not of action. This ends now. My philosophy, and the cornerstone of my leadership, is simple: plan, execute, deliver results. I do not compromise on this, and those who have worked with me will attest to my commitment to seeing things through,” said Mtumbuka.

Among others, he said he will transform the health, education, agriculture and mining sectors, which he believes are essential for growing the economy and transforming the country.

“Under my leadership, Malawi will return to being a food-secure nation. We will support our farmers with modern technology, irrigation systems, and better access to markets. Our agriculture will flourish, and our people will once again harvest three times a year and no child will suffer from malnutrition or stunted growth,” he said

Mtumbuka then asked delegates to vote for him at the convention.

“I am asking for your vote to lead our great party as its president. I believe I have the vision, the experience, and the determination to make UTM the formidable force that Malawi needs—a party that will drive real, meaningful change, starting with the 2025 general elections.”

“This is not just about me—it’s about us. It’s about building a movement that stands for every Malawian, that reaches into every village and city, and that carries the dreams of our people forward. Together, we can take the UTM to new heights, becoming the dominant voice that will shape the future of our country,” he pleaded.

He then described the late Chilima as the best president the country never had.

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