Ethanol Company (EthCo), a subsidiary of conglomerate Press Corporation Limited (PCL) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation after planting 1000 trees at Majiga Primary School in Nkhotakota over the weekend. 

EthCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lusubilo Chakaniza said they decided to work with primary pupils so that they can inculcate the spirit of preserving the environment in the learners as they grow. 

“At EthCo, we are a company that promotes clean energy through our products like gel fuel and ethanol, the aim is to preserve the environment. We all saw how floods caused damage at Dwangwa last year. The damage affected all companies working here, including EthCo, and we thought we should intensify the drive for ecosystem restoration through planting more trees to avoid such occurrences in future,” she said.

Chakaniza further indicated that the company will continue to undertake such afforestation activities in various places. 

In his remarks, Majiga Primary School Headteacher, Bolings Kamanga commended EthCo for the support. 

“One of the lessons we teach these pupils is about trees and how to take care of them. These trees therefore give us a better platform for practical lessons on such topics. We are grateful to EthCo,” he said. 

Nkhotakota District Council Director of Planning and Development, Dave Kapolo also hailed the company for such initiatives. 

“One of the major problems in our district is deforestation due to activities like charcoal burning. Now to find that EthCo has joined us in our afforestation drive, it is something we should be grateful for,” he said. 

The country is in the National Forestry season which runs from December to April every year. 

As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc in partnership with Chibwana Youth Organisation have planted 2,000 trees at Muonekera Mountain in Ntcheu.

The development comes barely days after National Bank donated K7.5 million to the youth organisation to facilitate the reforestation drive on the mountain.

The funds were allocated to purchasing tree seedlings and providing protective gear for the youths involved in the project.

Speaking during the tree planting activity on Saturday, Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V, patron of Chibwana Youth Organisation, praised NBM plc for its generous support.

He emphasized that the contribution will help the organization achieve its goal of expanding reforestation efforts on the mountain.

“This funding is a game-changer for our project. We have already made significant strides, and this contribution will help us accelerate our efforts. The commitment of the National Bank of Malawi sets a good example for other institutions to support environmental conservation,” he commended.

Echoing this sentiment, Team Leader for Ntcheu National Bank Service Centre, Christopher Chitseko, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to environmental preservation.

“At National Bank of Malawi, we believe in giving back to the community, and protecting the environment is a key focus.  We are urging the community to protect these trees for future emulation,” he said.

Since its founding in 2018, Chibwana Youth Organization has successfully planted and protected 54,000 trees on the mountain.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for Eastern Region, Bright Msaka, has strongly criticized President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as unconstitutional.

Msaka’s remarks come after Chakwera delivered the address at the new parliament building in Lilongwe, highlighting his achievements during his 5-year term without outlining future plans.

According to Msaka, Section 89(3)(a) of the Constitution requires the President to articulate “the future policies of the Government” in his SONA.

Msaka argued that Chakwera’s failure to do so renders the address unconstitutional.

“We heard of no future policies. Perhaps Chakwera knows that his time is over. Legally speaking, a SONA without future policies is unconstitutional!” Msaka said.

In a related development, the opposition benches were largely empty during Chakwera’s address, with many opposition MPs leaving the Parliament chambers as the address progressed.

Some opposition MPs followed the SONA via their phones while having lunch.

The empty benches were a clear indication of the opposition’s dissatisfaction with the address.

Ethanol Company (EthCo), a subsidiary of conglomerate Press Corporation Limited (PCL), has handed over a refurbished classroom school block and administration block, and donated desks and office furniture worth K60 million to Majiga Primary School in Nkhotakota. 

The company also powered the classroom and administration blocks with solar electricity to help ease power challenges at the school.

Speaking after handing over the items on Friday, Ethco Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lusubilo Chakaniza, said the company decided to help after noticing the dilapidated structures at the school when they visited four months ago. 

“In September we visited the school to make a donation of stationery, that is when we learnt about the situation, and as part of our Corporate Social Investment, which prioritises education amongst other focus areas, we did not hesitate to step in to assist. We believe that the refurbished school and administration blocks, desks and office furniture will provide a conducive learning environment, while the electricity will ensure the pupils and teachers are able to study and execute their jobs well.”

“This is part of our contribution to Government’s effort in providing quality education to the people. . We request the teachers and leaners to take care of the infrastructure and other donated items so that they can also benefit those coming behind them,” said Chakaniza. 

Headteacher of the school, Bolings Kamanga commended EthCo for the support. 

“We are short of words for the gesture shown by EthCo. We now have good structures for the pupils’ studies. As teachers, we also have good office desks and power to help us as we prepare for lessons,” said Kamanga.

Head girl at the school, Patience Wandawanda also hailed EthCo for the timely support saying the dilapidated structures affected their concentration in class as they always had to keep alert for their safety. 

“The old structure posed a serious danger to our lives. As a Standard eight pupil, the electricity also means I will have more time to study in the evening. This will help us to do well in our Primary School Leaving Certificate examinations. All I can say is to promise EthCo that we will make them proud,” she said.

Nkhotakota District Council Director of Planning and Development, Davis Kavalo said the help from EthCo is a timely boost in the development of education in the district, which lacks proper structures and materials for learning.  

People’s Development Party (PDP) President Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa has once again silenced his critics who claimed that his party’s popularity was confined to the Southern region especially Mulanje, his home district.

After drawing massive crowds in Mulanje, Nankhumwa has now stormed Mchinji, where thousands of enthusiastic supporters have turned up to interact with their leader.

On Monday, Nankhumwa addressed vibrant political meetings, targeting the party’s structures in Kapiri and Mkanda, where supporters braved the scorching heat to show their unwavering support for PDP.

Today, the momentum continued as he took his campaign to Nkhwazi Ground, reaffirming the party’s growing national appeal.

The overwhelming turnouts in Mchinji have dispelled the notion that PDP is a regional entity, instead proving that the party enjoys a strong grassroots presence across the country. Party structures have been mobilized in all corners of Malawi, solidifying PDP’s position as a formidable force ahead of the general elections scheduled for September this year.

Speaking at the meetings, Nankhumwa reiterated his commitment to a people-centered leadership, promising economic transformation, and end to hunger, job creation, and policies that uplift the lives of ordinary Malawians.

In Mchinji, Dr. Nankhumwa is being accompanied by NGC members among them Hon. Ronnex Issa, Hon. Sosten Chimimba, Hon. Dinnah Solomoni, Hon. Kettie Mkandawire, Hon. Judith Masanda and Hon. Phoebe Mtembenuzeni.

On Monday, the party’s Vice President Dr. Rose Sakala was also in attendance.

With each successful meeting, PDP continues to demonstrate that it is a party with a national footprint, ready to contest and win across all regions of Malawi.

Malawi’s renowned hip-hop artist, Tay Grin, has been unveiled as the country’s new Tourism Ambassador. The appointment was made official during a ceremony held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Tay Grin, who has been a cultural icon for two decades, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the role. “I stand before you today, humbled and honored to accept the role of Malawi Tourism Ambassador,” he said.

“This moment is deeply personal, as it marks 20 years of my career as Tay Grin, showcasing Malawi’s rich culture, heritage, and people to the world.”

As Tourism Ambassador, Tay Grin plans to transform the tourism industry in Malawi by promoting cultural exchange, developing sustainable tourism, showcasing the country’s natural beauty, empowering local communities, and fostering international partnerships.

“Together, we’ll push Malawi to new heights, telling our story louder, inviting the world to experience our warmth, rhythm, heritage, and hospitality,” he emphasized.

Tay Grin’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to boost Malawi’s tourism sector, which is a key contributor to the country’s economy. The government believes that his influence and passion for Malawian culture make him a strong advocate for tourism development.

Tay Grin’s music career spans over two decades, and he has been instrumental in promoting Malawian culture through his music. He is known for incorporating traditional Malawian elements, such as Nyau music and dance, into his hip-hop beats.

Nyau, a traditional mask dance from Malawi, has been a significant part of Tay Grin’s music and identity. He has used Nyau rhythms and melodies in many of his songs, showcasing the richness and diversity of Malawian culture.

Tay Grin’s use of Nyau in his music has not only helped to promote Malawian culture but has also contributed to the preservation of traditional music and dance. As Tourism Ambassador, he plans to continue promoting Malawian culture and heritage, using his music and influence to attract tourists and showcase the country’s unique offerings.

In his acceptance speech, Tay Grin also acknowledged his recent award for the Best African International Cultural Ambassador at the 2024 African Achievement Awards in Seattle, USA.

“This recognition underscores the importance of showcasing African excellence and promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic empowerment,” he noted.

With his new role, Tay Grin is expected to lead various promotional campaigns, including international tourism marketing, digital and social media campaigns, cultural promotion initiatives, and collaborations with local tourism operators.

Edgar Mwamvani and Martha Sagwirika emerged winners in the men and women categories respectively of NBS Bank one-day ‘Kachangu’ Pre-Valentine Golf Mug Tournament hosted at the Country Club Limbe in Blantyre on Saturday. 

The event provided an exciting platform for golfers to showcase their skills while fostering strong connections between the Bank and its loyal customers.

The tournament attracted an array of 120 golf enthusiasts.

The winners both walked away with a trophy, a branded mug, a special gift from NBS Bank, and a cash prize of K300,000 each.

The men’s competition was highly competitive, with Mwamvani, playing a handicap (h/c) of 22, taking the top spot with a gross of 90, a net of 68.

Paul Lawrence finished as the runner-up followed by Andrew Tembo, earning themselves a trophy and K200,000 each. 

In the women’s division, Sagwirika amassed a gross of 92, a net of 71, and a h/c of 21.

Bose Kamphulusa claimed the second spot followed by Ulemu Luhanga, and cart home K200,000 plus a trophy each. 

Speaking at the prize presentation event, NBS Bank Chief Operating Officer, Shadrick Chikusilo, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to its customers, highlighting that Valentine is a time to appreciate those who are special.

“As NBS Bank, we are a ‘Caring Bank’, and we know that Valentine is a time when people take time to appreciate those who are special in their lives. As a Bank, we value our customers a lot, and we thought that as a token of appreciation, we decided to come up with this tournament to give them an experience on our excellent golf course at Country Club Limbe,” said Chikusilo.

He further noted that the Bank is actively involved in supporting various sports disciplines, with golf being one of the focus areas.

“You might as well know that we are into a couple of sports, but this time we just thought of starting with golf. There are also other activities that we have been doing in football, like the National League that’s coming soon, but we decided to start with golf here at Country Club Limbe,” said Chikusilo.

Mwamvani expressed his joy after emerging victorious, thanking NBS Bank for their continued support of golf tournaments at the Country Club Limbe.

“Let me start by saying golf is golf—it’s a funny game. When you wake up knowing you’re going to play good golf, you just have to put your head down and think. Today was a bit challenging because we started with sunny weather in the morning, but an hour later, it started raining heavily. The challenge was the rain, but we managed to play through it. The course was playing fine, so I think the challenge is that maybe it was just a good day in the field for me,” said Mwamvani.

Mwamvani praised NBS Bank for consistently supporting golf in Limbe, stating that their sponsorship has greatly contributed to the growth of the sport.

“This time around, they surprised us with ‘Kachangu’ Pre-Valentine tournament. They are doing special work in terms of golf, and I hope they will stick around in the coming years,” said Mwamvani.  

In a further show of its commitment to sports and community development, NBS Bank presented a cheque donation worth K2 million to the Country Club Limbe for the maintenance of the greens.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has strongly condemned the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for proposing an age limit bill, which the DPP believes is a deliberate attempt to sideline Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika from the September 2025 Presidential elections.

According to Peter Mukhito, Secretary General of the DPP, the proposed bill is a clear breach of democratic norms and a potential violation of international and human rights standards.

“The intent behind this bill is clear: to sideline Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika as a contender in the September 2025 Presidential elections. This action not only endangers Malawi’s democratic ethos but also contravenes international commitments to fair and just governance,” Mukhito said.

The DPP argues that the bill undermines the principles of inclusivity and fair competition, which are fundamental to democracy.

“At the heart of democracy lies the principle of inclusivity and fair competition, where leadership is determined by the will of the people through free and fair elections. By seeking to manipulate electoral eligibility criteria with the objective of excluding political rivals, the MCP risks undermining the essence of representative democracy,” Mukhito stated.

The DPP has also pointed out that the proposed bill contradicts Malawi’s commitments to international human rights frameworks, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which emphasize equality and non-discrimination, stand opposed to such precedents of exclusion based on age,” Mukhito said.

Furthermore, the DPP has expressed concerns about the alleged distribution of monetary incentives to MPs to sway their votes, which could compromise the integrity of the legislative process.

“The alleged distribution of monetary incentives to MPs to sway their votes raises significant concerns about the integrity of legislative processes. Such actions, if validated, represent a corruption of democratic institutions, eroding public trust and diminishing Malawi’s position as a democratic nation committed to transparency and ethical governance,” Mukhito emphasized.

In light of these concerns, the DPP has called on the MCP to reassess its strategies and reaffirm its commitment to democratic and human rights principles.

“It is time for Malawi to steer away from divisive strategies, embracing an election that is just, competitive, and genuinely reflective of the people’s will,” Mukhito concluded.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc has donated K7.5 million to procure 5,000 tree seedlings for an environmental conservation initiative championed by Chibwana Youth Group and the Muonekela community of the Maseko Ngoni in Ntcheu.

Speaking when presenting the symbolic cheque on Thursday, NBM plc Chief Risk Officer Charles Ulaya, said the Bank believes in contributing to initiatives that foster positive social, economic, and environmental change.

“This tree planting project aligns perfectly with our Corporate Social Investment goals. Our K7.5 million contribution will ensure the procurement of seedlings from local nurseries, which not only supports the environment but also promotes economic growth in the community.”

“The Muonekela Mountain initiative is more than just planting trees, it is about preserving the environment, empowering communities, and creating a sustainable future. NBM plc aligns its initiatives with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This tree planting initiative falls under the ‘Environmental’ pillar of ESG, where we take proactive steps to combat deforestation, promote biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Ulaya.

In his remarks, Chibwana Youth Group Patron Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani V thanked NBM plc for supporting the Muonekela Mountain Initiative.

“I would like to say thank you on behalf of Maseko Ngoni, and the Chibwana Youth Group we are working with at Muonekela Mountain. We have a community-based approach whereby we bring in traditional leaders, the youth, and the community to have proper ownership.”

“Malawi committed to AFR100 (African Landscape Forest Restoration), where Africa committed to preserving about 100 million hectares of forest, and Malawi took up 4.5 million of those hectares, we need to work together to reach that target,” said Inkosi Gomani.

The initiative, which started in 2020, has managed to plant and preserve 65 thousand trees to proper maturity in Muonekela Mountain.

NBM Plc has in the past partnered with Government through the Department of Forestry by adopting three Forest Reserves in Mangochi, Dedza, and Chitipa.

The Bank recently joined hands with Press Corporation Limited (PCL) in a tree-planting initiative at Njereze Village in Chikwawa, alongside other PCL subsidiaries.