Category Archives: Malawi

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Malawi, Obituaries

Chakwera SONA: “It’s only God knows what exactly happened within 24 hours after Chikangawa Forest plane crash”…

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has come clearly in responding to Mary, the widow of vice president Saulos Klaus Chilima on circumstances what exactly happened after the plane crash in Chikangawa Forest.

Chakwera told the 51st Session of Parliament in his State of Nation Address (SONA) that he took is at pains trying to understand exactly what happened on that day when the plane came down in Chikangawa.

“It’s only God knows what exactly happened on that day of the plane crash”, says Chakwera.

The President was responding to Widow Mary’s remarks that she is still seeking answers on what exactly happened within 24 hours after the plane crash.

The window was speaking on Wednesday this week when she launched SKC foundation in Lilongwe.

Chakwera grace the event but he did not speak.

The Malawi leader is speaking in Parliament for official opening of the 51st Session of Parliament and the 2025/2026 Budget Meeting of Parliament at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe.

Malawi, Politics

Chakwera for hopeful SONA amid economic challenges

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera on Friday, February 14, 2025 is set to open the 51st Session of Parliament and the 2025/2026 Budget Meeting of Parliament at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe.

The ceremony will begin with an inspection of a guard of honour mounted by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) at the Parliament Mini-Stadium at 9:45 a.m.

Thereafter, President Chakwera will proceed to the Parliament Chamber at 10:00 a.m. where he will officially open the 51st Session and deliver a State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Following the State Opening, Members of Parliament will proceed to deliberate on the 2025/2026 National Budget until April 11, 2025.

This budget meeting is crucial, as it will shape the country’s financial direction for the coming year, which commences on 1 April.

Malawians expect SONA that will bring hope amid economic challenges.

Malawi, Regional, Sports

2025 Chan: Flames Coach Pasuwa optimistic of edging opponent Comoros

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi national team head coach, Kalisto Pasuwa says the Flames need to secure the desired result in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship fixtures against Comoros in the first round.

The Zimbabwean tactician, has expressed need of approaching Comoros with caution describing them as force to reckon with in African football.

Pasuwa was reacting to the draw conducted on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt.

Malawi and six other countries will play in the special qualifiers for the competition that will be co- hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in August.

“With mostly teams (in Malawi) in their preseason it is going to be tricky through workable dealings with players coming from different teams.

“In terms of periodization, we just have to work with the time we have and juggle between conditioning and tactical approach for the game” Pasuwa said.

On challenges facing Comoros, he said,

“They are now a force to reckon with in African football they now have tactically and technically sound players hence the need for us to prepare in a way that will make us victorious in these games”

“Football is a game of pressure and you cannot run away from that, all we need to do is to make sure we get the desired result” he said.

The first leg of the first round will take place from 28th February to 2nd March, while the second leg is scheduled from 7th to 9th March.

The winner of that match will face the winner between South Africa and Egypt in May for a place at the finals.

Education, Malawi

Standard Bank aids MK20m towards MUST’s endowment fund

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc has successfully handed over the final consignment of MK20 million to the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Endowment Fund, marking the completion of a significant commitment made to support the university’s long-term growth and its educational mission.

The Must Endowment Fund was established to assist needy students and enhance resource mobilization at the institution.

As of last year, it was reported that the fund investment had grown to MK3.4 billion.

According to statistics the MUST Endowment Fund has recorded a growth above inflation of 16 percent since its inception.

Through the Endowment Fund, Standard Bank committed a four-year sponsorship amounting to MK80 Million which is distributed in an amortized MK20 million per year.

Speaking at Must during the handover ceremony of this year’s consignment Standard Bank’ Chief Executive, Phillip Madinga, said that the endowment fund is contributing to the country’s growth agenda.

“This milestone is a testament to our commitment to fostering education and supporting institutions that contribute to shaping future leaders.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we must create positive change in society, and through this endowment, we are proud to be part of MUST’s journey in nurturing the talents of tomorrow’s innovators, thinkers, and change-makers,” said Madinga.

He expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the fund that resonate with the bank’s goal of improving access to education for young Malawians and enhancing education delivery at the institution.

“We are really pleased to see the efforts that the fund is contributing towards equal access to education at the institution. Furthermore, as a bank we have the confidence with the way the board is managing this initiative,” he said.

The chief executive said that Standard Bank is optimistic that the endowment fund is a catalyst of economic development.

“Standard Bank believes that investment in the human capital contributes positively to the overall growth of our nation.

“Therefore, the fund we are disbursing today will help students to acquire the desired education at the same time improving education standards at MUST,” he said.

Madinga said that the funding aligns well with its core purpose which seeks to see the growth of Malawi in all sectors.

“As purpose driven Bank we believe that “Malawi is Our Home, We Drive Her Growth”. As such we understand the impact of our contribution towards initiatives that are propelling our Nation’s growth such as MUST’s Endowment Fund, and many others” he said.

On her part, MUST Vice Chancellor Professor Address Malata commend Standard Bank for playing an integral part in the creation of a sustainable institution.

“At MUST we are striving to create a conducive environment where no one is left behind in attaining quality education.

“Therefore, to achieve this partnerships are cruacial and we thank Standard Bank for being part of this endowment fund,” said Malata.

The Vice Chancellor said that MUST is an institution that is driving innovation and changing the trajectory of Malawi’s tertiary education.

“We would like to thank Standard Bank for the donation towards the fund. On behalf of beneficiaries I want to say that your help will go a long way. By partnering with MUST you are contributing greatly to our core purposes of driving innovation,” she said.

Standard Bank made the first disbursement of K20 million in 2022 and this year, the bank is proceeding with the final contribution.

This is notably the second contribution the Bank has made in education this year with an initial MK51.7 million contribution towards a secondary school Merit Scholarship administered in partnership with Press Trust.

Malawi

UTM boycotted Chilima’s Foundation launch over Chakwera’s invitation

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The opposition UTM party yesterday boycotted SKC Foundation, a charity established in honor of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima.

The party’s decision comes after it emerged that President Lazarus Chakwera had been invited to the event by the organizing committee.

In a statement, UTM leader Dr. Dalitso Kabambe explained that the party’s decision was not a snub to the Chilima family, but rather a protest against the invitation extended to President Chakwera. Dr. Kabambe argued that the UTM party cannot share a platform with individuals who have failed to account for the death of their president.

“The grief of our party and the surrounding questions about our president’s death remain unanswered,” Dr. Kabambe said. “Why should we share a platform, drink wine, and dine with those who failed to account for the loss of SKC?”

Dr. Kabambe praised Madam Mary Chilima, the widow of the late Vice President, for her decision to honor her late husband’s legacy. He emphasized that the UTM party’s decision is not a rejection of the Chilima family or the SKC Foundation, but rather a stand against those who have failed to provide justice for the late Vice President.

Despite boycotting the launch, the UTM party has made a contribution of K10 million to the SKC Foundation. Dr. Kabambe reiterated the party’s commitment to upholding the legacy of the late Vice President and continuing the fight for justice.

“The revolution he championed is alive, and we carry it with energy,” Dr. Kabambe said. “We stand with the family and stand also with all Malawians who believe in justice. The vision of SKC is still on, and the fight is not over.”

The launch of the SKC Foundation is seen as a significant event in Malawi’s political landscape. The foundation aims to promote the legacy of the late Vice President and support various charitable causes. However, the controversy surrounding President Chakwera’s invitation has cast a shadow over the proceedings.

Malawi, Obituaries

Chakwera graces SKC Foundation launch

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Sheminah Nkhoma

LILONGWE-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera Wednesday evening, February 12, 205 graced the launch of the Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) Foundation at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

Speaking during the launch, Chairperson of the Foundation who is  also spouse to the late Vice President Mary Chilima appreciated the support received towards the launch saying it is a sign of love which people have towards the late Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima.

UTM boycotted Chilima’s Foundation launch over Chakwera’s invitation

She described late Chilima’s life as short yet impactful, characterised by faith, service and patriotism for the country.

Chilima said the Foundation will support education through scholarships, including assistance to children who lost a parent in the Chikangawa plane crash.

She added that the Foundation will establish a rapid response fund to help families affected by natural disasters and other calamities, as well as support disaster preparedness initiative.

“SKC was a believer in mindset change and this Foundation will reach out to institutions of higher learning to embrace innovation and come up with solutions to challenges affecting Malawi and Africa at large,” she said.

Chilima emphasised that the Foundation will promote mindset change through excellence and innovation.

She made an assurance that the Foundation will be managed prudently, transparently, accountable and with integrity.

Chairperson of the organising committee, Boyd Luwe, said the Foundation is meant to celebrate the life of the late vice president.

Luwe described Chilima as a selfless man whose life was lived to serve humanity that is why it the Foundation is apolitical and non partisan.

Health

US funding cuts threaten global health response, WHO chief warns

Maravi Post Reporter

In a media briefing on Tuesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the consequences of funding suspensions, including disruptions to HIV treatment, setbacks in polio eradication and limited resources for responding to mpox epidemics in Africa.

“The suspension of funding to PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, caused an immediate stop to HIV treatment, testing and prevention services in the 50 countries,” Tedros said.

He noted that despite a waiver for life-saving services, prevention programmes for at-risk groups remain excluded, clinics have closed, and health workers have been put on leave.

Tedros urged the US Government to reconsider its funding approach, at least until alternative solutions can be found to maintain essential health services.

Ebola outbreak in Uganda

Turning to Uganda, Tedros provided updates on the recently reported Ebola outbreak, with nine confirmed cases, including one death.

WHO has deployed emergency teams to support surveillance, treatment and infection control measures.

A vaccine trial, launched just four days after the outbreak was declared, is now underway, while approval for a therapeutics trial is pending.

To sustain the response, WHO has allocated an additional $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies, supplementing the $1 million already provided.

Conflict in DR Congo

The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also straining health services, with more than 900 deaths and over 4,000 injuries reported amid escalating violence in the east.

Health workers wearing protective clothing in Uganda.
WHO Africa

Health workers wearing protective clothing in Uganda.

“At most, only one-third of people who need health services in North and South Kivu are able to receive them,” Tedros stated, emphasising the risks posed by infectious disease outbreaks such as mpox and cholera.

Supplies, including medicines and fuel, are running critically low, further complicating WHO’s ability to respond.

Advancing childhood cancer treatment

On a more positive note and as UN News reported on Tuesday, WHO announced progress in expanding access to childhood cancer medicines in low and middle-income countries.

“Yesterday, we began distributing childhood cancer medicines at no cost in the first two countries: Mongolia and Uzbekistan,” said Tedros, adding that shipments are planned for four more countries.

The programme is facilitated through the Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer, launched in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The initiative aims to reach 120,000 children across 50 countries over the next five to seven years, addressing stark disparities in survival rates between high-income and low-income nations.

UN Health News

Malawi

Afrobarometer survey reveals Malawians’ perceptions on AIP’s impact

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

A recent Afrobarometer survey has shed light on Malawians’ opinions regarding the Affordable Input Programme (AIP). The survey, which sampled a representative cross-section of Malawian citizens, reveals a mixed bag of perceptions on the programme’s impact.

According to the survey, 22% of Malawians believe that the AIP has benefited only a select few, namely those with connections to the ruling party. This sentiment is echoed by 38% of respondents, who feel that the AIP has only served to enrich politicians and their allies.

On the other hand, 16% of Malawians believe that the AIP has had a positive impact on farmers, while 13% think it has benefited civil servants. A smaller percentage, 8%, believe that the AIP has benefited traditional leaders.

Despite these differing opinions, a significant majority of Malawians, 63%, expressed dissatisfaction with the AIP. This suggests that many citizens are unhappy with the programme’s implementation and perceived lack of transparency.

The Afrobarometer survey’s findings are significant, as they provide insight into the perceptions and attitudes of Malawian citizens regarding a key government programme. The AIP, which aims to provide affordable farm inputs to smallholder farmers, has been a cornerstone of the government’s agricultural policy.

However, the survey’s results suggest that many Malawians are skeptical about the programme’s effectiveness and fairness. These concerns are likely to be amplified in the coming months, as the country prepares for the 2025 general elections.

The Afrobarometer survey’s findings highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the AIP. The government must take these concerns seriously and work to address the perceived inequalities and inefficiencies in the programme. Only then can the AIP truly fulfill its promise of supporting Malawi’s smallholder farmers.

Malawi

Chakwera’s embarrassing invitation: MCP ministers accused of bribery

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

A shocking revelation has emerged that President Lazarus Chakwera’s invitation to the launch of the SKC Foundation was not extended by the foundation’s organizers, but rather was orchestrated by MCP ministers who allegedly bribed officials to secure the invitation.

According to sources, the MCP ministers, who have been accused of prioritizing their party’s interests over public service, offered large sums of money to officials in exchange for the invitation. This move has been widely criticized as a blatant attempt to manipulate the situation for political gain.

The controversy surrounding Chakwera’s invitation has raised questions about the president’s knowledge of the situation. Was he aware of the MCP ministers’ actions, or was he kept in the dark? The president’s silence on the matter has only fueled speculation and criticism.

This is not the first time that Chakwera’s administration has been embroiled in controversy. In 2022, the president dissolved his entire cabinet due to corruption allegations against several ministers.

Controversy surrounds invitation to President Chakwera for SKC Foundation Launch

The move was seen as a bold attempt to tackle corruption, but it has not entirely eradicated the problem.

The opposition has seized on the latest controversy, with the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. George Chaponda, accusing Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance cabinet ministers of prioritizing their party’s interests over public service.

As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Malawi demand transparency and accountability from their leaders. The Chakwera administration must come clean about the circumstances surrounding the president’s invitation to the SKC Foundation launch and take decisive action to address the corruption and manipulation that has plagued his administration.

Malawi, Obituaries

Chakwera mourns veteran broadcaster Ambassador Lucius Chikuni

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera has joined the general public in mourning veteran broadcaster Lucius Chikuni who died this week in Vl

In a condolences message to the bereaved family, Chakwera says the first couple is sadden over the passing of long-time diplomat and veteran broadcaster Lucius Chikuni.

The president however highlighted some achievements done by the iconic figure, among others as being the champion of change in transition the then Federal Broadcasting Corporation to Radio Malawi at the time of attaining self-rule in 1963 and to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation at the dawn of Malawi’s independence on 6th July, 1964.

“For over six decades, Mr. Chikuni has inspired hundreds of diplomats and media experts, leaving an indelible mark on our culture and nationhood,” the statement said.

Chakwera however lamented one of the remarkable achievements being the epic radio play “Adaferanji” that memorialises Chilembwe uplift and has aired on MBC on every Matyrs Day, 3rd March since the 1970s.

The first couple therefore wishes good lack to the long-lasting legacy of Lucius Chikuni to the generations that are coming.