Category Archives: Malawi

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Malawi, Obituaries

My Take On It:  Ode to Zingz (aka WiTiZi) Willie T. Zingani

Janet Karim

Jonathan committed himself to David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. 2 And Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his military gear, including his sword, his bow, and his belt. – 1 Samuel 18:1b-4

Death was announced August 31, 2024 of Malawi’s celebrated veteran journalist, author, poet and playwright Willie T. Zingani. Also known as Zingz and WiTiZi, Willie’s 43 illustrious career in journalism blossomed and entwined with mine and another veteran journalist. For some unuttered reason he and Felix Mponda made to be my mentors, advisers, protectors, and guardians. In the media corridors, both Felix and Willie were my chief defenders, lifting me up, warding off flaming arrows of attacks from enemies within the profession or from outside. They were my undeclared brothers. First Felix passed, and now Willie is gone.

I wrote about and bitterly mourned Felix in February 2021. Today, I mournfully write about Zings. Had I known that my brief seven-month interaction with Zingz were the last, I may have tried harder to connect with him more when as Editor in Chief of the MASM Magazine; I would have asked more about where and what his children were doing, where he was living, and more importantly how his print news project was progressing. I would have called him.

Felix, Zingz and I first met when Felix was the Drum Beat columnist, and Zingz was Assistant Editor at Daily Times and Malawi News, and I was engaged as a senior reporter for the Daily Times. Although Felix, Roz, and I were corridors apart from Zingz at the Blantyre Print and Publishing (BP&P) Ginnery Corner head offices, we were bound together by the nature of the two newspapers. Fatefully, Felix left the BP&P for greener pastures.

After some years running the Daily Times’ Women’s, Features, and Leisure pages, I was moved to the Malawi News section as Features Editor and worked briefly with Zingz, during the brief times we were together, I reached a new high learning from Zingz the ropes of editing.

He made me perfect the art of editing whereby I incorporated loveable and embraceable terminology that authors adopt.

This vintage Zingani coaching led to terms like Kwinks, Ndixville, and Ndix in George Matewere’s Kwinyani weekly satire of the drunkard from Ndirande.

But vintage Zingz unfolded and our relationship grew when at a political meeting a politician said something with massive innuendo. After journalists had been thrown in jail for reporting on unsalacious happening during the Kamuzu Banda years. Zingz said “I didn’t hear that.”

Immediately, the entire journalists’ corner burst out laughing. From that time, the jokes kept cracking and outdoing each other was the name of the game. And his love for twisting peoples’ names was as keen as mine.

When Zingz left Malawi News to become the GM for the Blantyre Synod publishing company that owned the CLAIM Bookshop, Zingz and I did not connect for a long time. I left Blantyre Print, although Felix and I partnered to start Woman Now magazine. But Felix left Woman Now and re-surfaced in my orbit with the introduction of the New Express newspaper.

The New Express newspaper was published by Felix and Zings. But the first bunch NE landed Felix in jail. Local and diplomatic community led to Felix’s release and the New Express led to the introductions of other newspapers such as Michiru Sun (Edward Chitsulo and Grey Mang’anda) The Post (Al Osman), The Democrat (Simango), The Observer (Wandale), The Monitor (Stambuli), The Independent (Karim), Nation (Mbumba Banda), The Enquirer (Chikuni), The Mirror (Mtuumodzi), The Chronicle (Jamieson), and many others.

What Zingz and Felix started in challenging the one-party governance system of the Malawi Congress Party, became full blown with the mushrooming of the other newspapers mentioned above. The dawn of democratic Malawi led Zingz to Sanjika Palace as Press Secretary and Felix to former second VP Chakufa Chihana as Publicity secretary, while I continued with The Independent. Despite our different platforms, Felix, Zingz, and I remained a team tied with strong cords not seen or appreciated by many colleagues in the profession.

When my husband passed away in January 2003, former President Muluzi heard of this from Zingz when he asked for time off from his duties, so that he could attend the funeral. Zingz and Felix were with me. The next day, the former President sent his condolences to my family.

From the State House Willie worked for Limbe Leaf and recently for MASM magazine. My contributions to the MASM magazine were on men and mental health, and another one on educating children living with disabilities in Malawi.

But Zingz was also a prolific writer, mostly in Chichewa.

Feliz Mponda and Willie Zingani (Zingz) had an unwritten code to protect and many times promote anything to do with Janet Zeenat Karim (Jayzedkay and Zeenz). They were a jolly great set of friends to have on my side.

And now they are all gone.

Gentlemen, rest in Jehovah God’s eternal loving peace, till we meet again in the Newsroom in Heaven.

Business, Malawi, Regional

Chakwera successfully returns from China-Africa Summit

Malawi News Agency (MANA)

By Arnold Namanja

BLANTYRE-(MANA)-President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday arrived in the country from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit which was held in Beijing, China.

The aircraft carrying President Chakwera and the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, touched down at exactly 2:55pm.

The first couple were welcomed on arrival at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre by different senior government officials, traditional leaders as well as political leaders.

Some of the notable people who welcomed Chakwera at the airport included Vice President, Dr.  Michael Usi; Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Janet Banda; Army Commander, Major Velentino Phiri; Inspector General of Police, Marylene Yolamu and Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima.

Speaking to the media, Chakwera said the tour to China was successful because he had an opportunity to negotiate a number of trade deals with the host country as well as other countries which participated in the summit.

Chakwera disclosed that some of the benefits of the working tour to China, which has been very crucial partner to Malawi’s development programme, include signing of a US$200 million construction of a judicial complex in Lilongwe and reduction of export duty on agricultural produce.

“It is quite pleasing that we have successfully struck two major deals; one of which is the grant for the construction of a court complex at City Centre, Lilongwe and that most of the crop produce from Malawi be exempted from export duty.

“Farmers will now have a readily available market for their produce in China which is a very significant milestone for the Malawi 2063 whose pillars are agriculture, tourism and manufacturing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chakwera is scheduled to fulfil a number of engagements while in the southern region such as inspection of some development projects in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts.

Politics

Road to 2025: People’s Party endorses Dr. Joyce Banda as torchbearer

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The just ended People’s Party (PP) elective convention has endorsed former Malawi President Dr. Joyce Banda as its torchbearer for 2025 General elections.

This follows elective convention held at Crossroads Hotel in the capital Lilongwe from September 6 to 7.

About 20 positions went unopposed during the elective indaba.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Banda challenged the newly-appointed National Executive Committee (NEC) to hit the ground running as the party seeks to canvass support ahead of the general elections scheduled for September next year.

“Honestly, I wanted to handover to the party’s emerging cohort of leaders. But the party and its delegates thought to let me lead yet again. Who am I to say no to the wishes of the people,” excited Dr. Banda.

The former President however charged that she has the formula to resolve the country’s crisis, considering that she has a proven track record of solving similar problems during her two-year tenure.

Banda therefore reminded Malawians that the 47 percent devaluation she implemented in 2012 helped to win the support of the country’s development partners and helped end fuel and forex crisis that threatened to derail the local economy.

The former Malawi leader said the dual crisis was cited as one of the reasons for the July 4, 2012 demonstrations which led to the deaths of 20 protesters.

Here is a full list of PEOPLE’S PARTY NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE elected at the party’s convention:

PEOPLES PARTY NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

PRESIDENT:

  • Joyce Banda

VICE PRESIDENT SOUTH:

  • Ephraim Chivunde

VICE PRESIDENT EAST:

  • Lawrence Bisika

VICE PRESIDENT NORTH:

  • Duncan Kawonga

VICE PRESIDENT CENTRE:

  • Peter Kamange

SECRETARY GENERAL:

  • Ben Chakhame

DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL:

  • Flony Maliro

TREASURER GENERAL:

  • Noah Chimpeni

DEPUTY TREASURER GENERAL:
• Njaliwa

DEPUTY NATIONAL ORGANISING SECRETARY:

  • Gadi Thyangathyanga

DIRECTOR OF WOMEN:

  • Beatrice Mwale

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WOMEN:

  • Mable Masangano

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH:

  • Aubrey Harare

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF YOUTH:

  • Cecilia Kumwenda

DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS:

  • Vincent Chirwa

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY:

  • Dr James Munthali

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY:

  • DR . Makala

DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS:

  • Andekuche Chanthunya

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS:

  • Frank Kagone

DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AFFAIRS:

  • Aaron Kisebe

DIRECTOR OF CAMPAIGN:

  • Cliffa Kondowe

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CAMPAIGN:

  • Rosten Chawinga

DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT:

  • Edrissa Kazembe

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:

  • Edith Banda

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:

  • Yusuf Mmatila

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:

  • Lemani Chapitapansi

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:

  • Alefa Chisokeza

NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY:

  • Ackson Kalaile Banda

DEPUTY NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY:

  • Wellington Kuntaja

DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS:

  • Alex Solanke

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS:

  • Cecilia Imani

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS:

  • Pastor Webster Kameme

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS:

  • Pastor Leonard Kafunsira
Health

Gaza: 160,000 more children vaccinated against polio in southern Gaza

Maravi Post Reporter

More than 160,000 children were vaccinated in southern Gaza on Thursday, the first day of a polio vaccination campaign there, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said on Friday.

UN agencies and partners in the Strip will continue to vaccinate “as many Gazan children as possible” during the agreed humanitarian pauses, before moving to the north of the war-shattered enclave, UNRWA added.

Thousands of families visited health centers to get their doses from UN medical teams, UNRWA reported. In southern Gaza, more than 152,000 children were vaccinated in Khan Younis city, nearly 8,800 in Rafah and another 1,000 elsewhere in the south.

The promising development follows the successful completion of the first phase of the vaccination campaign in central Gaza earlier this week, which saw more than 187,000 children under 10 receive protection from polio. To date, combined coverage for central and southern Gaza now stands at 354,786 children.

Wennesland: Stop West Bank violence  

While war continues to rage in Gaza, ongoing deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank that have left two Palestinian children dead in Jenin and Tulkarem have been condemned by the UN’s top representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.

“I am appalled by the tragic killing of two children over the past two days by Israeli security forces during military operations in Jenin and Tulkarem,” he said in an online post on Thursday.

“I call for an immediate and thorough investigation into these incidents, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and justice to ensure the protection of all civilians. Every child’s life is precious, and the loss of so many young lives serves as a grim reminder that decisive action must be taken now to stop the violence.”

Echoing that message, UNWRA reported that violence and destruction “increase by the hour” in the West Bank.

According to the UN agency, last week was the deadliest for Palestinian civilians in the West Bank since November last year, with seven children among the many killed.  

“This is unacceptable. It must stop now,” UNRWA insisted on X.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, also reported that medical facilities have been nearly under siege for over a week, with severe restrictions on ambulance and medical staff movement. 

Humanitarian needs are growing amid increasing insecurity and an excessive use of force, it added.

UN Health News

Politics

Former President Joyce Banda blasts Chakwera’s Government, calls it a ‘total failure’

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

Former Malawian President and leader of the People’s Party (PP), Joyce Banda, has launched a fierce critique of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration, branding it a “total failure.”

Speaking on Friday at the PP elective convention in Lilongwe, Banda expressed her dissatisfaction with the government’s performance on several critical issues.

“If you want ‘mavuto’ (problems), continue with them, but if you want change, PP is here to change the direction of the country,” she said, positioning her party as an alternative for Malawians seeking a new leadership direction.

Banda’s criticisms come after her party was a key partner in Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance, which took office in 2020.

Despite her party’s previous involvement in the government, she highlighted a series of failures under Chakwera’s leadership.

Banda specifically pointed to issues such as fuel shortages, food security, and the lack of progress on women’s empowerment.

She contrasted the current situation with her own time in office, saying, “In our administration, nobody died of hunger and we had enough fuel reserves such that nobody queued at filling stations in search of fuel.”

Her remarks highlighted the stability and efficiency she claimed her party brought to Malawi during her presidency from 2012 to 2014.

Banda’s criticism is noteworthy, given her past alliance with Chakwera’s Malawi Congress Party (MCP). For four years, the PP was part of the Tonse Alliance, working in concert with Chakwera’s government.

Her remarks signal a potential shift in political dynamics as Banda now seeks to distance her party from the ruling coalition and position PP as a viable alternative ahead of future elections.

This development raises questions about the stability of the Tonse Alliance and the future of Malawian politics, with Banda seemingly setting the stage for a renewed political contest between her PP and Chakwera’s MCP.

Her speech has added fuel to growing discontent over the government’s handling of the economy and essential services, making her an important voice of opposition as the nation grapples with these challenges.

Politics

John Bande exits MCP, faces uncertain political future

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

John Bande, the legislator for Machinjiri-Makhetha in Blantyre, has announced his departure from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). This decision comes amid growing discontent from the local youth who have voiced their displeasure and made it clear that they would not support him in the 2025 elections if he remains with MCP.

The discontent among the youth led Bande to a decisive move, culminating in a formal letter addressed to senior MCP officials and Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara. In the letter, Bande confirmed his exit from the MCP and his intention to stand independently.

There are ongoing speculations regarding Bande’s next political move. Rumors suggest that he might join the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) or the United Transformation Movement (UTM), but as of now, no official statement has been made regarding his future affiliations.

Bande’s exit marks a significant shift in the local political landscape, and his next steps will be closely watched as he navigates his political future.

Malawi

Lazarus Chakwera courts Chinese investors for clean energy solutions

Burnett Munthali

By Burnett Munthali

During his recent working tour in China, President Lazarus Chakwera actively sought Chinese investment in Malawi’s power sector, emphasizing the potential for clean energy solutions. His final meeting in China was with a delegation from the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation (GEIDCO), a group keen to support Malawi’s energy sector transformation.

President Chakwera highlighted Malawi’s vast potential in alternative sustainable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power. He urged GEIDCO to explore these options to help diversify Malawi’s energy portfolio. By adopting clean energy, Malawi aims to address its energy deficit, which is crucial for supporting economic activities across mining, manufacturing, and domestic consumption sectors.

Chakwera’s engagement with Chinese investors reflects his strategic vision for Malawi’s economic development. With the deals signed, ongoing negotiations, and strengthened partnerships, President Chakwera returned to Malawi with renewed optimism. He is confident that these advancements in energy partnerships will significantly contribute to the nation’s transformation and long-term growth.

Health

Gaza: Polio vaccination campaign moves to southern areas

Maravi Post Reporter

The second phase of a two-round campaign to vaccinate over half a million young children in Gaza against polio began in Khan Younis on Thursday, the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter. 

The campaign moved to southern areas of the Gaza Strip following the successful completion of the first phase in the centre of the enclave, thanks largely to pauses in the fighting.

UNRWA along with partners provided the first dose of polio vaccine to children under 10 years old at the Japanese Health Centre in the devastated city of Khan Younis.

One mother said she rushed to get her children vaccinated “since I am scared that polio will spread due to the sewers and the lack of hygiene, especially with the absence of cleaning products.”

Top humanitarian takes part

The UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, was at the Japanese clinic and took part in administering vaccines to several children as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of the campaign.

“You see people proud to be here, protecting their children, giving the vaccinations. And at the end of the day, it shows when there is political will, a lot is possible on the humanitarian front. That’s what we need. This is a prime-time example of that,” she said.

Over the next four days, health workers will target an estimated 340,000 children, in southern Gaza. Some 517 teams will be deployed, including 384 mobile teams, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

A third and final phase will be implemented in northern Gaza from 9 to 11 September, targeting around 150,000 boys and girls.

An urgent response

The overall campaign aims to provide two drops of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 to more than 640,000 children under the age of 10 during each round.

It is part of an urgent response to prevent the spread of polio, which has resurfaced in Gaza after 25 years following the detection of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in six environmental samples collected from the central area of the Strip in June.

The campaign is being conducted by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO, UNRWA, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other humanitarian partners.

Humanitarian pause respected

During the first phase, from 1 to 3 September, health workers reached over 187,000 youngsters in central Gaza, exceeding the initial estimated target of 157,000.

Vaccinations will continue over the next few days at four large health facilities to ensure no child is missed in the area.

“It has been extremely encouraging to see thousands of children being able to access polio vaccines, with the support of their resilient families and courageous health workers, despite the deplorable conditions they have braved over the last 11 months. 

“All parties respected the humanitarian pause and we hope to see this positive momentum continue,” said Dr Richard Peeperkorn, WHO Representative for the occupied Palestinian territory.

Reaching families where they are

The first phase of the campaign was conducted by 513 teams, consisting of over 2,180 health and community outreach workers.

Vaccination was provided at 143 fixed sites, including hospitals, medical points, primary care centres, camps where displaced people are living, key public gathering spaces such as temporary learning spaces, food and water distribution points, and transit routes leading from the centre towards northern and southern Gaza. 

Mobile teams also visited tents and hard to-reach areas to access families unable to visit fixed sites. 

WHO said the presence of a substantial number of children eligible for vaccination who were unable to reach vaccination sites due to insecurity, necessitated special missions to three areas – Al-Maghazi, Al-Bureij and Al-Mussader – just outside of the agreed zone for the humanitarian pause.  

UN Health News

Malawi, Regional, Sports

Malawi’s Flames succumb to Burundi in AFCON Qualifiers

Maravi Post Reporter

…..Malawi 2-3 Burundi

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi national football team (Flames) has succumbed to 2-3 home defeat to Burundi at the Bingu national stadium in Lilongwe in their first game of group L 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Tactically the Burundians were better than Malawi who failed to coordinate well in every department giving the visitors room to shine especially in the wing attacks no wonder they got a goal in the 21st minute which originated from a well taken corner kick before Chimwemwe Idana directed the ball into his own net as he tried to clear the danger.

In the 30th minute Zesco United forward, Chawanangwa Kaonga scored a stunning free kick a few meters from the 18-yard box.

However, the celebration was cut short as the visitors restored their lead at 32nd minute.

Patrick Mabedi’s side kept pushing for an equalizer before the break but gods of football didn’t smile at them until the last whistle.

Come second half, Flames kept pushing for an equalizer but couldn’t get the match needed goal so soon.

In the 55th minute Chawanangwa Kaonga’s shot went wide after beautifully being set by Yamikani Chester who seemed to have been enjoying the game that afternoon.

Patrick Mabedi made changes at 68th minute to add value in the attacking third as he brought on TP Mazembe new catch Patrick Mwaungulu and Robert Saizi. The changes proved a point as the tempo of the game changed.

Mwaungulu entered into the game with his magical display and delivered beautiful balls in the box but still Malawi couldn’t utilize this.

In the 74th minute Lanjesi Nkhoma slotted home with a beautiful header from a well-taken cross by Chawanangwa Kaonga to put the matter on level.

Time fast ticked for Malawi to get the winning goal which could see them starting the campaign on high note but to the contrary it was Burundi who got the precious goal this time again from an own goal from Gomezgani Chirwa who tried to clear the ball, unfortunately the ball majestically zoomed into the net and all fans from Dzaleka Camp, Mchesi and Kawale were sent into rapture while the Malawi fans putting on red Jersey all were frozen.

Soon after the goal the referee added 4 minutes on his clock and Flames thought they would utilize this but it wasn’t to be as Burundi kept defending well to take home all the three points.

Prior to the game Malawi head coach Patrick Mabedi told journalists that the team didn’t have enough time to prepare and try some combinations and coordinations.

Flames will be travelling to Mali to face Burkina Faso in their group L second clash whereas Burundi will remain in the country as they wait for Sadio Mane’s Senegal in a match which is anticipated to be played on Saturday at the same venue, Bingu National Stadium.