Suffix’s third album, we have been waiting for is finally here. I will not waste your time with a winded introduction; I will just jump straight into dissecting it.

Kumpanje

Runs a social commentary of the ghettos, venting the frustrations, struggles. The hook is catchy, the beat bangs. Making a song didactic as it is danceable isn’t easy. Somehow, Suffix pulls this off successfully. This song will flame live performances, I can already foretell and visualise throngs of adoring fans singing along to the lines: “Zochitika ku Mpanje nje nje/njala nthenda ndi Nsanje nje nje/Khala ngati Makape” at a show. The beat selection, delivery and especially the hook are on point. I love the pun: “Tonse aku BT Koma busy ndi Nsanje”. I love how the saxophone ornaments the song.                                           

 Miracle

This song scores highly on repeatability by its beat selection, Suffix effortless delivery and Theresa Phodo’s singing. What she did on that hook is a thing of beauty. I admit, lyrically it doesn’t soar above the others. I love its cord progression, the beat, Suffix’s cadence. I can listen to this song the whole day.

Si lero

 Opens with a soft piano followed by a Violin. I love its cord progression, beat selection, the backing vocals. I love how the soft piano and violin enrich the tone of the song. The song tackles the concept of time and hope. Suffi hopes that one day the problems we face will be over. I am not really impressed by Driemo’ autotune singing. That said, I love how Suffix and Driemo seamlessly rap, and sing. How they use Si Lero refrain to a beautiful effect.

“Ululu nde sukuchoka Cancer yi ngati ndingofa/Mwina ndidzachira ngakhale and picks it up with Si lero.

Masten anga kulichete munapita ngati bodza/ kudzakuwonaniso ngakhale si lero.” I love the pound of the drums, the backing vocals on the bridge.

Dear Isaac

Suffix writes to his departed childhood, friend, Isaac. Suffi lands on the beat beautifully. He tells Isaac, the person he has become and what has become of the other people they grew up with. Kelvin Sings doesn’t disappoint with his singing. It is one of my beloved songs.

Yowe

Starts with violins, the saxophone and then the African drum. The song shines brightly on the storytelling. I love how he paints pictures with his tongue. He lets us into his world, his conversation with two adoring female fans. The lady falls for him tells him how much she loves his music; how much she wants them to be friends. First verse ends in suspense. In the second verse he bumps into another lady fan in the City Centre. His conscience is clean he tells “the little girl to go home”. Suffix, handles this song with dexterity, maturity, and vulnerability. Unlike other rappers, Suffix soars on vulnerability, one of his biggest strengths. Maggie Ka Drum lends richness to this song by her awesome singing. I love how they blend Jazz and rap.

Kulera

He raps his deep appreciation of his father’s tough love. Suffix looks back at his life with the grown man’s perspective. I love how he samples and improves an old song, Kulera. This is a song pregnant women sing at the Antenatal clinics. I am impressed by Suffix’ singing in the hook raw and heartfelt. I love its beat selection. I love the opening “My father, father, father” part. It brims with love and gratitude. Another seamless blend of jazz and rap.

Nthena

Upbeat song befitting the mood of the persona, in love and daydreaming.  A fast-paced Afrobeat with a heavy bass. Suffix dreams about his wedding. I love the backing vocals in the nthena nthena. I love the pun as he raps: “Ma flaws ako ndimawamvetsa ndine rapper/ Ma flaws anga umawadziwa ndine rapper.” This is pure art. There is not much that changes in this song, there is no musical journey.

Lighter

This song was born from his talk with his father. Suffix is chatty, laid back and playful. He loses me on the beat selection. That said, my favourite lines go: “Ati ulowe live cha ma past 2 ukang’alure/ Iwo ali busy kusakasaka ma school /Wako Umampusha adzipanga sukulu/ Wanzako kumamupopa akamakayimba m’masukulu mo of course.” Sonically, I don’t like it. If it were up to me, I would have easily replaced this one with Tailora single.

Ndikamasochera

This strikes me as a filler. Suffix exercising his artistic license, trying to unearth his singing ability, it is okay. The basic sounds forced. No wow effect, just artistic experimentation.     

Mungobwera   

If I were to choose songs where Suffix sang, I would have chosen this one. Maybe because of the piano, the cord progression and its soulfulness. You feel his heart as he pays tribute to his beloved mum, grappling with grief, pain, seeking an escape. A great piece.

Time

The personas rap their regret. They wasted time chasing dreams missed spending time with beloved ones. The main message is about showing love to our beloved ones while we have time to express it. My favourite part when Solomon raps, I love the sound of his flow.

As I close, I think this musical gem was created from a place of inspiration. It is a rewarding report of what Suffix has been through in the past two years. I love how Suffix ties up songs around the common thread-his mum. This is a proper album not just a collection of singles pretending to be an album. The constellation of stars he picked glowed brightly. A few fillers disturbed my listening experience. The album could have done without them. All in all, I thank Suffix for blessing us with this jewel of an album.

The post Tailora: befitting tribute to Suffix’s mum first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Tailora: befitting tribute to Suffix’s mum appeared first on Nation Online.

The year is 2021. Malawi unveils an ambitious vision: “Malawi 2063” – a roadmap to transform the nation into an inclusive, prosperous, and self-reliant upper-middle-income economy by 2063. A central pillar of this vision was achieving significant economic growth.

The plan projected a steady six percent annual growth rate from 2021 to 2030, laying the foundation for a brighter future.However, three years later, the picture is less rosy.

Progress reports from the National Planning Commission, the key implementer of the Malawi 2063, show that the development blueprint is off track. The initial economic growth target of 6 percent appears increasingly out of reach. This raises a critical question: Can Malawi get back on track and achieve its long-term development goals?

The current situation demands a recalibration of strategies. Without significant course correction, achieving the 2063 vision by the target date will be extremely challenging. Here’s why:

Local economic growth has been significantly lower than expected. In the past three years since the launch of Malawi 2063, growth has hovered around two percent.

This year, the government projected that the economy would grow by 3.4 percent but global financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are less optimistic. The IMF slashed the projection to two percent on account of the damage caused by El Nino.

The slow growth rate necessitates a steeper trajectory. To achieve the original 2030 target by 2036, the economy now needs to grow at a breakneck pace of 6.4 percent annually for the next decade. Even this aggressive scenario pushes the goalposts further.

If the current trajectory persists, the aspiration of reaching middle-income status by 2030 might have to be postponed by another 15 years, to 2045.

This delay has significant repercussions. A sluggish economy directly hinders poverty reduction efforts. Slower growth translates to fewer jobs, stagnant wages, and limited opportunities for Malawians to lift themselves out of poverty.

The 2063 vision hinges on inclusive growth, and a prolonged delay in achieving economic targets jeopardises this core principle.

Several factors contribute to Malawi’s current predicament. External shocks, like the recent droughts and floods linked to climate change, have disrupted agricultural production, a vital sector of the economy.

Additionally, a lack of prioritisation has stretched resources thin. The government has embarked on numerous projects, diluting the focus and impact of Malawi 2063.

Furthermore, Malawi faces a challenge of limited fiscal space. A significant portion of government spending goes towards servicing debt interest payments. This leaves fewer resources available for critical investments needed to fuel economic growth and achieve the goals outlined in Malawi 2063.

So, what can be done?

Firstly, investing in climate-smart and resilient agriculture is paramount. This includes adopting drought-resistant crops, improving irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable land management practices. By building a more robust agricultural sector, Malawi can weather external shocks and ensure food security, a critical foundation for economic growth.

More importantly, the government and its development partners invest heavily in manufacturing to complement the investment in climate-smart and resilient agriculture. Malawi will not develop without investment in manufacturing and industrialisation. Primary production will not lift the country out of poverty to middle-income status.

Secondly, there’s a need for strategic prioritisation. The government must meticulously evaluate ongoing projects and align them with the core objectives of Malawi 2063. This will ensure resources are directed towards initiatives with the highest potential impact on achieving the vision.

Finally, addressing the issue of fiscal space is crucial. Exploring avenues for debt reduction and streamlining government expenditure can free up resources for investments in critical areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

These investments will enhance productivity, attract foreign investment, and ultimately propel Malawi’s economic growth.

The post Course correction needed to achieve Malawi 2063 first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Course correction needed to achieve Malawi 2063 appeared first on Nation Online.

High Court Judge Mike Tembo has terminated mediation in a case where 76 women are demanding K336 million from Sable Farming Company Limited in Blantyre for alleged sexual harassment.

The women dragged the company to court after, in the course of their service as seasonal workers, they were instructed to remove their clothes, spread their legs and have their private parts forcibly touched.

The parties settled for mediation whose hearing was conducted on October 18 2023, but they failed to agree, forcing the court to terminate the process.

Following the development, according to a certificate of termination of mediation, the court directed that the civil cause number 127 of 2023 filed at the High Court in Blantyre must continue to full trial before another judge.

Reads the certificate: “The matter having been called for mediation, and upon hearing both parties herein, it is hereby ordered that the mediation herein be and is hereby terminated and that the matter shall proceed to trial before another judge.”

In the matter, Sable Farming Company Limited is being represented by lawyers from Winlaw & Ndau but, in an interview last Tuesday, one of the partners Bernard Ndau declined to comment on the matter, saying they had instructions from their client not to grant any interview to the press.

But Chancy Gondwe, one of the lawyers representing the complainants, confirmed that the parties failed to agree during mediation as regards the claim for compensation. 

He said: “So, since the parties have failed to agree at mediation level, we filed a notice of scheduling conference for the matter to be scheduled for trial… However, the room is still open for negotiations with the other party because the fact that mediation was terminated does not prevent us from still resolving the issues through further negotiations.”

Gondwe alleged the conduct was not supposed to happen as it is tantamount to sexual harassment.

“This is a sad story. Companies are supposed to be decent in the manner they handle their employees. It is time companies became serious in providing safe, healthy and a conducive working environment for their employees, especially women, because they exposed our clients to some risks as they discharged their duties.

“It is also time companies developed and implemented appropriate policies that are aimed at eliminating sexual harassment at workplaces,” he said.

According to the amended statement of the case Weekend Nation has seen, the 76 women sued the company for damages for sexual harassment, breach of employer’s statutory duty and aggravated and punitive damages for breach of employer’s statutory duty.

The statement states that on or around June 22 2023 in the course of their seasonal work, two employees of the company, namely Patricia Yuba and Elizabeth Banda, found blood stains on a woman’s work suit left in the bathroom as it was customary for employees to bathe before returning to the factory to work.

The court documents say the two female employees were then directed to summon the seasonal female workers whom they forced to undress to find who was menstruating and stained the work suit.

The two female employees found that four seasonal workers were menstruating and they told them to go home and return after their period is over.

According to the documents, the exercise was repeated on the day and the next as per management’s directive.

The women argue that their lack of consent amounted to sexual harassment and as a result, they suffered injury, loss and damage.

Therefore, the women are claiming K336 million as damages for breach of employer’s duty under the Occupational Safety Health and Welfare Act, and the Gender Equality Act, aggravated and punitive damages for breach of employer’s duty under Occupational Safety Health and Welfare Act and damages for sexual harassment.

Out of the K336 million, K147 million is for damages for sexual harassment, K84 million for aggravated and punitive damages for breach of employer’s duty under Section 13 of the Occupational Safety Health and welfare Act and Common Law while K42 million is for damages for breach of employer’s duty under Section 7 of the Gender Equality Act.

The final K63 million which the women are claiming is for breach of employer’s duty under Section 13 of the Occupational Safety Health and Welfare Act and Common Law.

Sable Farming Company Limited is a subsidiary company of Global Tea & Commodities that specialises in the production of macadamia nuts.

The post Mediation flops in K336 million sexual abuse case first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Mediation flops in K336 million sexual abuse case appeared first on Nation Online.

A recent study has revealed that as of May this year, 26 percent of boreholes in 21 districts have failed the pumping test.

That is 102 out of 388 boreholes in the surveyed districts, meaning that millions are unable to access safe drinking water, according to water management firm Base Flow.

The firm has since warned that the country risks repeating the water access paradox experienced in 2015 when Malawi achieved an impressive 89 percent water coverage aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet 22 percent of the water points were non-functional.

Base Flow team leader Muthi Nhlema, in an interview this week, pointed out that the 89 percent coverage did not account for at least 22 percent non-functionality rate of water points at the time, which in essence meant that the country’s water coverage rate was around 67 percent.

Said Nhlema: “Even if we accelerate efforts between now and 2030, to ensure universal access to safe drinking water, the reality is that people will gain access to water points, but the quality of service will suffer.”

According to him, the yield from the water points falls short of the minimum standards set in the country’s national guidelines, adding that celebrating access alone won’t suffice, rather the country must address service quality.

He said: “In 2015, most of the population had access to water points, but a quarter of them were non-functional. Fast-forward to 2030, and we face a similar paradox, widespread access, yet compromised service due to low yield.”

Nhlema highlighted that the current 26 percent failure rate in pumping tests exacerbates the situation, saying if this trend is applied nationally, it could reveal an additional challenge of water points failing to meet the minimum yield standards among the people with access to potable water.

According to him, there is a time cost to the failure rate as people wait for groundwater to recharge at a borehole or walk long distances searching for water, saying the country is losing man-hours that could have been used productively.

Commenting on the issue, Water and Environmental Sanitation Network executive director Willie Mwandira said the development means Malawi’s attainment of SDG 6 by 2030 is unlikely.

He emphasised that some drillers may be compromising quality by delivering sub-standard infrastructure.

He argued that the certification process before handing over water points lacks thoroughness, necessitating stricter checks, including borehole yield tests, before contractors transfer the vital resources to beneficiaries.

Mwandira said: “Safe drinking water plays a catalytic role in any nation’s development.”

Health rights activist Maziko Matemba said in an interview that the findings serve as a reminder to the government that more work is urgently required for the country to attain SDG 6 by 2030.

He stressed that the study should also serve as a benchmark for rectifying the failures in water quality and management.

Matemba said: “Our observations indicate that the country’s waterborne diseases, such as cholera, stem from issues related to water quality and hygiene. These critical areas demand immediate attention.”

On his part, Malawi Equity Health Network (Mhen) executive director George Jobe highlighted the need to explore alternative options for communities facing water pumping test failures, saying by doing so, the country can effectively prevent waterborne diseases.

In a telephone interview yesterday, Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change chairperson Werani Chilenga attributed the trends to funding constraints in the sector.

Chilenga also observed that the water table in the country has gone down due to land degradation and that despite having laws such as the Forestry Act, implementation is a challenge.

He asked: “Police are just looking at people carrying charcoal pass roadblocks, how can we win this fight with this kind of behaviour?” 

According to statistics from Ministry of Water and Sanitation, a sample, in 2023, of 223 water quality tests on hand-pumped boreholes, shallow wells, and tap stands in Balaka, Machinga, Lilongwe Rural, Nkhotakota, and Mzimba districts revealed that 18 percent of boreholes fitted with hand pumps showed thermo tolerant coliforms contamination in the dry season and 21percent in the rainy season.

The data further show that water quality tests conducted in Machinga and Zomba districts for Water Users Association-managed piped water supply facilities have previously found E.coli present in 39 of 80 (49 percent) tests.

A 2013 study by the World Bank shows that for every $1 invested in climate-resilient water and sanitation, there is a return of at least $7 for African economies.

The study also shows that sub-Saharan Africa countries such as Malawi alone could gain more than 5 percent of its GDP, equivalent to $200 billion annually, if sufficient investment in water and sanitation are made.

The post 26% of boreholes fail pumping test first appeared on Nation Online.

The post 26% of boreholes fail pumping test appeared first on Nation Online.

Vice-President Saulos Chilima has chosen silence on President Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration that he will seek re-election in 2025.

“I have no comment to make,” said Chilima in a terse WhatsApp response on Friday following Chakwera’s public declaration made at a development rally on Thursday in Lilongwe after the launch of the second compact of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

Chakwera’s affirmation did not come as a surprise given that his Malawi Congress Party (MCP) gurus already endorsed him ahead of  the August elective convention widely expected to be a formality.

But main alliance partner, Chilima’s UTM Party, has always clung to the narrative of an agreement between the President and his Vice in the run-up to the 2020 court-sanctioned presidential polls that a victorious Chakwera would serve one term then give way to Chilima to lead the alliance in the 2025 election.

Now that the President has clarified that he will contest, Chilima’s next move will be the most closely watched in the coming months.

But for now, Chilima’s strategy, it appears, is to keep everyone guessing, holding his cards close to his chest.

On Thursday evening, UTM Party publicity secretary Fèlix Njawala said they will not be commenting on matters discussed at MCP gatherings.

“The President is leader of MCP and he made such remarks to MCP faithful at a rally, so, we cannot make any comment on that.

“It could have been different if these remarks were made at a gathering where both UTM and MCP people were available,” he said.

Meanwhile, Political Science Association of Malawi publicity secretary Mavuto Bamusi said the President’s move was not surprising.

He said the agreement was a non-starter and was dead on arrival, but warned that MCP’s actions place any new alliances under serious doubts.

Said Bamusi: “UTM has played second-fiddle and what comes out clear is that alliances will lose trust because agreements made under alliances will now be regarded as informal and not to bé trusted. They are simply marriages of convenience.”

On his part, governance pundit George Chaima said the fact that Chakwera has finally declared his interest for the 2025 polls sends a clear message to Chilima to concentrate on growing UTM.

Said Chaima: “Unless Chilima wants to go into another alliance, let him concentrate on UTM. That he is going to represent the Tonse Alliance is a buried story now, let him forget about that.

“We cannot say Chilima has been played but, again, that is all polítics. Politicians are not people that you can trust. If they cannot trust each other, how can you trust an agreement or a promise? If you trust them, you end up being disappointed.”

An expert in electoral polítics Ernest Thindwa noted that it was wishful thinking for UTM to think that MCP would not field a candidate in the 2025 polls.

He said MCP was using its numerical strength to stamp authority over others, urging Chilima to concentrate on growing his party.

He said: “Irrespective of the agreement, which is also not legally binding, the fact is that MCP was always going to field their candidate. This should have been clear to UTM because with MCP’s numèrical strength in Parliament and on the ground, it doesn’t make political sense to give way to Chilima.

“So, let UTM define its polítical future. Let it develop its support base, otherwise, depending on being given the presidency by MCP is wishful thinking. “

Recently, MCP said the electoral partnership that triumphed in the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election expires in 2025.

MCP spokesperson Ezekiel Ching’oma said the party’s national executive committee (NEC), which has endorsed Chakwera as presidential candidate, would meet to review and make fresh arrangements, come 2025.

He said: “It should be emphasised that this agreement does not extend beyond that specified period. Consequently, the NEC will convene again to discuss and plan for the future.

“It is essential to reconvene and engage in constructive discussions to formulate a fresh agreement that encompasses all the parties we intend to collaborate with. This will allow us to establish a renewed and comprehensive alliance, ensuring a strong and unified front for the years to come.”

The post What will unmute SKC? first appeared on Nation Online.

The post What will unmute SKC? appeared first on Nation Online.

The man who defiled Jessie 12 years ago lives only metres away from her, but both are unaware.

Their paths initially crossed when he, identified as Niga then, abducted and locked her in his house during the day and turned her into his wife at night.

He was arrested and convicted after Eye of the Child and the police rescued little Jessie who had genital warts and discharged a foul smell from her private parts. She later tested HIV positive.

Now the two are living in the same neighbourhood at Kameza, Traditional Authority Machinjiri, a densely populated urban-rural location in Blantyre.

Jessie is oblivious of her ordeal as she has no recollection of this past experience.

But events leading up to her coming to live in this neighbourhood from her home village in Nsanje two months ago are clear indications that she never received appropriate help to enlighten her about sexual exploitation, how to protect herself or given any survival tools such as education or means to earn an income.

Twelve years later, Jessie, 21, lays on a mat unable to sit up straight, hold her two months old baby girl or wear any clothes.

A gaping would hidden by a chitenje is not a sight for the faint-hearted, a reminiscent of four operations she underwent in March.

She doesn’t know who the father of the baby is as she claims to have been seeing two men at a time.

Her aunt Martha Lesteni said after the cesarean section that delivered baby Charity, a hysterectomy—removal of her uterus— was ordered followed by a third and fourth to clean her stomach.

“A stench emanated from the womb and it had to be removed four days after the birth. Thereafter, her stomach also produced an ordour requiring cleaning. She is yet to be stitched because the wound was too big,” she said.

Lesteni said they are required to visit South Lunzu Health Centre in Machinijiri twice a week for dressing, but the K4 000 for a motorcycle is out of their reach.

Jessie’s companion since the birth has been the mat situated at the tiny living room which has two two stools, a few chairs and a coffee table for furniture in an overcrowded mud house at Kameza.

Lesteni, her husband and their four children are accommodating Jessie, her mother and sister barely big enough to house the initial occupants.

Meanwhile, Charity wails and shivers as Jessie’s mother Beatrice Hale dresses her in chitenje pieces improvised for nappies.

She is surviving on thobwa (sweet beer) because the mother cannot breast feed.

The baby formula they received while in hospital from Eye of the Child has run out and is not on the family’s list of groceries because even fending for nine mouths is implausible.

According to Lesteni, Niga was released about four years ago and married last year.

“I attended his wedding and they hired my husband’s music equipment. They have a daughter,” said Lesteni.

Hale said Jessie never went back to school after the dissolution of her marriage and was taken to Mpemba Reformatory Centre.

Later, she returned to Nsanje where she has been living until the birth of her baby whose possible fathers are guards.

Ministry of Gender child development officer Kondwani Mhone agrees that the focus tends to be on perpetrators with little care of support for survivors.

However, he said the launch of a strategy on ending child marriages in 2018 gives them more support.

He said the protocol offers survivors educational, physiological and psycho-social support, but financial challenges hinder their progress.

He said each district receives an average of K250 000 each for the social welfare and gender offices for implementation and follow-up of the required programmes.

“We advocate for resources because the amounts are barely enough. We cannot reach every girl that needs our help, but interventions have been boosted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jessie is asking for help for her recovery, fend for her child and start a business that will also support her mother and five siblings.

The post Survivor’s defiler lives metres away from her first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Survivor’s defiler lives metres away from her appeared first on Nation Online.

Bwalo la milandu ku Balaka lalamula a Steven Maluwa a zaka 24 za kubadwa kuti akakhale kundende zaka 14 kaamba kopezeka wolakwa pa mlandu oganana ndi mtsikana wa zaka 17.

Malingana ndi wachiwiri kwa mneneri wa polisi m’bomalo a Mphatso Munthali, woimira boma pa mlanduwo a Winfred Chikhobili adauza bwalolo kuti wodandaulayo adachitidwa chipongwecho pa 1 February 2024 usiku pomwe amaperekeza mnzake.

Iwo adati wodandaula adakumana ndi mkuluyo yemwe adayamba kumuthamangitsa uku akumugenda zomwe zidachititsa kuti wodandaulayo agwe.

“Izi zidapereka mpata kwa mkuluyo kuti amupeze n’kuyamba kumuvula wodandaulayo mpaka kuchita naye za dama kawiri momukakamiza kenako kumuopseza kuti amupha ngati angadziwitse aliyense za nkhaniyo.

“Atafika kunyumba odandaulayu adafotokozera makolo ake zomwe zidachitikazo ndipo iwo adazafotokoza kupolisi ya Kankao komwe wodandaulayo adapatsidwa kalata yoti akapimidwe ndi chipatala cha Kankao komwe zidatsimikizika kuti msungwanayo adagwiriridwa ndipo apolisi adamanga mkuluyo,” adatero a Munthali.

Poonekela m’bwalolo, Maluwa adakana mlanduwo zomwe zidachititsa woimira milandu kubweretsa mboni 7 zomwe zidapereka umboni wosonyeza kuti mkuluyo adapalamuladi mlanduwu.

Pofuna kuti bwalolo limufewetsere chilango Maluwa adapempha bwalolo kuti lisamupatse chilango chachikulu potengera kuti banja lawo limadalira iyeyo komanso kuti ndi koyamba kupalamula.

Koma woimira boma pa mlandu adapempha bwalolo kuti lipereke chilango chokhwima ponena kuti milandu yonga iyi ikuchulukira m’bomalo.

Popereka chigamulo, woweruza Phillip Chibwana adagwirizana ndi woimira boma pa mlanduwu ponena kuti milandu yotere ikuchuluka kotero adalamula a Maluwa kukagwira ntchito ya kalavula gaga kwa zaka 14 ngati njira yoti ena atengere phunziro. A Maluwa amachokera m’mudzi mwa Chimpakati, mfumu yaikulu Chanthunya boma la Balaka.

The post Amangidwa zaka 14 atagonana ndi mwana first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Amangidwa zaka 14 atagonana ndi mwana appeared first on Nation Online.

As 2025 General Elections draw closer there are fears that voter apathy might heavily manifest its negativity again. Our contributor WISDOM CHIROMBO, caught up with governance and civic education expert at National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust BONIFACE PHIRI to explain what interventions can be employed to curb the problem. Excerpts:

How bad has voter apathy been in recent elections?

Sadly, over the recent years, voter apathy during Malawi’s elections has been on the rise. Prospective voters have increasingly been shunning the ballot box; after remarkable figures during the 1999 general elections where Malawi recorded a 93 percent voter turnout, percentages quickly plummeted to 59 percent in 2004.

Between 2004 and now the percentages have been hovering below 79 percent. At some point—in 2000 to be specific—voter turnout for local government elections hit an all-time low of 14 percent.

In recent months low voter turnout also marred by-elections in Kaporo, Chilanga and Rukuru in Karonga as well as Mtiya Ward in Zomba with Dedza Central Constituency reaching as low as 35 percent.

What are the main reasons for voter apathy?

The first reason is that many Malawians feel that their vote doesn’t matter and has little impact on the outcome of elections. These feelings are often compounded by a sense that elected officials are more influenced by selfish interests than the will of their electors.

Secondly, mounting cynicism about the integrity and intentions of politicians and political parties is another weighty aspect.

This is gas lit by incidents of political corruption, unfulfilled campaign promises, detachment of political leaders from the realisms and struggles of citizens. Further, this is aggravated when political discourse becomes more about attacking opponents than debating essential questions, issues and solutions.

So, what should be done to address voter apathy?

The first way is to enhance voter and political education. Education institutions and community organisations should emphasize civic education to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in democratic processes.

Voter education is the best solution for apathy because it helps people understand that while nationwide problems need to be dealt with, participation in elections is an effective way of correcting societal challenges.

The other way is to make voter registration more accessible and simple by ensuring that all eligible citizens have easy access to polling sites. Positive use of social media is also a great tool.

Lastly on this point, politicians must always remember to hold issue-based campaigns that are devoid of castigations and negative talk because this scares away prospective voters.

How can MEC’s administration and management of polls improve voter turnout?

. There are three areas that Malawi Electoral Commission [MEC] needs to seriously and carefully consider in this regard. These include voter registration, handling electoral complaints and disputes and making decisions or activities that may appear controversial.

In terms of voter registration, MEC must ensure that it has sufficient materials and personnel. In the same vein MEC must strive to employ capable and highly motivated registration officers who know how to handle even very trivial matters by themselves.

Do party politics play a part in voter apathy?

. Absolutely! In this regard we are talking inter and intra-party democracy. To the greatest levels, nomination of candidates to stand or represent parties in elections leaves a lot to be desired in the country.

Generally, you will notice that patronage and personal followership with regard to party leadership appear to be more important for the nomination of candidates than the preference of grassroots. This increases incidences of intra-party violence which eventually turns off prospective voters.

Can civic education truly help in combating voter apathy?

Civic education is the best solution for apathy because it helps people understand that while countrywide problems need to be dealt with, political and electoral participation is one effective way of taking action to fix the situation.

Inadequate civic education and mobilisation campaigns have been acknowledged as subsidizing factors to low turnout of voters in by-elections in Malawi.

Civic and voter education is done by MEC, partners and stakeholders such as Nice Trust, as well as political parties themselves, and the latter are supposed to play the biggest role by encouraging their supporters to participate in electoral processes.

The post ‘We must deal with voter apathy’ first appeared on Nation Online.

The post ‘We must deal with voter apathy’ appeared first on Nation Online.

Shock was the reaction from various arts players, especially in the local film industry, following the death of renowned actor Hope Chisanu

Various film producers and players on Saturday said they were lost for words at the news.

Expressing sorrow in his a eulogy, Charles Shemu Joyah, whose company worked with Chisanu on a number of productions, said his death was a huge blow to the local film industry.

“Without fear of contradiction, Hope Chisanu is probably one of the greatest actors that I have worked with. When we were ready to shoot Seasons of a Life, I was so surprised at how much he was dedicated to his role. He had the same attitude during all his assignments with me,” he said.

Joyah said it was, therefore, not surprising that every time they had a production, he came out tops and was given roles.

“Hope was a natural actor and so easy to work with. He never complained or bothered about working during odd hours. Acting was his second nature and everytime we were on set, he made everyone happy and comfortable,”he said.

Joyah singled out three iconic scenes that the late Chisanu gave during the movie The Last Fishing Boat.

“In a scene where after he beat up Abiti Anefa, he runs to the beach and then he starts to cry. When we went on set, I told him that this is what I want, he took a moment to get into character and what he gave us at the end was so emotional and real that after he executed the scene, he needed five minutes to get out of character,” explained Joyah.

In a statement yesterday, Film Association of Malawi (Fama) secretary general James Kitchen confirmed his passing.

“We are saddened as filmmakers since we have lost one of our pillars in the film industry,” he said.

Kitchen said more details about Chisanu’s funeral would be announced once his family communicates.

On his part, actor Ashukile Mwakisulu, who has acted with Chisanu in more than three films, said he was lost for words.

“I am failing to process the whole thing. I am in so much shock. This is a huge loss to the film industry,” he said.

Mwakisulu said he remembers how he knew Chisanu in 2010.

“We both got roles in The Last Fishing Boat and our friendship grew. The 25 days we spent on set cemented our friendship. He was an incredible guy. He was funny, intelligent and extremely talented,”he said.

Mwakisulu said Chisanu gave him advice when he struggled on set with his character.

“He taught me how to easily get in and out of character and how to understand my role. This is a huge loss for me and the industry,” he said.

Malawi may remember Chisanu as an actor in films such as Seasons of a Life, The Last Fishing Boat, The Road to Sunrise, The Boy who harnessed the wind, All We Have is Us and many more.

But he was also a renowned broadcaster having made his name as a presenter on public broadcaster at Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). He was also a part time master of ceremony for various social and corporate events. At the time of his death, he had relocated to the United States.

Details of his funeral arrangements were not out at the time we went to print, but his family confirmed his passing.

The post Film industry mourns actor Hope Chisanu first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Film industry mourns actor Hope Chisanu appeared first on Nation Online.

The Magwero Industrial Park whose project was launched on Saturday in Lilongwe is projected to generate about $600 million (K1.1 trillion) in annual revenue from manufactured products.

That is more than what tobacco currently generates as the state of the art facility is expected to support 15 000 direct jobs.

This is according to the financial backer of the project, Afreximbank which partnered the well known industrial parks operator, Arise.

President Lazarus Chakwera launched the project whose construction is expected to start in a matter of weeks.

Afreximbank president Benedict Oramah further said the park, being developed under the Special Economic Zone legal framework, will attract $300 million in direct investments and a similar amount coming indirectly.

“The project will turn Malawi from an agrarian economy to one that manufactures and exports products and that will help to transform the economy,” Oramah said in an interview.

Magwero Industrial Park is expected to be the country’s manufacturing hub, producing agro- based products in light industries.

For the industrial park, raw materials could be one of the major bottlenecks but that will be a responsibility of Arise, a government partner in the project.

Through a special purpose vehicle, Arise and Export Development Fund established Magwero Industrial Park Limited. Arise is expected to provide logistical services to aggregate raw materials to supply to the manufacturers.

According to Arise, which has partnered Nico Holdings and the Reserve Bank of Malawi owned Export Development Fund, they are experts in that drawing from experiences in Benin, their first industrial park, Togo, Chad, Nigeria and other countries.

Arise will also ensure the park is connected to basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water and others to service the manufacturers which will also enjoy tax, exchange rate and trade restriction exemptions as provided in the Special Economic Zone law.

President Chakwera, speaking at the launch, said the project will bring back the manufacturing glory the country lost at the dawn of multiparty, saying politicians and business people brought down the industrial base by sharing State owned manufacturing companies.

“It is not me who makes prices rise as they are, a country with no manufacturing companies that buy raw materials from local farmers cannot deal with poverty,” he said.

The industrial park – whose first factories are expected to be ready in 12 months, according to Minister of Industry and Trade Sosten Gwengwe follows the Special Economic Zones Bill that Parliament passed to provide a legal framework.

The post Industrial park targets $600 million first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Industrial park targets $600 million appeared first on Nation Online.

South Africans went to the polls on Wednesday last week. As results started tricking in from Thursday, it was clear that the former president Jacob Zuma’s party, uMkhonto we Sizwe, has caused major upsets in certain provinces and certainly causing the ANC lose its majority.

It is clear at this point that MK party launched some six months, ago is a significant player in South African politics and those who were dismissive of its relevance must be having second thoughts.

One interesting aspect of the MK Party is a breakaway of the ANC. Zuma, quite a divisive figure in South African politics, does not in any way represent what good leadership looks like. However, lessons abound from the outcome of the SA elections.

The first lesson, which I hope our leaders are paying attention to is that there comes a time when the citizens get tired of being lied to and of unfulfilled promises that they will be willing to align with something relatively new.

Following discussions in SA prior to elections, South Africans were frustrated with poor service delivery, unfulfilled promises and leadership that is detached from its people.

Most young people spoke of unemployment and lack of opportunities, things that Malawians can relate with.

MK party’s performance in SA’s elections is a sign for our leaders that their positions are not guaranteed, it doesn’t matter how eloquent you are, but if your eloquence does not translate to action on the ground, the citizenry is ready to topple you down.

MK party’s performance is also a lesson leaders that once you have been put in those positions of authority, your ultimate allegiance is to the people that you serve. Unfortunately, we live in a country where our leaders don’t listen and never learn.

The post Lessons from SA elections first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Lessons from SA elections appeared first on Nation Online.

When Paramount Holdings Limited (PHL) was voted Most Reliable Construction company at the recent 105th National Product Magazine Top Manufacturer, Supply, Business and Good Smaritan Awards in Lilongwe, it was more than just an accolade.

It was the fulfilment of its mission of providing world class infrastructure in the country.

PHL managing director Prakash Ghedia did not hide his excitement and said the award enhances their reputation and demonstrated their commitment to quality and excellence in the construction industry.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement. If feels great to be recognised as a leader in construction, contributing to our country’s economy by delivering quality products,” he said in an interview on Wednesday.

Ghedia also observed that through the recognition, PHL’s credibility with clients has strengthened, potentially leading to new business opportunities.

“It also boosts team morale, motivating our employees to continue delivering outstanding projects,” he added.

And 15 years after its inception, PHL seems to be living another of its mission; to achieve their objectives in an environment of fairness and courtesy to clients, employees, vendors and society.

It was incorporated as a liability company in December 2009 under the Companied Act on 1984.

It is a group of companies under the slogan ‘Building the nation to supreme Heights’.

“This is evident through our prestige history of completed projects in all divisions all across Malawi. We provide equality product at the most economical cost,” said Ghedia.

According to the managing director, its core business in construction, supply chain, fertilisers, commodities, trading of construction materials, equipment and machinery; hiring our construction machineries and equipment; automobiles, farming mechanism equipment and supply of agro-processing machinery.

Its goal is to promote industrial, commercial and residential construction, water irrigation schemes, educational institutions building, non-governmental and government construction projects and architectural design.

Some of their irrigations achievements include Lweya Irrigation scheme in Nkhata Bay, Manthimbe Irrigation Scheme in Thyolo, Ukanga Irrigation Scheme in Karonga and Likhubula Irrigation Scheme in Chikwawa.

It has constructed market depot in Lilongwe, Soche Technical College, Chancellor College and commercial warehouses.

The company is legally registered with the Malawi Investment Promotion Agency, National Construction Industry Council as a Civil Engineering and Building Contractor in the category of Unlimited and as Electrical Contractor in the category of K500M.

Furthermore, the company is also registered with Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority in Class B Category.

“As you know, manpower is crucial in the construction industry, we employ about 300 people.

“This award is, therefore, dedicated to our team members who are working on the ground. Their hard work and dedication are the foundation of our success and we are grateful for their invaluable contributions,” added Ghedia.

Minister of Trade and Industry Sostein Gwengwe said government recognises efforts by National Product Magazine with the awards becoming bigger and better every year, evolving from a Malawi event to a Southern African Development Community.

He proposed President Lazarus Chakwera as the ideal guest of honour to such an event because he has a passion and champion for industrilisation.

Gwengwe said government will continue supporting the magazine’s initiative.

The National Product Magazine Awards Top Manufacturer Awards started in 2018 to date, targeting different sectors.

In 2022, the awards launched the 80th edition of the magazine.

They were followed by the 90th, 95th, 100th in 2023 and the launch of 105th awards for 2024 mid-year awards.

The Business in-Deals Magazine on May 3 2024 also named PHL Best Malawi’s Yamaha products importer and seller.

The post More than just construction entity first appeared on Nation Online.

The post More than just construction entity appeared first on Nation Online.

Biggie,

Hope you are doing great as I am. Mine is a small problem and I know you can help a brother.

You know at my work place there is this girl I very much fancy. To tell you that she is beautiful, Biggie, that would be a blatant lie. She is simply stunningly gorgeous and dazzlingly elegant.

When she smiles at me, my heart just melts the way a snail dissolves when you put salt on it.

The other day, I was coming from the loo and I forgot to zip up. She was looking at my fry and I asked her: “Did you see the Prado in the garage?” She just smiled and looked away. I just don’t know how I felt.

Now, much as I want to ask her out, I am afraid she may say no. That I say because I know she has a boyfriend.

I am not one to give up. Should I send her pictures of my member? I know I have one that she would totally enjoy. Help me, please.

Big Prado

Hello Big Prado,

Dude, you must be one real lucky guy. Look, you asked her if she had seen your ‘Prado’ and she just smiled and walked away! Had you said that to one of the girls I was with in college, I can bet every tambala she could have told you in the face: “No I just saw your Mini Cooper.”

And that would be a day when she is in a better mood. No, she couldn’t have slapped you the way you are thinking right now. I note you are quite dumb to think of sending nudes to a crush. She could have slapped you with a lawsuit.

For that matter, she would have several charges against you. The first would be sexual harassment. Here, she would also split the charge into two. For a fact, you asking her if she had seen your ‘Prado’ is sexual harassment. Let me put it to you: You harassed her verbally with your sexual innuendos.

On the other hand, to send her nudes is sexual harassment. Simply that. Why would someone, unless they are a sexual pervert like you, send nude pictures to a crush?

On the other hand, we have in this country the Electronic Transactions Act or whatever they call it in full. Under this law, sending unsolicited nudes is criminal, they call it cyber-bullying. Get that in your head.

Oh, by the way, I like your language but get well soon NOTE: You can now send your problems to BMW via WhatsApp number: +265 888-209-027. No calls please!

The post Should I send her nudes? first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Should I send her nudes? appeared first on Nation Online.

It has been eight years since Silver Strikers beat FCB Nyasa Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

On that day, Blessings Tembo scored as the Bankers beat the People’s Team 1-0 in the Fisd Cup.

But when it comes to league matches, Bullets have maintained their dominance over the Bankers for 11 solid years, having last lost to them 2-1 in 2013.

Could this afternoon mark the end of Bullets’ invincibility over the Bankers at the so-called soccer mecca?

Silver by all means, go into the match as favourites. They are unbeaten and at the summit of the table with 22 points, eight ahead of fourth-placed Bullets.

The People’s Team though unbeaten as well, are enduring a shaky start to the season having collected 14 points from a possible 24.

But Central Bankers coach Peter Mponda, a former Bullets assistant coach, downplayed his team’s impressive record, saying they are focused on taking each game as it comes.

He said: “The team is in good shape and ready for our assignment on Sunday which we know won’t be easy, considering that our opponents are very strong when playing at Kamuzu Stadium.

“With our performance in the previous match, we have told the boys to up their game and fight for maximum points and they understand the assignment.

“We are taking one game at a time and this week we play Bullets, therefore, the boys are ready to play and win.”

His counterpart, Kallisto Pasuwa said though facing a team in form, there was no need for special preparations for the match.

He said: “Silver is one of the fixtures that we are supposed to play in 30 matches this season. We can’t say we will prepare for them differently.

“Each and every game that we play is very difficult. We can’t panic and say we will approach it differently.”

But the Zimbabwean tactician was honest to admit that the defending champions are struggling.

“It’s a phase. It will come good. Remember we hand some of the guys who we were playing last year and most of them if you can see, they are injured.

“It’s also combinations. Technically, we need to be good in front of the goal. Scoring is not all about strikers only. It’s all about everyone in the team. Any player can score. Even goalkeepers can also score.”

Bullets have been shy in front of goal, scoring just 10 while Silver have been scoring for fun, having netted 21 this far.

But despite the challenges, Pasuwa warned his former assistant not to underrate the champions.

“We are Bullets. We play with a mind of getting positive results,” he said. Silver are assured of the top position regardless of the result from today’s fixtures.

The post Silver dare to beat Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in 8 years first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Silver dare to beat Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in 8 years appeared first on Nation Online.

Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs is this week set to summon relevant authorities to discuss delays surrounding the review of Section 184 of the Penal Code.

The committee chairperson Peter Dimba said this in an interview on Thursday on the sidelines of Centre for Human Rights Education, Advice and Assistance cocktail in Lilongwe.

The section criminalises a person, who has no visible means of subsistence, found loitering and cannot give a good account of himself or herself.

High Court Judge Zione Ntaba on July 22 2022 ordered ministries of Justice and Homeland Security and the Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with the Legislature through the Speaker of Parliament and relevant committees, to effectively review the entire section and report back to the court by July 22 2024.

This was apart from declaring the section unconstitutional on the basis that it is tailored to influence arbitrary arrests on assumptions of criminality.

Dimba said it is important that the court order be complied with; hence, summoning the authorities that were highlighted in Ntaba’s ruling.

He, however, said as a committee, they feel Parliament’s inclusion was irregular, pointing out that the Ministry of Justice was better placed.

He said: “As Legal Affairs, we have a role to play in making sure that we follow up with the Ministry of Justice because in this case the Attorney General was a party to it and he knows that a Bill was to be drafted by this time to amend the section.

“This is a law that is archaic and should have been repealed with the coming of a new Constitution in 1994. Otherwise, having such archaic laws is quite baffling because this is a bad law which colonial masters wanted to use to inflict pain on the natives.”

Dimba said if a new amended Bill is drafted, the committee is prepared to support it to ensure the country has progressive laws.

But on February 22 this year, Director of Public Prosecutions Masauko Chamkakala hinted to Nation on Sunday that the review will not take place anytime soon.

He said: “Section 184 was not included in the 2023 Penal Code Amendment. We plan to include it in the next cycle.”

But Dimba said the committee remains optimistic that they can work around the situation to ensure a process to amend the section begins at the soonest time possible.

“If they are not ready, some members of Parliament can even bring it as a Private Members Bill. This is possible. But the thing is there is a court order and it has to be obeyed, it cannot be ignored,” he said.

He stressed that the amendment can still be done even if it was not included in the 2023 Penal Code Amendment.

Southern Africa Litigation Centre justice criminal lead Chikondi Chijozi in a separate interview expressed optimism that the committee’s involvement will trigger relevant authorities to hit the ground running.

Chijozi said they were hopeful that since the court order had given ample time for the section’s review, it was going to be amended within 24 months.

She said: “For us we are happy because that is what we wanted. We wanted to see action and I am happy that the Legal Affairs Committee has actually seen the importance of taking action by summoning the relevant authorities.

“So, we hope that by summoning them, it will translate into action and we hope that by July 22 this year we should have this law reviewed”.

The court order stated that failure to amend the section will continue creating problems for the Judiciary.

Part of the ruling reads: “If the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary continue to handle the vagrancy laws in the manner we have been doing especially Section 184 of the Penal Code, the Judiciary will continue to deal with these matters either as criminal appeals or reviews or constitutional challenges, judicial reviews or false imprisonment claims, to mention a few”.

The ruling followed a judicial review case number 28 of 2018 of Henry Banda and two others versus the State in which they were challenging sweeping exercises that were declared unconstitutional.

Apart from the section’s review, the court order also directed that the Ministry of Homeland Security and Inspector General of Police review the training curriculum for police officers to ensure it covers constitutional fair rights issues, especially the right to be informed of the reasons for an arrest and how sweeping exercises can be conducted.

National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya told Nation on Sunday on February 23 this year that following the court ruling, a quick review was conducted which resulted in the amendment of guidelines on how police can conduct various specific operations, including sweeping exercises.

The post Committee moves to act on Section 184 amendment first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Committee moves to act on Section 184 amendment appeared first on Nation Online.

I want to rest my mind [and] my body,” said immediate past Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general Martha Chizuma in her parting shot yesterday.

This marked the end of her contract and with it, her three-year reign at the graft fighting body.

“I have decided not to renew my contract, [I want] to be with my little boys. I will look at other opportunities afterwards,” she remarked in a WhatsApp response to our questionnaire.

She came to the bureau in 2021 after making a name as a no-nonsense Ombudsman with tact in investigating seemingly complicated cases.

When Nation on Sunday asked her to assess her reign at ACB, she sent a flier with bullets of her achievements showing 639 completed investigations, 58 completed prosecutions plus 20 awaiting judgement.

“[About] K881m or $550 000 worth of assets forfeited to Malawi Government. Houses, cars, and buildings, worth billions of kwacha preserved waiting forfeiture,” part of the flier reads.

Chizuma’s reign was eventful. She was arrested over a leaked audio conversation with a suspected bureau outsider before President Lazarus Chakwera intervened with a release order.

She also collaborated with the United Kingdom’s National Crimes Agency (NCA) in suspected corrupt cases linked to businessperson Zuneth Sattar, which led to the arrest of Vice-President Saulos Chilima, former Police Inspector General George Kainja and other high profile government officers.

The State has, however, discontinued the case against Chilima.

Chizuma will also be commended for ensuring that the ACB does not seek consent from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This was after she publicly stated that the DPP’s office was frustrating efforts in prosecuting some cases as the DPP was not granting consent.

This resulted in the Corrupt Practices Act being amended and assented to by the President.

Under Chizuma’s tenure, the ACB managed to recruit more prosecutors and Treasury increased funding from K6 billion in 2022, K7.8 billion in the previous fiscal year and K8.6 billion in the current financial year.

Assessing her tenure, private practice lawyer Gladwell Majekete notes that Chizuma was affected by State operatives throwing spanners into her works.

“The initial stages of her tenure had goodwill from the appointing authority, but things changed when the appointing authority realised she wanted to exercise her independence,” he said in a response to our questionnaire yesterday.

Her arrest, Majekete says, was an example of the bid to stop her in her tracks.

“The leaked audio only confirmed party zealots’ fears that she could not spare anyone and at that point drama unfolded; the presidential address whose tone was clear.

“The revelations by the director that ACB could go four months without funding, if true, speaks volumes of the extent to which ACB as a key institution in the fight against corruption is being supported,” the lawyer said.

Meanwhile, Centre for Transparency and Accountability executive director Willy Kambwandira said “in all fairness, it will be difficult to subject her to performance assessment.”

He attributed his line of thought to lack of support, saying: “She was not given support to execute her duties, and it was also evident that the whole government machinery, including other arms of government, worked to frustrate the former ACB Director General.

“The leadership too did not provide the desired political support to her and in that regard it is unfair to subject her to performance assessment.”

Meanwhile, the deputy director general Elia Bodole is, by law, the acting ACB chief.

The Corrupt Practices Act section 8 (1) reads: “If the office of the director is vacant or the Director is absent from duty or unable for any other reason to perform the functions of his office, the Deputy Director shall act as director.”

The post I want to rest my mind, Chizuma ends ACB journey first appeared on Nation Online.

The post I want to rest my mind, Chizuma ends ACB journey appeared first on Nation Online.

 France-based Women’s football superstar Tabitha Chawinga has hailed Malawians for their support during her successful season-long stint with French Women’s First Division side Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Posting on her Facebook page, the Scorchers captain wrote: “I am very thankful to all Malawians from Nsanje to Chitipa for your unwavering support during my stay in France at PSG.

“Your support was a great inspiration to me and made me realize that I wasn’t alone in this journey.”

The 26-year-old said winning the Player of the Season and Golden Boot awards and making it into the Uefa Women’s and French First Division Best XI as well as Coupe de France, was partly because of the support she enjoyed from her compatriots.

“You also watched our games and followed me on different social media forums. I also thank the media for the great job they did in keeping the nation informed about my exploits,” she said.

In an interview yesterday, Tabitha, who is set to return to her parent club Wuhan Jiangda in China, said she will be arriving home on June 9 for holidays.

But she could not be drawn to comment on her future with the Chinese club.

Tabitha said while in the country, she will use her spare time to interact with her fans by posing for photographs and signing autographs.

Last year, she also won the Italian Women’s Serie A golden boot while on loan at Inter Milan to become the first African to achieve that feat.

The post Tabitha thanks Malawiansfor support first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Tabitha thanks Malawiansfor support appeared first on Nation Online.

Vice-President Saulos Chilima on Sunday arrived in Seoul, Republic of Korea for the 2024 Korea-AfricaSummit.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said the summit, where he is representing President Lazarus Chakwera, presents a unique opportunity for Malawi to strengthen ties with South Korea and foster cooperation on global issues.

Said Chilima: “In the next few days, we expect meaningful discussions on trade, investment and infrastructure development, leading to tangible outcomes that benefit our citizens. We further look forward to exploring innovative solutions for climate change, energy security and health care, aligning our efforts towards a prosperous and sustainable future.”

The summit will be held from June 4 to June 5 2024 under the theme ‘The future we make together; Shared growth, sustainability and solidarity’. Chilima left Malawi on Saturday and is expected to return on June 7 2024.

The post VP Chilima in South Korea for summit first appeared on Nation Online.

The post VP Chilima in South Korea for summit appeared first on Nation Online.

Elements of hooliganism yesterday spoiled the party as Silver Strikers coach Peter Mponda’s charges outclassed his former employers FCB Nyasa Bullets 1-0 in a pulsating contest at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Several vehicles, including the Central Bankers’ team bus, were smashed by suspected Bullets fans.

Silver Strikers chief executive officer Patrick Chimimba said they had to hire an alternative vehicle to ferry the players from the stadium.

“It’s sad. We must learn to accept results and lose with dignity, this is sad for our game,” he said.

On the other hand, Bullets chief adminstration officer Albert Chigoga also said their team bus’ tyres were deflated by the hooligans.

“Right now, we are having it fixed,” he said.

On the pitch, the clock wasn’t lying and cometh the 90th minute, cometh the man. When everybody thought the TNM Super League encounter was headed for a barren draw, Chinsisi Maonga broke the hearts of the People’s Team’s faithful with the lone goal.

Barely a minute on the pitch, he rewarded his coach, who was visibly desperate to make a statement against his former team, with a goal that bagged maximum points.

After the goal, suspected Bullets fans threw objects onto the pitch and referee Gift Chicco had to wait for the situation to calm down before blowing the final whistle.

A swift counter-attack saw Maonga pounce on a long ball and with Bullets defenders Gomezgani Chirwa and Yankho Singo breathing down his neck, and goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu advancing in no man’s land to narrow the angle, he coolly slotted the ball into the net with his only touch of the game.

No fuss, job done. He then took off his jersey as he celebrated the hugely significant goal with a jive.

Mponda celebrated the goal with his fists clenched, eyes lit and mouth wide open.

He could have been forgiven if at all he felt like flying after spending the better part of the game charging up and down the touchline, demanding more from his troops.

And like a good general, Mponda led his troops out of the trenches after a mission accomplished.

Silver will head back to their base in Lilongwe as the only team yet to taste defeat in the top-flight league.

They sit pretty at the pinnacle with 25 points, having dropped only two points in nine matches. They are seven points above second-placed Kamuzu Barracks.

Adding extra spice to this significant victory was the fact that it was the first time in eight years for Silver to beat Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in a league match.

In a post-match interview, Mponda, spotting a sky-blue shirt, black pair of trousers and a pair of snickers, hailed his charges for their fighting spiritand discipline.

With his voice straining with emotion, the former Bullets assistant coach and captain said: “First-half was open, it was 50-50, then in the second half, we tried to raise the tempo and I should thank the boys, especially Maonga for that priceless goal because it wasn’t an easy one.”

His Bullets counterpart Kallisto Pasuwa said: “Football can be cruel at times. We had our moments, but we couldn’t score and we got punished in the dying minutes of the game.

“To win a game, you need to make use of the chances you create. We’ll go back to the dressing room and map the way forward.”

Bullets were dominant in the first-half in which they created a number of scoring chances, but failed to make them count with Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju the notable culprit. Following the loss, Bullets are fifth with 14 points from nine matches.

The post  Hooligans spoil it first appeared on Nation Online.

The post  Hooligans spoil it appeared first on Nation Online.

 South Africa-based forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango has been dropped from the final Flames’ squad for Thursday’s 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The revitalised forward was in top form for his club Moroka Swallows towards the end of the DStv Premiership season, scoring five goals in the last eight matches and being named man-of-the-match twice.

In an interview yesterday, Mhango asked for more time before commenting on his exclusion while Mabedi could not be reached.

The 26-member list includes seven foreign-based players.

Also missing on the list are England-based duo of defender Djibril Okedina and midfielder Takondwa Maosa who were part of the squad that played in the Four Nations Tournament in March.

But Mabedi has kept faith in US-based forward Henri Kumwenda.

Captain John ‘CJ’ Banda is the only Mozambique-based player included.

The Flames’ gaffer has also kept faith in South Africa-based goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, defender Dennis Chembezi, based in Iraq, Zambia-based trio of midfielder Robert Saizi and strikers Chawanangwa Kaonga and Chifundo Mphasi.

Left-backs Precious Sambani and Tatenda M’balaka have also made the final list after missing the Four Nations Tournament due to injuries.

The notable uncapped players that have made the grade are TNM Super League leading scorer Zelliat Nkhoma and Blessings Singini.

After Thursday’match, the Flames will switch their attention to their next qualifier against Equatorial Guinea away, four days later.

The Flames have three points from two games.

The post Gaba dropped for Sao Tome match first appeared on Nation Online.

The post Gaba dropped for Sao Tome match appeared first on Nation Online.