Nthanda Times

Blessings Tambala

  • I’m ready to protect DPP youth, journalists against MCP intimidation, Chisale declares

    Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) National Youth Director, Norman Chisale, has declared that he is ready to face more arrests in his quest for justice and protection of the youth and journalists against intimidation from the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

    Speaking at a press held in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chisale alleged that MCP is plotting to use threats and intimidation on journalists working with private media in order to maintain its grip on power.

    “Enough is enough! We will not allow or tolerate MCP to continue arresting or intimidating innocent Malawians,” he declared.

    He further warned that should the MCP-led government continue trampling on the rights of Malawians, his party will mobilize young people to protest any dictatorial tendencies.

    “We know that MCP is doing all this because they know they are exiting government next year. But we will not relent. We’re ready to protect our hard-won democracy. And I will be the DPP monitor in the Central Region,” said Chisale.

    Chisale speaking during the press briefing

    In his statement, the DPP Secretary General (SG), Peter Mukhitho, demanded the removal of the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Colleen Zamba, and Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, over their alleged involvement in illegal fuel importation deal.

    Mukhitho also asked Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and National Registration Bureau (NRB) to address registration issues stakeholders have been highlighting ahead of the next year’s General Elections.

    “Some may wonder why I have mentioned NRB yet it is MEC that oversees and managed elections. Yes! NRB is the one that is responsible for issuing National IDs which at the moment will be the only proof of identification to be recognised by MEC during voter registration,” he said.

    “Fellow Malawians, I want you to know this! Section 6 of our supreme Constitution states that and I qoute ” Save as otherwise provided in this constitution, the authority to govern derives from the people of Malawi as expressed through universal suffrage in elections held in accordance with this Constitution. MCP must read this section and understand that when Malawians are tired with your leadership, any attempts to force yourself on them is a recipe for disaster!  Our supreme law of the land, section 40 as read with Section 71 don’t say anything about National ID as a sole proof of identification for one to express his choice of political leaders to run the affairs of State. The framers of our Constitution knew that voting is a right that must be preserved and protected at all cost,” he added.

    However, Mukhitho assured Malawians that DPP has put in place stringent measures for ensuring that the MCP government does not rig the elections.

    “We have our eyes everywhere and the donor community has its eyes everywhere too. If these calls to have everyone eligible to register to vote even if one does not have a National ID hits a snag, we will engage gear two and they will not like it! We have been patient enough and Malawians are counting down that they have only less than 11 months of suffering before they are liberated! We can’t sit phwiiiiii and allow their suffering sentence being extended by another five years from September! We will stop these evil people in their tracks and your vote is that weap on to stop them,” he said.

  • Dr. Mtumbuka, Upper Shire delegates seal deal

    UTM Party presidential hopeful, Engineer Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka, on Wednesday met 64 delegates from the Upper Shire Region where he assured them of his commitment to preserve the SKC (Saulos Klaus Chilima) legacy.

    Upper Shire Region covers districts of Balaka, Mwanza, Neno and Ntcheu.

    During the interface meeting, the delegates sought Mtumbuka’s assurance to ensure that he will maintain the legacy of the departed State Vice President and former leader of the party, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.

    The delegates reminded their party’s presidential aspirant about the principles and values that Chilima stood for.

    They said they would not want the next leader of UTM Party to ‘kill them’.

    But in his response, Dr. Mtumbuka said he would be the “very last person” to betray the fallen Vice President on his agenda and mission for the nation.

    Mtumbuka: I will preserve, champion SKC legacy

    “As I have said in various fora, I will strive to carry on with his vision for this country. And that includes his desire to create jobs for the youth. As you might be aware, I have already started creating jobs for the youth through the company I established last year,” he narrated.

    Dr. Mtumbuka’s company, UbuntuNet Alliance, is employing 80 young people in Malawi, including university graduates.

    The UTM Party presidential candidate in an ICT engineer of international repute. He attained his DPhil in Communications Engineering at the University of Oxford in 2005.

    Currently, he is heading the UbuntuNet Alliance.

  • APM Praises AFORD’s presence at Mulhakho

    Patron of the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Grouping, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has said he was impressed with the diversity that featured this year’s Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival at Chonde on Sunday.

    Mutharika, who is also former Head of State and leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), says he was even overjoyed and awed by the presence of leaders of other political parties, including Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana and his deputy, Comrade Timothy Mtambo.

    APM (right) shaking hands with Mtambo at the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival

    “I was impressed by the sheer magnitude of the event just as I was awed by all the activities there. As I said in my remarks at the function, “the young people of this country should keep working hard and indeed prioritise education. There should be no excuses. Learn from us, your elders,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

    “I was particularly proud of the diversity of the tribes in attendance which underscores the values of a one unified Malawi. Thank you Mulhakho wa Alhomwe for such a beautiful occasion. Thank you all Malawians who patronised the event regardless of tribal origin or political affiliation. We should all be united for a common purpose as was the theme,” he added.

    AFORD vice president, Comrade Mtambo, said Mutharika’s sentiments contradict what some people have been saying about the character of the former president.

    Apparently, some people claimed that the former Head of State would not accept Mtambo at the event.

    Meanwhile, Mtambo has expressed gratitude to Mutharika and the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Grouping for the love and warm reception they accorded him at the event.

    “APM has just demonstrated to the country that he is accommodative and principled. Strong leaders are defined by their values and principles. They don’t take things personal. Just like I stood up in 2019 and 2020, it was never personal, but principles,” he said.

  • AFORD leader Chihana says cultural festivals are critical tools for uniting Malawi

    President of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, has described cultural festivals as critical tools for promoting unity, peace and harmony among Malawians.

    Chihana was one of the leaders of the opposition political parties who were invited to attend the annual Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival barely a day after attending another cultural event – Gonapamhanya – in Rumphi a day earlier.

    Speaking in an interview on Monday morning, Chihana said his appearance at the

    Mulhakho wa Alhomwe cultural ceremony in Mulanje on 6th October 2024 underscores AFORD’s commitment to promoting peace, unity, and cultural understanding.

    He said the event at Chonde Cultural Village provided a fitting platform for AFORD leaders to demonstrate their commitment to inclusive leadership.

    The Chihanas walking to the high table at Chonde Cultural Village in Mulanje

    “By attending this event, the AFORD President reinforced the party’s resolve to bridge cultural divides and foster national unity,” said Chihana, adding that the gesture echoes the reconciliatory spirit of former President Peter Mutharika, who famously extended an olive branch to his then-rival Comrade Timothy Mtambo.

    “Such acts of unity and forgiveness pave the way for a more harmonious and inclusive political landscape. And as Malawi continues on its path towards peace and prosperity, moments like these remind us of the power of unity and cultural exchange. Let us all promote peace and unity regardless of our political differences and ethnicity backgrounds. For in unity, there is power,” said Chihana.

    The AFORD president’s presence alongside his spouse, Madame Tadala Chihana and the party’s vice president, Comrade Timothy Mtambo, highlighted the party’s dedication to representative leadership and cultural exchange.

  • Puma Energy Malawi affirms commitment to support next generation of aviation professionals

    Puma Energy Malawi has affirmed its commitment to supporting the next generation of aviation professionals in Malawi.

    The company has since announced its partnership with the Phantom Aviation Association and has committed to donate K90, 539, 323 to support its goal of fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.

    The Phantom Aviation Association is a non-profit organisation dedicated to growing Malawi’s aviation sector.

    Puma Energy Malawi will also become the headline sponsor of this year’s airshow in partnership with the Phantom Aviation Association, which brought together over 6,000 attendees to experience the wonders of aviation last year.

    Malawi’s aviation industry has grown rapidly post-Covid with room for further expansion in both regional and domestic connectivity.

    Tourism contributes 7.7% to Malawi’s GDP and is considered an important growth catalyst, according to the 2019 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, and according to a report published by www.reportlinker.com, Malawi’s tourism revenue is projected to hit US$260 million by 2028, up from approximately US$220 million in 2023.

    This growth represents an average annual increase of 2.7%. Since the turn of the century, the Malawian tourism sector has experienced an average annual growth rate of 4.7%. These figures underscore the nation’s rising appeal as a travel destination and the sector’s expanding contribution to the economy.

     “The Phantom Aviation Association has since 2022 played a leading role in shining a spotlight on the aviation industry of Malawi. The aviation sector is critical for the country’s connectivity, economic development and tourism,” said Zwelithini Mlotshwa, newly appointed General Manager of Puma Energy Malawi.

    Puma officials presenting a dummy cheque

    “We are pleased to be supporting the next generation of aviation professionals and contributing to the growth of the economy through our investments in the fuel sector.”

    In her remarks, Senior First Officer Lusekelo Mwenifumbo said Phantom Aviation Association works towards bridging the skills gap in the aviation sector by providing information and resources to young people interested in pursuing aviation careers.

    “It’s only through collaborating with our government agencies, the Department of Civil Aviation and now Puma Energy that are we able to promote and grow the aviation industry in Malawi,” said Mwenifumbo.

    Puma Energy Malawi serves the country’s two international airports, Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, the main gateway to Malawi, and Chileka International Airport, Blantyre.

    Both airports are equipped with modern refuellers, which incorporate state-of-the-art quality control technology such as electronic water detection systems. Key airline partners include Malawi Airlines, the national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, Airlink and Nyasa Express.

    The company continues to enhance its aviation operations and embrace a sustainable future. A key initiative is the development of a first-of-its-kind digital billing system, expected to launch by the end of 2024.

    This system will provide airline customers with instant billing details to each airline’s respective headquarters on a real time basis as the fuel is uplifted into the aircraft, improving transparency and convenience.

    Puma Energy is a leading global energy business, safely providing energy across six continents in 48 countries. Our downstream business segments include fuels, aviation, lubricants, LPG, and bitumen.

    We have over 3,000 retail sites globally, a network of bitumen terminals and we are present in  108 airports.  Our purpose is energising communities to help drive growth and prosperity by sustainably serving our customers’ needs in high-potential countries around the world.

  • NCD Alliance Malawi, stakeholders discuss impacts of climate change on non-communicable diseases

    Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance Malawi has emphasized the need for the health systems in Malawi to incorporate climate change issues when responding to public health matters.

    NCD Alliance Malawi National Chairperson Maud Mwakasungula disclosed that climate change has had negative impacts on delivery of healthcare services; hence, the need for the government and its stakeholders to incorporate it in their programming.

    Mwakasungula made the remarks during a stakeholder engagement meeting on NCDs and Climate Change. The meeting was held at Edge Water Court in Lilongwe on 11 September 2024.

    The meeting was part of NCD Alliance Malawi project titled “Scaling up the Implementation Capacity for NCDs Prevention and Management Strategies.” In collaboration with Partners in Health (PIH) and with funding from World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) and Technical backing from the Malawi Government.

    Mwakasungula disclosed that climate change has become one of the drivers of NCDs in Malawi.

    “It’s a driver because when disasters hit, there is disruption of healthcare, which also increases the risk of NCDs. It is therefore very important that NCDs are integrated in disaster response plans,” she said.

    She said the stakeholders therefore felt it was important that NCD Alliance Malawi should partner with organizations, which are working in the field of climate change to ensure NCD needs are addressed in disaster planning.

    Stakeholders described the meeting as critical in creating a forum where they can discuss how climate change is impacting delivery of healthcare services to Malawians.

    Among others, they looked at the opportunities for the NCD Alliance Malawi, which, among others, include the opportunity to collaborate with existing district resources, such as Riders for Health, to optimize logistics without additional costs.

    It was also resolved that the government must take the lead in NCD initiatives for long-term sustainability. Stakeholders agreed to build on the health discussions from COP25 in Dubai by partnering with the Environmental Affairs Department for advocacy at future international summits.

    They also recommended that NCD Alliance Malawi should continue engagement with Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM), which serves over five million Malawians.

    Meanwhile, the stakeholders asked NCD Alliance Malawi to form new partners as multiple sectors are eager to eradicate NCDs due to the widespread impact and to leverage UNICEF’s provision of BP machines and stethoscopes for HSAs to increase NCD screenings in the communities.

    NCD Alliance Malawi committed itself to utilizing community radio stations to raise awareness about NCD prevention and care, advocate for increased funding for NCDs, and involve NCDs in health and climate change coordination teams to advocate for NCD priorities.

    The alliance will also partner with the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) to increase civic education efforts on NCDs across Malawi.

    Furthermore, NCD Alliance Malawi will incorporate lessons from Cyclone Freddy’s response, such as integrating NCD services into mobile clinics for better emergency care.

  • Chapeyama, Reunion Insurance donate MK11m to 2024 NPL Fun Run Initiative

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Reunion Insurance Company Limited, Dr. Dorothy Chapeyama, on Monday presented MK6,000,000 to Nation Publications Limited (NPL) in support of the Mothers Fun Run Sleepover Challenge. 

    The gesture marked the culmination of her personal fundraising efforts, following her participation in the initiative by spending a night in the maternity ward of Makhwira Health Centre in Chikwawa District, on August 18, 2024. 

    This was part of a larger campaign aiming to raise MK300,000,000 to improve healthcare facilities in Chikwawa District.

    In recognition of Dr. Chapeyama’ s leadership and commitment to social causes, Reunion Insurance made an additional contribution of MK5,000,000, bringing the total amount raised by Dr. Chapeyama to MK11,000,000. 

    The funds were symbolically handed over by the Board Chair of Reunion Insurance, Mr. Frank Muula, who commended Dr. Chapeyama for her passion and dedication. 

    He applauded her not only for her exceptional leadership within the company but also for her compassion and commitment to uplifting the vulnerable in society.

    Dr Chapeyama and NPL official displaying a dummy cheque

    Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Chapeyama stated, “As a mother, I felt deeply connected to the struggles faced by mothers, newborns, and healthcare staff in these facilities. It was an emotional and eye-opening experience, and I am profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed to this vital cause.” 

    She also extended her gratitude to Muula and the Reunion Insurance Board for their generous contribution of MK5,000,000.Dr. Chapeyama continued, “It’s impossible not to empathize with the challenges women endure in such conditions. Experiencing it firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of the urgent need for action. I hope that these funds, along with the contributions from others, will significantly improve healthcare in Chikwawa District.”

    Frank Muula, the Board Chair, highlighted the significance of corporate engagement in social initiatives, emphasizing that Reunion Insurance’s support for Dr. Chapeyama’s participation in the Mothers Fun Run reflects the company’s values. 

    “This contribution is not just a testament to Dr. Chapeyama’ s personal commitment but also demonstrates Reunion Insurance’s dedication to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” Muula said.

    “With the symbolic handover of these funds, Reunion Insurance reinforces its position as a key player in driving social change. Business is not solely about profit—it’s also about contributing to the welfare of the community,” he added.

    The donations were gratefully received by Mr Emmanuel Luciano who is editor for Nation on Sunday on behalf of NPL Deputy CEO, Alfred Ntonga, who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Chapeyama for embracing the challenge and raising a substantial amount. 

    He also extended her gratitude to Mr. Muula and the entire Reunion Insurance team for their continued support. 

    Ntonga emphasized that the contributions would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by mothers, newborns, and healthcare personnel in Chikwawa District, making a lasting difference in their lives.

    The success of the Mothers Fun Run Sleepover Challenge is a testament to the power of solidarity, compassion, and the shared belief that everyone can contribute to improving the lives of others. It also underscores the critical role that partnerships between the corporate sector and the community can play in driving meaningful change.

  • CSSPN says strategic plan will assist the network to reach out to poor communities

    The Civil Society Social Protection Network (CSSPN) says it intends to develop a strategic plan, to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding the rights of ordinary Malawians. 

    According to the organisation this plan will serve as a set of guidelines to facilitate the network’s engagement with rural communities across the country. 

    This was said during the regional consultation workshop for the development of the 2025/2030 strategic plan in Lilongwe, where the organisation’s Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba revealed that the meeting aimed to enable civil society organizations in the social protection sector to contribute to shaping the future direction of the network.

    Mkwezalamba reiterated that the strategic plan will be instrumental in fulfilling the network’s mission of advocating for an enhanced social protection system. This system is envisioned to be well-organized, adequately funded, and effectively implemented to ensure inclusivity and leave no one behind in the country.

    Stakeholders posing for a photo

    “Social protection is set of policies and programmes that aim to reduce and prevent  poverty and vulnerability, so social protection provide income  transfers to the poor and protect the vulnerable against livelihood risks as well as enhances social status and rights of marginalized, social protection also covers different stages of life cycle and has the overall objectives of reducing the economic and social vulnerability of poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups in the country,” said Mkwezalamba.

    Furthermore, Mkwezalamba pointed out the diverse roles that civil society organizations play in human rights and transitional justice initiatives. These roles include documenting violations, assisting victims, advocating for marginalized groups, and exerting pressure on decision-makers to formulate and enforce policies that safeguard human rights. 

    “Strategic plan will seek to guide us in term of how best can reach out to communities and how do we ensure that social protection works for people of Malawi so we engage the consultant with support from GIZ, IRISH AID and International Labour Organizations to identify someone to help us to put up strategic plan so the process started with engagement in the north, South and centre where are privilege to have government with other players,” explained Mkwezalamba.

    Through activities such as training sessions and local network-building, civil society organizations enhance awareness of human rights and promote collective action to advance these rights.

    Enock Bonongwe, the Deputy Director of Social Welfare in the Ministry of Gender, stressed the importance of civil society organizations developing strategic plans for their networks. 

    He said that these plans are essential for lobbying for adequate funding and promoting a comprehensive social protection program throughout the country.

    “As government we are ready to support the development of strategic plan for the network, the document is timely and strategic plan will help civil society organizations to do their work properly, as government we are part of this process because we have to see how this strategic plan aligns to  general government planning framework because in government we are guided by agenda 2063 MIP-1 and national social protection policy so we want civil society to align with what we do in government,” said Bonongwe.

    The International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director, Wellington Chibebe, reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to assisting the government in establishing a robust social protection system to realize the aspirations of Malawi in 2063.

    Chibebe urged civil society organizations to actively monitor social protection programs and engage in partnerships to provide necessary oversight and checks and balances.

    “A well-designed, managed and implemented social protection is an investment in human capital and national development, the country cannot successfully implement social protection programs without engaging the citizenry through civil society organizations. This is the reason the Irish Government has been providing financial support to systematically engage all important stakeholders in the country,” said Chibebe.

    Similarly, Ronan Sweeney, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland, acknowledged the crucial role social protection plays in national development. 

    He called for the need of involving key stakeholders, including politicians, academia, media, and civil society organizations, to combine technical expertise and financial resources in creating a protective environment for all citizens in the country.

  • Ulinzinga.com: Empowering Creatives in Malawi to Monetize Their Content Online

    In a groundbreaking move for Malawi’s creative industry, Ulinzinga.com has emerged as a platform designed to empower content creators by allowing them to monetize their work online. Powered by PayChangu, a locally developed payment gateway,

    Ulinzinga.com provides a space where creators can generate revenue through fan subscriptions, pay-per-view content, and tips. The platform streamlines the process of earning money online, enabling creatives to turn their fan base into a consistent source of income.

    One of Ulinzinga.com’s most compelling features is its integration of online ticket sales for events, which has already proven to be a game-changer for local organizers. The recent Kell Kay and Yo Maps tour, for instance, generated over MK8 million in ticket sales through the platform. 

    Additionally, the Best of Gwamba Concert leveraged Ulinzinga.com to handle their ticketing, reinforcing the platform’s potential as a vital tool for the event industry. Popular online shows like *Mushroom Shade*, *Usauver*, and *Truth or Drink* have also embraced the platform, further showcasing its versatility.

    Artists are able to sell their tickets through Ulinzinga.com

    Joshua Mwendo, Chief Operations Officer for PayChangu, highlighted the platform’s vision for the future: “We aim to revolutionize how the creative industry generates revenue online and elevate the status of our creatives. It’s an anomaly that artists with significant fan bases should struggle financially when platforms like Ulinzinga.com can empower them to thrive.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Qabaniso Malawezi, Special Advisor to the President on Creative Industries and a renowned poet, applauded the initiative. 

    “This is a timely intervention, especially at a time when many creatives struggle to get the value they deserve for their talents. Ulinzinga.com provides an avenue for artists to receive fair compensation for their work, and I’m excited to see how this platform will shape the future of our creative industry,” said Dr. Malawezi.

    With its fast, easy, and secure payment process, Ulinzinga.com is poised to not only benefit creators but also event organizers, making it one of the most competitive platforms in the market. As the creative industry in Malawi continues to evolve, Ulinzinga.com is set to play a critical role in transforming how artists and content creators connect with their audience while ensuring that they are compensated for their hard work. 

    This is just the beginning, as Ulinzinga.com and PayChangu pave the way for the future of digital creativity and commerce in Malawi.

  • 265 Energy Ltd, NBM sign MoU to provide customers access to energy products on loan

    265 Energy Limited and National Bank of Malawi (NBM) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to make clean energy solutions more accessible to Malawians.

    The agreement allows NBM customers to access a wide range of 265 Energy’s high-quality products through a convenient loan arrangement.

    The MOU was signed at NBM Headquarters in Blantyre, marking a significant collaboration between Malawi’s number one energy company and the country’s largest financial institution.

    The event was graced by the presence of NBM Chief Executive Officer, a Mr. Jiya, and 265 Energy’s brand ambassador, renowned gospel artist Miracle Chinga.

    Through this agreement, NBM customers can now acquire 265 Energy’s top-tier products, such as gas cookers, industrial burners, solar systems, solar water pumps, and much more, on loan.

    This financing option is expected to greatly benefit Malawians by making these essential, yet high-cost, products more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.

    Mbvundula (left) and Miracle Chinga at the MoU signing ceremony

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, 265 Energy Limited Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mfundo Mbvundula, emphasized the importance of the partnership in addressing the energy needs of Malawians.

    “We want to provide affordable solutions to Malawians, and partnering with National Bank is crucial in that regard. The bank will finance all products its customers need that are on the higher side in terms of price. 265 Energy provides high-quality solutions, from kitchen appliances to solar systems for homes, farms, schools, and businesses,” said Mbvundula.

    This strategic partnership brings together two of Malawi’s most reputable brands to offer flexible financial solutions for clean energy products.

    The loan facility will enable more Malawians to embrace renewable energy and gas solutions, thus reducing dependence on traditional energy sources and contributing to environmental sustainability.

    NBM Head of Retail Oswin Kasunda expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the bank’s commitment to offering innovative financial solutions that empower Malawians.