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Chakwera warns soldiers against being exploited by selfish people
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has warned Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers against allowing anyone to “exploit you to the point of making you despise that heritage”.
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has warned Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers against allowing anyone to “exploit you to the point of making you despise that heritage”.
Speaking at the graduation of MDF Senior Command and Staff in Salima on Friday, Chakwera stressed that allowing someone to penetrate and dictate the activities of the soldiers would be tantamount to doing harm to themselves by removing the nourishing roots from the tree of their life.
“So I implore you to escape this fate. You have a rich heritage of noble and formidable examples,” he said.
He advised the graduating service men and women to emulate a good example of the incumbent MDF Commander, General Paul Valentino, and his predecessor, General Vincent Nundwe, who have served the nation with diligence and integrity.
President Chakwerae said since his appointment, General Phiri has been a pillar of quiet discipline and a diligent custodian of our national security, attending to the matters under his command with vigilance to sustain the momentum that started under Nundwe.
“Let me hasten to add that the retirement that General Nundwe is now enjoying is fully deserved, for it is no secret that he rendered to his country a lifetime of selfless service and leadership that kept Malawi steady during turbulent times. And so we must count ourselves fortunate as a country for the exemplary manner in which these two eminent officers facilitated a smooth transfer of the sword of command,” he said.
“I highlight the example of these men for a reason. As we have gathered here to witness the graduation of real soldiers that are prepared to take on any potential threats to our nation’s sovereignty and security, it is critical to remember that the training that is imparted here is not just theoretical with respect to the science and art of war. It is also practical in getting our men and women in uniform fit for battle and for the rigours of the battlefield as exemplified by these Generals who serve as role models from a lifetime of service,” he added.
He lamented the tendency by Malawians to value examples of power more than the power of examples.
Chakwera observed that people tend to fix their gaze wherever there is a measure of power, whether financial, military, or political, adding that those who have power are regularly the focus of newspaper headlines, the beneficiaries of gifts and favours, and the talk of the town.
“I suppose this is the way of the world and there is little any of us can do to change the human condition, but as people who strive to make better versions of ourselves, we have every reason to expect our military, which represents and embodies the better angels of our nature, to lead the way is showing the world that the power of examples is infinitely greater than the examples of power.
“So as I congratulate those of you graduating from the senior command and staff course today, my word of encouragement to you is simple. If you want to succeed in your vocation as soldiers and if you wish to put your training to good use, follow closely the noble examples of those that lead you and lead those who come behind you by example. That is not just a good principle to follow in battle. It is a good principle to follow in life, which is itself a kind of battlefield. It is those who go through life and approach their work without any examples and models to anchor, challenge, and ground them that often flounder, while those who have such anchors tend to flourish,” said Chakwera.
National
RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
The Reserve Bank of Malawi has donated four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service to facilitate blood collection activities. RBM representatives praised MBTS’s vital role in public health, emphasizing their commitment to community initiatives. The tents aim to enhance donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection, addressing logistical challenges.
The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting life-saving initiatives by donating four tents to the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS) to enhance its blood collection activities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the MBTS Lilongwe Centre, RBM representative Boston Banda, speaking on behalf of the Governor, described MBTS as a “silent national hero” for its tireless role in saving lives through blood collection and transfusion services.
Banda said the donation reflects RBM’s dedication to initiatives that positively impact communities in line with the Bank’s Corporate Social Investment Policy
“At RBM, we believe in contributing to causes that make a real difference in people’s lives. MBTS plays a critical role in safeguarding public health, and we are proud to be part of that effort,” he said.
Receiving the donation, MBTS Board Chairperson Elizabeth Gondwe expressed appreciation for the Bank’s continued partnership, noting that the tents will improve donor comfort and efficiency during mobile blood collection exercises.
She added that the donation would help the institution overcome logistical challenges that often hinder smooth operations during field blood collection
“These tents will provide comfort and protection to our blood donors, especially during outreach exercises where weather conditions can be harsh,” Gondwe said.
The central bank’s latest donation follows a previous contribution of branded T-shirts to MBTS, underscoring its continued partnership in promoting voluntary blood donation across the country.
National
UN Chief congratulates Mutharika on return to power, pledges continued cooperation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has congratulated President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his return to power, pledging continued UN cooperation with Malawi on peace, human rights, climate action, and gender equality under his new administration.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has extended his warm congratulations to President Arthur Peter Mutharika on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi, pledging continued collaboration between the UN and the Malawian Government on key areas of mutual interest.
In a congratulatory message, Guterres expressed confidence that the United Nations would continue to enjoy Malawi’s support on global issues including peace and security, human rights, climate action, and sustainable development.
“I wish to convey my warm congratulations and best wishes to you on your inauguration as President of the Republic of Malawi. I am confident that the United Nations will continue to enjoy your support on issues of common interest,” Guterres wrote.
The UN Chief has also commended the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah SC as Vice-President, describing it as a positive step toward advancing gender equality and the political participation of women in Malawi.
“I applaud the election of Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah as Vice-President and encourage further efforts by your Government towards gender parity at all levels,” Guterres stated.
Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to Malawi’s development, Guterres said the global body would continue supporting the government and people of Malawi in their pursuit of a prosperous future, through the work of the UN Country Team led by the Resident Coordinator.
President Mutharika, who was sworn in on Saturday, returned to the presidency following the 2025 elections, marking a significant political comeback.
National
MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16% effective October 1
MERA has raised fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent effective October 1, with petrol now at K3,499 per litre and diesel at K3,500, citing higher importation costs and exchange rate pressures.
The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has hiked fuel prices by up to MERA raises fuel prices by up to 33.16 percent, with new pump prices set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Petrol will now sell at K3,499 per litre from K2,530 (a 38.3% increase), while diesel will go up to K3,500 per litre from K2,734 (a 28% increase).
According to MERA, the price adjustment follows a sharp rise in landed costs of petroleum products, driven by a higher average market exchange rate of K2,350.00 per US dollar compared to the official rate of K1,751.00.
Board Chairperson Charles Kambauwa explained that although Free-On-Board (FoB) prices for petrol and diesel had dropped by 10.64 percent and 18.14 percent respectively, importation costs escalated due to freight, railage, insurance, handling, and in-transit losses.
“These factors increased In-Bond Landed Costs by 52.42 percent for petrol and 49.67 percent for diesel, pushing the changes beyond the ±5 percent trigger limit under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism,” Kambauwa said.
He added that the hike was necessary to ensure sustainable fuel supply and cost-reflective pricing.
The development is expected to raise transportation costs and put additional pressure on the cost of living, with economists warning of a fresh round of inflationary shocks.
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RBM Strengthens Blood Services with Tent Donation
