news and current affairs.
SDA trustees take Bangwe members to court over church land
Seventh-day Adventist Church authorities filed suit against Bangwe congregants at Blantyre High Court over disputed church property occupation. Court documents show trustees seek possession of two land parcels and 700,000 kwacha monthly compensation from March 2025 until vacating. The legal action follows the South Malawi Conference dissolving the Bangwe branch due to persistent defiance of governance directives. Defendants reportedly continued holding services after expulsion, asserting alignment with global Adventist principles despite doctrinal differences, including restrictions on female clergy and use of alternative insignia. The congregation maintains its connection to the broader faith community while occupying premises subject...
SULOM probes abandoned Wanderers-Ekhaya match at Kamuzu
Super League officials initiated probes Thursday regarding the improper cancellation of Wednesday's Mighty Wanderers versus Ekhaya football match. General Secretary Williams Banda stated referees failed mandatory protocols requiring 40 minutes of waiting and league consultation before ending play at Kamuzu Stadium. The contest halted during the 52nd minute due to heavy rain and lightning. Officials declared the field unplayable after a reserve staff member rolled a ball along part of the turf following the downpour. Both teams exited in street clothing approximately thirty minutes later, despite clearing skies, leaving confused spectators. Coordinator Gerald Chaponda reported uncertainty about the abandonment decision, noting no final...
Kabwila under fire for remarks on political violence arrests
Malawi Congress Party spokesperson Jessie Kabwila drew criticism for condemning police actions against 17 suspects charged with political violence. Critics argued her stance ignores victims' suffering, recalling attacks during prior MCP governance when dissenters faced assault. They noted Kabwila's current defense of the alleged perpetrators contradicts her silence during earlier violence targeting ordinary citizens. Observers stressed justice requires consistent application regardless of political ties. They urged Kabwila to support lawful procedures rather than question the arrests of individuals documented as attacking protesters. Authorities should receive recognition for professionally pursuing accountability, not criticism...
Namalomba calls for unity to boost ICT sector efficiency
Information Minister Shadric Namalomba directed state media agencies to enhance cooperation during a Salima meeting on Wednesday with leaders from the Malawi Digital Broadcast Network, national broadcaster MBC, and regulator MACRA. He emphasized that unified efforts are vital for improving public services, increasing revenue, and addressing sector challenges. Namalomba reaffirmed government support for expanding digital infrastructure, including 2,500 free public internet zones under the Innovation and Digital Economy Growth Programme to boost rural connectivity. Acting MBC head Arthur Chipenda welcomed the minister's early engagement, stating it demonstrates commitment to responsive public service. He highlighted MBC's focus on...
UNIMA students get hands-on media experience at MBC2, MACRA
University of Malawi learners gained practical industry exposure during a Media for Development society-organized tour of national broadcaster MBC2 and regulator MACRA. The visit connected academic studies with real-world media production and oversight procedures, aiming to prepare students for professional roles in the country's communications sector. MFD president Atupele Mitawa stated the experience strengthened classroom concepts and would support future academic events. Assistant lecturer Leah Mwambinga noted the trip effectively linked theoretical instruction with workplace realities, significantly enhancing student development. First-year participant Jared Nyakuipa reported the immersion inspired his commitment to journalism...
Malawi urged to treat deforestation as a national crisis
Malawi's forest cover is disappearing rapidly, with annual losses reaching 50,000 hectares according to environmental assessments. This degradation threatens water sources, wildlife habitats, and climate stability while roadside charcoal sales flourish openly along highways like the M1 corridor. Government data indicates that over 97% of Malawian households depend on wood fuel, accelerating deforestation in reserves such as Perekezi, Mtangatanga, and Kaningina. Officials acknowledge the forestry service lacks resources to halt illegal logging and uncontrolled fires. Some experts propose assigning military personnel to guard critical forest zones, citing the armed forces' effectiveness in securing other national assets. Others suggest...
Minister hits back at Banda over IMF claims in Parliament
Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamveka rejected Opposition Leader Simplex Chithyola Banda's criticism of Malawi's International Monetary Fund discussions, calling the remarks inaccurate and politically motivated. Mwanamveka clarified during parliamentary proceedings that no formal IMF agreement exists, emphasizing that current talks represent an initial assessment phase to evaluate economic conditions. Mwanamveka stated the administration would only accept terms protecting national interests, citing past unfavorable deals with lenders. He defended ongoing World Bank cooperation as delivering measurable results for citizens. The minister accused Banda of attempting to disrupt economic recovery efforts by misrepresenting the IMF engagement...
Chithyola vows issue-driven leadership as opposition chief
Malawi's new parliamentary opposition leader, Simplex Chithyola Banda, vowed to build an accountable and policy-focused opposition, prioritizing national welfare. Chithyola rejected suggestions that he faces disadvantages in the role after his appointment by Malawi Congress Party President Lazarus Chakwera received parliamentary approval this week. Chithyola, who previously served as finance minister, outlined plans to strengthen oversight through measurable performance standards and public engagement initiatives. His office will host students, youth groups, and civic organizations for policy discussions and mentorship opportunities. He criticized recent government decisions, calling maize imports from Zambia unnecessary given existing...
Manual selection for FISP aims to help more local farmers
A Karonga district farmer praised Malawi's shift to hand-selecting recipients for its Farm Input Subsidy Programme, stating the move prevents needy households from being overlooked. John Mwandwangwa of Mwakifwamba Village noted the prior computerized method frequently missed vulnerable families, while the current approach relies on community committees to verify eligibility. Local agricultural officials confirmed the beneficiary list expanded significantly this season, rising from 10,333 farmers under last year's Affordable Input Programme to 18,310 under FISP. Karonga District Director of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, Youngs Nyirenda, stated community structures would manually choose recipients to guarantee...
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