A Lilongwe resident, Twambi Gondwe,on Saturday won K2 million in CTS Courier’s ‘Kodo-Kodo’ promotion.
Gondwe was selected through a random draw held in January, which was open to all customers who sent or received parcels through CTS Courier.
Speaking in an interview with journalists, CTS Courier’s Managing Director, Jacqueline Msiska Bokosi, said the promotion was designed to express gratitude to the company’s loyal customers.
“We are thrilled to give back to our valued customers who have stood by us through thick and thin.
“We are committed to providing more opportunities like this and encourage Malawians and the corporate community to continue supporting us,” said Bokosi .
On her part, Gondwe thanked CTS for the prize money.
CTS Courier is a Malawian courier company that was established in 2004.
The company started as a small operation with a limited network, but over the years, it has grown to become one of the leading courier companies in Malawi.
CTS Courier offers a range of services, including express parcel delivery,courier services ,freight forwarding,logistics solutions,warehousing and storage .
The company has an extensive network that covers all major towns and cities in Malawi.
It also has partnerships with international courier companies, allowing it to offer global delivery services.
Its mission is to provide fast, reliable, and secure courier services to its customers.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the launch of the School of Excellence saying it is a milestone in transforming the country’s education system.
Speaking at a development rally after the official launch of the School of Excellence construction at Malembo Community Day Secondary School in Lilongwe on Saturday,Chakwera praised the Ministry of Basic Education for expediting various programs and emphasizing the importance of swift action in project implementation.
Chakwera and Madam Chakwera
The president also highlighted the significance of the School of Excellence initiative, which has the potential to drive positive change in the education sector.
On his part,minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, underscored the government’s commitment to the education sector, citing initiatives such as the loans board, which has increased support from 8,600 to 22,000 students.
Minister of Basic Education, Madalitso Kambawuwa Wilima, commended President Chakwera’s dedication to accessible quality education, while acknowledging challenges in the sector, including infrastructure shortages.
“The government is addressing these challenges, including constructing an additional 10,900 secondary schools nationwide, supplementing the 34 Schools of Excellence,” she said .
The School of Excellence is part of the Chakwera administration’s initiative to build 34 top-quality secondary schools across the country, aiming to establish a vibrant and competitive national education system.
The school will offer specialized programs in mining, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and other fields, with construction expected to be completed in 2027.
On a significant day in the build-up to the critical political event of September 16, Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, a prominent figure in Malawi’s political and economic landscape, visited Rumphi Boma where he engaged with local entrepreneurs. This meeting highlighted his focus on driving economic empowerment and his vision for the future of Malawi’s entrepreneurial community.
Dr. Mtumbuka, widely regarded for his economic insights and leadership, took the time to interact with entrepreneurs, sharing his thoughts on the critical role they play in the nation’s development. The event was not only about discussing challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses but also served as a platform to communicate his broader political message ahead of the pivotal September 16 date.
Mtumbuka
In his address, Dr. Mtumbuka focused on the need for inclusive economic policies that prioritize sustainable growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He acknowledged the immense potential of Malawian entrepreneurs but emphasized the need for better infrastructure, access to financing, and an enabling environment where businesses can thrive.
The entrepreneurs at the meeting were largely receptive to Dr. Mtumbuka’s vision, voicing their concerns about issues like the high cost of doing business, limited access to capital, and the lack of adequate support systems from the government. Dr. Mtumbuka expressed his commitment to tackling these challenges, assuring them that his administration would prioritize creating a business-friendly environment.
The phrase “Zipewa zayamba kuvalidwa kwa mtundu wina,” roughly translated as “The concerns are being taken seriously,” resonated as a powerful statement from Dr. Mtumbuka. The phrase encapsulated his response to the cries of entrepreneurs who have long felt sidelined in the national economic discourse.
This statement was a direct acknowledgment of the critical need for government attention to the struggles faced by local businesses. Dr. Mtumbuka’s response demonstrated that he is not only listening to the grassroots concerns of Malawians but also ready to champion policies that address the real challenges of everyday entrepreneurs.
The enthusiasm around the event was palpable, with discussions ranging from the lack of entrepreneurial training to the need for better road networks and connectivity, which are essential for small businesses to thrive in rural areas. Entrepreneurs raised concerns about the fluctuating prices of essential goods, limited access to international markets, and the challenges posed by the lack of a well-established industrial infrastructure. Dr. Mtumbuka reassured the group that these concerns would be part of his blueprint for reform, as he plans to integrate entrepreneurship into the fabric of Malawi’s national development strategy.
The interactions in Rumphi mark a significant moment as Dr. Mtumbuka’s political journey reaches a crucial juncture with the upcoming events surrounding September 16. This date will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in his political campaign, one where he attempts to consolidate his support base and present himself as a champion for the people—particularly the business community that is often overlooked in the political process.
As the date draws closer, Dr. Mtumbuka’s engagement with entrepreneurs signals a growing awareness within his political strategy: economic empowerment and entrepreneurial support are key pillars for national transformation. By aligning his message with the aspirations of small business owners and entrepreneurs, he is positioning himself as a candidate who understands the ground-level issues affecting the people.
The meetings in Rumphi also demonstrate Dr. Mtumbuka’s readiness to engage directly with his constituents, listening to their concerns, and offering tangible solutions. The outreach to rural areas, where the economic challenges are often more pronounced, is seen as a strong move toward building a more inclusive political platform.
Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka’s visit to Rumphi is a microcosm of the broader vision he intends to showcase on September 16. His proactive engagement with entrepreneurs reflects his commitment to uplifting the private sector and creating an environment where businesses can flourish. The concerns of Malawian entrepreneurs are no longer being ignored but are being placed at the forefront of his political agenda.
With the momentum building in the lead-up to September 16, Dr. Mtumbuka’s focus on economic growth and entrepreneurship could prove to be the cornerstone of his political strategy as he seeks to make a transformative impact on Malawi’s economic future.
Blantyre Chief Resident Magistrate Court on Thursday failed to start hearing a sodomy case involving a Dutch national Wim Jan Akster because its case-file went missing.
State lawyer Victor Jere stated that a court clerk informed them of the file’s disappearance, adding that efforts are underway to locate it so that the case can continue.
Win Jan Akster
“We will liaise with the court to trace the file and our hope is that the case will resume soon,” said Jere.
Akster was arrested in 2021 on allegations of forcing children who were beneficiaries of a bursary program from a humanitarian agency Timotheus Foundation where he was working.
The case has been dragged to court for the past four years .
In a move that has sparked heated debate, the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), a prominent governance lobby group in Malawi, has strongly objected to the government’s proposal to increase toll gate fees. The government’s consideration to raise toll fees comes in the wake of the country’s ongoing economic pressures, with Transport Minister Jacob Hara announcing on Friday that the government is contemplating the fee hike as a measure to address financial strains, including the devaluation of the local currency.
According to Minister Hara, the proposed fee increase is part of efforts to mitigate the mounting economic challenges facing the nation. As Malawi grapples with inflation, the rising cost of living, and a depreciating currency, the government is seeking ways to boost its revenue generation. The toll gate fee hike is just one of several strategies under consideration to help plug the widening fiscal gap.
However, the proposal has been met with resistance from CDEDI, whose executive director, Sylvester Namiwa, has described the timing of the move as ill-considered. Namiwa argues that increasing toll gate fees at this juncture would only exacerbate the already dire economic situation for the majority of Malawians. He pointed out that most people in the country are already grappling with high prices for basic goods and services, and an increase in transportation costs would add further strain to their daily lives.
The opposition from CDEDI is not just about the financial burden on ordinary citizens; it also touches on concerns about the broader economic strategy employed by the government. Namiwa has alleged that the government’s push for a toll fee increase is more about expanding its revenue base to fund its political campaigns than about addressing the country’s economic challenges. He suggested that the government, which has been under pressure from various sectors due to its handling of the economy, is resorting to raising funds through such measures to finance its political activities rather than prioritizing tangible solutions to the problems faced by the Malawian populace.
The toll gate fee hike proposal, if implemented, would mean increased costs for motorists and businesses that rely on road transportation. This would particularly affect small-scale traders, who already face difficulties due to rising fuel prices, inflation, and the devaluation of the kwacha. With these added costs, transportation companies and traders might raise their prices, leading to an inevitable increase in the cost of goods and services. This would further fuel the cycle of inflation, making it harder for the average Malawian to afford even the most basic essentials.
CDEDI’s opposition to the fee hike is rooted in its broader critique of the government’s approach to governance and economic management. The lobby group has long argued that the government needs to adopt more sustainable and people-centered economic policies, focusing on long-term structural reforms rather than short-term revenue-raising tactics. According to Namiwa, the government should be looking at measures that will reduce the cost of living for Malawians, including addressing the root causes of inflation, improving productivity, and curbing corruption, which he believes is a major drain on public resources.
Namiwa’s concerns reflect a growing discontent among the public, who feel that the government’s economic policies have not been effective in improving their living conditions. The recent hikes in fuel prices, the soaring costs of goods and services, and the devaluation of the kwacha have left many struggling to make ends meet. With a large portion of the population living below the poverty line, any additional financial burden is seen as a step backward rather than a solution.
The debate surrounding the proposed toll fee increase also highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s fiscal needs and the welfare of the people. While the government insists that the revenue from increased toll fees would help ease the pressure on public finances, critics argue that the funds should be raised through more equitable and sustainable means. These could include tackling wasteful government spending, improving tax collection, and promoting economic growth through job creation and investment in infrastructure.
In the coming days, the government will likely face intense scrutiny over its proposal. CDEDI and other civil society groups are expected to continue raising their voices in opposition, urging the government to reconsider its approach. They will also likely call for greater transparency and public participation in discussions about economic policies, especially those that directly affect the livelihood of ordinary citizens.
As the debate unfolds, it is clear that the issue of toll gate fees is only one aspect of a much larger conversation about the state of the Malawian economy. For many, the question is not just about whether toll fees should be increased, but whether the government is truly committed to tackling the deeper issues that are causing economic hardship for millions of Malawians. While the toll fee proposal may provide a temporary boost to government revenues, it is unlikely to address the fundamental issues that need to be tackled to bring lasting economic stability and prosperity to the country. Only through a holistic and inclusive approach to economic governance can Malawi hope to navigate its current challenges and build a brighter future for all its citizens.
