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Iran in mourning: 165 killed in devastating school strike amidst US-Israel conflict



By Burnett Munthali

Iran is reeling from a devastating attack on a girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab, where 165 people, mostly schoolgirls, lost their lives in a US-Israeli airstrike.

The strike, which occurred on February 28, 2026, has sparked widespread outrage and grief across the country.

The Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school was targeted during a joint US-Israeli military operation, killing dozens of innocent children and injuring many more.

The attack has been condemned by the Iranian government, UNESCO, and Nobel Peace Prize-winning education activist Malala Yousafzai.



The death toll from the attack has risen to 165, with 96 others injured, according to Iranian state media.

The local prosecutor of Minab confirmed the death toll, stating that many of the victims were young girls between the ages of 7 and 12.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has vowed that the “crimes against the Iranian people will not go unanswered,” sharing images of the attack on social media.

The Iranian government has accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, including children.

The attack has drawn international condemnation, with UNESCO calling it a “grave violation of humanitarian law” and Malala Yousafzai expressing her shock and sadness at the tragedy.

The US and Israeli militaries have denied involvement in the attack, stating they are looking into reports of civilian harm.

The incident has escalated tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel, with Iran vowing to retaliate against the attack.

The international community is calling for restraint and an impartial investigation into the incident.

MEC urges electoral officials to uphold electoral laws for credible By-elections

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By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has urged individuals who will be involved in the forthcoming by-elections to adhere to electoral laws and regulations to ensure the process is conducted smoothly and credibly.

The commission’s chairperson, Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, emphasized the importance of respecting the laws governing the electoral process.

Justice Mtalimanja made the appeal at the opening of a two-day training workshop for electoral officials in Dowa, where she highlighted the critical role they play in ensuring that voters exercise their democratic right to vote. She stressed that it is essential for electoral officials to remain impartial and not engage in any activities that could be perceived as biased or unfair.

Anabel Mtalimanja



The MEC chairperson emphasized that any attempts to undermine the electoral process would be considered a serious violation of electoral laws and would attract severe consequences. She urged the officials to be vigilant and report any irregularities or attempts to compromise the process.

One of the participants, Esaul Chilowa from Dedza, expressed his commitment to adhering to the training and ensuring that the by-elections are conducted fairly and without any irregularities. He emphasized the importance of conducting credible elections to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.

The MEC is gearing up to conduct by-elections on March 17, 2026, in four constituencies and nine local government wards. The commission has put in place measures to ensure that the process is transparent, fair, and credible.

The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies in various constituencies and local government wards, and it is crucial that they are conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people.

The MEC is working to ensure that all stakeholders, including voters, candidates, and electoral officials, are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the process.

NBM plc unveils Mo Excellence programme for tertiary students

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By Linda Kwanjana

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has launched Mo Excellence, an initiative aimed at investing in education through funding and sponsorship of high performing students, the needy and deserving tertiary students.

Speaking during the launch at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Bunda campus on Saturday, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Mphepo-Hiwa said the Bank remains committed to supporting education as a pillar of national development.

Hiwa


“Mo Excellence programme is geared towards developing leaders who are going to be efficient, effective, and create impact in the economy, in the society, in the communities in which they will operate,” said Mphepo-Hiwa.

She disclosed that under the programme 44 students were recognised on the Dean’s list,  while 59 students have been awarded scholarships across seven universities including LUANAR, the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHes), Mzuzu University, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), and Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA).

At LUANAR only, eight students were awarded K1 million each and a certificate of recognition under the Dean’s list category, while six students received scholarships.

Mphepo-Hiwa said the scholarship covers tuition fee, a laptop, accommodation, health and stationary allowances as well as stipend of K1.7 million for students in their second year upwards.

“The Mo Excellence programme looks at the individual needs of students. We have also introduced a concept of coaching and mentoring as part of the initiative,” said Mphepo-Hiwa.

She urged the beneficiaries to maintain academic excellence throughout their studies.

“They must remain consistent and maintain good grades until they graduate,” said Mphepo-Hiwa.

LUANAR Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Kaunda commended NBM plc for supporting students amid the financial challenges many face in higher education.

He said the Office of the Director of Student Affairs (DOSA) identifies deserving students.

“What National Bank has done is something which is not only for those students there who have received those special scholarships, but actually it is a big developmental input into this country,” said Kaunda.

He also praised the Bank for recognising top performing students.

“This shows the NBM plc values excellence, and it motivates students to strive for better performance,” said Kaunda.

One of the beneficiaries, Desire Mbewa a third-year Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food student expressed gratitude for the support.

“It is great honour that NBM plc has recognised us. This motivates me to continue working hard,” said Mbewa.

The Bank is expected to roll out the Mo Excellence programme to other universities in the coming weeks.

Bridging Borders: Malawi’s VP Strengthens Ties at Zambia’s N’cwala Festival

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By Burnett Munthali

The vibrant N’cwala Ceremony in Chipata, Zambia, drew thousands of Ngoni people from across the region, including Malawi’s Vice-President, Dr Jane Ansah.

Welcomed by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Dr Ansah’s attendance highlighted the deep-seated cultural connections between Malawi and Zambia.

As a special guest, Dr Ansah’s presence reinforced regional unity and cooperation, emphasizing the significance of preserving cultural heritage.

Ansah in Chipata


The ceremony showcased traditional dances, rituals, and the Paramount Chief’s symbolic tasting of first crops, celebrating the Ngoni people’s rich cultural legacy.

Dr Ansah’s attendance was a powerful gesture, strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Malawi and Zambia.

The event demonstrated the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, underscoring the importance of promoting regional unity and preserving cultural traditions.

Kachamba Ngwira expresses concerns over Malawi’s rising debt

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By Vincent Gunde

Business entrepreneur Kondwani Kachamba Ngwira has expressed concerns over Malawi’s rising debt, currently standing at K23 trillion, as announced by Finance Minister Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha. Ngwira attributes the significant increase to the previous MCP government, led by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, which borrowed K19 trillion in five years.

According to Ngwira, the MCP government’s excessive borrowing was fueled by reckless spending, including unnecessary public service hiring and promotions, aimed at gaining popularity rather than sustainable economic growth. He cites the example of the NEEF fund, where loans were disproportionately distributed, with 73% going to the central region, and hardly any repayments made.

Mwanamveka



Ngwira criticizes the MCP government’s economic management, questioning the competence of its economic advisors. He expresses disappointment that the government prioritized short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leaving the country with a massive debt burden.

In a Facebook post, Ngwira warned Malawians of the dire consequences of the debt crisis, including skyrocketing prices, forex shortages, and potential loss of access to international loans. He urges the current DPP-led government to prioritize debt repayment and economic reforms.

Ngwira praises the current government’s efforts, citing a reduction in inflation from 32% to 28%, and hopes for further progress, targeting 21% inflation by 2026. He encourages the government to continue its economic stabilization efforts.