President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera says is aware of the challenges faced by workers in the country including economic issues and rights violations.
Speaking during the Labour Day Commemoration ceremony at Balaka Community Stadium on Thursday,Chakwera attributed some of these challenges to traders taking advantage of the economic situation to raise prices of commodities.
However,the president highlighted his government’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare, citing the introduction of a K100,000 free tax band.
Chakwera
He assured workers that his government would continue to engage with employers to ensure workers’ rights are protected.
Chakwera also launched the National Code of Conduct on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, a product of stakeholder consultations aimed at addressing workplace violence and harassment.
On his part,Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) president Charles Kumchenga commended the Ministry of Labour for conducting labour inspections and urged the government to consider promoting civil servants.
This year’s Labour Day was commemorated under the theme’Democracy that works for decent work for all.’
In Malawi, a nation rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, the stark contrast between sports like golf and football highlights a significant social divide.
While football thrives as a beloved pastime accessible to all, golf remains an exclusive domain, primarily enjoyed by the affluent. This disparity raises critical questions about inclusivity and the role of sports in society.
Golf, often perceived as a sport for the elite, perpetuates a culture of exclusivity that alienates the less privileged, reinforcing social hierarchies and limiting opportunities for broader participation.
At its core, golf is a sport that requires substantial financial investment. The costs associated with playing golf in Malawi are prohibitive for many. Membership fees at golf clubs, which can be exorbitant, often serve as a barrier to entry.
These clubs, typically located in urban areas, cater to a clientele that can afford the luxury of leisure time and the associated costs. The price of equipment, including clubs, balls, and appropriate attire, further compounds the issue.
For many Malawians, the financial burden of participating in golf is simply too great, especially when compared to football, which requires minimal investment and can be played almost anywhere.
The exclusivity of golf is not merely a matter of financial barriers; it is also deeply intertwined with social status.
Golf courses in Malawi are often frequented by executives, business leaders, and high-ranking officials. This creates an environment where the sport becomes a networking tool for the elite, reinforcing existing power dynamics.
The culture surrounding golf often prioritizes connections and status over skill and passion for the game. As a result, the sport becomes less about the love of the game and more about maintaining social hierarchies.
This dynamic fosters an atmosphere where the less privileged are not only excluded from participation but are also rendered invisible within the sport’s narrative.
Moreover, the perception of golf as a sport for the wealthy is perpetuated by the media and popular culture. Golf tournaments and events are often glamorized, showcasing the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
This portrayal further alienates those who cannot relate to the experiences of the elite. In contrast, football is celebrated for its accessibility and the sense of community it fosters.
Matches are played in neighborhoods, schools, and open fields, allowing individuals from all walks of life to come together and share in the joy of the game.
The inclusivity of football stands in stark contrast to the exclusivity of golf, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of how sports are perceived and promoted in Malawi.
The implications of this exclusivity extend beyond individual participation; they also affect the broader social fabric of the nation. Sports have the power to unite people, transcending socioeconomic barriers and fostering a sense of community. However, when a sport like golf is reserved for the elite, it reinforces divisions within society.
The lack of representation of diverse voices in golf not only limits the sport’s growth but also perpetuates stereotypes about who can and should participate in certain activities. This exclusionary practice undermines the potential for sports to serve as a platform for social change and empowerment.
Furthermore, the lack of inclusivity in golf has implications for youth development.
Many young people in Malawi aspire to excel in sports, but the barriers to entry in golf can deter them from pursuing their passion.
Instead, they may gravitate towards football, where opportunities for participation and development are more readily available.
This shift not only limits the potential talent pool for golf but also reinforces the notion that certain sports are only for the privileged.
By failing to create pathways for young people from diverse backgrounds to engage with golf, the sport risks stagnation and a lack of innovation.
The need for inclusivity in golf is not just a matter of social justice; it is also essential for the sport’s sustainability.
As the demographics of Malawi continue to evolve, the golf community must adapt to remain relevant. Embracing inclusivity can lead to a more vibrant and diverse golfing culture, attracting new players and fostering a sense of belonging.
Initiatives aimed at reducing financial barriers, such as community outreach programs, scholarships, and partnerships with schools, can help bridge the gap between the elite and the less privileged. By investing in grassroots development, the golf community can cultivate a new generation of players who bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the sport.
Moreover, the golf industry in Malawi has a unique opportunity to redefine its identity.
By prioritizing inclusivity, golf can position itself as a sport that values diversity and community engagement.
This shift can be achieved through collaborative efforts between golf clubs, local organizations, and government entities.
By working together, stakeholders can create a more equitable playing field, ensuring that golf is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
This approach not only benefits the sport but also contributes to the overall development of Malawian society.
The exclusivity of golf in Malawi is a pressing issue that demands attention.
The financial barriers, social dynamics, and cultural perceptions surrounding the sport create an environment that alienates the less privileged and reinforces existing inequalities.
As a society, we must recognize the importance of inclusivity in sports and work towards dismantling the barriers that prevent individuals from participating in activities they love.
Golf has the potential to be a unifying force, but only if it embraces diversity and actively seeks to include all members of society. By fostering an inclusive golfing culture, we can create a more equitable future for the sport and for Malawi as a whole.
The time has come for golf to shed its elitist image and become a sport that truly reflects the values of community, accessibility, and shared passion.
In his message, he thanked the global community for rallying around his cause on that significant day, acknowledging their unwavering support for the ideals of freedom and justice.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all the peace-loving, freedom-loving patriots and pan-Africanists who rallied around the world on Wednesday, April 30, 2025,” he wrote. “Your support is invaluable to us as we continue our journey to create a new Burkina Faso and a new Africa.”
“Together, in solidarity, we will defeat imperialism and neo-colonialism for a free, dignified, and sovereign Africa,” he concluded, reinforcing the importance of unity and collective action in the quest for a better future.
His message serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity in the face of adversity and the crucial role that global unity plays in the fight for justice and freedom.
Chalo Mvula, the Second Deputy Director of International Affairs for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has expressed his appreciation for the National Registration Bureau (NRB) for responding to the requests of Malawians living abroad by facilitating their registration for national identity cards.
Mvula’s comments come after the NRB announced that it will soon be deploying registration officers to South Africa to register Malawians in the diaspora.
MCP International Affairs Deputy Director, Chalo Mvula
This move is expected to be a game-changer for Malawians living abroad, allowing them to obtain national identity cards, register births, and record deaths.
Mphatso Sambo, the Principal Secretary for the NRB, confirmed that the initiative will soon be operational in South Africa, enabling Malawians there to register for their identity documents.
This will allow them to access essential services, a crucial benefit for Malawians residing outside the country.
In addition to the deployment in South Africa, the NRB has revealed plans to extend the program to other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
This international expansion of the registration initiative will ensure that Malawians living in these key locations also have the opportunity to register for identity cards and other essential documents.
The initiative by the NRB marks a significant step toward greater inclusivity for Malawians living abroad.
It ensures that these citizens are fully recognized as Malawians with access to critical services, further strengthening their ties to their home country.
The NRB’s efforts reflect a commitment to enhancing the registration process for Malawians abroad, ensuring that they are not excluded from the benefits and services that come with being a citizen.
By reaching out to the diaspora, the NRB is helping to bridge the gap between Malawians at home and those living in other parts of the world.
This development is particularly important as it provides Malawians living abroad with the opportunity to participate more actively in their country’s affairs, whether it be through accessing government services, participating in national elections, or fulfilling legal requirements.
Chalo Mvula’s praise for the NRB underscores the significance of this initiative, acknowledging the importance of making sure that every Malawian, no matter where they are, has the opportunity to be recognized as a full citizen.
It is a positive step in ensuring that Malawians abroad remain connected to their homeland and have the means to fully participate in national life.
Malawi State President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Thursday condemned traders for hiking prices without following proper procedures.
Chakwera said this in Balaka when he presided over the commemoration of International World Labour day. Chakwera said it is sad to note that some dishonest vendors can be so cruel to hurt their fellow Malawians.
“You can buy the fridge in one shop at K1Million and ask two shops from here the very same item will be charged at K2Million.This is the kind of cruelty Malawians are facing in the hands of these traders,” he said.
President Chakwera
Chakwera said the good news is that his Government is talking with the readers and said was happy that prices of various products have started going down.
During the function , Chakwera reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, acknowledging that many workers in Malawi face significant challenges, including low wages and poor working condition.
Chakwera’s attendance signifies Malawi Government’s recognition of workers as an integral part to the country’s socio – economic development. President Chakwera has constantly been an advocate for the welfare of workers in the country. He has emphasising on the creation of a fair and decent work environment, that is in line with Vision Malawi 2063.
The celebrations started with a solidarity walk from Chingeni. President Chakwera in the company of First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, joined the workers at Mponda Primary School all the way to Balaka Stadium where he toured a number of pavilions showcasing various goods and services. Several top government officials including Minister of Labour Peter Dimba, Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Joyce Chitsulo, were also in attendance.
The day was being commemorated under the theme: “Democracy that works for decent work for all”
