Following revelations that 29,817 candidates risk not sitting for Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) examinations this year over failure to pay examination fees, the examination body has extended the fees payment period to midnight on January 12 2024.
In a statement released yesterday, MANEB Executive Director Professor Dorothy Nampota said the extension affects those expected to sit for Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE), Junior Certificate of Education (JCE), Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) and Primary Teacher Certificate of Education (PTCE).
Nampota
Said Nampota: “Parents and guardians, are therefore, being advised to pay the 2024 examination fees for their wards using the following approved payment platforms;
“TNM Mpamba, FDH 525 Mobile Banking, FDH Wallet, FDH Banki Pakhomo, NBS Easy Mobile, National Bank Mo626, Standard bank Unayo and First Capital Bank.”
But commenting on the matter, Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe expressed doubt if the move by MANEB will help the targeted candidates.
“Our own view is that whilst MANEB has shown a good gesture in terms of considering the plight of affected students, we feel the period is inadequate,” said Kondowe.
He said not all the affected candidates will be reached with the three day period.
According to him, MANEB could provide a month long extension period and provide a waver to those who will not manage to pay on financial grounds.
The number of those who had failed to make the payment represented 4.68 percent of the 637,887 candidates registered this year to sit the national examinations.
Initially, MANEB was set to conclude receiving the examination fees on December 31,2023.
Authorities at the magnificent Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe say a total of 145 seats were damaged during the inaugural K320 million Ibongetse Castel Challenge Cup final involving FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers last week.
This follows an assessment conducted at the facility after the incident.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Macmillan Mwale has also confirmed the development.
“It’s true and really sad that the seats at BNS are decreasing in numbers due to vandalism,” he says.
Mwale has since urged Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Sports analyst, Dan Chemis,expresses disappointment over the development.
“Malawians should protect the property at Bingu National Stadium.This is the only type of facility we have in this country,” Chemis complains.
A similar incident also occurred during the Airtel Top 8 Quarter-Final match between Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Following the incident, Wanderers were fined K22 million for the damages.
The recent national blackout in Malawi, which occurred on Tuesday few days after the firing of several employees at Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) gives rise to suspicions of possible sabotage.
In this feature, we will delve into the events surrounding the blackout, considering various perspectives and investigating whether there is a connection between the layoffs and the power outage.
By examining the context, analyzing potential motives, and discussing the implications, we aim to shed light on this perplexing occurrence.
Context
ESCOM, the sole provider of electricity in Malawi, has been facing significant challenges in delivering consistent and reliable power supply to the nation.
The company has been struggling with old infrastructure, financial struggles, and inefficiencies in recent years.
In November 2021, ESCOM was in dire financial distress, leading to the firing of a significant number of employees and just last week ESCOM axed some of its employees who took part in what ESCOM termed illegal strike last year.
The sudden blackout on Tuesday has only heightened the concerns among the public, with many questioning whether it was a targeted act intended to disrupt the electricity supply further.
Sabotaging the power grid in such a manner could cause significant socio-economic damage, affecting businesses, hospitals, and the everyday lives of the citizens.
Potential Motives
To understand whether the recent blackout was an act of sabotage, it is crucial to consider the motivations that might have driven such an action. One possibility could be that disgruntled former employees sought revenge by causing widespread chaos and inconvenience.
Losing one’s livelihood can elicit strong emotions and drive some individuals to take drastic measures for vengeance.
Additionally, if the fired employees held positions critical to the power grid’s functioning, they could have possessed the necessary knowledge to orchestrate such an act.
Alternatively, another motive for sabotage could be the involvement of external parties seeking to disrupt Malawi’s energy infrastructure for political or economic reasons.
In the midst of ongoing political tensions and rivalries, it cannot be ruled out that this blackout was an attempt to undermine the government’s credibility or gain an advantage in negotiations or power struggles.
Investigation and Implications
This has undoubtedly raised concerns among the public, underscoring the urgent need for a thorough investigation by ESCOM.
The company must analyze the incident meticulously, examining technical data, conducting interviews, and exploring any possible leads. A prompt and transparent investigation is vital to restore public trust and prevent future occurrences.
If the blackout is determined to be an act of sabotage, it would have severe implications for ESCOM and the broader national security of Malawi.
The vulnerability of critical infrastructures, such as the power grid, highlights the importance of fortifying security measures and ensuring adequate safeguards. Such targeted attacks on essential services have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the economy but also the daily lives of the citizens.
The national blackout experienced yesterday occurring barely few days after the layoffs at ESCOM, has sparked public speculation about possible sabotage.
Delving into the motivations and implications, it is crucial for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the truth behind the incident.
Whether the blackout was an act of sabotage or a mere coincidence, this event highlights the need for bolstered security measures to safeguard critical infrastructures in Malawi and ensure reliable electricity supply for the nation.
Mzuzu-based Afropop musician Prince Chitedze stage name Prince Chitz is today 8 pm releasing a video for his new song titled ‘Meka’.
He already released the audio of the song which is available in various streaming platforms.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, the artist said ‘Meka’ is a song that is talking more about a man who just wants to make sure that his girl is happy so he is willing to do anything for her.
Prince Chitz
Asked on what motivated him to compose the song, Chitz said:”I love to see my mom happy and since she is a woman i believe that all women should be treated right and be happy.”
He said the song was produced at Chawabeats studio in mzuzu.
On what his fans should expect from him this year, the upcoming season Afropop star said :”My team and I are working day and night to give them good music.”
And on how he rates music industry in Malawi, Chitz said:”Our industry is taking the right direction.”
Chitz started music journey four years ago.
Internationally, he is inspired by The Weekend and locally he inspired by Lulu.
Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Michael Usi says Malawi will soon have model fish mega farms.
Usi said this yesterday in zomba when he appreciated the work at the Natural Acquaculture Centre.
The Minister said the first country’s model fish mega farm will be at Kasinthula in Chikwawa where fish farmers will be visiting to learn various fish farming skills.
Minister Usi
He said economically, the mega farms will help the country export more fish to other countries which in turn will attract foreign currency.
He added that since the farms will lead to the production of fish in large quantities, the other harvested fish will be used for food.
Said Usi:”It’s sad that some people in the country have never tasted chambo fish because of it’s low production which makes it expensive on marketplaces.”
The Minister then challenged officials from the fisheries department to be innovative in their duties in preparation of these fish mega farms.
On his part, Domasi Aquaculture Center station manager Titus Phiri challenged that the center has the capacity to produce and supply enough fingerings across the country.
