The highly anticipated Mr. Zomba bodybuilding and powerlifting competition has been rescheduled yet again, this time to December 26, 2025, giving athletes and organizers more time to prepare for what is expected to be one of the biggest bodybuilding events in Malawi this year.
Initially, the event was set to take place in July, before being pushed to August and later to October but the organizers decided to move it further to December.
According to the event coordinator, Bright Limani, the changes have been necessary to secure more sponsorship and support to ensure the competition is successful and attracts a wider audience.
“We want this year’s edition of Mr. Zomba to be bigger and better, so we needed more time to engage sponsors and partners who will help us make the event memorable for both the athletes and the fans,” Limani explained.
The competition is expected to take place at the Chinamwali Community Ground in Zomba, a venue that has hosted several community and sporting events over the years.
Veteran bodybuilding figures Jasper Kasambara and Moses Mphinga will oversee the technical aspects of the event, ensuring it meets international standards.
The Mr. Zomba competition is one of Malawi’s premier bodybuilding and powerlifting events, giving aspiring bodybuilders a platform to showcase their strength, skill and discipline.
This year’s edition is expected to draw participants from across the Southern Region and beyond with fans anticipating thrilling displays of muscle and endurance.
Limani added that apart from the competition itself, the event will also serve as an opportunity to promote fitness and healthy living among Malawians while inspiring young people to take up sports as a positive lifestyle choice.
The Malawi Under-21 netball team faced a tough challenge on Monday as they were outclassed by South Africa, falling 64-33 in their third Pool D match at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.
The result highlighted the ongoing dominance of South Africa over Malawi in youth netball competitions, as the Junior Proteas once again proved to be a formidable opponent. South Africa’s impressive performance saw them remain unbeaten in the group, winning all three of their matches so far while Malawi have managed two victories and one loss.
Malawi started the tournament on a strong note, securing back-to-back wins against Trinidad & Tobago (65-29) and Fiji (52-51).
However, they struggled to keep up with the speed and precision of the South African side, who dictated the game from start to finish.
The defeat now places extra pressure on Malawi to secure their remaining fixtures in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
Coach and technical staff will be looking to regroup quickly, focusing on fixing defensive lapses and improving shooting accuracy ahead of their next match.
South Africa’s win cements their position as favorites to top Pool D, while Malawi’s dream of progressing further in the competition remains alive but will require a strong response in their upcoming games.
The Netball World Youth Cup, which has attracted the best Under-21 talent from across the globe, continues to showcase rising stars and serves as a crucial platform for countries like Malawi to test their young players against the world’s best.
Former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Jelesi Lufeyo has died.
According to his brother Lufeyo Phiri junior, Jelesi died in the wee hours of Wednesday September 24,at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital after suffering from Malaria.
Lufeyo
Jelesi Lufeyo’s death comes just a year after the death of his younger brother, Kondwani who once played for Mighty Wanderers.
Meanwhile, the body of the late Jelesi Lufeyo will be laid to rest in Bangwe, Blantyre on Thursday.
Apart from Bullets, Lufeyo also played for Silver Strikers and the defunct Epac FC.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP ) leader Arthur Peter Mutharika, popularly known as APM, is edging closer to reclaiming the presidency, which he lost in the 2020 fresh presidential election.
With results from 24 out of 36 councils declared on Monday evening by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC ) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, APM has already amassed 2,138,746 votes,representing 66.7 percent of the 3,206,686 valid ballots counted so far.
Mutharika
To surpass the constitutional 50%+1 threshold of 2,344,587 votes, he now needs only 205,841 votes from the remaining 12 councils.
In contrast, President Lazarus Chakwera who contested in the presidential race under Malawi Congress Party (MCP ) faces an uphill battle.
He requires 1,609,931 votes from the same 12 remaining councils to meet the same benchmark.
According to data from MEC, 3,293,767 people voted in the declared councils, with 83,781 ballots nullified as void which is about 2.5 percent of the total votes cast.
Malawians went to the polls on September 16 this year to elect the president , councillors and legislators who will serve them for the next five years.
Allan Ntata has sent his best wishes to opposition leader Arthur Peter Mutharika following the unfolding results of the 2025 elections.
He noted that after spending time singing songs and working with the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation in activities that often criticized Mutharika, he now feels it is time to turn a new page.
Ntata emphasized that despite past differences, he recognizes Mutharika’s leadership as crucial at this particular juncture in Malawi’s political journey.
He explained that his decision is not about personal gain but about contributing to the strengthening of democratic governance in Malawi.
Furthermore, Ntata declared that he is ready to serve in the incoming DPP government wherever his knowledge and expertise may be useful.
He highlighted his background in law, policy analysis, and governance as areas that could be tapped to support the new administration’s national agenda.
His statement is being interpreted as a significant shift, signaling reconciliation with Mutharika and a willingness to contribute positively to the country’s future.
Observers suggest that such gestures from former critics could help Mutharika consolidate broad-based support as he prepares to assume office.
The development also underscores how shifting political loyalties are shaping Malawi’s post-election landscape, where unity and national interest may take precedence over past divisions.
Ntata’s announcement has sparked debate in political circles, with some welcoming his stance as maturity while others question the sincerity of his sudden change of heart.
What remains clear, however, is that Malawi’s political stage is already experiencing realignments even before the final results are officially declared.
Background: Allan Ntata’s political roles and controversies
Allan Ntata is a well-known figure in Malawian politics and media circles, recognized for his work as a singer and commentator.
He has previously used his platform at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation to voice opinions that were often critical of political leaders, including Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Ntata has also been involved in advisory roles for various political campaigns, providing expertise on communication, civic engagement, and policy matters.
His career has not been without controversy, with some critics accusing him of partisanship in media coverage and shifting loyalties for personal gain.
Despite these criticisms, Ntata has built a reputation for engaging the public through both his artistic work and political commentary.
His newfound pledge to support Mutharika is being closely watched as an indicator of potential post-election alliances and the evolving dynamics within Malawi’s political landscape.
Analysts note that Ntata’s background in media and governance could make him a valuable asset to the DPP, especially in navigating communication and public engagement strategies.
This context provides insight into why his recent announcement carries weight and why it has sparked widespread discussion among political observers and citizens alike.
Potential role analysis: How Allan Ntata could influence Mutharika’s government and public perception
Ntata’s deep connections with media outlets give him the ability to shape public narratives around the DPP government.
He could serve as a bridge between the administration and civil society, helping communicate policies, reforms, and government priorities to a broad audience.
His prior experience in advisory roles may allow him to provide strategic input on governance, civic engagement, and public accountability initiatives.
Ntata’s presence could also help Mutharika manage political optics, particularly in regions where former opposition voters may be skeptical of the DPP’s promises.
By leveraging his popularity as a musician and public figure, Ntata can help humanize the government and make it more relatable to ordinary citizens.
His involvement may also reassure other former critics or neutral stakeholders that the new administration is inclusive and open to collaboration.
Political analysts suggest that Ntata’s influence could be instrumental in fostering national dialogue, promoting reconciliation, and mitigating tensions after the election.
At the same time, any missteps or perceived partisanship by Ntata could backfire, potentially drawing criticism or raising questions about the government’s independence.
Overall, Ntata’s role may extend beyond advisory functions to become a symbolic bridge between the government and the people, shaping both perception and participation in governance.
*Scenario impact: How Allan Ntata’s role could affect public support, party unity, and opposition reactions*
In a positive scenario, Ntata successfully leverages his media influence and public goodwill to strengthen Mutharika’s government.
He helps communicate government policies effectively, ensuring that ordinary citizens understand and support key initiatives.
His presence reassures former critics and neutral stakeholders, encouraging broader political buy-in and fostering party unity within the DPP.
Public perception improves as Ntata bridges gaps between the administration and civil society, increasing trust in the government’s competence and inclusivity.
In this scenario, opposition parties may moderate their rhetoric, recognizing that a well-communicated, inclusive government can stabilize Malawi’s political landscape.
In a neutral scenario, Ntata’s involvement has a mixed impact on public support.
While some citizens appreciate his role in humanizing the government, others remain skeptical of his sudden political realignment.
Party cohesion within the DPP may benefit modestly, but underlying tensions or factionalism could persist.
Opposition parties continue to challenge the government, but Ntata’s influence mitigates extreme polarization and prevents major unrest.
In a negative scenario, Ntata’s role backfires due to perceived partisanship or missteps in public communication.
Public support could erode, with citizens questioning whether the government is relying on former critics for optics rather than genuine policy implementation.
Internal party divisions may emerge if his prominence overshadows other DPP leaders or creates resentment among traditional loyalists.
The opposition could seize on any missteps to rally supporters, potentially intensifying political tension and threatening national stability.
Overall, Ntata’s engagement carries significant potential to influence Malawi’s post-election trajectory, but the ultimate outcome depends on how effectively he navigates public perception, party dynamics, and collaboration with the Mutharika administration.
