Malawi’s popular online entertainment platform,Mikozi, has been temporarily taken down.
According the platform’s founder Bright ‘Excess’ Chiligo, the move is a proactive step towards Facebook verification to combat misinformation and protect their brand.
Chiligo explains that numerous fake pages have been impersonating Mikozi, sharing harmful content and causing confusion among users.
“We have received multiple inquiries from individuals claiming to have been affected by our content, but these are actually the actions of our impersonators,” clarifies Chiligo.
He says the page will be restored within 48 hours.
A group of unknown assailants, armed with knives and guns, invaded the Chichiri hostels of Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) students last night, stealing various valuables.
The stolen items include laptops and cellphones
President of the MUBAS Students Representative Council,Steve Kamitawa has confirmed the incident to 247 Malawi News, stating that the matter has been entrusted to the relevant authorities for further investigation.
When approached for comment, Blantyre Police Deputy Spokesperson Mary Chiponda requested more time to provide a detailed response.
In a resounding call for transparent electoral processes, Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, the Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), underscored the critical role of information access in upholding democracy during the official opening of the Media and Access to Information Annual Conference held at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
Mtalimanja highlighted that the cornerstone of a truly democratic election lies in the free flow of information. She emphasized that for an election to be fair and inclusive, voters must have unfettered access to comprehensive, accurate, and timely information regarding political candidates, parties, policies, and the overall electoral process. Without such access, there is a risk of misinformation, propaganda, and disinformation distorting the electoral landscape and compromising the essence of democracy itself.
Justice Anabel Mtalimanja
“As the Malawi Electoral Commission, it is our solemn duty to ensure that all key stakeholders – from voters and political parties to media outlets, civil society organizations, and election observers – are equipped with the information they require,” stated Mtalimanja. She affirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to transparency and timely communication throughout every stage of the electoral process.
Looking forward to the upcoming 2025 General Election, Mtalimanja declared that the MEC’s dedication to transparency will only intensify. With the goal of empowering the electorate to make well-informed decisions, the Commission aims to strengthen its efforts in providing accessible, accurate, and relevant information to all involved parties.
The annual conference serves as a platform to reinforce the importance of open information channels in fostering a robust democratic process. As Malawi prepares for its next electoral milestone, the resounding message from the MEC Chairperson is clear: transparency, information access, and communication are the pillars on which a truly democratic election stands.
Bangwe All Stars blew past Baka City Football Club in the TNM Super League with an emphatic 3-0 victory at Balaka stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
Kondwani Chilembwe, Richard Rapson and Clever Chikwata were on target for the home side to boost their chances of surviving the chop in the top-flight.
Going into Wednesday’s game, Bangwe were looking forward to continue from where they stopped last Thursday when they beat the defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 1-nil at Kamuzu Stadium.
Bangwe All Stars players celebrating their second goal
Baka on the other hand were aiming to get back on track following an embarrassing 10-0 defeat at the hands of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers last Saturday.
The first half was not that exciting as both sides gave out a lethargic performance with very few scoring opportunities created.
At the start of the second half, both sides made changes with Bangwe bringing in Akimu Osiman for James Msowoya while Baka replaced the injured Phillimon Ndhlovu with Maxwell Mangwele.
From the break, both teams started playing a beautiful passing game but eventually it was Bangwe who played on the front foot especially in the last 25 minutes of the match.
Bangwe coach Trevor Kajawa then made a crucial double substitution in the 58th minute, bringing in the fresh legs of Kondwani Chilembwe and Shukuran Goba for Beston Jimu and Felix Demakude.
The opening goal came in the 60th minute when substitute Kondwani Chilembwe headed home a free-kick beautifully taken by the former Blue Eagles player Richard Rapson.
Five minutes later, Rapson found his name on the score-sheet after beating two Baka City defenders before he calmly placed his shot just inside the near post to double the lead for the home side.
Baka coach Kondwani Mwalweni responded with a double substitution, bringing in Augustino Msowoya and Tambulani Mwale for Mathews Msowoya and Edgar Phiri.
The visitors tried their best to find a consolation but Bangwe’s defence led by captain Fanizo Mwansambo made it possible to deny the Karonga-based side a goal.
In the 85th minute, Rapson who was also voted man of the match, slipped a pass to Clever Chikwata who scored a beautiful goal from what looked like an impossible angle to seal the victory for the home side.
After the match Baka City coach Kondwani Mwalweni could not hide his disappointment with the result but refused to throw in the towel in the league, saying there are still more games to play.
On the other hand Bangwe All Stars coach Trevor Kajawa praised his charges for the wonderful performance in the second half and said he was optimistic that he side would move out of the relegation zone.
“I am very happy that we have won. It was not an easy game especially in the first half but I thank the boys and the whole team that we managed to change our energy in the second half. I am very happy, this win is very important to us,” said Kajawa.
This is the second league game for Kajawa who has just been roped in to assist the team and has so far won all the two league games played.
Bangwe are now on position 14 on the log table with 18 points from 21 games, a point behind 13th placed FOMO FC who have played a games less than the Bangwe outfit.
Baka City on the other hand, remain bottom on the log table with 8 points after playing 21 games.
In other matches played on Wednesday, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets claimed a 3-2 win at home against Creck Sporting FC to move seventh on the log table.
Maxwell Phodo, Babatunde Adepoju and Ernest Petro were on target for the People’s team while Muhammad Sulumba scored all the two goals for the visitors.
In Dwanga, Peter Kasonga scored a brace as Mafco FC beat Mighty Tigers 2-0 at Chitowe Stadium.
In Lilongwe, Kamuzu Barracks beat the struggling Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 2-nil with goals from Christopher Mtambo and Gregory Nachipo.
The games continue on Saturday September 28, as Civil Service United takes on Moyale Barracks at Civo Stadium while Karonga United hosts Chitipa United at Rumphi Stadium.
On Sunday, Baka City will host FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Karonga Stadium as FOMO FC host third placed Kamuzu Barracks at Mulanje Stadium.
In a midweek fixture, Wednesday 02nd October, Mzuzu City Hammers who are on position 4 on the log table will host FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Mzuzu Stadium.
In another midweek fixture, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will host FOMO FC at Kamuzu Stadium and Bangwe All Stars will play the league leaders Silver Strikers at Balaka Stadium.
The central bankers remain top on the log table with 48 points followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who are perched on the second position with 41 points.
Richard Rapson receiving a man of the match award from SULOM official
The Government of Malawi through Ministry of Tourism has singled out development of the Likoma Activity Center on Likoma Island as one of the priorities in ten developments which government is under taking saying it will enhance tourism experience by developing an aquarium to promote awareness of Lake Malawi’s unique fish species.
In a press statement dated 25th September, 2024 signed by secretary for tourism, Chancy Simwaka, among others the development will also change outlook of Likoma Ireland as new modern facilities such as Casino, Luxurious Hotel, running tracks, waste management facilities, cruise ship, expansion of the Airport runway and terminal retail shops will be available.
Likoma Island
“In line with the Government’s policy on investment and Trade Promotion, the Ministry of Tourism refers any potential investors to the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC) as the focal point of contact for further processing of any expression of investment interest,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further said the Ministry of Tourism together with Ministry of Lands and Ministry of Local Government, Culture and Unity will collaborate with district councils to enhance sector investment in all the ten priority projects including the Development of the Likoma Activity Center on Likoma Island.
“Through these promotion, Augustus Gmbh expressed its interest to invest at Likoma Island, not only focusing on the Tourism sector but many others as well including Agriculture, Mining and Security and Health,” the statement further said.
The statement also remind the general public that in accordance with Land Laws of Malawi, amendment Act of 2022 it prohibits non- Malawian investors from buying the land in this country, as such, investors who are non- Malawians can only acquire land through MITC as derivative rights/sub-leases after satisfying investment requirements in accordance with the Law as investment transactions in Malawi are guided by the Constitution of Malawi and all applicable laws and policies.
Therefore, the ministry says these laws and policies are strictly observed by all relevant authorities with the aim of ensuring that all sector projects are both sustainable and beneficial to Malawians, especially the local communities.
In view of that the government has therefore cleared allegations that it does not have an agreement with any investor for the development of Likoma Island as indicated in the Malawi News dated 14th to 20th and 21st to 27th September, 2024.
“Therefore the allegations that the government is selling Likoma Island and consequently relocating the people are baseless,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry of Tourism therefore reiterate that Likoma Island is not for sale and cannot be sold as Government will continue to engage various investors expressing interest to invest in identified priority areas including the Likoma Activity Center, ensuring that all times any proposed investment is legally acceptable for the benefit of Malawians.
