Minister of Sports and Youth, Uchizi Mkandawire on Saturday 10th February 2024 led sports fraternity in mourning late Sekani Chenda Mkandawire who until his death was the Treasurer for Malawi Boxing Association (MABA).
In his remarks, Sports and Youth Minister mourned Chenda Mkandawire as a selfless young man committed and dedicated to promoting boxing and youth empowerment.
“It is a big loss to our Ministry and surely we will miss his support and guidance to boxing fraternity and at the Ministry of Sports and Youth at large” mourned Sports Minister in a telephone interview from Bolero.
Late Sekani Chenda Mkandawire passed on a couple of days ago and has been laid to rest at his in Bolero-Rumphi.
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, the Science for All (SCI4O) Initiative successfully held a Career Guidance Day at the Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) premises in Blantyre.
The Career Guidance Day is a day which SCI4O plans to be organising every year for students that have sat for Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) exams or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCE) exams and are from schools where SCI4O initiative clubs were established so as they acquire much-needed information on discovering their strengths, developing awareness and qualification standards for programmes and careers in clinical as well as biomedical science.
Speaking in an interview with this publication, SCI4O Coordinator Oris Chimphambano said the primary aim of the event is to encourage the aforementioned students to enroll into the Clinical and Biomedical science programmes so that they appreciate the careers of these two science programmes of study.
He said:”We want to train a generation of future scientists and there is no better way of doing that than having such events where we are guiding our future leaders.”
Chimphambano said the event was attended by three guest speakers;Dr. Alice Mbewe, a Translational Science Champion, Gareth Lipungula, a Study Physician and Aaron Chirambo,a PhD fellow.
He said these three guest speakers were chosen because they are industry leaders and researchers in the fields of biomedical and clinical science.
He went on to challenge students that have just completed MSCE or IGCE and are waiting for the results not to look down themselves but rather enroll in science programmes at tertiary level.
He said:”Science is for everyone, and it shapes our future. Clinical and biomedical sciences offer endless possibilities to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re passionate about finding cures, improving healthcare, or exploring the mysteries of life, there is a place for you in this exciting field. Science for all is also here to stay and it is an ongoing project. As such, we are open to establishing strategic partnerships with any organisation in this country and beyond as long as our goal of encouraging students to take up careers in clinical and biomedical science and their goals align.”
On the future plans, Chimphambano said:” We have a lot of future plans such as strengthening partnerships, promoting innovation and research, enhancing our outreach efforts as well as promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of science. We are planning on making all this realised through a number of our activities such as the 2nd Marcfarlane Mbewe Quiz (which will be national).Establishing more science clubs in schools across the country, and presenting our work on international platforms such as the Falling Walls Science summit in Berlin, among other activities.”
He then emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change towards everything.
“Each of us has a role to play in fostering interest and participation in clinical and biomedical sciences. Whether it is through mentoring aspiring students, advocating for increased resources and support in science, or simply spreading awareness about the opportunities within the field, every contribution matters. Together, we can create a brighter future where science is for everyone,”he said.
The Career Guidance Day was spiced up by a number of activities such as presentations on the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) application system, presentations on clinical and biomedical science programmes, mentorship assessment, just to mention some.
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has said that the construction of 10,000 houses for security agencies is underway, with over 1000 completed and others nearing completion.
He made this statement during his State of the Nation Address while highlighting successes achieved in the Ministry of Lands.
Additionally, President Chakwera mentioned that the Ministry of Lands has decentralized land registration to councils, with 28 land registries now operational in councils and 234 land registrars deployed to ensure easy access to land registration services.
Under the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, he said the country has digitalised its tax system and land information systems, and enacted the Data Protection Act to safeguard personal data.
Furthermore, the President noted collaborations with Tanzania on a diplomatic data corridor and highlighted Malawi’s provision of the continent’s most affordable internet.
On Natural Resources, Chakwera mentioned Malawi’s future benefits from carbon trading and plans to establish mega aqua farms across the country.
Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malawian embassies have secured markets for strategic crops and minerals.
Turning to Education, the Ministry has recruited 2000 primary school teachers and 4200 auxiliary teachers, trained 7300 school heads and deputies, and distributed 68 thousand tablets.
He added that 66 Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) have been constructed, 78 CDSS have been expanded, and 1400 secondary school teachers trained in leadership.
The President disclosed plans for further recruitment and promotion of secondary school teachers, as well as ongoing construction projects including a state-of-the-art library at Mzuzu University and office complexes at the University of Malawi and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
He further revealed upcoming plans to launch the construction of 10,000 classroom blocks under the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP).
Renowned lolitical activist Bon Kalindo, has assured Malawians that he will not leave activism and join politics following his fellow activists who have joined politics saying he has made up his mind to be arrested and killed for Malawians.
The activist says the same assurance was made before his family members who called him to stop activism after government arrest him for several times for leading mass demonstrations against the fall of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party-led government.
Kalindo
He says his family members have bowed down to his wishes that he is now not for them but Malawians saying whatever pain and sufferings he is sailing through are for the benefit of the poor whose cries are not heard by the government.
Speaking through an audio clip circulating in various social media platforms, Kalindo says he will continue siding with the poor in Malawi in voicing out their concerns until such a time that government listens to them and walk the talk as per its promises made during campaign trails.
Kalindo says he feels so sad and cries to himself to see City Council officials of Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mzuzu and Zomba chasing vendors and confiscating their mandasi and bananas in basins wondering as to why these officials have no human face.
He says these council officials must first think for themselves before setting out on a campaign of confiscating goods from street vendors claiming that some of them are in offices today after being sponsored by money gained from street vending.
The activist said very sadly, he saw a woman in Lilongwe carrying her baby on her back falling down while running away from City Council officials saying the officials grabbed and pounced her before arresting her in full view of on-lookers.
He says an on-looker after seeing the officers pouncing on the woman, he questioned the officers why doing that, immediately, he was whisked away into a land cruiser vehicle, arrested for the offence of feeling pity at the woman.
“Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda, why abusing these street vendors as if you will not need them tomorrow to vote for your party?” questions Kalindo in an audio clip.
He observes that these women carrying bananas and mandasi in basins have no capital for their businesses and that they depend on that for their everyday life needs and some are even paying rent for the same basin pleading with Chimwendo Banda to wear a human face.
He has however, warned Chimwendo Banda that the same policies government is formulating to abuse street vendors will turn against them as the citizens will say a big “no” to President Chakwera and his MCP led government to bounce back into government in 2025.
President Lazarus Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address, delivered on February 9, stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of Malawians and steering Malawi towards a prosperous future.
In the face of daunting economic challenges, including a significant devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha and external geopolitical pressures such as Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, and rising commodity prices like fertilizer, President Chakwera’s resolute demeanor and clear-sightedness continue to shine through, illuminating Malawians towards a common destiny.
His address not only acknowledges the obstacles facing the nation but also heralds a message of hope, resilience, and progress under his administration’s stewardship.
Leadership and Decisions
President Chakwera’s tenure has been marked by a remarkable display of leadership, characterized by bold decision-making and steadfast dedication to the welfare of the Malawian people.
The President’s willingness to confront inherited challenges head-on, while also laying out a comprehensive strategy for economic revitalization, underscores his commitment to delivering tangible results for the nation.
Moreover, President Chakwera’s ability to inspire confidence and trust among citizens, as evidenced by the restoration of donor confidence and the implementation of social welfare programs, speaks volumes about his leadership acumen and his role as a crisis manager in the face of adversity.
The SONA eloquently outlines President Chakwera’s multifaceted approach to governance, which encompasses not only economic revitalization but also social welfare, governance reforms, and environmental sustainability.
His emphasis on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development reflects a deep-seated commitment to democratic principles and equitable progress for all Malawians.
Furthermore, his administration’s proactive measures to cushion the effects of economic hardships on the most vulnerable segments of society, such as social cash transfers and food assistance programs, demonstrate a compassionate and empathetic leadership style.
President Chakwera’s visionary outlook extends beyond immediate challenges to envisioning a brighter future for Malawi. His strategic focus on key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and mining, coupled with efforts to attract investment and stimulate economic growth, underscores his foresight and determination to unlock the nation’s full potential.
Moreover, his proactive stance on climate change adaptation and resilience measures showcases a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding Malawi’s environment and natural resources for future generations.
From the SONA, it is clear that the government is taking a 360-degree approach to solving a myriad of problems confronting this country in order to stay the course and uplift the lives of the majority of Malawians.
Conclusion
Apart from declaring that the names of Lower Shire political iconic figures, Sidik Mia and Gwanda Chakuamba, be immortalized through the naming of upcoming roads, Chakwera’s SONA must also be given a five-star rating for its focus on seriousness, particularly among officers in the public sector.
We could discuss President Lazarus Chakwera’s delivery in comprehensive detail.
However, the biggest takeaway message from his SONA number 4 is that even in the context of global challenges, it is possible to deliver for your people as long as you have vision and good leadership.
President Lazarus Chakwera emerges from his State of the Nation Address as an accomplished and visionary leader, deserving of the trust and confidence of the Malawian people. His unwavering commitment to addressing challenges, fostering inclusive development, and charting a course towards a prosperous future exemplifies the transformative leadership needed to propel Malawi forward.
As citizens reflect on his visionary agenda and bold initiatives, they find assurance in President Chakwera’s ability to lead the nation to greater heights of progress and prosperity.
*_The author is writing in his personal capacity*-
