Record producer and reggae dancehall artist Eric Duse Anthony popularly known in music circles as ‘Desert Igwe’ formerly ‘Desert Eagle,’ is back with a new song titled “Hot Sauce”
The artist believes that the new song which has been produced by Desert Igwe himself is going to make it big on both local and international platforms.
“The song is finally out. Experience the Sizzling Beats and Scorching Rhymes. “Hot Sauce” is the perfect blend of spicy flows and infectious energy. Don’t miss out on this culinary masterpiece,” wrote Desert Igwe on his Facebook page.
The artist who was born in Ghana but moved to Malawi at a tender age of 7, released his first album titled ‘Broken Silence’ in Australia where he went for school in the early 2000s.
He then began to be known in Malawi as a music producer after producing Kenny Klips’ hit single ‘Mtofu.’
After that, Desert Igwe, went on to produce hit songs for a number of urban artists like Young Kay (Now Hyphen), Marco Sadik, Basement, Incyt, Mr.C, Don Dice, Kenny Klips and Maskal.
You can watch Desert Eagle’s new song “Hot Sauce” by following the link below
In a controversial move, up to four million state pensioners living alone may face an average council tax increase of £394 under Labour’s next budget. This comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves failed to rule out the removal of the 25% council tax discount for single residents.
The single-person discount, which reduces council tax for individuals living alone or with a dependent such as a student, could be scrapped as part of Labour’s efforts to address a £22 billion financial shortfall left by the previous administration. While Labour has promised not to increase National Insurance, VAT, or income tax, the government has remained silent on potential changes to other forms of taxation, including council tax.
Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister
The proposal has sparked fear among pensioners, many of whom rely on the 25% discount to manage rising living costs. Currently, the average council tax bill for a Band D property is around £1,578, with the discount saving single occupants approximately £394 annually. Without this reduction, pensioners living alone could see their bills rise significantly.
While some state pensioners qualify for additional council tax reductions based on income, the automatic nature of the single-person discount means that its removal would directly impact a large portion of the elderly population. For many, this discount provides critical financial relief.
Critics argue that removing this discount could disproportionately affect vulnerable pensioners, many of whom are already struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged that the upcoming budget will bring “painful” decisions, citing the need for long-term fiscal sustainability. However, some have expressed concern that targeting pensioners may exacerbate existing financial hardships among those on fixed incomes.
The potential changes have sparked debate within Parliament, with Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner defending the government’s approach. She accused the opposition of mismanagement, stating that the new budget is necessary to resolve the economic issues inherited from the previous government.
Labour has emphasized that its focus will be on ensuring fairness, with a particular emphasis on those “with the broadest shoulders” bearing the heaviest financial burden. Starmer also highlighted efforts to crack down on tax loopholes and fines for water companies, as well as plans to increase accountability for non-domiciled individuals, or “non-doms,” as part of Labour’s broader fiscal strategy.
*Conclusion*
With the budget expected on October 31, many pensioners remain anxious about potential council tax changes. As the government grapples with fiscal challenges, the debate over who should shoulder the burden of economic recovery continues, with pensioners potentially at the center of the upcoming financial storm.
Former President of Malawi, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, took to his Facebook page recently to engage with his supporters and announce a new communication platform as part of his political comeback. In a message titled “Dear supporters, friends, and all,” Mutharika encouraged his followers to join him on his journey towards what he calls a “#ReturnToProvenLeadership.”
The crowd puller statesman, who served as Malawi’s president from 2014 to 2020, is signaling a return to active political engagement as the country gears up for the next election cycle. Mutharika’s message emphasized his commitment to reaching out to the people of Malawi through various channels, and his latest effort is the launch of a WhatsApp channel to directly engage with his supporters.
“We will leave no stone unturned and no avenue unexplored just to make Malawi better again,” Mutharika wrote. He invited his supporters to be a part of what he described as a story of triumph by following his WhatsApp channel. The link to the channel was shared as part of the message, where he promised to provide updates, events, and information relevant to his political movement.
In addition to the announcement, Mutharika reminded Malawians that voter registration for the upcoming elections will begin soon. “Get ready to register,” he urged, stressing the importance of being prepared to participate in the democratic process. This call to action underlines Mutharika’s effort to mobilize his base and galvanize new supporters as he prepares for a potential return to power.
The message appears to resonate with his supporters who continue to advocate for his leadership, praising his previous tenure for economic and infrastructural developments. Under the banner of “#ReturnToProvenLeadership,” Mutharika is expected to mount a significant campaign to regain the trust of the electorate.
As Malawi approaches its voter registration and election period, Mutharika’s use of digital platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook signifies a strategic move to modernize his outreach efforts and reconnect with voters, especially the youth.
Stay tuned for updates and engage directly with Professor Mutharika’s campaign via his new WhatsApp channel: WhatsApp Link.
The revitalisation of the Marka-Bangula Railway System stands as a testament to the Malawian government’s unwavering dedication to transforming the nation’s transportation infrastructure. By restoring and upgrading this crucial rail link between Malawi and Mozambique, the government aims to enhance the efficiency of transporting goods across borders, significantly reducing costs for businesses and strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.
Situated in southern Malawi, the Marka-Bangula railway line has historically been a vital corridor for trade. The rehabilitation of this line is not only an infrastructural development but also a strategic move to boost the country’s transportation sector. As Malawi continues to seek ways to improve its logistics network, this railway system is poised to play an instrumental role in advancing the country’s economic agenda by facilitating more efficient trade with Mozambique, Malawi’s gateway to international markets.
Transportation costs in Malawi have historically been high, largely due to an over-reliance on road transport. The Marka-Bangula railway offers a cost-effective alternative, particularly for bulk goods, which will ease pressure on the country’s road network. Rail transport is typically cheaper and more efficient over long distances, making it an ideal solution for the movement of goods such as agricultural produce, minerals, and industrial materials.
By linking key trading points in Malawi to Mozambique’s ports, the railway will also reduce delays and costs associated with exporting goods overseas. This revitalisation project aligns with the government’s broader efforts to reduce trade barriers and improve access to global markets, thus boosting Malawi’s export potential.
The rehabilitation of the Marka-Bangula railway also underscores the government’s focus on fostering sustainable transportation solutions. As concerns about environmental sustainability rise globally, Malawi is keen on reducing its carbon footprint through investments in rail systems, which are generally more environmentally friendly compared to road transport. This railway project is a forward-looking initiative that not only addresses present economic needs but also safeguards the future by promoting sustainable development practices.
Beyond its economic benefits, the Marka-Bangula railway is expected to have significant social impacts, providing employment opportunities during its rehabilitation and operational phases. The local communities along the railway line will benefit from improved access to markets, services, and employment, further enhancing regional development.
The Marka-Bangula railway system is more than just a national project—it is a symbol of Malawi’s commitment to regional integration. The line forms a critical link in the regional transport network that connects Malawi to the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. By strengthening the railway infrastructure, Malawi is positioning itself as a key player in regional trade and logistics, facilitating smoother movement of goods across borders and fostering closer economic ties with Mozambique and other neighbouring countries.
Ultimately, the revitalisation of the Marka-Bangula railway system is a significant step in Malawi’s long-term economic strategy. It reflects the government’s understanding of the critical role that efficient, sustainable transportation systems play in driving economic growth. As the railway line becomes fully operational, it is expected to lower the costs of doing business, enhance the competitiveness of Malawi’s exports, and create a ripple effect of economic development throughout the region.
In conclusion, the Marka-Bangula railway rehabilitation is not only a transport upgrade but also a bold step towards a more integrated, sustainable, and prosperous future for Malawi. By prioritising infrastructure development that supports trade and reduces costs, the government is laying the groundwork for economic growth that benefits all Malawians.
Fresh from clinching the FDH Cup after beating champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets on post match penalties, Blue Eagles continues to sour when they edged Wimbe United 4-0 on Saturday to get to the top of Group B in the central region premier league.
The eagles have now 28 points from 12 games displacing Wimbe United who now come second with 27 points having played 13 games.
The eagles were on target in the 7th and 13th minute of the game through a brace from Gilbert Chirwa and Francis Maloya extended the lead in the 19th and 80th minute to seal the game at 4-0.
Eagles assistant coach, Sankhani Mkandawire said he is happy that the team is back to the summit of the group’s table.
“It was not easy, we knew they are a good side and were coming from a win but we could not allow to get a draw or loss at our own backyard after emerging champions in the FDH cup,” he said.
His counterpart, Ziggy Nkhata of Wimbe attributed the loss to transport challenge they encountered on their way to the venue.
“It was a difficult game we have to accept but we had a breakdown as we were coming such that we arrived abit late and our players did not have ample time to do some warm-up,” he said.
He, however, said they would get back to their drawing board to rectify the challenges they face to do well.
Extreme FC and Mitundu Baptist are topping Group A and C respectively with 24 and 26 points.
For topping group B, Blue Eagles have won 8 games with 4 draws and have never tasted a defeat.
Speaking in an interview, Central Region football association general secretary Antonio Manda said he is impressed with the league’s progress.
” As Central Region Football Association, we are on cloud nine because we haven’t registered any pockets of violence since the inception of the league,” said Manda.
Pic: Blue Eagles and Wimbe players scrambling for the ball.
