The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) has announced that the third edition of the Malawi Film Festival will take place on November 29-30, 2024,at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Festival Coordinator Philmon Kuipa said this year’s festival will focus on showcasing Malawian culture through filmmaking.
He stated that they aim to use the platform to market Malawian culture internationally and promote local films.
“We want to use this platform to promote local films so that they can compete on the international level while telling our own stories,” he said.
Kuipa further appealed for support from corporate institutions, government departments, NGOs, and individuals to ensure the event’s success.
He indicated that so far, they have reached out to the Office of the Vice-President, emphasizing his creative role and potential to bring the needed attention and resources.
The event, with a budget of K21 million, will feature a film screening program, including local and international feature films, short films, and documentaries.
The UK government says it will promote female artists and creative exchanges between UK and Malawi after being unveiled as the main sponsor for Lake of Stars (LOS).
British High Commissioner Ms Fiona Ritchie expressed “delight” to sponsor Lake of Stars Festival as it gears to celebrate its 20th anniversary starting Friday.
BMs Ritchie pose with LOS team and Hazel Mak
The festivities return after a three-year break at Fish Eagle Bay in Nkhotakota.
Ms Ritchie said: “We have partnered with Lake of Stars Festival because we believe that the festival is a huge boost to Malawi’s tourism and fits nicely with Malawi Government’s ATM (Agriculture, Tourism, Mining) Strategy.”
She emphasised: “The UK will continue to support cultural and creative sectors as one way of propelling Malawi’s economic development.”
She pointed the UK believes the festival is a huge boost to Malawi’s tourism and fits well with the ATM (Agriculture, Tourism and Mining) strategy.
Lake of Stars Festival is being run under new management of Dusty Orange Production led by director Sharmila Elias.
Head of Partnerships at Lake of Stars Zilanie Gondwe said they expect an epic weekend: “Lake of Stars is more than a festival. It is a place to discover talent, support local businesses, inspire communities and make lasting connections.”
Three acts: Rachael Dadd, Sisanda & RU and K.O.G from United Kingdom, will perform at the festival sharing the stage with among others, South Africa’s Sho Madjozi and local acts Zeze Kingston and Temwah.
Lake of Stars Festival was founded by Will Jameson in 2004.
The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says the rehabilitation of the Beira-Marka railway line in Nsanje District is expected to increase trade volumes between Malawi and Mozambique.
MRA Marketing Communications Manager, Wilma Chalulu, made this observation on Wednesday during a tour of the Marka-Nyathando Border Post in the district, which was conducted for editors from the Southern region.
Chalulu noted that once the rehabilitation of the railway line at the border is completed, it will not only increase trade volumes but also enhance revenue collection for MRA.
Wilma Chalulu
“We have already been collecting revenue from traders conducting trade at this border, which is expected to increase once the facility is fully rehabilitated,” she said.
Chalulu added that MRA will construct decent houses at the border post to create a conducive working environment and motivate staff.
Regarding the challenge of smuggling, she said that MRA is continually engaging with communities, involving local leaders, to raise awareness about the disadvantages of tax evasion and its impact on national development.
“In collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, we constantly sensitize communities and empower them to join the fight against smuggling.
“While smuggling remains a significant challenge, our efforts to combat it are ongoing,” she said.
On his part,Malawi Editors’ Forum General Secretary, Gracian Tukula, said the tour was necessary for editors to stay informed and effectively handle reporters’ queries. “Editors need to be regularly updated on the latest developments in various sectors of our economy,” he said.
The railway line has already facilitated the importation of construction materials and raw materials for China Railways 20 Company and Prescane, respectively, highlighting its potential.
Malawi is a signatory to regional and continental pacts such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, Southern Africa Development Community, and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, which aim to make borders seamless and facilitate easy and legitimate movement of goods and services.
The parliament has appointed Mary Mpanga, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) from Phalombe, as a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission.
Mpanga replaces Dr. George Chaponda, who was also a Commissioner and a prominent figure in the DPP.
The appointment comes after the DPP’s Zomba Chingale Constituency’s Loney Chijere Chirwa was rejected by the Parliament.
Mary Mpanga
The rejection sparked controversy, with some accusing the Parliament of being biased against the DPP.
Mpanga’s appointment has been welcomed by Lilian Patel, the leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Parliament.
Supporters of the DPP have hailed the appointment as a positive move. They argue that Mpanga is a capable and experienced individual who will bring value to the Commission.
“Mary Mpanga is a seasoned politician and administrator,” said a DPP supporter. “Her appointment is a testament to the party’s commitment to promoting capable women to leadership positions.”
The Parliamentary Service Commission is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Parliament and ensuring that it functions effectively.
The Commission is composed of five members, including the Speaker of the Parliament, who serves as the Chairperson.
The controversy surrounding the appointment of Loney Chijere Chirwa and the subsequent rejection by the Parliament has sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in the appointment of Commissioners.
“Some people are trying to politicize the appointment of Commissioners,” said an analyst. “However, the appointment of Mary Mpanga shows that the Parliament is committed to promoting capable individuals regardless of their political affiliation.”
As the debate continues, Mpanga has pledged to work tirelessly to ensure that the Parliamentary Service Commission functions effectively and efficiently.
“I am honored to have been appointed as a Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission,” Mpanga said. “I pledge to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the Commission achieves its mandate.”
The appointment of Mary Mpanga has set tongues wagging, with some hailing it as a positive move while others have expressed concerns.
However, one thing is certain – the move has brought attention to the important role that the Parliamentary Service Commission plays in the functioning of the Parliament.
A 45-year-old traffic police officer from Namwera Police Post, Mangochi, has tragically died following a motorcycle accident that occurred on the evening of September 4, 2024, at Sumaili village along the Bakili Muluzi Highway. The officer, identified as Sub Inspector Cliff Kokha, succumbed to injuries after his motorcycle collided with another rider.
Sub Inspector Kokha, who hailed from Chonde village, Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo, was riding his Yamaha DT motorcycle (registration number BR 4783) when the collision occurred. The other motorcyclist involved in the crash has been identified as 51-year-old Meja Majidu from Mkambiri village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi.
### The Incident
According to Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the public relations officer for Mangochi Police Station, Majidu was riding an unregistered Lifo motorcycle, traveling from Chiponde toward Namwera. Upon reaching Sumaili village, Majidu veered off the main road onto the dirt verge in an attempt to avoid a rumble strip.
Tragically, Majidu re-entered the highway without signaling, directly into the path of Sub Inspector Kokha, who was following behind him. The collision was unavoidable, leading to fatal injuries for the officer.
### Community in Mourning
The death of Sub Inspector Kokha has sent shockwaves through the police force and the wider community. Known for his dedication and service, Kokha’s passing has left a void at Namwera Police Post, where he had been a committed member of the traffic unit.
### Authorities’ Response
Following the accident, both motorcycles were taken to Namwera Police Post for further investigations. Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi urged motorcyclists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules, especially when navigating busy roads like the Bakili Muluzi Highway.
She emphasized the importance of signaling properly and maintaining vigilance to avoid accidents, which have become an increasing concern in Mangochi and other districts.
### Conclusion
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on Malawi’s roads, particularly for motorcyclists. As investigations continue, the family of Sub Inspector Cliff Kokha, his colleagues, and the community mourn the loss of a dedicated officer whose life was cut short in the line of duty.
