United Transformation Movement (UTM) Director of Youth, Penjani ‘Fredokiss’ Kalua, has condemned the political violence that took place in Lower Shire yesterday.
The region witnessed a political boiling point, where President Lazarus Chakwera’s convoy was stoned while he was on official duties.
Fredo
Kalua has urged Malawians to channel their anger and frustration towards constructive ideas to build the country.
He prophesied that the violence shown towards Chakwera is a stark reminder of what is to come as the country heads towards elections in 2025.
“Our vote is our gun. Our vote is our stone. Our vote is our dagger.I call upon the youth from all political parties to view peace as a non-negotiable virtue, a divine gift from the Most High,” said Kalua.
He emphasized that, as a movement, the party stands for peace and non-violence.
All roads will lead to Glalle Gardens in Lilongwe on Saturday for the launch of Kellie Divine Njuchi’s debut album titled ‘The Transition’.
The album concert launch is expected to be a massive event, with a diverse lineup of celebrated artists billed to perform, including Eli Njuchi, Black Missionaries, Fada Moti, K Banton, Beejay, Ace Jeezy, and many others.
Kellie Divine
“This event will be more than just a concert; it will be a powerhouse event blending music, culture, and impactful themes of empowerment. This album represents a journey – my journey – and the voices of many in our community,” Kellie Divine Njuchi said
She added:”The album has been crafted to resonate, inspire, and ignite.”
The artist said her music and movement aim to foster the potential of Malawi’s future leaders through entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP), Bantu Saunders Jumah, has appealed to the Government of Malawi to pressure the courts to expedite justice for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri,saying this would help alleviate the suffering of millions of Malawians living in South Africa, who are facing arrests by police and the Home Affairs Ministry.
Jumah claims that there are over 3 million Malawians in South Africa, with one finding a Malawian every kilometer.
Bantu Saunders Jumah
He says these individuals are being targeted for arrests, regardless of whether they have valid documents or not.
“Many have property in South Africa, which they purchased with the intention of taking back to Malawi upon their return. However, they are being arrested and forced to leave behind their hard-earned property,” says Jumah.
He has,expressed his concern that the Malawi Government seems unconcerned with the plight of Malawians in South Africa.
He questions the type of diplomacy the country’s leaders are employing, as only Malawians appear to be targeted, while foreigners from other countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique are free to move about and conduct business as usual.
Jumah has thanked the Indian and Hindu communities in South Africa for their support in providing food to detained Malawians at Lindera Prison and police cells.
He notes that the Home Affairs and Police are searching for Malawians in work premises, churches, and homes.
The MRP President has urged the Government of Malawi to send the Malawi Ambassador to South Africa to negotiate with the South African government.
“They should issue an ultimatum to allow arrested Malawians to return to their homes and collect their property, ensuring it remains in their custody,” he says.
Jumah emphasizes that these Malawians came to South Africa seeking greener pastures and are breadwinners supporting their families in Malawi.
“If all 3 million were to return home, it would be challenging for them to survive,” adds Jumah.
He has appealed to Malawians living in South Africa to support one another during this difficult time, as the government of Malawi seems unresponsive to their plight.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Thyolo Central, Ben Phiri, has expressed frustration in Parliament over the continued collection of the fuel levy, which is intended for road maintenance, despite the lack of visible improvements on the country’s roads. Phiri questioned the government’s use of the levy, accusing it of failing to channel the funds for their intended purpose.
Phiri made his remarks during a heated debate in Parliament yesterday, addressing concerns over the “missing” road maintenance that the levy is supposed to finance. He argued that it makes no sense for Malawians to keep paying the fuel levy if the funds are not being used to improve the deteriorating road infrastructure.
Ben Phiri
“It’s either we stop paying the levy, or roads should be maintained,” Phiri said, emphasizing that Malawians are being short-changed. He further stated that the government must be held accountable for the misuse of public funds, calling for transparency and action to ensure that the funds collected through the fuel levy are properly allocated to road maintenance projects.
Phiri’s remarks resonate with widespread public frustration over poor road conditions across the country, which continue to worsen despite the fuel levy being in place. The MP’s comments have sparked debate on how the government handles infrastructure development and the need for urgent reforms in how road maintenance funds are managed.
A human rights watchdog,Youth and Society (YAS), has expressed concern over the escalating cases of corruption in the country.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ dialogue on anti-corruption in Mchinji, YAS Project Officer Jane Chibisa emphasized the need for collective action to address this growing concern.
The dialogue, held under the initiative “Bolstering Citizen8 Action Against Corruption,” aimed to provide a solution-focused platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges, opportunities, and solutions in tackling corruption.
Jane Chibisa
On her part, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Chief Prevention Officer Susan Phiri urged participants to champion the National Anti-Corruption Strategy that promotes culture of integrity.
“Everyone must take part in the fight against corruption. It is not just the responsibility of YAS or ACB,” she stressed.
Mchinji District Council Youth Officer Mouldrich Shema welcomed the engagement, citing its timeliness.
Through the initiative, YAS is engaging community leaders, civil society organizations, and government officials to provide a platform for discussing challenges and improving public service delivery.
