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MRA expecting increased revenue from rehabilitated railway line

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MRA expecting increased revenue from rehabilitated railway line

By Chisomo Phiri

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.

Parliamentary Service Commission Gets New Commissioner as DPP’s Mary Mpanga Replaces Dr. George Chaponda

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Parliamentary Service Commission Gets New Commissioner as DPP’s Mary Mpanga Replaces Dr. George Chaponda

By Twink Jones Gadama

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.

Mangochi Traffic Officer dies in tragic motorcycle collision

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Mangochi Traffic Officer dies in tragic motorcycle collision


LBy Burnett Munthali

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.

Blantyre Residents face severe shortages amid hoarding allegations

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Blantyre Residents face severe shortages amid hoarding allegations

By Burnett Munthali

Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial hub, is in the grip of a worsening fuel crisis, leaving residents and businesses scrambling for petrol and diesel. Long queues at fuel stations have become a daily sight, as motorists spend hours—sometimes even days—waiting to fill up their tanks. This scarcity has sparked widespread frustration and panic, with reports of fuel hoarding exacerbating the situation.

The fuel shortages have brought parts of Blantyre to a standstill. With many stations running dry, motorists have resorted to camping overnight at the few that still have fuel, hoping to be among the lucky few to get a rationed supply. For others, public transportation has become unreliable, with minibuses either hiking fares or refusing to operate due to the uncertainty of finding fuel. The result is chaotic traffic conditions, as commuters compete for the limited transport options available.

One of the key drivers of the crisis appears to be fuel hoarding. Several fuel station owners and private individuals are being accused of stockpiling fuel, either to sell it at a higher price on the black market or to guarantee their own supplies in case the shortage continues. These allegations have sparked anger among ordinary Malawians, who see this as an opportunistic exploitation of an already dire situation.

Social media has been flooded with the hashtag #FuelHoarding, as frustrated residents share stories of empty pumps while rumors circulate of hidden reserves being kept by unscrupulous dealers. Some videos and pictures have emerged online, allegedly showing people filling up dozens of containers, fueling speculation that hoarding is worsening the crisis.

The fuel shortage is having a crippling effect on Blantyre’s economy. Businesses reliant on transportation are feeling the pinch, with deliveries delayed and operations slowed. The cost of goods and services is beginning to rise as suppliers factor in the additional expense of securing fuel. In addition, sectors such as agriculture and construction, which depend on fuel for machinery, are bracing for disruptions in their work schedules.

Small-scale traders, such as those in the informal sector, are also bearing the brunt. Many rely on minibuses to transport goods to the market, but with fewer vehicles on the road and increased transport costs, their businesses are at risk. The ripple effect is hitting households as well, with rising costs contributing to the overall strain on the average Malawian family.

In response to the fuel crisis, the Malawian government has acknowledged the challenges but has not provided a clear resolution timeline. The Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has attributed the shortages to logistical issues, including delays in imports and a lack of foreign exchange, which has made it difficult to procure adequate supplies of fuel. However, MERA has warned against illegal practices like hoarding, promising to crack down on those caught withholding fuel.

The government has also appealed to the public to remain patient and avoid panic-buying, stating that efforts are being made to stabilize the fuel supply. However, with no immediate relief in sight, the situation continues to escalate, and public trust in the authorities’ ability to manage the crisis is waning.

As Blantyre remains in the grip of this fuel shortage, the situation could worsen unless swift action is taken to increase supply and curb hoarding. The people of Blantyre are demanding accountability and transparency from both the government and fuel suppliers to ensure that this crisis does not continue to spiral out of control.

For now, the #FuelHoarding hashtag continues to trend, as Blantyre’s residents wait anxiously for the pumps to start flowing again.

Tabitha Chawinga: First Malawian nominated for the Ballon d’Or

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Tabitha Chawinga: First Malawian nominated for the Ballon d’Or

By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s football scene has received a monumental boost, as Tabitha Chawinga, captain of the Scorchers, has become the first Malawian footballer to be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. This marks a significant achievement, not just for Chawinga herself but for Malawian football as a whole. Currently playing for the iconic French club Lyon, Chawinga’s nomination places her among the elite of the footballing world, showcasing her immense talent and dedication to the sport.

Chawinga’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or signifies more than just personal glory—it is a proud moment for Malawi. For years, Malawian athletes have excelled at home and abroad, but recognition on such a grand stage has been elusive. Chawinga’s breakthrough in France represents not only her individual skill but also the rising standard of women’s football in Malawi.

Chawinga

As captain of the Scorchers, Malawi’s national women’s football team, Chawinga has been a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for young girls across the country. Her leadership on the field has transformed the Scorchers into a formidable team, competing strongly on the African stage. Now, her success with Lyon has earned her the highest level of recognition on a global platform.

Since joining Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, one of the most successful women’s football clubs in the world, Chawinga has continued to elevate her game. Her agility, goal-scoring prowess, and tactical awareness have made her a key player for the French giants. Chawinga’s journey from her humble beginnings in Malawi to playing at Lyon is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence.

With Lyon, she has competed at the highest level of European football, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and her consistent performances have earned her the admiration of both teammates and opponents. The Ballon d’Or nomination is a reflection of her outstanding season in France, where she has proven herself as one of the top players in the world.

The Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in football, recognizing the best players in the world each year. For Chawinga to be nominated is an immense achievement, given the fierce competition from elite players across Europe, South America, and beyond. Her inclusion on this list places her alongside some of the greatest names in women’s football and highlights her contributions to the sport on a global scale.

This nomination also brings international attention to Malawian football. While Malawi may not yet be considered a football powerhouse, Chawinga’s success shows that the country has the potential to produce world-class talent. Her nomination serves as an inspiration for young Malawians aspiring to make their mark in the sport.

Tabitha Chawinga’s journey serves as a reminder of the untapped potential in Malawian football, particularly in women’s sports. Her success can act as a catalyst for greater investment in grassroots football programs, helping identify and nurture talent from a young age. With better infrastructure, training, and support, more Malawian athletes can aspire to reach the highest levels of international competition.

Moreover, Chawinga’s nomination highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities for women in sports. As Malawi continues to grow its footballing reputation, the rise of players like Chawinga will be crucial in changing perceptions and promoting gender equality in sports.

Tabitha Chawinga’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or is not only a historic moment for her career but also a milestone for Malawi as a whole. She has become a symbol of hope and pride for her nation, demonstrating that with hard work, talent, and determination, it is possible to compete with the best in the world. As the first Malawian to be nominated for this prestigious award, Chawinga has forever cemented her legacy as one of Malawi’s greatest athletes.

Malawi now stands proudly on the global footballing stage, thanks to Chawinga’s achievements. Her story is one of perseverance, skill, and relentless ambition, serving as an inspiration to future generations of Malawian footballers.

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