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Passport Services to resume in Blantyre, Malawi

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By Burnett Munthali

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services has announced the resumption of passport services at its Blantyre office starting Wednesday, July 10, 2024, following technical disruptions that temporarily halted operations in multiple regions.

According to Wellington Chiponde, the National Public Relations Officer for the department, all individuals requiring passport services will now be able to access them at the Immigration Headquarters in Blantyre.



The Immigration Department had suspended passport processing in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mangochi, and Mzuzu due to technical issues affecting its issuance system. Since the successful recovery of the system in March this year, passport processing has been centralized to the Lilongwe office only.

Chiponde assured the public that the department is now equipped to resume full operations in Blantyre, ensuring that citizens and residents can obtain essential travel documents without further delays.

“We are pleased to announce that from tomorrow onwards, passport services will be available at our Blantyre office,” Chiponde stated in a press release today.

The decision to resume services in Blantyre marks a significant step towards improving service delivery and meeting the demand for passports across Malawi. It comes as a relief to many who have been inconvenienced by the limited access to passport facilities in recent months.

Moving forward, the Immigration Department remains committed to maintaining efficient operations and addressing any future challenges to ensure seamless service provision to the public.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to visit the Blantyre office for their passport needs, adhering to all necessary procedures and requirements set forth by the department.

The resumption of passport services in Blantyre reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance administrative capabilities and provide essential services to its citizens effectively. As operations normalize, stakeholders anticipate improved accessibility and convenience for passport applicants nationwide.

CDEDI calls for Tchereni’s resignation over disappointing remarks

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has demanded the resignation of the Secretary to the Treasury, Dr.Betchani Tchereni within seven days over his viral video where he is accusing Malawians of blackmail.

During a two-day National Debt Conference(NDC) organized by the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) in Lilongwe last week, Tchereni is believed to have said that ‘voters should stop threatening politicians for their votes’.

Namiwa



However, in a statement, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa,describes Tchereni’s comments as insensitive and accusatory towards citizens.

Namiwa has highlighted the disconnect between Tchereni’s remarks and the economic struggles faced by Malawians, including high inflation, low productivity, and prevalent corruption.

He has criticized Tchereni for failing to address domestic borrowing concerns, instead attributing blame to the populace.

Meanwhile,Tchereni has confirmed receiving a receipt of the letter but has said he will comment at an appropriate time.

Chiponda urges Malawians to seek early TB treatment

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By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has advised peopl in the country to seek early Tuberculosis (TB) treatment once they experience its signs and symptoms saying the disease is curable if detected early.

Chiponda was speaking on Tuesday after commissioning the state-of-the-art multi-drug resistance Tuberculosis (TB) Ward at Nsanje District Hospital.

Chiponda



The minister assured people of Nsanje of government’s commitment to improving health service delivery.

“This facility will mainly help those that have developed resistance to Tuberculosis treatment,” she said.

Chiponda also advised district health officials and people in the district to look after the new structures.

She, therefore, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for complementing governments efforts in promoting health service delivery in the country.

Chiponda noted a number of challenges the district hospital is facing and assured the districts health management team that government will address the shortfalls.

“I have noted that the cold room is not working effectively and also the maternity wing is not up to standard, she admitted.

Chiponda disclosed that government has allocated K500 million for rehabilitation of health facilities in Nsanje.

She encouraged health workers to work hard and refrain from drug theft, noting: Anyone found in the malpractice, will face the law.

During the event, the minister also launched motorbikes that will be used to deliver supplies in health centres in the district under the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunisation Vaccines and Interventions for Equity (Drive) health project.

Nsanje District Council Vice Chairperson, Felix Round, commended government for putting efforts in promoting health service in the country saying the new structure at the district will facelift Nsanje District hospital.

Construction of the TB Ward has costed K240 million.

Atupele Muluzi returns to active politics, to contest UDF presidency in August

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By Chisomo Phiri

Former leader of the United Democratic Front(UDF), Atupele Muluzi, has expressed interest to contest for the position of party president during an elective convention scheduled for 3rd August this year.

UDF Secretary General, Kandi Padambo, has confirmed to Zodiak Online that Muluzi has collected nomination papers to contest for the position and become the UDF torchbearer during the 2025 presidential election.

Atupele Muluzi

“He has returned to active politics and he is set to contest for the party’s Presidency in the upcoming elective convention,” confirmed Padambo.

In a separate interview, Chairperson for the Organising Committee of the UDF convention, Aisha Adams, said all is set to conduct the UDF elective indaba adding that delegates are being provided with information about the event.

Meanwhile, a political expert, George Phiri, says should Muluzi be elected to represent the party during the 2025 poll, he shall have a tough task to  restore UDF’s popularity almost a year before the election.

Atupele announced quitting active politics on May 28,2022 to start business for the development and progress of Malawi.

He said in his announcement:”I am grateful for the support.In view of this decision and pursuant with the party constitution, I appoint Honourable Lillian Estella Patel, party vice-president Eastern Region to lead the party as acting president until the next national convention where my successor will be elected.

“I am truly grateful to the entire UDF family for the amazing confidence and support given to me over the 18 years I have served in politics.”

Prophet Liabunya predicts Chakwera victory in 2025 elections

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By Burnett Munthali

Renowned Malawian Senior Prophet, Austin Liabunya, has made a bold prophecy regarding the upcoming 2025 general elections, predicting a landslide victory for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) incumbent president, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

Speaking via a YouTube channel, Prophet Liabunya confidently declared that President Chakwera, who is set to be the MCP’s torchbearer in the elections, will emerge victorious.

Prophet Liabunya, known for his prophetic messages that often garner significant attention, did not elaborate on the specifics of his prophecy during the online broadcast. However, his words have sparked interest and discussions among political observers and the general public across Malawi.



President Lazarus Chakwera, a former pastor and prominent political figure in Malawi, assumed office in June 2020 after winning a closely contested election against the incumbent at the time. His tenure has been marked by efforts to address governance issues and implement reforms aimed at improving the livelihoods of Malawians.

As preparations for the 2025 elections intensify, Prophet Liabunya’s prediction adds a layer of anticipation and speculation to the political landscape, with supporters and critics alike eagerly awaiting the unfolding of events.

The prophecy by Prophet Liabunya underscores the intersection of faith and politics in Malawi, where spiritual leaders often play influential roles in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes. Whether his prediction will manifest into reality remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding Malawi’s political future

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President Chakwera and Prophet Liabunya