Principal Resident Magistrate Godfrey Balaka of Blantyre Magistrate Court has on Wednesday reserved his ruling on bail application for the three people arrested in connection to blocking and stoning President Lazarus Chakwera’s convoy on Friday last week.
The three are Hector Ndawala,38,Pearson Chimimba, 48, and Lucy Namba, 25,.
The State through South West Police Region prosecution officer Damiano Kaputa asked the court to allow police to continue keeping the suspects in police cell for the next seven days.
He told the court that police were yet to complete their investigations on the matter,but lawyers representing the accused persons, Chancy Gondwe and Alexious Kamangira, asked the court to release them on bail saying; they are all Malawians, cannot interfere with the investigations or State witnesses and that the case they are answering is not a serious one, among other things.
After hearing from both sides, Balaka said he will deliver the ruling on Friday.
The three suspects have been formally charged with intention to endanger safety of persons travelling by road, criminal negligence and failing to stop for the State President.
Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule says the 2024 Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE) to be held from April 25 to 27,2024 will focus on strengthening the partnerships which the ministry has created with the global travel trade so as to embrace the growing tourism.
Kamtukule made the remarks during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
She emphasized that the expo will not just be about welcoming international buyers and travel media from the biggest market sources such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands and USA but also work on embracing growing tourism markets such as India, China, Italy and France among others.
Vera Kamtukule
The Minister said her ministry is also focusing on engaging East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania to participate in the Expo.
Kamtukule said:”This is not only because these are growing economies or markets, but also because they receive a lot of tourists from our key source markets. We would like to work with them to extend their visits to Malawi.”
Kamtukule mentioned that these regional markets promise vibrant exchanges, potential partnerships and the chance to showcase Malawi’s unique charm to fellow African travelers.
She further said that the bilateral agreements that Malawi signed with these countries in the field of tourism have been operationalised and practically facilitate joint marketing efforts between the countries.
Kamtukule also emphasised that success in tourism development requires strong collaboration across government agencies and different actors at local and regional levels hence the need for a strong partnership among stakeholders in this year’s MITE.
“This is why we have decided that for this year’s expo, we would like to do things a little different. We are not looking for sponsors; we are looking for partners, institutions and individuals who will work with us not just to deliver the expo but also look at the bigger picture of promoting tourism development in the country,” she said.
The 2024 Malawi International Tourism Expo is expected to attract Western countries as well East African countries respectively.
Police brutality is a harrowing issue that continues to plague societies around the world. While numerous cases have been exposed and acknowledged, countless others remain hidden, leaving victims to suffer in silence. One such case that has recently come to light is the horrifying ordeal of Elasto Ngonyani, a 35-year-old truck driver from Malawi who fell victim to Mozambique police brutality at Zobue. This column aims to shed light on the challenges faced by foreign truck drivers and the urgent need for governments to address this grave issue.
The Medical Report: A Glimpse into Ngonyani’s Struggles
A detailed medical report from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital has revealed the extent of Ngonyani’s injuries sustained during the brutal assault. The report highlights lumbar sliding disc loin pain on the right side, scalp lacerations on the head, pain in the right knee, and pain in the left ankle, accompanied by a few lacerations. Furthermore, Ngonyani is currently battling severe headaches, general body pains, chest pains, shortness of breath, and numbness in his feet as a result of the traumatic assault. These injuries not only hinder Ngonyani’s current ability to work but also pose significant challenges for his future livelihood.
The Cry for Change
Foreign Drivers Demand Diplomatic Intervention
In the wake of this horrific incident, Ngonyani has called upon the Malawi government to employ diplomatic means to end the rampant police brutality faced by Mozambican roads, particularly when directed towards foreigners. Foreign truck drivers often face discrimination and abuse at the hands of law enforcement, leading to physical and emotional trauma, as well as a hindered ability to continue their work. Ngonyani’s plea serves as a reminder of the urgent need for governments to prioritize the protection of foreign nationals, as well as to hold accountable those responsible for these acts of brutality.
Malawi’s Response: Diplomatic Efforts and Assurances
Happy Saka, Malawi’s Consul General for Tete and Zambezia provinces in Mozambique, has assured Ngonyani and the wider community that talks are underway with Mozambique authorities. Saka acknowledges the severity of the issue and promises that the matter will be appropriately addressed. While these diplomatic efforts provide a glimmer of hope, it remains imperative for concrete actions to be taken, ensuring lasting change in the treatment of foreign truck drivers.
The Hidden Suffering: A Widespread Issue
Ngonyani’s case is not an isolated incident; it is a stark reflection of the widespread and long-standing issue of police brutality faced by foreign truck drivers. Many drivers, hailing from various countries, have shared chilling accounts of violent encounters with Mozambique police, leaving them mentally and physically scarred. Whether it is unwarranted beatings, extortion, or harassment, their experiences paint a disturbing picture of the dangers they face along their routes.
Urgent Need for Enhanced Security Measures
In light of Ngonyani’s ordeal and the countless similar incidents, it is clear that urgent action must be taken to enhance security measures and safeguard foreign truck drivers on Mozambican roads. Authorities should prioritize the training and education of law enforcement officers, ensuring that they understand and respect the rights and dignities of all individuals they encounter. Additionally, robust mechanisms for reporting incidents of police brutality must be established, providing victims with safe avenues to seek justice and redress.
Collaborative Efforts for Safer Roads
The responsibility to end police brutality lies not only with the governments of affected nations but also requires collaborative efforts from international organizations, neighboring countries, and regional alliances. Greater cooperation must be fostered to address the root causes of this issue and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that protect foreign truck drivers. By joining forces, nations can create safer, more inclusive road networks, ensuring the well-being of all who traverse them.
Conclusion
Elasto Ngonyani’s distressing ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the silent suffering endured by countless foreign truck drivers at the hands of Mozambique police. His story highlights the urgent need for governments to prioritize and address this pervasive issue, employing diplomatic means to bring about lasting change. As awareness surrounding the plight of foreign drivers grows, it is essential for collaboration and collective action to shape a future where roads are safe for all, free from the terrors of police brutality.
In a bold move, education expert Ben Navitcha has proposed that the English language learning curriculum be removed as a requirement for accessing tertiary education. Navitcha argues that while many students excel in science-related subjects, they are denied the opportunity to pursue university education due to difficulties in English language learning. He further suggests that the government should address the lack of universities in the country by repurposing Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and secondary schools to cater to the needs of these students.
Ben Navitcha
For many students, English language learning can present a significant barrier to higher education. While some individuals possess natural proficiency in English, others struggle to grasp the complexities of the language. However, this language bias can have far-reaching consequences, as it excludes otherwise talented students from pursuing degrees in their preferred fields.
Navitcha’s proposal challenges this long-standing requirement, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to education. By removing English proficiency as a mandatory criterion for tertiary education, doors will open for students who are passionate about science, math, or other subjects, but struggle with the English language. This shift would enable a more holistic selection process, focusing on individual skills and potential rather than a language barrier.
Currently, the country boasts only six public universities, a stark contrast to the population of budding young minds seeking tertiary education. With just 8,552 out of 83,846 high-performing students gaining entry to universities last year, Navitcha’s call for expanding tertiary education institutions becomes even more pertinent.
Navitcha proposes a potential solution by reconverting Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and underutilized secondary schools into universities. This transformation would provide an immediate increase in the number of educational institutions available to students. By repurposing these establishments, the government can make tertiary education more accessible and cater specifically to students who excel in areas other than language proficiency.
If the government were to implement Navitcha’s recommendations, several benefits could arise. Firstly, more students who excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields would have an opportunity to pursue their passions at the tertiary level. This would not only promote a more diverse and well-rounded workforce but also lead to advancements in these critical areas.
Secondly, the proposal to convert existing institutions into universities presents a cost-effective solution. By leveraging already established infrastructure, the process of creating new universities would be streamlined and less resource-intensive. Furthermore, this approach would require fewer resources for acquisition of land and construction, compared to building universities from scratch.
However, there are also potential challenges to consider. The suitability of TTCs and secondary schools for higher education might be questioned. Additional investment in infrastructure, resources, and faculty training would likely be required to provide an adequate learning environment for university-level education. Moreover, involving stakeholders such as students, teachers, and the community in the decision-making process is crucial to ensure transparency and the successful implementation of these changes.
The proposal to remove English language learning as a requirement for accessing tertiary education calls for a more inclusive approach to education. By considering the talents and potential of students beyond language proficiency, the government can unlock equal opportunities for all, especially in STEM fields. Additionally, the idea of repurposing existing institutions as universities presents a practical solution to the limited availability of tertiary education.
As the country seeks to build a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative that we take heed of the calls for educational reforms to elevate the overall quality of education and tap into the potential of our youth. Fostering an inclusive learning environment will not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation.
Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) has appointed former Malawi National netball team captain Joana Kachilika as the team’s head coach.
According to a statement released by the association on Wednesday evening, Kachilika who is currently coaching Imosys Netball Club will be assisted by Eleanor Mapulanga while Beatrice Mpinganjira will be working as Malawi Queens’ physical trainer.
Joana Kachilika
Samuel Kanyenda who has been in charge of the team in the last two competitions, has been maintained as the team’s Technical Director.
Malawi Queens has been without a head coach after partying ways with Peace Chawinga Kalua in a controversial circumstance.
