The Muslim Students Association says it is fully focused on supporting Muslim students in balancing Education and Islamic values in schools across the country.
The General Secretary of the association, Mustapher Mmadi, who is also an Automobile Engineering student at MUBAS, confirmed this on Saturday during a gathering organized by the association to bid farewell to Form 4 Muslim students from various schools in Blantyre city.
M’madi said a person is made up of body, mind, and soul, emphasizing the need to mentor students on both their faith and career.
“We organized this gathering to provide career guidance and mentor students on balancing education with Islamic values, as well as bid farewell to Muslim students who are expected to sit for their Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) this year,” he said.
In his remarks, one of the career talk facilitators, a fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics from the University of Malawi (UNIMA),Kumbukani Mandela highlighted the importance of such motivational meetings, citing how it benefited him when he was in secondary school.
“I can assure you that mentorship sessions like this one are very helpful. I remember when we once had a similar gathering, and it motivated me to work hard and pass my MSCE with good grades. I even share the lessons I learned with my friends at school, so take it seriously , it will help you too,” he said.
The session was held at Ndirande Secondary School hall and brought together eight schools, including Ndirande Hill Secondary School, Alpha Private Secondary School, Ndirande Progressive Private Secondary School, Ndirande Hill Open, and Ndirande View Secondary School.
Shiekh Silika was the guest of honor and chose to make a brief remark, emphasizing the need for Muslim students to wear distinctive attire representing their faith, even in schools.
Lilongwe-based musician, historian, and teacher, Martin Chrispine Juwa, popularly known in music circles as Chrispine, is set to release his latest single titled ‘Mi Fambly’ on June 20, 2025.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Chrispine said the song, produced by Cozizwa at Zozizwa Wide in Lilongwe, is a reflection of his personal journey and spiritual growth.
Chrispine
He said the song is a call to godliness, emphasizing the importance of obeying God and teaching others to do the same.
“The song’s message is inspired by my personal struggles and doubts, which led me to deep studies of scriptures, particularly Joshua 24,” said Chrispine.
He cited local artists such as Sir Creedy, Dr. Ethel Kamwendo Banda, Trumel, and Pastor Samagara as inspirations, as well as international artists like Gentleman, Kim Walker, and Damian Marley.
The artist said the new song will be available on various platforms such as malawimusic.com,malawian.com and his YouTube channel.
Asked to comment on how he sees music industry in the country, Chrispine expressed hope that the industry is growing, with many gifted musicians breaking borders and making a living from their craft.
However, he acknowledged that more work needs to be done to gain full recognition in the international music market.
Chrispine has been pursuing music seriously since 2014, although he has not released music frequently.
There was a goals galore in the TNM Super League on Sunday as 12 goals were scored from six matches with Mighty Wanderers and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos registering biggest wins in Week number ten.
At Champion Stadium in Dowa, Wanderers relied on second half goals from Gaddie Chirwa, Blessings Singini and Wisdom Mpinganjira to beat Kamuzu Barracks (KB) and get maximum points to continue putting pressure on league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Man of the match Gaddie Chirwa
Wanderers started the game very well and they got their first chance 13 minutes into the game through Emmanuel Nyirenda but his shot went wide for a goal-kick.
Wisdom Mpinganjira had a chance to put the Nomads ahead after receiving a pass from Francisco Madinga but his shot was saved by KB goalkeeper Charles Chisale.
The home side had their chance just a minute before half time through Hope Namadzunda whose shot went wide for a goal-kick.
In the second half, the visitors started the way they did in the first half and they drew first blood in the 49th minute through Gaddie Chirwa who scored with a simple finish following a corner-kick by Wisdom Mpinganjira.
Three minutes later, Blessings Singini doubled the lead for the Lali-lubani boys with a powerful shot after receiving an assist from Stanley Sanudi.
Wisdom Mpinganjira put his name on the score-sheet in the 62nd minute after receiving a pass from Gaddie Chirwa to consolidate the Nomads’ lead.
In other matches, defending champions Silver Strikers came from behind to draw 1-1 against Blue Eagles at Nankhaka Stadium.
At Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets left it late to beat Mighty Tigers 2-0 with goals coming in from Hassan Kajoke and Babatunde Adepoju.
In Dedza, Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos thumped league debutants Songwe United 3-0 as Gif Magola scored a brace with Tayani Phiri scoring the other goal.
In Karonga, Zikani Mponda and Saulos Moyo were on target as Karonga United beat Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0 at Karonga Stadium.
The match between Moyale Barracks and Chitipa United ended goalless at Mzuzu Stadium.
Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo is one of Malawi’s most dynamic and polarizing political figures—a man whose unwavering commitment to truth and justice has often been misconstrued as opportunism. While critics accuse him of inconsistency, a closer examination reveals a leader who refuses to be shackled by blind partisanship, instead choosing to speak his truth as he sees it, even when it is unpopular. Far from being a betrayal, Mtambo’s evolution reflects an open mind, a willingness to reassess, and a deep-seated dedication to Malawi’s transformation. His recent interview, where he praised aspects of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration while maintaining his activist critique, should be applauded—not condemned—for its honesty and nuance.
A Fearless Truth-Teller in a Landscape of Political Conformity
From his early days as a human rights defender to his current role as a political leader, Mtambo has consistently demonstrated courage in confronting power. As chair of the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), he led mass protests against electoral fraud in 2019, risking his life to demand justice for Malawians . His activism contributed to the historic nullification of the presidential election, a landmark moment for democracy in Malawi . Yet, when he transitioned into politics, many accused him of abandoning his principles—an unfair charge against a man who has always sought systemic change, whether from the streets or within government.
His critics claim that his praise for Chakwera after previously criticizing him exposes hypocrisy. But this interpretation misses a crucial point: Mtambo’s willingness to acknowledge progress where it exists does not negate his right to critique failures. True leadership requires the ability to assess situations objectively, not cling to rigid opposition for its own sake. As he stated in his recent Zodiak TV interview, “I will fight for Malawi at any given moment”—whether that means holding leaders accountable or recognizing their achievements .
Not an Opportunist, but a Pragmatic Idealist
The narrative that Mtambo’s shift from activism to politics is driven by personal ambition ignores the reality of his journey. When he accepted a ministerial role in Chakwera’s government, it was not a surrender but an attempt to translate his advocacy into tangible policy . His short-lived tenure as Minister of Civic Education and National Unity was marked by efforts to foster unity in a fractured nation—a role that, while cut short, demonstrated his commitment to serving Malawi beyond mere rhetoric .
When he was dropped from the cabinet, some expected him to retreat into bitterness. Instead, he continued engaging constructively, refusing to let political disappointment cloud his judgment. His recent remarks—where he stated that the MCP-led government *“hasn’t completely failed”*—were not an endorsement but a measured assessment, acknowledging some progress while still pushing for greater reform . This balanced approach is what Malawi needs: leaders who can critique without demonizing and collaborate without compromising their principles.
A Leader Ahead of His Time
Malawi’s political culture often rewards sycophancy and punishes independent thought. In this environment, Mtambo stands out as a rare figure who refuses to be boxed into simplistic narratives. His Citizens for Transformation (CFT) movement is not a political party but a grassroots force aimed at empowering ordinary Malawians to demand accountability . Unlike traditional politicians who cling to power at all costs, Mtambo remains rooted in activism, using his platform to amplify marginalized voices.
His critics accuse him of inconsistency, but the truth is that Mtambo’s “inconsistency” is actually intellectual honesty. He critiques Chakwera when warranted and acknowledges progress when deserved—a stance that should be celebrated, not scorned. As one supporter noted on social media, “He is just changing the platform for activism, freeing himself from civil society so he can launch a people-power movement” .
Conclusion: Malawi’s Most Gifted Young Politician
Timothy Mtambo is not a perfect leader—no politician is. But his flaws are not those of a self-serving opportunist; they are the growing pains of a leader unafraid to evolve. His recent interview should not be met with cynicism but with appreciation for a man who speaks with Malawi in mind, not to appease politicians or pander to public sentiment.
In a nation where political discourse is often reduced to tribal loyalties and empty slogans, Mtambo represents something rare: a leader who thinks critically, speaks boldly, and acts with Malawi’s long-term interests at heart. History will remember him not as a betrayer, but as one of the few who dared to tell the truth—even when Malawi wasn’t ready to hear it.
For so many times in Malawi, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has become a victim of insults from power hungry politicians who have been attributing everything that seem not to be going well in the country to his leadership. But it is evident that most of the situations Malawi has been experiencing throughout his leadership are beyond his control.
Politicians, particularly from the opposition block have been taking turns to castigate President Chakwera on economic misfortunes that are evidently induced by natural circumstances such as cyclones, climate change and other factors such as nation to nation conflicts.
The world’s top-notch researchers and accredited global institutions have been conducting research to analyse how climate change, cyclones and wars have recently impacted least developed countries such as Malawi.
Chakwera
There have been so many reports published on the internet for people to access information and get a deep understanding on how countries, particularly Malawi have been affected in the contexts of food production and pricing. But overzealous politicians have decided to give a blind eye on these reports. Instead they have gone flat out to castigate President Chakwera for whatsoever seem not to be in a ‘good economic trajectory.’
One example is is the blame they are putting on the President regarding sugar scarcity and prices without understanding cautions which researchers have given in various reports.
In 2023, the Africa News (an online publication) published an article which is exposing how the African continent and the rest of the world got affected with the scarcity of sugar and the general rising of prices of commodities. The article which was updated on 13 August 2024 gives reasons that have recently led to scarcity of sugar and high prices not only in Malawi but also other African countries and the rest of the globe.
The article reads in part “Sugar worldwide is trading at the highest prices since 2011, mainly due to lower global supplies after unusually dry weather damaged harvests in India and Thailand, the world’s second- and third-largest exporters.
“This is just the latest hit for developing nations already coping with shortages in staples like rice and bans on food trade that have added to food inflation. All of it contributes to food insecurity because of the combined effects of the naturally occurring climate phenomenon El Nino, the war in Ukraine…”
Adding to that online publication, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization predicted a 2% decline in global sugar production in the 2023-24 season. This according to available reports, was compared with the previous year, which according to FAO translated to a loss of about 3.5 million metric tons from 3.8 million. In Africa, Nigeria was affected in recent years as Abuja sugar traders struggled to make their ends meet in 2021 because of the banning on importation of refined sugar. In turn, sugar prices began soring up.
The African News publication further highlighted that the 50-kilogram (110-pound) bag of sugar that one trader named Usman bought within seven days for $66 went up to $81 in Nigeria. This development led to the dwindling of his customers.
The publication quoted the trader as saying “The price keeps increasing every day, and we don’t know why,”
In a Malawian context, people ask the same question. Others are wondering why sugar prices are going up everyday when production is done within the country. Over ambitious politicians who want to displace President Chakwera on September 16 2025 have taken a centre stage in politicing the commodity with their belief that the President is not doing enough to bail out Malawians on the matter.
But they know the truth. And one of the truth as quoted from the African Brief analysis is: “It’s partly due to the El Nino, a natural phenomenon that shifts global weather patterns and can cause extreme weather conditions ranging from drought to flooding…”
In recent years, Malawi had alot of floods and bad weather more especially in Chikwawa and Dwangwa where sugar is produced. There have been inadequate sugar production because of these unforseen weather conditions. As a result people have been scrambling for few available packets of sugar- a development that has recently led politicians to begin politicising the product.
THE QUESTION PEOPLE MAY ASK IS WHY ONLY MALAWI?
Its not only Malawi which is being affected now. According to researchers, some of the countries such as India endured its driest months in the western state of Maharashtra, which accounts for over a third of its sugarcane production.
This situation affected India’s sugar production. It was predicted that production would decline by 8% in a year according to the Indian Sugar Mills Association reports. This affected the nation the same way Malawi is being affected.
But also, one important thing for Malawians to know and accept is the revelation on how Ukraine-Russia war and Covid-19 have affected the least developed countries.
In his analysis titled The Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Impacts on Commodity Markets in Malawi published in April 2022, researcher Greenwell Matchaya of the Consultative Group on International Agriculture posits that “The prices of almost all the commodities examined, including wheat, appear to have been affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. This was expected as Malawi imports 75% of its wheat from Russia and Ukraine, and the scarcity created by the war pushed prices higher.
The report further says “Equally, sugar prices went up significantly from March in both rural and urban markets of Malawi, which may partly be a result of the war, as some of its consequences included an increase in transport costs as well as a reduction in the international supply of commodities due to countries hoarding their stocks to smooth their domestic consumption…”
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in its policy brief report (Policy Brief, Issue No. 2) also presents the effects that have emerged on the Malawi economy because of the Russia-Ukraine war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climatic shocks.
With this understanding, it is questionable whether the Malawi opposition leaders are justified to blame President Chakwera on the situations which Malawians are facing. The opposition block must be honest with its claims because truth has been given publicly on how Malawians have been affected by the circumstances which the President himself cannot control.
As Malawians are gearing for the September 16 General Elections, it must be made clear that opposition party leaders are deliberately twisting issues taking advantage of the ignorance of most people in Malawi on how prices of commodities are fixed.
The most dangerous part of their narratives is the lack of their interest to tell potential voters on what they will do to fix the economy which has been destroyed by natural disasters and global wars. Malawians need to understand them as greedy leaders who have nothing to offer to them but just to loot and plunder the little available resources.
For the past five years, President Chakwera has done alot despite the nation facing economic challenges. The road infrastructure is being modernised in the country. The railway line transport brought back to cut the transportation costs.
There are so many infrastructure elected under his leadership. All these have been done at a time Malawi is struggling to stabilise its economy and at the same time when the country is facing forex shortages.
What else shall malawians need from those leaders who make noise but cannot propose or provide solutions to challenges the country has been facing? Malawi will emerge a better country if opposition political leaders can begin telling the country’s citizens the truth that they deserve to be told.
President Chakwera has done better considering other factors which huma beings cannot control. He deserves to finish his ten-year term of governing the country.
