The Tobacco Commission (TC), says it is going to embark on the first round crop estimate survey for 2023-24 tobacco growing season on January 15, 2024.
The Commission’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Telephorus Chigwenembe, has confirmed the development to 247 Malawi News adding that data collection works will be done in all regions across the country.
The Commission’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Telephorus Chigwenembe
He however, added that the commission has implored farmers to cooperate by providing correct information to the data collectors citing ‘credible estimates are used by various players in the economy’.
“TC will conduct the survey for period of three weeks commencing on 15th January ending 2nd February 2024,” says Chigwenembe.
Earlier today, the Commission indicated that 248 million kilogrammes of tobacco have been licenced by January 11, 2024 in a 2023-24 tobacco registration period which is closing on January 31, 2024.
This is a substantial increase as compared to last year’s 170 million kilogrammes.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa-MISA Malawi has congratulated the newly elected Board of Trustees for the Media Council of Malawi (MCM).
This follows MCM Elective General Assembly in Lilongwe on Friday, January 12, 2024 where Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Dr. Jolly Ntaba went unopposed and elected MCM Chairperson for the next three years.
Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Times Group’s Blantyre Newspaper Limited (BNL) will represent Public Media and Private (Print) Media in the Board respectively.
AfricaBrief is the representative of online news and information sites.
Angaliba Radio/TV is representing Private (Electronic) Media while Dedza-based Radio Bembeke is representing Geographical Community Media.
Transworld Radio (TWR) Malawi will be in the council on behalf of religious media outlets.
MISA Malawi presided over the elections at the Assembly.
“We believe the election of the new board is another milestone in the achievement of MCM’s mission of setting standards for a strong and ethical media that contributes effectively to a democratic and just Malawi.
“MISA Malawi believes media self-regulation is a media freedom and independence issue and we wish the new board all the best as it strategically leads MCM in the realisation of its sustainable potential in the promotion of media professionalism in Malawi,”reads part of the statement signed by MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga.
MCM is registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act of the Laws of Malawi and is an independent, non-profit, non-political and self-regulating organization with the mandate to promote professionalism in the media industry by setting standards in the interest of the public in Malawi.
From the outset, the Council has sought to create and sustain a vibrant media which is not only professional but also accountable.
In this respect, the Council upholds cores values among them accountability, integrity and excellence.
The Human Rights Ambassadors (HRAs) second in command Happy Chizaso Gondwe, has urged Malawians to patronize Political rallies being conducted across the country for money but to make sure that come voting day, they are rational and vote for leaders who canove the country forward
Chizaso Gondwe said as the writings are on the wall, it is only the MCP which has reserved billions of Kwachas as handouts to entice the voters to vote for it in the 2025 elections for it to bounce back into government.
More political rallies in 2024
He claimed that K2,000s are being dished out to those attending rallies and if one is lucky, he can come out from the rally with K10,000 which can go a long way to buy maize flour to support himself and the family during this hunger crisis.
Speaking through an audio clip from South Africa circulating in various social media platforms, Chizaso Gondwe has claimed that Malawians are sailing through a sea of challenges because of wrong choice of leader and are regretting to have wasted their time and energy voting for that particular leader.
Gondwe has assured Malawians that on the road to the 2025 elections, he will be exposing corrupt politicians through “Name and Shame Campaign” so that Malawians not make mistakes anymore of voting for thieves that have destroyed the country for the past 61 years of independence.
He has accused some activists who are going around in Malawi that UTM is better than MCP for Malawians to trust the Vice President Dr. Saulosi Klaus Chilima to run for presidency and eventually winning it.
The activist has advised Malawians not to say that MCP alone is bad but the entire 9 political parties forming an electoral Alliance with the MCP reminding Malawians of UTM campaign promises; 3 meals per day, duty-free week, free electricity and water connections, K14,000 passport, among others.
“What else can Chilima be trusted to run a government in 2025? If the MCP has failed to govern Malawi, UTM and the rest of the parties in the Alliance, have failed, hence no vote to them,” said Chizaso Gondwe.
He has wished all patriotic Malawians fighting for change all the best in 2024 assuring them that change is coming, God will be on the side of suffering Malawians that will live with memories that never again to vote for the MCP.
The activist has also thanked the opposition parties in Malawi for being so weak siding with government while the citizens are in pain and suffering claiming that if Malawians are in trouble today, it is because of the opposition and government, Saturn is hiding in them.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which brought a wave of devastation to Malawi, one company has emerged as a beacon of hope for affected communities.
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc, led by Former Presidents Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda, has demonstrated corporate responsibility by donating MK100 million towards the recovery initiatives.
This collaboration aims to address the immediate needs of individuals impacted by the cyclone, particularly in the TA Makhuwira area in Chikwawa District.
Under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, the ‘Tigwirane Manja Campaign’ has been established to effectively utilize these funds in constructing houses for the victims.
Muluzi and Joyce Banda
Illovo Sugar’s generous support serves as a testament to the power of corporate goodwill and underscores its crucial role during times of crisis.
The cyclone unleashed torrential rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding, causing significant damage to infrastructure, displacing families, and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The TA Makhuwira area in Chikwawa District was among the hardest hit, with residents losing their homes and essential resources.
This catastrophic event left the community in despair and in urgent need of assistance.
Amidst these dire circumstances, Illovo Sugar stepped forward with a remarkable philanthropic gesture that would touch the lives of countless individuals.
Their donation of MK100 million signifies an immense commitment towards constructing houses for Cyclone Freddy victims.
This substantial financial contribution has evoked gratitude, appreciation, and renewed hope among both the recipients and the wider Malawian community.
Former President Bakili Muluzi, a prominent figure in Malawi’s political landscape, expressed deep gratitude for Illovo Sugar’s benevolence.
Recognizing the significance of this donation, Muluzi praised the company’s commitment to aiding Cyclone Freddy victims.
He emphasized how the funds would play a pivotal role in providing shelter and renewed hope for those affected by the cyclone.
Muluzi’s words resonate, reflecting the sentiment of a nation that cherishes the unwavering support offered by Illovo Sugar.
Former President Joyce Banda also voiced her appreciation for Illovo Sugar’s timely donation. She highlighted the importance of corporate support during times of crisis and commended Illovo Sugar for their commitment to corporate responsibility.
Banda urged other organizations to follow suit and lend their support to the recovery efforts.
Her words echo the belief that collaboration between the government, private sector, and community is crucial in times of adversity.
Under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, the ‘Tigwirane Manja Campaign’ has been established to effectively utilize Illovo Sugar’s generous donation.
Through this initiative, houses will be constructed for the victims of Cyclone Freddy in the TA Makhuwira area in Chikwawa District.
The campaign is built on the principles of unity, resilience, and compassion, with the aim of restoring hope and providing sustainable solutions for those affected by the cyclone.
Illovo Sugar’s donation of MK100 million marks a significant milestone in the recovery efforts post-Cyclone Freddy. With the guidance of Former Presidents Bakili Muluzi and Joyce Banda, and the strategic implementation by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s ‘Tigwirane Manja Campaign,’ this contribution will have a transformative impact on the lives of those who have suffered the wrath of the cyclone.
Illovo Sugar’s demonstration of corporate social responsibility serves as an inspiring example for other companies, reinforcing the notion that positive change can be achieved when stakeholders come together to uplift and support their communities in times of crisis.
Through this collective effort, Malawi will rise stronger, restoring hope and rebuilding lives in the wake of Cyclone Freddy’s devastating aftermath.
Nyasa Big Bullets, one of the most successful football clubs in Malawi, has made some major changes to its squad.
In a surprising move, the team has decided to release five players, as well as bid farewell to another player whose contract had expired. These changes have left fans and critics alike wondering what the future holds for the team.
Righteous Banda, Rabson Chiyenda, MacFarlane Mngwira, Chinedu Okafor, Collins Okumu, Eric Kaonga, White Kitsen, and Rahman John have all been let go by Nyasa Big Bullets.
Although some of these players have been a part of the team for many years, the management felt that it was time for a fresh start.
Nyasa Bullets
The decision to release such a significant number of players at once has caught many by surprise, but the club has made it clear that they have faith in their young talents to step up and fill the void.
One notable departure from the team is Peter Banda, who has decided not to renew his contract with the club.
Peter had been with Nyasa Big Bullets for several seasons and was considered one of their key players.
His departure is a blow to the team, as he had been instrumental in their success over the years. However, the club’s management respects his decision and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.
Calisto Pasuwa, the coach of Nyasa Big Bullets, has been known for his preference for young talents over experienced players.
This strategic move has paid off for the team, as they have managed to win four trophies under Pasuwa’s guidance.
His coaching skills have not gone unnoticed, with several other clubs in Africa expressing interest in acquiring his services.
However, Coach Pasuwa still has one year remaining on his contract with Nyasa Big Bullets, and it remains to be seen whether he will continue with the team or explore other opportunities.
The decision to release multiple players and rely on the youth indicates that Nyasa Big Bullets is undergoing a period of transition.
The club has always prided itself on nurturing young talents and giving them a platform to shine.
This latest move demonstrates their commitment to building for the future and maintaining their status as one of the top teams in Malawi.
With the departure of several key players, the pressure is now on the young talents to prove themselves.
They will need to step up their game and fill the shoes of their predecessors.
The management has shown faith in their abilities, and it is now up to them to deliver on the pitch.
Fans of Nyasa Big Bullets have mixed feelings about these changes.
While some are optimistic about the potential of the young talents, others are worried about the immediate impact on the team’s performance.
It will take time for the new players to gel with the rest of the squad and find their rhythm.
In the meantime, the team will rely on the guidance and experience of Coach Pasuwa to navigate through this transition phase.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Nyasa Big Bullets to see how they fare without the players who have been an integral part of their success in recent years.
The team’s management has made bold decisions, and now it is up to the players and coach to prove that they made the right choices.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain – Nyasa Big Bullets will continue to be a force to be reckoned within Malawian football.
Their rich history and unwavering fan base ensure that the club will always be a contender for top honors.
As they embark on this new chapter, the team will be remains focused on their goals and determined to write another successful chapter in their illustrious history.
