The High Court Commercial Division on November 3,2023 denied Matindi Private Academy an injunction to stop the court from assessing damages following a 2021 ruling ordering the school to pay damages to Maranatha Boys Academy for loss of business, among others.
Matindi Private Academy owner Elvis Nserebo wanted the court to stay the civil proceedings pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
This is after Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda early last month denied granting Nserebo the same request.
Judge Manda
In a ruling, High Court judge Ken Manda said it was clear that the application was aimed at delaying the hearing of proceedings for assessment of damages.
The court pegged Matindi’s claim for damages to about K1 billion.
“The Court cannot, therefore, grant such an application. The application is therefore dismissed. Any party aggrieved by the decision of this Court is at liberty to appeal within 21 days from the date hereof,” reads part of the ruling.
Maranatha Boys Academy was on August 13 2021 evicted from the school buildings in Blantyre owned by Nserebo for allegedly failing to settle rentals but the High Court ruled in favour of the academy.
The Super League of Malawi (SULOM) president, Fleetwood Haiya has declared his interest in contesting for the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) presidency in elections slated for December 16, 2023 in Mzuzu.
Haiya announced his interest in Mzuzu at a press briefing that was also attended by Northern Region Football Association(NRFA) officials and other affiliates.
“I hereby declare my interest to contest on a presidential ticket. I have been driven by a shared vision and commitment to transform our football to great heights,” Haiya said.
Haiya
The SULOM boss said he is determined to take the country’s football to greater heights as he is going to offer a leadership that is dedicated, hardworking, transparent and accountable.
He further said he has declared his interest in accepting nominations from several associations including National Referees Association(NRA) and Beach Soccer Associationof Malawi (BSAM).
During the presser, the Northern Region Football Association through its Secretary General, also nominated Haiya to become the next FAM President.
Haiya was elected SULOM President in February this year.
Meanwhile Incumbent Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu has received his first nomination from Central Region Football Association.
The association’s chairperson Austin Ajawa confirmed Nyamilandu’s nomination.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc on Wednesday lived up to its promise by handing over three braille machines worth K9 million to Phalombe-based Nazombe School for the Blind.
The donation is a response to the call made by former cabinet minister, hiker, and renowned author, Ken Lipenga to the corporate world to assist in acquiring braille machines for the school earlier this year.
According to Lipenga, only NBM responded to his call, until Wednesday when it was time for the Bank to physically give the students the machines.
NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said National Bank looks out to give to communities that are in need in the areas it serves.
“As National Bank of Malawi, we were approached by Dr [Ken] Lipenga and he emphasized to us the need that Nazombe School for the Blind has in terms of shortage of braille machines, and when he did that in line with our corporate social investment policy, we thought it wise to come to Nazombe and present the Braille machines,” said Hiwa.
The Resource Centre’s teacher-in-charge Nickson Chikapenga, thanked National Bank for being the only corporate entity that responded to the plea made on behalf of the school.
“This year we are accommodating 29 learners 15 boys and 14 girls and among the challenges we are facing are inadequate teaching and learning materials like braille typewriters, to cater for 22 learners who need this kind of typewriter.”
“I am very excited that National Bank has come to assist these learners. The three braille machines are going to assist us in examination preparation, by reducing teachers’ workload, and they help learners improve typing speed, accuracy, and efficiency,” said Chikapenga.
Lipenga also appreciated the kind gesture by NBM.
“I know that all companies know about the concept of corporate social responsibility and a lot of them do make an effort in that direction but not everyone gives back to the community, so National Bank is setting a very good example,” said Lipenga.
Nazombe School for the Blind, an appendage of Nazombe Full Primary School at Chiringa, Phalombe was established in the 1970s. The school also has some children living with albinism.
Its now days , weeks since Coca Cola has been trading on low supply. Senior Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi (CCBM) officials have confirmed about the development saying this is so because of forex shortages.
In a small response titled “Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Ltd – Production Capacity” signed by CCBM General Manager Seutloadi Thaanyane, shortage of foreign currency is heavily attributed to the problem.
“Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi (CCBM) confirms that production of soft drinks is lower than expected due to the unavailability of spare parts in the country that are needed for the maintenance of production lines.This has been further impacted by the shortage of foreign exchange in Malawi to import the required parts, ” reads the statement in part
According to the statement, the team in Malawi has contingency plans in place to manage the issue.
“These plans include the upgrade to the glass bottle line that was completed in September and the investment to increase the number of glass bottles in the market, ” he said
In the statement, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, of which CCBM is a subsidiary, remains committed to Malawi as a long-term growth opportunity that will benefit its business as well as consumers in this market.
“Our recent investments in increased capacity and the refurbishment of our Lilongwe office demonstrate our commitment to growing our business and the local economy,” said Seutloadi Thaanyane, General Manager of CCBM.
Coca Cola is one of the most loved drink world wide including Malawi. Meanwhile consumers in the country are calling for the CCBM to rectify the situation.
“We are not happy with what is happening, we love Coca- Cola but this scarcity is not helping us,” he said.
Governance and Human Rights Expert Undule Mwakasungula has applauded President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for the appointment of the inaugural Commissioners of the newly established Peace and Unity Commission, stressing that the institution of the Commission is key towards peacebuilding and unity in Malawi.
Mwakasungula, in his statement shared with us on Saturday evening, expressed satisfaction with the criteria the government used to identify and choose the Commissioners.
Undule
“The commissioners have been chosen for their integrity, experience, and dedication to the cause of peace, reflecting the rich variety and unity of our nation. It’s against this background that I extend my sincerest congratulations to the newly appointed commissioners of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission as they are poised to usher in a new era of peacebuilding and unity, a beacon of hope for our nation as we journey towards the 2025 elections and beyond,” he said.
The renowned fearless human rights fighter added that the establishment of the Peace and Unity Commission is a testament to Malawi’s commitment to fostering a stable and harmonious society since its role will not only symbolic, but important in navigating the challenges of conflict resolution, social justice, and national reconciliation.
But Mwakasungula was quick to tip the new Commissioners to exercise highest level of professionalism and integrity when discharging their duties.
He said as the first commissioners, they carry the weight of expectation from Malawians that yearns for enduring peace.
“Their task is to lay the cornerstone upon which the foundation of our collective aspirations for a peaceful Malawi will be built. The commission is an embodiment of our resolve to address the undercurrents that have historically challenged our peace and unity, and it is with this in mind that their roles take on such profound significance,” he said, “The nation will recognize that the path ahead will be full of challenges. Establishing trust, fostering dialogue among disparate groups, and cultivating an inclusive approach to peacebuilding are but a few of the tasks that lie before the Commission. The commissioner’s efforts to set a strong foundation will require national commitment, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of our nation.”
Mwakasungula further emphasized that the establishment of the Peace and Unity Commission is more critical now when Malawians approach the 2025 elections.
He observed that elections are always a moment of national reflection, choice, and often, heightened with tensions and that the Commission stands as a guardian of the country’s democratic values and as a mediator in times of potential conflict, ensuring that the will of the Malawians must be expressed and respected in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“Further, the work of the Commission adds significant value in addressing the challenges of peace and unity in Malawi. By promoting dialogue, engaging in conflict prevention, and advocating for equitable development, the Commission will contribute to a more resilient national fabric that will withstand the pressures of political, social, and economic challenges.
“In the quest to knit the fabric of a united Malawi, the Peace and Unity Commission must also serve as the custodian of our national identity, transcending political affiliations and partisan interests. It is crucial that the commission operates with impartiality, embodying the collective ethos of our nation rather than the divergent views of individual groups or parties. This nonpartisan approach is essential for fostering a sense of shared purpose and belonging among all Malawians, which is the bedrock upon which a peaceful and inclusive Malawi will be built,” he wrote.
He recommended that Commissioners should be entrusted with the responsibility of being the exemplars of objectivity, ensuring that every action taken and every decision made is in service of the greater good of our country.
He said by championing a national identity that celebrates diversity, peace and unity, the Peace and Unity Commission will pave the way for a legacy of harmony and solidarity, fortifying the foundations of our democracy as we move towards a future where every citizen is seen, heard, and valued.
“As the Commissioners embark on this noble journey, the people of Malawi, place their trust in the Commission ability to guide our nation towards a horizon of peace and prosperity. Therefore, the Commission actions must reflect the highest ideals of service to the nation, and their legacy be one of striving for unity, peace and hope for all Malawians,” said Mwakasungula.
