One of the country’s renowned authors Hope Jabes has released a new book titled ‘Make Things Happen’.
This is his second book after ‘Unleashing Greatness’ launched last year.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Jabes said the new book expounds technically and exponentially how one can make anything including idea or vision happen.
He said :”Optimal and great unparalleled results not only wrought into acquisition of satisfaction, Pride and Joy but Unlocks the transcendental wisdom and foresight. However, Knowing things doesn’t equate into making them happen, That’s why this seasoned book has technically and exponentially expounded through the handbook the answers on the how, the when and the where to make things happen.”
Hope Jabes
Asked on What motivated him to write this book, the talented author said:”Life transforming knowledge deficiency inspired me to write the book on how people can make things happen.”
He said the book which has 140 pages will be launched on February 2,2024 at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre and will be available globally on Amazon.com
“Locally it will be available at Central bookshop and Business Center at Crossroads hotel in Lilongwe. The rest of the district it will be couriered.The price is K15,000,” he said.
Asked on how he sees writing industry in Malawi, Jabes said:”It is Growing from my book experience but higher percentage are not book readers culturally.”
About the Author
Hope Jabes is a decorated and renowned bestselling author locally and globally.
He is also a consultant at the Co-founded Leads Consult, philanthropist. He is an academic achiever; A PhD Student in Business Administration.
He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a Major in Management Information Systems (MIS) obtained at Unicaf University.
Jabes further holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy obtained at Exploits University.
It is an open secret now that Kondwani Nankhumwa has registered his interest to challenge the incumbent party President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the forthcoming elective convention slated for this year.
However many Malawians are wondering if Kondwani Nankhumwa has great chances of knocking out Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika at this much awaited convention.
This article therefore strives to articulate the strengths of Kondwani that give him an added advantage over his political nemesis, APM.
Nankhumwa ready to dislodge Peter Mutharika
1. Kondwani is brave Kondwani Nankhumwa is well-known for his bravery in all his political endeavour. He is not a coward. No wonder he has plucked enough audacity to challenge his own party president despite APM’s wide experience in politics, age and academic fraternity.
Malawians are aware that Kondwani was one of the mid-night DPP crew that was featured on national TV broadcaster cheating Malawians that Bingu wa Mutharika was critically ill in the Republic of South Africa when he had actually kicked the bucket.
2. Kondwani is determined When Kondwani makes a decision to achieve something, he pulls all the necessary resources till he achieves his goals.
It was Kondwani’s unfaltering determination that propelled him to buy his personal title of Dr. from an unaccredited University without any iota of humiliation or shame.
It is therefore not surprising to see ambitious Kondwani also determined to be the DPP torchbearer for the 2025 presidential elections.
3. Kondwani is an experienced politician If you think that Kondwani is an amateur in politics, then you will in for a gargantuan surprise.
Kondwani is currently the Member of Parliament for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for Mulanje Central Constituency.
Furthermore, he has held various positions in government, including Minister of Information, Tourism, and Culture, Minister of Local Government, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Additionally, he also served as the Deputy Leader of the House, and later as the Leader of the House before assuming the prestigious position of the Leader of Opposition in parliament.
Nankhumwa also served as the DPP Vice President of the Southern region before being reshuffled to be the Political advisor of the party.
Obviously, such impeccable political experience makes him much suitable for DPP party and State presidency.
4. Kondwani is youthful Did you know that Kondwani and APM were born in the same month of July? The only difference is that Kondwani (46) is almost half the age of APM (84).
It is a fact that Malawi has a youthful population with its 51% being under the age of 18 according to 2018 population census. Furthermore, people aged between 15 and 64 years represent 54% of the population.
With this statistical background, won’t it be fair and realistic if Malawi is led by a middle-aged person like Kondwani Nankhumwa?
Unfortunately, most of the Malawian youths will not have a say in the forthcoming DPP elective convention.
5. Kondwani is development conscious Kondwani Nankhumwa has not been an idle member of parliament for Mulanje Central Constituency. In fact, he has a litany of infrastructural developments attributable to his name.
Recently in 2023, Kondwani left his comfort zone in the city to inspect developmental projects in his own constituency such as Kadewere milk bulking facilities and Tambala Community Day secondary school.
In 2021, Kondwani became an exciting news headlines that he splashed a colossal sum of 10 million kwacha towards football and netball trophy.
If people think that Kondwani Nankhumwa is only generous to his constituency, then they are wrong because in 2017, he distributed ambulances, motorcycles and bicycles worth 25 million Kwacha in the whole district of Mulanje.
6. Kondwani is hardworking In 2018, the Islamic Commission For Justice (ICFJ) named Kondwani Nankhumwa as the most hardworking minister in the APM’s government administration.
Speaking after the award, the then ICJF Chief Commissioner, Shaibu Ajasi, well articulated, “We went to the Constituency of Honourable Nankhuumwa secretly to monitor the developments he has done since 2014, and to confirm his loyalty to his constituents since he was elected, and we were satisfied that he deserved the honor”.
7. Kondwani is financially solvent
Political campaigns need a strong financial stamina which Kondwani Nankhumwa proudly possesses.
It is not surprising that Kondwani Nankhumwa and his supporters have been financing logistics and meetings that aimed at literally snatching the party’s leadership from the incumbent president, Peter Mutharika.
In 2017, Nyasatimes tabloid reported that Kondwani was one of the 5 top cabinet ministers who had amassed unexplained colossal wealth within a short period of time.
The same Nyasatimes online newspaper alleged that Kondwani and the Malawi Defence Commander, Griffin Supuni Phiri were implicated in the aborted multimillion dollar military equipment worth $ 54 million for the procurement of 500 vehicles from Ashok Leyland. One wonders how many dubious transactions had gone through without being detected.
8. Kondwani plays politics right away from the grassroots level From the humble beginnings of being a journalist through being the Director of elections for DPP to being the Vice President of DPP for the Southern region and being the current Leader of opposition in parliament, Nankhumwa has interacted with many people of all walks of life.
It is widely believed that a great political leader should be able to connect with party grassroots, traditional leaders, religious leaders and most importantly ordinary people in the society. It is on record that Kondwani can easily relate with every sect of the society.
9. Kondwani is a democrat Many people are wondering as to why Kondwani Nankhumwa is stirring unnecessary pandemonium in DPP.
The truth of the matter is that as a bonafide citizen of Malawi, Kondwani Nankhumwa is simply exercising his democratic and constitutional rights. Whether such endeavours are to his benefit or to his political suicide, time will tell.
As a bonafide citizen, Kondwani Nankhumwa is eligible to vie for party’s presidency. Even the DPP constitution does not bar him to stand for presidency.
The Constitution of Malawi too does not restrain Kondwani from standing as a presidential candidate of any political party in Malawi.
Furthermore, Kondwani Nankhumwa as a bonafide citizen of Malawi has a constitutional right to seek court’s interpretation whenever he feels aggrieved. In other words, Kondwani is playing a pivotal role of a democrat.
10. Kondwani is DPP’s bulldozer If Hon. Chimwendo Banda is termed as a bulldozer in the mighty Malawi Congress Party, so too is Kondwani Nankhumwa now. Of course Dr. George Chaponda used to be termed DPP’s bulldozer.
For instance, Kondwani bulldozed his way to the position of the leader of opposition in parliament. It was not a surprise that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs. Catherine Gotani Hara was involved in choosing Kondwani Nankhumwa as the current leader of opposition despite the fact that DPP as a party endorsed Dr. George Chaponda as its leader of opposition.
As a bulldozer, Kondwani publicly staged an internal DPP coup d’état in which General Secretary of DPP, Greseder Jeffrey, called for the National Governing Council (NGC) meeting where Kondwani Nankhumwa publicly announced , “Chipanichi sitinachitenge?”, literally meaning “Haven’t we taken over the party?”
As a bulldozer and former Director of elections of DPP, Nankhumwa’s ambitions of knocking out APM at the next DPP elective convention should not be underestimated.
In conclusion, much as Kondwani Nankhumwa has these impeccable traits, it still remains a mystery that Kondwani Nankhumwa can knock out Prof. Peter Mutharika who has all it takes to defend his current position of being the party’s president.
Furthermore, it is my plea that tolerance and forgiveness must reign in the aftermath of the DPP elective convention. If APM wins, Kondwani should be allowed to work cordially with the party.
In the past, when the former Speaker of National Assembly, Chimunthu Banda, lost to APM at an elective DPP convention, he chose to quit active politics.
In the same vein of the unlikely event that Kondwani Nankhumwa wins at the DPP elective convention, Kondwani should forget the past and take care of his political father, APM.
Inua Advocacy, a prominent organization championing refugee rights in Malawi, has issued a fervent appeal to the Government of Malawi, urging swift attention to the grievances raised by refugees and asylum seekers.
The organization is specifically recommending a comprehensive inquiry into allegations of business confiscation during the relocation process to the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa district.
Advocating for a compassionate approach,the advocacy group is calling for proactively measures to compensate individuals for their losses, emphasizing the need for robust support for the affected population at Dzaleka Camp. Expressing profound concern, the organization highlights that the current monthly allowance of 5 US Dollars (equivalent to K8,500) is grossly inadequate to sustain an individual throughout the month.
Engaging with youth at Mgona market to hear their views on the encampment policy and how it has affected them.
This amounts to a mere K283 per day, covering essential needs like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, excluding other crucial expenses such as education.
Matchona Phiri, Inua Advocacy’s Advocacy and Liaison Officer, underscores the organization’s proactive engagement with relevant government authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international bodies.
The objective is to advocate for the rights and well-being of refugees through various means, including the release of documentaries that shed light on the challenges they face.
Phiri emphasizes the importance of fostering constructive dialogue between displaced individuals and government officials, seeking practical solutions.
Inua Advocacy encourages collaboration among all stakeholders, including CSOs, to identify sustainable solutions that prioritize the rights and dignity of refugees while considering the broader social and economic implications of relocations.
Through their documentary, Inua Advocacy seeks to underscore the authentic grievances expressed by individuals who believe they have incurred losses in their businesses due to the relocation process.
Phiri notes that hundreds of native Malawians have been adversely affected by the new policy direction, particularly in locations like Mgona in Lilongwe.
Phiri clarifies that refugees and asylum seekers engaged in business not tog contravene the law but to sustain their livelihoods.
Inua Advocacy aims to initiate a constructive dialogue for a harmonious resolution, encouraging collaborative efforts to address concerns from both the refugee and asylum seeker community and the native populace.
Phiri raises concerns about the encampment policy’s impact on the host community, including heightened demand for wood and charcoal leading to environmental degradation.
The absence of employment opportunities and alternative economic activities has resulted in an increase in lawbreaking incidents in and around the camp, as reported by the Dowa Police Station.
Additionally, Phiri highlights the strain placed on the host community regarding education and medical services due to inadequate facilities in the camp.
He expresses apprehension about the exorbitant fees imposed on businesses and students.
Demanding exorbitant fees to operate businesses or an exit to study outside the camp pegged at 7000 US Dollars (K12 million) and K100,000 per student per year respectively is obscene. Describing this as a man-made obstacle to compliance. Especially when you consider the economic status of most refugees.
In conclusion, Phiri extends sincere appreciation to the media for its role in fostering mutual understanding and prays for pivotal support in achieving positive outcomes for all parties involved.
This, he believes, will benefit refugees, asylum seekers, the host community at Dzaleka Camp, and the whole country.
Many Malawians consider pastors and prophets very highly such that they will follow their instructions without questioning. Infact, it’s not only Malawians but many Africans do silly things in the church that some of them would even make you laugh.
Some pastors, prophets and men of God, have been dragged to court time and again, for allegedly swindling money from people for their personal use and that of their ministries and churches respectively.
This is contrary to the ethics of preaching and teaching in the church and expectations of many believers because it is assumed church leaders are examplery and honest people.
However, the opposite has proven to be true that if there are people who are so crooked it is these so called pastors and prophets.
They have been accused of “inappropriate” relationships with other people’s wives and even their own biological daughters in their very own homes “where there is a strange opportunity for adultery”, and breaking marriages within the church and communities they live.
According to court records in 2023 some prophets appeared to answer charges of sexual abuse of minors and adultery with married women respectively. This is very shocking news to the Christians.
Convictions and claims for damages have recently been made in court respectively. Others came running from outside countries because money laundering and similar cars. Should we say the devil is using the prophets and pastors or the pastors and prophets are using the devil?
Marriages are blessed in the church, therefore the church should be the last place one would expect marriages to be destroyed by pastors and prophets.
If pastors and prophets are involved in inappropriate relationships then what are they teaching?
We have heard of some prophets and pastors being involved in money laundering in recent years. Isn’t this evidence enough that indeed many pastors are full of crooked mindset? For sure the stories that have exposed their ugly heads in the country is a tip that many pastors and prophets are not good leaders at all.
They simply take their pecuniary advantage of the unsuspecting women using verses.
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) fourth president Enoch Chihana, says Malawi needs a federal system of government for it to develop easily.
He was speaking yesterday at Rumphi boma during a rally his party organised.
Chihana said the current government is failing to tick because the system is faulty.
Commenting on the Affordable Input Programme, Chihana said he would introduce a Loan Input Programme where farmers would be put into groups.
Chihana
He said with such a programme, Malawi would be able to produce an average of 8 million tonnes of maize per year.
Chihana also disclosed that they are expecting to hold an elective convention between April and May this year.
He said currently,preparations are still underway as the party is still undergoing restructuring.
Chihana said he will contest at the convention, hinting that if someone wants to take over the party, the person has to demonstrate maturity, experience, economic independence and leadership skills.
AFORD is a political party in Malawi that marked its history as laying the foundation for multi-party rule in Malawi.
It began as an underground political movement during the Kamuzu Banda era and later evolved to a political party during the multi-party era under the leadership of trade union activist, Chakufwa Chihana.
The party has a stronghold in the northern region.
