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German Federal Bureau to release interim report on fatal plane crash involving former Malawian VP

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By Burnett Munthali

The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) has announced that it will release an interim report on the plane crash that claimed the life of former Malawian Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The report is anticipated to be published by the end of August on the BFU’s website, outlining the facts gathered so far in the ongoing investigation.

The BFU investigation team, in collaboration with experts from the Civil Aviation Administration of Malawi and the Malawi Armed Forces, has been diligently working to determine the cause of the tragic crash. The team has conducted inspections at the accident site, as well as at both the departure and destination aerodromes, and the airplane’s home base.

Crash site

The incident occurred on June 10, 2024, when the plane carrying the nine individuals crashed into Chikangawa Hill. While the interim report is expected to provide initial insights, the BFU will also release a final report in the future, which will offer a comprehensive analysis, conclusions, and safety recommendations.

Dr. Ben Chilima, a representative of the family, has expressed keen anticipation for the interim report’s findings, as reported by MIJ Online.

However, there has been some criticism regarding the involvement of the Malawi Armed Forces in the investigation. Potipher Mickson and Henri Rhyce have both voiced concerns, questioning the trustworthiness of the Armed Forces based on their performance during the search efforts. Rhyce specifically mentioned that the involvement of the Malawi Armed Forces may undermine the credibility of the investigation.

David Kapopo Mhango hopes that family members, independent observers, and legal representatives are included in the investigative process to ensure the report’s trustworthiness. Meanwhile, Menard Chirwa remains skeptical about whether the forthcoming report will meet expectations.

The interim report is expected to shed light on the initial findings, with the final report anticipated to provide a thorough account of the investigation’s conclusions.

UTM press briefing today: Key figures absent and varied reactions

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By Burnett Munthali

This afternoon, the United Transformation Movement (UTM) will hold a press briefing at its headquarters in Lilongwe to discuss the party’s future. This comes as top UTM leaders are currently engaged in a meeting to strategize their message for both party supporters and the general public.

Notably absent from the meeting is UTM’s acting president, Michael Usi, who also serves as Malawi’s Vice President. His absence has sparked varied reactions among party members and observers.

UTM Press Briefing

Ras Chikomeni has expressed concerns over the party’s direction in Usi’s absence, reflecting on the potential void left behind. Chikomeni lamented, “When the dream dies with the dreamer, what remains are mourners with nothing but anger, bitterness, and lack of direction.” He compared the current situation unfavorably to that of the party’s former leader, Saulos Klaus Chilima, suggesting that Chilima’s presence set a higher standard that UTM is struggling to maintain.

Conversely, Mwiza Chavura downplayed Usi’s absence, arguing that Usi can still contribute his views remotely and criticizing the tendency for individuals to undermine progress.

Daud WZ proposed that Usi should consider officially joining the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and urged UTM to seek a new leader who can propel the party forward.

Benedicto Kanjadza, meanwhile, is awaiting the press briefing with great interest, eager to hear the party’s plans and future direction.

An inside source revealed that the initial plan was to hold the meeting at Usi’s residence in Area 12, but it was relocated at the last minute.

All set for 2024 virtual Malawi Mining Investment Forum for the diaspora

By Chisomo Phiri

Minister of Mining Monica Chang’anamuno says all is set for the 2024 virtual Malawi Mining Investment Forum (MMIF) for Malawians in the Diaspora scheduled to take place tomorrow July 13,2024.

Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday in Lilongwe,the minister said the forum aims to provide opportunities for Malawians living abroad to offer technical assistance and explore investment prospects in the mining sector.

Chang’anamuno

Chang’anamuno pointed out that the forum aligns with the Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining (ATM) Strategy, which is part of Malawi’s efforts to achieve the Malawi 2063. 

She said the forum would offer avenues for investment in mining infrastructure, the upcoming government mining company including the State of the Art Mineral Laboratory, and urged active participation from Malawians in the diaspora.

The minister emphasized need for government’s objective to create an enabling environment in the mining sector to attract both foreign and local investment.

She said the theme of the forum is “GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, LOCAL IMPACT: INVESTING IN MALAWI’S MINERALS,” and it is expected to provide insights into legislations, frameworks, and investment opportunities in Malawi’s mining sector.

Chakwera calls for collective action to drive Malawi’s development

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera has called on all Malawians to embrace a spirit of action and dedication saying only through collective effort and determination the nation can achieve its development goals.

Addressing delegates at the 7th Annual Conference of the Dynamic Leaders and Gate Keepers Forum (DLGF) on Thursday in Lilongwe,President Chakwera urged citizens to break away from the ordinary and become proactive in driving progress.

Chakwera

“Endurance is the great sacrifice to change,” Chakwera said.

He said there is a need to identify areas that might be slowing progress in the country.

Chakwera also disclosed that Parliament is being engaged to help in improving procurement processes.

He observed that procurement processes have been slowing down the country’s development.

“We must get rid of slowness as change may not come at the pace we need,” he said.

The conference was held under the theme ‘The rising of patriots for change in Malawi: Counting the cost and rebuilding the nation’.

President Chakwera  urges Malawians to persevere in pursuit of change

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the need for Malawians to not give up on the fight for change, since giving up may slow the quest to improve things in the country.

The president made the remarks on Thursday during the opening of the 7th annual conference of the Dynamic Leaders and Gatekeepers Forum (DLGF) at the Bingu International Conference Centre(BICC) in Lilongwe.

President Chakwera

Said president Chakwera:”As a nation, we need to endure challenges we may encounter in the course of wanting change and we should not walk away from things when they get overwhelmingly tough.

“The roles of leaders and gatekeepers include training the people we lead to endure and making sure that ourselves are examples of endurance.”

The Malawi leader condemned the slow pace of implementing various initiatives, noting that this sluggishness has also infiltrated the public service.

He  then called on all Malawians to embrace a spirit of action and dedication, stressing that only through collective effort and determination  the nation can achieve its development goals.

On his part,Executive Chairperson(EC) for DLGF Revered Dr.Zacc Kawalala stressed the need for Malawians to be patriotic enough to achieve the needed change and development that the country requires.

He said: “Rebuilding Malawi will need people who will sacrifice and unite for the greater good of the nation, that can happen if we look at what we have and where we are now.”

Kawalala added that Malawians must be brave enough to take part in the rebuilding process as it costs and needs more effort from patriotic citizens.

The conference was held under the theme ‘The rising of patriots for change in Malawi: Counting the cost and rebuilding the nation’.