Malawian popular Hip-hop artist Fredokiss real name Penjani Kalua, has officially announced that he will again contest for a Parliamentary seat in the 2025 general elections in Zingwangwa-Soche Constituency formerly known as Blantyre City Constituency, where he lost the 2019 elections to Noel Lipipa,who won on a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket.
Fredokiss
Fredokiss,son of prominent politician Kamlepo Kalua,made a declaration of interest to contest on Friday through his official Facebook page.
“Just to make it official! I am excited to announce my candidacy for Member of Parliament in 2025, representing Blantyre, Zingwangwa-Soche Constituency! Together, let’s work towards a brighter future for our community,” he posted.
As a young politician Fredokiss currently serves as the National Youth Director for the United Transformation Movement (UTM).
He is an inspiration for every youth in the country due to the message of hope he preaches via his Facebook page and his music.
Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu has clarified that government has not forgiven all those who got loans from National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF)  and that processes are underway to recover every single kwacha.
Speaking Sunday in Zomba during a stakeholders meeting , the Minister said there has been a lot of misinformation regarding the written off loans by NEEF.
Moses Kunkuyu
Last week, the government announced that it has written off about K6 billion NEEF loans; thus attracting a lot of discussions amongst Malawians.
However Kunkuyu said as per accounting principles, the written off loans are regarded as bad debts and they are not supposed to be appearing in the NEEF account statements .
“We have not forgiven anyone, we have just transfered data to the other sheet and we will follow up on anyone who got the loans, ” the Minister said.
He therefore warned that NEEF loans are not free and that should anyone get the loans on assumptions that they are free would be punished by the law.
The Minister therefore hailed NEEF management for engaging stakeholders to inform them on loan processes and procedures that must be followed to access the loans.
“What was lacking in the previous loans was lack of engagement and this contributed to the high rate of defaulters. Today’s meeting is crucial as it would enhance peoples understanding and reduce the number of defaulters,” Kunkuyu said.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni said NEEF loans are not politically motivated but rather funds meant to empower Malawians economically.
“We don’t give loans based on colour, political party or region. This is Malawian money and everyone should get a chance to benefit,” said Mdyeseni.
He concurred with the minister that everyone who benefited from MADEF and MEDF and did not pay back the loan would be followed up.
“Apart from following up, those defaulters will not be allowed to get any financial support from NEEF,” he said.
For the past three years, Government has distributed MK15 billion in the Eastern Region and in 2024, government plans to distribute over MK100 billion; through which about MK30 billion has already been pumped into NEEF account.
Among those who attended the meeting were vendors from Balaka, Zomba and Liwonde, councillors and officials from councils.
President for Zomba Vendors Association, Ianbrown Chidothi hailed NEEF for the meeting which he said would help business people make rightful decisions before getting the loans.
The favourite candidate to win the Secretary General position in the ruling Malawi Congress Party, Chris Chaima Banda has launched his manifesto. At a colourful function that took place at the party headquarters in Lilongwe on Saturday April 13th, Chaima announced himself to the party delegates that he was in to deliver “a vision for bold, strong and inclusive MCP”
Chaima’s pitch to the party faithful has already stood out as one that is putting togetherness and inclusivity as core to the agenda of thriving the fortunes of MCP. Wrapped in party colours scarf around his neck, the energetic speaking Chaima declared “ We have a vision for the making of Bold , strong and inclusive Malawi congress party, We seek a MCP that will deliver a 70% landslide victory in the 2025 presidential race for His Excellency Dr Lazarus Chakwera “
The Secretary General race, the most coveted in the party has so far seen Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola , Former Mining Minister Dr Albert Mbawala, Former Kasungu legislator Alex Major all declaring interest to contest. The incumbent Eisenhower Mkaka is yet to declare if he will defend his position although many believe he will join the race soon. An independent research is showing Chris Chaima is the favourite to win and popular with the party grassroots seconded by Chithyola.
When drawn to comment on his competitors Chaima shocked many by speaking no ill about any of his competitors but quickly using the opportunity to preach about Unity “ All those that are competing against me for the position are my family, we are one , one Malawi Congress Party “ said Chaima
Chaima is the Chief Advisor to President Chakwera on Strategy, Manifesto implementation and international partnerships . A Pillar of the MCP party for so many years, he brings in experience of working for the British Civil Service for 18 years .
His Manifesto has 20 action points that includes; ensuring financial resources meant for the party are safeguarded from abuse and are distributed and used by all the party structures at National, Regional, District , Constituency and local area levels. He will work towards repairs of the party headquarters, regional and district offices. Chaima will focus on fundraising initiatives to create a financial war chest in readiness for the 2025 general elections
He also spoke of the need for the party to buy vehicles for district chairman in order to improve efficiency. Monthly funding allocations to the Regional and District Offices, availability of party materials to the grassroots, Establishment of a Charity Fund for social Welfare , Establishment of the Veterans board to cater for the veterans of the party, access to business loans , job opportunities for the membership and for the youth empowerment.
Chaima with President Chakwera
The MCP Convention is scheduled to take place in August
Cashgate was a term that struck fear and anger into the hearts of Malawians during Joyce Banda’s presidency. The scandal, which involved massive theft of taxpayers’ money, highlighted the corruption and mismanagement that plagued the country during her tenure. In addition to the Cashgate scandal, Malawi suffered from unnecessary devaluation of the kwacha, high inflation rates, and overall economic instability under Banda’s leadership. Despite her attempts to make a comeback and contest in next year’s elections, many Malawians believe that they do not need Joyce Banda at the helm of their country once again. In this essay, we will explore the reasons why Malawians reject the idea of Joyce Banda returning to power.
Joyce Banda, planning to contest in 2025?
One of the most glaring reasons why Malawians do not want Joyce Banda back in office is the deep distrust that has been fostered by the Cashgate scandal. The scandal, which involved government officials siphoning off millions of dollars from state coffers, revealed the extent of corruption and greed that was rampant in Banda’s administration. The fact that such a massive theft of public funds could occur under her watch eroded the trust of the Malawian people in their government and its leaders. The wounds caused by Cashgate are still fresh in the minds of many Malawians, and they are understandably hesitant to trust Banda with power once again.
Furthermore, Malawians point to Banda’s track record of mismanagement and economic instability as reasons why they do not want her back in office. During her presidency, the kwacha was devalued multiple times, leading to increased prices of goods and services and hurting the purchasing power of the average Malawian. Inflation rates soared, making it difficult for many to afford basic necessities. The economy stagnated, and development projects were delayed or abandoned. Malawians remember the hardships they endured during Banda’s presidency, and they are unwilling to gamble on her leadership again.
Additionally, Banda’s decision to run for office again after the damage caused during her previous term raises questions about her motivations and priorities. Some Malawians believe that her desire to return to power is driven by personal gain rather than a genuine desire to serve the country. The fact that Banda is willing to overlook the harm caused by her previous administration in favor of political ambition is troubling to many Malawians. They fear that her return to office would only serve to further entrench corruption and mismanagement in the country.
The reasons why Malawians do not need Joyce Banda are clear. The wounds caused by the Cashgate scandal have not fully healed, and the memories of economic instability and mismanagement under her leadership remain fresh in the minds of many. Banda’s decision to run for office again raises concerns about her motivations and priorities. Malawians have suffered enough under her leadership, and they are rightfully hesitant to trust her with power once again. It is crucial for the country to move forward with leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
There was a goals galore in the TNM Super League on Sunday as a mammoth 17 goals were scored from only four matches with Mighty Mukuru Wanderers scoring a record three goals in a space of five minutes to collect maximum points against FOMO FC at Mulanje Park Stadium in Mulanje.
Felix Zulu opened the scoring for the Nomads in the 51st minute before Wisdom Mpinganjira doubled the lead just a minute later.
Wanderers got their third goal through Peter Cholopi who scored with a brilliant header from a Stanley Sanudi’s corner-kick in the 54th minute to seal the victory for the Lali Lubani boys.
Man of the match between Chitipa and Karonga: Ramadhan Ntafu
After the match Wanderers’ new signing Blessings Singini was voted man of the match.
In Lilongwe, Silver Strikers thumped Bangwe All Stars 3-1 to move to the top of the TNM Super League log table, dislodging Mzuzu City Hammers.
Binwell Katinji drew first blood for the central bankers in the 53rd minute before Adiel Kaduya increased the lead with a cool finish in the 63rd minute.
Substitute Charles Chipala consolidated Silver’s lead in the 83rd minute and Bangwe pulled one back through Patrick Phiri’s thunderous shot in the added time.
Elsewhere , Super league debutants Creck Sporting continued to shine in the top flight as they came from behind to beat Moyale Barracks 3-2 at Civo Stadium.
Moyale got their first goal through an own goal by Aaron Chilipa just six minutes from kickoff but Sporting leveled the scores through Babangida Ishaya in the 35th minute .
Prince Phiri restored the lead for the Mzuzu-based soldiers in the 52nd minute but George Chaomba cancelled the lead 15 minutes later.
Ishaya completed his brace in the 80th minute to give Creck Sporting maximum points for the second successive week as they got their first Super league win last weekend against Mighty Tigers.
In Karonga, there was another goals fest as Chitipa United massacred Karonga United 4-1 at Karonga Stadium.
Ramadhan Ntafu claimed the first hat-trick this season and the other goal for Chitipa was scored by Stimela Muyira while Blessings Mwalirino scored Karonga’s consolation.
Silver Strikers, Creck Sporting and Mzuzu City Hammers are the only teams that have won all their first two games this season while Bangwe All Stars and Baka City FC are the only teams yet to register a point in the league so far.
Man of the match between FOMO and Wanderers: Blessings SinginiMan of the match between Silver Strikers and Bangwe: Adiel KaduyaMan of the match between Creck Sporting and Moyale: Babangida Ishaya
