Despite the cold weather in Mzuzu City, candidates sitting the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations arrived early to their centres.
Spot checks conducted at Zolozolo and St Peter’s examination centres have shown that there is tight security by Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and Malawi Police Service (MPS).
At Zolozolo Primary School, candidates were allowed entry into examination rooms 30 minutes before the starting time.
One of the candidates, Filloz Wachali said he has been preparing for the examinations and is optimistic that he will pass.
Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examination are written by learners who are completing their final grade at primary school. Six papers are administered and these are; English, Chichewa, Mathematics, Social and Religious Studies, Primary Sciences, Arts and Life Skills.For a candidate to pass the examination he/she must obtain a pass in at least five subjects including English.
The PSLCE examination is used by the Ministry of Education to select learners to all public secondary schools.
Ecobank has trained small businesses in essential business management skills and how to leverage export opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area aimed at enhancing the business landscape in the country.
The comprehensive training program covers financial planning, marketing strategies and navigation of international trade regulations.
Speaking in Lilongwe, the bank’s Head of Commercial Banking, George Phuza, said the initiative aims at bridging the knowledge gap that has prevented businesses from thriving internationally consequently affecting the country’s foreign exchange generation strategy.
George Phuza
Phuza emphasized the importance of equipping local entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to compete on a global scale, which in turn will contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation.
One of the small and medium-sized enterprise owners, Katie Chisambi, hailed Ecobank for organizing the program, which brought together SMEs from across the nation.
Malawi offers a business environment with political stability, a market-oriented and liberalized economy, competitive labour markets, preferential access to several markets, an investor-friendly climate, improving infrastructure and untapped investment opportunities.
Investment opportunities in Malawi include the agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors. Agriculture is the mainstay of Malawi’s economy, with majority of the population relying on it for their livelihoods.
The different types of companies in Malawi are categorised as follows:
1) private limited liability companies, 2) public limited liability companies, 3) companies limited by guarantee and, 4) state owned companies (SOCs).
The new Leader of Opposition Dr. George Chaponda has pledged to provide strong opposition in Parliament with an aim of serving the needs of vulnerable Malawians.
Dr. Chaponda told Zodiak that his target will center on providing relevant checks and balances to ensure transparent government operations.
He has also asked government to act swiftly on social economic challenges which Malawians are facing.
Meanwhile, political commentator Victor Chipofya has challenged Dr Chaponda to walk the talk as most Malawians have been complaining of weak Opposition in Parliament.
Chaponda
The DPP appointed Dr George Chaponda as Leader of Opposition in Parliament, replacing Kondwani Nankhumwa following his expulsion from the party.
The role of opposition is to ensure that the Government does not take any steps, which might have negative effects on the people of the country. The role of the opposition in legislature is basically to check the excesses of the ruling or dominant party, and not to be totally antagonistic.
It’s is also responsible for scrutinising closely, examining the work of the government, asking the government to explain its actions, especially during Question Time, debating bills – proposed laws – in Parliament.
The Official Opposition is viewed as the caucus tasked with keeping the government in check. It is also generally viewed as the alternative government or “government in waiting”.
In politics, the opposition comprises one or more political parties or other organized groups that are opposed, primarily ideologically, to the government (or, in American English, the administration), party or group in political control of a city, region, state, country or other political body.
In a bold move towards continental unity and prosperity, Community Initiative for Social Empowerment (CISE) Malawi, in collaboration with Africans Rising, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative advocating for a borderless Africa.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, CISE Malawi Team Leader Davis Damson said with the vision of fostering integration and empowerment, the initiative aims to transcend boundaries, both physical and bureaucratic, to unite African nations under a common goal.
“At the heart of this initiative lies a vision for a more interconnected and cohesive Africa.
CISE Malawi Team Leader Davis Damson
“The core objectives include advocating for visa-free movement, the adoption of a unified currency, and the elimination of passport requirements.
“These measures are poised to revolutionize the way African nations interact, trade, and collaborate, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and development,” said Damson.
He explained that the anticipated outcomes of this historic march are nothing short of transformative.
He said:”Policy changes, such as the implementation of visa-free travel and the adoption of a unified currency, will not only enhance economic cooperation but also foster a sense of unity and belonging among African citizens.
“Moreover, the elimination of passport requirements will promote seamless travel and cultural exchange, further strengthening the bonds between nations.”
According to Damson, as Africa stands on the cusp of a new era, the call for a borderless continent resonates louder than ever before.
He said with the unwavering commitment of Malawi, Africans Rising, and local NGOs, they are witnessing the dawn of a new chapter in Africa’s history—one marked by unity, integration, and prosperity.
“As the march gathers momentum, the world watches in anticipation, knowing that the winds of change are blowing across the African continent,”explained Damson.
Operating in Mchinji since 2012,CISE Malawi is a local non-governmental organisation that educates and empowers young people to create solutions to the challenges they face in their lives.
The organisation addresses child marriage by providing girls with a network of peer educators, female teachers and other female role models to encourage them to pursue their education.
Several workers’ unions in the country are in solidarity with health workers who are demanding an increase in allowances and benefits.
An allowance allows a person to spend on discretionary expenses while still accounting for those funds in the budget. Since conscious thought and attention is given to these expenses, it’s possible to have fun without overspending.
The latest to offer support for the health workers’ demands are Transport and General Workers Union, Communication Workers Union of Malawi Textiles, Garments, Leather and Security Guards Workers Union, Malawi Union for the Informal Sector, Hotels, Food Processing and Catering Services, Workers Union, Shipping, Customs, Clearing and Allied Trade Union and Plantation and Agriculture Workers Union.
In a joint statement, the unions argue that the health workers and all workers in the country deserve decent pay.
For the past weeks, the health workers have been at loggerheads with the Ministry of Health over the government’s delay to implement approved revised allowances.
National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives, Physicians Assistants Union of Malawi (Paum) and other health workers bodies have been threatening to hold nationwide strike.
Meanwhile, Paum president Solomon Chomba said they are yet to get any feedback from the government on their demands.
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for the success of any organization. While competitive salaries and benefits play a significant role, employee allowances or benefit allowances have emerged as valuable tools for enhancing staff satisfaction, engagement, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of employee allowances and how they contribute to a positive work environment.
Workers’ benefits are important because this can lead to employees who are happy to be in their job, loyal to the company and motivated to do good work. Employee benefits are also important for workplace morale because a happy and positive team is likely to be productive and work well together.
Delays in salary is Alliance p allowance payments cause stress, anxiety, and financial hardships, which can significantly impact an employee’s morale and productivity.
