Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Eng. Vitumbiko A.Z. Mumba, held a productive meeting with Her Excellency Dr. Nancy Saungweme, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Malawi and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
During the meeting, Minister Mumba explained the prohibition notice issued by the Ministry, clarifying that maize is not among the prohibited commodities.
The Minister took the opportunity to request Dr. Saungweme, in her capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, to facilitate a meeting with all Ambassadors accredited to Malawi. The proposed meeting aims to discuss the prohibition notice and provide clarity on the government’s position.
Mumba with Tanzania Counterpart
The Ministry has been working to address concerns and misconceptions surrounding the prohibition notice.
By engaging with the diplomatic community, the Minister hopes to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about the government’s policies and decisions.
The meeting between Minister Mumba and Dr. Saungweme demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and cooperation with the international community. Further developments on the proposed meeting with Ambassadors will be shared in due course.
In a closely contested election, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Moses Kunkuyu, has emerged victorious in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections held in the Dedza-Mlunduni constituency.
The elections, which took place at the Dedza Stadium, saw Kunkuyu garnering 1,073 votes, surpassing his closest rival, incumbent MP Ishmael Onani, who secured 273 votes.
Kundi Msungama and Hamissie Aman garnered 19 and 15 votes, respectively.
Kunkuyu
With this decisive win, Kunkuyu is set to represent the MCP as the Member of Parliament candidate in the upcoming September 16 general elections.
Speaking to this online publication, Maxwell Thyolera, the elections chairperson, expressed gratitude to the people of Dedza-Mlunduni for casting their votes in peace, despite the delayed start.
Thyolera commended the electorate for their patience and cooperation, which contributed to the smooth conduct of the elections.
The primary elections were keenly contested, with Kunkuyu’s victory marking a significant milestone in his political career.
As the MCP candidate, Kunkuyu will now focus on campaigning for the general elections, where he will face off against candidates from other political parties.
The outcome of the primary elections has set the stage for the September 16 general elections, which will determine the leadership of the Dedza-Mlunduni constituency.
Kunkuyu’s victory is seen as a boost to the MCP’s chances in the constituency, and his campaign team is expected to work tirelessly to mobilize support for the party.
In the run-up to the general elections, Kunkuyu and his team will need to reach out to voters across the constituency, listening to their concerns and outlining their vision for the area’s development.
With his primary election win, Kunkuyu has set his sights on the September 16 elections, and his campaign is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks.
The MCP primary elections were a crucial test of the party’s strength in the constituency, and Kunkuyu’s victory has sent a strong message about his popularity among party members.
As the general elections approach, all eyes will be on Kunkuyu and his rivals as they campaign for the votes of the people of Dedza-Mlunduni.
The political future of Vice President Michael Usi’s much-hyped political party, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, has hit an unexpected legal stumbling block.
The Registrar of Political Parties has confirmed that the party is not registered under Malawi’s Political Parties Act.
This revelation has sent shockwaves across the country’s political spectrum, especially among supporters who believed the party was ready to challenge the status quo.
Usi
The announcement comes at a time when Usi, a charismatic and unconventional politician, has been widely rumored to be preparing for a post-Chakwera political role.
In a formal communication, the Registrar emphasized that despite public perception, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu is not recognized as a political party under the current law.
According to the Political Parties Act, any entity intending to participate in electoral processes must first undergo a thorough registration process with the Registrar of Political Parties.
This process includes submission of the party’s constitution, symbols, leadership details, and commitment to democratic principles, among other requirements.
The Registrar’s office stated that Usi’s grouping has not submitted the required documents nor fulfilled the necessary legal obligations.
As a result, any political activity conducted under the banner of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu could be deemed unlawful.
This legal clarification has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of Usi’s recent public engagements which appeared to bear the markings of organized political mobilization.
Critics are now questioning whether Usi and his inner circle have been misleading the public with premature branding of a non-existent political structure.
Others, however, are defending the Vice President, suggesting that the announcement might be a strategic or administrative delay rather than a deliberate act of non-compliance.
Some observers argue that the name Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu, which loosely translates to “He who eats what is his has no case to answer,” may have been used more as a slogan than an official party name.
Nevertheless, the Registrar was unequivocal in his statement that no such party exists in the official records.
This legal position complicates the political narrative surrounding Usi, who has built a reputation as a reformist and a voice of the people.
Supporters of the Vice President had already begun associating themselves with the “Odya Zake” movement, which they believed would form the foundation of Usi’s future presidential campaign.
Now, these supporters are left with confusion and disappointment, wondering whether their hopes were built on a political illusion.
The development also exposes a growing trend in Malawian politics where popular figures prematurely launch political movements without completing the necessary legal groundwork.
The Registrar has since issued a stern warning to all individuals and groups intending to operate as political parties without registration.
He stressed that any political entity must respect the rule of law and follow due process before engaging in political activities or mobilizing supporters.
Legal experts are already weighing in on the issue, suggesting that if Usi continues using the name without formal registration, he could face sanctions or be barred from contesting in future elections under that banner.
This latest development is expected to generate further debate on political accountability and the regulation of party formation in Malawi.
It also poses serious questions about the Vice President’s political strategy as the country prepares for the 2025 general elections.
So far, Usi has not issued an official response to the Registrar’s announcement, leaving many Malawians eager to hear his side of the story.
Some believe that Usi may still register the party in due course, while others suspect he may abandon the name altogether to avoid further scrutiny.
Whatever the outcome, this episode underscores the importance of legality, transparency, and preparation in the political arena.
As things stand, the idea of Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu as a political party remains just that—an idea.
Until it is registered, the catchy slogan remains legally hollow and politically uncertain.
In the meantime, the message is loud and clear: Odya zake ali ndi mlandu—those who benefit outside the bounds of law will always be held to account.
Malawi’s leading eye health experts have raised serious concerns over the increasing number of cases of preventable blindness.
They are warning that many people are turning to unqualified practitioners and unsafe remedies.
The experts say that this troubling trend is undermining years of progress made in promoting professional eye care services.
They point out that rural and low-income communities are the most affected, as access to qualified eye specialists remains limited.
Some patients, out of desperation or misinformation, are resorting to traditional healers or homemade concoctions that worsen their conditions.
Others simply avoid seeking medical attention due to cost or distance, leading to the deterioration of minor issues into permanent blindness.
Medical professionals are calling on the government to step up efforts in public awareness campaigns about the dangers of untreated eye conditions and unverified treatments.
They are also urging authorities to invest more in eye care infrastructure and training for health workers across the country.
Eye health NGOs and advocacy groups have echoed these concerns, warning that if left unaddressed, the crisis could place an even greater burden on Malawi’s already stretched health system.
In the meantime, experts recommend that anyone experiencing vision problems seek immediate help from certified clinics or hospitals to prevent avoidable loss of sight.
In the world of football, sponsorship plays a crucial role in the development and success of teams. It provides the necessary financial backing that allows clubs to invest in talent, facilities, and overall infrastructure. However, when a team consistently underperforms despite significant support, it raises questions about the effectiveness of that sponsorship. This is the situation we find ourselves in with Mighty Wanderers, a team that has enjoyed the backing of Thom Mpinganjira but has failed to deliver results on the pitch.
After their recent distressing loss to Karonga United in the Airtel Top 8 quarter-finals, it is time for Mpinganjira to reconsider his sponsorship of the team.
Mighty Wanderers, a club with a rich history and a passionate fan base, has long been a staple of Malawian football. The team has seen its fair share of highs and lows, but the current trend of underachievement is alarming.
Nomads
Despite the massive support from fans and the financial backing from Mpinganjira, the team has struggled to find its footing in recent seasons. The loss to Karonga United was not just another defeat; it was a stark reminder of the team’s ongoing struggles and the urgent need for change.
One cannot overlook the fact that Mighty Wanderers boasts a roster filled with capable players. The talent is undoubtedly there, yet the results on the pitch tell a different story.
This disconnect raises critical questions: Why is the team underperforming? What is preventing these skilled players from translating their potential into success? The answers to these questions are complex and multifaceted, but one thing is clear: the current trajectory is unsustainable.
The loss to Karonga United was particularly distressing for fans who have invested their time, emotions, and resources into supporting the team. The Airtel Top 8 tournament is a prestigious competition, and for a team with the history and stature of Mighty Wanderers, exiting in the quarter-finals is simply unacceptable.
This defeat not only reflects poorly on the players but also on the management and coaching staff. It is a wake-up call that should prompt a thorough evaluation of the team’s strategies, tactics, and overall direction.
In the wake of such disappointing performances, it is essential for the team to go back to the drawing board. This process should involve a comprehensive analysis of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as a reevaluation of the coaching staff’s approach.
The players need to come together, engage in honest discussions, and identify the barriers that have hindered their performance. It is time for the team to “bang heads” and unlock the potential that has been so evident in individual players but has yet to materialize as a cohesive unit on the field.
Moreover, the role of sponsorship in this equation cannot be overlooked. Thom Mpinganjira’s financial support has undoubtedly provided the team with resources that many clubs can only dream of.
However, the question arises: is this investment yielding the desired results? If the team continues to falter despite the backing, it may be time for Mpinganjira to reconsider his involvement.
Sponsorship should not be a one-sided affair; it should be a partnership that fosters growth and success. If the team is not meeting its potential, it may be in the best interest of both parties to reassess the relationship.
The reality is that football is a results-driven business. Fans expect their teams to compete at the highest level, and when they fail to do so, frustration and disappointment set in. Mpinganjira, as a prominent figure in Malawian football, has a reputation to uphold.
Continuing to sponsor a team that is consistently underperforming could tarnish that reputation and lead to questions about his judgment. It is essential for him to weigh the benefits of his sponsorship against the backdrop of the team’s performance.
Furthermore, the emotional toll on fans cannot be underestimated.
The supporters of Mighty Wanderers are some of the most passionate in the country. They live and breathe the team’s fortunes, and each defeat is a blow to their pride and loyalty.
The loss to Karonga United was not just a game; it was a moment that encapsulated the frustrations of a fan base that has been waiting for a turnaround for far too long. Mpinganjira’s continued support, while commendable, may not be enough to quell the growing discontent among fans who are desperate for change.
It is time for Thom Mpinganjira to take a step back and evaluate the situation at Mighty Wanderers. The team’s consistent underperformance, highlighted by the recent loss to Karonga United, is a clear indication that something is amiss.
While the players possess the talent to succeed, the current trajectory is unsustainable. It is crucial for the team to return to the drawing board, engage in honest discussions, and identify the barriers to success.
Mpinganjira’s sponsorship has provided valuable resources, but if the team continues to falter, it may be in the best interest of both parties to reconsider their partnership. Football is a results-driven business, and the time for change is now.
