The Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) says its national convention will be held in March this year at a venue to be announced soon.
The party’s president Enock China disclosed this on Friday last week when the party unveiled over 80 new members at its headquarters in Lilongwe.
Chihana said: “We are planning to have a convention sometime during Easter (March end). We think that our programme of restructuring is going very well.”
The AFORD leader further quipped that attracting new members serves as proof that Malawians are believing in the party’s vision of “transforming Malawi into a middle income country.”
He vowed to contest solo during the 2025 elections, breaking from the Tonse Alliance ticket that triumphed during the 2020 court sanctioned Fresh Presidential Elections.
On social economic ills facing the nation,Chihana asked the reigning administration to work together with various stakeholders in coming up with solutions to the current challenges.
“The current government should wake up. Things are not going well in this country. They should not sleep on duty,” said Chihana.
AFORD came in the political lime light in 1993 and its founder the late Chakufwa Chihana is known as one of the key fighters for multiparty democracy in Malawi.
In a groundbreaking move, Hilltop Academy, nestled in the picturesque town of Limbe Mpingwe, has veered away from conventional teaching methods by bidding farewell to the age-old whiteboard and chalkboard, and embracing the wonders of the Smart Board. This sensational shift epitomizes the school’s unwavering commitment to placing students at the pinnacle of their educational experience, as they strive to attain their ultimate aspirations. The audacious launch of the Smart Board, initiated by the esteemed Director of Hilltop Academy, the visionary Akhter Omar, has sent shockwaves throughout Malawi’s educational landscape.
Unveiling this technological masterpiece, Akhter Omar, the epitome of leadership and innovation, declared that Hilltop Academy is at the forefront of a technological revolution in the educational sphere. By placing students’ needs at the zenith of their priorities, the school has ushered in a new era of learning, where the virtual realm and pedagogy intertwine harmoniously. This visionary move by Hilltop Academy has garnered unprecedented praise from various quarters.
The esteemed head of Hilltop Academy, whose penchant for ceaseless advancement in education is unparalleled, applauded the school’s foray into this highly sophisticated and avant-garde technological adjunct. Recognizing the manifold benefits of the Smart Board in comparison to archaic markers, the head of the institution hailed this transition as a resounding affirmation of Hilltop Academy’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of its students.
In an exclusive interview with this illustrious reporter, Mphatso Nkuonera, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, expressed profound admiration for Hilltop Academy’s audacious initiative. Acknowledging the uniqueness of this pioneering move in Malawi, Nkuonera lauded the school for its unwavering commitment to supporting the government’s vision for 2063. Heaping praises on Hilltop Academy, Nkuonera proclaimed, “As the government, we deeply commend Hilltop Academy for spearheading this transformative initiative, which underscores their dedication to complementing the government’s efforts in reshaping the future of education.”
Not only has Hilltop Academy earned accolades from the educational sphere, but parents too have expressed unequivocal satisfaction with the school’s overarching mission and visionary outlook for their children. Testament to their mettle, Hilltop Academy offers a robust and globally acclaimed curriculum in the form of the prestigious Cambridge curriculum, ensuring that their students are on par with their international counterparts. Furthermore, the school extends its academic prowess to the pinnacle of educational achievement by providing A-Level programs, solidifying their place as a premier destination for academic excellence.
The wondrous Smart Board available at Hilltop Academy holds the reins of the future of education, revolutionizing the way teachers disseminate knowledge and students imbibe it with ardor and enthusiasm. This technological marvel opens up a world of infinite possibilities, transcending the limitations of traditional teaching methods. Infused with cutting-edge features and state-of-the-art capabilities, the Smart Board is an awe-inspiring tool that will undoubtedly propel Hilltop Academy to the zenith of educational institutions in Malawi.
One of the distinguishing aspects of the Smart Board lies in its unrivaled interactivity. Gone are the days of monotony, where students passively absorbed information; now, they can actively engage in the learning process. The Smart Board boasts a touch-sensitive surface, akin to the gentle caress of a warm breeze, enabling students to delve into a realm of hands-on learning. Empowered by this tactile experience, students can explore, analyze, and critique various subject matters, kindling a deeper sense of curiosity and intellectual growth.
Incorporating the Smart Board into curriculum delivery is an art form in itself. Designed to inspire and engage both teachers and students, this marvel ensures that every lesson is transformed into a captivating spectacle. The Smart Board’s supreme versatility enables seamless integration with various multimedia elements, transforming an ordinary classroom into a veritable kingdom of knowledge. Whether it be vibrant videos, captivating images, or enthralling audio files, the Smart Board brings learning to life with unparalleled finesse.
Moreover, the Smart Board’s innate ability to foster collaboration amongst students is a game-changer, fueling the flames of camaraderie and teamwork. With the simple touch of a finger, students can participate in joint brainstorming sessions, indulge in interactive simulations, and offer their unique perspectives on academic matters. This new dimension of education paves the way for future leaders, encouraging them to develop critical thinking skills and embrace the power of collective intelligence.
Furthermore, the Smart Board equips teachers with a myriad of tools that transcend the mundane realm of a traditional whiteboard or chalkboard. These tools, akin to a master painter’s brushes, empower educators to create masterpieces of knowledge. With the Smart Board’s virtual ink, teachers can annotate, highlight, and emphasize crucial points, leaving indelible imprints of information on their students’ minds. This extraordinary feature instills a sense of depth, engagement, and a fresh perspective within learners, ensuring that no concept is left unexplored.
The crux of the Smart Board’s allure lies in its ability to cater to the diverse learning needs of students. This technological marvel is inclusive, ensuring equal opportunities for students with differing abilities and learning styles. With a simple flick of a switch, the Smart Board can transform its text size, color, and contrast, making it accessible to students with visual impairments. Furthermore, tactile learners can revel in the interactive touch features, while auditory learners can tap into the myriad audio capabilities. The Smart Board truly represents a triumph of inclusivity and educational equity.
Hilltop Academy’s uncompromising commitment to embracing innovation and technological ingenuity is testament to their role as trailblazers in the educational realm. By adopting the Smart Board, they have unshackled the chains of conventional teaching practices, paving the way for a future where educational boundaries cease to exist. With this remarkable initiative, Hilltop Academy has placed themselves on the international map of educational excellence, bringing Malawi to the forefront of the global education stage.
Hilltop Academy’s remarkable feat in introducing the Smart Board has undoubtedly reshaped the landscape of education in Malawi. This momentous transition, marked by unparalleled vision and fervor, shall resonate throughout the annals of educational history. By embracing technological marvels, Hilltop Academy has not only bolstered their students’ quest for knowledge but has also inspired other educational institutions to follow suit, ensuring that the future generations of Malawi are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to achieve greatness.
As the sun sets over the majestic Hilltop Academy, a beacon of transformation and innovation, we are witness to the beginning of a new era in education. The Smart Board stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of this esteemed institution, forging a path toward intellectual enlightenment that shall guide their students to their ultimate destinies. Hilltop Academy’s audacious journey toward excellence has only just begun, leaving an indelible imprint on the educational landscape of Malawi that will be cherished for generations to come.
President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, says Malawi needs a constitution that favors or protect no one calling for deletion or erasing of Section 91 subsection 1 and 2 where the President and Vice President must be liable for prosecution when caught on the wrong side of the law.
Jumah has observed that Malawi for the past 60 years has been run and governed under false interpretation of “politics” that implies violence, violation of laws, nepotism, regionalism, tribalism, corruption and assassinations.
He said “constitutionality and rule on trust” have lost meaning in Malawi, the 1994 constitution has been tampered with, disrespected and undermined observing that Sections 64, 65 and other related sections that could if observed or followed develop the country, have been deflated.
Bantu Saunders Jumah
Writing in a statement, Jumah said for 30 years of democracy and the rule of law, Malawi has democracy where positions and offices have no power but individuals saying the country’s democracy works only to few but not all the people.
Jumah said the democracy of Malawi allows only powerful office bearers destroying the country without being reprimanded saying if the Republican constitution was validated and energized, all powers could remain in the hands of the laws not individuals.
He said the Constitutional Court lacked direction in putting the nation on ground zero looking at how it dealt with the disputed elections of May, 2019 on 3rd February, 2020 saying instead of embarking on the path of re-constitutionalizing the laws of Malawi, it made unconstitutional decisions.
The MRP President said the Con-Court declared Malawi as being the nation that goes to the polls on 50+1 pattern or model, yet for the past 26 years, the constitution commanded the system of First Past The Post (FPTP).
He said the Con-Court declared the 2019 elections as half baked and half cooked by illegitimating presidential votes while authenticating parliamentary votes creating a constitutional crisis by separating the votes that made the Tonse Alliance government to continue tampering and violating the Republican Constitution.
“Con-Court must come clean as to where and how it imposed 50+1, come clean if 2020 elections were fresh or repeated, and clarifying if May, 2019 elections are not constitutional to allow Tonse Alliance government shift elections calendar of 5 years to 6 years only for 2025 elections,” reads part of Jumah’s statement.
He said the Revolution under MRP is also demanding the Con-Court to inform the country if it was constitutional for the interested parties to change the country’s laws by shifting electoral calendar to 16th September, 2025 instead of 21st May, 2024.
Jumah has also demanded the Executive arm and Legislative arm to explain to Malawians if they did not commit a crime by extending their mandate unilaterally without seeking consensus of the citizens warning the authorities in Malawi that without clarifying these matters, the country has no democracy.
A human rights activist based in the Republic of South Africa Charles Ben Longwe, has thanked the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for proving to the world that it has changed from the party of death and darkness to a party of forgiving people.
Longwe said many Malawians associate the MCP with bad things looking back to the way the party was but today, MCP is continuing to surprise Malawians with its spirit of forgiveness saying this is a thing which is lacking in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
He has encouraged President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to continue the life of forgiving people particularly his critics and those against his government observing that forgiving is Christianity and spiritual.
Speaking through an audio clip circulating in various social media platforms, Ben Longwe has praised Commandant Redson Munlo for making his intelligent decision of joining the MCP claiming that there is no any other party Munlo could have join apart from the MCP.
Mkaka ,MCP Secretary General
Longwe has encouraged Malawians that if there are parties one can join is either the UDF or MCP claiming that other parties are rotten, appealing to all those who have been expelled and suspended from the DPP to join UDF and MCP, they will be warmly welcomed.
He has also thanked MCP Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka for announcing in public that he has forgiven Redson Munlo for the case he has with him in court praising him that Malawi needs leaders who can forgive others.
The activist said MCP is now a changed party, from the party of death and darkness to forgiveness saying President Chakwera forgave Linda Kunje, Mussa John, Uladi Mussa, Henry Mussa and those who stoned his motorcade in Blantyre asking God to bless Chakwera .
He said President Chakwera has done the best more than ever observing that forgiving people like Munlo who have been insulting and castigating him is not easy but he has proved that forgiveness is possible in the MCP.
“Munlo had the choice to join UDF but has chosen to join the MCP to give it new ideas of doing better than before,” said Longwe.
He observed that had it been that the DPP had the spirit of forgiving people, Ken Msonda would have been the first to be forgiven saying he apologized before Professor Mutharika beamed on Televisions but in the end, he was expelled from the party.
Longwe said the DDP has failed to forgive its members 70 times as commanded by the Holy Bible advising President Chakwera and his MCP to be welcoming into the party prodigal sons and daughters from the DPP.
In 2019, President Reverend Lazarus Chakwera promised the people of Malawi that he would end corruption. He sold this idea through his Hi-5 agenda which was highly supported by millions of citizens of this country.
How did Chakwera say he would do this? He emphasized that he would expose corrupt activities and risks. Keep the public sector honest, transparent and accountable. Stop dishonest practices. Ensure public sector employees acted in the public interest.
The twist
In a move that contradicts President Lazarus Chakwera’s stance on corruption, the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has made a substantial payment to a firm associated with businessman Zuneth Sattar, who is currently under scrutiny for alleged corrupt practices. This transaction, involving a $4.98 million (K8.4Bn) payment, forms part of a larger deal amounting to $19.93 million (K33.6Bn) for the procurement of 32 Armoured Personal Carriers (APCs).
This information was confirmed through a document seen by the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), dated November 14. The communication, originating from the Directorate of Logistics of the MDF, bears the reference DOL/A/125/2 and is titled “Part Payment for the Supply and Delivery of Thirty-Two (32) APCs.” Colonel Lovemore Govenor Gowa, the acting Chief Logistics Officer for the MDF, signed off on this payment.
This development raises questions about the Malawian government’s commitment to combating corruption, especially in light of the ongoing investigations surrounding Sattar. The direct involvement of the MDF in this transaction, despite the broader context of corruption allegations, underscores a complex scenario in Malawi’s efforts to uphold integrity in public procurement and defence dealings.
Chakwera promised to end corruption among his Hi-5 campaign agenda
The challenge
Corruption erodes the trust we have in the public sector to act in our best interests. It wastes taxes and rates meant for important community projects. This results in poor quality services or infrastructure, or projects never getting off the ground.
It also has an indirect effect on a country’s economic performance by affecting many factors fuelling economic growth such as investment, taxation, level, composition and effectiveness of public expenditure. forces, leading to misallocation of resources.
Corruption increases income inequality and poverty through lower economic growth; biased tax systems favouring the rich and well-connected; poor targeting of social programs; use of wealth by the well-to-do to lobby government for favourable policies that perpetuate inequality in asset ownership; lower social spending; unequal access to education; and a higher risk in investment decisions of the poor. Cross-country regression analysis for 1980-97 shows that high and rising corruption increases income inequality and poverty through the above channels.
Undetected and unchecked corruption in the public sector can cause serious damage including: undermining public trust in government. Wasting public resources and money. Causing injustice through advantaging some at the expense of others.
Yes, economic growth often does have undesirable effects, such as the disruption of traditional cultures and damage to the environment, and yes, some of these are a proper moral concerns that we are right to take into account.
Malawi’s Corruption Perceptions Index
Level Of Corruption Perception (2022)
Governments sometimes manipulate GDP data. For example GDP data can be manipulated through the calculation of price indexes. They can stop publishing important data prior to elections. They try to abolish independent statistics bureaus. They try to add questions that will bias responses to Census data. They leave in place price indexes known to be unreliable and impacting heavily and negatively on crucial pensions systems and so on.
The Transparency International Corruptions Perception rankings are used as a proxy for assessing the level of government corruption for each economy.
World Economics has converted the ranking data into an index on the scale from 0-100 where 0 is absolute corruption and 100 is no perception of government corruption.
Malawi’s level of Corruption Perception is 37.8 against a global average of 48.4.
Solutions
To effectively exercise power while avoiding its pitfalls, leaders must cultivate humility as an antidote to hubris and empathy as an antidote to self-focus. Those qualities increase openness to learning and altruism—the keys to using power toward a collective purpose that transcends self-interest.
Corruption impedes investment, with consequent effects on growth and jobs. Countries capable of confronting corruption use their human and financial resources more efficiently, attract more investment, and grow more rapidly.
