The Higher Education Students’ Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) says it will not provide loans to students who submit conflicting names in their loan applications.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,the board’s Chief Executive Officer(CEO ),Prince Phwetekere, said using conflicting names is unacceptable because it will hinder the loan recovery process.
Prince Phwetekere
Phwetekere urged students to ensure that the names they use in their school records match those on their national identity cards.
He further advised students with issues regarding their national identity cards to seek assistance from the National Registration Bureau.
HESLGB was established by a Parliamentary Act no: 2 of 2015 to finance access to higher education of needy and deserving students in Malawi.
Its mandate as per the Act, is two- fold, that is, firstly, to disburse loans yearly to needy and deserving students pursuing higher education in government registered higher learning institutions by National Council for Higher Education( NCHE) both public and private and are pursuing accredited programs and courses.
Secondly, the Loans Board is to recover the former loans from former beneficiaries of the higher education loans scheme dating way back from 1985/86 academic calendar.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Chisomo Nkhoma as the new Head Coach of the Malawi Under-17 Girls National Team.
Nkhoma takes over from Linda Kasenda ahead of the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, scheduled for May 10-17 in Windhoek, Namibia.
Nkhoma’s coaching team includes Thom Kazembe as First Assistant Coach, Levie Mhone as Second Assistant Coach, Collins Pofera as Fitness Trainer, Chimwemwe Chitedze as Goalkeepers Trainer, and Thokozani Muskambo as Team Manager.
Chisomo Nkhoma
The team will begin preparations for the tournament with a 30-member squad, starting with a camp on April 28, 2025, at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre. Malawi is in Group A with hosts Namibia and Comoros.
The new coaching staff is expected to lead the team to success in the upcoming tournament.
The Ministry of Health has intensified its efforts to contain the Mpox virus, with measures including enhanced screening, training health workers to recognize symptoms, and isolating suspected and confirmed cases. According to Penjani Chunda, Chief Preventative Health Officer for Zomba, these measures aim to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the public.
Mpox is a viral infection that causes symptoms such as painful rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain, and low energy. In severe cases, it can lead to death. Malawi has reported a total of four cases in the past three weeks, with three cases in Lilongwe and one in Mangochi.
The Ministry of Health has taken proactive steps to contain the outbreak. Health workers have been trained to identify symptoms and detect cases early, which is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. Suspected and confirmed cases are being isolated to prevent further transmission.
The ministry has also emphasized the importance of personal and public hygiene in preventing the spread of Mpox. Citizens are advised to practice good hygiene, report suspicious symptoms to health authorities, and avoid close contact with infected individuals.
A meeting of health experts is underway in Lilongwe to establish preventive measures for Mpox.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that measures are being taken to contain the suspected outbreak and prevent transmission.
The World Health Organization has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the need for global cooperation in combating the disease. Malawi’s health authorities are working closely with international partners to enhance their response to the outbreak.
Mpox is a viral infection that can spread through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, or animals.
The virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets, bodily fluids, and skin lesions. Pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with HIV are at higher risk of severe disease.
Symptoms of Mpox typically develop within 7-14 days after exposure and can last for 2-4 weeks. While some cases may be mild, severe cases can lead to serious health complications and death.
Preventing the spread of Mpox requires a multi-faceted approach. Key measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, early detection and isolation of suspected cases, and vaccination.
Smallpox vaccines have been found to offer 85% protection against Mpox, but their safety and efficacy in preventing Mpox are still being studied.
Organizations such as the Urunji Child-Care Trust are working to provide life-saving information, equipment, and emergency support to communities at risk. Donations and funding are crucial in scaling up these efforts and equipping health workers to respond to the outbreak.
As the situation continues to evolve, it’s essential for the public to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of Mpox. With concerted efforts from health authorities, international partners, and the public, Malawi can contain the outbreak and protect its citizens.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has appointed Maggie Chombo as the Head Coach of the Malawi U20 Women’s National Team ahead of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Chombo, a former Scorchers captain, returns to the helm of the team she previously led in 2021 during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Malawi’s U20 Women’s National Team will face the Central African Republic in the first round of the qualifiers, with the first leg scheduled for May 11th, 2025, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, and the return leg set for May 18th at the same venue.
Maggie Chombo
Chombo has named a 31-member squad for the upcoming matches, and the team is expected to begin camp on April 28th, 2025, at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre.
Chombo will be assisted by a technical panel comprising experienced coaches and support staff, including John Chimwala as First Assistant Coach, Scholastica Khunga as Second Assistant Coach, Patricia Makwakwa as Fitness Trainer, Wilson Mkandawire as Goalkeepers Coach, and Lina Mtegha as Team Manager. Martha Chimwala and Salome Chirwa are in the technical panel as Physiotherapist and Team Doctor, respectively.
The 31-member squad features talented young players from various clubs in Malawi. Notable faces in the squad include Ascent Academy duo of Maureen Kenneth and Leticia Chinyamula, who also plays for the senior team. Other notable players include goalkeepers Ireen Sibande, Emily Nkhwazi, and Evelyn Kamanga; defenders Talandira Chinyamula, Olivia Phikani, and Alinafe Milanzie; midfielders Linda Manda, Chikondi Mgodi, and Anna Baziliyo; and strikers Mary Chindeya, Kondawu Banda, and Mayamiko Mkandawire.
With Chombo at the helm, Malawi’s U20 Women’s National Team is poised to make a strong impression in the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The team’s campaign will be closely watched, given the country’s growing reputation in women’s football. Chombo’s experience as a player and coach will undoubtedly be an asset to the team.
The road ahead will be challenging, but with a solid team and technical panel in place, Malawi’s U20 Women’s National Team is ready to take on the Central African Republic and make their mark in the qualifiers.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) finds itself at a critical juncture.
As the party engages in discussions with potential alliance partners, the question of leadership looms large.
At the forefront of this conversation is Arthur Peter Mutharika, the former president and a figure whose political acumen and experience could prove pivotal in shaping the future of the DPP and its allies. The necessity of positioning Mutharika as the presidential candidate in any forthcoming alliance cannot be overstated.
Mutharika
His leadership is not merely a matter of preference; it is a strategic imperative that could determine the success or failure of the coalition in the face of formidable opposition, particularly from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Mutharika’s tenure as president from 2014 to 2020 was marked by significant achievements and challenges.
His administration focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, and social programs aimed at improving the lives of Malawians.
While his presidency was not without controversy, Mutharika’s ability to navigate the complexities of governance and his experience in international diplomacy have endowed him with a unique skill set that is invaluable in the current political climate.
The DPP’s alliance partners must recognize that Mutharika’s leadership is not just about continuity; it is about leveraging his established political capital to galvanize support and foster unity among disparate factions.
One of the most compelling reasons for endorsing Mutharika as the presidential candidate is his status as a “winning formula.” In the 2019 elections, despite facing significant challenges, Mutharika managed to secure a substantial portion of the vote, demonstrating his enduring appeal among the electorate.
His ability to connect with voters, particularly in rural areas, is a testament to his grassroots support. In contrast, the MCP, led by Lazarus Chakwera, has struggled to maintain a cohesive narrative that resonates with all segments of the population.
By positioning Mutharika as the presidential candidate, the DPP can capitalize on his established voter base and mitigate the risks associated with presenting a less familiar face to the electorate.
Moreover, Mutharika’s candidacy sends a clear message of stability and experience in a time of uncertainty.
The political landscape in Malawi is fraught with challenges, including economic instability, social unrest, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In such a context, voters are likely to gravitate towards a leader who embodies resilience and has a proven track record of governance. Mutharika’s experience in handling crises, both domestically and internationally, positions him as a stabilizing force that can reassure voters and instill confidence in the DPP’s ability to lead effectively.
The DPP’s alliance partners must also consider the implications of Mutharika’s candidacy for their own political fortunes.
Aligning with a well-known and respected leader can enhance the credibility of smaller parties within the coalition, providing them with a platform to amplify their voices and agendas.
Mutharika’s leadership can serve as a unifying force, bringing together diverse political ideologies and interests under a common banner. This is particularly important in a multiparty system where fragmentation can lead to electoral defeat.
By rallying around Mutharika, alliance partners can present a formidable front against the MCP and other opposition parties, increasing their chances of electoral success.
Furthermore, Mutharika’s candidacy is crucial for maintaining the DPP’s identity and core values.
The party has historically championed economic development, social justice, and national sovereignty. Mutharika embodies these principles, and his leadership can help reinforce the DPP’s commitment to its foundational ideals. In contrast, presenting a new candidate may dilute the party’s message and alienate its traditional base.
The DPP must remain true to its roots while adapting to the evolving political landscape, and Mutharika’s leadership provides a bridge between the past and the future.
In addition to the strategic advantages of Mutharika’s candidacy, there is also a psychological dimension to consider. The political rivalry between the DPP and the MCP has created a charged atmosphere in which perceptions of strength and leadership are paramount. Mutharika’s presence as the presidential candidate can instill a sense of fear and apprehension within the MCP, potentially dissuading them from aggressive campaigning and galvanizing their base.
The psychological impact of having a seasoned leader at the helm cannot be underestimated; it can influence voter sentiment and sway undecided voters who may be looking for a strong and capable leader to guide the nation through turbulent times.
Moreover, Mutharika’s candidacy aligns with the broader narrative of continuity and stability that many voters seek in times of change. As Malawi navigates the complexities of post-pandemic recovery, the electorate may be more inclined to support a leader who has demonstrated the ability to govern effectively in the past.
Mutharika’s experience in managing economic challenges and fostering international relations positions him as a candidate who can provide the stability and continuity that voters crave. This narrative can be a powerful tool in the DPP’s campaign strategy, allowing them to frame the election as a choice between experienced leadership and untested alternatives.
The DPP’s alliance partners must also recognize the importance of a cohesive and unified front in the face of opposition. The political landscape in Malawi is characterized by shifting alliances and unpredictable electoral dynamics. By rallying around Mutharika as the presidential candidate, the DPP can present a united front that signals strength and determination to both voters and opponents.
This unity is essential for mobilizing resources, coordinating campaign efforts, and ensuring that the coalition remains focused on common goals. A fragmented approach, on the other hand, could lead to infighting and weaken the coalition’s chances of success.
The DPP’s decision to position Arthur Peter Mutharika as the presidential candidate in any forthcoming alliance is not merely a matter of preference; it is a strategic necessity. Mutharika’s experience, political capital, and ability to connect with voters make him an invaluable asset in the current political climate. His candidacy represents a winning formula that can galvanize support, instill confidence, and foster unity among alliance partners.
As the DPP navigates the complexities of coalition politics, it is imperative that they recognize the importance of strong leadership and the potential for Mutharika to serve as a stabilizing force in a time of uncertainty. By embracing Mutharika’s candidacy, the DPP can position itself for success in the upcoming elections and ensure that it remains a formidable player in the Malawian political landscape.
