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Happy 41st Birthday Comrade Timothy Pagonachi Simbega Mtambo



On Sunday, 12th August, 1984, a miracle occured. That miracle was predestined birth of a baby boy who grew and developed as a mighty human rights defender and an examplary preacher of sane politics. A cultural idol! A traditional symbol! A political allegory!

It is evident that, Chabipilabatambo, his father and Nachizimu Nanyondo, his mother did not know that their boy was predestined to break traditional boundaries, national limits and fly globally with his unstoppable and unquenchable burning spirit and passion for creation of a better society.

As a promised son, Mtambo really defied all odds and shone like an East Star.

What is special about Timothy Mtambo is that, as a young kid, he spent most of his early days with his grandfather. It is clear that Timothy, as he was christened, had such a rare advantage of becoming a great leader due to an early exposure to the roles of a leader.

Mtambo



Mtambo did his primary education in Zambia and Malawi. His father used to work as a copper mine supervisor in Luansha. He graduated with a degree in Arts and Humanities from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College (Chanco) in 2010.

Mtambo proved himself as a human rights advocate while at Chanco when he became a students unionist. This is self-told through the lens of his university actions. He was fighting for the academic rights of his fellows. He was seen as a Tennyson statue that symbolised human rights fireworks.

Mtambo’s real element was physically seen under electron microscope when he joined Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) as Programmes Manager. He formed part of the Great Triangle that was composed of Gift Trapence, Undule Mwakasungula and Timothy Mtambo himself. These were the men behind the 2011 advocacy and protests against bad governance and autocracy.

On April 1, 2012, Timothy wedded his long time lovebird, Sally Ngwira. A young beautiful flower of Rumphian flavour. They had been together in college. As Mtambo celebrates attainment of 41 years, the family is blessed with four children.

Mtambo on his journey, was just 28 when he rose to the helm of the CHRR and made all necessary voices. He was the only remaining microphone of Malawians at a time it was not fashionable to do so.

Mtambo attained the global limelight, when he fearlessly led Malawians to demand electoral justice and accountability in the post May 21, 2019 Presidential Elections havoc. He writes, “That was a revolutionary struggle.” The epic Malawian struggle saw the nullification of a fraudulent elections and the birth of the 3rd Republic.

At 36, Mtambo formed part of the Malawi Government as a cabinet minister.

A son of royalty in his area. The child of destiny born in between two worlds of chiefdoms, the Great Mwenichitipas and Great Mwaulambyas, Mtambo has nowhere to escape leadership.

A man of a Bangle and Royal Stick ! A man of positive influence. Here is your day!

Today as Mtambo celebrates his 41st anniversary, he writes in his diary “Adding a year to my life is Grace of God, the Almighty. I have a great role to perform before I fly with angels. We need to create a better society. This is only attainable if we grow.”

Happy Birthday Senior Comrade Timothy Pagonachi Simbega Mtambo, the President and Commander in Chief of the Citizens for Transformation (CFT)!

Chakwera reopens Kayelekera heralding renaissance of mining sector

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By Staff Reporter

President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera,  has on Tuesday officially reopened the Kayelekera Uranium Mine, under new terms, at an inauguration ceremony held at the Lotus Africa Limited mining site, in Karonga.

In his speech President Chakwera hailed the reopening and reiterated his campaign manifesto commitment to utilize the proceeds of the mining sector,  including those from Kayelekera Mine, in the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which among other benefits will include a “Tsogolo Lathu” fund, that will see an investment of 500 000 Kwacha set aside for every child.



President Chakwera also reiterated his Agenda 2963 commitment to make Malawi a self reliant nation, which can only be achieved through investment in the agriculture, tourism and mining sectors, as this will stimulate production, generate much needed forex, create jobs and the economic growth with a middle income country.

Mike de Costa, Chief Operating Officer of Lotus Africa Limited echoed these benefits and applauded the government’s ATMM strategy, adding that these sectors will fast track  Malawi’s development goals and has profoundly facilitated the realization of the reopening of the mine.

He added that the project is about “renewal”and indicates that Malawi is open for business and investment.

De Costa emphasized that Kayelekera is a significant mining project globally and not just for Malawi, adding that it is about job creation and facilitating inclusivity of women and children in employment.

Furthermore he stated that the direct financial gains of the project will belong solely to the Malawi government and remain in Malawi.

The project will employ at least 600 000 staff – 90 percent of whom will be indigenous Malawians.

Minister of Mining Hon. Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma  attests that the reopening of Kayelekera Mine is testament to President Chakwera’s commitment to overhauling Malawi’s economic trajectory and the maximization of Malawi’s natural resources for the benefit of all Malawians.

He added that it is under the guidance of President Chakwera that the Kayelekera Mining Project deal has been re-negotiated to ensure optimum benefit to Malawians and accountability.

The new agreement stipulates the use of local suppliers and the inclusion of women under the new compliance regulations.

It also offers youth the opportunity to gain employment from the project and indeed attain career growth.

The Kayelekera Mine was decommissioned over ten years ago in 2014, due to low Uranium prices and its revival seeks to reinvigorate Malawi’s mining sector and profoundly boost the country’s economy.

Lotus Africa Limited assumed ownership of the mine in 2020, when they began negotiations with the Malawi government to reopen the site but under new terms put forward by the Chakwera administration

UK Praises Malawi and Zambia Landmark Trade Deal

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By Wadza Botomani 

The UK Embassy in Malawi celebrated the signing of the first-ever Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between COMESA member states, calling it a historic step for regional trade and cooperation. Supported by the UK’s Africa Food Trade and Resilience Programme, the deal will cut trade costs by removing redundant inspections and boosting the flow of food staples across borders. The embassy described it as more than a trade pact—it’s a pathway to stronger collaboration, economic growth, and a resilient African food economy. 

Mumba and Zambia Counterpart



Malawi’s Ministry of Trade and Industry hailed the agreement as a major milestone in enhancing cross-border trade. The signing took place in Lusaka, Zambia, with Malawi’s Trade Minister, Vitumbiko Mumba, and Zambia’s Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo Phiri, leading the ceremony. Mumba emphasized that the MRA will foster efficiency, trust, and smoother trade by recognizing each country’s quality assessments. 

“This agreement strengthens trust in our standards, supports industrial growth, and protects consumers,” Mumba said. He noted that the deal aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by lowering costs, improving efficiency, and enabling seamless trade. Zambia’s Phiri added that farmers and traders will gain from faster, cheaper trade processes, expanding market access for agricultural goods. 

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe pledged ongoing technical support, urging both nations to ensure long-term implementation. The agreement, backed by COMESA, AGRA, and UK funding, covers key crops like maize, groundnuts, and soybeans, marking a significant leap in regional trade integration.

Chisale pledges to continue development projects in Kasungu Central Constituency

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By Dean Chisambo

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) youthful shadow Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Constituency, Chikondi Kampachike Chisale, has pledged to continue the development projects he has been implementing in the area after being voted into Parliament in the September 16 polls.

Chisale disclosed that he will continue serving the people through the pipe water project, which he has been working on for the past ten years.

He also mentioned that he will maintain the health mobile clinic and put emphasis on the education sector.

Chisale – I will maintain health mobile clinic



The Kasungu Central Constituency’s MCP shadow MP further emphasized that he will continue providing food to the elderly during times of hunger.

He said, “I will keep engaging with local leaders and the Village Development Committee (VDC) to understand their key priority areas that require my focus.”

“Obviously, regarding road network infrastructure, we will also continue supporting entrepreneurship and farming, as these drive our economy. These are some of the things we will keep doing,” Chisale added.

Chisale also lamented that he will not rely solely on the 10% Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to support poor students with bursaries, stating that the CDF alone cannot go far and that leaders need to be resourceful.

He stated that as a leader, it is important to engage stakeholders, develop partnerships, and explore various resource pools that can be channeled towards education.

In his remarks, one of the constituents, Barry Phiri, said Chisale has been very supportive of both the youth and the elderly over the past ten years, and he believes Chisale will be a good parliamentarian for the constituency.

Chisale defeated the incumbent Member of Parliament, Ken Kandodo, in party primaries by 986 votes to 144.

Malawi will hold general elections on the 16th of next month, where people are expected to vote for Councillors, Members of Parliament, and the President.

Usi accuses some Govt officials of ignoring presidential directives

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By Chisomo Phiri

Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party president who is also the state vice-president Michael Usi says the government fails to address national challenges because some government officials do not  follow presidential directives.

Speaking at a mega political rally he held on Manday at Nyambadwe Primary School Ground in Blantyre, Usi said  despite the president issuing instructions, many government officials ignore them without any consequences for those responsible.



“When the President gives directives, not all of them are carried out.People sit down to discuss the directives, and some even disregard them completely yet they go unpunished. That is the problem,” said Usi.

On his political ambitions, Usi confirmed that he will contest in the forthcoming presidential elections but emphasised that his priority is the welfare of Malawians, not personal political gain.

“I am contesting, but I am looking at the bigger picture.It should not be about  Usi, it should be about the people. I can forgo the presidency for the sake of Malawians. Malawians come first, myself and others second,” he said.

The Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu leader outlined conditions he believes are critical for the country’s progress, including ending nepotism, rooting out corruption, promoting genuine development, and ensuring that professional expertise  not political influence drives government operations.

“Political parties and their gurus should not interfere with government business.Let professionals do what they know best because they went to school for that,” he said l.

While hinting at possible discussions with other political leaders on a potential alliance, Usi declined to reveal the names of the parties or individuals involved.

“I am talking to everybody, but I won’t disclose which party for now. I am not seeking to ride on anyone’s back because I have what it takes to be president. I fear nobody when it comes to contesting, but I respect them all,” he said.

The VP reiterated his belief that leadership is ultimately determined by God and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the nation.

In February 2019, former vice-president Saulos Chilima picked Usi as his running mate in the nullified 2019 presidential election under United Transformation Movement (UTM ) party ticket.

He pulled out of the UTM presidential race in  November,2024 while serving as president, having replaced Chilima who died in a plane crash in June the same year.

On April 27 this year,Usi launched Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu as a political party in the capital Lilongwewith pomp.