In a significant move ahead of the new parliamentary session, the UTM party has named former secretary general Patricia Kaliati as its Leader of the House.
The appointment was made by UTM President Dalitso Kabambe and communicated in an internal party brief seen by 247 Malawi. Kaliati, who recently secured the parliamentary seat for Mulanje, will now be responsible for steering the party’s legislative agenda on the government bench.
Kaliati
The communication also outlined other key leadership positions within the party’s parliamentary caucus. Honourable Felix Njawala has been appointed as the Chief Whip, tasked with enforcing party discipline. He will be assisted by Edgar Kapalamula, who takes the role of Deputy Whip.
Completing the senior team is Honourable Kenneth Ndovie, who has been named Deputy Leader of the House. He will support Kaliati in managing the party’s business in the chamber.
The Government of Malawi has announced that Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana will be officially sworn in tomorrow as the country’s Second Vice President.
The announcement was made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Justin Saidi, who confirmed that all preparations for the ceremony have been finalized.
Chihana
According to Dr. Saidi, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
He said the event will mark a significant moment in the current administration, as President Arthur Peter Mutharika moves to strengthen his leadership team.
In addition to Chihana’s appointment, Dr. Saidi revealed that two newly appointed ministers — Rosa Mbilizi and George Patridge — will also be sworn in during the same ceremony.
The inclusion of Chihana, a seasoned politician and leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), signals a renewed spirit of inclusivity and cooperation within Malawi’s political landscape.
Chihana has long been recognized for his experience in both public administration and party leadership, and his appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at fostering unity across political lines.
Observers say the creation of the Second Vice President position underlines President Mutharika’s intention to enhance governance, improve coordination in government affairs, and accommodate diverse political voices.
Rosa Mbilizi, one of the new appointees, is widely known for her background in public finance and administration, while George Patridge brings extensive experience from the banking and economic sector.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries, highlighting its national significance.
As the country looks ahead, many Malawians are hopeful that these new appointments will bring renewed energy, accountability, and progress to the government’s developmental agenda.
The Government of Malawi has announced that Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana will be officially sworn in tomorrow as the country’s Second Vice President.
The announcement was made by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr. Justin Saidi, who confirmed that all preparations for the ceremony have been finalized.
Chihana
According to Dr. Saidi, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
He said the event will mark a significant moment in the current administration, as President Arthur Peter Mutharika moves to strengthen his leadership team.
In addition to Chihana’s appointment, Dr. Saidi revealed that two newly appointed ministers — Rosa Mbilizi and George Patridge — will also be sworn in during the same ceremony.
The inclusion of Chihana, a seasoned politician and leader of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), signals a renewed spirit of inclusivity and cooperation within Malawi’s political landscape.
Chihana has long been recognized for his experience in both public administration and party leadership, and his appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at fostering unity across political lines.
Observers say the creation of the Second Vice President position underlines President Mutharika’s intention to enhance governance, improve coordination in government affairs, and accommodate diverse political voices.
Rosa Mbilizi, one of the new appointees, is widely known for her background in public finance and administration, while George Patridge brings extensive experience from the banking and economic sector.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries, highlighting its national significance.
As the country looks ahead, many Malawians are hopeful that these new appointments will bring renewed energy, accountability, and progress to the government’s developmental agenda.
Malawian musician and philanthropist Patience Namadingo has once again demonstrated his deep commitment to community development by handing over a modern classroom block and office complex worth K169.8 million at Wataka Primary School in Machinga District.
The newly constructed infrastructure includes three spacious classrooms and five offices, among them a headteacher’s office, deputy headteacher’s office, staff room for 16 teachers, a storage room and a learners’ treatment room. To support academic excellence, electricity has also been installed to enable Standard 8 learners to study even after sunset.
Namadingo, who personally spearheaded the initiative, revealed that the project took just three months to complete, thanks to the collective support of well-wishers and community partners who believed in his vision to uplift education in rural areas.
During the official handover ceremony, Group Village Head Wataka hailed Namadingo for his generosity, describing the development as a “turning point” for the community.
“Our learners now have a better and safer learning space. This is something we never imagined possible,” he said.
The artist, popularly known as Doc Namadingo, said his goal is not only to entertain through music but also to make a lasting impact on social development, especially in sectors like education and health.
He emphasized that such initiatives bridge the gap between urban and rural schools.
“Education is the foundation of progress. If our children can learn in a comfortable and well-equipped environment, they can dream bigger and achieve more,” Namadingo said.
He added that this gesture is part of his broader mission to promote education access, dignity and hope for underprivileged communities across Malawi.
Local education authorities have also commended Namadingo for complementing government efforts in promoting quality education, noting that the new facilities will significantly reduce classroom congestion and improve teacher productivity.
The project, beyond its structural value, has become a symbol of unity and compassion, proving that collaboration between individuals and communities can drive real transformation in Malawi’s rural education system.
President of the Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) and Maranatha Academy General Manager, Dr. Ernest Kaonga, has come out strongly in support of the government’s plan to introduce free education in public primary and secondary schools, describing the move as “very possible and sustainable.”
Speaking with optimism and confidence, Dr. Kaonga said Malawi has the capacity to make education free if there is transparency, accountability and a hardworking spirit in the system.
“It’s all about transparency and hardworking spirit. At a private institution like Maranatha, we have 500 students on scholarship enjoying free education so what more public schools with government support? As PRISAM President and Maranatha Director, I believe it is very possible and sustainable. We are in full support of this,” said Dr. Kaonga.
His remarks come in response to the recent announcement by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who declared that starting from January 2026, education in all government primary and secondary schools will be free.
The development has sparked excitement across the nation with many Malawians seeing it as a bold step toward reducing school dropouts and promoting equal access to education.
Dr. Kaonga emphasized that Malawi’s private sector already plays a major role in supporting education, citing examples of schools that offer scholarships to underprivileged students through internal resources and partnerships.
He also noted that if the government strengthens financial management and cuts unnecessary spending, funds can be redirected to support this initiative effectively.
Education activists have hailed both the President and PRISAM for aligning efforts towards building an inclusive education system.
As the country prepares for the January 2026 rollout, expectations are high that Malawi could finally achieve a milestone in providing free, quality and accessible education for all.
“If private institutions can do it, government schools can do even better because this is not a dream, it’s a reality waiting to happen,” Dr. Kaonga added confidently.
