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Saudi Arabia arrives in South Africa ahead of G20 Summit



By Burnett Munthali

Saudi Arabia has officially arrived in South Africa to participate in the ongoing G20 Summit.

The delegation landed in Johannesburg amid heightened security and extensive media coverage.

Leaders and representatives from the world’s major economies are gathering to discuss pressing global issues, including economic recovery, climate change, and international trade.

Saudi officials are expected to engage in bilateral and multilateral meetings during the summit.



The arrival underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to playing an active role in shaping global economic and political policies.

Observers note that the G20 Summit provides a crucial platform for dialogue and cooperation among the world’s largest economies.

Saudi Arabia’s participation will focus on key priorities, including energy, investment, and sustainable development.

The summit also presents opportunities for the Kingdom to strengthen ties with African nations and other international partners.

With discussions scheduled over several days, attention will be on the outcomes that could influence both regional and global economic strategies.

The arrival of the Saudi delegation marks the beginning of a series of high-level engagements aimed at promoting collaboration and addressing shared challenges among G20 members.

Egenco announces temporary reduction in hydropower generation

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By Rahim Abdul

The Electricity Generation Company (Malawi) Limited (EGENGO) has announced a temporary reduction in hydropower generation due to scheduled scouring operations at Kapichira Hydropower Station.

According to the company’s media release dated 22nd November 2025, the reduction will take place from 9:00 pm on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, to 4:00 am on Sunday, 23rd November 2025.

EGENGO explained that scouring involves flushing out accumulated sand and silt from the station’s intake pond, a process that is essential for maintaining optimal storage capacity and ensuring efficient power generation.



“The continued buildup of sand and silt has been affecting the station’s overall power output. Consequently, during the scouring activities, there will be no power generation at Kapichira Hydropower Station,” the statement said.

Despite the temporary reduction, EGENGO assured stakeholders and the public that power supply will be maintained through its other stations, including Nkula, Tedzani, Wovwe, and its diesel power plants.

The company projected that available capacity during the period would be 232.10 MW, which it said would help minimize disruptions to electricity supply.

EGENGO expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the temporary outage and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation.

The company called on consumers to use electricity judiciously during the scouring operation to ensure consistent supply across the country.

This temporary reduction is part of EGENGO’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve Malawi’s hydropower infrastructure, which plays a critical role in the country’s energy security.

EGENGO emphasized that regular maintenance like scouring is necessary to prevent long-term damage to the stations and ensure sustainable power generation for the nation.

Consumers are advised to plan accordingly during the reduced generation period, particularly for energy-intensive businesses and industries that rely on continuous power supply.

The management reaffirmed its commitment to providing reliable electricity for generations, assuring that operations at other stations will compensate for the temporary halt at Kapichira.

Lubinda executes major leadership shake-up as Sampa rises in PF hierarchy


By Burnett Munthali

Zambia’s Patriotic Front (PF) acting president Given Lubinda has carried out a sweeping overhaul of the party’s leadership, removing several senior figures from the central committee.

He has dismissed former secretary general Davies Mwila from all party structures.

He has also dropped acting secretary general Brenda Nyirenda.

Party chairperson Emmanuel Mpankanta has likewise been relieved of his position.

In addition to the national-level removals, Mr Lubinda has dismissed four provincial chairpersons.

Given Lubinda



Northern Province chairperson Chomba Chipili has been removed.

Lusaka Province chairperson Christopher Shakafuswa has also been shown the door.

North-Western Province chairperson Abyud Kawangu has been dropped.

Western Province chairperson Tombi Tombi has equally been stripped of his role.

The changes follow growing internal tensions within the PF as the party continues to grapple with deep factional divisions.

Mr Lubinda announced the reshuffle in a statement issued on Friday.

In the same communication, he confirmed fresh appointments to reinforce his leadership team.

Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has been appointed to a senior role within the party, signalling a strategic repositioning of the PF hierarchy.

Mr Lubinda’s decision marks one of the most dramatic leadership restructurings since the PF lost power.

The changes are expected to trigger further debate within the rank and file of a party already struggling with issues of legitimacy and unity.

The development comes just days before the PF is scheduled to convene major internal meetings.

Questions now arise over how the new appointments will be received by various factions.

Observers say the overhaul may either consolidate Mr Lubinda’s authority or spark renewed conflict within the troubled party.

As the PF continues to navigate its internal battles, the latest shake-up serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in its ongoing leadership struggles.

New CBCCs transform Early Childhood Education in remote Nkhata Bay communities

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By Burnett Munthali

Communities in the hard-to-reach areas of Khwerewere, Chawuwa, and Kamukomole under Traditional Authority Zilakoma in Nkhata Bay have applauded the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia Early Childhood Development (ECD) Department for constructing modern Community-Based Childcare Centres (CBCCs).

The newly built structures are part of ongoing efforts to improve early learning conditions in remote communities where children previously faced significant barriers to accessing ECD services.



During a visit to the area, Litonthe CBCC committee chairperson in Khwerewere, Mark Banda, said the improved learning facilities will encourage more children to enroll and attend pre-school.

He noted that with safer and more appealing structures in place, parents now feel more confident sending their children to early learning centres.

At Muwale CBCC in Chawuwa, committee chairperson Moses Banda echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the new centres will greatly enhance early childhood learning.

He explained that in the past, many children avoided attending the programme because they were forced to learn in poorly built, grass-thatched shelters that offered no comfort or protection.

Village Headman Malondela of Chawuwa appealed to authorities to consider establishing a primary school in the area.

He said children face long and difficult journeys to Chingamtole to continue their education after completing their time at the CBCCs.

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia ECD Department is currently implementing the Warm Home, Bright Future project in Upper Zilakoma with funding from Help a Child CASCADA.

The initiative seeks to strengthen early childhood development services and improve the learning environment for children in Nkhata Bay District.

Project Officer Harvey Kadzombe said the programme is currently supporting 10 CBCCs and working with 20 parenting groups in the area.

He expressed optimism that the new learning structures will inspire children, motivate caregivers, and energise community members to value and promote early childhood education.

Kadzombe added that improved infrastructure is a key step toward ensuring that children in remote communities receive the foundational education they deserve.

YAC refocuses leadership and reviews youth empowerment initiatives

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By Burnett Munthali

The Youth for Action Campaign (YAC) has begun strengthening its internal governance structures as it evaluates progress made on several youth-focused interventions carried out in recent months.

The organisation held a capacity-building session for its board members in Mzuzu, aimed at clarifying leadership roles and improving operational efficiency.

Jackson Caesar Msiska



During the training, YAC Executive Director Jackson Caesar Msiska stressed the importance of board members understanding the organisation’s mission and the responsibilities tied to their positions.

Msiska noted that one of YAC’s key recent activities involved promoting youth participation in elections through civic education and election monitoring.

He explained that the project was designed to encourage young people to engage meaningfully in democratic processes and exercise their right to vote responsibly.

Board chairperson Bishop Steven Chisale of the Holy Ghost Pentecostal Church urged financial institutions to widen access to loans for young people.

Chisale appealed to the youth to organise themselves better and present well-developed proposals that can attract financial support and foster entrepreneurship.

He emphasised that meaningful economic empowerment begins with youth being proactive and prepared to seize available opportunities.