Brian Banda resign from Times over corruption accusations
HRDC to honour the late Chakufwa Chihana
Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) leaders have disclosed that they will pay tribute to former second vice-president who was also Alliance for Democracy (Aford) president, Chakufwa Chihana, during citizen rallies which the coalition has organised on Saturday in Mzuzu City and Rumphi District.
HRDC national leadership led by its Chairperson, Timothy Mtambo, is expected to address people preparing them for the outcome of the presidential elections case underway at the Constitutional Court in Lilongwe.
HRDC Northern Region Chairperson, Happy Mhango, said their leaders would lay wreaths at Chihana’s tombstone in honour of his contribution to Malawi’s democracy.
“Before holding our rallies at Katoto School Ground and Bumba at Rumphi the same Saturday, the leaders will visit the late Chakufwa Chihana’s tombstone and lay a wreath as one way of respecting him because he was one of the freedom fighters the country cannot forget,” Mhango said.
Family member Enock Chihana, who is Aford President, confirmed that they granted HRDC permission to visit Chihana’s resting place.
“We have given HRDC members a go -ahead to pay tribute to our father. We know that he is also the father of many Malawians who recognise his role in fighting for democracy. That is the reason that the place remains a public place,” Chihana said.
Aford spokesperson, Khumbo Mwangulu, said the party has not received any official letter on HRDC’s plan but said the development is commendable.
Chakufwa Chihana died on June 12 2006.
Invest in youth for development—Old Mutual
Government and private sector have been urged to commit and invest in the youth as well as encourage leadership of young people, as a tool for economic development.
Jonas Mushosho who is outgoing Old Mutual rest of Africa managing director said it is crucial for governments and corporate to tap into young innovative for business survival.
“70 percent of the people in the continent are under the age of 35. If we do not create employment opportunities these people are going to miss out on innovations and capabilities they have to offer. The youth have vast knowledge and creative minds that can positively impact on our brands and the economy at large,” he said.
He said time has come for every African leader and corporate to think of how they can make Africa viable for young people.
“We have a number of innovative and creative ideas that we have set across in our business to try to tap into the innovation capacity of our young people and give them a shouting chance to succeed,” he said.
In Malawi, according to the 2018, Population and Housing Census report, over 60 percent of the country’s population comprises of youths.
Having noted the persistently high levels of unemployment among the youth, Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam), a representative body of employers recently partnered Myjobo.com, an online job portal to enhance youth employability skills.
Ecam chief executive officer George Khaki said Ecam member companies have prioritised efforts to remedy the skills mismatch through skills development, offering internships and apprenticeships and improving engagement with young people and educational institutions.
“We want to utilise the available talents to help employers build young people’s work readiness and increase their access to wider range of quality employment pathways,” he said.
Government has in this 2019/20 financial year committed to youth development with various programs set to engage and develop the youth professionally.
Original post from Malawi Nation
Jane Ansah in Uganda to help them prepare for elections
The Malawi Electoral Commission MEC Chairperson Jane Ansah is in Uganda as a key resource person on the forthcoming elections in that country. She will play a key role in helping Ugandas electoral body to be fully prepared for the elections
According to reports reaching 247Malawi Media Justice Dr Jane Ansah was invited to share electoral experiences and good practices following the way MEC conducted the elections in Malawi.
Her presentation was on Promoting Electoral Justice through Effective Electoral Dispute Resolution (EDR) Mechanisms.The symposium which was held from the 4th to the 5th of December was on the invite of The Republic of Uganda Electoral Commission.
The meeting drew together 200 participants with support from the United Nations Development Program UNDP.
I am loyal to Proffesor Mutharika , says Chimulirenji
State Vice President Right Honourable Everton Chimulirenji has echoed his stand to serve the President and Malawians with undivided loyalty for the country’s betterment.
The Vice President said this at Mwanza Community Ground where he held a rally on Thursday. Chimulirenji also said the current administration is committed to advancing people’s social and economic status.
“I belong to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’ camp. The Democratic Progressive Party has got one camp whose leader is Professor Mutharika and we need to be loyal to him as well as support him in turning promises he made to Malawians, into reality,” said Chumulirenji amid cheers from the multitude that thronged the Community ground.
Parliamentarian for Mwanza Central Nicholas Dausi (r) and DPP Southern Region Governor Charles Mchacha also called for unity of purpose
Chimulirenji, who is also the party’s National Campaign Director, warned DPP officials and supporters against spreading lies and making divisive sentiments. He therefore asked them to maintain unity of purpose for the country to attain meaningful and sustainable development.
He said government is committed to providing people with the necessary social amenities in its quest to improve their living standards.
Chimulirenji then thanked the people in the area for voting for DPP candidates in the May 21 elections and promised them a number of projects.
“I would like to renew in public my commitment to serving the President and all Malawians diligently. We need to rally behind our President for national prosperity. He is the President of our unshakable party and I will be running around on his behalf where need arises,” said Chimulirenji flanked by senior party officials.
The party’s governor for Southern Region, Charles Mchacha, hailed the Vice President for sparing time to interact with the people in the area.
“The Vice President has certainly strengthened the party here and as a party we will not tire in organizing such meetings as they are the only forum we get to know or hear burning issues from the communities. DPP is a party for the people and is committed to delivering its promises to all people,” said Mchacha.
Other Senior DPP officials who attended the rally were Bertha Nachuma, Director of Women (South), Reverend Mwai Kamuyambeni, Director Operations and Director for the Youth (South) Yona Mlotha.
Also present at the meeting were Inkosi Gomani V and Senior Chief Kanduku, who requested government to consider constructing a stadium and modern market and bus terminal at Mwanza Boma and upgrade Thambani road, among other needs.