Joseph Saiwa the talented captain of Ekhaya United, has been awarded a prestigious full athletic scholarship to play college soccer in the United States. This exceptional opportunity is a testament to Joseph’s unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work, which have earned him a well-deserved spot among the best young soccer players in the world.
Joseph’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of remarkable. As the captain of Ekhaya United, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, guiding his team to numerous victories and earning recognition as one of the top players in the league. His impressive performance on the field, combined with his academic excellence, made him an attractive candidate for top colleges in the US.
With his arrival scheduled for June 2025, Joseph is poised to take the next step in his academic and athletic journey. He is eager to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics, inspired by the opportunity to compete against the best players in the US while earning a top-notch education.
Joseph’s achievement serves as a shining example for young athletes everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work, determination, and a passion for the sport, anything is possible.
In a move that is expected to impact bank customers across the country, a new set of bank tariffs is set to take effect on February 10, 2025. The new tariffs, which were announced recently, will see an increase in fees for various banking services, including transfers, standing orders, cheques, e-banking services, visa debit cards, visa credit cards, and ATM withdrawals.
Starting with transfers, the mobile transfer charge will now be K600, while transfers to Mo626 wallets will attract a fee of K650. Furthermore, standing orders will now incur a processing fee of K7,830, and transfers to other banks will attract a fee of K7,350 per transaction. Direct debits within the bank will cost K1,175.
In addition to these changes, the new tariffs will also see an increase in fees for cheque-related services. For instance, the bank cheque fee will now be K52,421, while cheque books will cost K24,786 for 50 leaves, K55,647 for 100 leaves, and K102,394 for 200 leaves. However, all gold and platinum account holders will receive free cheque books. Dishonoured cheques will attract a fee of K120,825.
E-banking services will also be affected by the new tariffs. The e-services fee will now be K1,700 per month, while Banknet 360 services will attract a fee of K3,300. Transaction fees to other banks will be K700, while cardless transfers will cost K1,200 per K30,000 cash out. Cash out at agent will also attract a fee of K1,200 per K30,000 cash out.
Visa debit cards will also see an increase in fees. The new instant card will cost K10,900, while the classic card will cost K13,500. Replacement cards will attract a fee of K16,100, while renewal will cost K13,500. All visa debit cards will attract an annual card fee of K6,600. Gold visa debit cards will cost K18,000, with replacement and renewal fees of K26,500 and K18,800, respectively. Platinum visa debit cards will cost K28,700, with replacement and renewal fees of K38,500 and K28,700, respectively. My fuel card will cost K23,800, with replacement and renewal fees of K29,000 and K21,400, respectively. Advance top-up fees will be K8,400.
Visa credit cards will also be affected by the new tariffs. The classic card will cost K36,963, with replacement and renewal fees of K16,800 and K16,800, respectively. All visa credit cards will attract an annual card fee of K13,950. Gold visa credit cards will cost K88,400, with replacement and renewal fees of K37,600 and K37,600, respectively. Platinum visa credit cards will cost K120,963, with replacement and renewal fees of K46,200 and K46,200, respectively. Overlimit fees will be 18% minimum of K115,000, while late payment fees will be K17,000. Credit card increase upon customer request fees will be 1% minimum of K28,000.
Lastly, ATM withdrawals will also attract new fees. Withdrawals at the bank’s ATM will be free, while withdrawals at other banks will attract a fee of K343. Local withdrawals will cost K400, while international withdrawals will attract a fee of 5%. CCTV investigation fees will be K83,916, while search fees will be K10,611. Reference letter fees will be K43,126, and bank statements will be available online for free.
The new tariffs are expected to take effect on February 10, 2025, and will likely impact bank customers across the country. While some customers may not be significantly affected by the changes, others may need to adjust their banking habits to avoid incurring additional fees. As always, it is essential for bank customers to carefully review their account statements and banking agreements to ensure they understand the new fees and charges.
In a passionate call to action, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi has urged African leaders to strive for an “Africa that is funded by Africans.” Speaking during the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) 42nd Session of Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) virtual meeting, President Chakwera emphasized the need for Africa to harness its natural resources to drive development.
“Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources, including water and precious minerals,” President Chakwera noted. “These resources should be fully utilized to make Africa the center of development and the hope for the next generation.”
Chakwera
President Chakwera also stressed the importance of utilizing mining exploits on the continent to propel Africa’s development, rather than relying on external funding. He reiterated Malawi’s commitment to achieving the goals outlined in the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, a blueprint for transforming the continent.
The Malawian leader also highlighted the existence of various regional trade corridors under construction, which he believes can cement integration among AU member states and boost trade and development opportunities. He praised the government of Zambia for adopting reforms aimed at creating opportunities for the youth and implementing curricular reforms to equip them with skills that will drive meaningful development on the continent.
The virtual meeting was attended by several African leaders, including President Abdul Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, who chairs the AUDA-NEPAD committee. President El-Sisi thanked member states for entrusting him with the leadership role and highlighted Egypt’s progress in improving infrastructure and creating jobs for the youth.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized the need for peace to be at the core of Africa’s development agenda. He also called for an end to foreign aid dependency, echoing President Chakwera’s sentiments.
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AFDB), confirmed his commitment to supporting Agenda 2063 and highlighted the bank’s investments in infrastructure development projects, including a trade corridor between Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. The AFDB plans to invest an additional USD 21 billion in infrastructure development projects in Africa.
Benedict Orama, President of the African Export-Import (Afrexim) Bank, pledged to increase financial investment on the African continent from USD 21 billion to USD 40 billion by 2026. He noted that the funding has facilitated the implementation of infrastructural development programs that address the fundamental needs of Africans.
The virtual meeting was also attended by leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Senegal, and Equatorial Guinea, among others. President Chakwera was accompanied by Hon. Nancy Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other ministry officials.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, George Chaponda, has condemned the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government’s plans to table the so-called ‘Age Limit Bill’ in Parliament, which he believes is designed to bar 84-year-old Peter Mutharika from contesting in the 2025 presidential elections.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Chaponda described the move as “retrogressive” and assured Malawians that the opposition will not allow the bill to be tabled.
Chaponda
He warned the MCP government against abusing its parliamentary majority, stating that the people of Malawi did not elect them to pursue personal vendettas or undermine democracy.
Chaponda emphasized the need for a budget that addresses the country’s pressing issues, such as hunger, lack of foreign exchange, and economic stagnation.
He reaffirmed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s commitment to finding solutions to these challenges and vowed not to be distracted by attempts to undermine democracy.
The business committee of Parliament is expected to meet soon to discuss the bill.
MISA Malawi has expressed sadness over the death renowned broadcaster Lucius Chikuni, who passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre.
Chikuni died at the age 84.
In a statement seen by this publication , MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga says the media fraternity will miss late Chikuni.
Chikuni
Reads the statement in part:”The Malawi media fraternity will deeply miss Chikuni’s wisdom, guidance, and dedication to the industry.We extend our deepest condolences to the Chikuni family, colleagues at MBC, ZBS, and the entire media fraternity.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Chikuni was a household name in Malawi, known for his distinctive radio voice.
He is credited with producing the popular historical radio play “Adaferanji,” which tells the story of John Chilembwe, a revolutionary who resisted colonialism in Malawi.
Chikuni’s broadcasting career spanned over five decades, beginning as an announcer at the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (FBC) in 1962.
He was part of the transition team that established the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) at independence.
Chikuni held various positions at MBC, including announcer, news anchor, program organizer, producer, and eventually, General Manager.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Chikuni served as a diplomat, holding various positions, including Deputy Head of Mission at the United Nations, Deputy Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda, and Ambassador to Egypt, Israel, and South Africa.
Chikuni also worked as Principal Secretary/Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness, Relief, and Rehabilitation, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Principal Secretary for Labour.
