This afternoon, on 31st March 2025, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, the former President of Malawi, together with Madame Gertrude Mutharika, will be present at Balaka Main Mosque in Balaka District.
Their visit coincides with the joyous celebrations of Eid Mubarak, a significant occasion for Muslims across the world.
As part of the celebrations, the President and the First Lady will distribute food hampers to less privileged families in the community.
Mutharika
These food hampers will benefit families who regularly pray at the mosque as well as those from surrounding mosques in the area.
The initiative particularly targets families led by elderly individuals who often struggle to provide for their basic needs.
Additionally, orphans who lack parental support and people living with disabilities will also be among the primary beneficiaries of this charitable gesture.
This initiative reflects the President’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in society, ensuring that they too can partake in the Eid festivities with dignity and joy.
Last week, His Excellency Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika and Madame Gertrude Mutharika extended a similar act of generosity at Mangochi Main Mosque in Mangochi District.
During their visit to Mangochi, they distributed food hampers to over 800 less privileged families in the district.
The gesture was met with appreciation from the beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude for the much-needed support.
By reaching out to these communities, the President and the First Lady continue to demonstrate their commitment to social welfare and inclusivity.
The food distribution exercise is not only a sign of compassion but also a reinforcement of the spirit of togetherness that Eid Mubarak symbolizes.
As the nation joins in these celebrations, the President’s involvement serves as a reminder of the importance of charity, empathy, and unity among citizens.
Malawi, a nation characterized by its rich cultural diversity and a tapestry of religious beliefs, stands as a secular state that guarantees freedom of worship to its citizens.
This framework allows for a variety of religious practices to coexist, fostering an environment where individuals can express their beliefs without fear of persecution.
Among the various religious observances in Malawi, two significant holidays stand out: Christmas, celebrated on December 25 by Christians, and Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims.
While both holidays hold immense importance for their respective communities, the nature of their observance raises questions about the appropriateness of Eid al-Fitr being designated as a public holiday in Malawi.
Christmas is a fixed public holiday, celebrated annually on the same date, December 25.
This consistency allows for extensive planning and preparation, not only within Christian communities but also across the broader society.
Businesses, schools, and government institutions can anticipate the holiday, making arrangements for closures, special events, and community gatherings.
The predictability of Christmas fosters a sense of unity and celebration, as people come together to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The holiday is marked by various traditions, including family gatherings, church services, and charitable acts, all of which contribute to a festive atmosphere that permeates the nation.
In contrast, Eid al-Fitr is a holiday that is conditional upon the sighting of the moon, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This reliance on lunar observation introduces a level of uncertainty that can be inconvenient for both the Muslim community and the broader population.
The timing of Eid al-Fitr can vary significantly from year to year, and even from one region to another, depending on local moon sightings.
As a result, Muslims may find themselves in a position where they cannot adequately plan for the holiday, leading to potential disruptions in work, school, and other activities.
This unpredictability can create challenges not only for Muslims but also for those who interact with them, as businesses and institutions may struggle to accommodate the sudden changes in schedules.
The conditional nature of Eid al-Fitr raises important questions about its status as a public holiday.
While it is essential to recognize and respect the significance of Eid al-Fitr for the Muslim community, the fact that it is not fixed in the calendar poses logistical challenges that are not present with holidays like Christmas.
Public holidays are typically established to provide a consistent framework for observance, allowing individuals and organizations to plan accordingly. The unpredictability of Eid al-Fitr undermines this principle, making it less suitable for designation as a public holiday.
Moreover, the designation of Eid al-Fitr as a public holiday can inadvertently create a sense of exclusion among non-Muslims.
In a secular state like Malawi, where multiple religions coexist, it is crucial to ensure that public holidays reflect the diverse beliefs of the population without favoring one group over another.
By making Eid al-Fitr a public holiday, the government may unintentionally prioritize the observance of one religious tradition over others, leading to feelings of alienation among those who do not share the same beliefs.
This could foster divisions within society, undermining the very principles of unity and coexistence that Malawi strives to uphold.
Instead of designating Eid al-Fitr as a public holiday, a more inclusive approach would be to recognize it as a holiday specifically for the Muslim community. This would allow Muslims to celebrate their important religious observance without imposing the same expectations on the broader population.
By doing so, the government can acknowledge the significance of Eid al-Fitr while also respecting the diverse religious landscape of the nation.
This approach would enable Muslims to plan their celebrations in a manner that is meaningful to them, while also allowing non-Muslims to continue with their regular activities without disruption.
Furthermore, recognizing Eid al-Fitr as a Muslim holiday rather than a public holiday could encourage greater understanding and appreciation of Islamic traditions among the wider population.
By promoting awareness of the significance of Eid al-Fitr and the customs associated with it, the government can foster a sense of respect and solidarity among different religious communities.
Educational initiatives, community events, and interfaith dialogues can help bridge the gap between Muslims and non-Muslims, promoting a culture of tolerance and acceptance.
In addition, the conditional nature of Eid al-Fitr presents practical challenges for businesses and institutions. Employers may find it difficult to manage staffing and operations when the holiday can be declared with little notice.
This unpredictability can lead to confusion and frustration among employees, particularly those who may not be familiar with the lunar calendar or the customs surrounding Eid al-Fitr.
By designating it as a Muslim holiday, businesses can better accommodate their Muslim employees while maintaining a more stable and predictable work environment for all.
It is also worth considering the potential economic implications of making Eid al-Fitr a public holiday.
Public holidays often result in lost productivity, as businesses close their doors and employees take time off.
In a country like Malawi, where economic development is a priority, it is essential to strike a balance between honoring religious observances and ensuring that the economy continues to function effectively.
By recognizing Eid al-Fitr as a Muslim holiday, the government can support the religious practices of its citizens while minimizing disruptions to the economy.
In conclusion, while Eid al-Fitr holds significant importance for the Muslim community in Malawi, its conditional nature makes it less suitable for designation as a public holiday.
The unpredictability associated with the lunar calendar creates logistical challenges for individuals, businesses, and institutions, undermining the principles of planning and consistency that public holidays are meant to uphold.
Instead, recognizing Eid al-Fitr as a holiday specifically for Muslims would allow for meaningful observance without imposing the same expectations on the broader population.
This approach would promote inclusivity, respect, and understanding among the diverse religious communities in Malawi, fostering a sense of unity while honoring the unique traditions of each group.
By taking this step, Malawi can continue to uphold its commitment to freedom of worship while ensuring that all citizens can participate in the social and economic life of the nation without unnecessary disruption.
The newly elected president of the Malawi Law Society (MLS ) Davis Njobvu has pledged to try and deal with corruption in the legal profession.
He made the pledge in his acceptance after being elected MLS president at the society’s Annual General Meeting (EGM ) in Mangochi on Saturday March 29,2025.
Njobvu, who replaced Patrick Mpaka, said his long-term aspiration is to ensure that the imbalances existing in the legal profession are addressed.
Njovu
He said: “First, we have to put our house in order as a profession and ensure we remove all the hurdles and level the playing field so that each and every practitioner joins and achieve the society’s objectives while protecting the interests of the public.”
While admitting that corruption is a huge problem, the MLS new president said he will ride on the back of the outgoing executive committee which has already made strides towards checking the vice.
“There has been a lot of dialogue with the Judiciary as well as the Ministry of Justice on the issue of perceived corruption in the legal profession.
“I would want to continue to ensure that I regard the Judiciary and the Ministry as key stakeholders so that the fight is done collectively because one man or one institution cannot eradicate corruption,” he said.
At the end of the conference, legal pundits hailed Mpaka, giving him a standing ovation, for his outstanding leadership during the four years as president of the society.
Seasoned legal practitioners, Senior Counsels (SCs) Modecai Msisha and Samuel Tembenu led the legal fraternity in describing Mpakas’ leadership as remarkable and visionary.
During the event, the society also recognised over 10 different MLS members and employees for their exceptional contribution to the profession.
Among those that were awarded are Msisha, Kamdoni Nyasulu, late Professor Ngeyi Kanyongolo, Ralph Mhone, and MLS chief executive officer Chrispine Ngunde.
MLS is an umbrella body of all lawyers in Malawi and was established in 1965.
The Buy Malawi Day Commemoration, held in Lilongwe, was a resounding call to action for Malawians to take ownership of their country’s economy by embracing local industries’ innovations and services.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, led the charge, urging Malawians to prioritize locally made goods and services over imports.
Mumba’s remarks were a testament to the innovative spirit of Malawian entrepreneurs, who showcased their products and services during the commemoration.
“I have been amazed by the innovation I have seen today,” he said, adding that, “We are producing good products, and we would be doing a great disservice if Malawians are not in the forefront of supporting our own industries and services.”
The Minister also appealed to Malawian service providers to improve their customer care and services rendered to their customers.
This, he emphasized, was crucial in building a strong and competitive local industry.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Fenella Frost echoed Mumba’s sentiments, stressing the need for the Buy Malawi Strategy to become a sustainable brand that doesn’t rely on investments from development partners.
“Let us not just buy Malawi products,” she said. “Let’s make sure the products are the best. Let Buy Malawi be a global brand,” she concluded.
Elizabeth Bonjesi, speaking on behalf of the Buy Malawi Strategy members, highlighted the platform’s success in providing local Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with an opportunity to showcase their products and services. “Some of the SMEs’ products have crossed borders to other countries, bringing confidence to us,” she said. “Through this strategy, we have been able to interact and learn from each other.”
The Buy Malawi Day Commemoration, which runs from 28th March to 31st March 2025, aims to raise awareness on the importance of prioritizing locally made goods and services. This year’s theme, “Innovate, Invest, and Inspire.
Buy Local; Build The Economy,” resonated throughout the event, as individuals, private businesses, and civil society organizations showcased and promoted Malawian products.
As the Minister toured the various displays, it was clear that the Buy Malawi initiative has become a catalyst for economic growth and development in Malawi.
By supporting local industries, Malawians can help reduce the country’s dependency on foreign products and strengthen its economy.
The Buy Malawi Day Commemoration was a rallying call for Malawians to take pride in their local industries and support them.
As Minister Mumba emphasized, it is time for Malawians to take ownership of their economy and build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.
As the world marks International Women’s Month, the Ministry of Information and Digitilisation has taken a moment to shine the spotlight on its own female powerhouses.
In a heartwarming tribute, the ministry has released a pictorial showcase of its inspiring female workers, highlighting their dedication, perseverance, and invaluable contributions.
The ministry’s female workforce is a testament to the power of women in driving change and shaping narratives.
From breaking down barriers to pushing the boundaries of innovation, these women play a vital role in advancing the ministry’s mission.
“We are proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our female colleagues,” said the Minister of Information and Digitilisation. “Their hard work, expertise, and passion have been instrumental in driving our ministry’s success,” he added.
The pictorial showcase features a diverse range of women, each with their own unique story and achievements.
There’s the director who has spent years advocating for women’s empowerment, the journalist who has broken down barriers in the male-dominated media industry, and the IT specialist who has developed innovative solutions to drive digital transformation.
These women, and many others like them, are the unsung heroines of the Ministry of Information and Digitilisation.
They work tirelessly behind the scenes, driving change, shaping policy, and inspiring others with their dedication and perseverance.
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, it’s essential to recognize the critical role that women play in shaping our societies, economies, and governments.
The Ministry of Information and Digitilisation’s tribute to its female workforce is a powerful reminder of the impact that women can have when given the opportunity.
“We hope that this showcase will inspire others to recognize the value and contributions of women in their own organizations,” said the Minister adding that, “Together, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and just society for all.”
As we celebrate these inspiring women, we are reminded that there is still much work to be done.
Women continue to face barriers and biases in the workplace, and it’s essential that we work together to break down these obstacles.
The Ministry of Information and Digitilisation’s tribute to its female workforce is a powerful step in the right direction.
It’s a celebration of the achievements of women, a recognition of their value and contributions, and a call to action to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Let us join the Ministry of Information and Digitilisation in celebrating these inspiring women and recognizing the critical role that women play in driving change and shaping our world.
