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Kabambe’s public lecture on economic transformation at UNIMA

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By Burnett Munthali

UTM president Dr. Dalitso Kabambe delivered a public lecture in Zomba on Friday, 28 March 2025, targeting the party’s wing at the University of Malawi (UNIMA).

The lecture was aimed at engaging university students and young intellectuals on the pressing issue of economic transformation in Malawi.

The event took place at Crecomex Hall in Zomba City, providing a platform for discussion on key economic challenges and potential solutions.



The theme of the lecture, “Economic Transformation: A Generational Mandate,” highlighted the responsibility of the current generation in driving sustainable economic development.

Dr. Kabambe elaborated on the importance of structural economic reforms that could stimulate growth, reduce poverty, and enhance job creation.

He emphasized that for Malawi to achieve long-term economic stability, there is a need for innovative policies that encourage investment and industrialization.

The UTM leader also touched on the role of young people in shaping the future of the country’s economy, stressing the need for academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

During his address, Dr. Kabambe criticized existing economic policies that have failed to deliver meaningful development, arguing that bold decisions must be made to change the status quo.

He highlighted sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism, and technology as key areas that require significant investment and policy reformation.

The lecture also addressed issues of corruption, poor governance, and inefficient public service delivery, which Dr. Kabambe cited as major obstacles to economic progress.

Students and other attendees had an opportunity to engage with the UTM leader, raising questions and contributing ideas on how economic transformation can be achieved.

Many participants commended Dr. Kabambe for initiating such discussions, noting that young people must be actively involved in national development conversations.

The public lecture is part of UTM’s broader strategy to connect with the youth and intellectual community, positioning itself as a party that prioritizes policy-driven leadership.

As the 2025 elections approach, Dr. Kabambe’s engagements with university students may play a crucial role in shaping political discourse and mobilizing support among young voters.

The impact of his message on economic transformation will be closely watched in the coming months, as political parties outline their development agendas.

Passengers escape unhurt after minibus catches fire in Mchesi, Lilongwe

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By Burnett Munthali

Passengers had a narrow escape at Mchesi in Lilongwe today after a Bongo minibus suddenly produced an explosive sound and caught fire.

The terrifying incident left onlookers in shock as they watched the flames engulf the vehicle, raising fears for the safety of those inside.

This reporter witnessed the dramatic scene unfold, with panic gripping the area as people feared for the lives of the trapped passengers



For several tense seconds, passengers struggled to open the doors as the fire spread, increasing the urgency of the situation.

In a display of bravery, some well-wishers rushed to the scene and managed to open the rear door, creating additional space for passengers to escape.

As passengers scrambled to safety, a large crowd of people quickly mobilized to help put out the fire using sand.

Realizing the fire was spreading underneath and toward the front seat, the group took drastic action and overturned the minibus to completely extinguish the flames.

Despite the successful rescue, chaos ensued as confusion gripped the area, with some passengers realizing that their belongings had gone missing.

Amidst the panic, the minibus driver reported that his phone had also been stolen, adding another layer of distress to an already shocking event.

While no injuries were reported, the incident raised concerns over vehicle safety and emergency preparedness in public transport.

Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the damage to determine whether mechanical failure or other factors were responsible.

For now, relief prevails among the passengers who survived the ordeal, thanks to the swift action of bystanders and good Samaritans.

The viral sensation of Albert and the debate over his compensation

By Burnett Munthali

Albert Ofuso Nketia, an eight-year-old boy from Ghana, became an internet sensation in 2023 after a short video clip of him went viral.

The video captured a moment where his sister playfully hit him for an unspecified reason, causing Nketia to cry for a brief moment before suddenly bursting into laughter.

This unexpected reaction fascinated many social media users, particularly on TikTok, where the clip gained massive attention.

As the video spread widely, content creators across various platforms started incorporating it into their comedy skits and memes.

Albert Ofuso Nketia

The clip became a favorite among entertainers, with many using Nketia’s reaction to enhance their content and attract more viewers.

By 2024, discussions began to emerge about whether Nketia and his family should be compensated for the widespread use of his image and likeness.

Many people argued that since content creators were making money from the viral video, Nketia deserved a share of the profits.

His supporters believe that his image contributed significantly to their success, making it only fair for him to benefit financially.

On the other hand, some critics dismissed the idea, questioning whether Nketia had intentionally created the viral moment.

They argued that he was simply a child reacting naturally and that no one had forced him to laugh after crying.

This debate has sparked differing opinions on social media, with some advocating for fair compensation and others insisting that virality does not always require financial reward.

The case of Nketia raises broader questions about digital content ownership and whether individuals who unintentionally go viral should receive monetary benefits.

With the growing influence of social media, many viral personalities have faced similar dilemmas regarding their rights over content that gains global attention.

As the debate continues, the question remains: Should viral internet sensations be compensated for their unintended contributions to digital entertainment?

For now, Nketia’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of social media fame and the complexities surrounding its financial implications.

Man fined K800,000 for illegal possession of liquid petroleum

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court has convicted and fined 45-year-old Steven Ajasi K800,000 for possessing 520 litres of liquid petroleum without a valid permit.

Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, says the court heard from Prosecutor Sub Inspector Davie Katandika that on March 23, 2025, Ajasi was intercepted at Idrusi Roadblock along Bakili Muluzi Highway while transporting 520 litres of petrol in drums and jerrycans from Mangochi towards Chiponde border.

He was arrested on the spot, and the fuel was confiscated, upon failing to produce valid documentation.

Amina Tepani

Appearing in court, Ajasi who was represented by Counsel Smart Khalifa pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal possession of liquid petroleum.

In mitigation, he pleaded for leniency, citing financial losses in his business and the responsibility of providing for his family.

However, Prosecutor Katandika argued that the illegal possession of fuel hampers national development and poses serious risks to lives and property. He, therefore, requested a stiffer penalty to deter others.

In his ruling, First Grade Magistrate Roy Kakutu concurred with the prosecution and ordered Ajasi to pay a fine of K800,000 or serve an eight-month prison sentence in default.

Additionally, the court ordered that the confiscated 520 litres of petrol be forfeited to the Malawi Government.

Ajasi has since paid half of the fine, with the balance due in two weeks.

He hails from Nanyumbu Village, Traditional Authority Kawinga in Machinga District.

Mutharika unfazed by age bill plot

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By Jones Gadama

Former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has dismissed attempts to bar him from politics using the age bill, calling it a failed attempt.

Mutharika, who served as Malawi’s President from 2014 to 2020, expressed confidence that the plot would not succeed, stating that President Lazarus Chakwera is aware that he is “parking with his fellow thieves”.

Mutharika’s statement suggests that he is not intimidated by the MCP’s efforts to use the age bill to disqualify him from politics.



The age bill, which seeks to limit the eligibility of presidential candidates based on age, has been widely seen as a targeted attempt to bar Mutharika from running in September’s elections.

The former President also took aim at the MCP, accusing them of stealing from Malawians.

He vowed that justice would be served, stating that all stolen money would be recovered from the “MCP thieves” without resorting to witch-hunting.

This statement is likely to be seen as a warning shot across the bow of the MCP, which has faced numerous corruption allegations since taking office.

Mutharika’s confidence in the face of the MCP’s plot may be rooted in his own experience as a seasoned politician.

With a career spanning over four decades, Mutharika has navigated the complexities of Malawian politics with ease.

His tenure as President was marked by significant economic and infrastructure development, although it was also marred by corruption allegations and controversy surrounding the 2019 elections.

The MCP’s attempts to use the age bill to disqualify Mutharika may be seen as a desperate attempt to weaken the opposition ahead of September elections.

However, Mutharika’s statement suggests that he remains a force to be reckoned with in Malawian politics.

As the country gears up for the 2025 elections, the battle lines are already being drawn.

Mutharika’s declaration that he will not be intimidated by the MCP’s plots is likely to galvanize his supporters and send a warning to his opponents.

With his experience, reputation, and determination, Mutharika remains a formidable opponent in Malawian politics.

Mutharika’s dismissal of the MCP’s age bill plot is a clear indication that he is not going to let the MCP dictate his political future.

With his eyes firmly fixed on the 2025 elections, Mutharika is likely to remain a major player in Malawian politics for years to come.