Higher Education Minister Dr Jessie Kabwila has launched a crackdown on fake academic certificates, ordering all employers in the country to audit their employees’ qualifications.Â
In a statement dated March 28th 2025, Kabwila has urged all employers to conduct audits of certificates of their employees and where in doubt, contact National Council for Higher Education (NCHE, or relevant authorities for verification and action.
The statement has also directed NCHE to verify staff credentials in higher education institutions. Kabwila has since warned that institutions recognizing honorary degrees as academic qualifications will be held accountable.Â
Kabwila
Reads the statement in part, “These counterfeit credentials are a threat to the integrity of education as they undermine the value of legitimate qualifications, deceive employers, and put individuals and the society at risk.”
United Democratic Front (UDF ) Member of Parliament(MP) for Machinga-East Constituency,Esther Jolobala, has called on political parties in the country to prioritize women’s representation in the upcoming elections.
Speaking at a rally in Blantyre on Sunday,Jolobala emphasized the need for greater female participation in politics, citing the current underrepresentation of women in Parliament.
She indicated that out of 193 seats in the country’s parliament, only 40 are held by women.
Jolobala argued that this disparity must be addressed, urging political parties to feature more women candidates in the elections.
She also emphasized that women are not just limited to supporting roles in politics, but are equally capable of holding leadership positions.
Esther Jolobala
Said Jolobala:”Women deserve equal representation in politics, and it is time for Malawi to take concrete steps towards achieving this goal.
“As the country prepares for elections,my advocacy serves as a timely reminder of the importance of promoting gender equality and democratic values.”
In addition to her advocacy, Jolobala also expressed concerns about the manipulation of traditional leaders by political parties.
She condemned statements made by certain chiefs, who allegedly endorsed specific parties, and emphasized the importance of respecting the democratic process.
On her part,the UDF Governor for Southern Region,Dorothy Masinga, urged the party’s supporters to stand together and reclaim their strength.
She emphasized the UDF’s resilience and its position as a pioneering force in Malawian politics.
Masinga acknowledged that some supporters had explored alternative political options, but encouraged those who had returned to the UDF to unite and work together.
Her message focused on the importance of solidarity and collective action in revitalizing the party.
Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba has announced plans to revitalize the home ownership scheme to provide communities with robust and resilient housing.
Speaking on Thursday in Chikwawa District, during a resilient housing demonstration by Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS),Gumba underscored the government’s dedication to enhancing housing accessibility and affordability.
Gumba
“We are actively pursuing this goal.We have also called upon lending institutions to implement mortgage schemes, enabling individuals to secure loans and begin building homes before retirement,” he said.
On his part,Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc’s Acting Managing Director, Kondwani Msimuko, noted that the initiative has facilitated the construction of three houses featuring diverse designs.
CRS Country Representative, Sekai Mudonhi, explained their partnership with the Malawi Stock Exchange-listed sugar company stemmed from their observation that many homes in the Southern Region are vulnerable to natural disasters like heavy rains and cyclones.
A newly established gaming platform Zonse Lotto is set to revolutionize the gaming industry in the country.
As a licensed operator under the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority(MAGLA), Zonse Lotto is committed to providing a world-class gaming experience while giving back to the community.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, the company’s Head of Sales and Marketing Chimwemwe Khonje said:”We are not just redefining the gaming experience, we are revolutionizing it.
“Our goal is to provide an exciting, transparent, secure and rewarding platform while making a lasting positive impact on Malawian communities.”
He said the Zonse Lotto’s journey began in January 2024, when Afri Gaming International, the parent company, responded to a RFP from MAGLA for an operator to set up a national lottery .
“With a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Zonse Lotto is dedicated to contributing to the well-being and development of Malawian communities.
“The company offers a range of games, including Male! Powerball, Kwacha Fortune, 6/40 Kashi and Xtra Raffle, and Kanda Scratch cards.
“These games are designed to be affordable, appealing, and accessible to everyone aged 18 or older, with ticket prices starting from as low as MWK100,” said Khonje.
He explained that to participate in Zonse Lotto games, players can visit the company’s website, www.zonselotto.co.mw or download the android mobile app, or use the short code *330# or contact the company through its call centre on 0889 330 330.
Said Khonje:”Games are also available through a network of retailers and agents across the country.”
He added that Zonse Lotto promotes responsible gaming and encourages players to participate responsibly and within their means.
Khonje concluded that the company’s mantra, ‘When Malawi plays Zonse Lotto, Malawi wins,’ reflects its commitment to creating winners not only among players but also among the communities it serves.
A public health professional Lusekelo Kitamula has today launched his debut book titled ‘Break Free’, a personal guide to overcoming masturbation and pornography addiction.
The book is published by GrandPen Africa.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Kitamula said the book is available in both physical and digital formats and that orders can be placed via phone at 099 38 63 154 or email at Lusekelo090@gmail.com and physical copies available at Mzuzu Shoprite.
Lusekelo Kitamula
He said in ‘Break Free,’ he shares his personal journey of overcoming addiction, offering readers practical steps for regaining self-control and living a purposeful life.Â
Kitamula said the book emphasizes the importance of faith, discipline, and self-awareness in the recovery process.Â
He highlighted the impact of addiction and how it affects individuals, particularly young men, drawing on his four years of experience speaking on mental health issues.
“My own journey of breaking free and the realization that many people, particularly young men, are silently struggling with similar battles motivated me to write this book.
“I hope ‘Break Free’ inspires hope, provides guidance, and encourages those feeling trapped to seek help and embrace freedom,” said Kitamula.
Commenting on the writing industry in the country, he noted the growing but still challenging landscape.Â
The author recognized the limitations of publishing opportunities, a low reading culture, and underdeveloped distribution networks.Â
However, he said he believes self-publishing and digital platforms are helping more writers reach their audience and have a positive impact.Â
He urged readers to engage with his book, share their thoughts, and seek support if needed.Â
Kitamula stressed that addiction is often a silent battle, and he hopes ‘Break Free’ will spark important conversations and provide a pathway to healing and freedom.
On top of being a public health professional and author, Kitamula is also mental health advocate,academic research writer , public speaker , content creator and communications expert.
