President Lazarus Chakwera has granted pardon to 37 inmates as part of Malawi’s 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations.
According to Steven Kayuni, Secretary for Homeland Security, the pardoned inmates have served half of their sentences and have demonstrated good behavior during their incarceration.
Some of the beneficiaries are elderly inmates who have shown significant rehabilitation progress.
Chakwera and Usi
The presidential pardon was granted following established procedures, ensuring that only deserving individuals benefited from the gesture. This move is seen as a way to promote rehabilitation and reintegrate former inmates into society.
Today, President Chakwera, alongside his guest, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, will lead the independence anniversary celebrations at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The celebrations mark a significant milestone in Malawi’s history, highlighting the country’s journey towards progress and development.
President Boko’s visit to Malawi is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
During his state visit, President Boko held bilateral talks with President Chakwera, focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, mining, education, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The two leaders also discussed revitalizing the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) to deepen collaboration between Malawi and Botswana.
The visit has been hailed as a diplomatic success, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of regional integration and cooperation.
As Malawi celebrates its 61st independence anniversary, the presidential pardon serves as a reminder of the country’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration.
The celebrations also provide an opportunity for Malawians to reflect on their country’s progress and look towards a brighter future.
As Malawi commemorates its 61st Independence Anniversary, the nation is filled with pride and reflection on its journey towards progress and development.
On this momentous occasion, we also celebrate the birthday of one of Malawi’s most esteemed media personalities, Joab Frank Chakhaza, a renowned broadcaster and advocate for human rights.
Chakhaza’s career in media spans over two decades, with a remarkable journey that showcases his dedication to public service and storytelling.
Chakhaza
After graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Humanities) Degree from the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College in 2003, he worked as a secondary school teacher before joining Zodiak Broadcasting Station in 2005.
At Zodiak, Chakhaza has worn many hats, including producing and presenting radio programs, reading news bulletins, and creating radio adverts and commercials.
As the Projects and Programmes Officer, Chakhaza has been instrumental in shaping the station’s content and direction.
His academic achievements are equally impressive, with a Master of Science Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Derby and a Master of Arts in Media Management (with distinction) from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom.
Chakhaza’s passion for human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness has led him to work with organizations such as the Men to Men Movement, promoting positive change and awareness on critical issues affecting Malawian society.
Through his work, he has inspired many with his commitment to using media as a tool for social change.
As Malawi celebrates its 61st independence anniversary, Chakhaza’s birthday serves as a reminder of the country’s rich talent and dedication to public service.
His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of hard work and passion, and we wish him continued success in his endeavors.
Happy birthday, Joab Frank Chakhaza, and happy independence anniversary to the people of Malawi! May this milestone celebration mark a new chapter in the country’s journey towards progress and prosperity.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Wellington “Bulldozer” Mwangonde, Malawi’s 2024 bodybuilding champion, has emerged victorious at the Mr. Olympia Amateur 2025 competition held in Portugal.
Organized by the International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB), the event showcases the world’s top bodybuilding talent.
Mwangonde, currently based in Germany, had earlier announced his retirement from local competitions to focus on international contests.
Mwangonde
His impressive performance at the 2024 Diamond Cup earned him an IFBB license, propelling him to the elite category.
This win marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the bodybuilding world.
*Mwangonde’s Journey to Success*
– *Early beginnings*: Mwangonde’s bodybuilding journey started in Malawi, where he won the 2024 Mr. Malawi bodybuilding championship. – *International recognition*: His impressive performance at the 2024 Diamond Cup earned him an IFBB license, paving the way for his participation in international competitions. – *Historic win*: Mwangonde becomes the second Malawian to compete in an IFBB tournament, following Emmanuel “Muscle Manzy” Muhuwa, who participated in 2022.
Mwangonde’s achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring bodybuilders in Malawi and beyond.
His dedication and perseverance have paid off, and his name is now etched in the country’s sports history.
As he continues to focus on international competitions, fans eagerly await his next move.
The Malawian movie industry is buzzing with excitement as Nigerian Nollywood actors are set to visit Malawi on July 14.
This highly anticipated event promises to be a game-changer for the local film industry.
According to Aaron Simwaka, project secretary and stance manager, the Nigerian actors will be in Malawi for a double impact event.
They will present awards to outstanding Malawian actors and shoot a movie titled “Section 138”.
Some of the notable Malawian actors set to receive awards include Flora Suya, Ching’aning’ani, Joyce Mvula, Edwin Chonde, and Shemu Joya. These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the Malawian film industry.
The visit of Nigerian Nollywood actors is expected to strengthen the partnership between Malawi and Nigeria’s film industries.
This collaboration will yield exciting results and take the Malawian movie industry to new heights.
On July 14, Chileka Airport will welcome the star-studded delegation of Nigerian Nollywood actors. This event marks a significant milestone in the development of the local film industry.
The Malawian film industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and this visit is set to further boost its development.
The movie “Section 138” promises to be an exciting project, with Nigerian and Malawian actors coming together to create something special.
In a significant stride towards fostering awareness and understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Malawi Red Cross Society recently conducted a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping media professionals with essential knowledge about the principles and applications of IHL.
This initiative has garnered positive feedback from members of the Blantyre Press Club and the Bwaila Press Club, who expressed their satisfaction with the training and its potential impact on their reporting and public discourse.
The training, which took place both in Blantyre and Lilongwe, was designed to provide journalists with a deeper understanding of IHL, its relevance in conflict situations, and the ethical responsibilities of media professionals in reporting on humanitarian issues.
Chimwaza
The Malawi Red Cross Society, known for its commitment to humanitarian principles and community service, recognized the crucial role that the media plays in shaping public perception and understanding of humanitarian crises.
By empowering journalists with knowledge of IHL, the Red Cross aims to enhance the quality of reporting and promote a more informed public dialogue on issues related to conflict and humanitarian response.
Luke Chimwaza, the President of the Blantyre Press Club, expressed his appreciation for the training, stating, “This initiative by the Malawi Red Cross Society is a game-changer for us as journalists. Understanding International Humanitarian Law is essential for our work, especially when reporting on conflicts and humanitarian issues. The insights we gained from this training will undoubtedly improve our reporting and help us convey the complexities of these situations to the public.”
Chimwaza’s sentiments were echoed by Christopher Sande, the treasurer of the Blantyre Press Club, who emphasized the importance of IHL knowledge in the media landscape. “As journalists, we have a responsibility to report accurately and ethically on humanitarian issues.This training has equipped us with the necessary tools to do so. IHL is not just a legal framework; it is a moral compass that guides our reporting. We are grateful to the Malawi Red Cross Society for this invaluable opportunity.” Sande said.
The training also resonated with Yusufu Daisa, the deputy secretary General of the Blantyre Press Club, who highlighted the relevance of IHL in contemporary reporting.
“In today’s world, where conflicts are often complex and multifaceted, understanding the principles of International Humanitarian Law is crucial,” said Daisa adding that, “This training has opened our eyes to the legal and ethical dimensions of our work. We are now better prepared to engage with these issues and inform the public responsibly.”
Members of the Bwaila Press Club also expressed their enthusiasm for the training.
Dorica Mtenje, a member of the club, shared her joy at the opportunity to learn about IHL. “I am thrilled to have participated in this training. It has broadened my understanding of the humanitarian principles that should guide our reporting. I believe that with this knowledge, we can contribute to a more informed society and advocate for the rights of those affected by conflict.”
The positive feedback from both press clubs underscores the significance of the Malawi Red Cross Society’s initiative in enhancing the capacity of journalists to report on humanitarian issues. By providing training on IHL, the Red Cross is not only empowering media professionals but also fostering a culture of responsible journalism that prioritizes accuracy, ethics, and the protection of human rights.
The training covered various aspects of IHL, including its historical context, key principles, and the responsibilities of different actors in conflict situations. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises that allowed them to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world scenarios.
This hands-on approach facilitated a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding humanitarian law and its implications for media reporting.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the need for journalists to be well-versed in IHL becomes increasingly critical. Conflicts around the world often involve violations of humanitarian law, and the media plays a vital role in bringing these issues to light.
By equipping journalists with the knowledge and skills to navigate these challenges, the Malawi Red Cross Society is contributing to a more informed and engaged public.
The training also emphasized the importance of collaboration between humanitarian organizations and the media. By working together, these entities can ensure that humanitarian issues are accurately represented and that the voices of affected communities are heard.
The Malawi Red Cross Society’s initiative serves as a model for similar programs that can be implemented in other regions, fostering a global network of informed journalists dedicated to promoting humanitarian principles.
The training on International Humanitarian Law conducted by the Malawi Red Cross Society has proven to be a valuable resource for media professionals in Malawi.
The positive feedback from members of the Blantyre Press Club and the Bwaila Press Club highlights the importance of such initiatives in enhancing the capacity of journalists to report responsibly on humanitarian issues. As Luke Chimwaza, Christopher Sande, Yusufu Daisa, and Dorica Mtenje have articulated, the knowledge gained from this training will not only improve their reporting but also contribute to a more informed society that values human rights and humanitarian principles.
The Malawi Red Cross Society’s commitment to empowering journalists through education and training is a commendable effort that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the media landscape in Malawi and beyond.
