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Old Photo Resurfaces as Propaganda: Mtambo’s 2022 Image Misused to Claim MCP Return

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By Wadza Botomani

Social media is once again buzzing with misinformation as an old photo of Timothy Mtambo resurfaces, falsely claiming that the former cabinet minister has rejoined the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). The image, taken in 2022, shows Mtambo attending a “Tambala Dinner and Dance” event alongside President Lazarus Chakwera during his time as Minister of Civic Education. 

Despite the viral claims, the truth is clear: Mtambo has not made any political comeback to MCP. The recycled image is being weaponized to push a narrative that suits certain political agendas. Unfortunately, this is not the first time Mtambo has been a victim of such propaganda. Both sides of Malawi’s political divide have repeatedly tried to use his influence to their advantage, knowing his strong connection with grassroots movements and his history as a human rights activist. 

2022 Picture of Mtambo when he was a Cabinet Minister



What these propagandists fail to recognize is that Mtambo is more than just a political pawn—he is a formidable voice in Malawian politics. His deep understanding of the issues affecting ordinary citizens sets him apart from many of his peers. Whether as a civil society leader or a government official, he has consistently demonstrated a rare ability to articulate the struggles of Malawians with clarity and passion. 

While his current political stance remains unclear, one thing is certain: Timothy Mtambo is a talent that cannot be ignored. His future in Malawian politics, whether within a party or as an independent force, remains a subject of great interest. Instead of recycling old images for cheap propaganda, political players should engage with his ideas—because Malawi needs leaders who truly understand its people. 

The public deserves facts, not fabrications. It’s time to move beyond misleading propaganda and focus on real political discourse.

PIL donates 100 desks worth K20 million to Mtakataka CDSS

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By Linda Kwanjana

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), a consortium of four oil marketing companies namely Total Energies, Petroda, Puma, and Vivo Energy, has donated 100 school desks valued at K20 million to Mtakataka Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Dedza.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony on Wednesday, PIL’s Operations Manager, Edmond Pingani emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in supporting the education sector through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.



“As a company, we believe that access to quality education is fundamental to the development of any nation. Most public schools in Malawi face serious shortages of basic learning resources, and it is clear that the government cannot address these challenges alone. Through this donation, we are complementing government efforts and reaffirming our commitment to social responsibility,” said Pingani.

He further encouraged students to work hard in their academic pursuits, and urged the school community to take good care of the desks to ensure their longevity and benefit to future learners.

Mtakataka CDSS headteacher, Madalitso Chidathi, expressed deep gratitude for the timely support, saying the school has for years grappled with inadequate infrastructure and teaching resources.

“In our Form one and Form three classes, we had a critical shortage of desks. Some students, especially girls, were struggling to attend classes due to the lack of proper facilities. In some cases, newly selected students opted to drop out or transfer to other schools. This support from PIL will significantly improve the classroom experience and help us retain more students,” said Chidathi.

Central and Western Education Division representative, Osbin Misatchi also commended PIL for the gesture.

“The hundred desks will cater for 200 students which is a great relief to the school. Government needs such type of support from the private sector,” he said.

Mtakataka CDSS serves approximately 266 students from surrounding villages of Chitule, Malili, Kudzawe, and Mkwaila in Dedza district.

MAGLA flies Masamba to Tanzania for a fight

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By Linda Kwanjana

The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has supported boxer Limbani ‘Lion’ Masamba with air tickets and upkeep for an international non-title fight against Iddy Pialali at Posta Kijitonyama Club in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Saturday.

The super welterweight pugilist returns into the ring for a PST Welterweight Championship three months after defeating another Tanzanian boxer, Hashim Kiranga through Technical Knockout.

Nancy Malata



MAGLA Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nancy Malata said they decided to sponsor Masamba considering his impressive form as Malawi’s top boxer in the Super Welterweight category.

“Over 5,000 people are expected to patronize the game and if he performs well, Malawi will be placed on the map. So, we are so excited to support our boxer and expect him to perform well at the tournament,” she said.

Masamba was rated 15th in Africa in the latest African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Welterweight rating released this month.

“I am so grateful to MAGLA for the support. This is the kind of support we have been longing for a long time. I was supposed to travel by bus which could have led to fatigue and affect my fight, but now I don’t have any excuse. This support motivates me to work hard as I also aim to improve my rating both at home and in Africa,” he said.

The Blantyre-based boxer boasts of a record of 30 fights, with 17 wins, 9 knockouts, 13 loses, and no draw, while his opponent has played 48 fights, won 37, 25 knockouts, lost 13, and one draw.

He left the country on Tuesday through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.

NBM Pensions attributes 34.5% investment income to financial sector gains

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By Linda Kwanjana

NBM Pensions Administration Limited (PAL) says its impressive 34.5% investment income recorded in the year 2024 was largely driven by strong performance in the financial sector on the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE).

Speaking during a client engagement seminar in Blantyre on Tuesday, NBM PAL Chief Executive Officer William Mabulekesi described the company’s performance as a significant win for members, especially in the face of a challenging economic environment marked by high inflation and persistent foreign exchange shortages.

“The stock exchange was buoyant for some counters, particularly in the financial sector, and this is what boosted the 34.5% return. This is not just a number; it means our members are getting a real return on their pension savings,” said Mabulekesi.

Nenauthe Nkoloma


He noted that the return outpaced the average 2024 inflation rate of 32%, giving members a positive real gain of 2.5%.

“If you give an investment income which is less than inflation, it means members are being short-changed. This means our members are getting real returns and experiencing significant growth in their pension funds,” he added.

NBM Capital Markets Limited, a key partner to NBM Pensions Administration, also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering sustainable returns despite ongoing economic volatility.

NBM Capital Markets Limited Business Development Manager, Nenauthe Nkoloma, said their investment strategy is built on consistent, research-led decisions that aim to protect and grow pension assets.

“We make sure our clients don’t go home with an eroded value of their pension fund. Despite high inflation and market uncertainty, we have triumphed through sustainable investing and are proud to deliver real returns that beat inflation,” she said.

One of the attendees, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Human Resources Business Partner at Nacala Logistics, praised NBM Pensions for its transparent approach and sound investment strategy, which he said has boosted confidence among employers and employees.

“The engagement has been important because employees need to understand how their pension is invested and the benefits of the returns. A 34.5% return, beating inflation, is a bonus to employees. It shows how efficient National Bank is in managing our pensions, and that builds our confidence,” said Mpinganjira.

The Blantyre seminar was the second in a series of nationwide engagements aimed at updating both prospective and existing clients on recent developments in pension fund management.

MEC updates presidential nomination schedule with addition of Phunziro Mvula

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By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has released a revised schedule for the presentation of nomination papers for presidential candidates in the 2025 General Election.

In the updated schedule, the key change is the inclusion of independent presidential candidate Phunziro Mvula, whose nomination is now officially set for Monday, 28 July, at 11:00 AM.

All other details in the nomination programme remain unchanged from the previous communication issued by the Commission.

Phunziro Mvula



MEC has reiterated its commitment to conducting an inclusive and transparent nomination process that ensures fairness for all aspiring candidates.

The Commission has urged all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and supporters, to take note of this latest update and make the necessary adjustments to their plans.

It is important to note that while MEC directly manages the presidential nomination process, the schedules for Parliamentary and Local Government Elections are coordinated and announced by the respective Constituency Returning Officers.

Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, issued the update from the Commission’s headquarters, Chisankho House, in Lilongwe.

Concluding Analysis

The inclusion of Phunziro Mvula in the nomination schedule reflects the Commission’s responsiveness to ensuring that all qualified candidates are accommodated in the democratic process.

It also highlights the increasing diversity of voices vying for the presidency, which could influence the dynamics of the 2025 General Election.

MEC’s emphasis on inclusivity and transparency is particularly critical at a time when public trust in electoral processes is paramount.

By providing clear and timely communication, the Commission is positioning itself as a credible and impartial referee ahead of one of Malawi’s most pivotal elections.