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MCP’s Richard Chimwendo Banda dismisses Age Bill rumors

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By Twink Jones Gadama

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has denied rumors that the government is planning to introduce an Age Bill aimed at blocking former President Peter Mutharika from contesting in the upcoming elections.

Richard Chimwendo Banda, the party’s Secretary General, described the rumors as “baseless” and “propaganda” spread by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to deceive the public.

Chimwendo Banda



“There is no Age Bill whatsoever. We are not afraid of anyone. Anyone who is eligible will contest and we will campaign and win the elections,” Chimwendo Banda said.

Chimwendo Banda made the remarks on Saturday at Thambani in Mwanza, where he also urged people to vote for President Lazarus Chakwera in the upcoming elections. He was accompanied by other senior party officials, including Abida Mia, Owen Chomanika, and Moses Kunkuyu.

He urged Malawians to vote for Chakwera again, promising that the president will correct his past mistakes and deliver on his campaign promises.

Chimwendo Banda’s remarks come amidst speculation that the government is planning to introduce an Age Bill that would bar Mutharika, who is above 80 years old, from contesting in the elections. However, the MCP has denied any knowledge of such a bill, describing the rumors as a ploy by the DPP to gain sympathy from the public.

The development has sparked heated debate among Malawians, with some calling on the government to clarify its position on the matter. Others have urged the MCP and the DPP to focus on issue-based campaigning rather than spreading propaganda and rumors.

As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the debate over the Age Bill is likely to continue, with many Malawians eagerly waiting to see how the situation unfolds.

Analysts hails Chakwera decision to attend SKC Foundation launch

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By Linda Kwanjana

Political scientist Ceaser Kondowe says President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has demonstrated maturity leadership following his decision to accept invitation to attend the SKC Foundation launch.

Kondowe said the functions will help to falster national unity.

“Ok SKC was the face behind UTM , Madam Mary Chilima could have invited other people but she chose Chakwera this is a great honour to the President, ” he said.



Malawi President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has been eye marked to be the guest of homour at the launch of Saulos Klaus Chilima Foundation destined to take place on 12 February,  2025.

Mary Chilima, wife to late Vice President Saulos Chilima is set to launch the Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) Foundation, a non-partisan and non-political organisation aiming at fulfilling the vision and goals of the departed Veep at the Bingu Convention Conference Centre  (BICC).

President Chakwera says the invitation is an owner to him and the first Lady who has received the similar invitation.

The President said the invitation will give him opportunity to reflect on the live of the departed VP.

Recently , Chilima told the media that the Foundation will be launched on 12 February 2025, which would have been Chilima’s 52 birthday.

Chilima said the SKC Foundation, is a duly registered Trust which will be overseen by a Board of Trustees, whose mission is to support the fulfilment of the vision and goals of the late Chilima in a ‘non-partisan and non-political’ manner.

“The Saulos Klaus Chilima Foundation intends to serve as a beacon of hope, progress, and empowerment for Malawians. By promoting education, self-reliance, and leadership while maintaining a non-political stance, the Foundation will ensure Dr. Chilima’s vision for Malawi and Africa is realized for generations to come,” she said.

She said the launch will be a gala event  in line with its vision of continuing Dr Chilima’s legacy, the Foundation is guided by among other objectives which include supporting education for underprivileged students in Malawi, providing aid to those in need during unforeseen crises, encouraging self-sufficiency among Malawians, promoting youth leadership development and also promoting collective mindset change.

“To achieve the objectives, the SKC Foundation plans to embark on various resource mobilisation initiatives such as corporate sponsorship, crowdfunding and charity events. This accords the Foundation the opportunity to pay tribute to him by simultaneously celebrating his life and raising funds to continue his initiatives,” said Chilima.

She said tickets to the launch gala are being sold at a price of MK100,000 per person for the silver category, MK200,000 per person for the gold category and MK300,000 per person for the platinum category.

“The launch gala will be a black-tie event which will comprise dinner, speeches, and tributes to the late Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima,” said Chilima.

The late Vice President died in a plane crash together with eight others on 10 June 2024 in Chikangawa Forest on their way to a funeral in Nkhata-Bay.

This invitation clearly shows that SKC family has no gradges against President Chakwera.

Mathanga urges DPP Supported to be vigilant as General Election looms

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By Burnett Munthali

Jean Mathanga, the Guest of Honour at the launch of the Mwanamvekha 15 Million Football Trophy, delivered a speech that underscored the significance of the initiative while also addressing crucial political matters within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

In her opening remarks, Hon. Mathanga expressed profound appreciation to DPP Vice President for the South, Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, for spearheading the tournament. She lauded his commitment to youth development and community engagement, emphasizing that such initiatives play a pivotal role in keeping young people away from drug and substance abuse. She noted that by providing structured sports activities, the tournament would not only entertain but also serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent, potentially benefiting Malawi’s sports industry in the long run.

Mathanga and Mwanamveka



Transitioning from sports to politics, Hon. Mathanga took the opportunity to caution the DPP leadership and grassroots structures against welcoming new members without proper scrutiny. She warned that some individuals might be joining the party with ulterior motives, using the DPP’s popularity as a stepping stone to securing electoral victory rather than genuinely committing to the party’s values and principles. Given the current political opinion polls that indicate strong public support for the DPP, she stressed the need for vigilance to prevent opportunists from infiltrating the party. She advised party structures to thoroughly vet all new members to ensure their allegiance to the party’s long-term vision.

Furthermore, Hon. Mathanga urged all DPP supporters to safeguard their voter registration receipts in preparation for the upcoming elections. Acknowledging concerns about possible electoral malpractices, she pointed out that some ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials might attempt to manipulate the voting process. However, she reassured the audience that the DPP was well-prepared to counter any attempts at electoral fraud and would remain steadfast in protecting every vote cast by its supporters.

Her speech resonated with the audience, blending the excitement of the football initiative with the urgency of political preparedness. As the event concluded, it was clear that Hon. Mathanga’s message had reinforced both the importance of youth empowerment through sports and the need for DPP members to remain politically vigilant as the country heads toward the next elections.

Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda urges new Traditional Authority Makata to promote unity and fight corruption

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By Burnett Munthali

The Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has advised the newly installed Traditional Authority (T/A) Makata of Blantyre to prioritize unity and combat corruption in the distribution of essential resources such as fertilizer, maize, and social welfare funds.

Speaking at the installation ceremony, Minister Chimwendo Banda emphasized the critical role that traditional leaders play in fostering harmony within their communities. He urged T/A Makata to work closely with local government structures to ensure that development initiatives benefit all people fairly and without favoritism. He warned against corrupt practices, particularly in the allocation of farming inputs and financial aid under the Mtukula Pakhomo program, stressing that such resources should reach deserving beneficiaries without being diverted through fraudulent means.

Chimwendo and TA Makata



The chieftaincy of Makata had been embroiled in a legal dispute since 2021 following the passing of the previous chief. The succession wrangle led to prolonged disagreements within the royal family, delaying the installation of a new leader. After years of court proceedings, a resolution was finally reached, allowing the newly appointed T/A Makata to assume leadership.

Now that the chieftaincy issue has been settled, the government expects T/A Makata to focus on fostering development, maintaining peace, and upholding transparency in community governance. Minister Chimwendo Banda reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with traditional leaders to enhance service delivery and ensure that resources meant for the people are used appropriately.

As T/A Makata embarks on this new leadership journey, the community looks forward to progressive leadership that will address long-standing issues and promote a corruption-free administration in the region.

Legendary Broadcaster and Diplomat Lucius Chikuni has died

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The nation is mourning the loss of a legendary broadcaster and diplomat, Lucius Chikuni, who passed away on February 10, 2025, at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre. Chikuni, who was born in 1940, succumbed to heart-related problems, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in broadcasting and diplomacy.

Chikuni’s illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to the development of broadcasting in Malawi. He was a renowned broadcaster, known for his distinctive voice and impeccable delivery, and was a household name in Malawi.

Chikuni



In addition to his broadcasting career, Chikuni also made a name for himself as a diplomat. He served in various capacities, including as a Malawian ambassador to several countries. His diplomatic career was marked by his ability to build bridges and foster strong relationships between Malawi and other nations.

Chikuni’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with many paying tribute to his remarkable life and career. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and his contributions to broadcasting and diplomacy will continue to inspire and motivate others.

Funeral arrangements for the late Lucius Chikuni are expected to be announced later today. As the nation mourns his passing, we remember his remarkable life and career, and celebrate the impact he had on the lives of countless Malawians.