The South African entertainment industry is mourning the loss of award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, popularly known as Cobra from the drama series The River. Chweneyagae’s management team announced his passing, stating that he died at the age of 40.
The cause of his death is not yet known. Chweneyagae rose to fame with his role in the South African movie Tsotsi and also starred as the main character, Thuso, in Cobrizi, a spin-off of The River.
Presley Chweneyagae
His management team paid tribute to his legacy, highlighting his passion for empowering the next generation of artists.
The team extended condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, and loved ones.
“While we grieve the immense loss of a remarkable talent, we celebrate the light he brought to the world,” the statement read.
Chweneyagae’s impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring artists.
The Minister of Trade, Vitumbiko Mumba, has officially launched the distribution of Salima Sugar, a move aimed at addressing the scarcity of sugar in local retail shops that has driven prices up.
Speaking at the launch, Mumba assured that the ministry is working tirelessly to ensure a stable supply of sugar, with several interventions in place to achieve this goal.
However, Mumba warned that his ministry will crack down on individuals suspected of hoarding sugar, vowing to “smoke them out” and ensure the commodity’s stability in the market.
Mumba at Salima Sugar
This statement underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the issue of sugar scarcity and price volatility.
According to Wester Kosamu, Executive Chairperson of Salima Sugar Company Limited, the company is releasing fresh stock, with 22,000 metric tons of sugar expected to be sold this year.
Kosamu emphasized that the company has implemented measures to ensure the sugar reaches the market, stabilizing availability.
This development comes after Salima Sugar Company Limited opened its 2024 sugar production season earlier this year, with plans to provide Malawians with sugar through depots across the country.
The company aims to collaborate with over 250 small-scale farmers, providing them with land and support to increase sugar production.
The launch of Salima Sugar distribution is expected to bring relief to consumers who have been struggling with high sugar prices.
The success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of the measures put in place by the ministry and Salima Sugar Company Limited.
The Ministry of Labour has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the welfare of workers in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of its efforts to promote decent jobs and support sustainable economic development in Malawi.
Speaking during an awareness campaign in Mzuzu, Safety Occupation and Health Expert Johanes Mandowa emphasized the importance of educating both employers and employees about labour laws.
The campaign aimed to educate workers on labour laws that promote safe working conditions, equal opportunities, and fair wages. Mandowa highlighted that creating a conducive working environment is crucial in achieving the Malawi 2063 vision.
Regional Labour Officer Kalani Malema commended the Zantchito Skills for Jobs initiative for promoting labour law awareness.
“Workers must understand their rights and responsibilities to enhance job security, access social protection, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Malema stressed.
The training was welcomed by Senior Depots Controller for Rab Processors in the Northern Region, Isaac Mkandawire, who described it as timely and beneficial to both workers and management.
This initiative underscores the Ministry’s efforts to promote decent work and support sustainable economic development in Malawi.
The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal convened today to hear arguments in the case challenging the appointment of Brigadier (Retired) Charles Kalumo as Director General of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. A nine-member panel of judges presided over the hearing, which pitted the Attorney General’s office against Immigration Officer Chikhulupiliro Zidana.
The case dates back to August 2022 when President Lazarus Chakwera appointed Kalumo to the position.
However, Zidana initiated a judicial review at the High Court, arguing that the recruitment process was unlawful. In a ruling delivered earlier, the High Court nullified Kalumo’s appointment, prompting the Attorney General’s office to file an appeal at the Supreme Court.
During today’s hearing, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda (SC) and his legal team, comprising Francis MacJessie and Ndoli Chiume, presented arguments to persuade the bench to overturn the High Court’s decision.
They contended that the lower court erred in its ruling and that Kalumo’s appointment should be upheld.
In contrast, private practice lawyer John Kalampa, representing Zidana, argued in support of the High Court’s decision.
He maintained that the recruitment process was indeed unlawful and that the court should uphold the nullification of Kalumo’s appointment.
The nine-member panel of judges, consisting of Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda, Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, and Justices Sylvester Kalemba, Ivy Kamanga, Healey Potani, Frank Kapanda, John Katsala, Charles Mkandawire, and Rowland Mbvundula, heard the arguments from both sides.
The judgment is expected to be delivered at a later date, which will be communicated to the parties involved.
The case has significant implications for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and the country’s governance.
The Supreme Court’s decision will determine the legitimacy of Kalumo’s appointment and potentially impact the department’s operations.
The hearing was a significant development in the ongoing dispute, and stakeholders await the court’s decision with interest.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring that public appointments are made in accordance with the law and that the rule of law is upheld.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda has assured the people of Dowa District that President Lazarus Chakwera will continue implementing development projects, as he is expected to retain power after the September 16, 2025, elections.
Speaking during a political rally held at Dowa Community Ground on Sunday, Chimwendo told a large crowd that they had come to encourage and motivate residents that the development initiatives they have witnessed under the current administration will continue beyond the elections.
He cited key infrastructure projects initiated by President Chakwera in Dowa, including the road from Lumbadzi through Mponela to Dowa, and another from Mdzaleka to Ntchisi.
Chimwendo – unveiled Shadow MP of the area
“These are very critical roads,” said Chimwendo. “Our people here are farmers, and they will greatly benefit from these roads as they will be able to transport their produce to major markets across the country—something that was lacking for a long time.”
Chimwendo also highlighted the construction of a major dam designed to supply water across the entire district. He added that the renovation of Dowa District Hospital is underway, while the construction of Mponela Rural Hospital is nearly complete.
He further praised President Chakwera for constructing several school classroom blocks throughout Dowa District, contributing to improved access to education.
The MCP Secretary General called on the people to remain peaceful and united, urging them to support President Chakwera, the party, and candidates who won the primary elections. He cautioned against backing independent candidates, warning that they divide the vote.
Chimwendo also revealed that the MCP government has already budgeted for the construction of a modern Dowa District Hospital and a community stadium in Dowa.
In his remarks, former Minister of Trade and Finance Sosten Gwengwe criticized past economic policies pursued since the dawn of democracy, stating that they failed to meet the country’s developmental aspirations.
He commended President Chakwera for his bold steps to reset the economy, aiming for national self-reliance.
“The only thing a wise leader can do is to focus on home-grown policies that can turn the country around,” said Gwengwe. “Chakwera’s focus on Agriculture, Tourism, Mining, and Manufacturing (ATMM) is aimed at making Malawi self-reliant, rather than depending on economic trends in Europe and America.”
Also speaking at the rally, MCP Regional Chairman Patrick Zebron Chilondola said the rally aimed to unify party supporters in preparation for the September 16 elections. He stressed that MCP would support only candidates who won the party’s primaries, as the party does not endorse independent parliamentary candidates.
