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Rising star: Esther Chitheka Nkhoma shines in the music scene



By Burnett Munthali

Thandie Chisi, Miss Malawi 2025, has shared a post on her Facebook page highlighting the incredible talent of Esther Chitheka Nkhoma, a Malawian singer and songwriter making waves in the music industry. Nkhoma’s powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences through her music have earned her a spot as a celebrated artist in the Afro-pop scene.

Esther Chitheka Nkhoma’s music is a blend of Afro-pop, soul, and inspirational themes, and she has already made a name for herself as a lead vocalist with Zathu Band, a youth music collective that uses storytelling to address social issues. Her rise to prominence is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.

Esther Chitheka Nkhoma



Nkhoma’s big break came when she represented Malawi on the prestigious TV competition The Voice Africa, where she made it to the battle stages. This continental recognition has opened doors for her, and she is now a signed artist with Porch Time Records.

As a solo artist, Esther Chitheka Nkhoma continues to release music that inspires and uplifts her audience. Her single “Wafika” is a testament to her ability to craft songs that carry messages of hope, faith, and resilience.

With her talent and passion, Esther Chitheka Nkhoma is definitely one to watch in the African music scene. Her music has the power to connect people and inspire positive change, making her a true rising star.

Thandie Chisi

Minister Baloyi takes bold step to improve patient care

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By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s Minister of Health, Madalitso Baloyi, has directed health workers to stop group consultations with patients, saying the practice violates patients’ rights and compromises confidentiality. The minister’s bold move aims to improve patient care and uphold the principles of medical ethics.

Baloyi issued the directive on Sunday after conducting an undercover visit to Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, where she posed as a patient using a pseudo name. This daring move allowed her to experience firsthand the challenges faced by patients and identify areas for improvement.

During the visit, the minister was ushered in alongside seven other women to meet medical personnel in a group consultation setting, which she says discourages patients, especially women, from openly explaining their medical conditions. This experience highlighted the need for change and the importance of prioritizing patient confidentiality.

Baloyi at a hospital queue



Director of Health Services for Lilongwe District, Dr. Wilson Ching’ani, has hailed the minister’s initiative, acknowledging that long waiting hours result from high patient numbers compared to available health personnel. While the district recognizes the challenges, the minister’s directive is expected to improve the quality of care.

Meanwhile, George Jobe, Executive Director for the Malawi Health Equity Network, has welcomed the move, saying such initiatives strengthen accountability and can improve service delivery in public health facilities. The network’s support underscores the importance of collaboration in driving healthcare reforms.

Citizens have reacted positively to the minister’s directive, with some praising the APM government for building a good legacy. Others have expressed skepticism, citing the inertia of bureaucracy and the challenges of implementing change. However, many agree that the minister is on the right track and that her proactive approach is commendable.

Some citizens have shared their personal experiences, highlighting the need for improved healthcare services. One commenter noted that group consultations are unacceptable, while another praised the minister for being active and capable. Others have emphasized the importance of follow-through and ensuring that the changes are implemented effectively.

The minister’s directive has sparked a national conversation about healthcare in Malawi, with many calling for continued reforms and improvements. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that the minister’s bold step is a move in the right direction.

Baloyi

TFM Centre of Excellence dangles leadership programme

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By Linda Kwanjana



The Thomson Frank Mpinganjira (TFM) Centre of Excellence has unveiled a six-month Advanced Leadership Programme designed to build resilient leaders capable of thriving in complexity and creating lasting impact within their organisations and the country.

The programme starts on March 18, 2026 at TFM Complex in Mpemba, Blantyre, combining face-to-face and online sessions to give participants flexibility and immersive engagement.

Senior Manager for TFM Centre of Excellence, Hannah Kankuzi, said the leadership programme is focused on nurturing leaders who are not only results-driven but also grounded in purpose and inclusion.

Hannah Kankuzi



“Institutions and businesses in the country are operating in times of rapid change and this programme is essential to  equipping leaders with practical knowledge, build  resilience and ethical clarity required to navigate disruption while sustaining performance,” said Kankuzi.

“The faculty brings together expertise in economics, executive coaching, leadership consulting, human capital development and management training. We want participants to build deep self-awareness and emotional intelligence so that even under pressure, they can act with integrity and inspire trust.”

“When leaders are equipped to think systematically and lead responsibly, they create long-term value for their organisations and  the country,” added Kankuzi.

According to Kankuzi, the six-month programme is priced at K5 million per participant and will accommodate a limited cohort of executives and high-potential leaders drawn from both the public and private sectors.

The TFM Centre of Excellence was established to reduce reliance on international training institutions and position Malawi as a regional hub for world-class executive education.

The state-of-the-art facility features modern conference and training rooms, executive boardrooms, advanced audiovisual technology, high-speed internet and disability-friendly infrastructure, serving corporates, government institutions, parastatals, SMEs and individual professionals.

Chaponda Calls for Action on Trade Barriers at Commonwealth Meeting in London

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By Durell Namasani



LONDON — Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. George Chaponda, has urged the Commonwealth to shift from discussion to action, calling for the implementation of concrete, time-bound programmes to dismantle trade barriers and boost economic opportunities for its developing member nations.

Speaking at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London on Sunday, Dr. Chaponda emphasized that initiatives targeting intra-Commonwealth trade are essential to unlocking the organization’s full economic potential. He stressed that such efforts are critical to ensuring that the benefits of cooperation are shared more equitably, particularly for countries like Malawi.

“We need programmes that have a clear timeline and a high impact,” Dr. Chaponda told fellow ministers gathered at Lancaster House. “Addressing trade barriers is not just an economic exercise; it is a pathway to shared prosperity for all member states, especially the most vulnerable.”

Chaponda in London



The closed-door meeting, which brought together top diplomats from across the 56-nation bloc, focused on repositioning the Commonwealth to better navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape and respond effectively to emerging challenges.

In a show of consensus, the ministers threw their weight behind a series of reform proposals designed to boost the organisation’s efficiency. Key areas of agreement included strengthening multilateral cooperation amid global uncertainty, raising the Commonwealth’s international profile, fostering strategic partnerships, and providing enhanced support to vulnerable member states.

On the sidelines of the main event, Dr. Chaponda held discussions with several key figures, including UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey.

The diplomatic engagements will continue later today, as Dr. Chaponda joins King Charles III and other foreign ministers for official events marking Commonwealth Day. This year’s theme, “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth,” closely mirrors the very points Malawi championed during the ministerial talks.

Empowering Malawi’s future leaders: A call to action

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By Burnett Munthali

Chairperson of the organizing committee, Godfrey Kambewa delivered a powerful speech, reminding the audience of the importance of empowering young women and the impact it can have on the future of Malawi.

He expressed his hope that the biggest desire of the audience would be to hear the words “well done” from the son of man when he returns, emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence.

Mr. Kambewa apologized for a previous mistake, attributing it to the excitement of the moment, and introduced himself as a retired Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, though it seems there was a mix-up as Dr. Jane Ansah is the Vice President mentioned in the context.

Godfrey Kambewa


A few months ago, a group of friends, including Mr. Kambewa, came together to organize the Miss Malawi pageant, with the goal of creating an empowerment platform for building the next generation of leaders.

The event was not just about beauty, but about young women who are ready to take charge and change the country, emphasizing that the focus was on empowerment rather than just physical appearance.

The candidates, who were all exceptional young women, had unique stories and were from various schools, including Lilongwe Girls and Likuni Girls, showcasing the diversity and talent of Malawian youth.

Mr. Kambewa expressed his pride in being a part of their journey and emphasized that Malawi’s youth are capable and ready to take over, but they need to be supported and given opportunities.

He extended his gratitude to the office of the Vice President, Dr. Jane Ansah, thanking her for honoring the event with her presence, which was a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering young people.

Notably, Dr. Ansah has also donated K1 million kwacha to support young women, demonstrating her commitment to empowering the next generation of Malawian leaders.

Mr. Kambewa also thanked the President of Malawi, Professor Arthur, for his support and understanding of the importance of empowering young people, showing that the government believes in the potential of its youth.

He encouraged the students present to strive for greatness, saying that they were capable of achieving anything they set their minds to, and emphasized the power of one question to bring about change in their lives.

Mr. Kambewa concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Miss Malawi organization and the event organizers, thanking them for hosting the event and highlighting the importance of such platforms in empowering young women.

The event was a call to action, urging everyone to support and empower the next generation of leaders in Malawi, with the belief that they have potential to achieve great things.