The Organising secretary of Malawi Congress Party, Hon Deus Gumba has asked the people of Nkhotakota to support President Chakwera’s efforts in developing this country. He made the remarks at a rally that was held at Benga in Nkhotakota South East on Boxing day .
Gumba who is also the Minister of Lands made a strong case for Chakwera re-election citing that the country has seen developments despite the many natural challenges that the country has faced in the past few years .
Deus Gumba
Gumba also took opportunity to urge those that did not register to vote to make use of the extended phases and go and register in large numbers.
The Minister emphasized on the need for people to support the government of the day in order to foster meaningful development in the country . Gumba said people should not dwell on the negativity thrown at President Chakwera by the opposition as only the tree that bears fruits is the one that is targeted most
Also present at the rally was MCP publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila, Regional Chair Hon Augustine Chidzanja and the host Hon Ibrahim Sadala and other party officials .
In a significant political shift, Rev Dr. Chimwemwe Mangani, the acting Vice President for the Liberation for Economic Freedom Party (LEF), has officially defected to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This move, which comes as a surprise to many, has sparked discussions across the political landscape of Malawi, particularly regarding the implications for the upcoming elections and the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation.
In an exclusive interview with our publication, Rev Dr. Mangani expressed his belief that the DPP holds the key to addressing the economic woes that have plagued Malawi for years. “After careful consideration and reflection on the current political climate and the pressing economic issues facing our country, I have come to the conclusion that the DPP is best positioned to lead Malawi towards economic recovery and prosperity,” he stated. “I am ready to lend my support and expertise to ensure that we win the upcoming elections and bring about the change that our people desperately need.”
Rev Mangani
Rev Dr. Mangani’s defection is not just a personal decision; it comes with a significant following. He is expected to bring along approximately 1,000 supporters from LEF, a move that could bolster the DPP’s ranks as it prepares for the electoral battle ahead. The DPP, which has faced its own challenges in recent years, is keen to capitalize on this influx of support. Party officials have indicated that a formal welcome ceremony for Rev Dr. Mangani and his followers is in the works, signaling a strategic alliance that could reshape the political dynamics in Malawi.
The departure of Rev Dr. Mangani has raised concerns within the LEF. The party’s president Prophet David Mbewe expressed his worries about the implications of this defection, stating, “We are saddened by the loss of a dedicated leader and the followers who believed in our vision for economic freedom. Rev Dr. Mangani’s departure is a setback for our party, but we remain committed to our mission and will continue to fight for the rights and economic empowerment of Malawians.”
The DPP has positioned itself as a champion for economic justice, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of the marginalized and economically disadvantaged. Rev Dr. Mangani’s shift to the DPP, a party that is poised to win next year’s elections is a plus to the opposition.Observers are keen to see how this defection will impact the LEF’s agenda and whether it will lead to a re-evaluation of its strategies moving forward.
In his interview, Rev Dr. Mangani elaborated on his reasons for joining the DPP, citing a shared vision for economic development and a commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing the nation. “The DPP has a track record of implementing policies that have led to economic growth in the past. I believe that with the right leadership and vision, we can unlock the potential of our economy and create opportunities for all Malawians,” he said.
The party’s leadership has welcomed Rev Dr. Mangani’s defection, viewing it as a strategic advantage that could help them connect with voters who are disillusioned with the current economic situation.
Political analysts suggest that Rev Dr. Mangani’s move could be a game-changer in the upcoming elections. His influence and the support of his followers could help the DPP regain ground in areas where it has struggled in recent years. “This defection could potentially shift the balance of power in the political landscape of Malawi,” said one analyst. “Rev Dr. Mangani’s credibility and experience in advocating for economic issues could resonate with voters who are looking for solutions to their everyday challenges.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus will be on how the DPP integrates Rev Dr. Mangani and his followers into its campaign strategy. The party is expected to leverage his experience and insights to craft policies that address the economic concerns of the electorate. “We are committed to listening to the voices of the people and ensuring that our policies reflect their needs and aspirations,” said Shadrick Namalomba, DPP spokesperson.
The upcoming elections are poised to be highly competitive, with various parties vying for the support of a populace that is increasingly frustrated with the economic situation. The DPP’s ability to effectively communicate its vision and demonstrate its commitment to economic recovery will be crucial in winning over undecided voters.
In the wake of Rev Dr. Mangani’s defection, the LEF is faced with the challenge of regrouping and reaffirming its commitment to its core principles. The party’s leadership has indicated that they will continue to advocate for economic freedom and social justice, despite the setback. “We will not be deterred by this loss. Our mission remains the same, and we will continue to fight for the rights of the people,” the LEF president stated.
As the political landscape in Malawi shifts, the implications of Rev Dr. Mangani’s defection will be closely monitored. His decision to join the DPP could signal a broader trend of realignment among political parties as they seek to address the pressing economic challenges facing the nation. With the elections on the horizon, both the DPP and the LEF will need to navigate this new reality and articulate their visions for a better future for Malawi.
Rev Dr. Mangani’s defection to the DPP marks a pivotal moment in Malawi’s political landscape. His commitment to helping the DPP win the upcoming elections and address the economic woes of the nation reflects a broader desire for change among the electorate. As the political parties prepare for the electoral battle ahead, the focus will be on their ability to connect with voters and present viable solutions to the pressing challenges facing Malawi. The coming months will undoubtedly be critical in shaping the future of the nation and its economic trajectory.
To celebrate African music this festive season, Hype has organised a music party, dubbed Sounds of Africa on December 28, 2024, at Amaryllis Hotel, Stakeout Restaurant in Blantyre to explore ignored African music genres.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Hype, Rahim Karim told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that Sounds of Africa has been organised under the theme; Taking a journey through the rhythm of the motherland.
Rahim Karim
He added that the show is meant to explore African music genres that aren’t usually played in Malawi this time around, citing afrobeat, soukous, rhumba and kanindo among others.
“It is called Sounds of Africa because of the type of music that will be played on the day. We will strictly be playing African music throughout the event.
“This will help to appreciate how diverse our continent music backgrounds differ. Despite the difference, we shall further appreciate that the music still unite us through the language in the music,” Karim said, adding that entertainment lovers should expect full and memorable musical experience that will draws them closer to African roots.
Apart from the music, there shall be food and drinks tailored for day at the Stakeout Restaurant which, according to Hype’s Chief Executive will be transformed to give real African music sound,
“There will be an exclusive food and drinks menu tailored for that day on top of a lineup of amazing DJs. The venue itself, Stakeout Restaurant will be transformed to give the ultimate African sound experience,” he said.
In a separate interview, one of the DJs who will perform at the event, Innocent Mpakiza popularly known as Tino the DJ said that his mission is to take everyone on an unforgettable journey through African music.
“People should expect soulful vibes, infectious beats and a performance that embodies the spirit of Africa at that same time bringing everyone together on the dance floor”, he said.
Other DJs that will perform at the event include; DJ Climaxx and DJ Vinneq as the event will set to begin at 3 in the afternoon and will run throughout into the evening.
Chirunga alumni group from the University of Malawi has donated wheelchairs worth K2 million as part of Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations at Kamuzu Central Hospital on Thursday.
The Director of Quality Assurance Services in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, also a representative of the Alumni group, Dr Darwin Pangani, said one of their colleagues in the University of Malawi, also a former student, put up a bid for disposal of the wheelchair to the group to be donated to any hospital in the country.
Pangani said this triggered an inclination to the idea of making use of such an item in a meaningful sense and through value addition.
“Our engagement today here at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) at this function aims to deliver 5 new Wheelchairs as part of our goodwill donation to an important health facility not only in Lilongwe City but for the whole country Malawi.
“We started with modest donations and this became a bigger ambition which has led to mobilizing close to K2 million which has been used to buy four wheelchairs for adults and one wheelchair for a child, from the local medical equipment supply,” said Pangani.
However, he expressed gratitude to his fellow alumni for the kind donations from Chirunga friends and colleagues some of which stay and work outside the country, US and UK.
“We are grateful for the guidance from the Health Financing section of MoH on following the right protocols to make this donation.
“All in all we are also grateful to be part of the start of this partnership with KCH and MoH in particular. Most of us value KCH as a facility which has been used as a referral for most of our health problems,” he said.
The Director General at Kamuzu Central Hospital Dr Knock Ludzu expressed gratitude for the coming of the Chizungu alumni ground as the wheelchairs will play a crucial role in the easy movement of the patients from one place to another within the hospital.
“Our goal is to provide quality tertiary healthy services in the central region and beyond, but we have limited resources which is also a challenge to fulfil our core values and goals.
“We would love if other well wishes would intervene and provide us with more wheelchairs since the hospital is very large and requires more availability of resources;” he explained
He has however encouraged other well wishes to donate essential materials at the hospital in order to help patients in different departments of the hospital.
Malawi has recorded a total of 1,487 births on Christmas Day this year, with 764 girls and 723 boys, marking a slight increase from last year’s 1,462 births. This rise in the number of births has once again highlighted the country’s ongoing challenges in managing population growth, particularly when it comes to family planning.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbe expressed concerns about the implications of this increase, pointing out that the country’s resources are struggling to keep up with the growing population. “The rising birth rates demonstrate the need for better family planning and more focus on long-term family planning methods,” Chikumbe stated. He emphasized that Malawi cannot afford to continue growing at this rate, as it puts significant pressure on health, education, and economic resources.
Donald Makwakwa, the Executive Director of the Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM), acknowledged that the decision to have children is often influenced by a range of factors, including cultural practices, access to healthcare, and personal choices. He called for continued advocacy around family planning, urging women to make informed decisions that will help control the population growth for the benefit of both families and the country.
Lilongwe remains the district with the highest number of births, recording 229 births on Christmas Day this year, compared to 191 last year. This reflects the capital city’s higher population density and access to healthcare facilities. On the other hand, Likoma, a smaller and less densely populated island district, recorded the lowest number of births, with only one birth this year and none last year.
As Malawi’s population continues to rise, addressing the issue of family planning remains a priority for the government and various health organizations. The increase in births on Christmas Day serves as a reminder that urgent action is needed to provide families with the resources and knowledge to make choices that will secure a sustainable future for the nation.
