Monday, August 25, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 4

Pastor Daniel Walusa publishes book urging spiritual readiness for the end times

0

By Chisomo Phiri

A Malawian pastor, writer, and finance professional, Daniel Walusa, has released a Christian book titled When the Last Trumpet Sounds aimed at preparing believers for the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Walusa explained that the book launched on Saturday, August 16, 2025, carries the main message of the urgency of preparing for the return of Christ.

He emphasized that Jesus is coming soon to take His people, and while some will be taken, others will be left behind.

However, he noted that even those left behind may still have a chance at salvation, though they will go through great tribulation.

The author said the inspiration behind the book stems from his study of biblical timelines found in the books of Hosea, Daniel, Revelation, and the Gospels, along with observations of current global events, particularly in Israel.

Walusa



He said these signs clearly indicate that the world is nearing the end of the age.

Walusa urged people to discern the times and prepare their hearts accordingly.

He said God instructed him to make the book freely available to everyone, in keeping with the principle that the gospel should not be sold.

He said the book can be downloaded at no cost on:Download When the Last Trumpet Sounds

Commenting on the current state of the country’s writing industry, Walusa, who has been a writer for over 30 years, expressed concern about declining interest in informative content.

He remarked that modern audiences often prefer entertainment, such as memes, over content that could educate or uplift them spiritually and intellectually.

In his closing remarks, Walusa urged people to take advantage of the book while it is still accessible.

He warned that a time may come when the true gospel will no longer be freely available due to increasing censorship.

Quoting Amos 8:11–13, he highlighted a prophetic warning about a spiritual famine not of bread or water, but of hearing the word of the Lord.

“People should download and read now. One day, access to the true gospel may be gone. The time to prepare is now,” he said.

Walusa began his writing journey during his secondary school years between 1997 and 2000.

He served as a reporter and later as the editor of his school magazine.

He continued writing at Mzuzu University as a contributor to the Luwinga Focus magazine, and later at the Polytechnic, where he began authoring his own books.

Over the years, he has published several works including Success in Academics and Career (Volumes 1 and 2), How to Make the Word Work, and When the Last Trumpet Sounds.

He also continues to write and publish the Greater Life Daily Devotionals.

He currently serves at GUB Church.

In addition to his ministry work, he contributes to the online publication Malawi24, and professionally works as a finance manager and entrepreneur.

MUST hails growth of its cultural and research innovation festival

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has hailed the continued growth of its Cultural and Research Innovation Festival, describing the second day of this year’s edition as highly promising.

In an interview with journalists on Saturday,Executive Dean of the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at the institution,Dr. Atikonda Akuzike Mkochi Mtenje, said the festival launched in 2023 is steadily becoming an important platform for promoting Malawian culture, arts, and innovation.

“We are very happy to see the festival growing each and every year. Communities from the surrounding areas, including Goliati, are here, and so are representatives from different industries. It is such a great honour to witness this kind of participation,” said Mtenje.



She stressed that science and technology can only thrive if rooted in culture and heritage.

“At MUST, we believe that for the country to move forward, we must embrace our culture and heritage. Advancing science and technology must be done within the context of who we are.That is why the festival deliberately incorporates every cultural aspect, including traditional attire,” she said.

Mtenje revealed that the first day of the festival exceeded expectations, with over 40 academic papers presented in what was initially planned as a one-day conference.

“It was overwhelming to see so many scholars and practitioners discussing the synergies between culture, arts, science, health, and medical sciences. This showed us the need for more time for such important deliberations,” she said.

Looking ahead,Mtenje said the future of the festival looks bright and called on Malawians to embrace it as a permanent part of the country’s cultural calendar.

“The festival is here to stay. Already, I have international colleagues who have expressed interest in attending after seeing what is happening. In the future, we will have more international delegates, giving us an opportunity to showcase Malawian culture beyond our borders,” she said.

The Executive Dean also applauded Standard Bank for supporting the event with K40 million, describing it as a strong show of confidence in the power of arts, culture, and heritage.

“What Standard Bank has done shows a strong belief in what arts, culture, and heritage can achieve. This is a wake-up call for other corporates to support the creative economy.With Malawi being a youthful nation, supporting the arts means investing in the energy and creativity of young people, which is essential for development,” she said.

On his part,business mogul Napoleon Dzombe praised the festival as the first of its kind and described it as a colorful and inspiring occasion.

“I am very grateful to be part of this event taking place here at MUST.I have seen a lot of innovative products that our young people are coming up with, and I believe the time has come for those with financial resources to support them so they can produce what Malawi needs,” he said.

Dzombe also stressed the importance of empowering local scientists and innovators in the country by drawing lessons from global success stories.

“Japan is Japan today because of its scientists who developed different products.What these young Malawians are doing is impressive and they just need support to turn things around,” he said.

This year’s festival was held under the theme ‘Igniting Scientific Innovation, Promoting Heritage Towards Achieving Malawi Vision 2063’.

It featured performances from various artists including Gibo Pearson, Theresa Phondo, Sean Morgan, and Trappy Beats.

Old Mutual Malawi launches 2024 sustainability report

0

By Chisomo Phiri

Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited Group on Friday evening launched its 2024 sustainability report that showcases initiatives designed to ensure the company’s business model contributes positively to the environment.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Lilongwe, Old Mutual Malawi Group Chief Financial Officer Vera Zulu emphasized that the company’s responsibility extends beyond balance sheets and profit margins.

Vera Zulu



“Our initiatives focus on responsible investment, financial inclusion, education and skills development, and environmental stewardship.

“As a business, we are deliberate in ensuring that every decision we make supports the vision of a sustainable and prosperous Malawi,” said Zulu .

On his part, National Planning Commission(NPC ) Director General Fredrick Changaya who was a key note speaker during the lauch ceremony hailed  the report saying it aligns closely with Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development blueprint, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

FAMA partners with Kweza Arts to boost local film industry

By Chisomo Phiri

The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) has announced a new partnership with Kweza Arts, a creative hub founded by renowned poet Q Malewezi, aimed at promoting Malawian cinema.

Speaking at the partnership signing ceremony in Lilongwe on Saturday, FAMA President Dorothy Kingston said under the agreement, only films approved by FAMA will be screened at Kweza Arts’ outdoor cinema in Lilongwe.

Dorothy and Malewezi



She said the collaboration will help promote local films, support distribution, and provide filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work.

Echoing Kingston’s remarks, Q Malewezi emphasized that the partnership will create new opportunities for filmmakers to grow and reach wider audiences.

The partnership is seen as a key step in strengthening Malawi’s film industry and giving local talent the visibility it deserves.

Passport crisis eases as new supplier starts production

0

By Linda Kwanjana

Malawians can now breathe a sigh of relief as the country’s passport problems are finally being addressed. The new supplier, Madras Security Private Printers, has started producing an average of 1,000 passports every week.

For months, many citizens struggled to get passports due to supply delays, with some waiting weeks or even months for the travel document. The new company says it will quickly clear the backlog, beginning with the first 1,000 booklets already produced.



Since President Lazarus Chakwera came into office in 2020, government has been working to fix long-standing problems at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. In the past, contracts for passport suppliers were awarded through corruption, with some officials choosing companies based on bribes rather than capacity.

One such deal was with Techno Brain, signed in 2019 under the former administration. The contract, worth $60.8 million (about K106 billion), was later cancelled by Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, who said it was irregular and costly.

After a period of confusion and delays, government hired Madras Security Private Printers in January 2025 on a $29.9 million (K52.7 billion) contract—less than half the cost of the previous deal.

The India-based company, which has 42 years of experience in biometric and security printing, was chosen for its strong global record. Government says this deal will end the passport shortage for good, while giving the Department of Immigration full control of the system—something past suppliers never allowed.

The new passports also come with modern security features that meet international aviation standards.

With production now underway, authorities are confident that all outstanding applications will be processed soon, finally putting to rest the passport crisis that has frustrated Malawians for years.