Musician Dan Lu and other well known musicians are expected to perform at Club Casaulina in Area 25, Nsungwi, in Lilongwe this weekend.
The show dubbed ‘Weekend’s Music Echoes’, is set to take place on Saturday July 5 and it is going to start from 8 pm till late.
The ‘Part of Life’ hit maker is expected to share stage with other well known musicians like Stich Fray,Emm Q,Don Kalonga, Kaka, Twin M and Ayo Landie.
All the artists are going to be backed by Dan Lu’s Rockers Band.
Death has been announced of Disability Rights Activist Juliana Mwase.
According to information from her family, Mwase died on Friday afternoon after a long illness.
Juliana Mwase
Mwase was diagnosed with a slipped discs which affected her leg limbs and has been on a wheelchair for almost 8 years.
Among other organisations, Juliana Mwase worked as the Chairperson of the Malawi National Association for the Deaf (Manad) and the Federation of Disability Organisations (Fedoma) where she worked as Secretary among other positions.
Born on 24 March, 1974, Mwase is survived by two children and grandchildren.
As Malawi approaches the 2025 elections, opposition parties—particularly the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)—are scrambling to form alliances in hopes of unseating President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Social media is awash with cryptic messages suggesting that a grand opposition coalition is imminent, with rumors swirling that AFORD’s Enock Chihana could be Peter Mutharika’s running mate or that Dalitso Kabambe might lead the ticket with Francis Mwanamveka as his deputy .Â
But truth be told, no opposition alliance today can replicate the magic of the 2020 Tonse Alliance. The reason? Saulos Chilima was the X-factor. His charisma, strategic campaigning, and broad appeal were instrumental in propelling Chakwera past the 50%+1 threshold. Today, the opposition lacks a figure of his caliber—and without that, Chakwera is poised to win, and win big.Â
1. Chilima’s Unmatched Campaigning Power                                                               The 2020 Tonse Alliance succeeded because Chilima was a political powerhouse. He crisscrossed the country, energizing voters with his eloquence and sharp messaging. Unlike traditional politicians, he connected with both urban youth and rural communities, framing the election as a movement for change rather than just another political contest .Â
In contrast, today’s opposition lacks a unifying force: – Enock Chihana (AFORD) brings no significant numbers or added value. His party is a minor player, and his influence is limited . – Dalitso Kabambe (U) has struggled to craft a resonant message. His campaign lacks momentum, failing to inspire either the youth or rural voters . – Joyce Banda (PP) has seen her influence wane. Even in her Zomba stronghold, she struggles to rally substantial support .Â
Without a Chilima-like figure, any opposition alliance will be a patchwork of weak links rather than a formidable coalition.Â
Mutharika relative and UTM leader Kabambe
2. UTM’s Decline and the Absence of a Successor Chilima’s death left a void that UTM has failed to fill. Kabambe saw the gap and jumped on it with the hope of reuniting UTM back to DPP. The strategy seems to be working as UTM is heading in one direction and that is to DPP.Â
Chilima’s genius was his long-term strategy—he knew UTM couldn’t win alone, so he kept the alliance intact, banking on future political maneuvering. Today, UTM is fractured, and without Chilima’s vision, it is no longer a kingmaker .Â
3. MCP’s Strategic Positioning While the opposition flounders, Chakwera’s MCP is consolidating power. The collapse of the Tonse Alliance has forced MCP to seek new partnerships, but even without UTM, Chakwera remains the strongest candidate. The party is leveraging incumbency advantages—state resources, visibility, and a narrative of continuity—while the opposition struggles to present a coherent alternative .Â
Moreover, Chakwera’s government has made some visible strides, such as the recent opening of the National Cancer Centre and the launch of the Youth Innovation Fund, which bolster his image as a leader delivering on promises .Â
4. The Illusion of Opposition Unity The DPP’s social media propaganda suggests a grand alliance is near, but history shows that Malawian opposition coalitions are fragile. The 2020 Tonse Alliance worked because Chilima and Chakwera had a clear, mutually beneficial pact. Today, the DPP’s potential partners—AFORD, UDF, or others—have conflicting ambitions.Â
– Mutharika, at 84, is seen as a transitional figure, not a long-term solution. His age and low-energy campaign raise doubts about his viability . – Atupele Muluzi (UDF) may still run independently, further splitting the opposition vote .Â
Without a clear leader or shared vision, any alliance will be a marriage of convenience rather than a winning strategy.Â
Conclusion: Chakwera’s Inevitable Victory The 2020 Tonse Alliance was a perfect storm—Chilima’s energy, Chakwera’s credibility, and public frustration with the DPP. In 2025, the opposition has no Chilima, no compelling message, and no unity.Â
Malawians should prepare for a Chakwera victory. The opposition’s best hope is not an alliance but a miracle—and in politics, miracles are rare.
The sad state of Malawi’s politics was laid bare as major opposition parties boycotted the national prayers marking the country’s 61st Independence Day celebrations in Lilongwe. This was not just a political snub—it was a disgraceful display of pettiness from leaders who claim to serve the people.
While citizens from all walks of life and various religious congregations gathered to pray for peace and unity, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), People’s Party (PP), and others were conspicuously absent. Their excuses—ranging from “not invited” to “late notice”—ring hollow, especially when the organizing committee chair, Ezekiel Ching’oma, confirmed that all parties were duly invited and followed up with.Â
Independence prayers at BICC
Independence Day is not about partisan politics; it is a moment for national reflection and unity. Yet, the opposition’s absence speaks volumes about their priorities. Instead of standing with Malawians to honor the nation’s journey, they chose division. Even more telling is the contrast with past years, where ruling parties have similarly accused the opposition of boycotting national events. Hypocrisy runs deep—when in power, these same leaders demand participation, but in opposition, they retreat into petty grievances.Â
With over 35,000 expected at tomorrow’s main celebrations at Bingu National Stadium, one must ask: Do these opposition leaders truly represent the people? Their empty chairs at such a critical national event suggest otherwise. Malawi deserves better—leaders who put country before politics. Shame on them for failing this basic test of patriotism.
Political commentator Lyson Sibande has raised concerns over former President Peter Mutharika’s absence from the campaign trail, questioning his viability as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate in Malawi’s 2025 elections. With just two months remaining before the polls, Mutharika has yet to hold a single major rally, while his rivals—including incumbent President Lazarus Chakwera, Joyce Banda, Dalitso Kabambe, and Atupele Muluzi—are actively mobilizing supporters across the country .Â
Worries about Mutharika campaign strategy
Sibande argues that Mutharika’s lack of visibility is a strategic misstep, particularly for an opposition candidate who should be working “twice as hard” to challenge the incumbent. He contrasts Mutharika’s approach with Joyce Banda’s vigorous campaigning, noting her recruitment of high-profile figures like Chris Daza to bolster her People’s Party (PP) bid . Meanwhile, Chakwera and Kabambe have been conducting regular rallies, reinforcing their presence among voters.Â
The DPP’s subdued campaign has sparked skepticism about its chances, with critics suggesting the party is acting as though it is still in power. Sibande urges the DPP to “drag Mutharika out, even on a wheelchair,” emphasizing that time is running out to make an impact before the September 16 elections .Â
Analysts warn that Mutharika’s low-key strategy risks alienating voters, particularly as economic hardships dominate public discourse. With inflation soaring and food prices skyrocketing, the electorate is demanding visible leadership—something Mutharika has yet to demonstrate .
