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Group raises concerns over impact of opinion polls on voter turnout

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By Chisomo Phiri

A group calling itself ‘Independent Civil Society’ has warned that opinion polls released close to general elections may lead to the low turnout on the voting day.

Speaking at a press briefing in Mzuzu on Saturday, the group leader,Ceaser Kondowe, acknowledged that opinion polls play an important role in democratic discourse but warned against their misuse to pre-empt voters.



Said Kondowe:“While opinion polls are important, they should not be used in a way that discourages people from voting.

“We saw in 2019 that only 74.9 percent of registered voters turned up for the polls, and in 2020, the figure dropped further to 64.81 percent.”

He stressed that opinion polls must be conducted professionally, with proper sampling methods, to avoid misleading the public.

“These surveys have the potential to create voter apathy because people may feel the outcome is already predetermined,” added Kondowe .

The remarks come in the wake of an Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR) pre-election survey, which shows that president Lazarus Chakwera has enjoyed a post-nomination boost ahead of the September 16 General Election.

According to the findings, Chakwera of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has gained five percentage points, while his main challenger, former president Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has dropped by two percentage points compared to previous survey results.

Mzumara, Mangwana shine at 2025 Kingfisher Invitational Golf tourney

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By Chisomo Phiri

Alick Mzumara and Beatrice Mangwana emerged champions of the 2025 Kingfisher Insurance Brokers & Consultants Invitational Golf Tournament held on Saturday at Nchalo Sports Club in Chikwawa.

Mzumara clinched the men’s title with 39 points, edging out Andy Mdoka on countback to claim the K500,000 ultimate prize.

In the ladies’ category, Mangwana topped the field with 35 points to secure the K350,000 prize, while Faith Samati settled for second place with 32 points.



The seniors’ section was won by William Mabulekesi, who scored 38 points, whereas Sellah Piringu triumphed in the Nchalo Closed category with 31 points.

In an interview with local media,Kingfisher Managing Director Henry Sisya hailed the 70 golfers who participated, as well as the organisers and clients, for contributing to the tournament’s success.

He further pledged Kingfisher’s continued sponsorship of the annual competition.

Haiya commend NBM for launching K500 Million U-23 National Football tourney

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya has hailed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc for introducing the Under-23 National Football Tournament, describing the initiative as a vital step towards nurturing grassroots talent and creating more opportunities for young players.

Haiya made the remarks on Saturday during the launch of the K500 million tournament at Mangochi Stadium.

The FAM boss said the sponsorship will play a crucial role in exposing young talent and giving coaches and scouts a chance to identify future stars.

Haiya



“The coming in of NBM with this sponsorship will help expose young talent, enabling coaches and scouts to identify promising players.

“As you may know, we have the Under-20 league, but beyond that, there is no competition at the national level.

“This league will provide those graduating from Under-20 an opportunity to continue competing,” said Haiya.

On his part, NBM Plc Chief Risk Officer(CRO) Charles Ulaya reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the future of the country rests in the hands of the younger generation.

“We believe in youth empowerment because the future of the country lies in their hands.We want them to be healthy and fit so they can effectively contribute to national development,” said Ulaya.

The launch was spiced up with an entertaining match in which Mangochi All Stars defeated Chawe Bullets 2-0.

UGI Golf Team wins Beit Cure Children’s Hospital charity tourney

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By Chisomo Phiri

The United General Insurance (UGI) golf duo of Teri Amaro and Kingsley Mhango emerged overall winners of the Beit Cure Children’s Hospital annual charity golf tournament held on Saturday at Limbe Country Club in Blantyre.

Amaro and Mhango scored 52 points to finish ahead of Team NBS Bank 6, comprising Gracious Changaya and Asante Makuta, who secured second place with 50 points.



Team CFAO, represented by Richard Chilipa and Rose Pindani, came third.

In the ladies’ individual category, former boxer-turned-golfer Agness Mtimaukanena won the nearest-to-pin award, while Zittah Rodrick claimed the longest drive title.

On the men’s side, David Rodrick took home the nearest-to-pin award, with Gracious Changaya bagging the longest drive prize.

Proceeds from the charity tournament will go towards providing free orthopedic surgeries for children under the age of 18.

Chakwera underscores importance of cultural preservation in promoting unity

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has stressed that safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage is key to fostering unity and strengthening national identity.

The president made the remarks on Saturday at Nkolimbo Village in Ntcheu, where he attended the Maseko Ngoni’s annual cultural festival,Umhlangano.

Chakwera noted that the spirit of shared responsibility, as exemplified by the Maseko Ngoni, plays an important role in the country’s development.

Chakwera



“Cultural events such as the Umhlangano provide a platform for intercultural exchange. They bring people from diverse backgrounds together,” he said.

The Malawi leader also commended Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V for his visionary leadership in championing cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and education.

In his remarks, Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V called for unity among all cultural groups in the country.

He described the gathering as a significant occasion where the Ngoni uphold cultural values and honour the spirits of their ancestors.

“Culture is very important because it helps us to understand where we come from and where we are going,” said Gomani V.

Maseko Ngoni communities from the country and abroad including South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique took part in this year’s Umhlangano celebrations.