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Malawi’s Minister of Tourism calls on citizens to showcase local content

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By Jones Gadama

Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has emphasized the importance of local content in Malawi’s development, urging every Malawian to take responsibility for growing and showcasing their unique stories to the world.

Speaking at the USF Local Digital Content Creators Showcase and Celebration Cocktail in Lilongwe, Kamtukule highlighted the country’s lack of storytellers in local languages, but expressed delight in the emerging breed of local content creators.

Kamtukule encouraged the youth to leverage the current affordable data rates in Malawi to produce meaningful content that can captivate Africa and put Malawi on the global map.

Kamtukule



Her call to action underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing the creative industry for national development.

The Minister’s sentiments were echoed during the event, where five new content creators were awarded grants in the Phase 3 of the Fund, further solidifying the government’s support for local talent.

As a seasoned author, activist, and politician, Kamtukule brings a wealth of experience to her role as Minister of Tourism. Her vision for Malawi’s tourism sector is centered on promoting local content and empowering the youth to drive the industry’s growth.

By showcasing Malawi’s unique stories and culture, the Minister believes that the country can attract tourists and investors, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic development.

The USF Local Digital Content Creators Showcase and Celebration Cocktail event demonstrates the government’s commitment to empowering the youth and promoting local content.

By providing grants to emerging content creators, the government is investing in the next generation of storytellers and innovators who will shape Malawi’s creative industry.

As Kamtukule noted, this initiative will help Malawi go global and showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world.

Minister Vera Kamtukule’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of local content in Malawi’s development.

By harnessing the creativity and talent of its citizens, Malawi can promote its unique stories and culture, driving tourism and economic growth.

As the country continues to invest in its creative industry, it is likely to reap significant benefits in the years to come.

Zomba residents experience positive change through UNICEF-funded program

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By Jones Gadama

Residents of Zomba are witnessing a significant transformation in their community, thanks to the UNICEF-funded “Zikuvuta Pati” program, implemented by Applied Development Communication Training Services (Adecots).

The program aims to promote social behavior change and increase demand for health services, with notable improvements in antenatal and postnatal care.

Traditional Authority Chikowi of Zomba district praised the initiative, saying, “With Adecots, there is now a mindset change. Women go to the hospital during pregnancy and even after giving birth at home.” This shift in behavior is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in addressing healthcare challenges in the community.



Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Joseph Zulu commended the program, highlighting its role in promoting social behavior change and increasing demand for health services.

These sentiments were expressed during a showcase at Ulumba Primary School under Group Village Head Lambulila, where Adecots and other organizations demonstrated their progress to representatives from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), a key supporter of Adecots through UNICEF.

The “Zikuvuta Pati” program is part of a broader effort to empower women and girls in Malawi, particularly in districts like Zomba, where poverty and healthcare challenges persist.

According to UNICEF, the Government of Malawi has embarked on a new three-year social protection program, “Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience” (SP-GEAR) or “Amai Titukuke,” to support vulnerable women and girls in nine districts, including Zomba.

This initiative combines cash transfers with complementary components like human capital services, livelihood opportunities, and access to sexual and reproductive health services, aiming to empower women and girls to participate fully in their families, communities, and nations.

With funding from UNICEF, the European Union, and the Government of Ireland, the program is expected to benefit over 500,000 people between 2024 and 2026.

The progress showcased in Zomba demonstrates the potential for positive change when communities come together to address healthcare challenges.

As the program continues to evolve, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in Zomba and beyond.

“Satan gave me feelings for fellow ladies”: Tamia Ja opens up about her sexuality

By Burnett Munthali

Social media personality and controversial content creator Hannah Jabes, popularly known as Tamia Ja, has caused a stir after publicly opening up about her sexuality.

The revelation has sparked widespread conversations across various social media platforms, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.

In a recent interview with content creator Danrrow, Tamia Ja was asked a direct question that many of her followers have long speculated about.

Tamia Ja



The question centered on whether she identifies as a lesbian, a topic that has generated rumors and debates surrounding her personal life.

Tamia Ja responded candidly, admitting that she has had romantic feelings toward fellow women.

What shocked many was her statement attributing those feelings to a spiritual influence, saying, “Satan gave me feelings for fellow ladies.”

This admission has ignited a fresh wave of online discussions, with some praising her honesty while others expressed disapproval based on moral and religious grounds.

Tamia Ja, who has built a large following due to her bold and unapologetic online persona, is no stranger to controversy.

However, this disclosure marks one of the most personal revelations she has ever made in public.

As debates continue, questions linger about how this confession will impact her career, public image, and her relationship with fans.

Former Malawi Vice President Everton Chimulirenji Joins UTM After DPP Exit 

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By Wadza Botomani


Former Malawian Vice President Everton Chimulirenji has left the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and joined the United Transformation Movement (UTM), marking a major political shift ahead of the upcoming elections. Chimulirenji, who previously represented Ntcheu North West Constituency, said he made the decision after consulting his constituents and seeking “peace of mind” following disputes within the DPP. 

Chimulirenji had initially won the DPP primary elections, defeating Jane Ansah, the former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) chairperson. However, the DPP later overturned his victory and endorsed Ansah as its candidate, prompting Chimulirenji to first declare he would run as an independent before ultimately defecting to UTM. He is expected to be officially welcomed into UTM and will stand as its parliamentary candidate in the next elections. 

Chimulirenji



This move highlights growing divisions within the DPP, where Chimulirenji had previously warned of factionalism. His defection also adds an interesting twist to Malawi’s political landscape, given his role in the controversial 2019 elections—later nullified by court—and his rivalry with Ansah, who was at the center of the election dispute. 

Chimulirenji briefly served as vice president under Peter Mutharika before the election results were overturned. His switch to UTM now tests whether he can revive his political career or further alienate voters amid Malawi’s increasingly competitive electoral environment.

Egyptian students launch groundbreaking health diplomacy programme*

By Jones Gadama

In a pioneering move, Egyptian students have launched the first edition of the Health Diplomacy for Medical Students programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Egypt and Africa.

The programme, designed to empower Egyptian medical students and non-Egyptian African students and doctors residing in Egypt, aims to provide a deeper understanding of health issues in both African and global contexts, international relations, and health policy.



The programme’s primary objective is to build the capacity of medical students, enhance their understanding of the role of doctors in society, and equip them with leadership, negotiation, and decision-making skills in public health matters.

By doing so, the programme seeks to produce a new generation of medical professionals who are not only skilled in their field but also aware of the broader social, economic, and political context in which they operate.

Anthropological Researcher Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Global Solidarity Network and member of the African Journalists Union, has praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of anthropology in understanding the communities that need health development projects.

“Anthropology is crucial for doctors to comprehend the cultural, social, and economic contexts of the communities they serve,” Ghazaly said, adding that,”By understanding these contexts, doctors can design and implement more effective health interventions that meet the specific needs of their patients.”

Ghazaly also commended the Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI)’s leadership for its cooperation and efforts in supporting the faculty’s students, particularly African students.

He appreciated MTI’s commitment to empowering and integrating African students into academic and community activities within the university.

The programme is a collaborative effort between the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations – Egypt (IFMSA-Egypt), the Scientific Association of Medical Students at MTI, and the AfroMedia Initiative for Journalism and Media.

The initiative has received media sponsorship from the AfroMedia Initiative, highlighting the importance of media partnerships in promoting health diplomacy and medical education.

According to the organizers, the programme’s curriculum is designed to be interactive and engaging, with a mix of lectures, workshops, and group discussions.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field of health diplomacy and policy, as well as share their own experiences and perspectives.

The launch of the Health Diplomacy for Medical Students programme is a significant step towards promoting health education and diplomacy in Africa.

By empowering medical students and young doctors with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to succeed, the programme has the potential to make a lasting impact on the health sector in Egypt and beyond.

As the programme progresses, it will be interesting to see the impact it has on its participants and the broader healthcare landscape.

One thing is certain, however: the Health Diplomacy for Medical Students programme is an innovative initiative that has the potential to shape the future of healthcare in Africa.