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Government to construct K2.7 billion Gwanda Chakwamba Mausoleum

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By Vincent Gunde

The Government of Malawi through the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, under the Monuments and Relics Act 1990, will construct a K2.7 billion Mausoleum for Gwanda Chakwamba in Nsanje district in recognition to his political contribution to the country.

In the notification of intention to award contract dated 4th November, 2024 the Ministry of Local Government says it has concluded the bid evaluation process and intends to award the contract to PMC Limited the successful bidder at the tune of K2,701,085,480.00.

“The Government of Malawi under the Monument and Relics Act 1990 is mandated to preserve and conserve Malawi’s heritage, one way of doing that, is through construction of Monuments,” reads the Notice in part.

The late Gwanda Chakuamba



Reacting to this good news, Political activist Bon Kalindo, has accused the MCP of being the most wasteful government Malawians have ever seen since the dawn of multiparty politics and democracy in 1994 claiming that it is failing to prioritize the challenges the country is sailing through.

Kalindo said if the MCP government was serious in constructing a Mausoleum, Freedom Fighter Chakufwa Thom Chihana would have his Mausoleum but to this day there’s nothing but focusing on Chakwamba because he was MCP.

He said it is sad that the Mausoleum has been allocated K2.7 billion when filling stations are dry with no fuel, hunger is in the midst of Malawians, prisons running without food, no medicines in health facilities, among many challenges.

The activist has claimed that K2.7 billion is a huge money to procure medicines for Kamuzu Central Hospital to last between 4 to 6 month, construct 4 modern secondary schools and paying school fees for the needy students.

He has questioned the MCP government to explain to Malawians where is the money which was allocated for Mohammad Sidik Mia Highway and why today, they are raising tollgate charges for the money to be constructing roads.

“President Chakwera and Chimwendo Banda, are you really serious that you have allocated K2.7 billion for Gwanda Chakwamba Mausoleum, are you men of God trusted by your congregations? Questioned Kalindo. 

He has appealed to patriotic Malawians to pray to God the Almighty very hard so that President Chakwera and his MCP don’t bouncing back into government in 2025 saying enough is enough with the MCP for taking Malawians as useless citizens.

University of Malawi Launches Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit

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By Twink Jones Gadama

The University of Malawi (Unima) has taken a significant step forward in promoting research excellence with the launch of the Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit at its Zomba campus.

This milestone marks Unima as the third institution globally to host such a unit, after Michigan State University and the University of Cape Town.

Speaking at the launch, Unima’s Vice Chancellor, Samson Sajidu, underscored the importance of surveys in gathering primary data for research.

Samson Sajidu



“Surveys provide our students and researchers with reliable data from the people they want to study,” he emphasized.

This sentiment was echoed by Happy Kayuni, Executive Dean for the School of Law, Governance, and Economics, who noted that the unit will enable both students and the nation to gauge people’s thoughts, opinions, feelings, and behaviors.

Boniface Dulani, Director of Surveys at Afrobarometer Malawi, highlighted the unit’s potential to foster high-quality data and enhanced capacity building in the country.

This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for research and policy-making in Malawi.

For Unima students, the launch of the Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit is a welcome development.

Public administration students Sibongile Madise and Alinafe Mkandawire, along with political science student Tadala Gwazayani, expressed optimism that the unit will improve their educational outcomes.

The Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit is poised to become a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, and students alike.

By providing access to reliable data and expertise, the unit will facilitate informed decision-making and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields.

As Unima continues to cement its reputation as a center of academic excellence, the launch of the Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit marks an exciting new chapter in its history. With its focus on fostering high-quality research and capacity building, this initiative is set to have a lasting impact on the university community and beyond.

In an era where data-driven decision-making is increasingly crucial, the Afrobarometer Survey Support Unit at Unima is well-positioned to play a vital role in shaping the future of research and policy in Malawi.

Mbele campaigns for Kambala ahead of UTM convention

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By Chisomo Phiri

Renowned social media influencer Joshua Chisa Mbele has described United Transformation Movement (UTM) presidential aspirant Newton Kambala as a politician who is very sincere in his political dealings, calm, and humble.

In a Facebook post, Mbele says Kambala goes out hunting and shares with everyone whatever he has caught.

“To this day, people don’t know that Newton was the Founding Member of UTM. He let SKC run with it. Few Malawians can do that.

Kambala and Mbele



“He has quietly submitted his nomination papers for the position of UTM Presidency. Only one man wins in any election. I wish him all the very best. I sincerely admire his statesmanship,” reads Mbele’s post.

Kambala submitted his nomination papers for UTM presidency on Monday, November 4, 2024, ready to face Dalitso Kabambe, Mathews Mtumbuka, Patricia Kaliati, and others in the party’s presidential battle on November 17, 2024.

Over 400 Youth Eye MP and Councillor Positions in 2025 Elections, Says Youth and Society

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By Burnett Munthali

Youth and Society (YAS) has revealed that at least 400 young people in Malawi have shown interest in contesting for positions of Members of Parliament and ward councillors in the 2025 general elections. This announcement was made by YAS Executive Director Charles Kajoloweka during an Inclusive Democracy Academy training session in Dowa, where 60 aspiring candidates are currently receiving guidance on navigating Malawi’s political landscape.

Kajoloweka highlighted that the training was designed to equip young candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary to overcome obstacles that might hinder their success in both primary and general elections. “Our goal is to prepare them to effectively tackle the challenges they may face, from limited resources to social biases, so that they can confidently participate in the political process,” Kajoloweka explained.



Among the trainees is Asiph Yasin, a candidate for Chipoka Urban in Salima, who urged other young people to engage in politics as a way to contribute to achieving the Malawi2063 vision. “Youth involvement in leadership is crucial if we are to realize our aspirations for a prosperous Malawi by 2063,” Yasin said.

With this strong interest from youth, YAS believes the 2025 elections could see a significant increase in young leaders, bringing new perspectives to Malawi’s political arena.

Deputy Health Minister Warns Against Selling Government-Issued Mosquito Nets

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By Burnett Munthali

Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, has issued a strong warning to communities across Malawi to stop selling mosquito nets provided by the government. Daud emphasized that these nets are meant to protect families from malaria and should be used as intended.

The warning was made during the launch of the 2024 Insecticide-Treated Nets Mass Distribution Campaign, which coincided with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Malaria Week commemoration in Balaka district. Daud expressed concern over reports of people selling the mosquito nets, stressing that proper use of these resources is crucial to combating malaria, a disease that continues to pose a serious public health threat in Malawi.

Halima Daud



Meanwhile, Vijay Kumar Gajula, Malaria Product Specialist for FOSUN PHARMA and INTERMED PHARMACEUTICALS in Malawi, underscored the importance of collective efforts in the fight against malaria. Gajula noted that his company is collaborating closely with the government and various stakeholders to supply malaria drugs, as part of a broader strategy to reduce malaria infections in Malawi.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria affects over 250 million people globally each year. The government, together with private sector partners, hopes that consistent use of insecticide-treated nets and access to effective medication will significantly reduce malaria cases in Malawi.