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Kambala submits nomination papers for UTM presidency

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By Chisomo Phiri

United Transformation Movement (UTM) presidential aspirant Newton Kambala on Monday November 4,2024, submitted his nomination papers at the UTM headquarters in Lilongwe.

Kambala is the fourth aspirant to present the papers,following Dalitso Kabambe, Mathews Mtumbuka and Patricia Kaliati.

Speaking to journalists after submitting his nomination papers, Kambala said his bid for the UTM president is not driven by personal ambition  but the call from Malawians for good leadership.

He said it will be impossible for him to fit in the shoes of late Saulos Chilima but he will try his best.

Kambala said Chilima imparted alot in him in as far as leadership is concerned and he will ensure that Chilima’s dream lives on.

He said he wants to see UTM form the next government with him as president.

He however, said there is need to change the arrangement that sees a party president automatically becoming torchbearer for the party.

Kambala said there is need for delegates at the convention to choose the torchbearer for the party.

He emphasized that the delegates need  to decide who should be the torchbearer and should it happen that he is not chosen as the torchbearer, he will support the chosen candidate.

Kambala also emphasized that UTM is not for sale and called on the delegates not to sell their votes.

He said UTM needs a leader that will continue Chilima’s legacy and ensure that his dream has been fulfilled.

He concluded that there is need for a  leader  who will serve Malawians and bail them out of poverty.

The UTM will hold its national elective convention on November 17,2024 in Mzuzu.

The party was founded by the late Chilima on July 21,2018.

Ministry of Education Kicks Off Batch 17 of Leadership Training to Strengthen School Management Across Malawi

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By Elywin Chighali Mhango


The Ministry of Education has launched Batch 17 of the School Leadership Training Programme (SLP) at the Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre, gathering 187 school leaders from across the nation to enhance their leadership skills and improve educational outcomes. The event, held today, aims to reinforce the objectives of the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP).

Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, highlighted the significance of the SLP in improving the learning environment for lower primary students in government schools. “The main objective of MERP is to improve the learning environment for students in lower primary across all government schools,” she stated during the opening ceremony.



The training initiative aspires to reach a total of 10,200 school leaders from all 34 education districts in Malawi, which includes training 7,800 headteachers and deputy headteachers, alongside 2,000 female section heads and 400 primary education advisors and inspectors.

Since its inception in November 2022, the SLP has successfully trained 10,165 school leaders across 16 batches. Among these, 7,613 were headteachers and deputy headteachers, leaving a target of 187 to be addressed in this latest batch. Notably, the programme has surpassed its goal for female section heads, training 2,279 participants compared to the initial target of 2,000.

In a bid to promote gender equity in leadership positions, Batch 17 includes a significant number of female headteachers and deputy headteachers from various districts including Chitipa, Karonga, Mzimba South and North, Nkhata Bay, Blantyre Urban and Rural, Chikwawa, Mwanza, and Nsanje.

The training sessions are being held at multiple locations, including the Malawi Sun Hotel, AAUCHA Lodge in Mzuzu, and St Kizito Conference Centre in Chitipa, fostering inclusive and accessible training opportunities for all participants.

Dr. Chimbwete outlined key objectives for the SLP, which are aimed at promoting positive and inclusive school cultures conducive to the needs of vulnerable children, as well as improving teachers’ morale.

Pastor Ralph Manda publishes new book ‘Understanding Business Principles for Real Estate’

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By Chisomo Phiri

Ireland-based author Pastor Ralph Manda has published a new book titled’Understanding Business Principles for Real Estate’

The book was launched at Amalyris Hotel in Blantyre,on November 2,2024, and is available at various bookshops in the country, including Chichiri Central Bookshop and Blue Ocean in Blantyre.

In an interview with our journalist Chisomo Phiri, Pastor Manda said his new book emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics, business ethics, financial literacy, marketing, and customer relationships in the real estate industry.

Manda



He highlighted the need for adaptability, strategic planning, and a customer-centric approach to succeed in this field.

When asked about his motivation for writing the book, Manda explained that he wanted to inspire and empower aspiring investors and real estate professionals.

He expressed hope that his book will provide valuable guidance and insights to those looking to navigate the complex world of real estate.

Pastor Manda noted that the writing industry in Malawi has great potential but faces challenges such as limited readership, high printing costs, and limited professional development resources.

However, he said he sees opportunities for growth, particularly in digital publishing and regional markets.

In his final remarks,Pastor Manda emphasized the importance of understanding local market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, financing structures, and socio-economic factors in the real estate industry.

He also stressed the need for ethical practices, social responsibility, and community engagement.

Pastor Manda started writing many years ago but took it seriously five years ago.

He has written two books, including the recently published “Understanding Business Principles for Real Estate”.

Mwanamvekha denies resignation rumors

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By Chisomo Phiri

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Southern Region, Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, has categorically denied the malicious rumors circulating about his resignation from DPP.

In a statement, Mwanamveka says the rumors, which have been circulating, are entirely false and baseless, and has reiterated that he has no intention of resigning.

He says as a DPP founding member, he remains committed to the party’s shared vision and ideals.

Mwanamveka



Mwanamveka has expressed his loyalty and dedication to the DPP and its leadership, emphasizing that his relationship with the party’s President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika remains strong.

He has urged the public to disregard the baseless rumors and instead focus on the positive work being done to improve the region.

Mwanamveka has also called for collective effort to build a better future for all, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the party and its leadership.

“I am proud to have been part of DPP’s formation and will continue to work tirelessly for its advancement. My relationship with our esteemed President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, remains strong.

“He is not only my leader but also my mentor and father figure. I hold him in the highest regard and would never take any action that would disappoint him,” reads his statement in part.

Kyungu expresses concern over dilution of Malawi’s traditional values

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By Chisomo Phiri

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa has expressed concern over the erosion of traditional values in the country.

Kyungu expressed his concern during the second Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival, which was held at Mbande Hills in Karonga on Saturday.

He said he believes that many Malawians have misunderstood the concept of democracy, leading to a decline in respect for elders and a sense of community.



According to Kyungu, the misunderstanding of democracy has led to a rise in suicide cases and vandalism of development equipment.

He emphasized the need for Malawians to revisit their lost values and show respect to elderly people.

“By doing so, the country can get back on track in terms of development,” he said.

On her part,speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara, who represented President Lazarus Chakwera at the festival, commended the people of Karonga and Chitipa for their efforts in promoting culture.

She noted that the current generation views culture as primitive and that many people in urban areas do not even know their vernacular languages.

Hara also pointed out that people have forgotten their roots, and that in the past, orphans were adopted into homes with love.

“However, nowadays, people only look out for their immediate family members, which is a sign of moral decay,” said Hara.

In his remarks,chairperson for Karonga Chitipa Heritage, Malumbo Mwasinga, requested government support for cultural festivals, highlighting their role in fostering national unity.

This was the second joint cultural festival held by the people of Chitipa and Karonga, following the inaugural edition in 2022 at the same site.

The festival was cancelled last year due to drought and floods, which affected many in Karonga and surrounding areas.