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VP Usi condemns corruption in the distribution of maize

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By Milcah Mathias

Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has condemned the unfair distribution of maize, noting that it frustrates the purpose the maize distribution exercise is meant to achieve.

Addressing Soche West Ward beneficiaries at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday, Usi emphasized that there are people who are conniving with those in authority to receive maize meant for underprivileged households.

“It is a worrisome development that people who are indeed poor are coming here, waiting tirelessly but are not receiving the maize,” said Usi.

“People who are not intended for the maize distribution and are well-to-do are receiving the maize because they are well known to some people in authority,” added Usi.

The Vice President added that there should not be politicization of maize distribution as the maize is intended for poor Malawians, not people affiliated with any political party.

“The relief maize is not for any political party. It is for all hungry Malawians so there should not be segregation or political agendas towards the exercise. Whether they are UTM, DPP, MCP, AFORD supporters they all need to receive maize as they are all poor Malawians,” Usi stated.

One of the beneficiaries, Bright Levers said the bag of maize has come in time of need as he was struggling to feed his family.

“We have been hungry for a week now as we did not have any other means of survival. So, this bag of maize is my hope to feed a family for weeks,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Alinafe Chikoti described the bag of maize as a timely support as he is waiting to harvest maize from her farm in the following months.

Chikoti, however, advised those who sell maize to vendors to refrain from doing that saying this has potential to put their families at risk of hunger.

Meanwhile, 2 400 beneficiary families from Soche West Ward have each received a bag of maize worth 50 Kilogrammes.

Mutharika Appoints Yona Mlotha as Presidential Advisor

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a move aimed at bolstering his advisory team, former President Peter Mutharika has appointed Yona Mlotha as his new presidential advisor. This development was confirmed in a letter signed by Francis Mphepo, the administrative secretary of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

According to the letter, Mlotha has been instructed to relinquish his position as youth director for the southern region and hand over all relevant documents to the regional office. This transition marks a significant shift in Mlotha’s role within the party, as he prepares to take on his new responsibilities as presidential advisor.

Mlotha

Mlotha’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Mutharika to strengthen his team with experienced and loyal members. As a former youth director, Mlotha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in mobilizing and engaging with the youth, a crucial demographic in Malawian politics.

The DPP, led by Mutharika, has been working to revamp its structures and strategies in preparation for the 2025 elections. Mlotha’s appointment is part of this effort, as the party seeks to consolidate its support base and develop effective policies to address the country’s pressing challenges.

Mutharika, who served as President of Malawi from 2014 to 2020, has been actively engaged in politics since his retirement. His decision to appoint Mlotha as his presidential advisor underscores his commitment to building a strong and effective team.

As Mlotha assumes his new role, he will be expected to provide strategic guidance and advice to Mutharika on a range of issues, from politics and governance to economic development and social welfare. His experience as a youth director will likely inform his approach to these issues, as he seeks to promote the interests of young Malawians and ensure their voices are heard in the country’s decision-making processes.

The appointment of Mlotha as presidential advisor has been welcomed by many within the DPP, who see it as a positive step towards strengthening the party’s leadership and preparing for the challenges ahead.

As Malawi looks to the future, the role of presidential advisors like Mlotha will be crucial in shaping the country’s development trajectory. With his experience, expertise, and commitment to the DPP’s values, Mlotha is well-placed to make a meaningful contribution to Mutharika’s team and the country as a whole.

In related news, Mutharika has been actively engaged in politics since his retirement, and his party, the DPP, has been working to revamp its structures and strategies in preparation for the 2025 elections. The former president has also been vocal on issues of national importance, including the need for good governance, economic development, and social justice.

As the country prepares for the 2025 elections, the appointment of Mlotha as presidential advisor is likely to be seen as a significant development in Malawian politics. With his experience and expertise, Mlotha is well-placed to play a key role in shaping the DPP’s policies and strategies, and in promoting the interests of Malawians, particularly the youth.

Man 28, arrested over motorcycle robbery

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

A28-year-old man, Dalitso Peter, has been arrested in Lilongwe for his involvement in motorcycle robberies and abduction.

According to Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Hastings Chigalu,says the incident began when Peter and his accomplices gave a motorcycle to someone to sell, but things took a turn when the seller failed to return the motorcycle.

Peter and his accomplices then abducted the seller’s brother, demanding that he return the motorcycle or pay K500,000. The situation escalated, with the kidnappers threatening to kill the victim if their demands weren’t met.



Fortunately, the victim’s relatives, accompanied by community policing members, arrived at the scene, and Peter was caught and assaulted by angry villagers. He is now facing robbery and abduction charges.

The police are still investigating and searching for Peter’s accomplices. This incident highlights the growing concern of motorcycle robberies in Lilongwe, with similar cases reported in the area.

NEEF Empowers Farmers to Boost Malawi’s Agricultural Produce

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) is on a mission to revolutionize Malawi’s agricultural sector by empowering farmers with essential farm inputs. This initiative aims to increase the country’s agricultural produce and expand its export base.

Recently, NEEF’s Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, distributed 300 bags of NPK fertilizer to farmers in Lilongwe North East through the NEEF farm inputs program. This effort is part of NEEF’s larger goal to reach 400,000 farmers, with over 30,000 already benefiting from the program

Kingston Evance, a grateful beneficiary, praised NEEF for its support, stating that the initiative will help farmers achieve their targets. Legislator Winstone Kaimapanjira pledged to collaborate with local leaders to ensure transparency and accountability in the loan’s utilization.

NEEF’s farm inputs program is a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment and agricultural development in Malawi. By providing farmers with the necessary resources, NEEF is helping to drive growth, productivity, and prosperity in the agricultural sector.

Lightning kills two fishermen in Mangochi

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

Two fishermen have died after being struck by lightning while fishing in Lake Malawi at Moto Fishing Dock in Mangochi.

According to Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, says the incident took place on the evening of December 31, 2024 in the area of Traditional Authority Namabvi in the district.

Daudi added that the two have been identified as Adam Paudala, 25, from Ng’ombe Village, Traditional Authority Namabvi in Mangochi, and Mark Nedi, 20, from Mwanapiye Village, Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba.

Tepani



According to police reports, eight fishermen went fishing that evening using two canoes, with each canoe carrying four individuals.

Suddenly, lightning struck their canoe, causing significant damage and electrocuting the two men.
All four fishermen in the canoe fell into the water. While two were rescued by their colleagues from the second canoe, Paudala and Nedi drowned and went missing.

A search organized by local fishermen later located the bodies of the two men(now deceased) floating near Moto Fishing Dock on New Year’s Eve. Both bodies had severe burn injuries.

Police officers and medical personnel from Lungwena Health Centre examined the scene. A postmortem confirmed that the cause of death was cardiogenic electric shock, secondary to suffocation.

Police in Mangochi have since appealed to fishermen to pay close attention to weather forecasts and avoid fishing during severe weather conditions to prevent similar tragedies.