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Bangwe SDA church stands firm against allegations, defends traditional doctrines

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Senior Church Elder Amosi Kuipa of the Bangwe SDA Church shed light on the recent decision by the South Malawi Conference to disband the church. The move, which has sparked controversy within the SDA community, was reportedly due to the church’s refusal to adopt new doctrines and practices introduced by the global SDA church.

According to Elder Kuipa, the issues began in the late 1990s when the SDA global church introduced a new logo and allowed women to preach from the pulpit. The Bangwe SDA Church sought clarification from the South Malawi Conference but ultimately decided to maintain its traditional practices, including the use of the old logo featuring three angels and restricting women from preaching.

Elder Amosi Kuipa



“We believe that our stance is rooted in scripture,” Elder Kuipa emphasized. “We cannot simply change our beliefs and practices to conform to new doctrines. Our pioneers founded this church on certain principles, and we must remain true to those principles.”

The South Malawi Conference cited several reasons for the church’s disbandment, including the denial of the Holy Spirit’s existence, the misuse of tithe funds, and the refusal to negotiate. However, Elder Kuipa vehemently denied these allegations, stating that the church fully believes in the Godhead, comprising the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Regarding the tithe funds, Elder Kuipa explained that the church had withheld its tithe reserves after the conference ceased offering pastoral services without explanation. He also denied that the church had refused to negotiate, stating that the conference had never extended a formal invitation to discuss the issues.

The Bangwe SDA Church’s decision to maintain its traditional practices has been met with support from its members, who view the move as a stand for true Adventist values. “We are unified and strong in our faith,” Elder Kuipa said. “We will not be swayed by external pressures to compromise our beliefs.”

The church’s stance has also raised concerns about the suppression of dissenting voices within the SDA community. Elder Kuipa acknowledged these concerns, stating that the conference’s decision was an attempt to silence the true Adventist message.

As the Bangwe SDA Church navigates this challenging period, its members remain resolute in their commitment to their faith. “We urge the global SDA community to hold fast to the truth that we have been preaching,” Elder Kuipa said. “We must remember the three angels’ message and the importance of adhering to our traditional doctrines.”

The dispute between the Bangwe SDA Church and the South Malawi Conference has sparked a wider debate within the SDA community about the importance of tradition and doctrine. As the church continues to stand firm in its beliefs, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved.

In the meantime, the Bangwe SDA Church’s members will continue to worship and fellowship together, unwavering in their commitment to their faith. As Elder Kuipa so eloquently put it, “We will remain calm and prayerful, knowing that God will see us through.”

In a separate phone call interview with newly elected president for South East Malawi conference president Pastor Dr Sanned Lubani said the position of the conference is that Bangwe was disbanded and the church  will soon make a statement on the same.

“Currently we are not commenting much on Bangwe issue, but a formal statement will be issued after a month.
But the current position is that Bangwe was disbanded, ” said Pastor Lubani

Malawi secures 51 million litres of fuel from UAE to ease shortage

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By Twink Jones Gadama

Malawi has procured 51 million liters of fuel from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a bid to alleviate the persistent fuel shortage that has plagued the country. The fuel, which includes 28.5 million liters of petrol and 22.5 million liters of diesel, is expected to be discharged from the vessel by Friday.

According to Micklas Reuben, Deputy Chief Executive for the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), the fuel procurement falls under an emergency arrangement facilitated by the government-to-government agreement. Reuben disclosed this information in Tanga, Tanzania, where an entourage led by Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, is receiving the fuel.

The procurement of the fuel is a significant development in Malawi’s efforts to address the fuel shortage, which has had far-reaching consequences on the country’s economy and citizens. The shortage has resulted in long queues at fueling stations, increased prices of goods and services, and disrupted transportation services.

The Malawian government has been working tirelessly to find a solution to the fuel shortage. In recent months, the government has engaged in discussions with various international suppliers, including those from the UAE, to secure fuel imports.

The government-to-government arrangement with the UAE is a significant milestone in Malawi’s efforts to diversify its fuel supply sources. The arrangement is expected to provide a stable and reliable source of fuel for the country, reducing its dependence on traditional suppliers.

The procurement of the 51 million liters of fuel is a welcome development, and it is expected to go a long way in alleviating the fuel shortage. However, it is essential to note that the fuel shortage is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive solution.

To address the fuel shortage effectively, the government needs to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes increasing fuel supply, improving fuel distribution, and promoting energy efficiency. The government should also engage in discussions with various stakeholders, including fuel suppliers, transporters, and consumers, to find a lasting solution to the fuel shortage.

In the meantime, the procurement of the 51 million liters of fuel from the UAE is a significant step in the right direction. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the fuel shortage and its willingness to explore alternative sources of fuel.

As the country waits with bated breath for the fuel to be discharged and distributed, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts of the government and the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) in securing the fuel. The government’s commitment to addressing the fuel shortage is commendable, and it is hoped that the fuel will be distributed efficiently and effectively to alleviate the suffering of Malawians.

The fuel shortage has had a devastating impact on Malawians, and it is essential to find a lasting solution to the problem. The procurement of the 51 million liters of fuel from the UAE is a significant step towards addressing the fuel shortage, and it is hoped that it will bring relief to Malawians who have been struggling to access fuel.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema pays tribute to musician ‘Dandy Crazy’ who died  following a car accident



By Durell Namasani

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has paid tribute to musician Wesley Chibambo, known in music circles as Dandy Crazy who died in the early hours of Thursday after sustaining multiple injuries in a road accident.

In a statement on his Facebook page,Hichilema said he was deeply saddened by the death of Chibambo and four others who perished in the tragic accident.

“It is with profound sadness and heartfelt sorrow that we learn of the passing of Wesley Chibambo, fondly known as Dandy Crazy.

Late Dandy Crazy



We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to all the citizens who cherished and supported this extraordinary artist.

His music and charisma touched lives far and wide, crossing all boundaries and bringing people together,” reads the statement in part.

Dandy Crazy was involved in an accident that  occurred on New Year’s Eve on the Great North Road, between Kabwe and Kapiri in Zambia.

Four people died on the spot while Chibambo sustained critical injuries and was referred to the University Teaching Hospital.

Among a others, Dandy Crazy was best known for his hit songs, including Don’t Kubeba, Bachelor, Chipuwa Chandi, Balloon Type and Temperature.

He was also a recipient of numerous awards, including accolades for his cultural preservation through music.

MP Mike Bango says Admarc efficiency can improve farmers profits

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By Wanangwa Tembo

Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasungu North, Mike Bango, says beneficiaries of the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) Farm Input Loan Programme could make more profits if they sell their produce at Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc).

Bango believes that farmers will get good prices at Admarc and prevent wasting away their produce at low prices offered by vendors and therefore, asked the government to consider supporting the state grain buyer so that it starts buying produce early enough.

He said this on Tuesday when Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Moses Kunkuyu, launched the disbursement of fertiliser under the 2024/25 NEEF Farm Input Loan Programme at Kaluluma in Kasungu District.

“While I appreciate the role that vendors play in the economy, they offer low prices to farmers. This is why I plead with the government to prepare Admarc so that it should be the entity buying produce from these beneficiaries.

“If this happens, we are assured of our farmers making a good profit to service the loans with ease, while at the same time the government will have enough stock of maize which can be properly sold to better markets outside the country and get forex,” Bango said.

The Malawi Congress Party legislature asked chiefs to be vigilant and ensure that people should not sell the inputs accessed under the programme.

“This is a good initiative that will help us here in the rural areas to realise the vision that we must prosper together hence we must use the inputs for the intended purpose,” he said.

In his remarks, Kunkuyu said the programme is part of the government’s strategies to help in the generation of forex and also make the country’s food sufficient.

“It is in the history of this country that we used to produce enough and feed other countries as well. The reason is that people had access to farm inputs.

“President Lazarus Chakwera says we should go back to that time, give people inputs and harvest more produce. Our farms are the same, we can do it,” he said.

He said the government has put in place various structural mechanisms to revitalise the agriculture sector so that there is food security as well as surplus produce for export.

One of the beneficiaries Daniel Lubanga and Senior Chief Kaluluma lauded the government for the initiative and called for its sustainability, describing the programme as being both productive and self-sustaining.

The government plans to spend K150 billion for the programme targeting 400 000 farmers across the country after registering successes in the last years K27 billion investment which benefitted 11 500 farming entities.

According to NEEF Boar Chairperson Jephta Mtema, the fund has so far disbursed over K160 billion in other types of loans since 2021, with a national loan repayment average of 85 percent.

Former President Edgar Lungu calls for focus on plan B as Zambia eyes 2026 Elections


By Burnett Munthali

In a recent statement reported by Breeze FM Zambia, Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu reiterated his call for Zambians to focus on “Plan B,” a vision that he believes holds the key to the country’s future. Lungu, speaking during the festive season, began by greeting Zambians in the spirit of unity, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the true hero of the season – Jesus Christ.

As Zambia bids farewell to 2024, Lungu used the opportunity to reflect on his recent statements, particularly following the Kawambwa by-election. He encouraged his fellow opposition leaders and members to come together, learn from past experiences, and engage in dialogue with the goal of working as a united front for the upcoming elections.

Lungu

Lungu, in his capacity as Former President and Chairman of the Tonse Alliance, expressed his commitment to a collaborative approach with other opposition leaders. He made it clear that his goal is to build a solid, broad coalition aimed at securing a regime change in 2026 under the framework of Plan B.

“My engagements with opposition leaders are designed to ensure that Zambians are presented with a united, consolidated front in the upcoming by-elections and a guarantee of victory in 2026,” Lungu stated. He cautioned against political manipulations and opportunistic posturing during this critical period of political negotiations.

Despite the swirling political speculation, Lungu was keen to emphasize that he has not endorsed any presidential candidate for 2026 and that Tonse Alliance has not made any such endorsement apart from himself. Lungu stressed that Plan B remains the only hope and alternative for Zambia’s future, promising that his leadership will be central in fostering unity within the opposition.

“As I engage with like-minded opposition leaders, this is not about personal endorsements but about building collective strength,” he added. “The fight for democracy requires unity, and in 2026, we need every Zambian to stand together as one. I am committed to uniting the opposition for the greater good of the nation.”

In closing, Lungu expressed his unwavering belief that a united opposition will lead Zambia to victory in 2026. His remarks underline his resolve to continue engaging, mediating, and fostering dialogue with opposition parties, hoping to unite them under the banner of Plan B.

“Plan B is our redemption plan for 2026,” Lungu concluded. “This is our prayer, this is our resolve, and this is our hope for the Zambian people.”

As Zambia gears up for the critical 2026 elections, all eyes will be on the Tonse Alliance and its ability to unite and challenge the ruling government under the guidance of Edgar Lungu. His leadership and vision for a unified opposition could play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the coming years.