Malawi College of Education lecturer Asante Mtenje is set to launch a new poetry book titled Forms of Slaughter and Other Poems. The book, which features a collection of diverse poems, reflects on themes such as history and love, showcasing Mtenje’s literary talent and depth.
Speaking about the book, Mtenje expressed joy at completing the project. “I am thrilled to finally share this book with the public. It has been a long journey, and the time has come to present it to readers,” Mtenje said.
Asante Mtenje
The official launch is scheduled for this coming Sunday at African Heritage in Zomba. A second launch will follow in Lilongwe on December 28, 2024, to reach a broader audience.
The poet’s work is expected to resonate with readers through its exploration of various themes that connect to Malawi’s cultural and emotional landscapes. Literature enthusiasts and poetry lovers are encouraged to attend the launches to celebrate this significant contribution to Malawi’s literary scene.
Retired High Court Judge Dunstain Mwaungulu has sharply criticized the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the plane crash that claimed the lives of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The retired judge described the report as “skewed, amateurish, and an attempt to evade deeper accountability.”
In a statement issued through the Centre for Law and Policy, Mwaungulu expressed concerns over the inquiry’s failure to pursue criminal and civil culpability in the tragic incident. He argued that the report appeared to focus more on procedural narratives rather than addressing potential negligence or wrongdoing by those responsible for flight safety and management.
“The findings do little to inspire public confidence,” Mwaungulu stated. “Accountability should go beyond the surface, delving into the systemic issues and identifying individuals or entities responsible for the loss of life. Justice demands nothing less.”
Mwaungulu further called on relevant authorities to initiate thorough investigations that could lead to criminal charges and civil suits against parties found to have contributed to the crash. He emphasized that the deaths of high-ranking officials and others on board deserve a more rigorous examination to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for the victims.
The retired judge’s comments have reignited public debate about the effectiveness of Malawi’s inquiry commissions, with many questioning whether such bodies are adequately equipped to deliver impartial and detailed findings.
The Commission of Inquiry, established shortly after the crash, has faced criticism for allegedly omitting crucial details in its report, leaving many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
As calls for justice grow louder, the nation waits to see whether Mwaungulu’s demands for criminal and civil investigations will be heeded by relevant stakeholders. For now, the report’s conclusions remain a contentious issue in Malawi’s quest for transparency and accountability.
Mlembi wamkulu wachipani cha Malawi Congress (MCP), a Richard Chimwendo Banda, wadzuduzula zimene akuchita atsogoleri ena achipani cha Democratic Progressive (DPP) pomalankhula mawu odzetsa mpungwepungwe komanso mantha pakati pa anthu m’dziko muno.
A Chimwendo Banda ayankhula izi pa msonkhano wa atolankhani omwe akuchititsa ku Lilongwe.
Iwo ati mwachitsanzo posachedwapa, a Victor Musowa, omwenso ndi phungu wa Nyumba ya Malamulo waku Mulanje, anauza anthu aku Ndirande mumzinda wa Blantyre kuti asalore aliyense wa MCP kuchititsa msonkhano m’deralo.
Iwo ati a Musowa anena zimenezi patangopita miyezi yochepa mkulu wina wa DPP, a Daudi Chikwanje, atanenanso kuti aliyense wa MCP azitenthedwa.
A Chimwendo ati zimenezi zikuonetseratu kuti DPP ikufuna itabweleranso m’boma pogwiritsa ntchito zipolowe.
A Chimwendo Banda anenetsa kuti chipani chawo sichiopsyezedwa ndi zimene zikuchitikazi, ndipo chiteteza onse otsatira chipani chawo.
Iwo ati chipani cha MCP chipitilira kuchititsa misonkhano pena pali ponse m’dziko muno popanda kuopa chili chonse.
Pa nkhani ya wachinyamata wa chipani cha MCP yemwe anaphedwa ku Ndirande, a Chimwendo Banda apempha apolisi kuti afufuze nkhaniyi kuti amene anachita chiwembuchi adziwike.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has commended Leaving No-One Behind (LNOB) for developing citizen data for evidence-based policy making.
The initiative will enable the government to make informed decisions on policy.
Chithyola made these remarks during a high-level stakeholder meeting in Lilongwe on Thursday.
He emphasized that the Malawi government’s policies will be based on evidence.
Chithyola also noted that citizen data will encourage citizens to participate in contributing accurate data, ensuring their needs are addressed through government interventions based on actual data rather than guesswork.
The Finance Minister further stated that Malawi is joining the global community in recognizing the importance of data in decision-making.
“My ministry’s economic planning and development cannot be done without accurate data. We cannot formulate a good budget without accurate data,” said Chithyola.
He challenged the meeting participants to move away from relying on imported economic theories that fail to address Malawi’s current challenges.
Instead, Chithyola advocated for developing economic theories based on accurate data to respond to the country’s economic challenges.
On her part,LNOB Malawi Coalition Coordinator, Dr. Mary Shawa, noted that the data being used is people-centered, and ordinary projects’ information was often excluded.
She said to address this, LNOB decided to engage with communities to collect data.
“Once people provide data, it’s used to influence policy programs and decision-making, ensuring no one is left behind and the poor are prioritized in development programs,” she explained.
Dr. Shawa, a renowned expert with a PhD in Nutrition and Socioeconomic Development, emphasized that their action plan will empower Malawians to voice their concerns, providing evidence of the problems that need to be addressed.
She added that LNOB, a coalition of ten civil society organizations, is committed to eradicating poverty.
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says his administration is committed to support industrialisation through the creation of a conducive environment to ensure that industries are thriving in the country.
President Chakwera said this on Monday when he addressed scores of people after he had visited Raiply Malawi Limited’s factory in Mzimba.
He noted that industrialisation is one of the key pillars in Malawi’s 2063 agenda, the country’s development blueprint.
“Through Malawi 2063, we are aspiring as a country to become industrialized by the year 2063 so that we can turn from a predominantly importing nation to an exporting one. In such a way we will be able to get more forex and create jobs for more people,” he said.
He commended Raiply Malawi Limited for creating employment and contributing to national development through the production of wood products for both local and export markets.
President Chakwera visited Raiply Malawi Limited’s factory to appreciate its operations. Inside the factory, the president toured a pole treatment plant, ply mill and medium-density fibre board plant.
Thereafter, the president planted a tree near the main entrance of Raiply Malawi Limited factory before starting off for Lilongwe.
The Malawi leader was in the northern region for several government assignments.
The assignments included presiding over Umodzi Day at Katoto Secondary School Ground on Thursday last week and launching the construction of a K7 billion Mzuni Entrepreneurship Training and Incubation Centre.
He also commissioned Mzuzu Fish Feed Mill and Champhira – Msaka Rural Water Supply Project in Mzimba.
