Malawi’s Minister of Justice, Charles Mhango, has been forced to deny the authenticity of a leaked document circulating on social media that allegedly declared the death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima required no further investigation. The purported memo, which suggested Mhango advised President Peter Mutharika that prior probes into the June 10, 2024 plane crash that killed Chilima and eight others were sufficient, sparked outrage before the minister swiftly dismissed it . Taking to his Facebook page, an emphatic Mhango wrote: “FAKE. It has come to my attention that this fake document is circulating on social media. Kindly note that this document is FAKE.”
Document is fake
The denial comes as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party faces intensifying public pressure to launch the fresh investigation into Chilima’s death promised during the September 16th election campaign . Many Malawians accuse the DPP of exploiting the tragedy to secure sympathy votes, though Information Minister Shadric Namalomba has previously rejected this notion . The government recently confirmed that a review of crash reports has been completed, with direction on next steps expected before Parliament rises in April .
Chilima, who died at age 51, had left the DPP in 2018 before forming the UTM and joining an alliance with MCP to oust Mutharika in 2020 . The nation continues to await concrete action nearly two years after the tragic crash.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi has expressed deep sorrow following the untimely death of Chief Producer and presenter at Dzimwe Community Radio,Alexander Chikolowa.
Chikalowa died on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH).
In a statement seen by this publication, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga, says the organization stands in solidarity with all those mourning Chikolowa and wishes him eternal peace.
Alexander Chikolowa.
Reads the statement in part:”The Malawi media fraternity is expected to greatly feel the loss of his experience and dedication.”
Chikolowa joined Dzimwe Community Radio in July 2006 and dedicated more than 19 years of service to community broadcasting, serving people in Mangochi and surrounding areas.
Throughout his career, he mentored many emerging community media journalists in Mangochi and beyond, earning respect for his professionalism and commitment to public service.
He will be laid to rest on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Chitambuli Village under Traditional Authority (T/A)Likoswe in Chiradzulu District.
A bold and striking poster circulating across social media platforms is calling on Malawi’s youth and citizens to rise up against corruption and reclaim their power through digital activism.
The poster, emblazoned with the words “Malawi Youth & Citizens: Rise Up!”, presents a powerful visual message that positions the mobile phone as a modern instrument of accountability and civic resistance.
At the centre of the artwork stands a resolute figure holding a smartphone displaying hashtags such as #MalawiAntiCorruption, #CitizenPower and #ExposeTheSyndicates, symbolising the growing role of online platforms in shaping public discourse.
The imagery further depicts broken chains and raised fists, conveying a sense of liberation and collective defiance against entrenched systems of corruption.
Accompanying slogans such as “Your Phone Is Your Weapon”, “Speak Out” and “Demand Justice” reinforce the message that ordinary citizens possess tools capable of challenging powerful interests.
The poster explicitly urges Malawians to utilise social media to fight corruption within the judiciary, public institutions and government structures, while asserting that no one is above the law. Renowned Malawian writer and commentator Onjezani Kenani has expressed support for the idea behind the poster, lending intellectual and moral weight to the campaign’s underlying message.
Kenani’s endorsement signals a broader recognition among thought leaders that digital platforms have become crucial arenas for civic engagement and democratic accountability.
In recent years, social media has emerged as a powerful space in Malawi where citizens debate governance issues, expose alleged wrongdoing and mobilise public opinion.
The poster taps into this evolving reality by encouraging young people, who constitute the majority of the population, to transform their online presence into an organised force for transparency.
Its bold design, incorporating national colours and imagery associated with corruption and state power, underscores the urgency of confronting systemic malpractice.
By linking citizen action directly to institutions such as the judiciary and government, the message suggests that accountability must extend across all arms of the state.
The call for vigilance and exposure of syndicates reflects growing public frustration over high-profile corruption cases that have dominated national conversation.
Supporters of the initiative argue that digital activism offers a relatively accessible and immediate means of participation for young Malawians who may otherwise feel excluded from formal political processes.
Critics, however, may caution that online engagement must be complemented by responsible conduct, factual accuracy and adherence to the rule of law to avoid misinformation or undue harm.
Nevertheless, the central theme of the poster resonates strongly with the democratic principle that sovereignty ultimately rests with the people.
By encouraging citizens to speak out and demand justice, the campaign seeks to cultivate a culture of accountability grounded in collective responsibility.
The involvement and support of respected public intellectuals such as Kenani may further amplify the message and stimulate informed national dialogue.
As Malawi continues to grapple with governance challenges, initiatives that empower citizens to scrutinise authority are likely to remain at the forefront of public debate.
Whether this poster evolves into a broader movement or remains a symbolic statement, it has undeniably ignited conversation about the power of youth, technology and civic courage in the fight against corruption.
Former Vice-President Dr. Michael Usi has emphasized the importance of effective communication in evangelism at the Eighth Central Malawi Conference Communicators Conference today at Malawi Assemblies of God University in Lilongwe.
The conference, themed “Communicating Christ with clarity,” aimed to strengthen media evangelism and equip communicators with skills to share the gospel effectively.
Usi
Linda Kasambala, Malawi Union Conference Communications director, opened the gathering, urging delegates to approach communication as a duty and ministry.
Dr. Usi, the guest of honour, stressed that communicators must take their role seriously, handling their words with wisdom, responsibility, and integrity.
The three-day workshop features sessions on news writing, graphic design, and social media management, with outstanding communicators set to be recognised for their contributions.
Member of Parliament for Thyolo Thava, Mary Navicha, has appealed to organisations to support people in her area in their winter cropping efforts, in a bid to build resilience among the communities.
Navicha made this appeal on the sidelines of food relief items distribution to 4000 families from Faizan Global Relief Foundation (FGRF) at Mtambanyama ground in Thyolo.
Navicha in Thyolo Thava
Navicha, who is also the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, explained that her area was hit hard by a dry spell, which made people food insecure.
The parliamentarian then hailed FGRF for timely assistance, acknowledging the organisation’s efforts in supporting the community.
FGRF Communications Director, Ibrahim Omar Mataya, said the organisation has lined up several initiatives to build resilient communities affected by the effects of climate change.
