The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has categorically denied reports that its spokesperson on Finance, Joseph Mwanamveka, has been dismissed by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
The party’s spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba asserts that these claims are unfounded and part of a smear campaign orchestrated by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Namalomba clarified that Mwanamveka was not behind the controversial Age Bill Limit, which has been a topic of heated debate in the country.
Namalomba
He said Ben Phiri was delegated by Mwanamveka to read the statement in parliament
“The allegations that Joseph Mwanamveka was dismissed for his comments at the Nancholi rally are completely false,” said Namalomba adding that “Mwanamveka was merely fulfilling his role as Vice president for the South and any insinuation that he was undermining President Mutharika is a blatant lie.”
He further accused the MCP of spreading propaganda to create discord within the ruling party. “This is a classic case of political sabotage. The MCP is desperate to distract the public from their own shortcomings and is resorting to lies about our party members,” the spokesperson added.
Mwanamveka himself has expressed his commitment to the DPP and its leadership, stating that he remains focused on the party’s agenda and the welfare of the Malawian people. “I am proud to serve under President Mutharika and will continue to work towards our shared goals,” he said.
As the political landscape in Malawi continues to evolve, the DPP urges its supporters to remain vigilant against misinformation and to stand united in the face of opposition tactics aimed at destabilizing the party.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre constituency, Alfred Jiya, has urged the Minister of Lands to expedite the implementation of the slum upgrading program.
Jiya made these remarks in Parliament on Tuesday after questioning the Minister of Lands, James Gumba, on when the government would embark on the initiative.
He expressed concern that people in his constituency have waited for a long time, anticipating relocation to Mchesi Township to allow for the upgrading of their areas. However, to date, no tangible progress has been made.
Jiya
Despite the delay, Jiya expressed satisfaction with the minister’s response, as Gumba assured him that the project is in progress.
He stated: “This is one of the good news that the people in my constituency wanted to hear.”
The legislator further explained that once the project is implemented, Lilongwe will no longer have slums within the city.
Jiya emphasized that the upgraded infrastructure in these areas—including roads, water systems, and electricity—will be well-organized, resembling developments in advanced countries.
He stressed that the project will not only benefit residents of Chimoka, Ng’oma, Mgona, and surrounding areas but will also enhance the entire capital city of Malawi.
The government introduced the slum upgrading program in 2023 to improve housing conditions in urban areas across the country, ensuring that all citizens have access to better living standards.
The Concerned Civil Servants will on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 takes 20 percent salary hike effective from 1st April, 2025 to Parliament in the demonstrations which will start from Area 18 Roundabout in Red and Black dress code from 12;30 p.m.
The demonstrations failed to take place last week after District Commissioner for Lilongwe Dr. Lawford Palani refused to grant the Concerned Civil Servants permission to march to the Parliament Building on the claims that it is not a registered Union.
Dr. Palani said the registered Unions such as Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU)), Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) and the Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) distanced themselves from the Concerned Civil Servants.
Two Union leaders of CSTU and TUM were quoted in the media having said all civil servants in Malawi were satisfied with a 20 percent hike of their salaries effective from 1st April, 2025, the statements angered all civil servants in the country.
The stakeholders meeting in Lilongwe on the demonstrations resolved that the Concerned Civil Servants have organized these demonstrations in their own personal capacity because legally the civil servants are represented by their Unions, CSTU, TUM and MCTU.
The Concerned Civil Servants have been advised to take responsibility for anything that will happen during demonstration especially on issues of security and any damage giving them permission to enter Parliament premises to deliver their petition.
“The office of the District Commissioner in respect of the constitutional rights has given the Concerned Civil Servants a go ahead to proceed with the peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 starting from 12;30 P.M,” reads the letter signed by Dr. Lawford Palani.
Mrs. Elizabeth Kaliza Banda of Area 51 in Lilongwe, a teacher at one of the primary schools in Lilongwe Urban, has urged all teachers, (both secondary and primary) to patronize the demonstrations to shame their Union leaders who made it possible for the demonstrations not to be held.
Kaliza has also urged teachers to be demonstrating on Wednesday to take it as an opportunity to fire their Union leaders for failing to represent them in good faith as their interests were to serve their own berries rather than those of the teachers.
She said she would have loved if civil servants dissolve CSTU and TUM and let the Concerned Civil Servants be a caretaker committee until elections of the new committees are held for all civil servants to be assured that they have committees to represent them.
“CSTU and TUM leadership have fooled civil servants in Malawi, God will punish you for receiving millions of Kwachas from MCP out of the pain and sufferings of your colleagues in government,” said Kaliza Banda.
President Donald Trump has released details regarding his recent high-stakes phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Fox News reports indicate that the conversation, which took place amid rising tensions between the two nations, focused on a wide range of critical issues affecting global security and diplomatic relations.
According to the White House, the call was initiated to address concerns over international stability, particularly in regions where both the United States and Russia have significant strategic interests.
One of the key topics discussed was the ongoing situation in Ukraine, where Russia’s military actions have drawn widespread condemnation from Western nations, including the United States.
President Trump reportedly emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and reiterated America’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In response, President Putin defended Russia’s position and insisted that Western interference had escalated tensions in the region.
The leaders also spoke about nuclear arms control, a matter that has been a long-standing point of contention between the two countries.
President Trump expressed his commitment to ensuring that any new agreements on nuclear disarmament would serve the best interests of both nations and maintain global security.
He highlighted the importance of continued dialogue to prevent a new arms race that could further destabilize international relations.
President Putin, on his part, stressed the need for mutual trust and fairness in any future negotiations regarding arms control treaties.
The discussion also touched on the situation in Syria, where both countries have played significant roles in shaping the conflict’s outcome.
President Trump urged President Putin to support diplomatic efforts that would bring about a lasting resolution to the Syrian crisis.
He underscored the need for cooperation in counterterrorism operations to eliminate threats posed by extremist groups operating in the region.
President Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to maintaining its strategic interests in Syria while also advocating for a political settlement to the war.
Economic relations between the United States and Russia were another major point of discussion during the call.
President Trump raised concerns over trade restrictions and economic sanctions, which have significantly affected bilateral trade between the two nations.
He expressed interest in exploring potential areas of economic cooperation that could benefit both economies.
President Putin responded by criticizing what he described as unfair economic policies imposed by the United States and called for the lifting of sanctions that have hampered Russia’s economic growth.
Despite the differences highlighted during the call, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining open lines of communication.
They acknowledged that continued dialogue was necessary to address global challenges and prevent unnecessary escalations in diplomatic tensions.
The White House emphasized that President Trump remains committed to a pragmatic approach in dealing with Russia, balancing firmness with the possibility of cooperation.
Political analysts have noted that this conversation comes at a crucial time when US-Russia relations remain strained due to various geopolitical disputes.
Critics of President Trump have raised concerns over his administration’s handling of Russia, accusing him of being too lenient on President Putin.
Supporters, however, argue that diplomatic engagement is essential to preventing conflicts and fostering stability in international affairs.
As the world watches closely, the outcomes of this high-stakes call will likely influence future diplomatic interactions between the two global powers.
The long-term implications of this conversation remain to be seen, but it is clear that US-Russia relations will continue to be a focal point in international politics.
Traditional leaders in Mangochi have asked President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera to consider alleviating challenges chiefs in the lakeshore district and other surrounding areas are currently facing.
Among others,chiefs particularly from chewa ethnic are complaining about lack of promotion, oppression and unresolved chieftaincy wrangles,saying the situation is delaying development projects in their respective areas.
The chiefs raised their concerns on Sunday, March 16,2025 during the interface meeting with Malawi Chewa Heritage officials at saint Augustine 3 in the district.
Speaking on behalf of other chiefs, senior group village headman M’baluku asked Chakwera to give them ( chiefs) an audience and facially listen to their concerns.
“We have been knocking on the doors asking to meet our president but our efforts proved futile.
“We hope the coming of Gogo Sosola is the answer to our demand,” he said.
Commenting on the same, senior group village headman mpinganjira said chiefs have vowed to establish national cultural festival similar to Kulamba ceremony which annually takes place in Zambia inorder to give chance to Chewa people, watch different traditional dances of their ethnic and promote solidarity among Chewa people in the country.
“Kalonga is just a tittle given to king of Chewa people who has settled in a particular area.We have our own kalongas in Malawi,” narrated Mpinganjira.
In response,Malawi Chewa Heritage Chairperson Raphael Phiri popularly known as Gogo Sosola of Salima district clarified that his organisation will continue with efforts of bringing Chewa people together to promote peace and spirit of togetherness.
“I came here to trace untapped and oppressed ethnic.Our Chewa chiefs are facing numerous challenges due to lack of chief’s leadership.This problem is huge,”complained Sosola.
He further narrated that through Malawi Chewa Heritage,he will quickly address the chiefs’ concerns and bring unity among Chewa traditional leaders.
In conclusion,Gogo Sosola stressed that from this year,Malawi will now be conducting Chewa cultural national festival with the purpose of uniting and promoting Chewa culture across the country.
