Renowned musicians Lawi, Lulu, Kell Kay and Gwamba have organised a music show to raise funds for fellow artist Tay Grin who lost millions of property in a fire accident early this month.
According to Lawi, the show dubbed ‘From The Ashes’ will take place on April 5 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Lawi further revealed that BICC have offered the place for free to show their support to the hip-hop artist.
TayGrin and Lawi
Veteran musician Giddes Chalamanda is also expected to perform on the day.
Tay Grin lost millions’ worth property following fire that razed down his room in Lilongwe.
Vicar General Boniface Tamani of the Archdiocese of Blantyre has called on the government to take action against deforestation by introducing and enforcing laws that protect the environment.
Speaking on Saturday at a tree-planting event in Mussa Village, Chiradzulu district, Tamani emphasized the importance of holding people accountable for reckless deforestation and littering.
On her part, a senior lecturer in Geography and Environmental Studies at Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA ) Maureen Mzuza echoed Tamani’s call to action.
She stressed the need for proper tree care and encouraged the residents of Mussa village, which was relocated from Tauchira village after Cyclone Freddy, to take care of the newly planted trees.
The event was organized by the Centre for Environmental Affairs at CUNIMA, in partnership with several organizations, including the World Union of Catholic Organisations and the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development.
Child rights activist Memory Chisenga has expressed concern over the delayed hearing of a high-profile case involving Dutch national Jan Willem Akster, who is accused of sodomy and sexual abuse against children and employees at Timotheos Foundation between January 2018 and April 2020.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday in Blantyre,Chisenga,said that the delays are hindering access to justice for the victims.
“The victims have waited over four years for justice, and it is time for action,” she said.
Memory Chisenga
The child rights activist said despite the delays and threats, they will still push for justice.
“We will meet the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, and even the state President to seek justice for the victims,” she added.
On his part,Director for People Serving Girls at Risk, Caleb Ngombo, concurred with Chisenga, appealing for collective action in fighting for justice for the minors that were sodomised.
“This is a call to all of us to rise up and take action. We expect the courts to stand and protect children. If we cannot condemn sexual abuse, then we do not conform to a noble society,” he said.
The first trial was set to commence on September 11, 2024 but did not proceed as the magistrate who was handling the case was transferred to Lilongwe.
A new date for hearing was set for February 6, 2025 but the case was also adjourned to March 12, as the case file was reported to have gone missing.
Minister of Higher Education Jessie Kabwila says her ministry has observed that some theological institutions in the country are awarding degrees that do not meet the required academic standards.
She said this during Boma Likunji press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday.
To curb the malpractice,Kabwila assured that an appropriate action will be taken.
Kabwila
The minister vowed to ensure that standards are maintained in all higher learning institutions to restore equality in education sector.
She said her ministry will also ensure that all private universities employ well-qualified lecturers and address the issue of sex for grades in some universities among lectures and students
Kabwila added that her ministry will ensure that only qualified individuals are employed in public universities to prevent substandard work.
Regarding Mombela University, she confirmed that construction is ongoing, with the fencing currently in progress stating that the construction of the main infrastructure is set to commence in May this year.
The minister then emphasised the importance of innovation in universities, encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial skills.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are self-reliant, not just job seekers. We are fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment,” she said.
Minister of Higher Education Jessie Kabwila has raised serious concerns over the integrity of some theological institutions in Malawi.
She has observed that these institutions are awarding degrees that do not meet the required academic standards.
This revelation is alarming because it highlights the presence of substandard education in the country, which undermines the credibility of Malawi’s higher education system.
Such institutions fail to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills, leading to the production of graduates who may not be competent in their respective fields.
Kabwila made these remarks during the Boma Likutinji press briefing in Lilongwe on Friday.
Her public statement signifies a strong governmental stance on tackling academic fraud and ensuring that the education sector maintains high standards.
By addressing this issue in a formal government setting, Kabwila has demonstrated the seriousness of the matter and her ministry’s commitment to reform.
To curb the malpractice, Kabwila assured the public that appropriate action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply with set academic standards.
This is a crucial step in ensuring that students receive genuine education that meets both national and international benchmarks.
Regulating theological institutions will also protect students from investing time and money in degrees that hold no real academic value.
The minister vowed to maintain strict academic standards across all higher learning institutions to restore equality in the education sector.
Ensuring equality in higher education is vital for providing all students, regardless of the institution they attend, with fair opportunities for success.
By enforcing strict academic policies, Kabwila’s ministry is working towards creating an education system that upholds fairness, integrity, and excellence.
She further stated that her ministry will ensure that all private universities employ well-qualified lecturers.
This measure is essential because the quality of education depends largely on the competence of lecturers.
Employing underqualified individuals as lecturers weakens the learning process and deprives students of proper academic guidance.
Kabwila also addressed the issue of sex-for-grades in some universities, where lecturers exploit students in exchange for academic favors.
Sex-for-grades is a serious academic and ethical violation that has been reported in various institutions, and it significantly affects students’ academic performance and emotional well-being.
By acknowledging this issue publicly, Kabwila is sending a strong warning to those involved in such unethical practices.
She assured the public that her ministry would take action against lecturers who engage in this malpractice and introduce measures to protect students.
Kabwila also stated that her ministry would ensure that only qualified individuals are employed in public universities to prevent substandard work.
This statement highlights the need for a recruitment system based on merit rather than favoritism or political connections.
Ensuring that only competent individuals are employed in universities will improve the quality of research, teaching, and learning.
Regarding Mombela University, she confirmed that construction is ongoing, with the fencing currently in progress.
This development indicates the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education by establishing new institutions.
She further stated that the construction of the main infrastructure is set to commence in May this year.
The timeline for construction is crucial because it gives students, educators, and policymakers a clear picture of when the university will become operational.
The minister emphasized the importance of innovation in universities, encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial skills.
This shift from traditional education to a more practical, skill-based system is necessary in today’s economic environment, where job opportunities are limited.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are self-reliant, not just job seekers. We are fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment,” she said.
This vision aligns with the broader goal of transforming Malawi’s education system to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
By prioritizing innovation and self-employment, Kabwila’s ministry is equipping students with the necessary tools to create jobs rather than solely relying on the government or private sector for employment.
Her ministry’s strong stance on academic malpractice and higher education reform is a crucial step toward improving the quality, credibility, and fairness of Malawi’s education system.
Through these efforts, Kabwila is setting a solid foundation for an education system that prioritizes competence, ethics, and real-world application of knowledge.
