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SMEO,WJAM commemorate International Women’s Day with single mothers

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By Chisomo Phiri

As part of commemorating International Women’s Day,The Single Mother Empowerment Organization(SMEO), founded by Venia Vimbai Awali Bakali in partnership with Women Judges Association of Malawi(WJAM) on Saturday March 8,2025 hosted a meeting with over 200 young and single mothers from Mbayani and Chemusa Townships in Blantyre.

The event, held at Malawi Sun Hotel in the commercial city, aimed to tackle the challenges faced by single mothers and explore solutions to support them.

In an interview with journalists, Bakali said the meeting was a significant step forward in addressing the issues affecting single mothers in the country.

“We are happy to have reached out to such a large number of women.

“This is the largest group we’ve ever hosted, and we believe it’s a crucial step in supporting these women and girls,” she said.

Bakali highlighted the challenges faced by single mothers, including poverty, transactional sex, and exploitation by men.

She emphasized that these issues are deeply entrenched and require a collective effort to address.

When asked if Malawi is making progress in reducing the number of single mothers, Bakali expressed concern.

“I do not think we are making strides in reducing the number of single mothers.

“Poverty is a significant driver of transactional sex, and until we address this underlying issue, the situation will likely worsen,” she said.

Bakali said her organization is committed to continuing its work in supporting single mothers and advocating for policies that address the root causes of poverty and exploitation.

She said:”We should expect more of these events in the future, as the situation is dire, and many women and girls need support and encouragement in their daily lives.”

On her part,the country’s youngest magistrate, Olivia Sama encouraged single women to unlock their potential and take control of their lives.

She emphasized the importance of education and entrepreneurship in empowering young mothers.

Sama also highlighted the need for civic education and community outreach programs.

She then advised single mothers to start small businesses or seek support from the Child Justice Court to care for their children.

Sana warehouse caught hiding sugar, selling expired goods

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By Jones Gadama

A shocking discovery was made at Sana warehouses in Limbe, where officials were found hiding sugar and selling expired goods.

An investigation led by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) uncovered 1.41 tonnes of expired rice and 2.2 tonnes of expired drinks at the warehouse.

The MBS officials were tipped off about the expired goods and decided to pay a visit to the warehouse. What they found was alarming.



The warehouse was stocked with expired products, which were being repackaged and re-stickered to make them appear fresh.

The laws in Malawi are clear: expired goods are supposed to be moved from the shelf to the wastage site, not stored in a warehouse.

The MBS has vowed to take action against Sana for violating these laws and putting the health of Malawians at risk.

In addition to the expired goods, the investigation also found that Sana was hiding sugar in their warehouse while claiming that it was not available in their shops.

The MBS officials ordered Sana to take the sugar to their shops, where it was desperately needed.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in conjunction with the CFTC has closed the Sana Limbe Shop for 14 days.

The maximum penalty for this offense is 10% of the annual turnover. The MBS has requested audited financial statements from Sana to determine the exact penalty.

This incident has sparked outrage among Malawians, who are calling for tougher penalties against businesses that prioritize profits over people’s health.

The MBS has assured the public that they will continue to monitor businesses and take action against those that violate the law.

In a related development, the MBS has shut down several Sana shops in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu due to poor hygiene and the sale of expired products.


The closures are a clear indication that the MBS is serious about protecting the health and safety of Malawians.

As the debate over the Sugar Bill continues, this incident has highlighted the need for tougher regulations on businesses that deal with essential commodities.

The bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, aims to regulate the sugar industry and ensure that Malawians have access to affordable and quality sugar.

The MBS has called on all Malawians to support the Sugar Bill and to be vigilant against businesses that prioritize profits over people’s health.

As one official noted, “We serve the people, not the interests of businesses. It’s time for us to put people over politics.”

Dan Lu addresses haters in his latest song and video ‘Onse’


By Durell Namasani


Afro-Pop star ‘Dan Lu’ has released his first single this year which addresses the persistent haters head-on.

The title of the song is ‘Onse’ and was produced by Tricky Beats and BFB while the video has been directed by Athume.

_Ondinyoza andinyozeee
Ondikonda andikondeee
Singasangalatse onsee
Ineyo sindalama_ goes the Chorus of the song.



Dan Lu has been receiving a lot of criticism from some music followers ever since he started recording political songs.

You can watch the full song by following the link below
https://youtu.be/IdYNl_NqiuA?si=RmzhAuxS-m18gEql

Ken Msonda suffers crushing defeat in MCP primaries

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By Jones Gadama

In a stunning turn of events, Ken Msonda, a former executive member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), suffered a crushing defeat in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primaries for the Rumphi East Constituency.

Msonda, who was expelled from the DPP, managed to secure only 8 votes, while his opponents, Otton Thindea and Alfred Nyasulu, garnered 285 and 509 votes, respectively.

The victory of Alfred Nyasulu means that he will represent the MCP as its member of parliament during the general elections.

Ken Msonda



Nyasulu’s win is seen as a significant boost for the MCP in the Rumphi East Constituency.

Msonda’s defeat is not an isolated incident. Several other former members of the DPP, who defected to the MCP, have also failed to secure nominations in their respective constituencies.

These include Zeliya Chakale, Grezelda Geoffrey, and Calista Chapola.

The MCP has been criticized for accepting former DPP members, with some arguing that the party is providing a safe haven for politicians who have been rejected by their own party.

Msonda’s expulsion from the DPP was seen as a significant blow to his political career, and his failure to secure a nomination in the MCP primaries is a further setback.

Other former members of the DPP, who have joined the MCP and are yet to compete in the primaries, include Esther Mcheka Chilenje and Uladi Mussa.

Mussa, a former vice president of the DPP, has been appointed as the second deputy director of campaigns for the MCP.

The MCP primaries have been marked by controversy, with some candidates accusing the party of favoritism and manipulation.

The party has denied these allegations, stating that the primaries have been free and fair.

As the general elections approach, the MCP will be looking to capitalize on its strong performance in the primaries.

However, the party will also need to address the concerns of its members and supporters, who are increasingly frustrated with the party’s leadership and direction.

Trial of Teacher Pascale B. begins amid school harassment tragedy

By Burnett Munthali

The trial of Pascale B., a teacher accused of the moral harassment of a minor, is set to commence on March 10 at the Pontoise court in France.

This case has drawn widespread attention due to its tragic origins, which are linked to the suicide of an 11-year-old student named Evaëlle.

The accusations against Pascale B. have raised critical discussions about the role of teachers in preventing and addressing bullying within schools.



Evaëlle’s death shocked the public, prompting deeper conversations about the impact of school harassment and the responsibilities of educators.

According to reports, the young girl endured repeated episodes of mistreatment that ultimately led to her taking her own life.

Her family has been vocal in seeking justice, arguing that Pascale B.’s alleged actions played a significant role in their daughter’s suffering.

The case highlights the devastating consequences of school harassment, not only on students but also on their families and communities.

Moral harassment, particularly in educational settings, has become a growing concern, with increasing calls for stricter measures to combat bullying in schools.

Legal experts note that this trial could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing policies on teacher conduct and student welfare.

The prosecution is expected to present evidence that Pascale B.’s behavior contributed to Evaëlle’s psychological distress, ultimately pushing her toward a tragic decision.

The defense, on the other hand, may argue that the teacher’s actions have been misinterpreted or exaggerated, seeking to clear Pascale B. of any wrongdoing.

As the trial unfolds, testimonies from students, colleagues, and experts on school harassment will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case.

Public reaction to the case has been intense, with many calling for stricter enforcement of anti-bullying policies in schools to prevent similar tragedies.

Advocates for children’s rights have emphasized the need for improved support systems for students who experience harassment, ensuring that their concerns are taken seriously.

The case of Evaëlle serves as a painful reminder of the long-term psychological damage that bullying can inflict on young children.

In recent years, awareness campaigns and educational programs have been introduced in schools to combat bullying, but incidents like this show that more needs to be done.

Parents and educators alike are closely watching the trial, hoping that justice will be served and that it will lead to meaningful changes in school environments.

As the court proceedings begin, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the education system, teacher accountability, and student protection laws.

The trial of Pascale B. is not just about determining individual guilt but also about confronting the broader issue of school harassment and its tragic consequences.

Regardless of the verdict, Evaëlle’s story has already left a lasting impact, reminding society of the urgent need to address bullying in all its forms.