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Kabwila praises President Chakwera for supporting higher education

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Kabwila praises President Chakwera for supporting higher education

By Jones Gadama

Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila, has commended President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera for his efforts in ensuring that the school calendars in institutions of higher learning are not disturbed.

Speaking at the University of Malawi graduation ceremony, Kabwila praised the President for his commitment to promoting tertiary education in the country.

According to Kabwila, President Chakwera has made significant strides in ensuring that university calendars flow as planned, allowing students to complete their studies without unnecessary disruptions.

President Chakwera



The Minister also highlighted the President’s efforts in increasing enrollment numbers in higher education institutions, providing more opportunities for Malawian students to access tertiary education.

Kabwila further commended the President for increasing the number of students benefiting from the students’ loans and upkeep allowances, making it easier for students to focus on their studies without financial hardships.

These interventions, she noted, demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting higher education and promoting the development of the country’s human capital.

Another significant issue that Kabwila praised the President for addressing is the quarter system of selecting students.

She noted that the President has ensured that all Malawian students are treated equally in the selection process, eliminating biases and promoting fairness.

This move, she said, has brought relief to many students and their families, who can now access higher education opportunities without fear of being unfairly disadvantaged.

The Minister’s praise for the President’s efforts in supporting higher education comes at a time when the sector is facing numerous challenges.

Many institutions of higher learning in Malawi have struggled with issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and brain drain.

However, under President Chakwera’s leadership, the government has made significant investments in the sector, aimed at improving the quality of education and increasing access to higher education opportunities.

Kabwila’s comments were made during the University of Malawi graduation ceremony, where hundreds of students were awarded degrees and diplomas in various fields.

The ceremony was a celebration of the students’ hard work and dedication to their studies, and a testament to the impact of the government’s efforts in promoting higher education.

As Malawi continues to invest in its human capital, it is essential that the government remains committed to supporting higher education.

By providing more opportunities for students to access tertiary education, the government can help to build a skilled workforce that can drive the country’s economic growth and development.

Minister Kabwila’s praise for President Chakwera’s efforts in supporting higher education is well-deserved.

The President’s commitment to promoting tertiary education and eliminating biases in the selection process is a significant step towards building a more inclusive and equitable education system.

As Malawi continues to develop its human capital, it is essential that the government remains committed to supporting higher education and promoting the development of the country’s future leaders.

MEC prepares for elections with key logistical arrangements

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MEC prepares for elections with key logistical arrangements



By Jones Gadama

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is making significant strides in preparation for the upcoming elections, with key logistical arrangements being put in place to ensure a smooth and transparent process.

According to MEC Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, the commission intends to award the contract for printing ballot papers and results forms to Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing of the United Arab Emirates.

This development is part of MEC’s efforts to ensure that all necessary materials are in place for the elections.



The commission is also finalizing the procurement of indelible ink, which will be used to mark voters’ fingers as a security measure to prevent multiple voting.

Additionally, MEC is procuring additional Election Management Devices (EMDs) that will facilitate biometric identification of voters on polling day.

The use of biometric voter identification is a crucial aspect of the electoral process, as it helps to ensure the integrity and credibility of the elections.

The EMDs will enable the verification of voters’ identities, reducing the risk of impersonation and other forms of electoral malpractice.

In preparation for the announcement of election results, MEC is setting up a National Results Centre in Lilongwe.

The commission is currently assessing available facilities within the city.

UNIMA Vice Chancellor hails progress in closing gender disparity gap

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UNIMA Vice Chancellor hails progress in closing gender disparity gap



By Jones Gadama

The University of Malawi (UNIMA) is making strides in closing the gender disparity gap, according to Vice Chancellor Professor Samson Sajidu.

Speaking at the first 2025 UNIMA Congregation Ceremony, Professor Sajidu highlighted the university’s progress in promoting gender equality, evident in the number of students awarded various academic qualifications.

Out of 2,643 graduating students, 26 achieved distinctions, with 13 females and 12 males receiving top honors.


This milestone demonstrates UNIMA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment where students of all genders can excel.

Professor Sajidu’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to address gender inequality in Malawian higher education.

According to a study published in the African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, women remain underrepresented in decision-making positions in universities, with patriarchal structures and gender-blind promotion criteria hindering their advancement.

Despite these challenges, UNIMA’s progress is notable.

The university’s efforts align with Malawi’s commitment to narrowing the gender gap since ratifying the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action.

To further promote gender equality, experts recommend promoting women in research, repurposing institution gender policies, and encouraging women to take on leadership roles.

In his address, Professor Sajidu also emphasized the importance of integrity as the graduating students join the workforce.

He challenged them to refrain from corruption and uphold ethical standards in their professional endeavors.

UNIMA’s commitment to gender equality and academic excellence is reflected in its growing number of female students and staff.

However, the university still faces challenges in meeting the 60:40 gender representation requirement stipulated in the Gender Equality Act. In the 2023 intake, UNIMA had 61% male students and 39% female students, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address the gender gap.

As UNIMA continues to push for greater inclusivity and academic excellence, its progress serves as a model for other institutions in Malawi.

By fostering a culture of equality and meritocracy, UNIMA is helping shape the next generation of leaders and contributing to the country’s development.

UNIMA’s efforts to close the gender disparity gap are commendable, and the university’s commitment to academic excellence and integrity is evident in its graduating class.

As Malawi’s education sector continues to evolve, UNIMA’s progress offers valuable lessons for promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive society.

Tell the old men of the DPP: No vision, no future – Dan Lu’s bold message in ‘Katundu wa Boma’

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Tell the old men of the DPP: No vision, no future – Dan Lu’s bold message in ‘Katundu wa Boma’

By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s celebrated artist Dan Lufani, popularly known as Dan Lu, has stirred political waters with his latest song Katundu wa Boma, a fearless musical statement that critiques the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for lacking a clear vision for the country’s future.

In a time of mounting political competition and increasing public frustration, Dan Lu boldly declares that the DPP, dominated by aging political figures, has run out of meaningful ideas to offer Malawians.

The song tells a blunt story: the DPP had its chance in government, failed to deliver, and now seeks a return to power without presenting any credible or convincing policy direction.

Dan Lu, in his lyrics, instructs the people to “tell the old men of the DPP” that Malawi needs leaders with solutions, not recycled slogans and worn-out narratives.

His message is loud and unapologetic — Malawians are tired of empty promises and deserve forward-thinking leadership that can solve the nation’s economic and social challenges.

Dan Lu



What makes Katundu wa Boma more than just a song is the way it uses music as a weapon of truth, a mirror reflecting public sentiment and a challenge to those seeking to lead the nation.

Dan Lu makes a sharp comparison between the DPP and the current ruling party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), suggesting that while MCP is actively trying to provide direction, the DPP seems stuck in the past, clinging to power without progress.

He argues that leadership is not a retirement plan for political veterans but a responsibility to guide the nation with wisdom, energy, and purpose.

The artist does not mince words when he portrays DPP officials as people more concerned with regaining power than understanding the needs of ordinary citizens.

In doing so, Dan Lu joins a growing movement of Malawian voices calling for transformative politics — one that goes beyond slogans and rallies and delivers tangible development outcomes.

The timing of the song’s release is also critical, as the country edges closer to another election cycle, where voters will have to decide who is fit to lead Malawi into a better future.

By questioning the DPP’s relevance and preparedness, Dan Lu challenges voters to look beyond the surface and demand substance from their leaders.

He suggests that a political party that once failed to govern effectively should not be given another chance without showing genuine remorse, reform, and readiness to lead differently.

Through his lyrics, he encourages young people, the majority of Malawi’s population, to rise and reject leaders who have nothing new to offer except past glories and failed policies.

Dan Lu’s fearless stand may be seen as controversial by DPP loyalists, but for many, it resonates with the reality on the ground: poverty, unemployment, corruption, and broken systems still define the lives of many Malawians.

The artist’s decision to confront political hypocrisy through music is both courageous and necessary in a society where freedom of expression is often met with political intimidation.

Katundu wa Boma is not just a song — it is a political sermon, a civic lesson, and a rallying cry for Malawians to think critically before choosing who should lead them.

It also sends a message to all political players: Malawians are watching, listening, and ready to reject leadership that is disconnected from their daily struggles.

Dan Lu’s work demonstrates that artists have a powerful role to play in shaping political consciousness and holding leaders accountable.

His message is clear and deliberate — Malawi needs leadership with vision, not political dinosaurs seeking relevance without renewal.

In conclusion, Katundu wa Boma is a wake-up call to the DPP and a warning to all political parties that without meaningful policy direction, they risk being irrelevant to a new generation of voters hungry for real change.

Mukhito engages chiefs and promises development-focused leadership in Lilongwe City Centre

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Mukhito engages chiefs and promises development-focused leadership in Lilongwe City Centre

By Burnett Munthali

On April 30, 2025, Hon. Peter Mukhito, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre Constituency, made a notable and strategic appearance at the Chatata Community-Based Organization (CBO) offices.

The event marked an important milestone in his campaign as he met face-to-face with over 30 local chiefs from the area.

This interaction was more than a political courtesy call—it was a deliberate effort to connect with traditional leaders and hear firsthand the pressing issues facing their communities.



The chiefs, who are key custodians of culture and grassroots governance, welcomed Hon. Mukhito with open arms, appreciating his willingness to engage them directly.

The meeting was conducted under the esteemed leadership of Sub-Traditional Authority (Sub-T/A) Chatata, who presided over the gathering with dignity and traditional authority.

During his remarks, Hon. Mukhito emphasized that true development can only flourish when leaders prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people.

He stated that it is not enough for leaders to make promises—they must act in alignment with the will of the people they serve.

He pledged to restore integrity, accessibility, and meaningful representation to the office of Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre.

Hon. Mukhito did not shy away from addressing the failures of the current political leadership in the constituency.

He pointed out that the incumbent Member of Parliament had effectively abandoned the constituency.

He highlighted that the incumbent had pursued personal political ambitions elsewhere, leaving behind a trail of unfulfilled promises and frustrated constituents.

This, Hon. Mukhito said, was a betrayal of the people’s trust and an insult to the democratic mandate given by the citizens of Lilongwe City Centre.

He assured the chiefs that he was not in the race for personal gain or fame.

Rather, he is motivated by a strong desire to restore hope and dignity to the people of the constituency.

Hon. Mukhito promised to be a leader who listens, responds, and delivers on commitments made during the campaign and beyond.

The chiefs, in turn, expressed optimism about Hon. Mukhito’s candidacy, citing his humility, professionalism, and clear development agenda.

They voiced their disappointment with past political leaders who only returned to the area during election seasons.

Several chiefs shared personal stories of abandoned community projects, broken bridges, neglected schools, and chronic water shortages.

They noted how years of political neglect had turned Lilongwe City Centre into a forgotten zone despite being a vital urban constituency.

In response, Hon. Mukhito outlined a number of his key development priorities.

He stressed the importance of building strong partnerships between local leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies.

He pledged to work closely with the chiefs to identify development gaps and mobilize resources for long-term solutions.

Hon. Mukhito reiterated that true change would only come through inclusive participation and transparency in decision-making.

He emphasized that every community member—from chiefs to youth to women—must feel they have a voice in shaping the future of the constituency.

The visit to Chatata CBO offices also served as a listening session for Hon. Mukhito.

He took note of the many concerns raised by the chiefs and promised to include them in his policy proposals and campaign agenda.

By the end of the meeting, there was a sense of renewed hope among those present.

The chiefs said they were encouraged by Hon. Mukhito’s approach and were confident that he represented a new chapter of accountable leadership.

They called upon residents of Lilongwe City Centre to rally behind him and give him a chance to bring real, measurable development.

Hon. Mukhito concluded the meeting by thanking the chiefs for their warm reception and wisdom.

He promised to return not just as a politician, but as a partner in progress and a servant of the people.

As the 2025 elections approach, Hon. Peter Mukhito’s interaction with the Chatata chiefs may well be remembered as a defining moment in the reawakening of Lilongwe City Centre’s development journey.

It signaled the emergence of a leader who is not only ready to speak—but ready to listen and act.

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