Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Chair of Council, Professor Zachary Kasomekera has emphasized the need to incorporate young people’s innovations in addressing the country’s challenges.
He made the remarks at the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards ceremony, sponsored by CDH Investment Bank, held at LUANAR’s campus in Lilongwe on Friday.
Professor Zachary Kasomekera
Kasomekera encouraged students to harness their skills to drive positive change and boost the country’s agricultural economy.
On his part,CDH Investment Bank Chief Business Development Officer, Jamal Kamoto, pledged the bank’s support for innovative ideas, aiming to bring about positive outcomes.
The Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Awards recognized 11 outstanding first-year students, while the LUANAR Challenge awarded the top three participants with cash prizes.
An economist and data analyst at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA),William Khalipwina Mpina, has released a new book titled ‘Stranger in Her Own Skin’, a collection of stories that explore the human condition.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Mpina said the book, which is currently available online, will be officially launched in November this year.
The author shared the inspiration behind his book.
William Khalipwina Mpina
“I wanted to document the pain, the loss, the happiness, and the sadness that we experience in our daily lives,” he said .
Mpina, who has been writing since 1997,expressed his concerns about the publishing industry in the country, noting that most publishers prioritize textbooks over fiction works.
As a result,the author opted to work with a Zimbabwean publisher for his latest book.
When asked about the writing industry in Malawi, Mpina said:”The writing industry is thriving, but the publishing industry needs to catch up.”
He said he has hope that his work will contribute to a growing recognition of the value of writing in Malawi.
Mpina is the co-editor of ‘Walking the Battlefield (2020)’, a bilingual poetry collection reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, and the author of ‘Mooning the Morning (2022)’, a poetry collection published by Montfort Media.
Additionally, he authored ‘Kamwala Kodabwitsa (2024)’, a children’s book created for the Invisible Child Project, funded by PEN International.
Mpina also serves as a judge for the 2024 IHRAM SADC Literary Prize in Poetry, the Treasurer General for the Malawi Union of Academic and Nonfiction Authors, and an Executive Committee member of PEN Malawi, a local center of PEN International.
His work exemplifies a unique blend of analytical expertise and creative expression, contributing significantly to both the literary and academic communities in Malawi and beyond.
A leading poultry company in the country, Central Poultry (CP ) has come under fire for its handling of new employees.
We met one of the victims Peter Mawindo,who shared his disturbing experience with our publication.
Mawindo was asked to start working with CP on March 1, 2025, without receiving a formal job offer letter or clear instructions about his employment terms.
When he inquired about the offer letter, the Human Resource (HR) representative told him that it would take 2-3 months to receive it, citing the company’s “high schedules” as the reason.
Mawindo
Said Mawindo in his long response:”I underwent interviews and a one-week training at Central Poultry, Kanengo Hatchery, in September 2024. On February 28, 2025, I received a call at exactly 10:48 am, informing me to start work the following day, March 1, 2025. Before the call ended, I asked, “Why do I need to arrive tomorrow at 6 am?” The response was, “Kudzayamba ntchito Peter ndati,” which did not provide the clarification I was seeking.
“I then asked, “What about the offer letter, madam?” The HR representative replied, “You will receive it later.” I found this response unprofessional and unclear.
“I traveled to Lilongwe the same day and spent the night at a lodge to ensure I arrived on time for my first day. The next morning, I arrived at the campus at 5:45 am and waited until 6:16 am, when I was called to enter the premises.
“Upon entering, I was instructed to follow the supervisor and begin work immediately. However, I requested to speak with the HR representative first. When I met with her, she explained that the company typically takes 2-3 months to provide new employees with an offer letter due to their busy schedules.
“I expressed my concerns about starting work without a formal contract and requested that they notify me when the offer letter was ready. I then left the premises.”
Mawindo saw it as an unusual practice and a potential sign of exploitation.
Our investigation revealed that CP’s hiring process lacks transparency, and the company’s communication with new employees is unclear and disorganized.
The HR representative’s response to Mawindo’s inquiry demonstrated a lack of respect for employees’ time and rights.
Mind you the lack of formal employment contracts and unclear expectations can lead to a toxic work environment and high employee turnover rates.
In Malawi, the law requires employers to provide employees with a written contract outlining the employment terms.
Failure to do so can result in disputes, conflicts, and exploitation of employees.
Mawindo’s incident exposes concerns about unfair labor practices and poor management at CP.
His experience at the company highlights the importance of requesting a job offer letter and reviewing and negotiating the terms before starting work.
*What can you do if you are facing a similar situation?*
– Request a job offer letter outlining the employment terms. – Review and negotiate the terms if necessary. – Don’t start work without a formal contract.
Remember, a job offer letter is a crucial document that protects your rights and ensures a clear understanding of the employment agreement.
The Eastern Region Football Association’s Premier Division has received a K26 million sponsorship deal with H. Adams Wholesalers.
The league, now rebranded as the DURATA Premier Division, will feature teams from Mangochi, Machinga, Zomba, Balaka, and Phalombe.
Oscar Banda, Regional Marketing Manager for H. Adams, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting football development in Malawi, complementing the efforts of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM).
Abdul Chiwalo, Chairman of the Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA), praised H. Adams Wholesalers for partnering with the association just six months after its formation.
Meanwhile FAM Executive Committee member Daud Mtanthiko, who attended the unveiling ceremony, also commended H. Adams Wholesalers for their financial support.
He emphasized the importance of private sector investment in football development.
One of the country’s leading courier companies,CTS Courier on Saturday March 1,2025 opened its new branch in Ndirande Township,Blantyre, expanding its services to better serve its customers.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News,Bangwe CTS Courier Branch Supervisor, Zaithwa Manase,said the decision to open a new branch in Ndirande was driven by customer demand.
“Many of our customers in the area were facing difficulties in accessing our services due to distance.By opening this new branch, we aim to provide easier access and convenience to our customers.
“The branch promises to deliver good services, ensuring customer satisfaction,” said Manase.
She expressed gratitude to customers for their support.
“We appreciate everything that you do for us at Cityscouria,” she said .
Apart from Ndirande Branch , the company also opened the following branches;
.Lunzu Branch- Behind California Lodge
. Area 23 Branch- At Mpawemi stage opposite Mpawemi Clinic
. Matawale Branch- Close to Jali stage next to cement shop
.Green Corner Branch-Close to Highlands, pama truck.
