The Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has issued a statement distancing itself from a group of 71 pastors who attended a prayer service at former President Peter Mutharika’s residence in Mangochi on Friday.
The service, organized by Mutharika,has sparked controversy after it is alleged that the pastors pledged their support to him ahead of the September 16, 2025, General Elections.
Pastors at Page House
The statement, co-signed by Reverend Humphreys Zgambo, Blantyre Synod Moderator, and Reverend Anderson Juma, General Secretary, emphasizes that the Synod remains non-partisan and did not sanction or approve the pastors’ visit.
According to the statement, the pastors attended the service in their individual capacity and not as representatives of the Synod or their congregations.
Blantyre Synod church has over 1.2 million members and plays a vital role in the country’s social and political landscape.
President Dr. Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera has promised to launch a youth innovation grant that aims at providing the youth with loans to be used in different areas including agriculture, education, and tourism among others.
The President disclosed this on Friday during a live youth engagement event at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where the youth had an opportunity to ask questions on the State of the National Address delivered in Parliament on Friday last week.
He explained that youths must be at the forefront when it comes to the developments of the country to make a difference by involving themselves in different entrepreneurship skills through loans obtained from the government under National Economic Empowerment Funds (NEEF) and other stakeholders while answering a question from Memory Ngwira who represented young entrepreneurs.
“The introduction of youth innovation grant will help to engage youths in different sectors including agriculture, economics, and tourism by working together with different stakeholders such as the World Bank, microfinance institutions and others that facilitate finances for youths.
“Government will also ensure that NEEF loans are granted to youths to boost their entrepreneurship and businesses,” he explained. The president also acknowledged that there are unemployed youths who need support through social welfare development.
Answering the question concerning the Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB), the president assured youths that government will increase funding to the organisation so that it can continue to operate independently for it to fight corruption.
“I want to encourage youths to be whistle-blowers if they have any issues regarding corruption in the country by working together with the ACB and other justice organisations to build a free corruption Malawi “Government is also committed to ensure that youths are engaged in the health sector by addressing different issues such as mental health and sexual reproductive rights and also government will ensure that health care remains affordable for all,” he said.
The President then assured the youth that government will continue to provide high-quality teaching and learning materials which includes the construction of school blocks, laboratories, libraries and others.
The city of Chipata was brought to a standstill today as thousands of people lined the streets to witness the grand and colorful movement of Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni from Ephendukeni to Laweni.
The event, steeped in tradition and cultural significance, drew the attention of locals and visitors alike, marking yet another historic moment in the Ngoni leadership.
The movement of Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni is a key ceremonial tradition that symbolizes the transition of leadership activities and royal authority between his two palaces.
This cultural event holds deep meaning within the Ngoni community, as it reflects their long-standing heritage, respect for their leader, and the preservation of their customs.
From the early hours of the morning, the city was abuzz with excitement as traditional dancers, drummers, and warriors clad in their famous animal-skin regalia showcased Ngoni cultural pride.
The streets of Chipata were filled with rhythmic beats of Ngoma drums, and chants of praise echoed as the paramount chief’s procession made its way through the city.
The scene was further adorned by colorful traditional attire worn by men, women, and children who came out in large numbers to be part of this significant day.
At the forefront of the procession was Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni himself, carried in royal splendor, surrounded by his council of elders and warriors.
The movement from Ephendukeni to Laweni is not just a change of location but a deeply symbolic act that marks the continuation of the chief’s rule, his governance over the people, and the strengthening of cultural bonds among the Ngoni.
Dignitaries, government officials, and traditional leaders from across Zambia and beyond also attended the event, paying homage to Inkosi Yamakhosi Mphezeni and affirming the importance of traditional leadership in contemporary governance.
Their presence underscored the role of culture in fostering unity and identity among the people.
As the movement concluded at Laweni, the celebrations continued with traditional songs, feasts, and speeches that reiterated the significance of the event.
Elders reminded the younger generation of the importance of safeguarding Ngoni customs and ensuring that such traditions are passed down to future generations.
The grand procession today was not just a spectacle but a reaffirmation of the Ngoni people’s strong cultural identity.
The City of Chipata, in all its modernity, stood in unity with tradition, proving that the past and present can coexist in a way that honors history while embracing the future.
Former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika has urged religious leaders and other influential figures to take an active role in addressing the various challenges facing Malawi.
Speaking from his Page House residence in Mangochi, Mutharika expressed concern over the country’s current state, attributing it to poor leadership by the ruling government.
Mutharika emphasized the vital role religious leaders play in shaping national discourse, urging them to use their platforms to advocate for justice, fairness, and improved governance.
Mutharika
He noted that Malawi has reached a critical point where the voice of religious leaders is needed to stand against mismanagement and other societal ills.
During a special prayer session attended by members of the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod, Mutharika expressed appreciation for their support.
The session was led by the Synod’s former Secretary General, Reverend Alex Maulana, who encouraged Mutharika to remain steadfast in his political ambitions as the country gears up for the next general elections.
“We are here to pray for you.
We want to invoke God to give you good health, wisdom, and strength so that you become the President to redeem Malawi from the current situation,” said Reverend Maulana.
The gathering included approximately 71 CCAP clerics from various churches under the Blantyre Synod, all of whom came together to offer prayers and extend their encouragement to Mutharika.
The presence of these religious leaders at Page House highlighted the growing concern within faith communities regarding the country’s governance and economic trajectory.
Mutharika’s call for religious leaders to speak out aligns with broader public sentiments on the need for accountability and responsible leadership.
As Malawi approaches the 2025 general elections, political and religious leaders alike are expected to play critical roles in shaping the nation’s future.
With rising discontent among Malawians due to economic hardships, corruption allegations, and governance concerns, Mutharika’s message serves as a rallying call for collective action.
The former President continues to position himself as a key contender in the upcoming elections, advocating for a return to what he describes as better governance and national prosperity.
As political tensions heighten, it remains to be seen how religious leaders and other influential figures will respond to Mutharika’s call. Will they take a stand in addressing national issues, or will they maintain their traditional neutrality?
One thing is clear: Malawi is at a crossroads, and voices from all sectors of society will be crucial in determining its path forward.
President Lazarus Chakwera today held an interactive session with young people under the age of 30 at the State House in Lilongwe.
The primary objective of this engagement was to provide clarity on key issues raised during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) and to foster direct communication between the government and the youth.
The event brought together young people from diverse backgrounds, including musicians, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various sectors.
The session was also broadcast live on social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), allowing a broader audience to participate in the discussions.
During the session, President Chakwera emphasized the importance of holding regular engagements of this nature, stating that they offer a vital platform for young people to understand government policies while also giving the government an opportunity to hear their concerns firsthand.
Following the success of today’s event, similar youth engagement sessions are scheduled to take place in Blantyre on the 27th of this month and in Mzuzu on the 4th of next month.
These dialogues are expected to further enhance youth participation in governance and national development.
Below are some images capturing key moments from the event.
