The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has been recognized as the best arts promoting university, receiving the prestigious award at the 2024 Maso Awards.
The awards ceremony was held last night at COMESA Hall in Blantyre.
In a Facebook post expressing gratitude, MUST said:”Art is leisurely, but when it comes to promoting it, we are serious about it. Evidence of this is our win tonight of the 2024 Maso Awards for Best Arts Promoting University. We are MUST.”
MUST is Malawi’s fourth public university established by an Act of Parliament Number 31 of 2012. Situated in Ndata, Thyolo, its groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 11, 2011 and was led by the founder, then President, His Excellency the late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika.
The university was officially opened on October 24, 2014 by then president, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
MUST’s establishment was aimed at filling the gaps that existed in the higher education and human resource development market.
Through its Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, (BISCH) wing established in 2016, MUST offers the following cultural-related programs:Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices, BA in African Musicology, BA in Language, Communication and Culture, BA in Cultural Economy and BA in Archiving and Records Management.
The newly elected United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party President, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, has vowed to establish a new commission of inquiry into the plane crash that claimed the lives of the party’s founder and former Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others on June 10, 2024, if elected as the country’s president in the September 16, 2025 elections.
He said this during a memorial mass in honor of the late Chilima at Nsipe Catholic Church in Ntcheu.
Kabambe laying a wreath at Chilima’s grave
Kabambe expressed dissatisfaction with the findings by an inquiry established by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, which ruled out foul play and attributed the cause of plane crash to bad weather and human error.
He said:” We promise that when we form a new government next year, we will establish our own commission of inquiry to fully investigate what caused the tragic plane crash that killed our beloved party founder.We are not satisfied with the recent findings.”
On his part, the memorial mass presiding priest Father Athanasius Manyenga called on the people gathered not to lose heart but believe in God and live a holy life.
He said the late Chilima had a strong faith in God, was always at church and did many charity works that is why he is mourned by many people as he left a lasting impression.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Chilima’s cousin Joshua Valera thanked the people that gathered to honour him, saying they feel comforted.
“From our hearts, we say thank you so much for honouring Dr. Chilima. May God be with you,” he said.
After the mass, there was laying of wreaths on the grave of late Chilima, and the first to lay a wreath was his wife Mary Chilima and her daughter Elizabeth.
The others who followed include; Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V,Kabambe, MP for Ntcheu Bwanje North Nancy Chaola Mdooko and late Chilima’s brothers as well as other family members.
The event was marked by prayers, songs of comfort and a call for holy living.
A 42-year-old man in Lusaka has filed for divorce after his wife, 34, took a controversial photograph with American R&B superstar Chris Brown. The photo, which was captured during a “meet and greet” session after Brown’s recent concert at FNB Stadium in South Africa, has ignited a domestic dispute that has now escalated to the courts.
According to court documents filed in Lusaka, the husband claims that the photograph, which shows Chris Brown planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek, is disrespectful and has brought irreparable damage to their marriage. He described the image as “demeaning” and argued that his wife’s actions were inappropriate for a married woman.
The wife attended Chris Brown’s highly publicized concert at the FNB Stadium last weekend, which included an exclusive VIP “meet and greet” package for fans. As part of the experience, fans could interact with the star, take photos, and share memorable moments.
Chris Brown with a fan
The now-viral photo shows Chris Brown kissing the woman on her cheek while she smiles at the camera. The image was later shared on social media platforms, where it gained significant attention and sparked mixed reactions.
In his divorce petition, the husband stated that his wife’s actions amounted to a breach of trust and marital vows. He reportedly confronted her upon her return from South Africa, but she allegedly dismissed his concerns, arguing that the photo was harmless and part of the event package.
“My wife acted in a manner unbecoming of a married woman. This picture has embarrassed me publicly and caused emotional distress,” the husband told the court.
The wife, however, has defended her actions, arguing that the kiss was not romantic and should not be taken out of context. She maintained that it was a lighthearted moment during a fan interaction and that she never intended to disrespect her husband.
She also accused her husband of overreacting and using the incident as an excuse for underlying issues in their marriage.
The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with opinions divided. Some have sided with the husband, arguing that the photo crossed boundaries for a married woman. Others have criticized him for overreacting, claiming the meet-and-greet photo was harmless and should not lead to divorce.
The case highlights the tension between modern celebrity culture and traditional marital expectations. It raises questions about personal boundaries, respect in marriage, and the impact of social media on relationships.
The court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks. Whether the photograph alone justifies the dissolution of the marriage will ultimately be decided by the judiciary.
While some see the incident as a harmless fan interaction, others view it as a breach of marital boundaries. This case has not only captivated the public but also reignited conversations about trust, respect, and the influence of celebrity culture on personal relationships.
As the court deliberates on the matter, one thing remains clear: the clash between global stardom and local values can have unexpected consequences in even the most personal of relationships.
The much-anticipated clash between Malawi and Zambia football legends at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe ended in a goalless stalemate. Despite the excitement generated by the reunion of iconic players and the palpable nostalgia in the stands, neither team could find the back of the net in what turned out to be a tightly contested and rain-soaked match.
Both teams adopted a short-passing game, demonstrating their commitment to skillful play and maintaining possession. However, the lack of urgency in the final third was evident. The approach seemed more focused on entertaining the fans and reliving the camaraderie of their playing days rather than intense competition.
Malawi fielded a mix of experienced defenders like Peter Mponda and Elvis Kafoteka, alongside creative midfielders such as Joseph Kamwendo and Ernest Mtawali.
Legends in action
Chiukepo Msowoya led the line but lacked adequate support, with the team struggling to convert possession into meaningful chances.
Zambia relied on the likes of Clifford Mulenga and James Chamanga to lead their attack, with veteran goalkeeper Kaliliro Kakonje providing stability at the back.
The Zambians also prioritized ball retention but missed opportunities to exploit gaps in Malawi’s defense.
Jimmy Zakazaka replaced Peter Mponda in the 28th minute, signaling a shift toward a more offensive strategy.
Double substitutions before halftime saw Cedric Nankhumwa and Gilbert Chirwa come in, but the attacking intent still failed to translate into goals.
Zambia’s James Chamanga launched a powerful shot early on, but it sailed over the bar.
Malawi’s Robert Ng’ambi missed a golden opportunity in the second half, with his glancing header going wide.
Zambia’s Kaliliro Kakonje made a crucial save early in the second half, denying Malawi a potential opener during their strongest spell of the game.
The heavy rain added an extra layer of difficulty, impacting ball control and movement. Both teams displayed resilience in enduring the challenging conditions, but the adverse weather further limited the fluidity of the game.
The goalless draw might have disappointed some fans expecting goals, but the match successfully celebrated the legacy of these football legends. The event highlighted the enduring passion for football in both countries, drawing applause for the camaraderie displayed on the field.
While the match ended without goals, it was a fitting tribute to the rich football history shared by Malawi and Zambia. The legends proved they still possess the skills and spirit that endeared them to fans during their professional careers. The game emphasized the importance of such events in uniting fans and celebrating the legacy of African football.
Moving forward, similar matches could benefit from more structured play and better weather preparation to maximize entertainment value.
Football nostalgia filled the air at Bingu National Stadium when retired commentator Steve Liwewe Banda, fondly known as the voice of Malawian football, made a triumphant return to the commentary box. The occasion was a thrilling encounter between Malawi Legends and Zambia Legends, a match that rekindled memories of the golden era of football in the region.
Banda, who retired from active commentary years ago, was invited to provide commentary for the highly anticipated legends match. His familiar and passionate voice brought back cherished memories for football fans, many of whom grew up listening to his iconic broadcasts on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
Liwewe
Reflecting on the opportunity, Banda expressed gratitude to MBC for honoring his legacy.
“MBC is my home,” Banda said with pride. “The state-owned broadcaster truly cares about those who did great things during their time, and this gesture of bringing me back to the commentary box shows that they value their own.”
The legends match, organized to celebrate the contributions of football greats from Malawi and Zambia, saw a blend of skill, camaraderie, and nostalgia. Both teams delivered an entertaining performance, drawing cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
Banda’s commentary added a unique touch to the event, with his deep knowledge of the players and his unmatched storytelling ability. His return reminded many of the golden days when his voice united Malawians through the magic of football.
MBC’s decision to bring Banda back highlights the broadcaster’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the nation’s history. Banda, who spent decades bringing football closer to Malawians, remains a symbol of excellence in sports journalism.
Steve Liwewe Banda’s return to the commentary box was more than just a nostalgic moment; it was a celebration of a legacy. As the Malawi Legends and Zambia Legends played their hearts out, Banda’s voice reminded everyone of the unifying power of sports and the importance of honoring those who shaped its history.
