A group of Concerned Faith Leaders has criticized Archbishop Thomas Msusa’s remarks on the plane crash investigation report, labeling them as retrogressive.
During a Christmas Mass in Blantyre, Archbishop Msusa expressed dissatisfaction with the report’s findings, which ruled out foul play and attributed the cause to bad weather and human error.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Thursday, the group’s representative, Dr. Hope Nkhoma, said Msusa’s comments undermine peace and reconciliation in the country.
Nkhoma commended Msusa for promoting peaceful coexistence but noted that his remarks fell short of the values he stands for.
The Commission of Inquiry was established by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to investigate the cause of the plane crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024.
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has announced the appointment of Professor Francis Moto as the Vice Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA).
In a press statement dated December 24, 2024, signed by the Most Reverend George Desmond Tamala, President of the ECM, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor will commence his duties on January 1, 2025.
Moto
The ECM describes Moto as a distinguished academic and administrator with an impressive career spanning several decades.
Professor Moto holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) and a master’s degree in Linguistics, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication throughout his career.
His notable roles include serving as principal and vice principal at Chancellor College (now the University of Malawi), Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Head and Acting Head of the Department of African Languages and Linguistics.
He has also held various academic positions, including Staff Associate, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor at reputable institutions in the country.
However,the ECM says it is confident that Professor Moto’s extensive experience and visionary leadership will be instrumental in guiding CUNIMA during the critical period of its growth and development.
“Professor Moto’s appointment underscores the commitment to delivering quality, holistic education that meets the nation’s needs and beyond.
“We call upon the entire CUNIMA community and stakeholders to warmly welcome Professor Moto and extend their unwavering support as he takes on this noble task,” reads the statement in part.
CUNIMA is an accredited institution of higher learning established by the ECM on October 16, 2004.
The university started admitting students in 2006 and was officially opened on 28th October, 2006 by the late President Bingu wa Mutharika.
It has seven faculties, namely Commerce, Education, Law, Nursing and Midwifery, Science, Social Sciences and Theology.
Since its establishment,CUNIMA has grown its student body from 129 in 2006 to 4000-plus in 2020.
As part of their Christmas celebrations, Pastor Aubrey Mwasinga and members of Raised For a Purpose (RFP) Ministries shared a festive lunch with over 300 young offenders at Vumbwe Juvenile Reformatory Centre on December 25, 2024.
In his remarks, Pastor Aubrey emphasized the true meaning of Christmas.
He said:”For God so loved the world that He gave His son.We came to the marginalized people here at Vumbwe to show our love and care.”
Pastor Aubrey pledged to partner with the centre in the education sector through RFP Ministries’ Combining Spiritual and Academic Excellency (CSAE) program.
In addition to the lunch, RFP Ministries donated essential items, including cartons of U-fresh soap, mops, brooms, and other necessities.
In her remarks, Public Relations Officer (PRO) at Vumbwe Juvenile Reformatory Centre,Mery Chisale, expressed her gratitude to the church for their kindness.
“Your visit brings hope and joy to these young offenders, many of whom are far from home and rarely visited by their relatives,” she said.
Vumbwe Juvenile Reformatory Centre provides a supportive environment for over 300 inmates, offering educational programs, vocational training, and spiritual guidance to help them become productive citizens upon release.
As one way of celebrating Christmas, a female Police Officer at Chileka Police Station, Miriam Kachingwe has donated assorted items to 60 patients admitted in the maternity ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
Speaking after making the donation, Kachingwe who also does a cosmetics business, says she thought it wise to share the little she has with the patients at the hospital as they cannot go out to find support for themselves and their families.
Miriam Kachingwe
She also urged those who can afford to consider helping others who are in need especially during this festive season.
In her remarks, one of the patients at the hospital, Silvia Kamanga, thanked Kachingwe for the support saying it will go a long way in meeting some of the needs of those admitted in the maternity ward.
The body of renowned business man from Naperi township in Blantyre Reuben Othaniel Kamunga Gondwe will be laid to rest on Friday, December 27, at his home village in Karonga district.
A Church Service is expected to take place at HHI Multi-purpose Hall before departure to Karonga on Wednesday afternoon.
The late Gondwe
According to a family member, Gondwe died on Tuesday after suffering from stroke.
Among other businesses, Gondwe was the owner of Nyambadwe and Chitawira Puma filling stations in Blantyre.
Born on 2nd June, 1953, Gondwe was also an uncle to popular Television Personality George Buliyani B and popular youthful videographer Hendrix Kanchowa.
