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Free education it’s very possible

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By Rahim Abdul

President of the Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM) and Maranatha Academy General Manager, Dr. Ernest Kaonga, has come out strongly in support of the government’s plan to introduce free education in public primary and secondary schools, describing the move as “very possible and sustainable.”

Speaking with optimism and confidence, Dr. Kaonga said Malawi has the capacity to make education free if there is transparency, accountability and a hardworking spirit in the system.



“It’s all about transparency and hardworking spirit. At a private institution like Maranatha, we have 500 students on scholarship enjoying free education so what more public schools with government support? As PRISAM President and Maranatha Director, I believe it is very possible and sustainable. We are in full support of this,” said Dr. Kaonga.

His remarks come in response to the recent announcement by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who declared that starting from January 2026, education in all government primary and secondary schools will be free.

The development has sparked excitement across the nation with many Malawians seeing it as a bold step toward reducing school dropouts and promoting equal access to education.

Dr. Kaonga emphasized that Malawi’s private sector already plays a major role in supporting education, citing examples of schools that offer scholarships to underprivileged students through internal resources and partnerships.

He also noted that if the government strengthens financial management and cuts unnecessary spending, funds can be redirected to support this initiative effectively.

Education activists have hailed both the President and PRISAM for aligning efforts towards building an inclusive education system.

As the country prepares for the January 2026 rollout, expectations are high that Malawi could finally achieve a milestone in providing free, quality and accessible education for all.

“If private institutions can do it, government schools can do even better because this is not a dream, it’s a reality waiting to happen,” Dr. Kaonga added confidently.

Rosemary Odinga: The daughter Raila groomed to carry his political torch


By Burnett Munthali

Rosemary Odinga, the eldest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, was long considered the one destined to carry on her father’s formidable political legacy.

Her father, fondly known as “Baba” by millions of Kenyans, had great hopes that she would follow in his footsteps and continue the Odinga family’s deep involvement in national leadership and reform.

This expectation became even more pronounced after the tragic passing of Raila’s firstborn son and political heir apparent, Fidel Odinga, in 2015.



Fidel’s death left a void not only in the Odinga family but also within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where many had seen him as the natural successor to his father’s towering influence.

In the years that followed, all eyes turned to Rosemary as the next in line to uphold the Odinga political legacy.

Calm, composed, and remarkably intelligent, Rosemary embodied the grace and eloquence that made her both admired and respected in political and business circles.

Her decision to vie for the Kibra Parliamentary seat in 2017 was seen as a significant step — a practical initiation into the world of public service and a pathway toward national politics.

For her father, this move represented more than ambition; it was the nurturing of a legacy that had defined the Odinga family for over half a century.

However, Rosemary’s political journey was unexpectedly derailed when she fell seriously ill before the 2017 elections.

The illness, which affected her vision and mobility, forced her to withdraw from active politics and spend years undergoing treatment and rehabilitation both locally and abroad.

It was a heartbreaking turn for Raila Odinga, who had dreamed of witnessing his daughter rise through the ranks and eventually carry forward his lifelong struggle for democracy, justice, and equality.

Despite the setback, Rosemary’s resilience has remained admirable.

She has since refocused her energy on her businesses and on raising her two daughters, embracing a quieter yet purposeful life away from the political limelight.

Those close to her describe her as a woman of strength, intellect, and humility — qualities that made her stand out even during her brief foray into public life.

Many Kenyans still believe that, given her background, education, and charisma, Rosemary could one day re-enter the political arena and continue where her father left off.

For now, she appears content nurturing her entrepreneurial ventures and supporting community initiatives that empower women and youth.

Her calm demeanor, measured speech, and thoughtful approach to leadership have often drawn comparisons to her late father’s statesmanship.

Whether or not Rosemary Odinga eventually returns to politics remains to be seen, but her story is a powerful testament to endurance, family legacy, and the unpredictable turns of destiny.

As Kenya bids farewell to Raila Odinga, the question lingers quietly in the national consciousness — will Rosemary, the daughter he groomed, one day rise to fulfill her father’s unfulfilled dream?

Only time will tell.

Stargic appeals to President Mutharika to champion Social media monetization for Malawian creators

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By Rahim Abdul

Malawian digital educator and content creator Stargic has penned an open letter to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi, appealing to him to make social media monetization a national priority in order to empower young creators and strengthen the country’s growing digital economy.

In the heartfelt letter, Stargic introduces himself as a Facebook-based educator who uses his platform to teach Malawians, in their local languages, how to manage their smartphones.

His lessons focus on areas such as phone settings, saving data, improving security and solving common phone problems.



His short videos have become popular across the country, reaching thousands of viewers every week and helping them navigate the digital world more effectively.

However, despite his growing influence and the positive impact of his work, Stargic expresses frustration that Malawian creators cannot earn from their content because Malawi is not yet eligible for monetization on major platforms like Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.

He explained that while some creators try to earn through using friends’ accounts in countries where monetization is enabled, this method is unsafe and unreliable, as it exposes their work and income to risks.

Stargic noted that other African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa have already benefited from social media monetization after their governments engaged directly with technology companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok.

He stressed that Malawi remains behind largely due to the lack of international payment systems such as PayPal and Stripe, the absence of clear digital economy policies for online income and taxation and limited collaboration between government and global technology companies.

In his open letter, he appeals to President Mutharika to instruct the Minister of Information and Digital Technology to prioritize discussions on digital income and to establish partnerships that can make monetization possible for Malawians.

Stargic believes that, with government involvement, Malawi can work with financial platforms such as Airtel Money, TNM Mpamba, PayPal and Stripe to enable safe international payments for creators.

Stargic also urges the government to develop a Digital Economy Policy that recognizes online income, encourages innovation and ensures fair taxation for digital workers.

He further calls for active engagement between the government and international tech giants like Meta, YouTube and TikTok so that Malawi can be officially included in their monetization programs.

He argues that this development will not only create job opportunities for thousands of young Malawians but also bring valuable foreign currency into the country and increase government revenue through digital taxation.

Moreover, he says it will help build Malawi’s image as a modern, innovative and tech-driven nation ready to participate in the global digital economy.

“Your Excellency, you have always spoken about empowering the youth and modernizing Malawi. Helping us access monetization is a direct step toward that vision,” Stargic wrote. He emphasized that supporting digital creators would give young Malawians hope and show them that creativity and technology can be tools for success rather than frustration.

The letter, which has been shared widely on social media, has received overwhelming support from fellow content creators and fans alike. Many have described Stargic’s message as a bold and timely call for Malawi to embrace the opportunities of the digital era.

In closing, Stargic called on institutions such as the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Zodiak Online, Mikozi and other media platforms to help ensure that the message reaches the President, describing it as a crucial step toward unlocking Malawi’s digital future.

Dignitaries grace 2025 Mulhako wa Alhomwe Festival as President Mutharika’s arrival anticipated

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  By Burnett Munthali

Several high-profile figures have arrived at the 2025 Mulhako wa Alhomwe Annual Festival, taking place at the cultural grouping’s headquarters in Chonde, Mulanje District, marking the beginning of a day filled with tradition, pride, and anticipation.

The event, which has drawn thousands of participants from across the country and abroad, continues to grow in stature as one of Malawi’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.

Among the notable dignitaries in attendance is Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr. Justin Saidi, whose presence underscores the national significance of the festival.



Also present are UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati and former UTM Presidential Council Chairperson Newton Kambala, whose attendance adds a notable political flavour to the cultural occasion.

Representatives from the Chinese community have also joined the festivities, reflecting the international recognition and inclusivity that the Mulhako wa Alhomwe continues to promote.

Traditional leaders, community elders, and local residents have gathered in large numbers, creating a colourful and lively atmosphere that captures the essence of the Lhomwe spirit.

The festival grounds at Chonde are a spectacle of music, dance, and laughter as performers showcase the rich cultural expressions of the Lhomwe people through traditional dances, songs, and attire.

This year’s event is particularly special as it reinforces the unity of the Lhomwe community while also emphasizing the importance of preserving Malawi’s diverse cultural identity.

All eyes are now set on the much-anticipated arrival of former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who serves as the patron of the cultural grouping.

President Mutharika is expected to preside over the ceremony and deliver the keynote address, touching on themes of culture, unity, and national development.

Organizers have described this year’s turnout as exceptional, crediting the growing interest in cultural revival and heritage appreciation among Malawians.

As the sun shines over Chonde, the festival continues in full swing — a fusion of tradition and celebration that binds generations together under the proud banner of Mulhako wa Alhomwe.

By the end of the day, the event is expected to stand as yet another testament to the enduring legacy of the Lhomwe people and their contribution to Malawi’s cultural landscape.

Mama Ida Odinga urges leaders to prioritize national development at Raila’s Farewell



By Burnett Munthali

Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, has challenged Kenya’s leaders to place national development at the forefront of their priorities.

Speaking during the farewell proceedings for her late husband, Mama Ida expressed concern that the country is lagging behind in critical areas of development.

She urged political leaders to shift their focus from personal gain to the broader goal of building national wealth and improving the livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans.

Mama Ida emphasized that the late Raila Odinga dedicated his life to public service and the advancement of democracy, and she called on current and future leaders to honor his legacy by acting with integrity and vision.

Her message resonated deeply with the thousands gathered at the funeral ceremony, many of whom echoed her call for accountability, transparency, and responsible leadership.



She highlighted that Kenya’s potential for economic growth and social progress can only be realized if leaders work collaboratively and prioritize the needs of the nation over partisan or personal interests.

Mama Ida’s appeal also served as a reminder that the late Raila’s lifelong struggle was not for political power alone but for a Kenya that is equitable, prosperous, and united.

Her speech encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and engaged, holding leaders accountable while supporting initiatives that foster sustainable development.

As the nation mourned the passing of a towering political figure, Mama Ida’s words underscored the enduring responsibility of leadership in shaping Kenya’s future.

In closing, she called upon leaders across the political spectrum to continue Raila Odinga’s vision of a country where national progress takes precedence over individual enrichment, leaving a lasting message of hope and civic duty for generations to come.