Jones Gadama, a fourth-year student at University of Blantyre Synod pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education, is on the verge of being withdrawn from the university due to outstanding school fees.
Jones has been barred from attending lessons and writing examinations due to his inability to settle his school fees.
Jones, who is also a class representative and a writer, has been contributing to various publications, including the Sunday Times Oped Column and online platforms like Maravi Post as well as 247Malawi.
The university has rejected Jones’s application for a payment plan, insisting that he settle the entire amount at once.
With a total of MK1.5 million needed to clear his outstanding fees, Jones has organized a big walk on April 25 from Zalewa to Lunzu, aiming to raise K2.5Million.
In an interview with our reporter, Jones said, “I have tried all other means to raise funds, but I have failed. This big walk is my last hope.
I am appealing to all well-wishers to support me in my effort to raise MK2.5 million for my school fees.”
The big walk, scheduled for April 25, is expected to bring together supporters and well-wishers who can contribute to Jones’s cause.
Those willing to support Jones can reach him on 0992082424 (calls only) or 0985209615 (WhatsApp). Alternatively, they can contact the university’s Registrar, Mrs. Longwe, at 0995250986.
Donations can also be made through the University of Blantyre Synod’s FDH Bank Current account (Umoyo branch, account number 1850004272606) or Jones Gadama’s National Bank of Malawi account (Chichiri Branch, account number 2302853).
Jones has been unable to pay his school fees, and the university is requiring full payment at once.
The outcome of Jones’s big walk will determine his academic future. Jones said, “I am not giving up on my dreams, and I need your support to make them a reality.”
The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court has convicted and sentenced 23-year-old musician Abdul-Karim Saidi, popularly known as Bandera Wachiyao, to three years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for abducting a 14-year-old Form 2 student. The offence contravenes Section 136 of the Penal Code.
Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, says the court heard through Station Prosecution Officer (SPO) Inspector Amos Mwase that on the night of January 2, 2025, the convict picked up the victim from Mpondas area and took her to a lodge where they spent two days.
“SPO Mwase further told the court that during the victim’s absence, her mother attempted to contact her multiple times, but the calls went unanswered”Daudi added.
Therefore when the minor insisted on returning home, the convict contacted the mother and assured her not to worry about the child’s whereabouts.
Acting cautiously, the mother, with assistance from family members, arranged a meeting with the convict. Upon his arrival, they apprehended him and handed him over to the police.
Appearing in court, the convict who was represented by Counsel Patrick Debwe pleaded not guilty, prompting the state to parade four witnesses who proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency, citing immaturity and asking the court to consider his youthful age and potential for reform.
Bandera
In his submission, SPO Mwase emphasized that as a youthful musician, the convict holds considerable influence and is viewed as a role model by many young zfans.
He argued that this made his actions more serious, and a custodial sentence was necessary not only as punishment but also as a protective measure for young girls and a deterrent to others.
In his ruling, Senior Resident Magistrate Muhammad Chande concurred with the prosecution, stating that the offence was serious and needed a strong message to deter others from exploiting young girls. He then sentenced Bandera to three years IHL.
The convict hails from Kalonga Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, in Mangochi District.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has dismissed social media rumors claiming that spokesperson Jessie Kabwila lost primary elections in Salima. Party’s Director of Elections Dr Elias Chakwera described the reports as false and misleading.
Recent social media posts alleged that Kabwila was defeated in Primary elections ahead of the next general elections. However, Chakwera clarified that no primaries have been held in Salima.
Kabwila
“We have not conducted any primaries in Salima. Where are people getting this from? Even we don’t know,” said Chakwera.
Meanwhile, Kabwila released a video statement denying the claims, calling them fabricated stories spread by individuals wishing her ill. She urged the public to ignore the misinformation and rely on official party communications.
Political analysts suggest the false reports may be part of a smear campaign to undermine Kabwila’s influence. The MCP has warned against spreading unverified news, emphasizing its commitment to fair and transparent candidate selection processes.
As the election season approaches, the party remains focused on its campaign strategy, dismissing distractions aimed at causing division.
Higher Education Minister Dr. Jessie Kabwila says President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s presentation of K50 million each to the country’s 6 public universities is an indication that the president has a heart for needy students.
Kabwila made the remarks on Thursday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe where President Chakwera presented cheques to the beneficiaries of the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe. Launched 3 years ago, the initiative’s primary objective is to improve the lives of university students and also survivors of natural disasters.
The public universities that received K50 million each are Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), University of Malawi (UNIMA), Mzuzu University (MZUNI), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), and Kamuzu University of Health Science (KUHeS). A K300 million cheque was presented to Muona Primary School in Nsanje to fund the reconstruction of the school, which suffered damage from the impact of Cyclone Freedy in the year 2023. The money will be used in constructing the school and administration block.
Chakwera’s gesture, said the higher education minister, “is actually showing that he wants to drive higher education from a perspective of serving lives.”
In her remarks, Kabwila explained that when a needy student is funded, it makes them avoid failing to achieve their studies.
“When you are supporting needy students to the tune of K50 million per public university and going to put up a primary school Muona that was leveled during Cyclone Freedy, it shows a president who deeply cares about narrowing the bridge between the rich and the poor,” she emphasized.
Vizenge Kumwenda, Chairperson of the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative Organizing Committee thanked all those that participated in the tourney and for their monetary contributions.
“On the part of the committee, we are really very happy because this marks the end of a very successful fundraising. We are grateful to our sponsors and now go back to the drawing board to plan for the next event,” he said.
In his speech, President Chakwera advised the beneficiaries to prove themselves worthy of it by ensuring that they put it to good use by maximizing the opportunity to graduate from dependency to self-reliance.
“For that is the only graduation that will make your graduation from university an asset, and not a liability. The last thing we want to see in this country is young people who are educated for nothing, for our interest is to support young people who desire to be educated for action, and I believe that those of you receiving this investment will rise to that challenge,” he said.
In a bid to fast-track reforms aimed at improving public service delivery, Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi engaged with three key ministries on Wednesday, April 16.
The ministries of Energy, Defense, and Foreign Affairs were represented by their respective Ministers, who led discussions on the progress of ongoing reforms.
The meetings were described as insightful and fruitful, with a focus on streamlining processes, increasing efficiency, and ultimately providing better services to the public.
According to sources, the ministries outlined reform areas they are pursuing, highlighting progress and gains made so far in terms of improved public service delivery.
Dr. Usi’s engagements are part of the government’s efforts to ensure that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Usi
With these reforms in place, the government expects to see a significant improvement in the quality of services provided to the people.
The Vice President’s meetings with the three ministries underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing public service delivery.
By tracking the progress of ongoing reforms, Dr. Usi aims to identify areas that require improvement and provide guidance on how to accelerate the reform process.
The reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of citizens, who have often complained about inefficiencies in public service delivery.
By streamlining processes and increasing efficiency, the government hopes to reduce bureaucracy and improve the overall quality of services.
While speaking about the importance of these reforms, Dr. Usi emphasized that the government’s primary goal is to provide better services to the public.
He noted that the meetings with the ministries were crucial in identifying areas of improvement and finding solutions to challenges that have hindered public service delivery.
The engagement with the ministries of Energy, Defense, and Foreign Affairs marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to enhance public service delivery.
As the reform process continues, citizens can expect to see improvements in the quality of services provided by these ministries.
Some of the key areas that the government hopes to achieve through these reforms include improved efficiency, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced accountability.
By streamlining processes and increasing efficiency, the government aims to reduce the time it takes to deliver public services, making them more accessible to citizens.
The government’s commitment to enhancing public service delivery is evident in its efforts to track the progress of ongoing reforms.
By engaging with key ministries and identifying areas for improvement, Dr. Usi and his team are working tirelessly to ensure that public services meet the needs of citizens.
As the reform process continues, it is expected that the government will face challenges and obstacles.
However, with Dr. Usi’s leadership and the commitment of the ministries involved, there is optimism that the reforms will yield positive results.
The impact of these reforms will be far-reaching, affecting various sectors and citizens from all walks of life.
Improved public service delivery will not only enhance the quality of life for citizens but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
The Vice President’s engagements with the ministries of Energy, Defense, and Foreign Affairs mark a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance public service delivery.
As the reform process continues, citizens can expect to see improvements in the quality of services provided by these ministries.
With the government’s commitment to tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement, there is optimism that the reforms will yield positive results and contribute to the country’s development.
