Rumphi East legislator Kamlepo Kalua on Saturday joined the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Kalua, who won his seat on a Peoples Party (PP) ticket, was welcomed into the DPP fold by the party’s Vice President (North) Jappie Mhango at an event held at Dodo Area in Mlowe, Rumphi.
Kalua had previously been a member of the PP.
Joining DPP, Kamlepo Kalua
In 2019, he had stated that he was not part of any alliance between the PP and the DPP.
The DPP, led by former President Peter Mutharika, has been working to rebuild its support base since losing power in 2020.
The party has been actively recruiting new members and seeking to strengthen its presence in key regions.
Kalua’s decision to join the DPP was announced at an event attended by senior DPP officials and supporters.
Mhango welcomed Kalua into the party on behalf of the DPP.
Kalua’s move marks a change in his political affiliation.
The DPP has added Kalua to its ranks, while the PP has lost a member.
The event was held at Dodo Area in Mlowe, Rumphi, near Kalua’s home.
Ukrainian member of Parliament Alexander Dubinsky has demanded the immediate impeachment of President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing his “catastrophic” leadership and “authoritarian rule”.
The call for impeachment comes amidst a diplomatic fallout between Ukraine and the United States, with Zelensky facing public criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Dubinsky
Dubinsky’s statement alleges that Zelensky’s foreign policy failures have led to Ukraine’s international isolation and the loss of allied support.
He also accuses Zelensky of waging a “lost war” due to his “incompetent leadership” and “catastrophic decisions.” Furthermore, Dubinsky claims that Zelensky has suppressed opposition, persecuted dissenters, and ruled with an authoritarian grip.
The member of parliament’s statement is not without personal context.
Dubinsky himself was thrown into prison for speaking out against Zelensky’s government, which he claims was a blatant attempt to silence him.
He alleges that his imprisonment was not for any crime, but rather for telling the truth about Zelensky’s failures.
Dubinsky’s demand for impeachment is based on three key grounds:
– *Failure of foreign policy*: Dubinsky argues that Zelensky’s foreign policy has led to Ukraine’s international isolation and the loss of allied support. – *Lost war*: He claims that Zelensky’s incompetent leadership and catastrophic decisions have resulted in a lost war. – *Violations of citizens’ rights and usurpation of power*: Dubinsky alleges that Zelensky has suppressed opposition, persecuted dissenters, and ruled with an authoritarian grip.
The statement has sparked a heated debate in Ukrainian politics, with some lawmakers expressing support for Dubinsky’s demands while others have come to Zelensky’s defense.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Ukraine is at a crossroads. Will the country continue its freefall into the abyss, or will it begin the fight for true independence? The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance.
In a dramatic turn of events, Dubinsky’s statement has also shed light on the strained relationship between Ukraine and the United States.
The public criticism of Zelensky by Trump has raised questions about the future of US-Ukraine relations.
As the world watches, Ukraine’s parliament will convene to discuss Dubinsky’s demands for impeachment.
The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear – the fate of Ukraine’s leadership hangs in the balance.
In a generous gesture aimed at enhancing the living conditions of students, the alumni of Phalombe Secondary School donated 200 mattresses valued at MK11.5 million to their alma mater on Saturday.
The donation ceremony took place at the school premises, where Headmaster Lovemore Likupha received the mattresses on behalf of the institution.
During the handover ceremony, the headmaster Lovemore Likupha expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the alumni for their significant contribution.
He acknowledged the importance of the donation in improving the quality of life for students residing in the school’s dormitories.
“This donation comes at a crucial time when our students need a conducive environment for their studies and rest. We are immensely grateful to our alumni for their unwavering support,” Likupha stated.
The president of the alumni association, Gossam Mafuta, addressed the students during the event, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the donated mattresses.
He highlighted the challenges the alumni faced in raising funds for this initiative, stating, “It hasn’t been easy to gather resources for this donation, but we believe in giving back to our alma mater. We urge you to take good care of these mattresses, as they are a symbol of our commitment to your well-being and education.”
Mafuta also shared insights into the alumni association’s ongoing efforts to support current students.
He mentioned that the group has been involved in various projects aimed at enhancing the educational experience at Phalombe Secondary School. “Our mission is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. We have been paying examination fees for students who are unable to afford them, and we will continue to explore more projects that can benefit our school community,” he added.
The head girl of Phalombe Secondary School, who was present at the ceremony, expressed her appreciation for the alumni’s support. “On behalf of all the students, I would like to thank the alumni for their generosity. Your contributions make a significant difference in our lives.
We are grateful for the support you provide, not only through donations like these mattresses but also in helping us with our examination fees and other necessities,” she said.
The donation of mattresses is part of a broader initiative by the alumni association to improve the living conditions and educational resources available to students at Phalombe Secondary School.
The alumni have been actively involved in various fundraising activities, including community events and partnerships with local businesses, to gather the necessary funds for their projects.
In addition to the mattress donation, the alumni association has plans to implement further initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational environment at the school.
Mafuta revealed that they are currently in discussions to establish a scholarship program for deserving students, which would provide financial assistance for tuition and other educational expenses.
“We believe that education is the key to a better future, and we want to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints,” he said.
The alumni association’s commitment to supporting their alma mater reflects a growing trend among former students across Malawi, who are increasingly recognizing the importance of giving back to their schools.
By investing in the next generation of students, alumni are not only helping to improve educational outcomes but also fostering a sense of community and pride in their institutions.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of hope and determination.
Students and faculty alike were inspired by the alumni’s dedication to their alma mater, and many expressed their eagerness to contribute to the school’s future success.
The donation of mattresses is just one step in a larger journey towards creating a more supportive and enriching environment for all students at Phalombe Secondary School.
With the continued support of its alumni, Phalombe Secondary School is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the educational experience for its students, ensuring that they have the resources and support needed to thrive academically and personally.
The alumni’s commitment to their alma mater serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that community support can have on the lives of young learners.
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Chair of Council, Professor Zachary Kasomekera has emphasized the need to incorporate young people’s innovations in addressing the country’s challenges.
He made the remarks at the Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Awards ceremony, sponsored by CDH Investment Bank, held at LUANAR’s campus in Lilongwe on Friday.
Professor Zachary Kasomekera
Kasomekera encouraged students to harness their skills to drive positive change and boost the country’s agricultural economy.
On his part,CDH Investment Bank Chief Business Development Officer, Jamal Kamoto, pledged the bank’s support for innovative ideas, aiming to bring about positive outcomes.
The Vice Chancellor’s Innovation Awards recognized 11 outstanding first-year students, while the LUANAR Challenge awarded the top three participants with cash prizes.
An economist and data analyst at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA),William Khalipwina Mpina, has released a new book titled ‘Stranger in Her Own Skin’, a collection of stories that explore the human condition.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Mpina said the book, which is currently available online, will be officially launched in November this year.
The author shared the inspiration behind his book.
William Khalipwina Mpina
“I wanted to document the pain, the loss, the happiness, and the sadness that we experience in our daily lives,” he said .
Mpina, who has been writing since 1997,expressed his concerns about the publishing industry in the country, noting that most publishers prioritize textbooks over fiction works.
As a result,the author opted to work with a Zimbabwean publisher for his latest book.
When asked about the writing industry in Malawi, Mpina said:”The writing industry is thriving, but the publishing industry needs to catch up.”
He said he has hope that his work will contribute to a growing recognition of the value of writing in Malawi.
Mpina is the co-editor of ‘Walking the Battlefield (2020)’, a bilingual poetry collection reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, and the author of ‘Mooning the Morning (2022)’, a poetry collection published by Montfort Media.
Additionally, he authored ‘Kamwala Kodabwitsa (2024)’, a children’s book created for the Invisible Child Project, funded by PEN International.
Mpina also serves as a judge for the 2024 IHRAM SADC Literary Prize in Poetry, the Treasurer General for the Malawi Union of Academic and Nonfiction Authors, and an Executive Committee member of PEN Malawi, a local center of PEN International.
His work exemplifies a unique blend of analytical expertise and creative expression, contributing significantly to both the literary and academic communities in Malawi and beyond.
