Sunday, July 6, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 664

Widow of Late Vice President Chilima Calls for Special Commission of Inquiry on Chikangawa Plane Crash

0

By Burnett Munthali

September 29th marked what would have been the wedding anniversary of Mary Chilima and her late husband, Saulos Klaus Chilima, former Vice President of Malawi. On this poignant day, Mary Chilima made an emotional appeal to all well-wishers and concerned citizens, urging them to support her call for a special commission of inquiry to investigate the tragic Chikangawa Forest plane crash that took place on June 10, 2024.

The crash, which occurred in Mzimba District, claimed eight lives, including that of her husband, leaving many questions about the incident unanswered. During her visit to the crash site on their anniversary, Mary Chilima voiced her need for clarity and justice.

Mary Chilima



“I am urging all concerned people to help me establish a special commission of inquiry into what happened between June 10 and 11. (Ndikupempha nonse okhudzidwa kuti mundithandize kumema kafukufuku wapadera, kuti timve tsatanetsatane wa zomwe zinachitika pa 10 mpakana pa 11 June),” she said.

Her call for an inquiry echoes a broader push for answers and accountability, especially given the prominence of the individuals involved in the crash. Weeks earlier, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) also endorsed the need for a thorough investigation.

Mary Chilima’s appeal aims to bring clarity and justice not only for her late husband but for all the families affected by the tragic crash. By pushing for a commission of inquiry, she hopes to uncover the truth and prevent future incidents of this nature.

The hashtag #commissionofinquiry has since gained traction, with many Malawians expressing support for her call, underscoring the widespread desire for transparency and accountability regarding the accident.

K100 million needed for Chewa cultural museum

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) says it needs over K100 million to establish a cultural museum to preserve Chewa history in the country.

CHEFO’s Vice Chairperson Dr.Sefren Khumula
said this on Saturday at Dzoole village in Ntcheu during a cultural interaction event which brought together Chewas from Lilongwe, Dedza, Kasungu, Ntcheu and Balaka among other districts.

Khumula

He said they expect the museum to be up and running within a period of five-years depending on availability of the resources.

Khumula said so far a piece of land has been bought at Msampha village in the area of Senior Chief Chadza in Lilongwe.

The Chewa people are the largest ethnic group in Malawi, representing a third of the population of approximately 20 million, and their language, Chichewa, is Malawi’s national language.

Govt awaits final report to build Chilima,8 others memorial tower

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The government says it is awaiting the final report from German investigators, BFU, to proceed with building a memorial tower at the plane crash site in Chikangawa Forest.

According to Government Chief Spokesperson, Moses Kunkuyu, the report will address the construction of the tower to honor the nine people who lost their lives, including the late Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima.

Crash site in Chikangawa


Kunkuyu earlier stated that the government was considering requests from the Chilima family and others regarding the memorial tower.

He mentioned that the next steps would be clear once the final report is released, as it is essential to understand the circumstances surrounding the deaths to honor the departed.

However, there has been no any immediate response from the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Sameer Suleman believes that the construction of the tower is a way to honor the heroes and is not directly related to the final report.

MBS certifies 886 local products

0

By Chisomo Phiri

Malawi Bureau of Standards(MBS) Deputy Director General Thom Senganimalunje says the bureau has certified 886 locally made products.

Speaking during the presentation of certification awards to companies that have complied with the bureau’s standards in Blantyre on Friday,Senganimalunje said out of the certified products, 558 were new products, while the rest were renewals.

“I applaud you for sustaining the quality standards and getting your certifications renewed. For the new awardees, I say congratulations,” he said.


On his part,Director of Industry in the Ministry of Industry and Trade Clement Phangaphanga, said it is encouraging to see that more locally made products are being certified.

“This is an assurance of the safety and quality of local products being patronized on the market and services offered to the public,” he said.

Phangaphanga called on the certified firms to maintain the tempo and aim for the international market.

MBS is a statutory organization established with a mandate to promote metrology, standardization and quality assurance of commodities and of the manufacture, production, processing or treatment thereof; and further to provide for matters incidental to, or connected with the foregoing.

MCP Deputy Leader Gotani Hara Addresses National Challenges Affecting Malawi and Africa

0

By Burnett Munthali

Catherine Gotani Hara, the deputy leader of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Speaker of the National Assembly, has expressed that the challenges currently facing Malawi are not unique to the country but are also prevalent in many other nations across Africa. Her remarks come as part of a broader dialogue regarding the socio-economic difficulties that are impacting the region.

During her address, Hara called upon leaders in rural areas, including traditional chiefs, to avoid engaging in corrupt practices in the various social initiatives being implemented by the government. She emphasized the importance of transparency and integrity in executing these programs aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the nation.

Gotani Hara in Dowa



In addition to her message to local leaders, Hara urged the youth to actively seek loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to start businesses that can improve their livelihoods. She highlighted the critical role that young entrepreneurs can play in driving economic growth and development within their communities.

Hara’s call to action reflects a growing recognition of the need for youth engagement in the economic landscape of Malawi. By encouraging young people to pursue business opportunities, she aims to empower them to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery and development.

The acknowledgment that Malawi’s problems are mirrored in other African nations highlights the interconnectedness of socio-economic challenges across the continent. Issues such as poverty, unemployment, and corruption are not confined to one country but are shared experiences that require collaborative efforts for resolution.

Hara’s leadership in addressing these challenges speaks to the necessity of unity and collective action among African nations. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, leaders can work towards implementing effective solutions that benefit their citizens and promote sustainable development.

Catherine Gotani Hara’s call for integrity among local leaders and her encouragement for youth entrepreneurship signify a proactive approach to tackling the pressing issues faced by Malawi and its neighbors. As the country navigates its challenges, the emphasis on transparency, empowerment, and collaboration will be essential in forging a path toward a more prosperous future for all Malawians.