The Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP ) has called on the government to increase the monthly honorarium for caregivers from K20,000 to K100,000.
The call to action was made by Executive Director for Early Childhood Development(ECD),Nase Chunga,during the graduation ceremony of 166 caregivers who completed a six-month training program via tablets on Monday.
Chunga
Chunga emphasized that the current honorarium is insufficient, making it challenging for caregivers to afford basic necessities.
He also highlighted that only 2,000 out of 36,000 caregivers in the country receive the honorarium, while the rest provide their services voluntarily.
In response, ECD Quality Control Officer at the Ministry of Social Welfare,Chikondi Chiumbuzo Mponda ,stated that her ministry has engaged parliament and is discussing with the Ministry of Finance to improve the payroll for more caregivers.
The training program was part of the ECD interventions financed by the Roger Federer Foundation.
The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia’s Early Childhood Department has been working to provide quality ECD services and ensure sustainable ECD centers across the synod.
Lawyer and corruption whistleblower Alexious Kamangila has reached out to the Malawi Law Society (MLS) to represent him in a defamation case against High Court Commercial Division Judge Kenan Manda.
The development comes after Kamangila’s lawyer, Gift Dick Chimowa, requested to withdraw from the case due to alleged threats on his life.
Kamangila and Manda
In a letter to the MLS dated February 20, 2025, Kamangila seeks legal assistance and advocacy for private security for his family, Chimowa’s family, and everyone associated with him.
He emphasizes the need for protection, stating that involving the MLS committee on litigation/research would safeguard counsel from personal attacks.
The defamation case stems from Kamangila’s allegations of misconduct against Judge Manda, which led to the judge seeking K250 million in compensation and an apology.
The MLS previously petitioned the Judicial Service Commission to investigate Judge Manda’s conduct, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has strongly condemned the destruction the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vehicles and brutal attacks on MCP members in Nselema, Machinga district on 23rd February, 2025.
In a press statement NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe says the reckless attacks and escalating violence, especially happening in an area known as Democratic Progressive Party stronghold, leaves a dangerous path towards national instability as the country is approaching to 16th September 2025 General Elections.
“This latest incident is part of worrying trend of political motivated violence that has occurred in Mbowe, Old Town and Msundwe in Lilongwe, Mponela in Dowa, Ndirande in Blantyre, Nsanje, Chikwawa and Mangochi,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further said that, these acts of violence reflect a deliberate systematic as well as efforts to instill fear, suppressing political involvement of children in violent acts that undermine democratic processes.
NAP is calling political parties to act responsibly and commit to de-escalation as the quest of power should come at the expense of unity, security and democratic principles that define Malawi.
NAP is therefore demanding swift actions from law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold accountability.
“We also urge the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Political leaders, Peace and Unity Commission, Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and all stakeholders to actively promote peaceful engagement and ensure a safe electrol environment for all,” the statement concluded.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) senior official Ken Zikhale Ngo’ma has assured the people of Thyolo that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has implemented several key projects aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Addressing a gathering at Luncheza sports ground, Ngo’ma emphasized that the government remains committed to uplifting rural communities through various development initiatives.
Among the notable achievements, he cited the construction of modern police houses, the expansion of electricity supply to rural areas through the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP), and the implementation of Mtukula Pakhomo, a social cash transfer program benefiting vulnerable households.
According to Ngo’ma, these projects reflect the government’s dedication to addressing critical social and economic challenges affecting Malawians, particularly in Thyolo district.
He further assured residents that the government is aware of the food insecurity affecting many households across the country.
As a response, he announced that a large-scale maize distribution exercise would commence soon to alleviate hunger and ensure that families have access to staple food supplies.
The initiative is expected to target the most affected areas, providing much-needed relief to struggling communities.
Ngo’ma’s remarks come at a time when the government is under increasing pressure to deliver on its development promises, especially in rural districts that have long faced infrastructural and economic hardships.
His speech aimed to reassure the people of Thyolo that the Chakwera-led administration is actively working to address their needs through tangible projects and social programs.
The gathering at Luncheza attracted a significant number of residents eager to hear the government’s plans for the district.
Many expressed appreciation for the ongoing development projects but also called for more job opportunities, better road networks, and improved agricultural support to enhance their livelihoods further.
As the government continues rolling out its development agenda, the effectiveness of these initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping public perception ahead of the next elections.
The people of Thyolo will be keen to see whether these promises translate into lasting improvements in their daily lives.
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, remains in stable condition as he continues to receive medical care at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital.
Despite battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection since February 14, the Vatican has confirmed that the pontiff remains alert and even participated in a Mass on Sunday.
Pope
The pope, who has faced several health challenges in recent years, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing respiratory difficulties.
Medical experts attending to him have expressed cautious optimism about his condition, noting that while his illness is serious, he has shown resilience.
Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni reassured the public that Francis is receiving the best medical attention and is closely monitored by a team of doctors.
Pope Francis, known for his tireless commitment to global peace, humanitarian efforts, and interfaith dialogue, has continued to demonstrate his deep faith and spiritual strength despite his frailty.
His ability to attend Mass, even while hospitalized, is seen as a testament to his unwavering devotion to the Church and its followers.
Vatican officials reported that the Mass was conducted privately within the hospital premises, with a small group of close aides and medical staff in attendance.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been an advocate for the poor, an outspoken critic of global injustices, and a leader who has sought to bring reforms within the Catholic Church.
His hospitalization has sparked concerns among Catholics worldwide, with many offering prayers for his swift recovery.
Messages of support have poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary people alike, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he commands across different faiths and cultures.
As the pope continues to battle pneumonia, Vatican sources indicate that his schedule has been significantly adjusted to allow him ample time to recover.
Public appearances and major engagements remain postponed until further medical assessments determine his readiness to resume his duties.
The Vatican has not provided a specific timeline for his discharge but maintains that the pope is responding well to treatment.
This latest health scare comes at a time when Pope Francis has been actively engaged in addressing pressing global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and climate change.
His absence from active duties, even if temporary, raises questions about the future leadership of the Church should his condition worsen.
For now, however, the Catholic faithful remain hopeful that their spiritual leader will overcome this latest challenge.
Many have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, while bishops and priests across the world have called for special Masses dedicated to his health.
As the world watches and waits, Pope Francis continues to embody the resilience and faith that have defined his papacy.
His presence at Mass, even from a hospital room, serves as a powerful reminder of his commitment to his role as the shepherd of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
