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MEC seets record straight on certification fees

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By Rahim Abdul

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has taken a proactive step in addressing concerns regarding the certification of academic and professional documents for individuals applying to become presiding officers.

In a public statement released on June 13, 2025, MEC clarified that it does not charge or benefit from any fees associated with the certification process.

Sangwani



According to MEC, the confusion arises from the fact that certifying officers, such as District Commissioners, Magistrates, Lawyers, or Commissioners for Oaths, may charge a nominal fee for their services.

These officers are often located in the same premises as MEC district offices, leading some to mistakenly believe that the fees are being collected by the Commission.

MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, signed the statement, emphasizing that the Commission does not require, collect, or benefit from any certification fees.

This clarification is crucial in ensuring that applicants are not misled or taken advantage of during the application process.

The certification of documents is a requirement for the application process, and MEC wants to ensure that applicants understand the process and the associated costs. While MEC does not benefit from the certification fees, the Commission is committed to ensuring that the application process is transparent and fair.

Journalists urged to promote peace,unity in election coverage

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By Rahim Abdul

Journalists in the country have been urged to play a vital role in promoting peace and unity in the country ahead of the September 16 elections.

Speaking at the Association of Muslim Journalists (AMUJO) Annual General Meeting (AGM ) in Blantyre on Saturday,
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in maintaining social cohesion.

Abida Mia



Mia noted that journalists have a critical role to play in shaping public opinion and influencing the narrative around key issues.

“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right, but it must be exercised with wisdom and responsibility,” she said.

The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for journalists to operate, but also emphasized the need for journalists to be mindful of the impact of their words on society.

“Journalists must ensure that they are building, not breaking, the fabric of society,” added Mia.

On his part,AMUJO President, Chekaukutu Ndege, welcomed the minister’s remarks and pledged the association’s commitment to promoting peace and unity through responsible journalism.

The AGM provided a platform for Muslim journalists to discuss the challenges they face in promoting peace and coexistence through their work and to brainstorm ways to improve their reporting.

Ekhaya beat Creck Sporting 1-0 in the TNM Super League

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By McLloyd Kudzingo


Clever Chikwata’s lone goal was enough to give Ekhaya FC maximum points to cement their third position on the TNM Super League log table, as they beat Creck Sporting Club 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.

The home side started the game very well and they got their first chance 10 minutes from kick-off through a free kick which was taken by Chimwemwe Yassin but went straight into the palms of Creck goalkeeper Brighton Munthali.

The visitors on the other hand had their first chance in the 17th minute following a beautiful exchange of passes between Arnold Kiyama and Jauma Edward who found Babangida Ishaya but the Nigerian’s header went over the cross bar.



Four minutes later, Ekhaya broke the deadlock through Chikwata who scored with a simple tap-in after receiving a cross from Hadji James.

In the second half, Creck Sporting new coach Elia Kananji, brought in Jackson Beza for Frank Phiri as George Chaomba and Kondwani Chilembwe replaced Babangida Ishaya and Harvey Nasiyaya.

Later on the the visitors brought in Ademola Ajibola and Mischeck Botomani who replaced Hassan Hussein and Aaron Chilipa.

The Cowboys on the other hand brought in Lovemore Mbeta for Chimwemwe Yassin and later on Innocent Msowoya and James Lumbe replaced Stanley Billiat and Hadji James.

The visitors played very well in the second half but still failed to find an equaliser as Nasiyaya and Hussein missed some clear-cut chances.

Ten minutes before the end of the match, Arnold Kiyama almost found the back of the net from a free kick but his powerful shot missed the upright with just an inch.

Despite the win, Ekhaya remain third on the log table but they have now closed the gap on league leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets to just two points as they are now level at 16 points with second placed Might Wanderers.

Creck are on position 9 on the log table as they have accumulated 11 points after playing 9 games.

Elsewhere, the match between Civil Service United and Mafco FC ended goalless at Civo Stadium.

On Sunday, Kamuzu Barracks will host Mighty Wanderers at Champion Stadium as Moyale Barraks plays Chitipa United at Rumphi Stadium.

Karonga United will play Mzuzu City Hammers at Karonga Stadium as Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos host Songwe United at Dedza Stadium.

Blue Eagles will be at home against defending champions Silver Strikers and in Blantyre, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will host Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium.

Usi praises Neno district council’s reform initiatives

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By Chisomo Phiri

Vice President Dr. Michael Usi who is also Minister of Public Service Delivery has hailed Neno District Council for its reform initiatives, particularly the establishment of a High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the district’s hospital.

Speaking during a public sector reforms review meeting in Blantyre on Friday,Usi emphasized that reforms should prioritize people’s interests and provide accessible healthcare services within the district.

Usi



He stressed the importance of delivering quality healthcare services locally.

“When people are sick, they should not have to travel to Blantyre to seek medical attention.They should receive the care they need right there in the district,” said Usi.

The VP called for discipline, professional ethics, and adherence to core values to ensure effective service delivery.

He also advised the council to implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the reforms, given Neno’s history of neglect in terms of road infrastructure and development.

On his part, Secretary in the office of Vice President responsible for Public Sector Reforms, Dr. Luckie Sikwese, noted that Neno’s reform areas are unique and hold significant potential to transform lives and advance key reform objectives.

In her brief speech,Neno District Commissioner(DC), Rosemary Nawasha, outlined the council’s three key reform areas: agricultural diversification and structured markets, irrigation development, and the establishment of the HDU at Neno District Hospital.

CSAF urges Govt to prioritize domestic health funding

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By Chisomo Phiri

Civil Society Advocacy Forum (CSAF) has urged the government to prioritize domestic funding for the health sector, citing concerns over the country’s heavy reliance on donor support.

Speaking at an interface meeting with the Ministry of Health and Treasury in Dowa on Friday,CSAF Vice Chairperson,Simon Sikwese said the dependence on donors not only undermines the country’s autonomy in healthcare decision-making but also leads to the implementation of donor-driven priorities rather than Malawi’s specific needs.



He emphasized the need for Malawi to take charge of its healthcare financing.

“We must forget about relying on donors and lead in deciding the health of our people,” he said.

Sikwese also highlighted the impact of the termination of US aid and the need to generate resources to fill the resulting gaps.

He pointed out that Malawi has various opportunities to finance the health sector, including enhancing paying services in public hospitals, promoting health insurance, and partnering with the private sector.

He also mentioned the potential of sin taxes as a revenue source.

On his part,Vitumbiko Gwamba Zgambo from the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) echoed Sikwese’s sentiments, suggesting that the government promote mining to support health services and introduce special levies, such as tollgate fees, to fund the health sector.

Zgambo also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in promoting domestic health financing, calling for civil society representation in the Health Financing Reforms Committee(HFRC).