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Board Inquiry Undermined by False Testimonies as Racism Allegations Deepen at LPS

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By Staff Reporter

Some teachers at Lilongwe Private School are being accused of dishonesty during a recent board investigation into allegations of racism within the institution.

When board members visited the school to establish the truth about reported discriminatory practices, certain coordinators chose to deny the allegations, thereby failing to protect indigenous Malawian children affected by the situation.

One of the teachers, identified as Comfortable Mailosi, boldly defended the administration and dismissed the racism claims as false.



However, evidence from staff members contradicts his testimony and points directly to the primary head teacher, Ms. Maria Asghar, as the architect of discriminatory classroom practices.

Sources reveal that Ms. Asghar personally created a racist sitting plan arrangement in one of the Standard 4 classes during Mailosi’s science lesson when she instructed him to place children of Asian origin at the front and push all indigenous Malawian pupils to the back.

Another coordinator who chose to lie is Mr. Samuel Kameza, who shamelessly defended Ms. Asghar despite knowing that she had implemented a similar racist sitting arrangement in his Standard 6 class while he was there.

Teachers have confirmed that this segregated sitting arrangement has been implemented in other classes as well, making it a recurring pattern rather than an isolated incident.

It is alleged that Mailosi and Kameza deliberately misled the board after being coached by Ms. Asghar on what to say in exchange for money.

All coordinators who spoke during the interface meeting reportedly had secret agreements with Ms. Asghar, which explains why they read from prepared notes rather than speaking freely from their own perspectives.

Concerns have also been raised that one of the Vice board chair Mr Bedha appeared supportive of the fabricated testimonies, casting doubt on the credibility of the entire inquiry.

Teachers fear that the coordinators, together with the primary head teacher, are contributing to the deterioration of the school because they prioritise gossip and personal alliances over professionalism.

Among the coordinators, Mailosi is said to be the most involved in spreading misinformation, spending significant time in the head teacher’s office discussing matters unrelated to improving academic standards.

Despite these allegations, many teachers insist that the core problem lies with the primary head teacher, whom they describe as the main source of division, manipulation, and unethical conduct within the school.

As the school prepares to reopen, concerned teachers are urging the board to conduct a fresh investigation through scheduled one-on-one interviews with staff members in the staffroom, while excluding the Vice Chair, Mr. Bedha, from the process.

NBM plc supports 2025 African Youth Chess Championship with K12.4 million

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By Linda Kwanjana

The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has handed over K12.4 million to Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) to support Malawi’s participation at the 2025 African Youth Chess Championship, scheduled for December 7 to 13 in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque handover ceremony on Thursday in Blantyre, NBM plc Chief Information Officer, Bestone Kasoloka, said the Bank recognises chess as a strategic sport that sharpens intelligence and nurtures leadership potential.

“Chess is more than just a game. To be a good chess player, you must think five moves ahead. As National Bank of Malawi plc, we support logic-building and critical thinking because these are the foundations of great leadership. That is why we decided to make this investment,” said Kasoloka.

He added that the Bank has confidence in the national team and expects them to deliver an impressive performance at the championship.

“We expect medals and strong performances from our players. We believe they will represent Malawi well and bring back positive results,” he said.



In his remarks, Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) General Secretary, Gift Howahowa, expressed gratitude for the support, saying it will boost the team’s morale and help them prepare effectively.

“We are very grateful for the support from the NBM plc. This contribution will go a long way in ensuring successful participation and will serve as motivation for our young players,” said Howahowa.

Sixteen players, aged under-10, 12 and 16, are set to represent Malawi.

All selected players earned their spots after emerging as champions in the national league held three months ago.

Malawi’s Fashion Future Takes Shape with Creative DNA Initiative

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By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s fashion industry is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of Creative DNA Malawi, a project aimed at highlighting the country’s rich cultural aesthetics through innovative design.

Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah graced the occasion, signaling the government’s recognition of the creative sector as a potential driver of economic growth and youth empowerment.

Ansah graced the event



The initiative, founded by celebrated designer Lily Alfonso, seeks to provide a platform for local designers to showcase their talent, gain mentorship, and attract both local and international opportunities.

Supported by the British Council, Creative DNA Malawi is designed to bridge gaps in infrastructure, funding, and exposure that have long hindered the growth of Malawi’s fashion industry.

Alfonso, addressing the audience, emphasized that Malawi is home to an untapped reservoir of creative talent capable of transforming the nation’s economy if properly supported.

She called on private sector players and policymakers to invest in fashion, describing it not only as an art form but as a practical tool for entrepreneurship, job creation, and cultural preservation.

Highlighting the challenges faced by designers, Alfonso pointed to limited exhibition spaces, lack of financial support, and insufficient training opportunities as barriers that the project aims to overcome.

Vice President Ansah commended the initiative, noting that Creative DNA Malawi offers young people a chance to turn their creativity into sustainable livelihoods while simultaneously promoting Malawi’s cultural identity.

She encouraged partnerships among designers, institutions, and investors to build a robust creative ecosystem that nurtures innovation and ensures the long-term viability of the fashion sector.

Dr. Ansah concluded by stressing that supporting creative industries like fashion is critical not just for economic diversification, but also for inspiring confidence, showcasing Malawi on a global stage, and empowering the next generation of innovators.

Film Icon Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies at 75 in California



By Rahim Abdul

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the internationally acclaimed Japanese-American actor known for his powerful roles in action and martial-arts films, has died in California, USA. He was 75 years old at the time of his passing.

Family sources confirmed that Tagawa died after battling a degenerative nerve disease, a condition that gradually weakens muscles and affects movement. His illness had reportedly worsened in recent months.

Tagawa was born in Tokyo, Japan before later relocating to the United States with his family.



His early exposure to martial arts and film shaped the path that eventually made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Asian actors.

Throughout his career, Tagawa appeared in several high-profile movies and television productions.

His breakout role came in Showdown in Little Tokyo, where his disciplined acting style and commanding presence attracted attention from major film producers.

He went on to achieve global fame for portraying Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, a character that became a defining part of his legacy. His performance remains one of the most iconic villain portrayals in action cinema, making him a fan favourite for decades.

Tagawa also featured in other notable works such as The Phantom, Johnny Tsunami and Planet of the Apes, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different genres beyond martial-arts films.

Later in his career, he returned to the character of Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 11, lending both his voice and likeness to the video game. Fans praised this as a nostalgic tribute to one of his greatest roles.

Tributes from across the world have poured in following news of his death. Actors, directors, and fans described him as a humble, disciplined, and exceptionally talented individual whose impact stretched far beyond the screen.

Many acknowledged Tagawa’s contribution to improving Asian representation in Hollywood, noting that he paved the way for many actors of Asian descent to gain recognition in mainstream film.

His family shared a touching message after confirming the news, saying, “We came from God, and to Him we shall return,” as they asked the public to remember him for his life, artistry, and legacy.

Malawi Signals Growing Maturity as Youth Teams Impress at COSAFA Schools Qualifier

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By Rahim Abdul

Malawi’s boys’ and girls’ teams began their COSAFA Schools Championship campaigns with a statement of intent, not only through their victories but through the maturity and structure displayed in their performances.

The wins over Lesotho in Stellenbosch hinted at a football system that is steadily growing in confidence and identity.

For years, Malawi’s youth teams have shown flashes of brilliance without fully establishing consistency. But Friday’s matches reflected a country beginning to bridge that gap, as both teams delivered composed, disciplined and purposeful football.


The boys took early control of their match, showcasing tactical awareness uncommon at school level.

Their quick strikes from Innocent Jauma and Intias Adam within the first eight minutes highlighted Malawi’s readiness to impose their game early.

Even when Lesotho pulled one back late in the match, the boys showed composure, protecting their lead with improved game management an area that has cost them in past tournaments.

Head coach Joseph Malizani noted that the opening victory was not just about the scoreline but about the team’s ability to maintain structure under pressure.

He stressed that consistency will be key, especially against Botswana, a side known for its physicality.

Malizani believes that if Malawi stays disciplined, they can break the pattern of falling short in the final stages.

On the girls’ side, the 5–0 triumph did more than impress the scorekeepers it showcased Malawi’s increasing dominance in the women’s youth game.

Their creativity, passing rhythm and balanced team play reflected a squad that has grown after last year’s runner-up finish.

While the goals from Tryness Chawala, Flora Banda, Sifati Chitenje, Eunice Sitchaya and Talandira Kachala were headline-worthy, it was Malawi’s patience and build-up play that truly defined the win.

Coach Bridget Chirwa’s emphasis on mental readiness paid off as the team overcame a slow start to completely control the match.

Chirwa said the game showed how much the girls have matured in reading the game and adjusting their tempo.

She expects a tougher challenge against Botswana but expressed confidence in her squad’s ability to adapt  one of the key elements missing in previous editions but now clearly improving.

The broader story of the day was Malawi’s evolution. The boys’ three-year journey of near triumphs two runner-up finishes and a semifinal appearance appears to be shaping a mentally tougher squad. The girls, having also experienced highs and lows since 2022, now look more balanced and less reliant on individual brilliance.