Wednesday, June 18, 2025
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 737

HiFi Electronics boosts Mafunyeta Memorial Show with technical support

By Chisomo Phiri


HiFi Electronics has supported the Mafunyeta Memorial Show, set to honor the legacy of the late dancehall artist, with technical equipment.

The event, scheduled for Sunday, August 18, at the National War Memorial Tower in Lilongwe, will benefit from HiFi’s provision of advanced technical equipment, including sound, stage, and lighting gear, ensuring a top-tier production.

Director of Events at HiFi, Blessed Adams, said the contribution is to enhance the feel of the event, which is also a platform for mental health awareness.

Hifi Electronica handing over support to Warge

“We are honored to support the Mafunyeta Memorial Show. We want to ensure that the event resonates powerfully with attendees and fosters a deeper understanding and dialogue around mental health issues,” he said.

Chairperson of the organizing team, Yanja Chigamba, commended HiFi for the support.

“Now in its seventh year, the event, themed “Let’s Talk About,” will focus on raising awareness about mental health, with a lineup that includes performances from Malinga Mafia, Kellie Devine, Jay Jay C, and Lulu,” he said.

Mafunyeta, whose real name was Patrick Magalasi, died on August 13, 2013, due to asthma.

He is still remembered for tracks like “Ndimakondwa,” “Kangobwera,” and “Mkazi wati Chani.”

Malawi urged to embrace scientific innovations to combat poverty

0

By Chisomo Phiri

Renowned scholar and innovation expert, Wilkins Mijiga, has stressed that Malawi’s path to overcoming poverty lies in embracing and applying scientific innovations.

Mijiga made the remarks on Wednesday evening at the graduation ceremony of 16 youngsters from the Junior Academy of the Africa Drone and Data Academy, under the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Mijiga

Mijiga emphasized that Malawi’s persistent poverty is a direct result of the country’s failure to adopt technologies that drive social and economic progress.

“Throughout history, great empires have been built on the foundation of technology,” he said.

On his part, Executive Dean of the Malawi Institute of Technology at MUST Dr. Michael Zimba, Executive, highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Junior Academy in shaping the country’s future.

One of the graduates, Alex Thom, expressed his gratitude for the skills and knowledge gained during the program, stating that it has inspired him to pursue a career in engineering.

The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for the Junior Academy, which aims to inspire young minds to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) programs.

Govt to launch National Social Protection Call Centre to support vulnerable populations

0

By Chisomo Phiri

The Government will tomorrow launch a National Social Protection Call Centre in Lilongwe, with a helpline to enhance protection interventions that support the survival and livelihoods of the most vulnerable people.

The call centre is an initiative under the three-year Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience Programme, which supports the implementation of the Malawi National Social Protection Strategy, with assistance from the European Union (EU), the Government of Ireland, and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Sendeza



According to a statement from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, the call centre will address cases concerning the Social Cash Transfer Programme, Public Works Programme, Savings and Loans Groups, Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, and other complementary programmes.

The statement reads: “With the helpline, beneficiaries and other stakeholders of social protection interventions, such as the social cash transfer and public works programmes, will be able to report concerns, follow up on their claims, and provide feedback on the interventions through the toll-free line 351.”

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, stated that beneficiaries of social protection measures have been complaining about limited mechanisms for addressing their grievances; hence, the call centre will ensure that all reported issues and complaints are addressed and handled quickly and efficiently.

According to Principal Secretary for Economic Planning and Development, Jacob Mazalale,the call centre is another feedback loop to enable us to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to enhance the delivery of social support programmes.

EU’s Team Leader for Social Sectors and Infrastructure, Michele Crimella, lauded the government for the initiative.

The call centre will work with the Ministries of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, and Finance and Economic Affairs.

The initiative sits within the mandate of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, which has oversight over harmonized grievance and redress mechanisms.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s innovative approach: Live interviews on social media

0


By Burnett Munthali

In a significant shift within Malawian politics, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has introduced live interviews on social media for potential candidates ahead of its convention. This groundbreaking strategy represents a new chapter in political engagement, aiming to enhance transparency and democratize the selection process. This article explores the aims and implications of this fresh approach, examining how it benefits delegates and reshapes the political landscape in Malawi.


The DPP’s decision to host live interviews on social media marks an exciting evolution in how political parties interact with their constituents and delegates. Traditionally, candidate selection processes have been closed and often opaque, limiting opportunities for broader involvement and scrutiny. By utilizing live interviews, the DPP aims to break down these barriers, offering a more accessible and interactive platform for potential candidates to present their visions and qualifications.


As the DPP convention approaches, the introduction of live interviews offers several key advantages to delegates:

Firstly, delegates can engage with candidates in real time, regardless of their location. This accessibility ensures that more voices can be heard and more questions can be addressed, making the selection process more inclusive.

Secondly, live interviews provide delegates with an opportunity to evaluate candidates’ responses and public speaking skills directly. This real-time interaction allows for a more nuanced understanding of each candidate’s policies, personality, and readiness for leadership roles.

Thirdly, by conducting interviews in a public forum, the DPP is promoting transparency. This openness helps to build trust among delegates and the general public, demonstrating the party’s commitment to fair and open practices.

Firstly, social media platforms enable immediate feedback from viewers, creating a dynamic dialogue between candidates and the electorate. This feedback can be invaluable for delegates, as it reflects broader public sentiments and concerns.

In conclusion , the Democratic Progressive Party’s adoption of live interviews on social media signifies a pivotal moment in Malawian politics. This innovative approach not only enhances transparency and engagement but also empowers delegates to make more informed decisions. By embracing technology and real-time communication, the DPP is setting a new standard for political processes, underscoring the importance of openness and accessibility in modern governance. As political landscapes continue to evolve, the impact of such progressive methods will likely reverberate across parties and regions, shaping the future of political engagement in Malawi and beyond.

The legacy of honorary degrees: From medieval tributes to modern accolades


By Burnett Munthali

Honorary degrees have long been a symbol of distinction, celebrating individuals whose contributions to society transcend traditional academic achievement. Originally rooted in medieval European traditions, these honorary titles were awarded to acknowledge exceptional service or notable accomplishments that went beyond conventional scholarship. The practice has evolved significantly, with modern institutions frequently bestowing such degrees on prominent figures, including politicians, for their influence and efforts on the global stage.

On Thursday 15 August, 2024, Joaquim Chissano University in Mozambique honored Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera with an honorary Doctorate Degree in International Cooperation for Development. The ceremony, marked by raucous applause and jubilant celebrations, highlighted Chakwera’s commitment to fostering regional and international cooperation. In his acceptance speech, Chakwera expressed deep gratitude for the recognition of his work in strengthening international relations.

Chakwera receiving a honorary degree



Historically, honorary degrees were awarded primarily to individuals of significant influence, including royals, clergy, and notable public figures, as a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of their achievements. Today, it’s common to see these degrees conferred upon politicians and leaders, reflecting their impact on global diplomacy and development. Often, such awards are presented by institutions outside the recipient’s home country. This practice underscores the international recognition of their work, emphasizing their global rather than local influence.

The awarding of honorary degrees to international figures highlights the significance of recognizing efforts that may not be fully acknowledged within their own nations. It serves as a reminder of the global interconnectedness of contemporary issues and the value of contributions that bridge national borders.

However, the trend of awarding honorary degrees to leaders, particularly those who may be struggling within their own countries, raises questions about the relevance and symbolism of such honors. In a world where political leadership is often scrutinized for failing to address local challenges, these accolades can seem disconnected from the realities faced by the populace. The gesture, while a testament to global achievements, sometimes overlooks the pressing issues at home, reflecting a disconnection between international recognition and local leadership effectiveness.