In a move aimed at boosting development in the district, Likoma District Council has approved a K3.9 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The council’s Principal Accountant Wilson Mziya said the allocation represents an increase of 43.7% compared to the K2.7 billion approved for the previous financial year.
He said the budget encompasses appropriations for various projects and activities under the Constituency Development Fund and District Development Fund.
Mziya added that the increased budget is necessitated by a rise in the number of projects and the wage bill.
On his part,the council’s Chairperson Barnabus Sambamo emphasized that the incremented budget will enable investments in critical areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, and education.
He said the ultimate goal is to improve the livelihoods of the district’s residents.
The development comes as various local councils in Malawi are working to finalize their budgets for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The Supreme Court of Appeal has denied a stay on the High Court’s judgment that nullified the appointment of Immigration Chief Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (retired).
This comes after Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda applied for a stay, citing irregularities in the High Court’s judgment.
Kalumo
Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, sitting as a single judge, dismissed the application on July 11 last year.
Chikopa ruled that the Immigration and Citizenship Services would not be severely impacted by Kalumo’s absence and that no irreparable damage would be done to Kalumo or the Directorate of Immigration and Citizenship services if the stay was not granted.
The High Court’s initial verdict, delivered by Judge Mike Tembo on June 6, 2024, declared Kalumo’s appointment illegal and unconstitutional.
President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera had appointed Kalumo in August 2022.
Following Tembo’s refusal to grant a stay, Nyirenda appealed to the Supreme Court.
The High Court’s decision was prompted by a 2022 judicial review application filed by immigration officer Chikhulupiliro Zidana, who questioned the procedure Chakwera followed in appointing the retired soldier.
The Malawi Institute of Education (MIE) is set to launch a new pre-primary curriculum in September this year, just in time for the 2025/2026 school year.
In an interview,MIE Executive Director, Dr. Frank Mtemang’ombe,said the curriculum is specifically designed for 5-year-old children and aims to strengthen their foundation before they start standard one.
He said the introduction of the pre-primary class is a response to the noticeable gaps in education when children transition directly from home to standard one without prior schooling.
“By providing this foundational education, the Ministry of Education hopes to bridge the gap between children who have attended nursery schools and pre-primary classes and those who haven’t.
“This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable access to quality education for all,” he said.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) has also been supporting Malawi’s efforts to improve the quality of education, particularly in early childhood education and primary education.
The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has elected Bishop Martin Anwel Mtumbuka as its president.
Bishop Mtumbuka, from the Karonga Diocese, takes the reins from Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, who previously led the MCCB from the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.
Bishop Mtumbuka
In addition to Bishop Mtumbuka’s appointment, Bishop Adrian Chifukwa of the Dedza Diocese has been elected Vice President of the MCCB, succeeding Bishop Montfort Sitima of Mangochi.
In an interview with journalists,MCCB Secretary General, Very Reverend Father Valeriano Mtseka, expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating that they will continue to guide the faithful towards God.
The elections were held during the bishops’ plenary meeting at the MCCB secretariat in Lilongwe last week.
MCCB is an organization that plays a vital role in promoting Catholic values, advocating for social justice, and addressing national issues through the lens of faith.
In a remarkable display of unity and solidarity, Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika, the former First Lady of Malawi, is set to host a monumental gathering of over 800 women from diverse churches and mosques in Mangochi at Page House this coming Saturday, February 8th. The highly anticipated event, themed ‘Thanksgivings,’ promises to be a joyous celebration of women’s empowerment, faith, and community.
Slated to commence at 1:00 pm, the function will feature a rich tapestry of activities, including thanksgiving prayers, uplifting choir performances, and inspiring plays. This extraordinary gathering is a testament to Her Excellency’s tireless efforts to promote unity, understanding, and women’s empowerment in Malawi.
Gertrude Mutharika
As a champion of women’s rights and education, Madame Mutharika has consistently demonstrated her commitment to uplifting the lives of women and girls in Malawi. Her Beautify Malawi Trust, established during her tenure as First Lady, has been instrumental in promoting education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women and girls.
The ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering is a shining example of Madame Mutharika’s dedication to fostering a sense of community and solidarity among women from diverse backgrounds. By bringing together women from different churches and mosques, she aims to promote interfaith understanding, tolerance, and cooperation.
“Her Excellency’s gesture is a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and solidarity among women,” said Triza Tawanga Madzulo,chairperson for the event. “We are thrilled to see women from different faiths and backgrounds coming together to celebrate their shared values and aspirations.”
As the event approaches, excitement is building among the participants, who are eager to come together and celebrate their shared experiences and achievements. With its rich program of activities and inspiring speakers, the ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering promises to be an unforgettable experience for all involved.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment and education, Madame Mutharika has received numerous awards and accolades, including an award from the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (Oaflad).
As Malawi continues to make strides in promoting women’s empowerment and education, Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika remains a shining example of leadership, compassion, and dedication to the cause. The ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering is a testament to her enduring legacy and commitment to uplifting the lives of women and girls in Malawi.
The event is expected to draw widespread media coverage, with local and national media outlets set to attend and report on the proceedings.
As the people of Malawi come together to celebrate this momentous occasion, one thing is clear: Her Excellency Madame Gertrude Mutharika’s ‘Thanksgivings’ gathering will be a historic event that will be remembered for years to come.
