The National Coaches Association(NCA) has advised Mighty Mukuru Wanderers head coach Meck Mwase to resume his duties following his absence since the team’s loss to Silver Strikers in the Airtel Top 8 semi-final at Bingu Stadium(BNS) in Lilongwe.
Reports indicate that Mwase has not returned to work since that defeat.
Mwase
In an interview,NCA General Secretary,emphasized that despite the challenges Mwase is facing, he should return to his position.
Mpima also urged Wanderers management to investigate the reasons behind Mwase’s absence.
In Mwase’s absence, assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira led the team to a 5-0 victory over Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium(KS) in Blantyre last Sunday.
Mwase was appointed Nomads head coach in September this year.
In a significant development out of South Africa, police in Sedibeng recently raided a factory in Daleside, revealing a disturbing operation involving the relabelling of expired canned pilchards. During the raid, authorities uncovered seven Malawian workers who were allegedly tasked with relabelling expired pilchards dating back to 2021 and 2022 with false expiry dates extending to 2026.
The discovery has raised grave concerns about both consumer safety and the potential involvement of human trafficking. The seven Malawian workers, who were reportedly working under questionable conditions, were taken into custody, with authorities now probing deeper into the circumstances surrounding their employment. Initial investigations suggest possible human trafficking links, as these individuals may have been brought to South Africa under false pretenses or forced labor conditions.
A police spokesperson disclosed that while the workers were detained, the factory owner managed to evade arrest and remains at large. Authorities have launched an active search for the owner, who is expected to face multiple charges, including those related to health and safety violations and potential human trafficking offenses.
The relabeling of expired products poses a serious public health threat, as unsuspecting consumers may have purchased expired goods under the guise of fresh stock. Authorities are working closely with local health and safety officials to recall any potentially contaminated products and to prevent further distribution of these falsely relabeled items.
This raid has also highlighted the broader issue of vulnerable workers from neighboring countries who may find themselves in exploitative labor situations. South African authorities are urging members of the public to report suspicious activities and illegal operations in their communities, particularly those that exploit foreign nationals.
As the investigation unfolds, both South African and Malawian authorities are expected to collaborate on addressing the trafficking concerns and ensuring that justice is served for the workers and consumers impacted by this operation.
In a move that’s being hailed as a major breakthrough for women and youth empowerment, Lesego Chombo, a 26-year-old attorney and former Miss Botswana 2022, has been appointed as Botswana’s new Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs.
This development is a significant milestone in Botswana’s history, marking a new era of leadership and representation for the country’s young people and women.
Lesego Chombo
Chombo’s impressive background makes her an ideal candidate for this role.
As an attorney, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, having worked tirelessly to promote justice and equality in her community.
Her experience as Miss Botswana 2022 and Miss World Africa 2024 has also equipped her with the skills and confidence to take on this challenging role.
As Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Chombo will be responsible for driving policies and initiatives that promote youth development, gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
Her appointment is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering young people and women, and ensuring that their voices are heard.
Chombo’s vision for Botswana’s youth is clear: she wants to create opportunities for them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Through her foundation, she has already made significant strides in uplifting marginalized communities, promoting education, and providing support to those in need.
Chombo’s appointment is not just a victory for women and youth but also a reflection of Botswana’s growing commitment to diversity and inclusion.
As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it’s clear that innovative and forward-thinking leaders like Chombo will be crucial in shaping its future.
*Key Priorities for Chombo’s Ministry*
Some of the key areas that Chombo’s ministry will focus on include:
As Botswana looks to the future, Lesego Chombo’s appointment as Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs is a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Her leadership, vision, and commitment to empowering young people and women will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the country.
District Commissioner for Lilongwe Dr. Lawford Palani, has asked opposition parties planned to hold demonstrations and vigils at the Malawi Electoral Commission (Mec) Head office in Lilongwe on Wednesday 13th November, 2024 to reschedule the dates.
Dr. Palani said Malawi Police Service (MPS) will not be able to provide adequate security due to its engagement to other equally important events and development which has attracted immediate responses from opposition parties and patriotic Malawians.
DPP Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has been quoted in the media having said that the opposition parties followed all the protocols observed by notifying the office of the DC and the police on the intended demonstration and vigils.
“The DC has no powers to cancel or stop our demonstrations, we have notified them and not asking them for permission to hold demonstrations and vigils at Mec Head offices,” said Namalomba.
The opposition parties are set to hold demonstrations in Lilongwe at Mec office located at the City Centre to demand the resignations of Mec Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi and NRB’s Chief Mphatso Sambo.
The Malawi Electoral Commission has announced an increase in nomination fees for the upcoming 2024 elections, aiming to ensure only serious contenders participate in the electoral process.
As of now, presidential candidates will have to pay K10 million, a significant jump from the K2 million required in 2020.
This increase is expected to promote credible and committed candidates, ultimately strengthening Malawi’s democratic institutions.
The new nomination fees for parliamentary candidates are K2.5 million for males and K1,250,000 for females, youth, or disabled individuals.
MEC Chair Mtalimanja
Councillor candidates will need to pay K200,000 if male and K100,000 if female, youth, or disabled.
Notably, the nomination fees are non-refundable unless candidates meet specific conditions.
Interestingly, similar nomination fee structures exist in other countries, such as Ghana and South Africa.
In Ghana, for instance, presidential candidates paid 5,000 Cedis (approximately USD 2,600) in 2012, while parliamentary candidates paid 500 Cedis (approximately USD 260).
The Malawi Electoral Commission officially launched the 2025 General Election on July 2, 2024, at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
This development comes after the commission launched the theme for the upcoming elections on July 16, 2024.
Consequently, the increased nomination fees are expected to promote credible and committed candidates.
To achieve this goal, the commission has set out clear guidelines and requirements for candidates.
Additionally, accreditation of international and local observers was conducted to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The commission’s website also provides detailed information on the electoral process, including voter registration and nomination requirements.
The increased nomination fees aim to deter non-serious candidates from participating in the elections.
By setting a higher bar for entry, the commission hopes to reduce the number of frivolous candidates and ensure that those who do participate are genuinely invested in serving the public.
