Former President and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on Monday postponed his plans to go and register at his home village in Thyolo as he is unwell, according to unconfirmed reports.
It is reported that Mutharika was expected to leave his Page House residence in Mangochi and travel to Goliati in Thyolo where he was expected to participate in voter registration.
The former President’s Physician Dr. Kingsley Magomero was reportedly rushed to Page House to attend to the former president, according to a source close to the former first family.
Details of the illness are currently unclear, but our source revealed Mutharika was once diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an age-related condition that makes breathing difficult and can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness.
In a shocking turn of events, State Vice President Michael Usi has announced his withdrawal from the United Transformation Movement’s (UTM) elective convention, slated for November 17, 2024, in Mzuzu.
As the current president of UTM, Usi’s decision comes after his efforts to advise the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) against alleged unconstitutional decisions fell on deaf ears.
In an exclusive interview with Nation Online, Usi expressed his concerns about the party’s violation of its own constitution.
Usi
“As State Vice President, I cannot be involved in a process that is proceeding with serious violations of the party constitution… If I am seen as complicit in the violation of a party constitution, how can people trust that I will uphold the Constitution of the Republic?” he questioned.
Specifically, Usi cited three key violations: the alteration of the party constitution without due process, changes to the composition of delegates to the national conference, and proceeding with the national conference before similar exercises are held at constitutional, district, and regional levels.
These actions, according to Usi, undermine the very foundation of the party and the country’s democratic principles.
“I have no time for unnecessary fights,” he stated, explaining his decision not to file nomination papers.
This development comes amidst growing tensions within UTM, with some members expressing concerns about the party’s direction and leadership.
Usi’s withdrawal from the convention raises questions about the party’s future and its ability to unite ahead of the convention.
As the November 17 convention approaches, it remains to be seen how UTM will address these constitutional violations and internal conflicts. One thing is certain, however:
Michael Usi’s withdrawal has sent shockwaves through the party, sparking a renewed debate about leadership, accountability, and the rule of law.
The implications of Usi’s decision will be far-reaching, with potential consequences for the party’s reputation and electoral prospects.
As Malawi navigates its complex political landscape, the UTM’s ability to resolve its internal conflicts and adhere to its constitution will be closely watched.
In the words of Usi, “How can people trust that I will uphold the Constitution of the Republic?”
The answer to this question will depend on the actions of UTM’s leadership in the coming days and weeks.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the banner FnD and MaBLEM are optimistic that Malawi is on the right path towards economic recovery, sustained growth, and self-sufficiency.
The CSOs have underscored government commitment, saying that despite formidable economic challenges the country is facing, significant strides have been made towards stabilizing the macroeconomic landscape and restoring both donor and public confidence in Malawi’s growth trajectory.
In a press statement which FND National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi and MaBLEM Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba have signed , highlighted that the current administration has shown policy consistency that has remained a vital pillar of Malawi’s economic stability through turbulence period with a clear direction with the unwavering committiment in the Agriculture Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy.
“The undersigned institutions are optimistic that Malawi is on the right path toward sustained growth and self-sufficiency. By reinforcing our economic foundation, upholding policy consistency, and fostering leadership that inspires confidence, we can establish a stable, prosperous future for Malawi,” He said.
The statement further said support from international partners is crucial for the country’s economic recovery and growth resounding vote of confidence in the nation’s reform oriented approach and they are calling for continued collaboration with World Bank, bilateral donors and other development agencies to bolster essential fiscal reforms and advanced impactful initiatives.
The CSOs are therefore calling for leadership predictability, continued policy consistency and fiscal discipline and streathening donor partnership as well as economic diversification.
SULOM and TNM have jointly announced a 100 percent TNM Mpamba electronic ticketing for all matches beginning 1st December 2024 as the league graduates from cash to strictly electronic entry payments at the gates.
Announcing the development at a joint press conference in Lilongwe, SULOM Marketing and Commercialization Sub-Committee Chairperson, Chimwemwe Nyirenda said after months of a hybrid system where both cash and mobile payments were being accepted as payment options for gate entry into the TNM Super League match venues, it was now time to switch to 100 percent mobile payments.
“We introduced e-ticketing under a hybrid set-up to allow time for soccer fans to access the TNM Mpamba card which is a necessity for one to be able to buy the e-tickets. It is now time to entrench cashless innovation amongst football fans,” she said.
Nyirenda noted that as the league undergoes reforms, adoption of electronic payment was a big positive step towards transforming the game.
“As the world embraces the era of digitalisation, e-Ticketing will be a catalyst in Malawi as we work on reforming, reviving and rebranding our football. E-ticketing enables instant transfers to teams as opposed to the current system of bank deposits. It also enables the teams to track their revenue through the e-ticketing portal,” he said.
The Chairperson encouraged soccer fans who are yet to get the TNM Mpamba card to get theirs immediately as we countdown to the 30th November deadline.
TNM’s Mpamba General Manager, Christopher Sukasuka noted e-ticketing innovation brings sanity and helps teams collect revenue conveniently.
“E-ticketing offers convenience for all football stakeholders in the management of cash. Football fans have an opportunity to purchase their tickets any time while on the other hand, league managers have total control of the match revenues,” he said.
Apart from safeguarding of revenue, other advantages include real-time attendance tracking and prevention of fraudulent activities. E-ticketing, therefore, poses as a significant milestone in the evolution of football in Malawi, resonating with global standards of convenience and efficiency.
Sukasuka said the league sponsor was geared for the 100% e-ticketing switch initiative across all TNM Super League matches through deployment of adequate resources for the transition.
Apart from entry to matches and other events, the TNM Mpamba card can also be used for ATM withdraws and payment in shops through POS machines.
To get TNM Mpamba cards customers simply must use TNM Smart APP, under Services, select Khadi Mbambande or dial *444#, select 5, then follow menu prompts. After application, customers get their physical cards at a TNM shop of their choice. Alternatively, customers can access instant cards at all TNM shops, TNM Super League match venues or selected agents and dealers.
NKHOTAKOTA—The management team at Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve has confirmed the presence of leopards within the reserve, captured by CCTV cameras installed to monitor wildlife activity. This exciting discovery has the potential to boost tourism in the area, according to the reserve’s director, David Nangoma.
In a statement to Times360Malawi, Nangoma expressed enthusiasm about the leopards’ presence, explaining how this discovery enhances the reserve’s appeal to tourists. Leopards are among the “Big Five” game animals that are highly sought-after by safari enthusiasts and nature lovers.
“We have elephants in the reserve, but we previously thought leopards were not present. Our cameras, however, have shown that leopards are indeed here and their numbers are growing,” Nangoma revealed.
Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve is one of Malawi’s key conservation areas, generating annual revenue between $25,000 and $50,000 from ecotourism activities. The addition of leopards to the reserve’s wildlife population could attract even more visitors, helping to support conservation efforts and contribute to the local economy.
As the reserve continues to expand its conservation and tourism initiatives, the discovery of leopards serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity in Malawi’s forests and the potential for sustainable tourism development.
