Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Aspiring member of parliament in September 16 General Elections, Vitumbiko Mumba has revealed plans to launch a Revolving Fund which will provide ongoing financial support and empower people in Mzimba Central Constituency.
This landmark initiative named Mumba Revolving Fund (MUREF), is expected to be launched next month with the aim of empowering women and youth aged between 18 to 60 to have access to finances by starting or expanding their enterprises and small-scale farming activities.
Mumba
Mumba who is also Minister of Trade and Industry, said through his official Facebook page that the fund amount will be announced in July where the first beneficiaries will receive their loans.
Meanwhile MUREF has released job adverts for the Credit Consultant and Patrons who will be assisting in managing the revolving fund.
A chilling act of violence has shaken the Chileka area in Blantyre, following the murder of prominent businessman Omar Mbeta.
According to police authorities, Mbeta, who owned the well-known Mbeta Hardware, was killed by unknown assailants on Friday evening.
Chileka Police spokesperson Jonathan Phillipo confirmed the incident, stating that the businessman was attacked as he was leaving his business premises.
Mbeta- Murdered
Phillipo noted that Mbeta’s murder is believed to have been a planned act, as the attackers struck with precision while he was heading home from work.
The police are yet to release full details of the circumstances surrounding the incident but have assured the public that investigations are underway.
Phillipo added that law enforcement officers will provide a comprehensive account of what transpired once all necessary findings are compiled.
The news of Mbeta’s death has sent shockwaves through the Chileka business community, where he was known as a respected and successful entrepreneur.
Fellow business owners and local residents are reportedly gripped by fear, with many now questioning the security of operating in the area.
Mbeta was considered a pillar of the local business sector, and his tragic death has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Police have called on members of the public to come forward with any information that may help in apprehending the culprits.
As investigations continue, the community is left mourning the loss of a man who contributed significantly to local commerce and inspired many with his entrepreneurial spirit.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, has assured journalists that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the media to operate freely during the forthcoming elections.
Speaking during the annual general meeting of the Association of Muslim Journalists held in Blantyre, Mia emphasized that a free press is essential for democracy and national stability.
Abida Mia
She urged journalists to take up the responsibility of reporting accurate and balanced stories, especially during the election period when tensions tend to rise.
Mia cautioned against the publication of stories that may incite violence, warning that such content has the potential to divide the nation and derail the democratic process.
She pledged continued support from the government to journalists and media practitioners, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to upholding press freedom.
The Minister’s remarks were welcomed by members of the Association of Muslim Journalists in Malawi, who expressed gratitude for the support.
President of the association, Chekautuwa Ndege, thanked Mia for attending the meeting and for her encouragement towards ethical journalism.
Organising Chairperson Cassim Aubi also applauded the Minister and echoed the call for professionalism among journalists, particularly during the election season.
Both leaders urged their colleagues in the media to adhere to journalistic standards that promote peace, fairness, and integrity.
The gathering in Blantyre highlighted the crucial role journalists play in shaping public discourse and safeguarding democracy through responsible reporting.
As Malawi edges closer to a tense electoral period, the interaction between government officials and media representatives signals a shared responsibility to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
By committing to support press freedom while advocating responsible journalism, Abida Mia’s message underscores the importance of collaboration between the state and the media in preserving democratic values.
Mulanje District Council has donated an artificial leg worth K4.5 million to Senior Chief Chikumbu, who had her leg amputated after an injury from an accident.
The council’s Public Relations and Information Officer, Alex Chitwere, said, “The council recognised the need to support the traditional leader with the artificial leg to enable her continue serving her community.”
Chikumbu expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “This is going to improve my mobility challenge, and I hope the council will do the same to others.”
The artificial leg will enable her to move around more easily and continue her work as a traditional leader in her community.
Health experts at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) have embarked on research to find a permanent treatment for malaria in the country
Speaking on Wednesday in Blantyre during the Malawi colloquium event which celebrated the contributions and impact of pediatric research, KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor MacPherson Mallewa said their goal is to ensure that by 2030, no one in the country will die from malaria.
Mallewa
Mallewa revealed that their team is also working to identify the causes of brain swelling and develop new treatments for pediatric cerebral malaria.
The Vice Chancellor praised the work of Dr. Ankie Borgstein, Dr. Malcolm Molyneux, and Terrie Taylor, who have been instrumental in researching malaria causes and treatments, as well as building capacity for health workers in the country.
Malaria remains a significant public health issue in Malawi, with the entire population of 20 million plus at risk of infection.
Notably, children under the age of five continue bearing the highest burden of the disease.
The country accounts for 2% of malaria cases worldwide and is among the top 15 countries with a high malaria burden.
In 2022, Africa was home to 94% of malaria cases (233 million) and 95% (580 000) of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the region according to the 2023 World Malaria Report.
However, each day breeds hope to have malaria eliminated in at least 30 countries by 2030 as per the 2016-2030 global technical strategy for malaria.
