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Malawi faces economic strain as fuel shortages hinder growth: A call for urgent solutions

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By Burnett Munthali

In Malawi, a growing concern over the persistent fuel shortages is casting a dark shadow on the nation’s economic prospects.

Citizens like Luka MacLoud from Lilongwe are struggling to make ends meet, with many unable to support their families due to the rising costs of fuel.

MacLoud, along with over ten others, lamented that despite the country’s foreign earnings from tobacco exports, fuel scarcity remains a major stumbling block.



The situation is creating a ripple effect across various sectors, from transport to agriculture, leaving many businesses in jeopardy.

Isaac Cheke Ziba, a local commentator, stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address this challenge.

He suggested that the government should convene meetings with stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the fuel crisis.

Malawi’s economic stability, he argued, depends on addressing these critical issues.

The country, rich in natural resources and foreign trade opportunities, should not be left vulnerable to fuel supply disruptions.

The government’s focus on boosting economic recovery must include addressing these logistical constraints that hinder economic activities.

With fuel shortages putting a strain on everyday life, citizens are left wondering whether the country’s economic growth will ever reach its full potential.

Now is the time for bold decisions to pave the way for a future where fuel scarcity does not dictate the success of Malawi’s economy.

Safe homes crucial in children rehabilitation -Irish Rule of Law

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By Kondwani Kandiado

Irish Rule of Law International program Lawyer, Martha Pigott says adherence to Malawi Child care, protection and Justice Act is crucial in ensuring rehabilitation of children who are in conflict with the law.

She said this on Saturday at Lumbadzi Police Station during a refresher training of police officers on appropriate handling of child suspects.

Pic: Piggot interacting with officers after the training

Said Pigott: “Sometimes a child might be coming from a broken home, not having  parents or support in school so in order to prevent them from committing more crimes or becoming more dangerous criminals before becoming adults we have to intervene and rehabilitate them now while still young and put them on a better path.”

She however observed that one of the challenges was inadequate safe homes which she said affected police officers when they come into contact with children who have committed offenses.

Malawi Child Care, Protection and Justice Act of 2010 prohibits children in conflict with the law from being held in police cells but instead be put in safe homes and also divert those children away from the criminal justice system for more minor offences.

Pigott urged the police officers to work hand in hand with parents of concerned children to ensure that they divert children’s cases away from court.

Lumbadzi police officer in-charge, Deputy Commissioner Mecklina Mtanthiko Medi commended the Irish rule of law officials for organizing the training saying it will help improve service delivery especially on children in conflict with the law.

The training was supported by Irish Rule of Law International and was aimed at reminding police officers on what the law says, discuss challenges and pave the way forward.

Madise calls for tax cuts on smartphones to boost online learning

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Sunduzwayo Madise, has called on the government to consider reducing taxes on smartphones to make them more accessible to students for educational purposes.

He made the remarks on Monday at UNIMA in Zomba during a workshop promoting online learning, which also featured the Malawi Institute of Education (MIE).

Madise



Madise noted that the high cost of smartphones is a major barrier to access for many students.

He gave examples of how students in remote areas such as Nthalire in Chitipa, Nyezelera in Phalombe, Marka in Nsanje, and other distant regions could benefit from online learning from their homes if they had access to smartphones.

“UNIMA is ready to train lecturers in online teaching methodologies,” said Madise.

On his part,Director of Higher Education in the Ministry of Higher Education, Zizwa Msukuma, said the ministry is committed to facilitating access to education through modern online technologies.

SKC Foundation supports St John’s Mission Hospital with K7.2million

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By Linda Kwanjana

The Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) Foundation has supported St John’s Mission Hospital with K7.2 million to be used to rehabilitate one of its ambulances which has frequently been breaking down.

Speaking after the donation Joshua Varela, a  Trustee for SKC Foundation, said the hospital, one of the oldest in Mzuzu, is facing numerous challenges, and the Foundation felt compelled to contribute towards addressing some of them.



Varela said they considered the importance of the hospital to Mzuzu and the Northern Region in general hence the support.

He said the foundation is also focused on supporting communities in areas such as health, education, environment among others.

“They have a list of challenges and we chose to fix the ambulance because we felt it will serve a lot of people. Our board in March this year passed a resolution to fix the ambulance,” he said.

In her remarks, St John’s Mission Hospital Director Jessie Chihana commended the Foundation for the gesture which came about after the hospital sounded an SoS in February this year during its Open Day.

Chihana said there have been instances where the ambulance broke down en-route to a referral hospital while transporting patients, posing serious risks.

“Currently we do not have a washing machine, our staff manually wash patients’ clothes using sticks, which is tiresome. But we thank God for organisation’s like SKC Foundation for remembering us in our challenges. The support will go a long way to improve service delivery at this hospital,” she said.

Also present at the event were Wales Singini, Chairperson of the hospital’s Finance and Audit Committee, Father Tony Mfune and members of the hospital staff.

The SKC Foundation is a non-partisan and non-political organisation aiming at fulfilling the vision and goals of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima was launched on 12 February 2025.

Among some of its objectives the Foundation supports education for underprivileged students in Malawi, providing aid to those in need during unforeseen crises, encouraging self-sufficiency among Malawians, promoting youth leadership development and also promoting collective mindset change.

MCP supporters parade in Mzuzu to welcome President Chakwera

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By Burnett Munthali

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) members in Mzuzu today held a colourful parade to welcome President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to the city.

The parade, marked by singing, dancing, and waving of party flags, showcased the party’s strong presence in the Northern Region.

Supporters dressed in MCP regalia lined the streets, chanting slogans in support of the president and his leadership.

The atmosphere in the city was electric, with hundreds of people joining the procession from various townships around Mzuzu.



Traffic came to a standstill in some areas as the parade moved through the main roads, drawing the attention of onlookers and passersby.

MCP regional and district leaders led the procession, showing unity and mobilizing the party faithful ahead of the president’s engagements in the region.

Some supporters carried placards with messages of encouragement, while others held portraits of Dr Chakwera.

The event was also seen as a show of political strength, especially as the country edges closer to the 2025 general elections.

President Chakwera is expected to carry out a number of official duties during his visit to the Northern Region, including developmental inspections and community engagements.

Local authorities applauded the peaceful nature of the parade and commended party supporters for maintaining order.

Security was tight, with police officers closely monitoring the event to ensure safety for all participants.

The MCP parade in Mzuzu reflects the continued efforts by the party to consolidate its support base across all regions of Malawi.