The inauguration of the Jalira Girls Secondary School in Rumphi West Constituency marks a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities for girls in the region. First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera was lauded for her commitment to improving access to education during the handover ceremony held on Monday.
During the event, traditional leader Themba la Mathemba Chikulamayembe and Rumphi West Member of Parliament Yona Adadawiza Mkandawire expressed their deep appreciation for the school, highlighting its importance as a unique educational institution in the area. “We are very grateful for this excellent project. The government has been a steadfast supporter of our educational needs. Please convey our heartfelt thanks from the constituents of this area,” said Mkandawire.
The First Lady Opening the school
Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima emphasized the school’s potential to transform the educational landscape in Rumphi. “This institution serves as a strong encouragement for both the ministry and the community, and it aligns perfectly with the pillars of Malawi 2063, particularly in fostering skilled labor as a critical component of human capital development,” she noted.
Wirima called on students and community members to take great care of the new facilities, underscoring the importance of maintaining such infrastructure for future generations. The ceremony also featured the attendance of Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaola Mdooko and other senior officials within the educational sector.
The launch of Jalira Girls Secondary School is seen as a vital stride towards advancing gender equity in education and equipping young women with the skills necessary for personal and community development.
With just two days left until Election Day, the 2024 U.S. presidential race has reached an electrifying and unpredictable climax, as both Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican contender Donald Trump remain neck-and-neck in the polls. This close competition has turned every moment into a strategic showdown, especially in the battleground states that could ultimately determine who takes the White House.
The Harris strategy: A strong push in Michigan
Kamala Harris, who is aiming to build upon the coalition that propelled Joe Biden to victory in 2020, has focused her final days on Michigan, a state that proved critical in the last election. Harris’s rallies in Michigan have centered on economic and social issues. With an appeal to working-class voters and a promise of continued economic recovery, Harris hopes to secure the trust of Michiganders who have experienced the challenges of both economic downturns and the pandemic’s aftershocks.
In Michigan, Harris is emphasizing her commitment to infrastructure investment, manufacturing revitalization, and climate initiatives aimed at creating green jobs—a pitch tailored for a state with deep industrial roots. By holding multiple rallies here, Harris is sending a clear message that Michigan is a must-win state for her campaign. Harris’s visits are also aimed at energizing key Democratic demographics, including young voters, African Americans, and union workers, whose turnout will be vital.
Trump’s last-minute blitz in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has intensified his efforts across a trio of southern and swing states: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. His campaign rallies, which draw loyal supporters in massive numbers, emphasize themes of economic resurgence, immigration control, and a “law and order” message, all designed to resonate with his base while attempting to sway undecided voters. Trump’s frequent stops across these key states demonstrate his commitment to a high-energy, crowd-driven campaign style.
In Pennsylvania, Trump’s rallies highlight the natural gas industry and criticize the Democratic agenda as harmful to energy jobs, tapping into voters’ anxieties about their economic futures. In North Carolina and Georgia, Trump is pushing hard on issues of crime and traditional values, appealing to conservative voters who have been essential to his coalition.
The polling picture: A nail-biter for both candidates
Polls indicate an incredibly tight race, with neither candidate pulling decisively ahead in most swing states. Harris’s focus on progressive issues, combined with her appeal to minorities and young voters, positions her strongly in urban centers, while Trump’s strong rural and working-class base gives him an edge in more conservative counties. The result is a fragmented map that, two days from Election Day, could break in either direction.
Crucially, both candidates have intensified their outreach to independent and undecided voters, recognizing that this swing demographic could be the deciding factor. According to recent polling, these voters are largely concerned with the economy, healthcare, and political stability—issues both Harris and Trump are scrambling to address in their final days on the campaign trail.
What’s at stake: A country at a crossroads
Beyond policy, the 2024 election has become a referendum on America’s direction. For many voters, Harris represents a continuation of Democratic policies aimed at inclusion, green energy, and expanded healthcare, while Trump appeals to those desiring a return to his administration’s approach, which prioritized deregulation, a strong stance on immigration, and traditional conservative values.
This race will also likely shape the tone of American politics for the coming years. Harris’s potential presidency would be a historic milestone as the first female and Black-Asian president, symbolizing a more progressive America. Trump, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a defender of traditional American ideals, hoping to revitalize the fervor that brought him to power in 2016.
The road ahead: High stakes and high turnout
The energy in both campaigns has set the stage for an exceptionally high voter turnout, which could be the tipping point in a race so close. Both candidates are deploying all resources, mobilizing their bases, and addressing swing issues in hopes of gaining any advantage.
As Americans prepare to vote, the 2024 election stands as one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, with both sides committed to a vision for America’s future. Whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump emerges victorious, the result will be historic, shaping not just the next four years but potentially transforming the American political landscape for a generation.
With only hours to go, all eyes are on these final rallies and the last undecided voters, who hold in their hands the power to decide the future of the United States.
Madness Entertainment has expanded its talent roster with the signing of 21-year-old Afro Fusion artist Joe Ikon, whose real name is Joseph Chintapasa.
Known for his unique sound and captivating performances, Joe Ikon is expected to bring fresh energy to the label.
Joe Ikon joins Madness Entertainment’s growing lineup which already includes artists Kineo and Aidfest, both prominent names under the label.
Joe Ikon
The move underscores the company’s commitment to fostering young talent in Malawi’s music industry.
Madness Entertainment’s Assistant Manager, Review Wasema, expressed the company’s dedication to artists development.
“The signing of Joe Ikon reflects our commitment to empower and inspire artists.
“We are thrilled to provide a platform for him to grow and reach new heights,” Wasema said.
Madness Entertainment has positioned itself as a key player in Malawi’s entertainment scene, with a mission to nurture emerging talent and create opportunities for growth in the industry.
United Transformation Movement (UTM) presidential aspirant Newton Kambala on Monday November 4,2024, submitted his nomination papers at the UTM headquarters in Lilongwe.
Kambala is the fourth aspirant to present the papers,following Dalitso Kabambe, Mathews Mtumbuka and Patricia Kaliati.
Speaking to journalists after submitting his nomination papers, Kambala said his bid for the UTM president is not driven by personal ambition but the call from Malawians for good leadership.
He said it will be impossible for him to fit in the shoes of late Saulos Chilima but he will try his best.
Kambala said Chilima imparted alot in him in as far as leadership is concerned and he will ensure that Chilima’s dream lives on.
He said he wants to see UTM form the next government with him as president.
He however, said there is need to change the arrangement that sees a party president automatically becoming torchbearer for the party.
Kambala said there is need for delegates at the convention to choose the torchbearer for the party.
He emphasized that the delegates need to decide who should be the torchbearer and should it happen that he is not chosen as the torchbearer, he will support the chosen candidate.
Kambala also emphasized that UTM is not for sale and called on the delegates not to sell their votes.
He said UTM needs a leader that will continue Chilima’s legacy and ensure that his dream has been fulfilled.
He concluded that there is need for a leader who will serve Malawians and bail them out of poverty.
The UTM will hold its national elective convention on November 17,2024 in Mzuzu.
The party was founded by the late Chilima on July 21,2018.
The Ministry of Education has launched Batch 17 of the School Leadership Training Programme (SLP) at the Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre, gathering 187 school leaders from across the nation to enhance their leadership skills and improve educational outcomes. The event, held today, aims to reinforce the objectives of the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP).
Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, highlighted the significance of the SLP in improving the learning environment for lower primary students in government schools. “The main objective of MERP is to improve the learning environment for students in lower primary across all government schools,” she stated during the opening ceremony.
The training initiative aspires to reach a total of 10,200 school leaders from all 34 education districts in Malawi, which includes training 7,800 headteachers and deputy headteachers, alongside 2,000 female section heads and 400 primary education advisors and inspectors.
Since its inception in November 2022, the SLP has successfully trained 10,165 school leaders across 16 batches. Among these, 7,613 were headteachers and deputy headteachers, leaving a target of 187 to be addressed in this latest batch. Notably, the programme has surpassed its goal for female section heads, training 2,279 participants compared to the initial target of 2,000.
In a bid to promote gender equity in leadership positions, Batch 17 includes a significant number of female headteachers and deputy headteachers from various districts including Chitipa, Karonga, Mzimba South and North, Nkhata Bay, Blantyre Urban and Rural, Chikwawa, Mwanza, and Nsanje.
The training sessions are being held at multiple locations, including the Malawi Sun Hotel, AAUCHA Lodge in Mzuzu, and St Kizito Conference Centre in Chitipa, fostering inclusive and accessible training opportunities for all participants.
Dr. Chimbwete outlined key objectives for the SLP, which are aimed at promoting positive and inclusive school cultures conducive to the needs of vulnerable children, as well as improving teachers’ morale.
