Essential Tours and Travel Bureau given a female top short distance runner Asimenye Simwaka K1 million for winning bronze medal in 200 metres women category at the Senior African Athletics Championship in Cameroon recently.
The company made a symbolic handover on Tuesday after hosting Simwaka to a dinner at Presidential Hotel in Lilongwe.
Asimenye Simwaka receiving the cheque
In an interview with local media,Essential Tours Managing Director Chris Luwayo said the gesture is aimed at motivating athletes.
“Her performance has really impressed us and this K1 million donation is a motivation to her so as she keeps working hard,” he said.
In her remarks, Simwaka hailed the company for the gesture.
“I am very thankful for this reward. This is so encouraging and I promise to work extra hard,” said Simwaka.
The multi-talented athlete set new national and personal record after 23.05 to finish third.
She finished third behind Ivory Coast duo of Jessika Lauren Maca Gbai and Maboundu Kone.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Madalitso Kazombo, has publicly acknowledged that Malawi’s escalating debt crisis is exacerbated by parliamentarians’ tendency to hastily approve financial bills without adequate scrutiny. This revelation was made during the opening session of a two-day national debt conference organized by the Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN) in Lilongwe.
The conference aims to foster candid discussions on the detrimental impacts of unsustainable debt levels on social sector investments, ultimately affecting service delivery quality across the nation.
Kazombo
Kazombo, speaking on the parliamentary processes, noted a critical oversight wherein Parliament frequently bypasses the mandatory 28-day period for members to review bills before their first reading. According to Parliamentary Standing Orders, every bill must be circulated among lawmakers at least 28 days before its initial reading.
“In many instances,” Kazombo lamented, “ministers often request waivers of the 28-day notice period, citing urgency for the bill’s passage.” This practice, he emphasized, undermines the rigorous scrutiny essential for ensuring the financial prudence and accountability required in managing public debt.
The Deputy Speaker’s remarks highlight a systemic flaw within Malawi’s legislative oversight, where expedited procedures potentially compromise comprehensive examination of fiscal policies and financial implications. Such oversights contribute significantly to the country’s mounting debt burden, which demands meticulous parliamentary scrutiny to safeguard national financial stability and public trust.
As the national debt conference unfolds, stakeholders are poised to deliberate on strategies to enhance legislative oversight, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability mechanisms within Malawi’s governance framework. The objective is to foster a more informed and responsible approach to managing public finances, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of unsustainable debt on critical social investments.
In conclusion, Deputy Speaker Kazombo’s candid assessment serves as a clarion call for reforming parliamentary practices to ensure robust scrutiny and adherence to procedural norms, crucial in safeguarding Malawi’s economic resilience and sustainable development goals.
Abida Mia, a prominent figure in Lower Shire politics and wife of the late Mohammed Sidik Mia, has officially thrown her hat into the ring to contest for the position of second vice president within the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Mrs. Mia confirmed her candidacy to Timveni Online, signaling her intention to play a more prominent role in the party’s leadership.
Mrs. Mia’s political journey spans several decades, beginning with her involvement in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and continuing through affiliations with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Peoples Party (PP). She has earned a reputation for her behind-the-scenes organizational skills, particularly in coordinating and mobilizing delegates during party conventions.
Abida Mia
The upcoming MCP convention in August 2024 holds significant implications as it marks the final opportunity before the 2025 elections for party members to elect new leadership. The individuals chosen during this convention are poised to serve a five-year term, potentially positioning themselves for succession to higher office, including the presidency, depending on electoral outcomes in 2025 or 2030.
Abida Mia’s candidacy for second vice president underscores her ambition to leverage her experience and network within MCP circles to influence party dynamics and future leadership trajectories. Her entry into the race adds a new dimension to the party’s internal dynamics and signals a proactive stance in shaping its future course.
As preparations for the MCP convention intensify, all eyes will be on the outcome, which promises to shape the party’s direction and leadership landscape heading into the pivotal 2025 general elections.
**Follow Timveni Online for updates on Abida Mia’s campaign and other developments leading up to the MCP convention. Stay informed as Malawi’s political landscape evolves.**
Celebrated activist and versatile politician Commander-in-Chief of Citizen for Transformation (CFT) and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Vice President responsible for Operations Senior Comrade Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo continues to give a clear definition of Malawian activism as he trashes wrong perception that politicians must no engage themselves in activism.
Clarified Mtambo, “Activism does not have qualifications. Activism does not have requirements. Medical doctors may work as activists. Engineers may work as activists. Politicians may work as activists.”
Mtambo being interviewed on Luntha TV
Mtambo further expressed his dismay with arrests of some activists and journalists.
“Both activists and journalists must work freely. Let us commend government where it performs well. Let us condemn government where it performs poorly,” said the 39-year-old political leader.
Mtambo extended his heartfelt condolence to the nation for the tragic loss of late former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima.
“We need to move forward. We need to live SKC agenda. We need to keep the battle.”
Concluding the Robert Edward-hosted Luntha Television Talk Mtambo quoted former Mozambican President Samora Machel, “Aluta Continua, Victoria Acerta.”
Malawi national women’s football team ‘Scorchers’ captain Tabitha Chawinga has signed a 3 year contract with French Feminine League side, Olympique Lyonnais.
Chawinga has joined the club after leaving Chinese side, Wuhan Jiangda which loaned her to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) where he had a very successful season.
Chawinga signing for Lyon
During her time at PSG, Tabitha was named Player of the Season and won the Golden Boot award last year after scoring 18 goals.
Founded in 1950, Olympique Lyonnais plays in France’s highest football division, Ligue 1. The club won its first Ligue 1 championship in 2002 and has since won several trophies making it one of the most successful teams in the World.
