Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Lilongwe Archdiocese has called upon the Catholic faithful to engage in fervent prayer for positive change in society. During a recent Mass celebration, he emphasized the importance of prayer in addressing various challenges faced by individuals and the community at large.
Bishop Mwakhwawa urged Christians to pray for political leaders, encouraging them to abandon deceitful practices during election seasons and to commit to serving the interests of the people with integrity. He highlighted the need for prayer not just for leaders, but also for those who are suffering from various issues, including hunger and poverty.
“Let us pray for those facing challenges, particularly those who are struggling with hunger,” Bishop Mwakhwawa stated. He acknowledged that many individuals in the community are grappling with significant hardships and that collective prayer can be a powerful means of seeking relief and support.
Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa
The Bishop also reminded the congregation to include their archdiocese in their prayers, as it, too, faces numerous difficulties. He emphasized the need for unity and compassion within the community, urging everyone to demonstrate good character and integrity in their daily lives.
These remarks were made during the celebration of a Mass held in honor of the church’s Chibalalitso ceremony at the Our Lady of Help parish in Kachebere, Mchinji district. Bishop Mwakhwawa’s call to prayer resonates with the ongoing concerns in Malawi regarding governance, social justice, and the well-being of the vulnerable in society.
As the country continues to navigate complex socio-economic challenges, the Auxiliary Bishop’s message serves as a reminder of the role of faith and prayer in fostering resilience and hope among the people.
President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, says he has endorsed the communique signed by three opposition parties DPP, UTM and AFORD for the 2025 elections to be free, fair, transparent and credible.
Jumah said the three parties are representing the wishes and aspirations of each and every Malawian to see to it that the 2025 elections reflect the will of the people for the country to move forward and not backward as per the thinking of the MCP.
Bantu Saunders Jumah
He said citizens change government for change, nobody wants the past to come back but the future to come saying this is why elections are held in every five years observing that Malawians could have a new President on 21st May, 2024 but some other people regarding themselves as more important than Malawi switched the elections to 21st September, 2025 to suit their own interests.
In the communique reached by DPP, AFORD and UTM, the three parties called for a commission of inquiry to establish circumstances that led to the tragic death of Dr. Saulosi Chilima and eight others, independent auditors to audit the 2025 elections results, no to Smartmatic machine in the 2025 elections, and no to electronic transmission of results.
The three opposition parties advised the MCP government to postpone Mec Voter registration exercise which is starting on 21st October, 2024, Mec Chairperson Justice Anabel Mtalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Shadreck Mpesi must go.
Opposition DPP, UTM and AFORD issued a stern warning to the MCP government that if the issues raised are not addressed, they will mobilize their supporters to go into the streets protesting against the MCP plans of rigging the 2025 elections.
Speaking through a Revolutionary voice, Bantu Saunders Jumah, said Mec Chairperson Justice Anabel Mtalimanja is in conflict of interest being the daughter of the late Mr. John Tembo observing that a mango tree will never produce orange fruits, Mtalimanja is MCP.
Jumah said Malawians were not told of the reasons that led the MCP fail to renew the contract of Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale, a man who presided the 2020 court sanctioned fresh presidential elections in the interest of all.
He has demanded for Justice Kachale to come back at Mec to preside over the 2025 elections just the same as he did with the June, 2020 elections for elections to be free but with Justice Anabel Mtalimanja, this can be translated as taking Malawians for granted.
“DPP, AFORD and UTM are futuristic parties not these other smaller parties that are saying these parties are afraid of MCP winning the 2025 elections with a landslide victory,” said Jumah.
He has pleaded with President Chakwera to listen to the concerns of the three opposition parties and address them urging Malawians that this is the time to scrutinize all political parties that some are there for money from MCP and not the future of the country.
Muhammad Sulumba and Uchizi Vunga scored a brace each as Creck Sporting Club and Silver Strikers played out to a 2-all draw at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in Mchinji on Sunday afternoon.
Sulumba put the home side in front with just a minute before half time after receiving an assist from Vincent Nyangulu who took the ball from Silver’s defender Emmanuel Kaunga.
At the beginning of the second half, Vunga who was also voted man of the match, cancelled Creck’s lead in the 46th minute after receiving an assist from Gift Chunga.
Sulumba put the home side back in front in the 79th minute after receiving a pass from George Chaomba but Vunga again equalised a minute later following a communication breakdown in Creck’s defence.
Elsewhere, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers missed an opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Silver Strikers as they suffered a 1-nil defeat at the hands of Karonga United at Karonga Stadium.
Alfred Chizinga scored the only goal of the match just five minutes from kick-off after receiving an assist from William Mwalwimba.
In Blantyre, Daniel Shadreck scored the only goal of the match as Mighty Tigers beat Bangwe All Stars 1-nil to boost their chances of surviving in the top flight.
Silver remain top on the log table with 50 points followed by the Nomads who have so far accumulated 44 points. Both teams have played 22 points.
Baka City, Chitipa United and Bangwe All Stars remain in the relegation zone.
The recent calls for an investigation into the conduct of judicial officers, particularly Justice Ken Manda, have thrust the issue of judicial corruption into the public eye, prompting scrutiny of the Malawi Judiciary’s response. After almost three weeks of mounting pressure from the public and various stakeholders, the Judiciary has finally begun to take action. However, this delayed response raises critical questions about the institution’s awareness of corruption and its willingness to address it.
One of the foremost questions that arise from this situation is whether the Judiciary was previously aware of the corruption allegations involving its officers. The long-standing issues of judicial misconduct and corruption are not new phenomena in Malawi. Various reports and public complaints have highlighted these issues for years, indicating a systemic problem within the judicial framework. If the Judiciary was aware of these corrupt practices, the delay in action is concerning, suggesting either negligence or a lack of commitment to addressing such a critical issue.
The Judiciary’s decision to wait almost three weeks before initiating any investigations can be interpreted as an attempt to sidestep immediate accountability. This period of silence can exacerbate public distrust, leading to perceptions that the Judiciary is either reluctant to address corruption or is complicit in it. The fact that public outcry was necessary to prompt action raises questions about the internal mechanisms for addressing grievances and the effectiveness of oversight within the Judiciary.
This incident is not an isolated event; it mirrors previous instances where the Judiciary has faced scrutiny for its members’ conduct. The recurring nature of these allegations calls into question the Judiciary’s ability to self-regulate and uphold ethical standards. The public’s demand for transparency and accountability is a reaction to a historical pattern of inaction and the perception that the judiciary operates above scrutiny.
The urgency of addressing judicial corruption cannot be overstated. There is a growing consensus that a complete overhaul of the Judiciary is necessary to restore public confidence. Such an overhaul should encompass comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, establishing stringent accountability mechanisms, and fostering a culture of integrity among judicial officers. This includes regular audits, training programs on ethical conduct, and robust channels for reporting misconduct without fear of retaliation.
The delayed response from the Judiciary in addressing allegations of corruption signifies a larger systemic issue that requires immediate attention. It is imperative for the Judiciary to demonstrate its commitment to upholding justice and maintaining public trust. As the investigations commence, it is crucial that they be thorough and transparent to ensure accountability. The ongoing public discourse surrounding this issue reflects a growing demand for a judiciary that is not only free from corruption but also responsive to the needs and concerns of the citizens it serves. The time for reform is now, as the integrity of the judiciary is paramount for the health of Malawi’s democracy.
Lawi’s recent live performance, where he invited Minister Vera Kamtukule to join him on stage, presented an intriguing fusion of art and politics. Known for his celebrated song Therere, Lawi took the opportunity to surprise the audience by showcasing Minister Kamtukule’s hidden musical talent. However, what began as a display of Malawi’s cultural richness quickly shifted into a politically charged moment that exposed the audience’s frustrations with the current administration.
The moment Lawi announced that Minister Kamtukule could sing came as a surprise to many, especially considering her role as a government official. It revealed a new side of the minister, reminding the audience of the diverse talents found within Malawian society, even among political figures. Her willingness to step out of her formal position and share her artistic passion added a personal, relatable element to her public persona.
Kamtukule’s performance, backed by Lawi’s guitar skills, was a symbol of how art has the power to bring people together. It blurred the lines between personal identity and professional responsibility, showing how a figure known for their leadership in governance could also contribute to the creative sector. Her remarks following the performance, in which she praised Malawi’s artistic talent and highlighted the potential for economic growth through cultural industries, aligned with her role as a promoter of national development.
Despite the positive display of talent, the atmosphere soured when Kamtukule concluded her remarks by stating, “This is the same government!” The crowd, already primed with political discontent, reacted negatively to what they perceived as an endorsement of the current administration. Loud boos and calls for her to step down echoed through the venue, signaling that for some Malawians, political frustrations overshadow moments meant for celebration.
This reaction underscores the tension in Malawi’s political environment, where public officials are held accountable not only for their individual actions but also for the broader performance of the government. In this instance, Kamtukule’s association with the government shifted the focus away from her musical talent, reflecting the dissatisfaction some Malawians feel with the administration. The audience’s response highlights how deeply politics influences public perception, even in a non-political setting.
The incident brings to light the complex relationship between art, public figures, and political perception in Malawi. While art can serve as a bridge between different sectors of society, it can also become a platform for airing political grievances. In this case, what was intended to be a lighthearted and positive performance was quickly overshadowed by political undertones. The audience’s response to Kamtukule’s remarks shows that public figures cannot easily escape the political expectations placed upon them, even in artistic environments.
Moreover, this situation demonstrates that when public figures, especially politicians, step outside their formal roles, their actions are still viewed through a political lens. For Kamtukule, her musical talent could not separate her from her position within the government, and the crowd’s reaction highlighted their ongoing frustrations with political leadership.
Lawi’s surprise performance with Minister Vera Kamtukule was meant to celebrate Malawi’s artistic talent and foster a positive collaboration between different sectors. However, the event ultimately reflected the political discontent felt by many Malawians. It serves as a reminder that public figures, especially those in political office, are constantly under scrutiny, even in non-political spaces. Their actions, no matter how well-intentioned, are often viewed within the broader context of governance and public dissatisfaction.
The incident at Lawi’s performance highlights the importance of addressing the concerns of the public. It underscores the need for government leaders to bridge the gap between their official roles and the sentiments of the people they serve. For Malawi to fully harness its artistic potential, political leaders must also work to restore public trust and address the underlying issues fueling discontent among the population.
