A 49-year-old South African woman, Funiwe Abigail Nkcosolwana, is in police custody at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe over possession of cocaine.
Nkcosolwana, who previously served a seven-year sentence in Ghana for a similar offense and was released in 2023, was apprehended upon arrival from Brazil.
According to KIA Police spokesperson Dorrah Chathyoka, Nkcosolwana was found with 1.8 kilograms of cocaine in her two handbags.
Funiwe Abigail Nkcosolwana
The drugs were allegedly intended for delivery to a Nigerian national, Chathyoka said.
Nkcosolwana now faces charges of importing dangerous drugs and possession of substances suspected to be dangerous drugs.
Malawi can breathe a sigh of relief as Tropical Cyclone Chido has finally exited the country, bringing an end to the strong winds and heavy rainfall that have caused widespread destruction and disruption in its wake.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) announced the news in a statement issued on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 14:00 hours, marking the final update on the storm.
According to the DCCMS, Chido has lost its influence over Malawi, and its current position no longer poses a threat to the country.
Damage caused by Chido
The department has assured the public that it will continue to monitor the movement and strength of any developing storms and cyclones in the South West Indian Ocean region and provide updates accordingly.
The exit of Chido comes as a welcome relief to the millions of Malawians who have been affected by the storm.
The cyclone has caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture, leaving many families without access to basic necessities.
“We are relieved that the storm has passed, and we can now begin the process of rebuilding and recovery,” said a resident of Blantyre, one of the districts most affected by the storm.
“We are grateful for the efforts of the government and emergency services in responding to the disaster.”
The DCCMS has played a critical role in monitoring the storm’s movement and providing timely updates to the public.
The department’s efforts have helped to save lives and minimize damage, and its continued monitoring of the region will ensure that Malawians remain informed about any potential threats.
For those affected by the storm, the DCCMS has provided contact information for further assistance.
The department can be reached at P.O. Box 1808, Blantyre, tel: (265) 882 266 579, fax: (265) -1- 822 215, email: metdept@metmalawi.gov.mw,.The department is also active on social media, with a Facebook page and WhatsApp number (+265 995 155 050).
As Malawi begins the process of recovery and rebuilding, the government has pledged to provide support to those affected by the storm.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change has been working closely with the DCCMS and other stakeholders to coordinate the response efforts.
“We are committed to supporting those affected by the storm and ensuring that the recovery process is inclusive and effective,” said a government spokesperson,Moses Kunkuyu. “We urge all Malawians to continue to be vigilant and follow all instructions from authorities to ensure their safety.”
In conclusion, the exit of Tropical Cyclone Chido marks a significant milestone in the country’s response to the disaster.
As Malawi begins the process of recovery and rebuilding, the DCCMS will continue to play a critical role in monitoring the region and providing updates to the public.
Ten-year-old Malawian boy residing in Dublin, Ireland, Kennedy Mhango, has emerged as the top winner in the Association of Malawians in Ireland (AMAI) Kids Got Talent Cultural competition announced on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the AMAI Gala Awards.
According to one of the competition judges Brian Mwenelupembe, Mhango was voted the winner due to his impressive presentation of Malawian culture, including ingoma dancing skills, knowledge of Malawi football, and language proficiency.
Kennedy Mhango
“He deserves to be the top winner. He has displayed amazing skills, and it is clear he got talent,” Mwenelupembe said.
In an interview,AMAI President Henry Mkumbira Phiri explained that the association organized the competition to promote Malawian culture among Malawian children living in Ireland.
“We plan to conduct a similar competition next year,” said Phiri.
Mhango, through his mother Lumbani, expressed gratitude to AMAI for organizing the competition, which encourages Malawian kids in Ireland to learn about their heritage.
“We are thankful to AMAI for introducing this wonderful competition.It helps us expose our hidden talents and skills,” Mhango said.
A total of four children participated in this year’s competition.
Malawi’s only Gemological Institute of America (GIA) gemologist graduate, Yamikani Jimusole,has been awarded a merit-based scholarship to study Jewelry Design at GIA’s London campus.
The announcement, made on December 7, 2024, marks another milestone in Jimusole’s mission to elevate Malawi’s gemstone industry.
The scholarship, valued at £4,698, will cover part of the tuition for the 8-week Jewelry Design Certificate Program, which costs a total of £7,227.
Jimusole will personally fund the remaining £2,529, alongside his accommodation, travel, and living expenses during the course, which begins in June 2025.
ENHANCING EXPERTISE IN MALAWI’S GEMSTONE SECTOR
Already a seasoned gemologist with over a decade of experience, Jimusole aims to combine his gemological expertise with jewelry design skills to unlock new opportunities for Malawi’s gemstone industry.
Once certified as a jewelry designer, he will address a significant gap in Malawi’s gemstone value chain, as the country currently lacks professionals in this critical field.
Jewelry designers play a pivotal role in the gemstone industry, transforming raw materials into high-value, market-ready pieces.
They utilize their creative and technical skills to design, draft, and render unique jewelry.
Certified designers often work as custom designers, hand renderers, business owners, or consultants, collaborating with clients and businesses to add value to gemstones and craft exquisite jewelry.
YAGLE’S TRANSFORMATIVE VISION
As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yamikani Gemstone Lab & Exports Pvt Ltd (YAGLE) , Jimusole is spearheading efforts to transform Malawi’s gemstone sector.
His plans include establishing:
A state-of-the-art gemological laboratory to ensure accurate grading and certification.
A Gemological and Entrepreneurship Institute to train future professionals.
A gemstone and jewelry museum to promote Malawi’s rich gemstone heritage.
These initiatives aim to strengthen Malawi’s position as a key player in the global gemstone market while creating jobs and empowering local communities.
Malawi has over 25 types of gemstones, including rubies, tourmalines, zircons, aquamarines, and more, with the potential to generate billions of dollars annually.
However, the lack of proper grading, certification, and appraisal systems limits the country’s ability to realize this potential.
Gemstones are often exported undervalued, reducing their economic impact.
Jimusole has been a vocal advocate for the introduction of these systems, emphasizing that such measures will not only increase revenue but also boost investor confidence in Malawi’s gemstone sector.
SCHOLARSHIPS: A PATHWAY TO INDUSTRY GROWTH
GIA’s merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and awarded based on academic performance and professional potential.
This opportunity enables students like Jimusole to access world-class training while reducing financial barriers.
The Jewelry Design program will equip him with skills in design theory, technical drawing, rendering, and portfolio development, preparing him to add immense value to Malawi’s gemstone exports.
Jimusole has encouraged other Malawians to pursue scholarships or self-fund studies in gemology and jewelry design, highlighting the endless opportunities available in the sector.
A PIONEER FOR MALAWI
Having graduated as a gemologist from GIA’s Thailand campus in 2017, Jimusole is a trailblazer in Malawi’s gemstone industry.
His certification as a jewelry designer will further solidify his leadership, allowing him to create bespoke, high-value jewelry that meets international standards.
With his dual expertise, Jimusole envisions a future where Malawi’s gemstone industry can thrive, competing on a global scale while benefiting local communities.
His story is an inspiring example of how education and innovation can transform an entire sector.
MOVING FORWARD
Jimusole’s scholarship is more than a personal achievement; it’s a step toward revolutionizing Malawi’s gemstone sector.
By integrating gemology and jewelry design, he is paving the way for a brighter, more lucrative future for Malawi’s natural resources.
The Ministry of Education has announced the suspension of classes for Primary and Secondary schools in 17 districts of Malawi’s southern region, effective Monday, December 16, 2024, due to the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Chido.
The districts affected include Machinga, Mangochi, Zomba, Phalombe, Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nsanje, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Neno, Mwanza, Balaka, Ntcheu, Dedza, and others.
The decision to suspend classes was made to ensure the safety of learners and teachers in these districts.
The Ministry has advised all schools to monitor the situation in their localities and only resume classes on December 18, 2024, if deemed safe.
District Education officers have been instructed to ensure strict adherence to this notification by all schools and stakeholders.
Students in Boarding Schools within the affected areas have been advised to remain in their schools, while School Management is urged to exercise necessary caution to keep students safe during this time.
The Ministry has also provided contact details for further information, including the Public Relations Desk on 01 789 422 or 0995 72 27 22.
According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Tropical Cyclone Chido is forecasted to bring significant rainfall to Malawi from Sunday, December 15, through Monday, December 16, 2024, potentially leading to flash flooding.
The storm’s impact is expected to be severe, with heavy rains and strong winds predicted.
The Ministry’s decision to suspend classes comes as a precautionary measure to protect the lives of learners and teachers.
Malawi has experienced devastating effects from previous cyclones, including Cyclones Ana and Freddy, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
The suspension of classes is a necessary measure to ensure the safety of all stakeholders involved.
The Ministry’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing the well-being of learners and teachers during this challenging time.
As the situation unfolds, the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the resumption of classes.
In the meantime, learners and teachers are advised to remain vigilant and follow all instructions from authorities to ensure their safety.
