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MCP Mega Rally Draws Thousands in Kasinje, Ntcheu

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By Twink Jones Gadama

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) mega rally held in Kasinje, Ntcheu, was a massive success, attracting thousands of supporters who gathered to listen to the party’s top officials. Richard Chimwendo Banda, MCP’s Secretary General , was the main speaker at the event, which was also attended by Traditional Authority Ganya and Member of Parliament Nancy Chaola Mdooko.

During the rally, Banda reaffirmed President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s commitment to inclusive development, as outlined in the party’s manifesto. He also emphasized the need for continued support from the community, urging them to rally behind the party’s vision for a better Malawi.

MCP rally in Kasinje


Traditional Authority Ganya took the opportunity to appeal to the government to bring development to the area. He highlighted the need for a new hospital, citing the growing population and the inadequacy of the current healthcare facilities. Ganya also requested the government to provide support for the community’s agricultural endeavors, particularly in the face of the current hunger crisis.

Member of Parliament Nancy Chaola Mdooko announced that K200 million from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) would be used to bring solar power to Kasinje. This initiative is expected to benefit the local community, who have been struggling with electricity shortages. However, Mdooko also appealed to the government to provide food assistance to the community, citing the devastating effects of hunger and poverty.

The MCP mega rally in Kasinje, Ntcheu, was a clear demonstration of the party’s commitment to engaging with the community and addressing their concerns.

As the party continues to rally support across the country, it remains to be seen how their promises will be fulfilled with few months to tripartite elections.

Usi questions the legitimacy of  UTM Disciplinary Committee as he boycotts hearing

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a dramatic turn of events, Vice President Michael Usi has announced that he will not attend the disciplinary hearing scheduled by the United Transformation Movement (UTM) for Monday, December 30, in Lilongwe.

The UTM disciplinary hearing committee had summoned Usi to appear before it, but he has refused, citing the illegitimacy of the leaders who invited him.

“How can I go to a hearing, yet the one inviting me was elected at an illegal convention? I won’t go,” Usi said in an interview.

Michael Usi



This stance is not surprising, given that Usi had previously boycotted the UTM convention that elected new National Executive Committee (NEC) members, labeling it as an “illegal convention”.

The controversy surrounding Usi’s leadership and his refusal to participate in the disciplinary hearing has sparked debate about his intentions.

Some argue that Usi’s actions are aimed at destabilizing the party, as he allegedly seeks to partner with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Usi’s history with UTM is complex. He automatically became the party’s president after the death of former President Saulos Chilima in a plane crash according to UTM Constitution.

However, his leadership has been marred by controversy, and the recent convention that elected new NEC members has only added to the tensions.

The disciplinary hearing committee’s decision to summon Usi was likely a response to his recent accusations against some UTM top officials, whom he alleged had embezzled funds.

However, with Usi’s refusal to attend the hearing, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

As the drama continues to play out, one thing is clear: the future of UTM and its leadership hangs in the balance. Will Usi’s boycott of the disciplinary hearing mark the beginning of a new chapter for the party, or will it lead to further instability?

MUST wins best arts promoting university award

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has been recognized as the best arts promoting university, receiving the prestigious award at the 2024 Maso Awards.

The awards ceremony was held last night at COMESA Hall in Blantyre.

In a Facebook post expressing gratitude, MUST said:”Art is leisurely, but when it comes to promoting it, we are serious about it. Evidence of this is our win tonight of the 2024 Maso Awards for Best Arts Promoting University. We are MUST.”

MUST is Malawi’s fourth public university established by an Act of Parliament Number 31 of 2012. Situated in Ndata, Thyolo, its groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 11, 2011 and was led by the founder, then President, His Excellency the late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika.



The university was officially opened on October 24, 2014 by then president, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.

MUST’s establishment was aimed at filling the gaps that existed in the higher education and human resource development market.

Through its Bingu School of Culture and Heritage, (BISCH) wing established in 2016, MUST offers the following cultural-related programs:Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices, BA in African Musicology, BA in Language, Communication and Culture, BA in Cultural Economy and BA in Archiving and Records Management.

Kabambe promises new inquiry into Chilima’s plane crash

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By Chisomo Phiri

The newly elected United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party President, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, has vowed to establish a new commission of inquiry into the plane crash that claimed the lives of the party’s founder and former Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and eight others on June 10, 2024, if elected as the country’s president in the September 16, 2025 elections.

He said this during a memorial mass in honor of the late Chilima at Nsipe Catholic Church in Ntcheu.

Kabambe laying a wreath at Chilima’s grave



Kabambe expressed dissatisfaction with the findings by an inquiry established by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, which ruled out foul play and attributed the cause of plane crash to bad weather and human error.

He said:” We promise that when we form a new government next year, we will establish our own commission of inquiry to fully investigate what caused the tragic plane crash that killed our beloved party founder.We are not satisfied with the recent findings.”

On his part, the memorial mass presiding priest Father Athanasius Manyenga called on the people gathered not to lose heart but believe in God and live a holy life.

He said the late Chilima had a strong faith in God, was always at church and did many charity works that is why he is mourned by many people as he left a lasting impression.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Chilima’s cousin Joshua Valera thanked the people that gathered to honour him, saying they feel comforted.

“From our hearts, we say thank you so much for honouring Dr. Chilima. May God be with you,” he said.

After the mass, there was laying of wreaths on the grave of late Chilima, and the first to lay a wreath was his wife Mary Chilima and her daughter Elizabeth.

The others who followed include; Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani V,Kabambe, MP for Ntcheu Bwanje North Nancy Chaola Mdooko and late Chilima’s brothers as well as other family members.

The event was marked by prayers, songs of comfort and a call for holy living.

Lusaka man sues wife for divorce over Chris Brown meet-and-greet photo



By Burnett Munthali

A 42-year-old man in Lusaka has filed for divorce after his wife, 34, took a controversial photograph with American R&B superstar Chris Brown. The photo, which was captured during a “meet and greet” session after Brown’s recent concert at FNB Stadium in South Africa, has ignited a domestic dispute that has now escalated to the courts.

According to court documents filed in Lusaka, the husband claims that the photograph, which shows Chris Brown planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek, is disrespectful and has brought irreparable damage to their marriage. He described the image as “demeaning” and argued that his wife’s actions were inappropriate for a married woman.

The wife attended Chris Brown’s highly publicized concert at the FNB Stadium last weekend, which included an exclusive VIP “meet and greet” package for fans. As part of the experience, fans could interact with the star, take photos, and share memorable moments.

Chris Brown with a fan



The now-viral photo shows Chris Brown kissing the woman on her cheek while she smiles at the camera. The image was later shared on social media platforms, where it gained significant attention and sparked mixed reactions.

In his divorce petition, the husband stated that his wife’s actions amounted to a breach of trust and marital vows. He reportedly confronted her upon her return from South Africa, but she allegedly dismissed his concerns, arguing that the photo was harmless and part of the event package.

“My wife acted in a manner unbecoming of a married woman. This picture has embarrassed me publicly and caused emotional distress,” the husband told the court.

The wife, however, has defended her actions, arguing that the kiss was not romantic and should not be taken out of context. She maintained that it was a lighthearted moment during a fan interaction and that she never intended to disrespect her husband.

She also accused her husband of overreacting and using the incident as an excuse for underlying issues in their marriage.

The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with opinions divided. Some have sided with the husband, arguing that the photo crossed boundaries for a married woman. Others have criticized him for overreacting, claiming the meet-and-greet photo was harmless and should not lead to divorce.

The case highlights the tension between modern celebrity culture and traditional marital expectations. It raises questions about personal boundaries, respect in marriage, and the impact of social media on relationships.

The court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks. Whether the photograph alone justifies the dissolution of the marriage will ultimately be decided by the judiciary.

While some see the incident as a harmless fan interaction, others view it as a breach of marital boundaries. This case has not only captivated the public but also reignited conversations about trust, respect, and the influence of celebrity culture on personal relationships.

As the court deliberates on the matter, one thing remains clear: the clash between global stardom and local values can have unexpected consequences in even the most personal of relationships.