Deputy Director of Arts, McDonald Maluwaya, has expressed optimism that the establishment of the National Arts and Heritage Promotion Fund will help promote culture and arts sector in the country.
He made the remarks in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the official opening of the central region consultative meeting on the development of regulations for the National Arts and Heritage Promotion Fund.
According to Maluwaya, the fund aligns well with the National Arts and Heritage Council Bill which is yet to be presented to Parliament.
McDonald Maluwaya
He described the fund as a key aspect to national development in the attainment of Malawi 2063 by enhancing and improving arts and culture in the country.
“The initiative will witness the establishment of the Arts and Culture Council which ensures that the fund is properly regulated with a full operational secretariat for effective implementation.
“It will also provide a platform for job opportunities among the youth, a development which is likely to improve lives of most Malawians in the country,” he said.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) expert, Ayeta Anne Wanjusa, highlighted the importance of the meeting, saying the process will help the country to have a strong legal framework in the culture industry.
The initiative is being implemented by the Department of Arts in collaboration with the National Commission for UNESCO with technical support from UNESCO-Aschberg.
One of the top music management companies in the country ‘Akometsi’ owned by Social media influencer Kelvin Silugwe has announced that it has stopped the music management business.
According to a statement released by the record label, June, 2024 will be the last month for the company to manage it’s three artists namely Emmie Deebo, Qaso and Diego Watumanye.
The company says they have made the decision to focus on their soon to be established music app which will be working with various artists.
The three artists have therefore been released to become independent artists or join other music labels and they have been empowered with resources and financial capital to transition smoothly from Akometsi.
“We are leaving music management having won 8 Awards out of 10 nominations and also got recognised by Cosoma in the 1 Million mark. Our achievements are unmatched in the last two years we have worked with in-house artists under our company,” reads the statement in part.
Akometsi further said that they will continue supporting the artists who have been under Akometsi as they grow independently elsewhere.
“We will work with them the same way we wish to work with all other artists through the music App.”
The statement also said that before the end of this month the company will release three remaining projects for Qaso and the they will wind up the deal with a music show in Dar es Salaam where all the three artists are expected to perform on June 14.
Silugwe has since thanked music fans who have been supporting the company ever since it ventured into music business with Afro-pop musician Pop Young.
Hilltop Academy, a prestigious school located in Mpingwe-Limbe, recently made a generous donation to the Tidzalerana Shelter Organization, a non-profit making organization that takes care of children with disabilities in Ndirande.
The donation, which included essential items such as plates, cups, sugar, soap, cooking oil, flour, spoons, clothes, and more, was valued at over two million Malawi Kwacha.
This act of kindness exemplifies Hilltop Academy’s commitment to charity work and supporting those in need.
The directors of Hilltop Academy, led by Akhter Mohammed, expressed their gratitude to parents, guardians, and students for their unwavering support towards the donation initiative.
Akhter praised the students for showing love towards the less privileged and emphasized the importance of advocating for such charitable spirits within the school community.
In response to the donation, Frank Overton Banda, the director of Tidzalerana Shelter Organization, expressed his appreciation for the timely support from Hilltop Academy.
Banda highlighted the significant impact that the donation would have on the children with disabilities under their care, stating that it would alleviate many of their basic needs.
He extended his thanks to Hilltop Academy and expressed prayers for continued blessings upon the school.
Hilltop Academy is known for offering the Cambridge syllabus and boasts highly qualified teachers who are graduates from reputable and accredited universities, both locally and internationally.
The school has a history of engaging in charitable activities, including providing assistance to victims affected by natural disasters and mobilizing resources for international humanitarian causes.
In an interview with this publication, Banda revealed that Tidzalerana Shelter Organization was founded in 2007 and is dedicated to caring for children with disabilities in the Ndirande community.
The organization identifies children in need through various channels, such as churches, schools, and chiefs, and ensures that they receive the necessary support and care.
The collaboration between Hilltop Academy and Tidzalerana Shelter Organization exemplifies the power of community support and the impact that can be achieved through charitable initiatives.
By coming together to help those in need, both organizations are making a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable children and fostering a culture of compassion and generosity.
The donation from Hilltop Academy to Tidzalerana Shelter Organization serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and supporting those who are less fortunate.
Through acts of kindness and generosity, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others and create a more compassionate society for all.
Malawi is currently facing a significant crisis involving its immigration system, leading to threats of airport shutdowns that could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and international standing. The situation is complex, involving multiple factors including corruption, inefficiency, and labor disputes within the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Background
The Malawi Immigration Department has been plagued by allegations of corruption and inefficiency for years. Issues such as delayed processing of passports and visas, bribery, and mismanagement have eroded public trust. Recently, these problems have culminated in severe operational disruptions, threatening to shut down major airports including Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
Key Issues
1. Corruption and Bribery
Firstly, reports suggest that corruption within the Immigration Department is rampant. There have been numerous instances where officials demand bribes to expedite passport and visa processing. This has not only tainted the department’s reputation but also led to significant delays and inefficiencies.
2. Operational Inefficiencies
Secondly, The department has struggled with outdated systems and inadequate staffing. Many processes are still manual, leading to backlogs and errors. The lack of modern technology and training exacerbates these issues, making it difficult to handle the growing volume of applications efficiently.
3. Labor Disputes
Thirdly, employees within the Immigration Department have raised concerns over poor working conditions, low salaries, and lack of resources. These grievances have led to strikes and threats to shut down operations at major airports, which would severely impact travel and trade.
4. National Security Fourthly, The inefficiencies and corruption within the Immigration Department pose a risk to national security. Inadequate vetting processes and the potential for bribery could allow unauthorized individuals to enter the country, posing security threats.
Consequences of Airport Shutdowns
Shutting down major airports would have a devastating impact on Malawi’s economy. Tourism, which is a significant source of revenue, would be severely affected. Additionally, trade disruptions could lead to shortages of goods and increased prices, further straining the economy.
Airport shutdowns could damage Malawi’s international reputation. The inability to manage its borders effectively might result in strained relations with other countries and could affect foreign aid and investment.
The shutdowns could also impact the movement of essential personnel and supplies, including medical aid, which is crucial for the country’s healthcare system. This could lead to humanitarian crises, particularly in remote areas.
Government Response and Solutions
The government of Malawi needs to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues. Here are some recommended steps:
1 Anti-Corruption Measures: Implementing strict anti-corruption policies and conducting thorough investigations to hold accountable those involved in bribery and corruption. Establishing a transparent system for reporting and addressing corruption complaints is essential.
2 Modernization of Systems: Investing in modern technology to streamline immigration processes. This includes adopting electronic systems for passport and visa applications, which would reduce delays and minimize the opportunities for corruption.
3 Improving Working Conditions: Addressing the grievances of immigration employees by improving their working conditions, providing adequate training, and ensuring fair compensation. This would help in reducing strikes and operational disruptions.
4. Enhancing Security Protocols: Strengthening the vetting and screening processes to ensure national security is not compromised. Regular audits and compliance checks should be conducted to maintain high standards of operation.
5. Engaging Stakeholders
Engaging with stakeholders, including airlines, travel agencies, and international partners, to ensure a coordinated response to the crisis. Transparency and communication are key to restoring confidence in the immigration system.
Conclusion
The issues facing Malawi’s Immigration Department are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to resolve. The threats of airport shutdowns highlight the urgency of the situation. By addressing corruption, modernizing systems, and improving working conditions, Malawi can restore the functionality and integrity of its immigration services. This is not only critical for the country’s economy and international relations but also for the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Malawi National Football Team Coach Patrick Mabedi has warned his charges to guard against complacency when they host Sao Tome and Principe in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe tomorrow.
Malawian football has had its share of successes and challenges over the years. Here’s a detailed look at both:
Successes
Firstly, Malawi has qualified for the AFCON three times (1984, 2010, and 2021), which is a significant achievement given the competitive nature of African football.
Secondly, Malawi has produced talented players who have gone on to play in international leagues. Notable names include Ernest Mtawali and John Maduka, who had successful careers back then in South Africa and Europe.
Thirdly, Malawi has invested in youth football programs, which have started to bear fruit. Initiatives such as the FAM Under-17 and Under-20 leagues aim to nurture young talent and prepare them for professional careers.
Lastly, The TNM Super League, Malawi’s top-flight football league, has seen improvements in terms of competitiveness and organization. This has helped in raising the standard of local football.
Challenges
Firstly, Malawi faces significant challenges with sports infrastructure. Many football facilities and stadiums are underdeveloped, which hampers both training and hosting international matches.
Secondly, There is a lack of adequate funding and sponsorship for football at all levels. This affects player development, league operations, and the ability to attract and retain talent.
Thirdly, Issues with management and governance within the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and local clubs have been a persistent problem. This includes allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds.
Fourthly, Retaining top talent within the country is difficult. Many promising players move abroad for better opportunities, which affects the quality of the local league and the national team’s performance.
Fifthly, Football faces competition from other sports, such as netball and basketball, which also vie for limited resources and attention from both the government and the public.
Sixthly, The overall economic situation in Malawi affects football, as there is less disposable income for fans to support clubs through ticket sales and merchandise, and fewer companies willing to invest in sponsorships.
Conclusion
Malawian football has made strides, particularly in developing young talent and maintaining a presence in international competitions like the AFCON. However, significant challenges such as infrastructure deficits, funding issues, and governance problems need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of football in Malawi. Addressing these challenges would require concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and football governing bodies.
