Chief Child Affairs Officer from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Pauline Simwaka, has emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring the well-being of children.
She made the call at a graduation ceremony in Blantyre where 26 caregivers from Open Arms Infant Home received certificates after completing a 10-day Care for Child Development training program.
The training program, which covered areas such as child protection, case management, and comprehensive care for child development, aimed to empower caregivers with new knowledge and skills to provide quality care for children.
Simwaka commended the training initiative, saying it is instrumental in protecting and caring for children.
Chairperson of Trustees at Open Arms Infant Home, James Wandawanda, also emphasized the significance of the training, urging individuals and companies to support children empowerment programs.
“Everyone should put the interest of the child first, especially from the age of 0-3, which is very critical in child development,” Wandawanda said.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone in the efforts to ensure the well-being of children in Malawi.
The training program is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of children, and Simwaka’s call for collaborative efforts is a testament to the importance of working together to achieve this goal.
In a shocking move that is set to send seismic waves through Malawi’s political landscape, former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General, Hon. Grezelder Geoffrey, popularly known as Jefu wa Jefu, is poised to join the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
According to sources, Hon. Geoffrey will formally announce her defection to the MCP today at a development rally in Area 24, Lilongwe, where she will be welcomed by His Excellency, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
The news has sent shockwaves through the political fraternity, with many analysts describing the move as a “game-changer” that will redefine the country’s political dynamics.
Greselder Jeffrey
Hon. Geoffrey, known for her exceptional leadership skills and political prowess, has been a key figure in Malawian politics for many years.
“Her joining the MCP will bring a new dimension to the party’s leadership and strengthen its chances of retaining power in the next elections,” said a political analyst.
In a surprising twist, Hon. Geoffrey’s move to join the MCP comes after she had been a vocal supporter of Kondwani Nankhumwa, the former DPP Vice President for the Southern Region, during the tumultuous times within the DPP. The two, along with Nicolas Dausi, were instrumental in opposing the new DPP leadership.
However, after being fired from the DPP, Hon. Geoffrey detached herself from Nankhumwa’s newly formed People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Many had expected her to join forces with Nankhumwa, but instead, she has chosen to join the ruling MCP.
Nankhumwa is said to be disappointed by Hon. Geoffrey’s decision, which is seen as a significant blow to his ambitions. “Grezelder Geoffrey’s departure will be a significant blow to Kondwani Nankhumwa’s camp, which had been hoping to capitalize on her influence,” said a political commentator.
What’s more surprising is that Hon. Geoffrey has been vocal in her criticism of the MCP in the past. Her decision to join the party has left many stunned.
The development rally, scheduled for today, is expected to be attended by thousands of MCP supporters and will mark a historic moment in the party’s history.
President Chakwera, who has been working to unite the country since taking office, is expected to hail Hon. Geoffrey’s decision as a significant step towards achieving national unity.
“Grezelder Geoffrey’s joining the MCP is a testament to the party’s commitment to inclusivity and national unity,” said an MCP official.
The move is also expected to have far-reaching implications for the DPP, which has been struggling to regain its footing since losing the 2020 presidential elections.
“Grezelder Geoffrey’s departure will be a significant blow to the DPP, which has been struggling to find its footing,” said a political commentator.
As Malawians wait with bated breath for the formal announcement, one thing is clear: the country’s political landscape is about to undergo a significant transformation.
Hon. Geoffrey’s decision to join the MCP is a clear indication that politics is indeed a game of numbers, and alliances can make or break a party’s fortunes.
The nation will be watching with keen interest as this unprecedented alliance unfolds, marking a historic moment in the annals of Malawi’s narrative.
The just-concluded Aford convention in Lilongwe has sent a powerful message about the party’s commitment to gender equality.
In a landmark development, 24 out of 53 National Executive Committee (NEC) positions have been filled by women, marking a significant milestone in the party’s history.
The convention, which brought together delegates from across the country, saw women taking center stage in key positions.
Catherine Makunganya was elected as Deputy President responsible for Administration, while Linda Limbe assumed the role of Secretary General.
Mercy Limbani Kaunda took the reins as Treasurer General, and Amatullah Annie Maluwa was elected National Publicity Secretary.
Other notable women elected to NEC positions include Alice Deliwe Ngoma as Director of Women, Surrey Liphava as 1st Deputy Director of Women, and Dollar Kakhongwe as 2nd Deputy Director of Women. Florence Chinganyama was elected 2nd Deputy Director of Youth, while Hasina Malunga took the role of 2nd Deputy Director of Political Affairs.
Maggie Msyali Dossi was elected Campaign Director, Ellen Kadango became National Director of Recruitment and Mobilization, and Isabel Fachi assumed the role of National Director of Students Affairs. Chimwemwe Lamba Chaula was elected Director of Social Welfare, and Triza Ganuka took the helm as Director of Diaspora.
The convention’s outcome has been hailed as a major victory for women’s empowerment and a significant step towards achieving gender parity in politics.
Aford’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity has set a precedent for other political parties in Malawi.
“We are thrilled with the outcome of the convention,” said Aford President [Name]. “The election of women to key positions demonstrates our party’s dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality.”
The convention’s success has also been attributed to the party’s deliberate efforts to promote women’s participation.
“We made a conscious decision to encourage women to take part in the electoral process,” said [Name], Aford’s Secretary General. “The results speak for themselves.”
The remaining 41 NEC positions will be filled by the newly appointed committee in the coming weeks.
As the party looks to the future, it is clear that women will play a pivotal role in shaping Aford’s direction.
Aford’s commitment to gender equality is not limited to the NEC positions.
The party has also implemented measures to promote women’s participation at the grassroots level.
“We recognize that women are the backbone of our society,” said [Name]. “Empowering them is essential to building a stronger, more inclusive party.”
As Malawi prepares for future elections, Aford’s example serves as a beacon of hope for women’s empowerment.
The party’s dedication to gender equality has set a new standard for political parties in the country.
The Aford convention has made history by electing a record number of women to NEC positions.
This milestone achievement demonstrates the party’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and sets a precedent for other political parties in Malawi.
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has expressed concern over the persistent cases of child rights abuse and violation in the country, despite the presence of numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and stakeholders working to protect child rights.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of commissioners for the National Children’s Commission (NCC), Sendeza emphasized the need for accountability among stakeholders in safeguarding child rights and wellbeing.
Sendeza
“My message to you, Commissioners, is that today you have assumed overall coordination on all matters concerning children.Therefore, you are expected to hold different stakeholders accountable for failing to offer their services,” she said.
Sendeza also appealed to stakeholders implementing programs related to children to ensure that resources meant for children’s programs are utilized effectively and for the benefit of the children.
On his part,United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) Deputy Country Representative, Gerrit Maritz, echoed Sendeza’s sentiments, noting that despite the presence of many institutions working on children’s issues and delivering great services, there has been no robust mechanism for accountability of institutions and the resources they receive.
He emphasized that the Commission will fill the existing gap by ensuring accountability towards the fulfillment of duties and obligations towards children.
Commissioner Benedicto Kondowe highlighted that the Commission has a vital role in ensuring that services supporting the needs of children across the country are meaningfully promoted
In 2019, the government, through Parliament, enacted and gazetted the NCC Act to monitor the implementation of child-related activities, protect, and promote children’s rights programs in the country.
In a candid post on his Facebook page, Allan Ngumuya expressed his admiration for Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Dr. Mtumbuka, both contenders vying to be the United Transformation Movement’s (UTM) candidate for the 2025 General Elections. According to Ngumuya, both Kabambe and Mtumbuka are highly intelligent and professional individuals, embodying the vision that UTM offers for the future of Malawi. Ngumuya suggested that Kabambe, Mtumbuka, and Kambala should engage in meaningful discussions to avoid splitting votes, a move he believes would best serve UTM and the country.
Ngumuya praised Kabambe’s leadership style, experience, and understanding of Malawi’s economy, describing him as someone who could transform Malawi from the highest levels of government down to the grassroots. He emphasized Kabambe’s ability to clearly articulate the challenges facing the country, particularly the economic mismanagement under the current administration. Kabambe’s comments on Malawi’s currency exchange rate and his critique of the banking sector resonated strongly with Ngumuya. Kabambe highlighted the disparity between the parallel market’s exchange rate of K2,600 per dollar and the bank’s official rate of K1,700, pointing out that people naturally prefer the parallel market, which leads to further economic instability.
Mtumbuka
Ngumuya lauded Kabambe’s ability to communicate complex issues in a way that every Malawian could understand, regardless of their educational background. He appreciated Kabambe’s emphasis on practical solutions rather than mere suggestions, likening Malawi’s current situation to a broken-down car that mechanics don’t know how to fix. For Ngumuya, Kabambe’s clear vision and practical approach make him a standout leader who could bring tangible change to Malawi.
Ngumuya further argued that if Kabambe, Mtumbuka, and Kambala were to work together, Malawi could witness a united front capable of tackling the nation’s pressing challenges. He emphasized the representation of all regions within UTM’s leadership: Kabambe from the South, Mtumbuka from the North, and Kambala from the Central Region. In Ngumuya’s view, this regional diversity within UTM could help combat tribalism, nepotism, and corruption in Malawi, paving the way for a more united and prosperous future.
Concluding his post, Ngumuya declared that UTM has the best candidates for steering Malawi towards its rightful place on the global stage. He expressed confidence that, with its strong leadership, UTM will fight for the interests of all Malawians, promoting unity and transformation.
