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MCP to hold mega rally at Area 24 Market

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By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is set to hold a mega rally at Area 24 Market in Lilongwe on Sunday, September 15, 2024, starting at 13:00 hours. The event is expected to attract a large crowd, featuring speeches from top party officials and lively performances from renowned Malawian artists. The rally will be broadcast live on Times TV and Times Radio, ensuring that people across the country can tune in.

The rally will be hosted by influential MCP leaders, who are set to address important political and developmental issues:

Hon. Nancy Tembo – A senior MCP figure and the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, she is expected to speak on Malawi’s international relations and key government initiatives aimed at improving the country’s standing globally.

Hon. (DC) Matchumbuza – A respected leader within the MCP, Matchumbuza will speak on local governance and progress in Area 24, highlighting the party’s efforts to bring development to the community.

Hon. Chilondola – Another key figure in the MCP, Chilondola is anticipated to address national issues and the party’s vision for continued development under its leadership.

Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda, the Secretary General (SG) of MCP – As the Secretary General of the party, Chimwendo Banda will deliver a keynote address, focusing on the party’s achievements and its future plans. His speech will likely cover the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy.


The rally will also feature performances by some of Malawi’s top musical and cultural acts, promising a vibrant atmosphere:

Skeffa Chimoto – Known for his soulful and uplifting music, Skeffa Chimoto will entertain the crowd with some of his biggest hits, spreading a message of hope and unity.

Black Missionaries – Malawi’s iconic reggae band, the Black Missionaries, will perform their powerful songs that resonate with many Malawians due to their deep social and political messages.

Symon and Kendall – The popular duo will bring their signature humorous and lively style to the rally, adding an element of entertainment and engagement.

Traditional Dances – Various cultural groups will showcase traditional dances, adding to the celebration of Malawi’s rich cultural heritage.

Mbumba za Chakwera – A group of women loyal to President Lazarus Chakwera will perform, symbolizing their support for the MCP leadership and the party’s ongoing initiatives.


This rally is seen as an important opportunity for the MCP to reconnect with its grassroots supporters in the Area 24 community and beyond. It provides a platform for the party to update the public on its progress in implementing key projects and addressing national challenges. Additionally, it allows the party to outline its future plans as it looks ahead to the next phase of development.


The involvement of key party leaders, combined with the entertainment line-up, ensures that the rally will not only be politically significant but also a celebration of Malawian culture and unity.


For those unable to attend in person, the rally will be broadcast live on Times TV and Times Radio, making it accessible to all Malawians. This live coverage will allow people from across the country to hear the speeches and enjoy the performances, ensuring that MCP’s message reaches a broad audience.


In conclusion, the MCP mega rally at Area 24 Market in Lilongwe on Sunday, September 15, 2024, promises to be a major event, bringing together political leaders, artists, and supporters. With powerful speeches, entertainment from top musicians, and traditional performances, the rally will be a significant moment for the party to demonstrate its commitment to Malawi’s development and its connection to the people. As the rally approaches, anticipation is building for what is set to be a dynamic and impactful event.

President Lazarus Chakwera concludes Southern Region tour: Focus on fuel transport, development projects, and cultural engagement

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By Burnett Munthali

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has returned to Lilongwe this afternoon, wrapping up a week-long tour of duty in various parts of Malawi’s Southern Region. The tour saw the President visiting key sites and engaging with different stakeholders as part of his administration’s efforts to monitor and boost development projects in the region.

A key highlight of the President’s tour was witnessing the arrival of train wagons carrying fuel from Mozambique. This development is a significant step toward improving fuel transportation and distribution in Malawi. By utilizing rail transport from Mozambique, Malawi stands to benefit from reduced transportation costs and enhanced efficiency in the delivery of fuel, which is vital for the country’s energy security.

The President emphasized the importance of this mode of transport in ensuring a steady fuel supply, which is crucial for powering industries, supporting economic activities, and reducing dependence on road transport, which is often more costly and less sustainable. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of improving infrastructure and regional connectivity with neighboring countries, particularly Mozambique.

As part of the tour, President Chakwera inspected 21 key projects across Nsanje and Chikwawa districts, focusing on development initiatives that aim to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region. These projects include infrastructure developments, agricultural initiatives, and climate resilience programs aimed at mitigating the impact of recurrent floods and droughts in the Lower Shire.

The President took time to assess the progress of these projects, urging contractors and local authorities to expedite their completion to ensure that the people of Nsanje and Chikwawa benefit from improved services. Some of the notable projects include the construction of new schools, health facilities, and roads that are expected to enhance accessibility and the overall quality of life for the residents.

Additionally, President Chakwera reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting agricultural activities in the region, particularly through irrigation schemes that will help farmers improve productivity and reduce the reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

President Chakwera concluded his tour with an engagement at Sanjika Palace, where he interacted with artists from Malawi’s creative and cultural industries. The meeting served as a platform for the President to hear from the country’s artistic community and to discuss ways to strengthen the creative sector.

The President recognized the vital role that artists play in preserving Malawi’s cultural heritage, promoting national identity, and contributing to the economy through creative industries. During the interaction, Chakwera encouraged artists to continue producing quality work that resonates both locally and internationally, promising that his government would work to create an enabling environment for the arts to thrive.


The President also highlighted the need for increased investment in the arts and culture sector, noting that creative industries have the potential to generate significant income and employment opportunities for young Malawians. His administration, he assured, is committed to supporting cultural programs and initiatives that can uplift the country’s rich heritage while fostering innovation and growth within the industry.


In conclusion, President Chakwera’s tour of the Southern Region demonstrates his administration’s focus on improving infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and fostering cultural development. From enhancing fuel transport with neighboring Mozambique to inspecting development projects in Nsanje and Chikwawa, the President has shown a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the region. His engagement with artists also signals his recognition of the importance of cultural industries in building a more vibrant and economically prosperous Malawi.

As the President returns to Lilongwe, the people of Southern Malawi are hopeful that these projects and initiatives will be implemented effectively, driving development and improving their quality of life in the years to come.

Rhema gears into a free water connection drive

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By Linda Kwanjana

Dowa based non-governmental organization , Rhema Institute for Development, has embarked on free water connection in Dowa, a programme which is aimed at complementing government effort towards achieving clean and portable water all the time.

Rhema Executive Director Innocent Semu says he is doing all this as one way of completing Government effort towards achieving Sustainability Development goal number 8 which expresses the need for countries to ensure their people have access to clean water.

Semu same they have so far connected earmarked for 10 Houses which belongs to Chivala Agricultural Officials.

He said this is just a start since they aim at connecting more than this.

Experts have commended Rhema for the initiative.

Social and political commentator Dr Ben Dzolowere says water is life and any organisation helping the government on water has to be commended.

Dzolowere says, prioritizing on  water and
sanitation is so important because access to safe drinking water and good sanitation are vital for family well-being.

He said good water results in control of waterborne diseases and boosts child health.

He says existing statistics show that diarrheal diseases are the leading cause of death, particularly for children under five in Malawi.

So far, Hope Water Limited, with support from Hope for a Child UK, has connected Hope Water to  3,000 residents.

New Alliance Must Learn from Tonse’s Mistakes, Says Analyst

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By Twink Jones Gadama

Malawi’s political landscape is abuzz with the possibility of a new alliance between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), United Transformation Movement (UTM), and United Democratic Front (UDF).

As the country looks to the future, one thing is clear: the new alliance must learn from the mistakes of the previous Tonse Alliance if it hopes to bring about positive change.

According to a recent analysis, the Tonse Alliance’s failures were numerous, ranging from a lack of clear roles and responsibilities to neglecting unity and internal cohesion.



The alliance was also criticized for failing to deliver on promises, overrelying on executive power, and lacking policy coordination.

To avoid similar pitfalls, the new alliance must prioritize unity and internal cohesion, define clear roles and responsibilities, and deliver on promises.

It must also avoid overrelying on executive power, ensure policy coordination, and combat corruption.

The analysis highlights several key areas where the Tonse Alliance went wrong.

Firstly, the alliance failed to define clear roles and responsibilities, leading to internal power struggles and inefficiencies.

To avoid this, the new alliance must establish clear structures, task allocations, and decision-making mechanisms upfront.

Secondly, the Tonse Alliance neglected unity and internal cohesion, leading to factionalism and affecting governance.

The new alliance must ensure that unity is maintained at all times, with frequent meetings, conflict-resolution mechanisms, and a commitment to the alliance’s common goals.

Thirdly, the Tonse Alliance failed to deliver on promises, such as creating 1 million jobs, reducing the cost of living, and improving the economy.

The new alliance must only make promises that are achievable and based on practical, well-researched policies.

Other areas where the Tonse Alliance went wrong include overrelying on executive power, lacking policy coordination, patronage and favoritism, neglecting grassroots supporters, weak communication and public engagement, failure to combat corruption, and ignoring economic fundamentals.

To succeed, the new alliance must prioritize sound economic policies, ensure the independence of anti-corruption bodies, and be transparent in handling any allegations of corruption within the government.

It must also prioritize effective, transparent, and consistent communication with the public.

In conclusion, the new alliance has a lot to learn from the mistakes of the Tonse Alliance.

By avoiding these pitfalls, the alliance can hope to bring about positive change for Malawi.

As the country looks to the future, one thing is clear: the new alliance must prioritize unity, delivery, and transparency if it hopes to succeed.

US Military Aircraft Make Stopover in Lilongwe En Route to Botswana

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By Twink Jones Gadama

LILONGWE – In a rare sighting, at least four US military aircraft, including two Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, landed at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe last evening to refuel en route to Botswana.

KIA Airport Manager, Gift Matewere, confirmed the development, sparking widespread interest among aviation enthusiasts and security experts.

According to Matewere, the aircraft arrived at KIA around 6 pm local time, with the crew seeking permission to refuel before proceeding to their destination in Botswana.

The US has a military base in Botswana, which has been a key partner in regional security initiatives.

The presence of the US military aircraft at KIA has generated significant interest, with many speculating about the purpose of the stopover.

However, Matewere emphasized that the aircraft were simply refueling and did not have any other agenda.

“The aircraft arrived for refueling purposes only,” Matewere said. “The crew did not disembark, and the aircraft departed shortly after refueling.”

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is a multi-mission, tiltrotor aircraft used by the US military for various operations, including transportation, reconnaissance, and combat.

Its presence in the region has raised eyebrows, with some analysts suggesting that the US may be increasing its military presence in Southern Africa.

However, security experts say the stopover is likely a routine logistical operation, given the US’s extensive military engagements in Africa.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has been actively involved in regional security initiatives, including counter-terrorism operations and training exercises.

“The US has a significant military presence in Africa, and it’s not uncommon for their aircraft to make stopovers in the region for refueling and logistics purposes,” said security analyst, Dr. Blessings Chininga.

The development comes amid growing security concerns in the region, including the threat of terrorism and piracy.

The US has been working closely with regional partners to address these challenges, and the stopover may be part of these efforts.

As the aircraft departed KIA, many onlookers were left marveling at the sheer size and technological sophistication of the V-22 Osprey.

The aircraft’s unique tiltrotor design allows it to take off and land vertically like a helicopter, while also achieving high speeds like an airplane.

The stopover has also sparked interest among aviation enthusiasts, who rarely get to see US military aircraft in the region.

“It’s not every day you get to see such advanced military aircraft up close,” said aviation enthusiast, Mike Mhone. “The V-22 Osprey is an incredible machine, and it’s a privilege to see it in person.”

As the US military aircraft disappeared into the night sky, many in Lilongwe were left wondering about the significance of the stopover.

While officials say it was simply a routine refueling operation, others speculate that it may be part of a larger security strategy in the region.

One thing is clear, however: the presence of US military aircraft in Lilongwe has generated significant interest and highlights the complex security dynamics at play in the region.