On Saturday night, 26 October 2024, a large crowd left disappointed at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe after renowned Jamaican reggae artist Burning Spear did not perform two of his much-anticipated songs, Identity and Not Stupid. The latter is a powerful song that criticizes oppressive leadership, dishonesty, and the mistreatment of people by those in power.
Not Stupid is known for its hard-hitting message that challenges leaders to fulfill their promises, particularly by making life better and lowering the cost of living. The lyrics include a memorable line: “They told us things will be better” and “They told us things will be cheaper,” reminding leaders to uphold their commitments to economic improvement.
Burning Spear at Civo stadium
Spear initially left the stage after a set, but when the audience demanded Identity and Not Stupid, he returned. However, he did not perform the two requested tracks, leaving many fans upset as they had been eagerly waiting for these iconic songs.
The show, despite its high expectations, ended on a note of frustration for many attendees.
A total of 334 orphaned households have graduated from Zoe Empowerment programme, after three years of receiving various trainings and microgrants which have enabled them to be self-reliant.
Speaking during a farewell meeting in Mponela- Dowa, the organisation’s senior program facilitator, Esther Chinkhadze said she is impressed that there is improved livelihood among the programme’s beneficiaries.
She said: “It is quite encouraging that when we visit them, we can see changed lives among these beneficiaries who are mostly orphans and vulnerable children.”
Dowa district social welfare assistant, Daniel Phungulume said Zoe intervention which he described as remarkable, has assisted improve the status of orphans and vulnerable children in the district.
“My appeal to beneficiaries is that they have to put to good use their businesses and skills so that they are able to employ others as well as to get rid of abuses that occur when people are not able to thrive on their own,” he said.
He then thanked the organisation for the gesture and appealed to the organisation to continue assisting the orphaned and vulnerable households in the district.
One of the programme’s beneficiaries from Tiyanjane Mapondera group, Mita Gelesomu, who is now a salon owner, said her business is helping her generate enough income to support herself and her dependents.
“In the past, life had been hard as I had nobody to give me the support after being abandoned by a man who had impregnated me,” she said.
The organisation empowers orphaned and vulnerable youth through a 3 years mpowerment program in which the youth are trained in various aspects of life and are given microgrants to start businesses of their choice.
The empowerment programme also focuses on spiritual strength, food security, education, housing, health and child rights.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers president and board chairperson Thomson Mpinganjira has apologized to the team’s followers for Sunday’s 1-2 loss to their arch-rivals FCB Nyasa Bullets in a TNM Super League match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
A statement from the business mogul and philanthropist reads:”On behalf of the board of directors for Mighty Wanderers Ltd, and on my own behalf, I would like to commend all our supporters for their exemplary behavior during the game against Bullets at the Kamuzu Stadium despite the loss.
“Your support and dedication were evident, and it means everything to me personally and the entire board of directors.
“I personally apologize to you following today’s loss. Like all of you, I feel the weight of this outcome, and I share in the disappointment. I understand the depth of your pain and the emotions that come with it, and it gives room to go back to the drawing board.”
The Nomads boss also says he has taken note of the concerns and comments made by the team’s followers.
During the match, Ronald Chitiyo and Babatunde Adepoju secured first-half goals for the Bullets, while Sama Tieri’s 87th-minute goal brought Wanderers closer to claiming a point, but it was not enough.
Reflecting on the match, Wanderers’ coach Meke Mwase acknowledged his team’s shortcomings.
“We planned to win the game, but Bullets outplayed us. We need to accept this result and focus on the next game,” said Mwase.
On his part, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ coach Callisto Pasuwa praised his team’s commitment.
“We played according to our plan, and the players executed well what we had trained for,” he said.
Wanderers currently sit in second place with 44 points, four points ahead of Bullets, who are in third place.
Malawi Police have confirmed that UTM Party Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, is expected to appear in court on Monday. This comes after her arrest on Thursday on charges of conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to police spokesperson Peter Kalaya, the police are moving forward with their investigation into the matter, in which Kaliati is suspected of plotting criminal activity. Kalaya emphasized that the police are ensuring that Kaliati’s rights are respected while she remains in custody.
Police Spokesman Peter Kalaya
However, Kalaya stated that the police could not provide further details regarding the arrest, citing the need to protect witnesses involved in the case.
Kaliati was apprehended on suspicion of planning a serious offense, although specific details surrounding the charge have not yet been disclosed by the authorities. The case has drawn significant public attention, given Kaliati’s prominent role in Malawi’s political landscape as a senior member of the UTM party.
The family of late Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, who tragically perished in the June 10, 2024, plane crash in Chikangawa Forest, has called for full transparency during the inquiry into the accident. This comes after President Lazarus Chakwera instituted a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, which also claimed the lives of eight others.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Joshua Valera expressed gratitude for the establishment of the inquiry but emphasized the need for the process to be open and transparent. Valera stated that the family’s wish is for the media to be allowed to cover the inquiry live, ensuring that the Malawian public has full access to the proceedings.
The late Saulos Chilima
“We commend President Chakwera for taking the necessary step to form this commission of inquiry. However, we believe that transparency will only be achieved if the media is given access to broadcast the inquiry live. The people of Malawi deserve to know what happened,” Valera said.
Concerns About Inclusivity
While the formation of the commission has been welcomed by many, concerns have been raised regarding its inclusivity. UTM senior party member Newton Kambala has voiced his reservations about the composition of the commission, arguing that it lacks representation from opposition political parties. Kambala expressed fear that this could compromise the commission’s independence and transparency.
“The exclusion of opposition voices from the commission raises questions about its objectivity. For a matter of this magnitude, it is essential to have diverse perspectives. Without representation from key political parties, the commission’s findings might not be fully trusted,” Kambala noted.
Political Expert Weighs In
Despite the concerns, political expert George Chaima has expressed optimism about the inquiry. He acknowledged the delay in establishing the commission, which came months after the crash, but believes that it will still be crucial in addressing the many questions surrounding the death of Vice President Chilima and the others on board.
“It is understandable that there are concerns about the timing and composition of the commission, but it is better late than never. The inquiry has the potential to provide clarity and accountability in the tragic incident that shook the nation. We must give the process a chance to uncover the truth,” Chaima remarked.
Public Demand for Accountability
The June 10 plane crash remains one of the most significant tragedies in Malawi’s recent history, sparking widespread speculation and demands for answers. As the inquiry begins its work, there is a strong desire from the public and key stakeholders to ensure that the process is conducted with the highest degree of integrity and openness.
For the Chilima family and the Malawian people, the hope is that this inquiry will not only provide answers but also serve as a moment of accountability for those involved in the tragic events of that fateful day.
