Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi has called for urgent action to address environmental challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Forest Plantation Fee Structure Report and Public-Private Engagement on Forest Plantations at Ufulu Gardens in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Usi stressed that current policies are failing to meet community needs, resulting in a meager 0.1% contribution to Malawi’s GDP from the forestry sector.
He urged stronger government involvement and private sector collaboration to reverse this trend.
Usi
“Our forests are a treasure to our economy, growth, and development. As a nation, there is a need for action to protect our forests,” said Usi.
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Yusuf Mkungula, highlighted the low contribution of planted forests to the economy and the challenges in adjusting pricing policies due to political resistance.
Executive Director for Mwapata Institute, William Chadza, expressed concern over the sector’s challenges, including lower budget allocation and managing plantations.
He emphasized the importance of research in enabling informed decisions to increase the forestry sector’s contribution to Malawi’s social and economic development.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Pamela Fessenden emphasized the importance of investing in well-managed forest plantations, not just for economic strategy but also for sustainable development and Malawi’s future prosperity.
She acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, including unplanted land, inconsistent management, and limited resources, and noted USAID’s support in addressing these issues.
Member of Parliament(MP) for Blantyre City South East,Sameer Suleman, has expressed concern over President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent visit to cattle farms in Traditional Authority Ngabu, Chikwawa, while other districts face severe food shortages.
Speaking in the House on Tuesday, Suleman emphasized the need for the government to prioritize addressing the hunger crisis in affected districts like Machinga, where people are struggling to access basic food necessities.
Suleman
While Suleman acknowledged the importance of presidential visits to various districts, he stressed that the current food crisis demands immediate attention and action.
In response, Leader of the House in Parliament, Richard Chimwendo Banda, urged Suleman to avoid politicizing the issue, highlighting that every district requires presidential visits, including those in the Lower Shire.
In a heartwarming gesture,the official partner of Silver Strikers FC, Mika Greenland,has presented plots of land to four deserving players and a lucky fan.
The recipients include Binwell Katinji, Chikondi Kamanga, Tatenda M’balaka, and George Chikooka (who was absent), as well as Mario Pemphero, who won the plot through the Banker Pa Khomo Promotion.
Katinji and Chikooka were recognized for their outstanding performance, earning the Mika Player of the Month award in April and May, respectively.
Kamanga and M’balaka received the accolades for their exceptional performance last season.
Group Sales Manager for Mika Greenland,Kenneth Ng’ambi, expressed pride in the partnership between the successful real estate company and the winning team.
“This partnership is a celebration of success, and we are thrilled to be associated with Silver Strikers FC. Through these donations of land, we aim to strengthen our bond with the team while motivating players and rewarding loyal supporters.Additionally, we will be awarding K100,000 to the player of the match for every game,” he said.
In a press release made available on Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) announced the reassignment of Honorable Gladys Ganda, a Member of Parliament, from her position as Director of Elections to a new role as Presidential Advisor. The change, which is effective immediately, was confirmed in a letter signed by Honorable Shadric Namalomba, Member of Parliament, and the DPP’s presidential spokesperson and National Publicity Secretary.
The reassignment comes as part of ongoing efforts by the DPP to strengthen its internal structures ahead of future political challenges. Ganda, who has served as Director of Elections for a significant period, played a crucial role in shaping the party’s electoral strategies. Her new role as Presidential Advisor signifies a shift in her responsibilities, where she is expected to provide direct counsel to the DPP leadership on strategic and policy matters.
Gladys Ganda
According to Namalomba’s communication, the reassignment of Ganda is aimed at consolidating the party’s leadership as it continues to prepare for upcoming political activities. As Presidential Advisor, Ganda is anticipated to use her vast experience and knowledge of the political landscape to offer guidance on issues related to governance, policy, and electoral strategies. Her close working relationship with the presidential office could further align the party’s objectives with the needs of the electorate.
The move is also seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to streamline its electoral machinery, potentially preparing for the next general election. By making key leadership changes, the DPP appears to be focusing on enhancing its organizational effectiveness and maintaining its relevance in the ever-evolving political climate.
Honorable Gladys Ganda has long been a prominent figure within the DPP. As the former Director of Elections, she was instrumental in overseeing the party’s electoral campaigns and ensuring the successful execution of various election-related activities. Her leadership in this role earned her recognition both within the party and across the broader political spectrum.
As a Member of Parliament, Ganda has also been actively involved in legislative affairs, advocating for policies aimed at improving the welfare of Malawians. Her shift to the role of Presidential Advisor is expected to further elevate her influence within the party and beyond, as she transitions from an operational role to one focused on strategic planning and political advisory.
This internal reassignment comes at a time when the DPP is working to redefine its direction following previous political transitions. With the next election cycle on the horizon, the party is seeking to position itself as a strong contender, with leadership decisions like these playing a critical role in shaping its path forward.
Honorable Shadric Namalomba’s statement emphasized the importance of the changes, noting that Ganda’s experience would be invaluable in advising the party’s presidential office. This move, he said, is part of a broader effort to ensure that the DPP remains dynamic and well-prepared for the political challenges ahead.
In conclusion, the reassignment of Honorable Gladys Ganda from Director of Elections to Presidential Advisor marks a significant development within the Democratic Progressive Party. Her new role underscores the party’s focus on strategic leadership as it prepares for future political engagements. With her wealth of experience and deep understanding of Malawi’s political landscape, Ganda is poised to play a key role in shaping the DPP’s future. The reassignment is expected to enhance the party’s internal operations and contribute to its long-term objectives.
However critics have been quick to condemn this as undemocratic as Ganda was duly elected at the convention. Social commentator Dickson Kashoti wrote on his Facebook that this decision is likely borne out of a brilliant speech that Ganda made before President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera yesterday in her constituency in Nsanje Lalanje. In the speech Gladys Ganda acknowledged massive development projects in her area initiated by President Dr Chakwera.
In a notable step for promoting media freedom and bolstering democratic engagement in Malawi, Dr. George Chaponda, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has pledged his support for the country’s media sector. In recent years, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, informing the citizenry, and holding the government accountable has been increasingly recognized, and Chaponda’s commitment signals a deeper recognition of the media’s critical role in a democratic society.
As Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Chaponda occupies a pivotal position in the political landscape of Malawi. His decision to support media development initiatives comes at a crucial time, as the nation grapples with a host of political and socio-economic challenges. The media’s ability to report freely, accurately, and without undue interference is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability within the government and other public institutions.
Media freedom is often considered one of the cornerstones of democracy. A robust and independent press ensures that the public remains informed about political developments, government policies, and issues affecting their daily lives. It also provides a platform for diverse voices, particularly the marginalized, to be heard. In this regard, Dr. Chaponda’s initiative to support the media is a step in the right direction, aligning with broader efforts to strengthen democracy in Malawi.
Chaponda’s backing of media institutions comes amid growing concerns over press freedom in various parts of Africa. While Malawi has generally maintained a fair degree of press freedom, challenges such as political pressure, limited resources, and restrictive regulations continue to hinder journalists’ ability to perform their duties effectively.
By stepping up to support media outlets, Dr. Chaponda is advocating for an environment where journalists can operate without fear of retribution. This involves ensuring that laws protecting media freedom are upheld, and that journalists have access to the resources they need to report on critical issues facing the nation.
In his recent address, Chaponda emphasized the need for collaboration between political leaders and the media, stating that such cooperation is essential for fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in governance. He acknowledged that a well-functioning media serves as a watchdog, not only for the ruling party but for opposition figures as well. By supporting the media, he positions himself as a leader who values open dialogue and public scrutiny.
This move could also be interpreted as a strategic one. By aligning with the media, Chaponda is likely to build a stronger rapport with journalists and the broader public, ensuring that his messages and those of the opposition reach the people. His support could further enhance his image as a democratic leader who is committed to upholding the principles of free speech and media independence.
Challenges Facing the Media in Malawi
Despite the positive strides being made, Malawi’s media still faces a number of challenges. Limited funding, inadequate access to information, and the threat of censorship are just a few of the issues that media houses contend with on a regular basis. Furthermore, the evolving digital landscape has introduced new complexities, as journalists must now navigate the realms of online misinformation, harassment, and cyber threats.
Dr. Chaponda’s backing is, therefore, not only symbolic but potentially transformative. If translated into concrete actions, such as advocating for increased funding, press protection laws, and capacity-building initiatives, it could help uplift the media sector in Malawi. His support for training programs, particularly in investigative journalism, could empower journalists to dig deeper into stories of national importance, thereby improving the quality of news reporting.
As Dr. Chaponda leads the opposition, his stance on media freedom could also serve as a model for other political figures to follow. The media is not only a platform for government critique but also a space for open political discourse and the exchange of ideas. By supporting media freedom, Chaponda is fostering a political culture that is more inclusive and democratic.
While much remains to be seen in terms of the concrete steps Dr. Chaponda will take to support the media, his acknowledgment of its importance is a welcome development in the Malawian political landscape. As the country continues to navigate its political journey, a vibrant, independent media will be essential for fostering a well-informed electorate and ensuring the longevity of its democratic institutions.
In conclusion, Dr. George Chaponda’s commitment to supporting the media is a promising development for Malawi’s democracy. His actions could pave the way for more constructive engagement between political leaders and the press, ultimately benefiting the citizens who rely on accurate and timely information. As the media continues to play a crucial role in shaping the national conversation, Chaponda’s support will be instrumental in ensuring that this vital institution remains strong, independent, and able to serve the public interest effectively.
