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Gladys Ganda criticizes MCP government for failures, denies hunger deaths under DPP

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By Burnett Munthali

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Presidential Advisor, Gladys Ganda, has launched a scathing attack on the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government, accusing it of failing to manage the country’s affairs, leading to widespread civil servant strikes and economic mismanagement. Speaking at a DPP press briefing on Thursday, Ganda also claimed that during the DPP’s time in government, no Malawian died from hunger, a stark contrast to the current administration’s struggles.

Ganda pointed out that the constant strikes by civil servants across various sectors, including health, education, and other essential services, reflect the MCP government’s inability to address the grievances of workers and meet the country’s basic needs.

Gladys Ganda



“Civil servants are on strike everywhere, and this is an undeniable sign that the MCP government has failed. They have failed to manage public resources and respond to the needs of the people,” Ganda said.

She further contrasted the current situation with the DPP’s time in power, arguing that despite economic challenges, the DPP managed to prevent hunger-related deaths.

“During the DPP era, not a single Malawian died of hunger. We had systems in place to ensure that food was available, even in the hardest times. But now, people are struggling, and the government seems unable to cope with the situation,” she added.

In addition to her critique of the MCP’s domestic policies, Ganda also took aim at President Lazarus Chakwera’s frequent international trips, which she claims are draining the country’s limited resources. She urged the president to reduce the size of his entourage on foreign visits as a cost-saving measure and suggested that he should delegate some of his responsibilities to ministers or principal secretaries for local trips.

“The president must lead by example in these tough economic times. He should minimize the number of people he travels with abroad and delegate local trips to ministers or principal secretaries. This would save much-needed resources that could be used to address the current crises,” Ganda advised.

Her comments come amid growing public frustration over government spending on international trips and the general economic hardship facing the country. The DPP has been vocal in its criticism of the MCP-led government, accusing it of mismanagement and failing to prioritize the needs of Malawians.

President Chakwera has yet to respond to these specific allegations, but his administration has repeatedly defended its international engagements as essential for fostering diplomatic ties and attracting investment.

With the 2025 elections approaching, the DPP has ramped up its attacks on the government, positioning itself as the party that can restore stability and economic growth to the country.

DPP Presidential Advisor on Elections Jean Mathanga Urges Against Sole Use of National IDs in 2025 Elections

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By Burnett Munthali

The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Presidential Advisor on Elections, Jean Mathanga, has joined the chorus of party leaders voicing concerns over the use of national identity cards as the sole form of identification for next year’s tripartite elections. Speaking at the party’s press conference on Thursday, Mathanga emphasized the importance of ensuring all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate, regardless of whether they possess a national ID.

Mathanga expressed concern that many eligible voters may be disenfranchised if the government insists on using only national IDs for voter verification. She noted that not all Malawians have obtained national identity cards, and relying solely on them for the voting process could block thousands from exercising their constitutional right.

Jean Mathanga



“We must not let the national ID be the only document used for identification in the elections. It will exclude many eligible voters who, for various reasons, may not have their IDs,” Mathanga stated. “This is a violation of their democratic right to vote.”

She urged the government and the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to consider alternative forms of identification for the upcoming elections, such as voter registration cards or other official documents, to ensure no one is left out of the electoral process.

In her remarks, Mathanga also encouraged Malawians to actively participate in the upcoming voter registration exercise, which is expected to begin later this month. She stressed that registering to vote is a crucial step for citizens to have a say in next year’s elections and to shape the future of the country.

“I urge all Malawians to take the voter registration exercise seriously. Make sure you register when the time comes so that you can exercise your right to vote next year. This is your opportunity to be heard and make a difference,” she added.

The issue of voter identification has become a major talking point as the 2025 tripartite elections draw closer. Opposition parties, including the DPP, have raised concerns that limiting identification to national IDs may disproportionately affect marginalized populations, such as those in rural areas or those who have faced difficulties in obtaining an ID.

Mathanga’s comments come as part of the DPP’s broader efforts to ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections in 2025. The party has been vocal in calling for greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process, while also emphasizing the need to remove barriers to participation.

The Malawi Electoral Commission has yet to respond to these concerns but has indicated that preparations for the 2025 tripartite elections are well underway.

Leader of Opposition George Chaponda expresses concern over government’s failure to establish special committee to investigate plane crash that killed Dr. Saulos Chilima

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By Burnett Munthali

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Dr. George Chaponda, has expressed his deep concern over the government’s failure to establish a special committee to investigate the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024.

Speaking during a press conference in Lilongwe, Dr. Chaponda emphasized the urgency of forming the committee, as the families of the victims, including Dr. Mary Chilima, are still seeking answers regarding the circumstances of the crash.

“It is troubling that up to this day, the government has not yet instituted a special committee to investigate the fatal plane crash. We need clarity on what happened, and the government must take responsibility for ensuring a thorough investigation is conducted,” Dr. Chaponda said.

Saulos Chilima



He added that the lack of action on the part of the government has left many questions unanswered, particularly for Dr. Chilima’s widow, Mary, who has been vocal about her need for transparency and justice for her late husband.

“Dr. Mary Chilima and the families of the other victims have a right to know the truth. What exactly transpired on June 10? Why has there been no investigation into such a significant tragedy? The delay is unacceptable,” Chaponda stated.

The Leader of Opposition called upon the government to swiftly establish the committee, stressing that it is essential not only for the affected families but also for national accountability.

“We demand that the government moves quickly on this matter. A special committee must be set up immediately to investigate this tragedy and provide answers. The people of Malawi deserve transparency, and the families of the victims deserve justice,” he said.

Dr. Chaponda’s call for a special investigation comes amid growing public concern over the government’s handling of the situation, with critics accusing authorities of downplaying the incident.

As of the time of the press conference, there had been no official statement from the government regarding the formation of such a committee.

The crash, which occurred under mysterious circumstances, shocked the nation and sparked calls for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. However, months after the tragedy, no concrete steps have been taken to address these demands.

Dr. Chaponda’s remarks are expected to increase pressure on the government to act swiftly and bring closure to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.

Leader of Opposition Dr. George Chaponda Acknowledges DPP’s Failure to Present Key Issues in Parliament, Blames Speaker for Obstruction

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By Burnett Munthali

In a candid admission during a press conference, Leader of Opposition Dr. George Chaponda has conceded that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has failed to effectively represent Malawians by not addressing critical national issues in Parliament. Dr. Chaponda made these remarks while agreeing with DPP’s Secretary General, Peter Mukhito, who stated that the matters being raised at the press briefing should have been discussed in the August House.

Dr. Chaponda admitted that there has been a lapse in presenting these pressing concerns, which affect millions of Malawians, claiming that the opposition has been hindered by the Speaker of Parliament. He accused the Speaker of deliberately shielding the government from scrutiny by blocking the opposition’s attempts to present critical issues during parliamentary sessions.

DPP Press briefing



“We admit, as the opposition, that we have failed to bring these vital matters before Parliament. However, this is not for lack of trying. The Speaker of the House has become a barrier, obstructing us from effectively representing the interests of Malawians in the August House,” said Dr. Chaponda.

The DPP’s failure to address key topics in Parliament has sparked criticism from various sectors, with many accusing the party of neglecting its role as the main opposition. However, Dr. Chaponda defended his party, explaining that the DPP has repeatedly been frustrated by what he described as the Speaker’s bias toward the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

“These are national issues that need to be discussed in Parliament, but every time we try to bring them up, we are met with roadblocks. The Speaker is not allowing the opposition to fully play its role in holding the government accountable,” Dr. Chaponda emphasized.

The DPP’s leadership expressed frustration over several issues affecting Malawians, including the current economic hardships, governance challenges, and alleged corruption within the government, which they believe need urgent attention and debate in Parliament.

Dr. Chaponda and Secretary General Peter Mukhito underscored the importance of an independent Parliament, where both the opposition and government can freely debate and discuss national issues. They also vowed to continue pushing for these matters to be addressed, despite the challenges they face.

“We remain committed to representing Malawians and ensuring that their concerns are heard. The Speaker may be obstructing us now, but we will continue to find ways to bring these issues to light, both in Parliament and through other platforms,” Dr. Chaponda added.

As the press briefing came to a close, the DPP leadership called for reforms in Parliament that would allow the opposition to present its concerns without interference, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard in the country’s highest decision-making body.

3rd Edition of Presidential Charity Golf Tournament Set for October 12th at Country Club Limbe

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By Burnett Munthali

In an exciting announcement, President Lazarus Chakwera has invited Malawians to participate in the 3rd edition of the Presidential Charity Golf Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, October 12th, at the prestigious Country Club Limbe. This annual event aims to raise funds for various charitable causes across the country, promoting community development and social welfare.

The Presidential Charity Golf Tournament has gained popularity since its inception, drawing participants from various sectors, including business, government, and civil society. This year’s event promises to be even more engaging, with President Chakwera expressing his enthusiasm for uniting Malawians in a shared purpose of giving back to society.

“Golf is not just a sport; it’s an opportunity for us to come together as a nation to support those in need,” President Chakwera stated in a press release. “I encourage all Malawians to come out, participate, and contribute to this noble cause. Your presence will make a difference.”



The tournament will feature a competitive format that allows golfers of all skill levels to participate while also providing a platform for networking and building relationships among community leaders and stakeholders. Proceeds from the tournament will be directed toward various charitable initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, aligning with the government’s broader development goals.

In addition to the golfing activities, the event will include various entertainment and networking opportunities, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration among participants. Sponsors and partners are also expected to showcase their commitment to social responsibility during the event.

The Presidential Charity Golf Tournament serves as a reminder of the importance of community engagement and philanthropy in addressing the challenges faced by many Malawians. By participating in this event, individuals and organizations can contribute to meaningful change and support those in need.

As the tournament date approaches, excitement is building among participants and spectators alike. President Chakwera’s call for unity and support underscores the significance of collective efforts in making a positive impact on society.

All eyes will be on the Country Club Limbe this Saturday, as Malawians come together to tee off for a cause, demonstrating that through sports and solidarity, they can contribute to building a better future for all.