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Consumer Association Boss Kapito trashes Illovo Sugar’s assertions on sugar scarcity

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By Tawonga Moyo

Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director, John Kapito, has described Illovo Sugar’s assertions on reasons of the commodity’s scarcity on the market as a joke and an insult to consumers.

At a presser held in Blantyre on Friday, Managing Director for Illovo Sugar, Lekani Katandula, said Cyclone Freddy that hit the country last year has had an impact on the firm’s sugar output, resulting in the scarcity.

Katandula said, unlike last year from September to February, when the company produced 119,000 tonnes of sugar, this year they have only managed to produce 77,000 tonnes of the commodity.

Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director, John Kapito

In an interview on Monday, Kapito said sugar scarcity is not a new problem as Malawians have experienced it before and, as such, the sugar company could have found ways of solving the problem.

“I don’t find their reasons valuable but an insult to consumers. Cyclone Freddy is a year old and for them to still attribute it to the recent scarcity of the commodity is a sign of arrogance on their part. They are ashamed to admit their failure,” said Kapito.

A visit to Chipiku Stores in Mzuzu on Monday was met by empty shelves of sugar whilst at Sana Stores, consumers were scrambling for the few packets left on the shelf, with many clearly expressing their frustrations regarding the problem.

One of the consumers, Dominique Luhanga, who resides in Chiputula, Mzuzu said as a consumer he is greatly affected by scarcity of the commodity and thinks the problem is politically motivated.

“Sugar is one of the commodities we rely on. I am of the view that politics is having a role because government is trying so hard to ensure the commodity is found on the market and this might be a ploy to frustrate government’s efforts,” said Luhanga.

Earlier on, Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe assured Malawians that his ministry had engaged Illovo Sugar Malawi to iron out issues behind the sugar crisis in the country.

Transforming Lives Through Education: The 2024 Malawi National Spelling Bee

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In the heart of Malawi, nestled between the bustling urban cities and the serene rural villages, lies a group of children with a burning passion for education. These children, regardless of their background, walk long distances to school, eager to learn and improve their literacy levels. Among them, a special group stands out – the participants of the Malawi National Spelling Bee.

The annual Spelling Bee competition is not just about winning trophies. It is a platform for these children to build their vocabulary, adopt a reading culture, and build confidence in their abilities. It is a chance for them to improve their public speaking, reasoning skills, and gain exposure to new opportunities. But for some of these children, the journey to the Spelling Bee is not without its challenges.

In a recent competition held at Dowa Secondary School, 126 spellers turned up to compete, hoping to showcase their spelling prowess. Among them were 19 children from rural backgrounds, wearing worn-out uniforms and walking barefoot to the event. Despite their challenges, these children showed up with a determination that could not be ignored.

The Malawi National Spelling Bee is now appealing to the public to support these rural participants in any way possible. Whether it be donating school uniforms, shoes, exercise books, or school bags, every contribution can make a difference in the lives of these children. The vision of Vision 2063 is for this generation, and it is up to us to support them now.

As the Spelling Bee team works tirelessly to create opportunities for these children, the impact of their efforts is undeniable. Through the power of education, these children are not only transforming their own lives but also the future of Malawi as a whole. In a country where education is the key to unlocking endless possibilities, the importance of initiatives like the Malawi National Spelling Bee cannot be understated.

So let us come together, hand in hand, to support these children in their journey towards a brighter future. Let us show them that their hard work, dedication, and passion for learning do not go unnoticed. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child in Malawi has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

In a world where education is a privilege, let us strive to make it a right for all. The 2024 Malawi National Spelling Bee is not just a competition – it is a symbol of hope, determination, and the power of education to transform lives.

Medical drug scandal rocks Chikwawa: suspect Arrested for possession without permit

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By Twink Jones Gadama

In a shocking turn of events, Chikwawa police have arrested a man over alleged possession of medical drugs without a permit.

The suspect, Supedi Chindiwo, 35, was apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by Chikwawa law enforcers at the Mitondo trading center.

This incident has sparked concerns about the illegal distribution and sale of medical drugs in the district, raising questions about the safety and regulation of pharmaceuticals in the area.

The arrest of Chindiwo has sent shockwaves through the community, as it sheds light on a potentially dangerous and illegal practice.



According to Sergeant Dickson Matemba, the publicist for Chikwawa police, Chindiwo was found with a significant quantity of various medical drugs, including LA, Bufen, Ciprocin, Paracetamol, Amoxicillin, Indocin, and Tricozole. The sheer volume of drugs in his possession raised suspicion, as he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence.

This led to his arrest, as authorities investigate the origins and intentions behind the illegal possession of these pharmaceuticals.

The implications of this arrest are far-reaching, as it raises questions about the availability and distribution of medical drugs in Chikwawa and surrounding areas. The unauthorized possession of such a large quantity of drugs suggests a potential black market for pharmaceuticals, with unknown consequences for public health and safety.

The fact that these drugs were found in the possession of an individual without a permit raises concerns about the oversight and regulation of pharmaceuticals in the district, highlighting potential gaps in the monitoring and control of these substances.

Chindiwo’s arrest has brought to light the need for stricter controls and regulations regarding the sale and distribution of medical drugs in Chikwawa.

The illegal possession of such a significant quantity of pharmaceuticals raises red flags about the potential for abuse and misuse of these substances, with potentially harmful consequences for the community.

Authorities are now working to uncover the origins of the drugs found in Chindiwo’s possession, as well as to identify any potential accomplices involved in the illegal distribution of pharmaceuticals in the area.

The implications of this case extend beyond the arrest of one individual, as they have sparked a broader conversation about the safety and regulation of pharmaceuticals in Chikwawa.

The need for tighter controls and oversight of the sale and distribution of medical drugs is now more apparent than ever, as incidents like this highlight the potential risks and dangers associated with the unauthorized possession of pharmaceuticals.

As the investigation into Chindiwo’s case unfolds, authorities are working to ensure that those responsible for the illegal distribution of medical drugs are held accountable, and that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In conclusion, the arrest of Supedi Chindiwo for the illegal possession of medical drugs without a permit has shone a spotlight on the issue of pharmaceutical regulation and oversight in Chikwawa.

This incident serves as a wake-up call for authorities to strengthen controls and monitoring of the sale and distribution of pharmaceuticals in the district, in order to protect public health and safety. As the investigation into this case continues, it is imperative that steps are taken to prevent the illegal distribution and sale of medical drugs, and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Namadingo Collaborates with New Artists to Stay Ahead of the Wave

By Twink Jones Gadama

Renowned Afro R&B artist Namadingo is making waves in the music industry once again, this time for his desire to collaborate with the new crop of artists. Known for his unique sound and powerful vocals, Namadingo has already worked with several veterans in the industry, but now he is setting his sights on the up-and-coming talent.

In a recent interview, Namadingo expressed his excitement about working with the emerging artist Merchah on their new song ‘Obeba’.

This collaboration marks the beginning of Namadingo’s efforts to team up with the next generation of musicians and bring fresh perspectives to his music.

Namadingo



The ‘Maury’ hit maker has a history of successful collaborations, having previously worked on mash-ups with legendary artists such as Giddes Chalamanda, Lucius Banda, and Billy Kaunda. One of his most memorable collaborations was with the late Grace Chinga’s daughter, Miracle Chinga, which received international recognition and praise.

Namadingo’s willingness to work with new artists shows his commitment to staying relevant and constantly evolving as a musician.

He believes that there is no set formula for releasing music and sees no issue with putting out multiple songs in a short period of time. With three songs already released this year, Namadingo shows no signs of slowing down.

In addition to his collaborations with up-and-coming artists, Namadingo also has plans to release a new album at the end of the year.

While some may speculate that he is leveraging the popularity of the new artists to maintain his relevance, Namadingo dismisses these claims, stating confidently, “I am the wave.”

Namadingo’s ability to adapt to the changing music landscape and embrace new talent sets him apart as a forward-thinking artist.

By collaborating with emerging artists like Merchah, he not only showcases his versatility but also gives talented musicians a platform to showcase their skills to a broader audience.

As Namadingo continues to push boundaries and explore new avenues in his music career, fans can expect more exciting collaborations and innovative projects from the Afro R&B sensation.

With his upcoming album on the horizon and a slew of new artists on his radar, Namadingo is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry and solidify his status as a true trailblazer in Malawi’s music scene.

Disability Trust Fund launched in Malawi

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Malawi Government through the Ministry of Gender, Community and Social Welfare on Friday February 16,2024 launched the Disability Trust Fund (DTF) which aims at creating a funding opportunity for the implementation of interventions to improve lives of people with disabilities.

Speaking at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) where the launch took place,
Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza called for coordinated efforts to ensure continued operation of this Disability Trust Fund.

Sendeza emphasised the need for support and unity to address challenges that people with disabilities face in the country.

Minister Sendeza at the function

She said:”The fund does not have enough resources that is why we are calling for extra support to ensure efficient financing towards disability programs.”

Sendeza said if the country is to attain inclusive wealth for all as per the Malawi 2063 then partnership is the way to go to develop marginalised population.

“My appeal is for all of us to work together to make the Fund a success and reach out to as many people as possible.

“DTF is a tool that will help people with disabilities to be assisted in all programmes. We want the private sector to help in disability programmes and partner with government so that the Fund has resources,” she said.

She described the launch of the Fund as significant to the country in as far as disabilities issues are concerned.

The launch saw some institutions receiving grants as first round beneficiaries of the Fund.

Namitete Secondary School in Lilongwe is one of the institutions which received the grant of assorted teaching and learning materials amounting to K38 million.

The school’s head teacher, Herbert Mmala, said they applied for the grant to ease challenges the school faces in offering inclusive education.

“We applied for the grant because we are one of the schools which offers special needs education services. We have a lot of students with different disabilities and, as a school, we couldn’t cope with the financial pressure to provide for all the students,” he said.

Mmala said the grant will help alleviate challenges the school has been facing in an effort to support students with different disabilities.

Under the Disability Act of 2012, the government introduced DTF and was established in 2020.

The first disbursement of funds was done in the 2022/2023 financial year.

According to the 2018 Population and Housing Census, Malawi has over 1,700,000 people with disabilities.

However, DTF, has in its first year of service, reached out to 2,000 people.