The Malawi Electoral Commission(MEC) has trained an additional 200 Elections Monitoring Device (EMD) operators to supplement those already in the field during the first phase of voter registration exercise currently underway in some districts.
Speaking on Friday during the opening of the training in Mponela, MEC chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja said additional operators are crucial in the face of huge turn out in some registration centres.
Annabel Mtalimanja
She said: “Inorder for us to efficiently service the registrants so that they are not waiting for too long on the queue, we want to have as many operators as possible and this supplementary cohort will beef up the numbers already in the field.”
She then appealed to the EMD operators to dedicate themselves to duty to ensure smooth registration exercise.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Press Corporation Plc Dr. Ronald Mangani has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government to drive economic growth.
Speaking at CEO Roundtable Conference in Blantyre on Friday, Mangani highlighted the need for a private sector-led mixed economy, where both sectors play distinct roles to address key constraints.
Dr Ronald Mangani
He noted that while the private sector is the engine for growth, the public sector must provide the necessary support to propel the economy forward.
Said Mangani:”Effective collaboration, governance, accountability, and transparency are essential for success.
“The agricultural sector was singled out as critical for development, with a focus on improving performance to drive industrialization.
“The government’s efforts to address challenges in this sector are commendable, and the private sector is urged to invest in agro-processing and value addition.”
He cited high interest rates as a significant challenge for private operators, and suggested rethinking monetary policy to entice private sector borrowing and investment.
Mangani stressed the need for a production-focused approach to economic management, highlighting the challenges faced by the country and the importance of collaboration to achieve economic growth.
On his part, CEO Africa Roundtable Chairperson in Malawi George Damson, shared insights on Malawi’s forex challenges, attributing the issue to a balance of trade problem.
“We are importing more than we are exporting,” he said, emphasizing the need to reduce the import bill and increase exports.
To boost exports, Damson suggested making Malawi’s products more competitive in the international market and providing incentives to the private sector.
“We need to make sure that we have enough incentives to the private sector so that they don’t feel hamstrung when they want to export their products outside,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of fully utilizing the trade offices in Malawi’s embassies abroad to market the country’s products.
Damson also stressed the need for collaboration between the private and public sectors to address the forex challenge.
“I think Malawi is blessed with a lot of human capital. People know what needs to be done, and I believe that the fundamentals to make sure that we correct this situation are in place already,” he said.
Furthermore, Damson suggested relaxing bureaucracy in approvals and certifications to improve the business environment.
“We can eliminate some of the processes that are unnecessary and make it easier for businesses to operate,” he said.
Damson expressed optimism about Malawi’s potential to address its forex challenges and promote economic growth.
Police officers have used tear gas to disperse supporters of the DPP, UTM, AFORD, and UDF political parties gathered at Area 30 in Lilongwe. The crowd had assembled in anticipation of the arrival of UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati, who was scheduled to appear following her recent arrest.
Kaliati, a prominent figure in the UTM party and a well-known political figure, was detained yesterday and has since been held at Lingadzi Police Station. Her arrest has sparked a wave of concern and protests from supporters, who gathered in solidarity, demanding justice and fair treatment for their leader.
Eyewitnesses reported that supporters gathered peacefully but were soon met with resistance from police forces, who deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. This incident has raised concerns regarding the treatment of opposition party members and the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, some protesters expressed frustration, claiming that the tear gas was used excessively and without sufficient warning. “We were here to show support for our leader,” said one UTM supporter. “We didn’t expect the police to respond in this way, especially when we were peaceful.”
The use of force by police has prompted criticism from various rights groups and activists, who argue that such measures suppress democratic freedom. This event marks another contentious incident in Malawi’s political landscape, where tensions continue to rise ahead of the next general elections.
As the situation develops, calls for calm and restraint have emerged from civil society organizations, urging all parties to engage in peaceful dialogue. Supporters of the UTM, AFORD, and UDF are expected to continue advocating for what they see as their democratic rights, even as authorities emphasize the need to maintain public order.
The arrest of Kaliati and subsequent dispersal of her supporters is likely to intensify discussions about freedom of assembly and political inclusivity in Malawi’s democratic process.
On October 5th every year, World Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally, serving to honor the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping the future of children and society as a whole. The theme for this year, “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” emphasizes the importance of recognizing and empowering educators in their vital roles. While this day is commemorated worldwide, Malawi’s Ministry of Education observed the event on October 25th.
World Teachers’ Day is a significant occasion that acknowledges the dedication of teachers who provide transformative educational experiences, helping to build sustainable futures and fostering personal fulfillment within their communities. However, current global challenges, such as an alarming shortage of teachers and deteriorating working conditions, threaten the profession and the quality of education.
Minister Kambauwa joining the teachers
In Malawi, Mr. Foster Mkandawire, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of Plan Malawi, announced that the international organization has allocated 4.2 million kwacha to the Ministry of Education. This funding is designated to reward exemplary teachers across the country. Recognizing the best-performing educators from various educational divisions, these awards aim to inspire and motivate teachers to continue their hard work and commitment to excellence in education.
The efforts made this World Teachers’ Day highlight the pressing need to value educators and improve their circumstances, ensuring that they are supported in their critical role in shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
United Transformation Movement (UTM) Secretary General Dr. Patricia Kaliati, has promised to keep on fighting for the rights of all Malawians urging all to stay awake and stay positive saying she can’t be a President without coming to police cell or prison.
Dr. Kaliati has quoted the Holy Bible Genesis 39;21 “But while Joseph was there in prison, the Lord was with him, he showed him kindness and granted him favor saying the prison was not meant to break Joseph but rather it was his path to the Palace.
Kaliyati
“You and me can change Malawi if we hold hands together, I can’t be a president in Malawi without coming here, truth is conscious of service to our nation,” reads Dr. Patricia Kaliati’s writing on the wall.
Madam Dr. Patricia Kaliati was arrested by police in the morning of Thursday 24th October, 2024 and has been charged with the offence of conspiring to commit a felony with two others at large, according to reports.
The arrests of Kaliati did not please UTM supporters who mobilized themselves to Lingadzi Police station with placards showing solidarity with Madam Dr. Kaliati who has earned full respect for keeping the legacy of Dr. Saulosi Chilima alive soon after his demise and today.
UTM members who included the party’s aspiring Presidential candidates Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Newton Kambala visited Lingadzi Police station to comfort her and as this was not enough, other opposition leaders visited her too.
Missing on the line-up of those who visited Dr. Kaliati is Dr. Michael Usi, the Acting party’s President a development which many people have described the arrest of Madam Kaliati as a ploy not to be present at the party’s National Governing Council (NGC) meeting on Friday, 25th October, 2024.
Meanwhile, the grouping of Umkondo wa Maseko Ngoni of Ntcheu, says they have learnt with a big shock and dismay over the arrest of Madam Dr. Kaliati and are demanding an explanation of her arrest in as soon as possible.
Leader of the grouping Czwe, has encouraged the Ngoni’s to close all the roads of the district in trading centres such as Manjawira, Senzani, Masasa, Sharpvalley, Biliwiri, and others burning used tyres in the streets as a solidarity with the arrested Dr. Kaliati.
“You have done with Impi Dr. Saulosi Chilima and you want to do the same with Madam Kaliati to finish off the UTM,” said Czwe in an audio clip.
Madam Kaliati will spend a knight in police cell either at Area 13 or Lumbadzi police Station because at Lingadzi Police station, they don’t have female cells for suspects.
