Author: Boo Chanco

….Party faithful rally behind former president Lazarus Chakwera, emphasizing unity and stability as the MCP prepares for the next political chapter.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has decided to maintain former State president Lazarus Chakwera as its leader.

The decision was reached after extensive internal consultations within the party’s National Executive Committee and regional structures, signaling a clear endorsement of continuity over change.

According to insiders, the move reflects the MCP’s desire to consolidate its base and rebuild public confidence following its loss of power in the 2025 general elections.

Party officials say Chakwera’s leadership remains central to the party’s identity and organizational stability, particularly at a time when opposition forces are seeking to reorganize in preparation for future political battles.

Sources within the MCP reveal that many members believe removing Chakwera now could fracture the party and create unnecessary divisions that would weaken its presence on the national stage.

Some senior members have argued that the former president’s experience, national appeal, and proven record of discipline make him the right person to lead the party through this transitional period.

Chakwera, who served as State president from 2020 to 2025, is said to have accepted the endorsement with humility and a renewed commitment to strengthen the MCP’s internal democracy and public trust.

He reportedly urged members to focus on unity, policy clarity, and the needs of Malawians who continue to face economic and social hardships.

Addressing the party’s leadership meeting, Chakwera emphasized the importance of rebuilding the MCP as a credible alternative government and reconnecting with the grassroots across all regions.

He reminded delegates that political leadership is not about personal ambition but collective responsibility to serve the people of Malawi with integrity and purpose.

Party strategists say the MCP plans to embark on a vigorous rebranding campaign to appeal to young voters and rebuild bridges with disillusioned supporters.

The rebranding will include policy review sessions, youth engagement programs, and community outreach activities aimed at repositioning the MCP as a modern and inclusive political force.

Political analysts have described the decision to retain Chakwera as a calculated attempt to preserve stability while the party works toward generational renewal from within.

They argue that while some members hoped for new leadership, the timing of a transition could have been politically risky given the party’s current reorganization efforts.

Others, however, believe the move might slow down internal reform and alienate sections of the party that are eager for a fresh approach to opposition politics.

For now, the MCP appears united behind Chakwera’s leadership, projecting an image of discipline and order in contrast to the fragmentation often seen in Malawi’s opposition parties.

As the party sets its sights on the next elections, much will depend on how effectively it can balance loyalty to its long-time leader with the growing demand for generational change and fresh political ideas.

In the end, Chakwera’s continued leadership represents not only a moment of reflection for the MCP but also a test of its ability to adapt, evolve, and remain relevant in Malawi’s shifting political landscape.

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The decision by the Malawian government to import 200,000 metric tonnes of maize from Zambia has ignited considerable debate among economic experts, with some questioning its wisdom and potential impact on local producers.

However, a closer, nuanced analysis reveals that this government intervention is not only a necessary response to an impending food crisis but a strategic move that prioritizes the welfare of over four million Malawians facing hunger.

The fears expressed by some economic commentators, while not entirely unfounded in a theoretical context, do not sufficiently take into account the urgent realities on the ground, nor the long-term benefits of this importation in the current socio-economic climate.

In fact, the advantages of this policy decisively outweigh the concerns raised.

Firstly, it is important to underscore the fundamental priority in any government’s economic planning: ensuring the food security and wellbeing of its population.

Malawi, an agro-based economy, is currently grappling with a looming maize shortage caused by several factors, including erratic weather patterns, poor harvests due to drought, and other external shocks that have disrupted local production.

The decision to import maize is a pragmatic response aimed at cushioning millions from hunger rather than an indication of failure or economic mismanagement.

The assertion by critics that importing maize would make Malawi vulnerable to global prices and interest rates overlooks the critical context of this intervention.

This is not an open-ended policy but a targeted, time-bound measure to stabilize the market and prevent catastrophic food shortages.

The importation will help maintain price stability, preventing the rampant inflation of staple food prices that typically follows scarcity, which disproportionately affects the poorest households.

Without this intervention, the cost of maize could surge beyond the reach of many Malawians, exacerbating poverty and social unrest.

Moreover, while it is true that Malawi is capable of producing maize locally, the current shortfall cannot be ignored or wished away.

Local farmers have not produced enough maize to meet the national demand this season, partly due to adverse climatic conditions that are beyond their control.

Blaming the government’s importation policy for “scrambling the market” ignores the fact that the market is already under strain due to insufficient supply.

The importation will actually stabilize the market by increasing the availability of maize, which in turn can help local prices remain within a reasonable range, giving consumers affordability while allowing farmers to sell their produce without the fear of price crashes caused by extreme scarcity.

Critics also argue that importing raw maize undermines the country’s aspirations for economic growth.

This perspective, while conceptually valid in terms of long-term industrial development goals, fails to acknowledge the immediate humanitarian and economic imperatives. Food security is the foundation on which any sustainable economic growth must be built.

A hungry population cannot effectively contribute to economic productivity or growth.

Thus, the government’s decision is a short-term corrective measure that does not preclude future investments in boosting local maize production capacity through improved agricultural practices, irrigation, and technology.

In addition, the government’s expenditure of $77 million (K135 billion) on maize imports should be viewed through the lens of an investment in national stability.

The cost of widespread hunger—manifesting in malnutrition, poor health outcomes, reduced labor productivity, and potential social unrest—would far exceed this outlay.

By acting decisively, the government is safeguarding the social fabric and economic potential of the country.

This is a sound fiscal strategy that prioritizes human capital and economic resilience.

Importing maize at a controlled price from a reliable regional partner like Zambia also strengthens Malawi’s economic ties within the region, fostering trade cooperation that can be beneficial in the long run.

Regional integration and interdependence are increasingly important in today’s globalized economy, and Malawi’s maize importation aligns with broader economic diplomacy objectives.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the government’s move does not negate support for local farmers.

On the contrary, it creates a more balanced market environment where farmers can plan their production with less fear of devastating price volatility. In the absence of imports, extreme shortages would drive prices sky-high, but these inflated prices could paradoxically harm farmers by reducing demand from consumers who simply cannot afford the staple.

By stabilizing the market, government intervention provides a buffer that can help farmers maintain steady income and reinvest in their farms.

Critics need to consider that agriculture is inherently vulnerable to climatic variability and other shocks.

No country, regardless of its agricultural base, can always rely solely on internal production to meet food needs. Strategic imports and food reserves are standard practices in many countries to manage risk and ensure continuous food supply. Malawi’s action aligns with these global best practices.

The government’s importation of maize is a sound and responsible policy choice grounded in the realities facing Malawi today.

It is a humanitarian and economic imperative aimed at protecting millions from hunger, stabilizing food prices, and maintaining national economic stability.

While the concerns of some economic experts about potential long-term vulnerabilities are worth considering in future policy formulation, they should not overshadow the urgent need to address immediate food security challenges effectively.

The government’s decision is a testament to pragmatic governance that puts people first, ensuring that no Malawian goes hungry due to avoidable food shortages.

In this context, the benefits of maize importation far outweigh the risks, making it a necessary step toward a more secure and prosperous Malawi.

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Email : jonesgadama@gmail.com

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…..The veteran leader sets his sights on extending his political legacy as he confirms intentions to run in the upcoming Brazilian presidential election.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has officially announced that he will seek a fourth term in office in the 2026 elections.

The announcement marks a significant moment in Brazil’s political landscape, as Lula seeks to extend his influence and consolidate his legacy as one of the country’s most prominent leaders.

Lula, who has previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 and returned to power in 2023, emphasized that his decision is driven by a commitment to continue his agenda of social inclusion and economic reform.

Political analysts note that Lula’s bid for another term could reshape Brazil’s electoral dynamics, drawing attention from both supporters and opponents across the political spectrum.

The veteran leader has long been recognized for his efforts to reduce poverty, expand social programs, and promote labor rights, which remain central themes in his proposed 2026 campaign.

Opposition parties are expected to intensify their strategies, as Lula’s decision to run again will likely polarize voters and spark debates over governance, economic policy, and Brazil’s role in international affairs.

Observers also highlight that Lula’s fourth-term announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in Brazil, including inflationary pressures, crime, and environmental concerns, particularly in the Amazon region.

Supporters of Lula argue that his experience and track record uniquely position him to address these complex issues, while critics question whether continued leadership under a single figure could stifle political renewal.

Internationally, Lula’s re-election campaign is being closely watched, as Brazil plays a key role in Latin American geopolitics and global environmental discussions.

As the 2026 election approaches, Brazil faces a high-stakes political contest that could redefine the nation’s trajectory for years to come.

Lula concluded his announcement with a pledge to remain focused on the welfare of all Brazilians, promising to maintain policies aimed at social justice, economic growth, and democratic stability.

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Malawi 0-0 Angola…

LUANDA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Women’s National Football Team Head Coach, Lovemore Fazili, says the goalless draw against Angola in Luanda on Thursday has given his side renewed belief as they eye a historic qualification to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Scorchers, who dominated much of the first-leg encounter at Estádio 11 de Novembro, displayed impressive teamwork and attacking intent but were left frustrated after failing to find the back of the net despite several clear opportunities.

“We played better football than Angola. I expected us to score in the first half but luck was not on our side. However, I’m proud of the effort and discipline from the girls,” Fazili said after the match.

The experienced tactician remains optimistic that his side will complete the job in the return leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 28, where a victory would secure Malawi’s first-ever qualification to the continental finals.

“It’s not easy to play away from home but we managed to get a result. The players have promised to finish the job in front of our supporters. We are determined to make history,” Fazili added confidently.

The Scorchers took control from kickoff, with Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu and Asimenye Simwaka combining well in attack.

Led by captain Tabitha Chawinga, Malawi’s fluid passing and high pressing forced Angola to sit deep for most of the game.

Chawinga came close in the 34th minute after her low shot rolled inches wide of the post.

The Scorchers’ best moment arrived midway through the second half when Chawinga’s pace and power carved open Angola’s defense to set up Simwaka, whose strike narrowly missed the target.

As the game wore on, Tabitha’s curling free-kick in the 84th minute was blocked by the wall summing up a frustrating night for Malawi’s forwards.

Despite the missed chances, Fazili was full of praise for his players’ overall discipline and determination.

“Our goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo was solid, the defense was composed and the midfield controlled the tempo. The forwards kept pressing. We played our game plan perfectly we just need to score at home,” he said.

The Scorchers are now expected to return home on Friday to resume training ahead of the decisive second leg.

The team will be banking on the electric atmosphere at Bingu National Stadium and the support of local fans to push them across the line.

Malawi has never qualified for the WAFCON finals before and a win next week would mark a groundbreaking moment for women’s football in the country one that could inspire a new generation of female footballers.

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…..Wander Moreira, Malawi’s Brazilian Mentor, Assembled a Formidable Squad

….Saluting Malawi team that won Silver Medal in Zambia in 1975

By Ndisi Songa

Time flies indeed! It feels like yesterday when the Malawi national football team made its maiden appearance at the 3^rd edition of the CECAFA Challenge Cup which Zambia hosted from 31^st October to 9^th November,1975.

As newcomers and with many not expecting much from the team, Malawi performed wonders by reaching the final and had to play against Kenya.

Malawi was in group B alongside Tanzania and Zanzibar while Kenya, was in group A which had other heavyweights like Uganda and Zambia.

Wander Moreira, Malawi’s Brazilian mentor, assembled a formidable squad that had the likes of Boniface Maganga, Jack Chamangwana, Henry Tewesa, Bosco Munthali, Elywin Mwafulirwa, Montfort Pemba, Frank Mlotchwa, Topsy Msuku, Robert Banda, Damiano Malefula, Spy and Zorro Msiska, Patrick Chikafa, Kinnah Phiri, Yasin Osman, Steven Phiri, Kannock Munde, among others.

Malawi kickstarted its campaign at the tournament with a convincing 3 – 1 win over the defending Champions, Tanzania with dangerman Kinnah Phiri scoring a brace. In the next game, the team played against Zanzibar whom they beat 4 – 2.

Kenya, on the other hand, beat the hosts 2 – 1 in their first game and drew 1 – 1 with their fierce rivals Uganda.

In the semifinal, favourites, Uganda, suffered a 2 -1 defeat at the hands of Malawi while Kenya booked their ticket to the final when they beat Tanzania 3 – 2.

The final was a closely contested encounter with Malawi taking an early lead through Spy ‘Super Header’ Msiska who netted the opener in the 15^th minute. Try as Kenya did to equalize, the score was still 1 – 0 in favour of Malawi at half-time break.

It was in the early minutes of the second half when William Ouma equalized for Kenya. Later, Kinnah Phiri put Malawi in the lead again when he scored in the 80^th minute.

Towards the end of the game, Kenya was awarded a corner kick which saw Charles Ochieng score with a stunning header. The match, which was later thrown into extra time, saw Kenya win 3 – 2 on penalty shootout and the final score was 5 – 4.

Besides being runners up at the tournament, Malawi’ Kinnah Phiri won the golden boot award.

This was the beginning of better things to come as Malawi went on to win the trophy in 1978. In the following year, Malawi faced Kenya again in a semblance of the 1975 Challenge Cup final which also pitted the two teams.  

Malawi beat Kenya 3 – 2 to retain the trophy and this was a sweet revenge of the humiliation that Malawi suffered at the hands of Kenya in 1975 in Zambia.

After 9 years of waiting and searching for the next title, Malawi won the Challenge Cup again in 1988 when they beat Zambia 3 – 1 in a crunch final at a packed Kamuzu stadium in the commercial city of Blantyre.

These were the golden days of football in Malawi when the team was feared in the region. These were the days when football in the country had reached its highest high.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ndisi Songa is a sports writer, football historian and archivist.

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Ace Frehley did the impossible … bringing his former bandmates back together to celebrate him at a private funeral held earlier this week in the Bronx. Eddie Trunk — a well-known radio DJ and close friend of the band for many years — shared a…

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Kate Gosselin got candid on why she is just having Thanksgiving dinner with only her boyfriend, Steve Neild, and not her kids.

“Guys, so rude. I just asked [Steve] what he wanted to do for Thanksgiving,” Gosselin, 50, shared in a TikTok video on Wednesday, October 22. “We invited some of the kids. Some of the kids have plans. We’re far away from home, don’t forget.”

Kate — who shares 21-year-old sextuplets Aaden, Joel, Alexis, Hannah, Collin and Leah and 25-year-old twins Mady and Cara with ex-husband Jon Gosselin — revealed that her kids were away at college and “don’t have enough time off” to come see her.

“It’s just going to be me and him, I guess,” Kate told her followers. “I said to him now, ‘What do you want to do for Thanksgiving?’ Thinking he’d say maybe we could get takeout from a restaurant or we can get an already made meal because you know I can’t cook. And instead he said, ‘Oh, I don’t know. I was thinking maybe we could go dancing.’”

Kate Gosselin’s Boyfriend Makes Subtle Appearance on Recent Livestream

The former reality star, who recently fractured her leg and underwent surgery, joked that Neild, 50, was “so rude.”

“He’s over there smiling. He’s so proud of himself,” she said while also smiling. “That’s the sense of humor that he has. And I don’t appreciate it. I don’t think, unless he wants to dance with a girl in a wheelchair, I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I thought you would appreciate that.”

In the caption of the TikTok, Kate joked that Neild knows “how good [she] is at dancing” following her appearance on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars in 2010.

“Honestly though, I’d give anything to be able to dance right now (even tho neither of us can!),” she wrote.

Last month, Kate underwent surgery following a “life-altering” knee injury caused by one of her dogs.

Inside Kate Gosselin’s Boyfriend Steve Neild’s Divorce: Details Revealed

“Meika, my puppy, ran into me full-speed ahead and I ended up with a tibial plateau fracture and surgery with plates and pins in my leg,” she said in a TikTok video shared by a friend.

Aside from dealing with her surgery, Kate also made headlines when she announced that she had a boyfriend for a “little over a year.”

“The answer to that question is actually, finally, yes,” she said in response to a TikTok Q&A in September when someone asked if she is dating anybody. “I am dating somebody for the past year, maybe like 14, 15 months. I am super, super happy. It’s somebody that I’ve known for a really long time and I am very, very happy.”

Shortly after Kate’s revelation, Page Six reported that she was dating her former bodyguard, Neild — which sparked controversy after Jon, 48, said that Neild contributed to the end of their marriage. (Kate and Jon were married from 1999 to 2009.)

“Guess who really ruined the marriage. Read for yourself,” Jon wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of Kate and Neild. He also reshared the Page Six article, writing, “Maybe when I speak people will listen now!!!”

Kate Gosselin Shares Sweet Gesture From Boyfriend Amid Recovery From Injury

Following Jon’s claims, Kate’s son Collin also claimed that his mother had an affair with her former bodyguard.

“What really upsets me is that my mom had an affair with our bodyguard way back in 2009, and for years would share hotel rooms with him while we went on family vacations, while I was in a connected room!” he wrote via Instagram Stories. “Now everyone thinks her being with him is some cute novel romance. By the way my dad received death threats and got shunned by the public for years for ‘having an affair’ and ‘leaving his kids.’”

While Kate has yet to speak out about the claims, she did confirm that she was dating Neild on social media earlier this month when she shared photos of him.

“Focusing on gratitude today,” she wrote over a TikTok video highlighting her morning coffee, her dogs, physical therapy and Neild himself. “My boyfriend, whom I love even more for taking all this extra work that I am now.”

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Elaine Hendrix has struck a chord with the Dancing With the Stars audience.

The actress, who first gained some recognition in the ‘90s for guest appearances on TV shows like Ellen and Married… with Children, earned her breakout role as Meredith Blake in Nancy Meyers’ 1998 remake of The Parent Trap.

Since then, she’s starred in a number of films and television series, but has captivated viewers of season 34 of DWTS as she celebrates being a woman in her 50s tackling ballroom dance alongside fellow contestants who are decades younger than her.

“I’m on this incredible roller coaster that I don’t want to end, and I’m just loving every second of it,” Hendrix told Us Weekly in October 2025 of being on the dance competition series. “Also, I feel like anything can happen on this show, which is wild, right?”

Alan Bersten Defends ‘Great Connection’ With ‘DWTS’ Partner Elaine Hendrix

A few weeks later, Hendrix wowed the crowd as she performed to “Defying Gravity” during Wicked Night — explaining in her pre-dance package that she was defying her own odds at every rehearsal due to injuries she sustained after a 1992 car accident.

“I have a titanium joint in my right foot,” she shared, “so that renders half my foot unusable. Every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot, but I just don’t want to let it stop me.”

Her pro partner, Alan Bersten, wanted her to realize that she could “trust herself” and “is stronger than her injuries,” so he choreographed a challenging routine, which ended in Hendrix floating above the crowd in an epic Elphaba moment.

After receiving all nines from the judges, Hendrix proudly expressed, “I’m so grateful for this moment. I am 54, I am injured and I just did that!”

Below, see more of Elaine Hendrix’s quotes about her age on DWTS:

‘Bring It On’

In her intro package on DWTS, Hendrix said she started her career as a professional dancer.

“I want the sweat, I want the blisters, bring it on,” she insisted.

Hendrix went on to tell Bersten that she was hit by a car and “really lucky I walked away from it.”

“The reality is, I don’t know if I can do this,” she added. “I close my eyes and imagine I’m still 21 years old, but my body may have different plans.”

For Week 1, she danced a cha-cha and earned rave reviews from the judges. “I don’t even know what to say. You are amazing,” judge Derek Hough told her, with Bruno Tonioli adding, “Sassy, sexy yet classy … great performance, great potential.”

Hendrix was thrilled with her routine, telling cohost Julianne Hough that her body definitely “feels it” but “it’s so worth it, especially at this time in my life.”

“I want to prove to myself and prove to other women that age is just a number. It doesn’t matter,” she insisted.

54 and Fabulous

During One-Hit Wonders Night, Hendrix danced a lively cheerleader-themed jive to “Hey Mickey” by Toni Basil. Then, for TikTok Night, she kept the momentum going with a tango to KATSEYE’s “Gnarly.”

“Elaine, you are badass,” Derek told her after the dance.

On her struggles to connect her mind with her body, Hendrix said, “Everyone can do math, I’m 54 years old and I just did that.”

Her Parent Trap costar and best friend Lisa Ann Walter cheered from the audience, shouting, “That’s right, Elaine!” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also stood up and clapped.

Redefining Age

The following week, Walter held up a T-shirt that read Hendrix’s now iconic catchphrase on Disney Night as Inaba praised her routine. (Walter is 62 and Inaba is 57.)

“You better represent, my sister! That was amazing,” Inaba said. “You are redefining what it is to be an [old]… mature, wise, sexy empowered woman. That was brilliant. Your best dance. Amazing. I’m so happy!”

After receiving eights from the judges, Hendrix said, “I just want to say that I am walking proof that your dreams may not go as you planned them, but it doesn’t mean that they’re not happening. Go for our dreams!”

Woman Power

Walter joined Hendrix for Dedication Night on DWTS and celebrated her friend for championing older women on the show.
Walter entered the rehearsal space with a question: “Is this the meeting of the grown ass women who do whatever we want?”

“Female friendships are vital,” Hendrix told Bersten, saying that Walter is like a sister. “We support one another. When my mom died, the first person I called was Lisa.”

After their dance to “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole — also featured in The Parent Trap — Julianne said they “radiate” together.

Wickedly Amazing

During Wicked Night, Hendrix’s performance defied gravity — and age.

Hendrix explained that she has a titanium joint in her right foot and that “every week, my body shifts into a new pain spot.” She cried saying she was feeling “the limitations of my body” and that the song was about “pushing past” those limitations.

“I know my determination is going to win it, just getting there is quite a journey,” she added.

After her contemporary routine received a standing ovation from a tear-filled audience and nines from the judges, Hendrix reiterated, “Again, I am 54, I am injured, and I just did that!”

“You are defying the odds, truly,” Derek told her. “You move with such grace and wisdom, and man, are you going to cherish that moment forever.”

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The moment Jay Cutler got cuffed after his October 2024 bust for DUI and gun possession is now on full display … courtesy of newly released police bodycam footage after he allegedly rear-ended a car while drunk. In the footage, a cop rolls up on…

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Gaza’s health system remains in ruins despite the fragile ceasefire holding, with hundreds of thousands still facing urgent medical and humanitarian needs, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Thursday.

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