BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Ahead of the crucial National Assembly Speaker election scheduled for 29 October 2025, the Concerned Citizens People Power Movement has issued a strong appeal to Members of Parliament (MPs) to prioritize national interest over partisan considerations.
The statement, signed by Edward Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, emphasizes the importance of electing a Speaker who embodies competence, integrity and impartiality.
The movement stressed that the position of Speaker is not merely administrative but serves as the cornerstone of Malawi’s legislative process and a guardian of parliamentary integrity.
It urged MPs to elect a Speaker who demonstrates experience, education, approachability, unity and impartiality, highlighting that Malawi needs a leader capable of guiding parliamentary debates with fairness, commanding respect across party lines and understanding parliamentary procedures deeply.
“With our nation striving for economic recovery, democratic consolidation and social stability, it is vital that Parliament is led by a Speaker who can rise above partisan politics and ensure that the voices of all Malawians regardless of political affiliation are heard and respected,” the statement reads.
The movement added that the Speaker must act as a unifier, maintain order, foster collaboration among Members and protect the independence of Parliament as an equal arm of government.
The statement further called for a leader whose conduct and character can restore public confidence in the Legislature and advance the aspirations of Malawians.
“Malawians are watching. The choice made on 29th October will shape the tone and effectiveness of our Legislature for years to come,” concludes the statement.
Currently, there three candidates vying for Speakership including Kondwani Nakhumwa, Sammer Suleiman and other.
Cape Town knows how to welcome the New Year in style. Think lavish dinners, high-energy parties, live music, and beachside celebrations.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events to ring in 2026 in the Mother City:
V&A Waterfront
The iconic New Year’s Eve celebration at the V&A Waterfront promises to be bigger and better this year, with a lineup of top talent, including Zoë Modiga, GoodLuck, Emo and Loukmaan Adams, and Starlight Band. The precinct will be buzzing, from sunset boat charters to restaurant and hotel events. Get there early to secure your spot.
Time Out Market Cape Town – Enter the Jungle NYE Party
Enter the Jungle this New Year’s Eve as Time Out Market Cape Town goes wild in the lead-up to 2026. From 5pm to 1am, feast your way through a world-class culinary line-up with open access to 13 kitchens, bringing you dishes from Cape Town’s top chefs and restaurateurs all under one roof. Grab a drink at one of their four bars and discover the Cape’s best wines at the Wine Boutique. There will also be a dance area, a top-tier live DJ line-up, and views of Table Mountain and the bustling V&A Harbour.
Location: The Old Power Station Building, V&A Waterfront. Price: Adults and children over 16 years: R750 (includes R250 food voucher), kids under 16 years old: R300 (includes a R150 food voucher) Contact: Visit bit.ly/4hnUPpZ
NYE Summer Rooftop Party at Radisson RED
Radisson RED is getting bigger and bolder this year with a rooftop party like no other. Enjoy top local DJs and a live performance by Majozi, while taking in some of the city’s best views. Your ticket includes a welcome drink, all-night food, drinks vouchers, and bubbles at midnight. Doors open at 7pm.
Location: No. 6, Silo, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Price: R2550pp. Contact: Book your ticket at Quicket.
One of South Africa’s most anticipated New Year’s Eve festivals is making its return to the Mother City. Get ready for the country’s first-ever 180° main stage, an 80-metre-wide setup designed to wrap the crowd in a fully immersive audio-visual spectacle. Beyond the stage, expect a curated Food Village, a mind-bending 6D visual experience, jaw-dropping lighting shows, and multi-sensory zones.
Location: Black River Park Sports Field, Fir Street, Observatory Price: From R570pp Contact: Tickets on sale at Quicket.
Alcazar at the Grand Africa Café & Beach
Cape Town’s ultimate New Year’s Eve party returns – and for the first time, it’s taking over the entire Grand Africa Café & Beach precinct.
Think Jungle fever meets disco decadence in a glittering, untamed playground under the stars. Expect wild performances, massive stages, and a variety of food trucks. The line-up includes Zakes Bantwini, Dean Fuel, and Sona.
Location: 1 Haul Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Price: From R650pp Contact: Book now at Howler.
Love at First Site at the Green Room
Get ready for the party of the year with non-stop beats, electric party vibes, and a midnight countdown you won’t want to miss at The Green Room in Kommetjie. Love at First Site (yes, you’ve read correctly) promises a night filled with music, dancing, and good times as you ring in the New Year with your loved one.
Location: 12 Huskisson Way, Kommetjie. Contact: To secure a booking, call 066 078 6317
Ring in 2026 in true H2O style with an unforgettable open-air dance experience at The Ostrich, featuring a lineup of South Africa’s top artists and DJs, including headliner Goldfish. The venue opens at 5pm.
Location: Ostrich Ranch, Van Schoorsdrif Rd, Philadelphia, Price: From R199 Contact: Get your tickets here.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The orientation programme for Members of Parliament-elect has entered its third day at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, aimed at equipping legislators with vital knowledge and skills for their upcoming roles.
However, the session was overshadowed by notable signs of distraction and lack of engagement from some elected members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Presenters at the orientation expressed disappointment as several MCP members appeared more engrossed in their phones than the important presentations being delivered. Among those frequently seen distracted were Richard Chimwendo Banda, Moses Kunkuyu, and Vitumbiko Mumba.
This behavior has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from both facilitators and political observers alike.
Our investigation reveals that these senior MCP members appeared disengaged, seemingly unable to adjust to their new roles outside government.
Their inattentiveness during the session, which focused on “Optimising the Impact of Parliament through Evidence-Informed Legislation and Oversight Functions,” has been described as shameful and disrespectful to the institution they are set to serve.
The orientation programme boasts a robust agenda with presentations from leading experts.
Ms. Velia Manyonga, Head of Parliament Library and Research, alongside Dr. Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu, Executive Director of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), led the pivotal session on evidence-informed legislation.
Other notable sessions included Professor Edrinnie Elizabeth Kayambazinthu from the University of Malawi, who covered techniques for confident speech delivery and structuring arguments, as well as a joint presentation by Mr. Louis Loti and Dr. Winford Masanjala on budgeting and financial oversight.
Political analyst Mathews Namukhoyo condemned the MCP members’ apparent lack of seriousness, stating that the party remains in denial over its electoral defeat.
Namukhoyo emphasized that as representatives of the people, MCP legislators must demonstrate commitment and dedication to their parliamentary responsibilities.
The orientation programme continues with hopes that all members, regardless of party allegiance, will engage fully and prepare adequately to serve Malawi’s democratic processes effectively.
LILONGWE (MaraviPost): At just 25 years old, Aisha Chingaipe is breaking barriers and proving that women can succeed in jobs usually done by men. She works in welding and fabrication a tough field where not many women are found.Aisha will be the only woman representing Malawi at the WorldSkills Africa Regional Competition in 2025. But she’s not just going to take part and she’s going to win.
Currently training at Salima Technical College, Aisha stands out not only for her skill and determination but also for her courage in taking on a male-dominated trade.
“People think welding is for men because of the physical strength it requires and eye strain from the sparks. Many women are scared of losing their eyesight, but I believe if men can do it, I can do it too,” said Aisha, a proud former student of Likuni Girls Secondary School(Open session)
Coming from a family of four two girls and two boysAisha is determined to make her mark and inspire other young women to follow her path.
Her journey has not gone unnoticed.
According to Elwin Chiwembu, Executive Director of the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA), the national skills competitions are platforms designed to unearth and celebrate young talents like Aisha.
These competitions provide an opportunity for TEVET trainees across the country to demonstrate their skills, creativity, and resilience.
They also offer employers a chance to see the potential impact of technical education on productivity and innovation,” said Chiwembu.
The competition also plays a crucial role in connecting industry leaders with emerging talent, potentially opening doors for employment and mentorship.
However, the gender gap in technical fields remains a concern. Joseph Chilombo, Director of assessment and certification service s in the Ministry of Labour, highlighted the low participation of women in technical colleges.
“Most technical colleges are still male-dominated. We encourage more women to take up technical and vocational training to balance gender representation and empower women with practical, employable skills,” said Chilombo.
Despite the odds, Aisha remains focused and optimistic. With sparks flying from her welding torch and a fire burning in her heart, she’s ready to show that skill has no gender.
“I want to prove that women can do it too and do it well,” she said with a confident smile.
As Aisha prepares for the regional showdown, she carries the hopes of many young women looking up to her. Win or lose, she is already a champion for change.
KIGALI-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 African countries, has highlighted industry partnerships, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centres as critical pillars for delivering Africa’s digital future.
Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar observes that the efforts will shape the next decade of Africa’s telecom revolution, marking a shift from merely connecting people to enabling them to create value through such connections.
In a keynote address at the 2025 Mobile World Congress (also known as MWC25) Kigali, Taldar stated: “Africa’s digital decade has begun. The continent that once leapfrogged into mobile telephony is now ready to leap again – into an era where every byte of data fuels productivity and every connection builds prosperity.”
He said, “Africa is ready for its next leap from access to productivity. This requires partnership between operators who co-build, technology manufactures who equip, regulators who enable, investors who believe, tax regimes which support and young Africans who create.
“Together we can build a continent where data is processed locally, talent is nurtured nationally, and innovation is scaled globally”.
Airtel Africa CEO adds “Africa’s digital future needs AI to make networks smarter and greener, customer experiences more intuitive and mobile money more secure and intuitive.
“It will also require a connected network of data centres linked by high-capacity fibre to unlock inclusive digital participation even in remote regions.”
He stated further, “Airtel Africa is investing in major data-centre hubs in Nigeria and Kenya to support the continent’s digital future.
“We are also deploying AI in operations, including SMS spam detection, customer onboarding, mobile money fraud detection and sites’ energy optimisation”.
This year’s edition of the annual gathering of industry leaders, innovators and policymakers held annually in Kigali Rwanda tagged MWC25 explores how connectivity and digital technologies are accelerating Africa’s transformation.
Speaking when he officially opened MWC25 Kigali, Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame noted that Africa has gone from limited connectivity to a mobile-driven economy in a few years.
“While the challenges that Africa faces are significant, they also offer great growth potential if we collaborate. Governments, the private sector and other partners should harmonise policies and create the right environment for innovation.
“This will enable our data and payment systems to flow securely across borders and connect our economies. The future we must build is an Africa that is bold, connected and competitive,” President Kagame added.
The discussions at MWC25 closely align with Malawi’s Vision 2063, which identifies digital transformation as a key driver of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
Airtel Malawi’s strategic focus on expanding digital infrastructure, integrating AI technologies, and enhancing mobile money services supports national goals around innovation, youth empowerment, and competitiveness, reinforcing the country’s position in Africa’s digital future.
Dancing With the Stars season 34 honored the world of Wicked with some incredible performances — and a brand new sneak peek at what’s to come in For Good.
During the Tuesday, October 21, episode of the ABC dance competition series, director Jon M. Chu revealed a glimpse at the upcoming film, which featured The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) explaining how he became popular in Oz. He, along with some help from Glinda (Ariana Grande), sang “Wonderful” to Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), promising they can make her “wonderful” too.
Part 1 of Wicked’s two-part movie adaptation was released in November 2024 and followed the first act of the iconic Broadway show that shares the backstory of Glinda and Elphaba before the events of The Wizard of Oz.
While the first film ended with Glinda and Elphaba parting ways before Elphaba fled Shiz University, part two will pick up a few years later with Elphaba, now the Wicked Witch of the West, continuing her plans to help the land’s animals when Glinda rises to power as the Wizard’s spokeswoman.
“What’s wonderful about the show is that you get an insight into why this woman becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, but you have only three hours to do it in,” Erivo, 38, told Entertainment Weekly in February about why Wicked was split into separate parts. “With us, you have two movies.”
She noted that Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship has also been “expanded” thanks to the extra time, adding, “That’s a really important, special thing that you have in the show, but here you really get to go with them in that. We’ve got something really special.”
For Good will also reveal how Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion came together. Ethan Slater, who portrayed Boq in the first movie, gave a sneak peek of his character’s transformation into Tin Man earlier this month, while For Good’s trailer has shared brief glimpses at Fieryo’s (Jonathan Bailey) Scarecrow look. The actress portraying Dorothy remains under wraps, but it was revealed earlier this week that Colman Domingo will be voicing the Cowardly Lion.
niversal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Ahead of Domingo’s reveal, Chu teased he had cast a major A-lister in the role after sliding into their DMs. “I was like, ‘It’s not a ton of lines, but maybe you have a little time. I know you’re busy. I’ll come to you,’” the filmmaker recalled to Deadline in an October 16 interview. “He was like, ‘Why the f*** not, let’s go!’ And then we went ahead and recorded the lines.”
Songs from both Wicked and Wicked: For Good were featured on Tuesday’s episode of Dancing With the Stars, from Robert Irwin and Witney Caron’s jazz performance of “Dancing Through Life” to Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’ quickstep to “Popular.”
Grande and Erivo also made video cameos throughout the night alongside Bailey and Michelle Yeoh, who portrays Madame Morrible in the films. Chu also served as guest judge for the week.
“Wicked is a beloved tale of two best friends who change each other’s lives for good,” Erivo said, while Grande added, “So rejoicify! Let’s kick off this special Wicked celebration with a speculator opening number created by our wonderful choreographer Chris Scott.”
Chu also shared his excitement over being in the ballroom at the start of the evening.
“It’s my favorite movie and my favorite TV show combined, this is going to be incredible,” Chu said at the top of the episode. “But anything you know about dance, the power of it, it’s not the technical ultimately. When you get over that, you guys have been rehearsing great, now it’s about telling the story. Fill us with all the feelings today.”
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Wicked: For Good hits theaters on November 21.
High Potential finally revealed what was in Roman’s backpack as Morgan continued her search..
During the Tuesday, October 21, episode of the hit ABC series, Morgan (Kaitlin Olson) and Ava (Amirah J) were on the outs, which meant Roman’s backpack remained unopened. It wasn’t until the end of the episode that Morgan revealed the contents of the bag, which hinted that Roman kept track of his daughter.
One of the items in the backpack showed that Roman attended Ava’s dance recital when she was younger. This proved that Roman still cared about Ava, even after he mysteriously disappeared. Morgan said she wasn’t sure about the rest of the items in the backpack, but isn’t giving up on her search for her ex.
High Potential, which premiered in September 2024, follows a high-potential intellectual named Morgan who teams up with the LAPD to help solve murders. She gets paired up with Karadec (Daniel Sunjata), who is initially skeptical about how Morgan can assist the Major Crimes unit but ultimately starts to rely on her.
The season 1 finale aired in February and confirmed that Morgan’s ex Roman was still alive after going missing for more than a decade. The only information Morgan — and all of Us — have is that her ex worked as an FBI informant and he doesn’t trust the LAPD. This has created an issue for Morgan since she’s a consultant, which Roman has questioned according to his friend Arthur (Mekhi Phifer).
Disney/Mitch Haaseth
Executive producer and showrunner Todd Harthan previously spoke to Us Weekly about the plan for Roman’s unveiling.
“We’ve talked about it quite a bit like, ‘Wow, we have the time, and hopefully now the show is a success and we could go and get this actor or that actor.’ But the truth is, I haven’t had a deep conversation with Kaitlin about it — and she’ll have a strong opinion. She’s very active and involved with casting and has incredible instincts,” Harthan exclusively told Us in February. “So the short answer is no. We have some favorites and actors I really respect that would be great.”
“I think frustration is a good thing with an audience. It is a healthy frustration — don’t give them too much of what they want too soon,” Harthan noted about the “deepening” mystery. “I’d be totally lying if I said I have all the answers to that mystery. The wonderful thing about welcoming other brains to the room is how we make sure we don’t fumble this ball and we tell this story in the most satisfying way imaginable. There’s some cool stuff coming though.”
Amirah, meanwhile, recently teased what fans can expect in season 2, sharing with Us, “In my opinion, I love season 1 but I feel like season 2 is going to be even better, which I think is going to be really exciting for the fans to see. There is definitely more drama, it is more suspenseful and more heartbreaking in a way too. But in a good way.”
High Potential airs on ABC Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.
Happy birthday, Glen Powell … and boy, is it a revealing one! The “Top Gun: Maverick” hunk turned 37 Tuesday, and his buddy John Stamos marked the occasion by dropping a very cheeky tribute on Instagram featuring a carousel of photos that could…
A Texas man is accusing a Customs and Border Protection agent of fatally shooting his pet dog during a sweep for undocumented migrants at his home — but the feds say the pooch was at fault because it was too hostile. Although the shooting went…
…..As debates swirl about MCP’s potential return to power, Malawians express skepticism, frustration, and pointed opinions about the party’s future.
Speculation about the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) making a political comeback has generated a wide range of reactions among citizens.
Some argue that the party’s opportunity to regain power is conditional on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) performing worse than MCP in future elections.
“If DPP performs well, far much better than you, the only opportunity for you to bounce back is when DPP fails worse than you,” one citizen remarked.
Several individuals have expressed that MCP cannot rise again without the political influence of Vice President Saulos Chilima.
“I am not an analyst, koma in my opinion I don’t think it’s possible,” one observer stated.
Others have suggested that MCP’s revival would require a generational shift, with a new cohort of leaders yet to be born.
“When people are going through tough times, they spread the gospel and eventually they become prophets,” a comment highlighted, reflecting a mix of humor and political cynicism.
Kunkuyu still living in denial of MCP’s 2025 Elections defeat
In a more satirical tone, some citizens recommended sending party leaders back to school, suggesting that education might help them regain relevance.
“School will be free from January; please send Kumkuyu to school again, it will help him a lot,” one user commented.
Many reactions outright dismissed the idea of MCP returning to power, emphasizing that the party will never govern Malawi again.
“Forget about it, Mr… MCP will never reign this country again,” one citizen insisted.
Others expressed skepticism toward the party’s slogan or rhetoric of revival, questioning the feasibility of their political ambitions.
“Rise to where?” another respondent asked.
“No retreat, no surrender moving forward,” one comment read, perhaps highlighting the resilience of current political forces.
Some observers framed MCP’s aspirations as mere dreams, disconnected from political reality.
“In their dreams, not reality,” one citizen bluntly remarked.
Citizens also mocked the party’s ambitions with phrases like “Maloto achumba,” implying that MCP’s hopes are fanciful and unattainable.
A critical voice recounted historical grievances, arguing that past actions by MCP leaders had already closed doors to political resurgence.
“Inu kuphwanya ufulu wa nzika pomagwiritsa ntchito anyamata azikwanje munkawona ngat ndi udolo? Inu nde munaziyipitsira nokha basi… president woyamba wa MCP ndi Kamuzu Banda, ndipo amene watsekera ndi Chakwera… simuzalamuranso,” one citizen wrote.
Even attempts to organize alliances or reclaim opposition space were met with sharp skepticism.
“Ndipo tiyesesa kut 2023 ngakhale u leader of opposition muzaumvere fungo… anthu oyipa inu mufika potheratu ngat sanza,” another comment warned.
Other users continued to stress that MCP’s return is highly unlikely, using vivid metaphors and humor to emphasize their points.
“It will rise in your dreams,” one wrote.
“MCP never again,” another echoed, underscoring persistent public distrust.
Some citizens blamed the party for past mistakes, claiming certain missteps, including the death of Saulos Chilima, permanently barred their return.
“Mistake yomwe munapanga yomupha Chilima ija simuzalowaso m’boma,” a user noted.
The sentiment that MCP’s political revival is unrealistic was shared repeatedly, often accompanied by derisive language.
“The same way mukayankhulira kut simungachoke m’boma,” one user stated.
Others summarized their thoughts with brief, dismissive expressions.
“Kulota salesana… MCP never again until Jesus Christ comes in the world,” one post read.
Cynicism was also expressed through metaphors about wealth and fairness.
“When you see a poor man eating chicken, it is either the chicken is sick or the man is sick,” one comment quipped.
Some even joked about extreme timelines, highlighting how distant MCP’s hypothetical return would be.
“The only soonest is 3025,” one user remarked, exaggerating for effect.
Overall, these responses reflect a combination of skepticism, political cynicism, humor, and historical grievances regarding MCP’s prospects.
“As of now, let’s assume that we are just dreaming to be ruled by MCP,” one citizen concluded, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment.
The responses provide insight into how Malawians perceive the party’s political relevance, demonstrating that while political hope remains for some, the majority see MCP’s comeback as highly improbable.
