UGI contributes MK4.5 million to IIM annual conference

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-United General Insurance Company Limited (UGI) has donated MK4.5 million to the Insurance Institute of Malawi (IIM) to support its upcoming annual conference, set for October 2 to 3.

Speaking during the symbolic cheque presentation on Tuesday, UGI Sales and Marketing Manager Golden Jamu, said the decision to support the conference was because IIM’s mission of promoting professionalism and excellence in the insurance sector aligns with UGI’s core values.

“We believe this support will help foster professionalism and excellence within the sector. The conference also provides a vital platform to tackle challenges such as climate change, which has disrupted the industry and severely affected farmers, one of our key client groups,” said Jamu.

He further noted significant changes in the insurance landscape, including the entry of Banks into the industry, stressing the importance of dialogue and collaboration to adapt to the evolving environment. 

“There have been a lot of changes in the industry in terms of how insurances are provided, as you know previously the insurance was being done between insurers, brokers and customers but now we have Banks that are also providing insurance,” he added.

IIM Vice President Kondwani Kainga who received the cheque on behalf of the association expressed gratitude for UGI’s continued sponsorship.

“We are very grateful for the donation we have received. UGI has been a consistent supporter of our initiatives, and this contribution shows their commitment to strengthening the insurance industry in Malawi,” he said.

Kainga said this year’s conference will be held under the theme ‘Innovate, Adapt, Thrive, Survive: Insurance in Malawi in the Face of Disruptions.’

Inspired by challenges such as Cyclone Freddy and other calamities, the theme calls on the industry to innovate and collaborate to provide effective risk transfer solutions and enhance resilience for Malawians.

“As we know, the nation has faced many challenges, including Cyclone Freddy. Insurance, as a risk transfer mechanism, provides solutions, and we must adapt to changing times to serve the people of Malawi and beyond. To achieve this, we need to be resilient, adapt, innovate, and collaborate as an industry,” said Kainga.

Over 200 delegates, including local and international representatives, are expected to attend.

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Lazarus Chakwera: A pastor whose legacy remains in shambles after messing up Malawi (2020–2025)

In June 2020, Malawi elected Lazarus Chakwera, a former Assemblies of God pastor, as president.

His rise to power was seen by many as a beacon of hope for change and reform.

However, his administration faced significant challenges that highlighted the complexities of religious leaders transitioning into political leadership.

One of the primary issues was the lack of political experience among clergy-turned-politicians.

Chakwera’s background in theology did not equip him with the necessary skills to navigate the intricacies of governance.

This gap in political acumen led to difficulties in policy formulation and implementation.

Additionally, the administration struggled with managing a diverse and often fragmented coalition government.

The Tonse Alliance, which supported Chakwera’s presidency, was composed of various political parties with differing ideologies.

This diversity, while beneficial in some respects, led to internal conflicts and a lack of cohesive policy direction.

Economic mismanagement became another significant concern.

Despite promises to revitalize the economy, Malawi experienced high inflation rates, food shortages, and increased poverty levels.

These economic challenges were compounded by natural disasters such as Cyclone Freddy and subsequent droughts, which devastated agriculture and infrastructure.

Corruption within the administration further eroded public trust.

High-profile scandals and the perceived failure to address corruption allegations tarnished the government’s image.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), tasked with combating graft, faced its own challenges, including leadership changes and allegations of misconduct.

The education sector also suffered under Chakwera’s leadership.

Despite promises to improve education, the sector remained underfunded and struggled to meet the needs of a growing student population.

Healthcare, another critical area, did not see the anticipated improvements.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses in the healthcare system, with inadequate resources and infrastructure to handle the crisis.

Chakwera’s administration also faced criticism for its handling of fuel shortages and energy crises.

The government’s response was often seen as reactive rather than proactive, leading to public dissatisfaction.

Religious leaders who had supported Chakwera’s candidacy began to express their disillusionment.

The Catholic Bishops Conference accused his administration of leading the nation not to prosperity but to “Bagamoyo,” a metaphor for betrayal.

This criticism reflected the growing frustration among religious communities with the government’s performance.

In the 2025 presidential election, Chakwera was defeated by former President Peter Mutharika, who secured 57% of the vote.

Mutharika’s return to power was seen as a rejection of Chakwera’s leadership and a desire for a return to stability.

The election results underscored the challenges of governance faced by religious leaders in political office.

The disadvantages of pastors leading a nation are evident in Malawi’s recent history.

While their moral authority can inspire hope, the complexities of governance require a diverse skill set that extends beyond religious training.

In conclusion, while religious leaders can play a vital role in shaping national values and ethics, their transition into political leadership must be accompanied by a comprehensive understanding of governance, economics, and diplomacy.

Without this, the nation may face the disadvantages witnessed in Malawi from 2020 to 2025.

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Malawian referee Godfrey Nkhakananga to officiate World Cup qualifier

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawian referee Godfrey Nkhakananga has been handed a major international assignment as FIFA has appointed him to officiate a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G qualifier between Somalia and Algeria scheduled for 9 October 2025 at the Grand Complex Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran Algeria.

Nkhakananga will be in charge of the match alongside his assistant referees Clemence Kanduku and Pondamali Tembo who are also from Malawi.

The trio will represent the country on one of the biggest football stages as teams continue their battle for a place at the next World Cup.

This appointment marks another milestone in Nkhakananga’s growing refereeing career.

Just last month he officiated at the COSAFA Under 17 Boys’ Championship in Zimbabwe where his performance was commended by regional football officials.

He was also on duty during the CAF Champions League preliminary round clash between Orlando Pirates of South Africa and Lioli FC of Lesotho on 20 September 2025 which was regarded as a high profile fixture in African club football.

For Malawi football this assignment reflects recognition from FIFA that the country has referees capable of handling top level matches.

It also serves as an inspiration to young referees who are striving to reach the international stage.

Nkhakananga has steadily risen through the refereeing ranks both locally and internationally.

His involvement in CAF and COSAFA competitions has built his reputation as a reliable official trusted to manage tense and competitive matches.

Algeria currently regarded as one of the strongest teams in Africa will be looking to secure maximum points in front of home fans while Somalia will be aiming for an upset in their pursuit of World Cup qualification.

This makes the officiating team’s role even more critical.

The match is expected to attract a large crowd in Oran and will be broadcast across several platforms giving Nkhakananga and his team a chance to showcase Malawian refereeing talent to a wide audience.

As World Cup qualifiers intensify across Africa the appointment of Malawian referees to such matches demonstrates the confidence that FIFA has in their professionalism and competence.

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Meghan Markle’s BFF Kelly McKee Zajfen Gushes Over Their 15-Year Friendship

Kelly McKee Zajfen is grateful to have had Meghan Markle as a friend for over 15 years.

“I’ve actually known her for almost 20 years?” Zajfen, 45, wrote via her Instagram Story during a Q&A with followers on Sunday, September 28. “She even came to my wedding (15 years ago!), and she’s been the most amazing, nurturing, fun, loving human.”

Zajfen shared that Meghan, 44, has been by her side for years, especially after the death of her son George. (George died in 2022 at age 9 after suffering from COVID-19 and viral meningitis.)

“She’s been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much,” Kelly, who also shares daughter Lily with husband Julian Zajfen, gushed.

Meghan Markle’s Pal Calls Her an ‘Incredibly Nurturing’ Mom to Archie, Lili

Following the death of George, Meghan has continued to show up for the Alliance of Moms cofounder in several ways, including by donating to a GoFundMe set up in George’s name and making a surprise appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala.

“My deepest gratitude to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for the extraordinary care they give (and to continue to give) to our daughter Lily,” Kelly wrote via Instagram in October 2024 with a photo of her and Meghan from the event. “Our journey began when she was just two and a half, and from that day forward, we’ve experienced nothing but kindness, hope, care and unmatched expertise. Our team at Children’s has given us strength and hope during the most challenging moments and their continued commitment to Lily’s care has made all the difference to our family.”

Meghan Markles BFF Kelly McKee Zajfen Gushes Over Their 15 Year Friendship
Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty Images

Kelly shared that she was “beyond grateful” to have “one of [her] closest friends” attend the event with her.

“Meg, your commitment to supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and community is truly inspiring,” she said. “I’m so grateful to have you by my side. ❤️‍🩹.”

Kelly was also featured in an episode of the first season of Netflix’s With Love, Meghan along with Meghan’s former costar Abigail Spencer.

Meghan Markle’s Inner Circle: Meet Her Closest Friends

“It’s here!!! Feeling so grateful to have been a part of With Love, Meghan’ and even more grateful to witness my best friend shine so brightly,” Kelly shared in an Instagram post in March. “Meghan, you are pure magic and so full of love in everything you do — hosting, nurturing, creating joy. It all pours out of you so effortlessly, so beautifully, and not just on the show but every single day.”

After praising her best friend, Kelly noted that her time on With Love, Meghan was “one of the most memorable and joyful experiences” that she’s ever had.

Meghan Markles BFF Kelly McKee Zajfen Gushes Over Their 15 Year Friendship
©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

“The whole day was beyond incredible and SO fun!!!!” she said. “The team, the production, the energy, the love — you truly are the most amazing hostess. It was felt by all. ✨Thank you for including me in your magic.”

With Love, Meghan, which premiered on Netflix in March, follows Meghan as she invites friends and other famous guests to her Montecito home to share cooking, gardening and hosting tips. Season 2 of the series aired in August.

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Tom Brady Admits ‘Mistakes’ in Broadcast Booth, More ‘Comfortable’ in Year 2

Tom Brady has settled into year two of his career in the broadcast booth and he’s the first to admit it hasn’t always been perfect.

While he brings decades of football knowledge and IQ to the job, learning the role came with time. Now, he feels like he owns the chair he’s been given.

“I absolutely [feel] more comfortable,” Brady, 48, said in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly while promoting his partnership with Hertz. “Just understanding what’s being asked of me and how I want to convey my message to the audience, and then obviously having great teammates at Fox. Kevin Burkhardt, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi, and all the people who produce the games, I just love being a part of it.”

But the former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback — who signed a 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox in 2022 — knows broadcasting comes with its own set of challenges.

Tom Brady Is ‘Prioritizing the Things That Mean the Most’ After Retirement

“It’s live television,” he said. “Everything you say is out there. Whether you hiccup or make a mistake with a name or a number, or you had something else in your brain and the wiring got crossed, it happens. So you just go with the flow.”

The seven-time Super Bowl champion admitted that early on, he put pressure on himself to get every word right. But now, he takes a looser approach.

“I try not to take myself too seriously in any part of life,” Brady said. “Certainly when I’m up there, I know I’m going to make plenty of mistakes. I just want to enjoy the game, and I want the fans who are watching to really enjoy it, too. Because I love the game, I want other people to love it as much as I do.”

Brady, who retired from the NFL in 2023, added that his job now is to provide that brings viewers closer to the action.

Tom Brady Favor pic BTS 3_FIN_01
Shadow Lion for Hertz

“What insight can I provide them to help educate them a little bit and then bring them a little bit closer to their TV when they watch?” he said. “That’s what I want to do.”

While the pressure of calling a primetime NFL game can be intense, Brady said it doesn’t compare to being under center in the fourth quarter.

“Being on that field, I know how challenging that is, so I have a great amount of respect for everybody involved,” he shared. “It’s not an easy job. It’s very stressful for these players and coaches, and they’re doing everything they can to put out a good performance every week. I’m very fortunate I get to cover it.”

Still, Brady can’t resist staying competitive, even in retirement.

Tom Brady Can’t Replace the ‘Thrill’ of Football in Retirement

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” he quipped. “That’s true with your muscles, with your brain, with everything. You have to stress it outside of its comfort zone to make sure it performs when it needs to.”

When he’s not breaking down plays in the broadcast booth, Brady is celebrating his fifth year as a spokesperson for Hertz and the company’s new Hertz Car Sales, a fully online car-buying experience, which launched Wednesday, October 1.

“They’ve transformed the car buying experience,” Brady explained. “These cars have undergone inspections, they’ve got warranties, and it gives customers peace of mind.”

With Hertz Car Sales, customers can continue to browse thousands of well-maintained used vehicles for every budget, but now also get a trade-in offer, get pre-qualified to view personalized payments, view optional protection plans, and secure credit approval to finalize their purchase – all online.

For more information, click here.

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Rihanna Seen in Public for First Time Since Birth of Third Child

Rihanna is all smiles, laughing and chatting it up in her first sighting since welcoming her third baby into the world. Catch the clip — Rihanna was riding shotgun in Beverly Hills with a friend Tuesday, clearly having a blast, hand over her mouth…

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Morgan Wallen Calls Eric Church After Chair Thrown From Roof, Body Cam Video

Morgan Wallen didn’t fess up immediately to tossing a chair off a rooftop bar … instead telling officers he has no idea why he was being detained in newly released body cam footage. The new footage from his April 2024 arrest shows Wallen…

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What Went Wrong Before Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Shocking Split

New details are being revealed in regard to what led to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s split.

“They had been quietly separated for a while now but needed time to figure out if they were going to actually divorce,” a well-connected Nashville source exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “She had faith they could work it out.”

On Tuesday, September 30, Kidman, 58, filed for divorce from Urban, 57, after 19 years of marriage.

According to court documents obtained by Us, the Big Little Lies actress cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split and listed their date of separation as the same date of the divorce filing.

All the Clues Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Were Heading Toward a Split

Kidman requested to be named the “primary residential parent” of her and Urban’s minor children, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 14.

“This wasn’t Nicole’s decision, and she is devastated,” the insider told Us. “Her trust was lost, and it was too far gone. Nicole had been trying to get them to work on their marriage and did not want this to get out to the public. She didn’t tell many friends what was really going on with them and was holding this in for months.”

Why Did Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Split Inside Their Growing Distance After Living Apart
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

The couple were last spotted out in public at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 game in Nashville on June 20.

Days later, Kidman marked her 19th wedding anniversary by writing via Instagram, “Happy Anniversary Baby ❤️ @KeithUrban.” Urban later commented with a red heart emoji.

Behind the scenes, the source explained that both parties had been spending “a lot of time apart due to work commitments” and had been living “separate lives.”

Why Did Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Split Inside Their Growing Distance After Living Apart
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images

“Nicole and Keith were not on the same page,” the insider explained. “Rumors around town have been circling that they were living apart, were focused on their own projects and that Keith had moved on. They are moving in two different directions, and their worlds are not overlapping as much as they once did. The distance between them had grown more obvious recently.”

Us has reached out to Urban and Kidman’s reps for comment.

Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban Were ‘Working Through Stuff’ Before Split 

This summer, Urban has been traveling for his High and Alive World Tour. His first show since the separation was announced is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

During a recent show, Urban seemingly changed the lyrics in his song, “The Fighter,” which featured Carrie Underwood.

While Urban usually sings, “When they’re tryna get to you, baby, I’ll be the fighter,” he instead offered a shout-out to his guitarist and rising country music star Maggie Baugh, according to a video shared via Instagram on Saturday, September 27.

“When they’re tryna get to you, Maggie, I’ll be your guitar player,” Urban could be heard singing in the clip.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban: A Timeline of Their Relationship

Previously, Urban said the song was inspired by a conversation he had with Kidman early on in their relationship.

“When things get tough, I need to hold her tighter and just try to take care of her,” Urban recalled to Billboard in March 2017. “The song is about wanting to heal somebody, wanting to take care of somebody, wanting to protect somebody. It’s really like a vow in so many ways.”

While the Grammy winner has been performing, Kidman has been working on Practical Magic 2. Fans are also hoping to see her in season 3 of Big Little Lies, which was confirmed earlier this month.

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The Best Early Fall Prime Day Ugg Deals Are Live — Up to 63% Off

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is just a few days away! But why wait? Some of the best deals are already live, including Ugg boots, socks, blankets and other goodies that are destined to sell out. If you’re like Us and want to shop ahead of the crowds, there’s no time like the present.

We rounded up the best early Ugg deals, so take your picks before the masses do! These finds are perfect for cozy season, whether you’re meeting the girls for coffee or lounging around the house. One word of caution: These finds are flying off the shelves, so run — don’t walk.

18 Early Ugg Deals Before Fall Prime Day — Up to 63% Off

Best Deals on Ugg Footwear

Amazon
Amazon

These 13 Boutique-Like, Hill House Home Dresses Are 20% Off — Hurry!

Best Deals on Ugg Blankets and More

Amazon
Amazon

21 European-Looking Outfit Sets That Channel French Rich Mom Energy

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