Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman has shared insights into his leadership vision and personal journey in a Times Exclusive interview previously recorded during his tenure as Deputy Mayor. The discussion, now circulating widely following his recent election victory, highlights the experiences that shaped the new mayor’s approach to public service.
Osman once a street child and later a minibus call-boy–told Times Exclusive host Brian Banda that his background influences how he understands the struggles of ordinary residents. He said this gives him a deeper appreciation of issues affecting vulnerable groups, including street-connected children and unemployed youth.
In the interview, Osman described his rise to public office as a testimony of determination and community trust. He outlined challenges faced by the Blantyre City Council, including waste management, crime, and congestion. He emphasized teamwork between councillors and the city administration as key to delivering meaningful change.
Following his election as Mayor on 14 November 2025, Osman reiterated many of the points he made in the interview.
He pledged to steer Blantyre towards becoming a “secure, cleaner and more prosperous city that serves all its residents, not just a few.”
His win, secured with 15 votes against challengers Eric Mofolo and Joseph Makwinja, also completes the Democratic Progressive Party’s sweep of all four major city mayoral posts nationwide.
As expectations rise, residents will be watching closely to see how mayor Osman translates his promises into practical action, especially on cleanliness, security, and youth welfare.
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-A coalition of residents in Mzimba has announced plans to stage “angry demonstrations” against the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC).
The group claims that HRDC has engaged in selective activism, targeting certain political actors while ignoring others.
They argue that the rights body has shown political inconsistency in its advocacy and public statements.
The coalition describes its planned protest as a response to what it perceives as unfair treatment and partiality by HRDC.
According to the organizers, the demonstration aims to hold HRDC accountable for actions that they believe undermine impartial human rights advocacy in Malawi.
The group has called on citizens to join the protest and voice their concerns about perceived political bias.
This announcement adds to growing debates over the role and influence of civil society organizations in Malawi’s political landscape.
Critics of HRDC argue that selective activism can erode public trust in rights bodies and compromise their credibility.
Meanwhile, HRDC has not yet responded publicly to the allegations or announced any measures to address the criticism.
Observers say the planned protests in Mzimba could spark wider discussions about accountability, fairness, and the balance between advocacy and political neutrality in civil society.
The unfolding situation will be closely watched by both political actors and human rights stakeholders across Malawi.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Salvation for All Ministries International (SFAMI), led by Apostle Clifford Kawinga, on Sunday donated maize worth MK12 million and an additional MK5 million in cash to the Home of Hope orphanage in Mchinji District, in a continued effort to uplift vulnerable children.
The support forms part of Apostle Kawinga’s long-standing outreach programmce.
Kawinga, who grew up at the same orphanage, encouraged the children to remain focused on their education and aspire for greatness, saying his own journey is proof that determination can change lives.
Home of Hope founder, Thompson Chipeta, described the donation as timely and transformative.
He said the maize and financial support would significantly ease the orphanage’s feeding and operational challenges.
The wider community also applauded Apostle Kawinga and SFAMI for their consistent commitment to improving the welfare of disadvantaged children.
One of the beneficiaries at Home of Hope, Tamanda Nkhonje, who is in Form Four, urged other well-wishers to step in and support the children at the orphanage, noting that the founder is now elderly and needs assistance to continue running the institution.
Later in the day, Apostle Kawinga extended his support to agricultural clubs under Chisomo in the area of Traditional Authority Zulu, donating farming inputs to 10 clubs with a combined membership of over 200 farmers.
The ministry distributed 500 bags of maize 50 bags per club along with 50 maize seed packs per club and other essential agricultural materials.
Speaking during the event, Emily Sambani Naphiri commended Kawinga for the timely gesture, noting that the inputs come as the rainy season begins and planting activities intensify.
Traditional Authority Zulu also expressed gratitude and assured SFAMI that her office would closely monitor the use of the inputs to ensure they benefit the intended community members.
Apostle Kawinga emphasized that the donations aim to enhance food security and strengthen community resilience, particularly among smallholder farmers.
…From economic decline to political violence, critics say Malawi’s former president leaves a trail of unfulfilled promises and systemic mismanagement..
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi’s former president, Lazarus Chakwera, came into office with high academic credentials and a reputation for eloquence.
He held a theology doctorate and was widely regarded as a persuasive speaker, capable of captivating audiences with his rhetoric.
However, critics argue that academic qualifications and public speaking skills did not translate into effective governance.
Under Chakwera’s leadership, Malawi’s economy struggled, with slow growth, high unemployment, and persistent inflation.
The rule of law was reportedly undermined during his tenure, with controversial arrests and politicized interference in institutions.
One of the most criticized incidents was the arrest of Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma, raising concerns about the independence of anti-corruption institutions.
Chakwera was also accused of hesitating to appoint and reshuffle cabinet ministers, even when several were underperforming or failing to implement government priorities.
Observers say this indecision weakened policy implementation and slowed development projects across the country.
Reports of political violence escalated during his administration, with allegations that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) cadres attacked civil servants, opposition members, and human rights activists.
Critics contend that Chakwera failed to publicly condemn such attacks, indirectly promoting a culture of impunity.
Agricultural interventions, such as the distribution of AIP fertilizer, were poorly timed, with supplies reaching farmers during harvest rather than the optimal planting season.
Furthermore, there were claims that government funds allocated for fertilizer and other development projects were mismanaged or diverted, delaying essential services.
Several infrastructure projects, including simple construction works, remained incomplete for up to five years, frustrating communities and local authorities alike.
These governance failures underscore the reality that academic achievements and rhetorical skill cannot substitute for practical leadership, accountability, and effective administration.
While Chakwera’s rise to power inspired many with promises of reform and transparency, the outcomes left many Malawians dissatisfied and questioning his effectiveness as a national leader.
The legacy of his tenure serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of eloquence and education in the absence of concrete results and responsible governance.
Ultimately, critics argue, Malawi’s challenges during Chakwera’s presidency illustrate the critical need for leaders who combine knowledge, decisiveness, and integrity with tangible performance.
Benin’s National Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term from five to seven years, with a senate to be established as the country’s new upper house.
The amendment, passed with 90 votes for and 19 against, maintains the two-term limit for presidents, meaning incumbent Patrice Talon won’t be eligible for re-election.
The new senate will comprise at least 25 members, including appointed and ex-officio members, such as former presidents and military chiefs of staff. Its role will be to regulate political life, safeguard national unity, and promote democracy.
The changes are expected to impact the upcoming 2026 presidential election, with Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni seen as a leading candidate to succeed Talon.
The opposition has raised concerns about the amendment, citing potential risks to democracy and stability.
The amendment introduces 15 new articles and amends 18 existing ones, aiming to promote national unity, development, and stability.
The Constitutional Court will review the changes before they take effect.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has received a significant boost to its development plans, thanks to a MK60 million sponsorship deal with Mukuru.
The announcement was made at Don Bosco College Court in Lilongwe, where NAM’s General Secretary, Yamikani Kauma, expressed gratitude for Mukuru’s support, saying it will greatly promote the sport.
Mukuru’s Marketing and Partner Lead, Taleeta Jussab, emphasized that the sponsorship aims to help young girls develop skills, ensuring Malawi’s continued success in netball.
This partnership is part of Mukuru’s broader commitment to empowering the girl child and promoting sports development.
The sponsorship deal is reportedly part of a larger K675 million, three-year agreement between Mukuru and NAM, focusing on the Under-21 national netball team and league.
This partnership is expected to enhance netball development, provide opportunities for young players, and strengthen the national team.
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A routine parliamentary session on Friday took a tense turn when Member of Parliament (MP) Steve Malondera alleged that Nkhotakota Chia legislator Grezelder Jeffrey had been attacked by unidentified individuals travelling in a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vehicle.
According to Malondera, the alleged attackers confronted Jeffrey over her supposed failure to return a government vehicle she used during the previous administration.
The allegation immediately raised questions in the chamber, particularly from Deputy Leader of the House Shadric Namalomba, who challenged whether it was procedurally appropriate for Malondera to introduce the matter on the parliamentary floor.
Namalomba argued that such accusations required verification and should follow established reporting channels before being debated in Parliament.
Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman intervened, advising Jeffrey to formally report the incident to the police if she believed her safety had been compromised.
Suleman reminded the House that law enforcement authorities—not Parliament—are mandated to investigate and act on criminal allegations.
Defence Minister Chimwemwe Chipungu later commented on the issue, downplaying its political significance and framing it as a personal matter rather than a partisan attack.
Chipungu drew parallels with his own experiences, recounting past confrontations allegedly involving Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters who had targeted him personally.
He also referenced a previous incident in which unknown individuals damaged property belonging to his family, which he suggested reflected a recurring cycle of political retaliation.
The exchange highlighted persistent political tensions and underscored the growing concerns about safety, accountability, and the role of political symbols—such as party vehicles—in alleged acts of intimidation.
As lawmakers await a possible police investigation, the matter continues to draw attention within political circles and among the public.
“I feel like I cleared the air a little bit,” de Lesseps, 60, exclusively told Us Weekly on Friday, November 14, at BravoCon 2025 in Las Vegas.
The trio faced off during a special Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen taping on Thursday, November 13, where host Andy Cohen brought them on stage for a round of the popular “Squash the Beef” game. Cohen mentioned that de Lesseps seemingly shaded the RHOBH duo at a recent cabaret concert, when she called Jayne, 54, a “bitch” and claimed Kemsley, 49, was “not the nicest person either.”
“I don’t have to explain,” de Lesseps insisted on stage. “Erika and I really don’t know each other that well, from the few times we have seen each other. ‘Bitch’ was a term of endearment.”
Cohen stepped in to explain that de Lesseps’s comments may actually have been complimentary if she was referring to Jayne and Kemsley as “bad bitches.” While de Lesseps and Kemsley were able to squash their beef, Jayne shot down Cohen’s attempt to reconcile her with the Countess.
“No, I’m good,” Jayne reportedly said.
When Us caught up with de Lesseps and fellow RHONY alum Sonja Morgan after the WWHL taping, the Countess reiterated that she did not mean to offend Jayne or Kemsley.
“Andy was great, [saying], ‘She meant bad bitch.’ It’s a term of endearment,” de Lesseps told Us. “[Erika] did not [accept it] but that’s fine. You see, it goes to show you — she’s not that friendly!”
The “Money Can’t Buy You Class” singer added, “Dorit and I are cool. I have not seen Erika since then but I’m always supportive of women. I love women. ‘Bad Bitch’ is really kind of what it was.”
Morgan then jumped in to clarify that the ladies from RHONY and RHOBH have always been cordial with each other over the years.
Luann de Lesseps at BravoCon 2025.Nicole Weingart/Bravo
“I went to Erika’s first show for [the Broadway musical] Chicago right after I had my face lifted underneath [my chin], and it was blown up like a soccer ball, and she goes, ‘Sonja, you’re so nice,’” Morgan, 61, added. “That’s what Luann does, too. We show up for each other, and I can see why Luann thought she was being rude, because she’s very standoffish when she’s not dressed [up] and she’s off [stage].”
Morgan went on, “[Erika is] kind of like me, very reclusive and quiet, and sometimes I don’t even know when she’s on stage. That’s a different story. It takes a lot to get up there. I’m very quiet when I’m not doing [those shows.]”
Elsewhere at BravoCon 2025, Cohen addressed rumors that Bravo was working on a hybrid RHONY reboot that would bring back classic members de Lesseps, Morgan, Dorinda Medley and Carole Radziwill to mix with current cast members Jessel Taank, Sai De Silva and Erin Lichy for a new season.
As the live crowd booed, the Watch What Happens host insisted: “The original New York had 13 incredible seasons. Half of them have moved to Florida. We’ll always be in business with these guys. We always want to work with them. You know what? 13 years of a great series is — be happy that it happened.”
Old episodes of both The Real Housewives of New York City and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are available to stream anytime on Peacock. RHOBH season 15 premieres on Bravo Thursday, December 4, at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock.
