BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc says all is set for the launch of the inaugural Mo626 Varsity Games at Mzuzu University (Mzuni) this Saturday.
The games, bring together tertiary institutions across the country in a vibrant celebration of sporting excellence and youth development in the country.
Speaking in an interview, NBM plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the Bank is fully ready to roll out the final component of its sports sponsorship programme.
“We are now at the launch of the final component of our sports sponsorship, and we are very excited because everything is set for us to head to MZUNI. As a sponsor, this is a key element not just in sports but also in youth empowerment, and we are prepared to roll out all the activities that come with it.”
“After the launch, we are ready to conduct activations in the different tertiary institutions to meet our stakeholders, engage with students who hold accounts with us, get feedback, and ensure that the brand is serving them as it should,” said Hiwa.
On their part, Tertiary Sports Association of Malawi (TESSAM) Vice President, Geoffrey Biya said preparations have also been completed, with institutions already finalizing travel, team lists, and training programmes.
Biya commended NBM plc for the sponsoring the games, saying they will help athletes prepare for the Confederation of University and College Sports Associations (CUCSA) games next year in Botswana.
“We are very excited about the National Bank Mo626 Varsity Games, which we are launching this weekend in Mzuzu. A total of 21 universities will participate, competing in football and netball, with football featuring both men’s and women’s teams,” said Biya.
BASMAL Vice General Secretary, Edda Mkombezi also confirmed that preparations on the basketball front have been concluded, with participating teams ready to hit the court
She said this year’s competition will be more vibrant, with returning teams and new entrants all prepared for the challenge.
“The Mo626 Varsity Games continue to grow in strength and impact. We are thrilled to welcome four new university teams to the basketball category, alongside defending champions Malawi Assemblies of God University (Magu) and other strong sides such as the University of Malawi (Unima) and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS,” said Mkombezi.
Early this year, NBM plc committed K1.58 annual sports sponsorship targeting three key areas of women’s football, tertiary sports, and grassroots football in the country.
The Mo626 Varsity Games were allocated K450 million.
…Lin adamant on bail application despite being a proven flight risk…
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As the bail hearing for convicted wildlife trafficker Yunhua Lin on fresh corruption charges is set for tomorrow, environmentalists and anti-corruption activists are calling on Fostino Maere, recently appointed as Malawi’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), to recuse himself from the case to avoid a conflict of interest.
Maere has been representing Lin in a corruption case in which the Chinese national is accused of attempting to bribe a High Court judge and prison officials to secure his release.
The case arose shortly after Lin’s controversial presidential pardon in July, which was followed by his re-arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Flight Risk Concerns Lin’s recent bail applications have been repeatedly denied over fears that he is a flight risk. Last month, Principal Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu dismissed his application, agreeing with state prosecutor Peter Sambani from the ACB that Lin was likely to abscond trial.
Sambani argued that Lin’s family members — who were convicted alongside him — fled to China immediately after being pardoned, raising fears that Lin would do the same if granted bail.
This is not the first time Lin’s bid for freedom has been rejected.
In March last year, Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, sitting as a Supreme Court of Appeal judge, dismissed a similar application, echoing concerns over Lin’s flight risk.
In his ruling, Chikopa noted: “The state presented an affidavit by a police officer showing that while lawfully committed to prison, the applicant had been enjoying irregular time out. He is to that extent a flight risk.
If he can leave and return to prison at will while serving a sentence, there is nothing to stop him from leaving Malawi altogether and frustrating the final disposal of the anticipated appeal while on bail.”
Conflict of Interest Fears Despite these previous court rejections, Lin — through Maere — has filed yet another bail application, set for hearing before the High Court on Friday.
However, Maere’s recent appointment as the country’s top prosecutor has sparked alarm among activists.
Environmental and anti-corruption advocates argue that his continued involvement in Lin’s case, or any other cases he previously handled as a private lawyer, could compromise the independence of the prosecution service.
“The appointment of Fostino Maere as DPP, while he has been representing a notorious wildlife convict, raises serious concerns about conflict of interest,” said Mathews Malata, a prominent environmentalist, in an interview with Maravi Post.
“To maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law, DPP Maere must recuse himself from any involvement in this case.”
Malata added that justice must be allowed to take its course without political or institutional interference.
“As a key member of the new government, DPP Maere has an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to protecting our natural resources and upholding the rule of law. We hope the Democratic Progressive Party-led government will take environmental crimes seriously, in line with its manifesto,” he said.
International Scrutiny Lin’s wildlife and corruption cases have drawn widespread international attention, becoming a litmus test for Malawi’s resolve in tackling wildlife trafficking and corruption.
Experts warn that poor handling of such high-profile cases could undermine donor confidence in a country already grappling with severe social and economic challenges, including acute hunger.
While the international community has commended Malawi’s judiciary for securing a landmark conviction and lengthy prison term against Lin, it has also criticized the former president Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to pardon him.
The UK-based Telegraph quoted Paul Mvula, a local governance and human rights advocate, who questioned whether Lin met the conditions for clemency — such as serving at least half his sentence and demonstrating good behavior.
Mvula worried with Lin’s pardoning
New state charges now allege that Lin attempted to bribe a judge and prison officials while still in custody.
“This pardon raises serious governance issues,” Mvula told The Telegraph. “We believe the President may have been misinformed and urge a review and possible reversal of the clemency.”
A ranger from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, speaking anonymously to The Telegraph, voiced concern that Lin’s release could embolden other traffickers and demoralize conservation workers.
“His arrest was a turning point,” the ranger said. “Letting him go undoes years of sacrifice by rangers and investigators.”
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President for People’s Land Organization Vincent Wandale on Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2025 presented a petition to the National Assembly of Malawi, calling for a national debate on the proposed establishment of the Federal Republic of the United States of Malawi.
Wandale personally delivered the letter to the Sergeant-at-Arms, Major Kaliati, at Parliament Building in Lilongwe.
Wandale told The Maravi Post that the petition outlines his call for open discussions on federalism as a potential framework for Malawi’s future governance.
In his submission, Wandale also addressed concerns surrounding the oath of allegiance sworn by Members of Parliament to the Republic of Malawi.
He further proposed the creation of a new institution, the Order of the Worldwide Holy Mbamirian Empire Including Self-Governing Dominions (OWED), which he described as a symbolic structure aimed at promoting unity and self-determination.
Speaking after delivering the petition, Wandale emphasized that his initiative seeks to inspire national reflection on Malawi’s constitutional identity and political direction.
Finding a cardigan that’s both warm and flattering may feel like a challenge, but Amazon shoppers have discovered a handful of winning styles. Thousands have taken to the retail site to rave about soft knits that smooth their shape without extra bulk, pointing Us in the direction of comfy, confidence-boosting styles that are chic enough to wear anywhere.
Ahead, you’ll find 14 shopper-loved cardigans that are instantly slimming and incredibly stylish. Whether you’re after a polished pick for the office or something casual for weekends, these styles skim from the moment you slip them on. The best part? Prices start at just $15, so you can look elevated without overspending.
14 Instantly Slimming Cardigans Reviewers Swear By
1. Our Favorite: This boutique-style cardigan has a luxe look that reviewers love, and aside from the scalloped edges, the fit is surprisingly flattering.
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3. Rich Mom Essential: Bring major rich-mom energy with this luxe-looking cardigan that streamlines your frame.
4. Has Pockets: Designed with both style and function in mind, this lightweight, longer-length pick includes pockets for essentials.
5. Countryside Charm: If you love cozy classics, this country-inspired cardigan is soft yet thick enough to wear as a coat and features rustic button details.
In 2018, DWTS aired a junior version of the competition where a slate of child stars or kids of celebrities competed for a star-shaped mirrorball trophy. The cast included Ariana Greenblatt, Miles Brown, Mackenzie Ziegler and Olympian Sky Brown, all of whom were partnered with a preteen dancer and mentored by a DWTS professional dancer.
For instance, then-pro Lindsay Arnold served as the mentor and choreographer for sister Rylee’s partnership with Black-ish alum Brown.
“Being on DWTS on its own was a dream for me, and being on DWTS with my youngest sister, every single day when I went into work, I was mind-blown,” Lindsay, who won season 25, told Closer in 2018. “I’m so proud of the way that she handled everything, because it’s tough. She was so mature and handled it so well, and it just made me have a really, really strong appreciation for her.”
Rylee was 13 at the time, and at 18, she became a first-time pro on the legacy competition during 2023’s season 32. Two years later, she returned to the show for her third season, while Bills, who is fellow pro Jenna Johnson’s niece, made her debut in the troupe.
Keep scrolling to see where the rest of DWTS Juniors pros are now:
Rylee Arnold
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Celebrity Partner: Miles Brown
DWTS Mentor: Lindsay Arnold
After making her DWTS Juniors debut, Rylee returned to her native Utah to finish middle and high school. She moved to Los Angeles after graduating when she was cast as a pro on the OG series. Rylee’s been paired with Harry Jowsey, Stephen Nedoroscik and Scott Hoying during seasons 32, 33 and 34, respectively.
Hailey Bills
Ed Herrera via Getty Images ; Courtesy of Hailey Bills/Instagram
Celebrity Partner: Tripp Johnston Palin
DWTS Mentor: Jenna Johnson
Bills and Tripp, the son of Bristol Palin and ex Levi Johnston, were the first couple eliminated from the junior show. In the years since, Bills continued dancing and performed with judge Derek Hough at a Savannah Bananas game in September 2025. That same month, Bills joined the DWTS season 34 troupe.
Brightyn Brems
Ed Her rera via Getty Images ; Courtesy of Brightyn Brems/Instagram
Celebrity Partner: Mandla Morris
DWTS Mentor: Cheryl Burke
After dancing with Stevie Wonder’s son, Brems showed off her skills on World of Dance, America’s Got Talent and her high school drill team. Brems also models and choreographs in her free time.
Artyon Celestine
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Celebrity Partner: Ariana Greenblatt
DWTS Mentor: Brandon Armstrong
Celestine, a child performer from A Christmas Story Live! and Lip Sync Battle Shorties, has since started an acting career. His credits include Attaway General, Drama Club, S.W.A.T. and Blaze and the Monster Machines.
Outside of performing, Celestine graduated from high school in June 2025.
JT Church
Ed Herrera via Getty Images ; Courtesy of JT Church/Instagram
Celebrity Partner: Sky Brown
DWTS Mentor: Alan Bersten
Church was the runner-up on the younger version of So You Think You Can Dance before he and Brown won DWTS Juniors. Church still dances, with credits that include The Music Man’s Broadway revival, This Is Us, Drama Club and Christmas Waltz. Most recently, Church appeared in a Los Angeles Opera production of West Side Story in fall 2025.
Kameron Couch
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Celebrity Partner: Hudson West
DWTS Mentor: Hayley Erbert
Couch graduated from the Orange County School of the Arts in June 2025 before enrolling at the University of Southern California to earn a BFA in dance. She also danced music videos for DJ Snake’s “A Different Way,” Kesha’s “My Own Dance” and multiple projects for JoJo Siwa.
Jake Monreal
Ed Herrera via Getty Images ; Courtesy of Jake Monreal/Instagram
Celebrity Partner: Sophia Pippen
DWTS Mentor: Sasha Farber
The ballroom dancer has made the leap into the filmmaking world as he entered his early 20s.
“A huge and rewarding undertaking independently producing my first film,” Monreal wrote via Instagram in March 2025. “It’s the first of many to come in this next juncture of my life all due to my tirelessly dedicated and fantastic crew and talent who I can’t thank enough. Eagerly pursuing what’s to come next in acting and directing!!”
Tristan Ianiero
Ed Herrera via Getty Images ; Courtesy of Tristan Ianiero/Instagram
Celebrity Partner: Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson
DWTS Mentor: Artem Chigvintsev
After appearing in the ballroom, Ianiero danced on Netflix’s 2022 adaptation of 13: The Musical. He now choreographs and teaches intensive classes in New York.
Lev Cameron Khmelev
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Celebrity Partner: Addison Osta Smith
DWTS Mentor: Keo Motsepe
Khmelev released his debut music single, “Messed Up,” in 2022. He’s since released songs “All Night,” “Stalling,” “Embarrassing, “Lunar Love” and “Trust Issues.”
Kamri Peterson
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Celebrity Partner: Akash Vukoti
DWTS Mentor: Witney Carson
Peterson is still dancing in Los Angeles, even assisting Rylee and fellow DWTS pro Ezra Sosa at the Press Play convention in October 2025. She’s also attended several season 34 live tapings.
Sage Rosen
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Celebrity Partner: Mackenzie Ziegler
DWTS Mentor: Gleb Savchenko
After Rosen tangoed with the Dance Moms alum, he worked on projects with Kylie Cantrall, Olivia Rodrigo and acted in The Secret That Binds Us. Rosen recently danced on the DZ: Worlds Collide Tour in 2025.
Elliana Walmsley
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Celebrity Partner: Jason Maybaum
DWTS Mentor: Emma Slater
Walmsley joined DWTS Juniors after appearing on Dance Moms’ mini team. As she entered her teen years, Walmsley continued dancing and also started acting. Her credits include Girl Talk, Kylie Cantrall’s “Denim” music video, Classroom Confidential and Chicken Girls. Walmsley launched her fragrance line, Escapade Beauty, in 2025.
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Mary Bonnet’s had lots of success over the course of her career as a real estate agent … and one of her proudest achievements is being able to give up drinking. The “Selling Sunset” star spoke to Gurus Magazine and said her decision to lay off…
The Leader of Opposition, Simplex Chithyola, has once again demonstrated his party’s penchant for hypocrisy and double standards.
His recent outcry over alleged police brutality and human rights abuses is not only unfounded but also laughable, considering the Malawi Congress Party (MCP’s) track record of tolerating and perpetuating violence and impunity.
Let’s set the record straight. When MCP thugs invaded Parliament and smashed a vehicle belonging to Hon. Grace Mkwezalepeta, did the MCP take any action?
Did they condemn the violence or offer to repair the damaged vehicle? No, they did not.
Instead, they chose to remain silent, and Chithyola now has the audacity to complain about the current government’s response to similar incidents.
The MCP’s selective outrage is not limited to this incident.
When human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa was assaulted in full view of the police for exercising his right to demonstration, did the MCP condemn the act or demand justice? No, they did not.
When the Dowa women were assaulted by MCP thugs, did the party take any action? No, they remained silent.
The MCP’s human rights record is a sham. They only speak out when it suits their political agenda.
Chithyola’s concerns about the silence of the churches and development partners are equally hypocritical.
Did the MCP criticize the church’s silence when their thugs terrorized Lilongwe and damaged an MP’s vehicle? No, they did not.
It’s amusing that Chithyola cites examples of alleged police brutality under the current government while ignoring the atrocities committed by his own party.
The unresolved cases of Robert Chasowa, Issa Njaunju, and the Tambala family are a testament to the MCP’s incompetence and lack of commitment to justice.
Moreover, Chithyola’s call for the government to investigate and prosecute those behind these incidents is rich, coming from a party that had ample opportunity to do so when they were in power.
The MCP’s failure to prosecute those responsible for violence and human rights abuses during their tenure is a stark reminder of their hypocrisy.
The people of Malawi remember the MCP’s reign of terror, and they will not be fooled by Chithyola’s selective outrage.
The current government may not be perfect, but it is working to address the country’s challenges and uphold the rule of law.
The MCP’s hypocrisy will not go unnoticed, and their attempts to tarnish the government’s reputation will fail.
Chithyola and the MCP need to take a long, hard look at their own house before criticizing others.
They should apologize to the people of Malawi for the violence and human rights abuses they committed during their tenure and work towards genuine reforms rather than pursuing a hypocritical agenda.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Patricia Wiskes, has expressed full confidence that the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe is fully prepared to host the 2025 Africa Netball Cup, set to take place from December 8th to 14th.
The confirmation follows a comprehensive inspection of the facility conducted earlier on Wednesday.
Minister Wiskes, accompanied by senior officials from the Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS), the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) and local organizing committee, toured various sections of the complex, including the playing courts, dressing rooms, stands and media areas.
Speaking after the inspection, Wiskes said the government has spared no effort in ensuring that the facility meets international standards required by the Confederation of African Netball Associations (CANA).
She highlighted that the upcoming tournament is not only a sporting event but also an opportunity to promote Malawi’s image on the continental stage.
“This is more than just about hosting matches, it’s about showcasing our nation’s hospitality, our sporting talent and our readiness to handle major international events,” she said.
According to the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Macmillan Mwale, special attention is being given to ensuring stable water and electricity supply at the venue, as well as maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the games.
He noted that additional backup generators and water storage systems are being installed to prevent disruptions during the tournament.
Mwale further revealed that the Local Organizing Committee has been working closely with Lilongwe City Council to improve access roads, waste management and security measures around the sports complex.
“We want visiting teams and fans to have the best experience possible while in Malawi,” he said.
Preparations for the Malawi Queens, who will represent the nation, are also progressing steadily.
NAM confirmed that the Queens are currently in camp and undergoing intensive training sessions under the supervision of experienced coaches.
The Africa Netball Cup, which brings together the best national teams from across the continent, is expected to feature at least 11 countries.
Nations such as South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia have already confirmed participation, promising an exciting and competitive week of netball.
Sometimes you flip the bird, sometimes the bird flips you — almost — as a German cop found out while rescuing an angry swan from a busy road recently. According to local media outlet Sudwestrundfunk, the bird-brained subject was reported to be…
