Category: The Maravi Post test

Heather McMahan confessed to feeling like a witch burned at the stake following backlash over her jeering of Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup.

McMahan, 38, took part in a “F*** You, Rory” chant on Saturday, September 27, that broke out during the golf tournament. While she apologized for her actions, the comedian — and some of her fans — confessed to being unclear on why she became the scapegoat for the incident in the first place.

“Let me get this straight, thousands of men behaved poorly. They were screaming expletives; they were throwing things at women. The U.S. played poorly. The whole U.S. team performed poorly. And all of it is because of one female comedian,” influencer Pamela Wurst Vetrini said in a social media video on Sunday, September 28. “You have got to be kidding me.”

The TikToker then noted that McMahan was simply “a female comedian who walked into an event and did what she was paid for. She read the room. She read the energy of the crowd and she played into their energy.”

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Vetrini’s remarks referred to the rowdiness that transpired at the Ryder Cup, which is a tournament between European and American athletes.

This year’s event took place in New York and when the U.S. quickly fell behind in the tournament the crowd became unruly, which according to some fans — and McMahan — was when she, the master of ceremonies, was allegedly blamed for the outbursts of American attendees.

“It’s [sic] was a really tough scene. I did not start the chant, but I deeply regret responding back to the crowd,” McMahan wrote in the comments section of Vetrini’s TikTok.

She noted, “I apologized but I agree it [was a] little Salem-witch-esque blaming me for the New York sports scene.”

McMahan raised eyebrows on Saturday when allegedly caused the crowd to jeer and taunt McIlroy, 36, when he was on the green.

According to social media footage, McMahan seemingly started the “F*** You, Rory” chant, which she has since denied.

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McIlroy, who was part of the European team, shouted back at the hecklers, saying, “F*** you, f*** you, f*** you!”

The following day, a spokesperson for the PGA of America told BBC Sport that McMahan “has extended an apology to Rory McIlroy and Ryder Cup Europe” for her part in the incident.

The spokesperson added: “[She] has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup.”

In addition to McIlroy getting hate from the crowd during the weekend, his wife, Erica Stoll, was also heckled. Stoll, 38, was hit by a beer thrown by a fan in attendance on Saturday, but she didn’t let it ruin her time.

Team Europe’s Shane Lowry told reporters following his team’s win over Team USA that he witnessed “the amount of abuse she received” over the past two days, calling it “astonishing.”

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McIlroy, meanwhile, played down the drama, telling reporters that same day, “Erica’s fine, she’s a very strong woman. She handled everything with class and dignity like she always has and I love her. We’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.”

While he was impressed with his wife’s ability to take the high road, McIlroy added that in golf those types of fans are unacceptable.

“I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week. Golf teaches you how to respect people. Sometimes this week, we didn’t see that,” he said. “This should not be what is acceptable at the Ryder Cup. What happened here this week is not acceptable. It was a rough week for all of us, but we shut them up by our performance and how we played.”

The post Heather McMahan Responds to Backlash After Rory McIlory Ryder Cup Drama appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Celeste Rivas was not pregnant at the time of her untimely death, a new report confirms.

Rivas had not been pregnant in the last year, TMZ reported on Monday, September 29.

Riva’s body was found in the trunk of singer and songwriter D4vd’s car on September 8, 2025. The official cause of death has not yet been determined and is currently classified as deferred.

“A deputy medical examiner completed an examination but requested additional testing and/or studies in order to make a determination,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner told KTLA on Monday.

“Due to the ongoing death investigation, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner cannot disclose what testing and/or studies were requested,” the office also added. “Deferred cases can take a few months before a cause of death is determined.”

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A spokesperson for D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) said the singer “has been informed about what’s happened, and although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.”

D4vd has not been charged in connection to Rivas’ death or named as a suspect.

Rivas was initially reported missing in April 2024, but her case did not gain nation-wide attention until her body was found.

D4vd last posted on social media two days before Rivas’ body was discovered.

“I start media training tomorrow guys wish me luck … ” he wrote in a post shared on September 6, 2025.

On September 8, 2025, police confirmed to Us Weekly that authorities responded to a call about “a foul odor coming from a vehicle at a tow yard” at the 1000 block of Mansfield Avenue in Hollywood. Detectives found possible human remains inside a Tesla, and multiple outlets reported the vehicle was registered to D4vd in Hempstead, Texas.

On September 17, 2025, authorities confirmed to a NBC Los Angeles affiliate that the body found in the car was Rivas. While speaking to TMZ the same day, Rivas’ mother said that her daughter had a boyfriend named David, and that she also had a tattoo on her finger of the letters “Shhhh” — the same tattoo that D4vd reportedly has on his right index finger.

Authorities also told NBC Los Angeles that D4vd had spent time in a home searched on September 17.

Riva’s family started a GoFundMe to raise money for her funeral services.

“As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week,” her family wrote on the page. “She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.”

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Soon after, D4vd cancelled his final U.S. tour stops in San Francisco on September 19 and in Los Angeles on September 20. His team further cancelled several international tour stops, including shows in Paris and Berlin. His music label, Interscope, and its parent company UMG also paused the release of the deluxe version of the singer’s album Withered.

On September 23, the Los Angeles County Coroner confirmed to TMZ that Rivas’ body has been released to her family. To date authorities have not revealed whether or not they have a suspect in connection to her death.

The post Death Certificate Confirms Celeste Rivas Was Not Pregnant When She Died appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Celeste Rivas death certificate shows what we expected … the cause of death is being deferred, while the L.A. County Medical Examiner and the LAPD try to establish how she died. The death certificate, obtained by TMZ, says Celeste was found on…

The post Celeste Rivas Death Certificate Defers Cause of Death, Not Pregnant appeared first on The Maravi Post.

….It’s a question of political will now

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Nsanje-Bangula Railway Project, currently being executed by CR20, a Chinese company, hangs precariously in the balance as the political landscape shifts.

With the incoming of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, led by former leader and President-Elect Peter Mutharika, fears are growing that the project may be terminated.

This apprehension stems from the fact that the outgoing government, Malawi Congress Party (MCP), had previously facilitated the termination of Mota-Engel from the project in favor of CR20.

CR20 was favored with support from Vitumbiko Mumba, the company’s consultant who happened to be MCP member.

The project’s progress has been marred by delays and political tension, with senior MCP officials fueling the controversy.

However, the people of Nsanje and Chikwawa districts have spoken loud and clear, voting in protest favoring Mutharika in the last elections, with hopes that he would complete the railway project during his term.

Nsanje-Chikwawa communities believe that Mutharika’s leadership would prioritize development in the region, including the completion of critical infrastructure projects like the Nsanje-Bangula Railway.

The people of Nsanje and Chikwawa have entrusted Mutharika with their votes, expecting him to deliver on his promises.

Now, it’s up to him to ensure that the Nsanje-Bangula Railway Project is completed, unlocking the full potential of the region.

The question remains: will DPP maintain the project? Only time will tell.

The post CR20′ Nsanje-Bangula Railway project under threat over regime change: Will APM political will sustain contractor, project? appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The provision of immigration, visa, and citizenship services has emerged as a critical area where the outgoing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government struggled significantly.

Over the past five years, from 2020 to 2025, the issuance of passports and other essential travel documents was highly compromised, leaving citizens frustrated and inconvenienced.

Malawians reported long delays, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and inconsistent service delivery, particularly in processing visa applications and citizenship requests.

These systemic challenges undermined public confidence in government services and created opportunities for irregularities, favoritism, and even corruption in the issuance of official documents.

Observers note that the MCP government’s failure to prioritize efficient and transparent immigration services reflects broader governance challenges during its tenure.

Many citizens had to endure repeated visits to immigration offices, often with no clear timeline for resolution, which impacted education, business, and international travel plans.

The disruptions in citizenship documentation further complicated legal recognition for Malawians born abroad and those seeking naturalization, creating unnecessary administrative hurdles.

Experts argue that such shortcomings not only affect ordinary citizens but also harm Malawi’s international reputation and its ability to facilitate trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations.

The newly elected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, which officially took power on Saturday, 4th October 2025, following a landslide victory in the 16th September 2025 elections, now faces an urgent mandate to reform this sector.

Immediate attention is required to modernize systems, streamline processes, and restore public trust in immigration and citizenship services.

Concluding Analysis

The failures of the MCP government in managing immigration, visa, and citizenship services highlight the broader need for competence, accountability, and citizen-centered governance in Malawi.

Delays and inefficiencies in these critical services create social and economic bottlenecks, erode trust in government institutions, and leave citizens vulnerable to exploitation.

For the DPP, addressing these gaps is not only a matter of service delivery but also a test of political credibility and administrative capacity.

The new administration must demonstrate that it can deliver efficient, transparent, and fair services that meet the expectations of Malawians and international partners alike.

Way Forward for the DPP Government

The DPP government should consider implementing a comprehensive audit of immigration and citizenship services to identify bottlenecks and areas of corruption.

Investing in digital infrastructure, including e-passport systems, online visa applications, and tracking mechanisms, will reduce delays and improve transparency.

Staff training and capacity-building initiatives are essential to ensure employees are competent, professional, and responsive to public needs.

Clear guidelines, accountability measures, and monitoring frameworks must be established to prevent favoritism or malpractice in issuing documents.

Finally, the government should launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about service procedures, timelines, and grievance redress mechanisms.

Examples of Successful Reforms in Other African Countries

Several African countries have implemented digital immigration and citizenship reforms that could serve as models for Malawi.

In South Africa, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system allows travelers to apply online, submit biometric data, and receive visa approvals within hours. This has drastically reduced processing times and minimized bureaucratic hurdles, improving both efficiency and transparency.

Senegal introduced an e-visa system for non-African travelers, requiring online applications and prepayment. This system reduces congestion at border points, curbs potential abuses, and generates significant revenue—about 60 billion CFA francs (roughly $100 million USD) annually.

Nigeria has automated its short-stay visa approval process, enabling travelers to apply online and receive approvals within 24 to 48 hours. The reform eliminates lengthy waits and reduces reliance on intermediaries, promoting transparency and efficiency.

Kenya has also modernized its immigration services through an e-passport and e-visa system, incorporating biometric data for security and efficiency. Citizens and visitors can track application status online, reducing frustration and building trust in the system.

By adopting similar digital platforms, Malawi’s incoming DPP government can streamline passport issuance, visa processing, and citizenship documentation. These reforms would enhance accountability, improve service delivery, and strengthen Malawi’s international reputation.

By taking these steps, the DPP can transform immigration and citizenship services into a model of efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centered governance, setting a strong precedent for other government departments.

The post Chakwera’s MCP leadership fails in Immigration, Visa, Citizenship Services, raising concerns appeared first on The Maravi Post.

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major blow after FIFA deducted three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho earlier this year.

The ruling has reshaped Group C standings with Benin now topping the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference.

The controversy revolves around midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who played in the March 21, 2025, qualifier at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane despite being suspended.

Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024 which under FIFA rules meant he was automatically required to sit out the next match.

South Africa’s management failed to enforce this suspension and included him in the starting lineup.

The Lesotho Football Association promptly lodged a complaint with FIFA, asserting that South Africa had violated disciplinary regulations and should forfeit the match.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the South African Football Association (SAFA) guilty of breaching Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As a result, the original 2-0 win has been overturned, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho. SAFA has also been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately $11,000), and Mokoena received an official warning.

The timing of the ruling is particularly damaging for South Africa, leaving them with a much harder path to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America.

The incident has sparked criticism of SAFA’s administrative systems. In an era where data management tools can easily track player eligibility, many see the oversight as a serious lapse that not only cost points but also damaged the nation’s international football reputation.

Mokoena’s yellow card record is well documented, making a successful appeal highly challenging.

The post FIFA strips three points from South Africa for fielding ineligible player, shakes World Cup qualification appeared first on The Maravi Post.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost-Former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, has described his selection as one of the inaugural African Senior Fellows in Global Health Communication Leadership as a great honour.

In an interview with Maravi Post,Phiri said the fellowship provides an opportunity to advance innovative health communication strategies across Africa, with projects targeting critical issues such as climate change and its impact on HIV, tuberculosis, and non-communicable diseases.

He joins other distinguished fellows, including Yewande Alimi of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and Dr. Jepchirchir Kiplagat of Moi University in Kenya.

The programme is hosted by the University of Southern California’s (USC) Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, in collaboration with the Institute on Inequalities in Global Health and the Keck School of Medicine.

In a joint statement, USC collaborators Jonathan Cohen, Adam Powell, and Jung-hwa ‘Judy’ Kang said the initiative is designed to ‘build bridges between health policy and the people most affected by it.’

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Maseko Ngoni nation is in deep sorrow following the passing of Senior Chief iNkosi Kwataine, who died on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Lilongwe Private Clinic.

The news of his demise has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with many paying tribute to his leadership and legacy.

According to an official announcement by the Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust, the body has been moved to Mthunzi private mortuary and will be transported to Madzanje Nkosini, the headquarters of Senior Chief iNkosi Kwataine.

The full program, including the date of burial, will be announced in due course.

The Maseko Ngoni Heritage Trust has called on the community to join in condoling His Majesty iNkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani V, Ngwenyama of the Maseko Ngoni, and the entire wider Maseko Ngoni Royal Family on this sad occasion.

The trust has also requested that the Lilongwe Chapter, in liaison with Impi Senzenjani Sibande, mobilize Ngoma and Ligubho performing Impi to ensure fitting Ngoni final respects to the fallen Senior Chief.

In a heartfelt message, the trust expressed its deepest regret and sorrow at the loss of their beloved leader, saying, “Izulu lidilikile Ubumnyama busibekele sizwe sonke sakwaMaseko” (The sky has fallen. Darkness has engulfed the whole Maseko Ngoni nation).

The community is coming together to pay their respects and celebrate the life and legacy of Senior Chief iNkosi Kwataine.

As the Maseko Ngoni nation mourns, many are finding comfort in their cultural traditions and the support of their community.

The funeral program will be announced soon, and it is expected that many will gather to pay their final respects to the departed leader.

In the words of the trust, “Umphefumulo weNkosi yethu, Senior Chief iNkosi Kwataine Masina, uphumule ngoxolo okuphakade/Mzimu waMfumu yathu uwuse ndi mtendele mpaka muyaya” (May the soul of our Senior Chief rest in eternal peace).

May the Maseko Ngoni nation find strength and comfort in this difficult time.

The post Maseko Ngoni mourns Ntcheu’ Senior Chief Nkosi Kwataine appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-A fire broke out at Lilongwe Main Market on the evening of Monday, September 29, 2025.

The blaze reportedly started in the section of the market where chickens are sold.

Witnesses at the scene said the fire spread quickly, causing panic among traders and shoppers.

Residents nearby said they heard the sirens of fire engines rushing to the market as emergency services responded.

However, before the fire could cause extensive damage, community members and traders at the market joined hands to put it out.

Eyewitnesses said people rushed with buckets of water and other materials to help contain the flames before the fire brigade fully intervened.

By the time firefighters arrived, much of the blaze had already been subdued by the efforts of ordinary citizens.

Although the fire has since been put out, concerns remain about the vulnerability of the market to such incidents, given its congested layout and lack of adequate fire safety infrastructure.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the fire or the extent of damage.

For now, relief has spread among traders and residents that no major losses or casualties have been reported.

The incident has, however, reignited debate over the need for stronger fire preparedness measures in Malawi’s markets to prevent future disasters.

The post Fire breaks out at Lilongwe Main Market, quickly contained by community efforts appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Jay Cutler is back behind bars … TMZ Sports has learned he reported to a Tennessee jail on Monday to begin serving his DUI sentence. Records we’ve obtained show the ex-NFL star was booked into Williamson County Jail at around 8 AM PT … and the…

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