Category: The Maravi Post test

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Dr. Florida Banda’s recent appointment as the Director for Teacher Education and Development (DTED) in the Ministry of Education is more than just a professional advancement; it is a powerful testament to resilience, meritocracy, and the changing tides in Malawi’s political and educational landscape.

This appointment signifies a corrective measure to past injustices where a highly educated and capable woman was unfairly relegated to a lesser role due to political biases under the former MCP-led government.

Dr. Banda’s story is one that resonates deeply with many Malawians who have witnessed how political affiliations have been wielded as tools of oppression rather than instruments of national development.

As a lecturer at Domasi College of Education, an institution where she once held the esteemed position of Principal, Dr. Banda’s career trajectory epitomizes dedication to education and leadership.

However, her journey has not been without significant challenges, particularly during the reign of the previous government.

Under the MCP administration, Dr. Banda, faced unwarranted political persecution.

The former government, instead of valuing her qualifications and contributions to education, chose to sideline her, along with many other talented officers, by redeploying them to positions that were clearly beneath their capabilities.

This act was not just a professional demotion but a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and stifle the growth of individuals who did not align with the ruling party’s ideologies.

Such political victimization undermines the principles of fairness, equity, and the spirit of national service that should guide public appointments.

The MCP-led government’s actions were a disservice not only to Dr. Banda but also to the broader educational sector and the nation.

By sidelining competent professionals based on political affiliations, the government compromised the quality of education and development outcomes.

It sent a discouraging message to other public servants and educators that merit and expertise are secondary to political loyalty.

This approach erodes trust in public institutions and hampers national progress.

In stark contrast, the current DPP-led government, under the leadership of President professor Arthur Mutharika has demonstrated a commendable commitment to meritocracy and inclusivity.

Recognizing Dr. Banda’s immense potential and expertise, the government has rightfully reinstated her to a lucrative and impactful leadership position within the Ministry of Education.

This decision not only rectifies a past wrong but also sends a strong signal that qualifications, experience, and dedication are the true criteria for leadership roles in Malawi.

Dr. Banda’s appointment as Director for Teacher Education and Development is crucial at a time when Malawi is striving to improve its educational standards and teacher capacity.

Her wealth of experience, both as an academic and an administrator, equips her with the insight and skills necessary to drive meaningful reforms and development in teacher education.

This appointment embodies the DPP government’s resolve to harness the best human resources for national development, free from political prejudice.

It is important to acknowledge the courage and perseverance Dr. Banda exhibited throughout her career.

Despite facing political suppression, she remained committed to her profession and continued to contribute to teacher education at Domasi College.

Her unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that excellence and integrity can triumph over adversity.

The DPP government’s decision to appoint Dr. Banda on merit sends a powerful message to all Malawians that political loyalty will no longer dictate the fate of skilled professionals.

This approach fosters a culture of fairness and encourages public servants to perform their duties diligently, knowing that their efforts will be recognized and rewarded on the basis of competence and achievements.

While it is imperative to appreciate the positive strides made by the current administration, it is equally important to hold the former MCP government accountable for practices that undermined professionalism and meritocracy.

The political victimization of Dr. Banda and others was a regrettable blemish on the nation’s governance record.

Such actions not only wasted valuable human capital but also sowed division and mistrust among Malawians.

The story of Dr. Florida Banda is a compelling narrative of resilience, justice, and hope.

Her rise from political suppression to a prominent leadership role under the DPP government exemplifies the transformative power of merit-based appointments.

Malawi stands to benefit greatly from leaders like Dr. Banda who bring experience, dedication, and vision to the table.

Thumbs up to the DPP for championing meritocracy and restoring faith in public service appointments.

It is a clear indication that Malawi’s future lies in harnessing the talents of all its citizens, regardless of political affiliations, for the greater good of the nation.

The post From suppression to empowerment: Dr. Florida Banda’s triumphant return to leadership appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost-The country’s graft agency Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has announced the re-introduction of the vetting and clearance process for all applications related to the change of ownership of motor vehicles, houses and land, effective 13th November 2025.

According to a press release signed by Acting Director General Gabriel Chembezi, the decision has been made in accordance with Section 10 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act, which aims to prevent the concealment or disposal of assets obtained through corrupt means.

The bureau stated that before any ownership transfer of vehicles, land or houses takes place, applications must be submitted to the ACB for vetting and clearance.

This measure is designed to ensure that all property transfers are legitimate and transparent.

The ACB previously discontinued this process on 6th August 2021 but the bureau said recent developments and concerns about the possible misuse of public resources and proceeds of crime have necessitated its reinstatement.

“The ACB wishes to inform the public that a need has arisen that has necessitated the re-introduction of the vetting and clearance process,” reads part of the statement.

Chembezi noted that the bureau has already communicated this development to several key government institutions including the Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS), the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Malawi Housing Corporation and all Municipal, City and District Councils.

The ACB has further assured Malawians that the vetting process will be handled swiftly to avoid unnecessary delays in service delivery.

“The ACB will conduct the vetting and clearance processes within four working days of receipt of submissions,” the statement said.

The bureau has urged public officials from the listed institutions, as well as members of the general public, to fully cooperate with the ACB to ensure smooth implementation of the reintroduced procedure.

In the statement, the bureau also cautioned against any attempts to interfere with or frustrate the vetting process, emphasizing that such acts would be considered a form of corruption.

“We appeal to public officials of the above mentioned institutions as well as members of the public to cooperate fully with the ACB in this exercise and desist from indulging in any form of corrupt practices aimed at frustrating the process,” Chembezi said.

The vetting and clearance system is expected to strengthen the country’s efforts in the fight against corruption, particularly in tracking the ownership of assets that may have been acquired through illicit means.

The post Malawi’s graft agency orders vetting vehicles clearance, house ownership transfers appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Four congressmen flying to Washington, D.C. had their plane diverted to Kansas City after another passenger got too rowdy — and maybe too political! Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) were all seated on…

The post American Airlines Flight Carrying 4 Congressmen Diverted Due to Unruly Passenger appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Newly released emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s files include messages linking President Trump to the disgraced financier, as Congress prepares to vote on a bill forcing the release of the full Epstein records. After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history ends with a bipartisan deal that leaves Democrats split over what they gained. And with health insurance subsidies still set to expire, millions of Americans could soon face higher premiums unless lawmakers act before year’s end.

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Civil society leader Benedicto Kondowe has dismissed as fake the circulating WhatsApp screenshots alleging that he received MK80 million from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to discredit President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and his administration.

The allegations, which spread widely on social media on Wednesday morning under the banner “#Exposed! Truth Finally Out!”, claim that Kondowe, who chairs the National Advocacy Platform (NAP) and the Civil Society Education Initiative Forum (CSEIF), had been secretly working with MCP strategists to undermine the DPP-led government.

According to the viral posts, the funds were allegedly delivered through Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu, with Kondowe accused of planning to “hit the Mutharika administration hard” by writing negative reports to the United Nations.

In his response, Kondowe described the screenshots as “malicious fabrications meant to damage my reputation and mislead the public.”

He clarified that the posts circulating online were doctored and that he has never received any money from the ruling party.

He further clarified that the UN briefing mentioned in the posts did occur, but in October, and that it was not related to President Mutharika’s leadership or linked to politician Kamlepo Kalua, as alleged in the circulating messages.

“The combination of two unrelated issues is a clear distortion. The intention is to confuse the public and discredit genuine civil society work,” Kondowe said in a brief statement on Wednesday morning.

Kondowe, a prominent human rights advocate, added that he remains committed to defending good governance and accountability without partisan influence.

Meanwhile, the MCP has not officially commented on the alleged MK80 million payment, while government spokespersons have described the matter as “a test of integrity for civil society leadership.”

The post NAP chair Benedicto Kondowe dismisses MCP funding allegations as “fake” appeared first on The Maravi Post.

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The highly anticipated African Netball tournament which Malawi is slated to host in December has received a boost from the corporate world as Sunbird Tourism donated K52 million to the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) towards hosting the event.

Sunbird Tourism head of sales, marketing and distribution Temwa Kanjadza said they are excited and proud to be involved in initiatives that empower women.

“We are excited to unveil our commitment to the African Netball Championship which Malawi will be hosting with the value of K52 million.

As a local brand, we are excited to support such an initiative and to be part of this event. As Sunbird, we want to support our communities in various initiatives,” Kanjadza said. “We support women empowerment and we see this element coming out well through this donation.”

She added that through the donation, the Malawi Stock Exchange-listed firm is ensuring that girls are well-positioned to deliver in the tournament.

The tournament local organizing committee Chairperson Limbani Matola hailed Sunbird Tourism for the assistance.

“We are very grateful to Sunbird for the financial support. What is at stake is to tell the world that Malawi is capable of hosting such a major tournament.

“To achieve this, there are many logistical challenges that need to be met such as accommodation, transportation, food and security, just to mention a few,” Matola said.

“We have been reaching out to companies and organisations for financial support and we are happy that Sunbird has responded to the call.”

Matola revealed that they are expecting 420 to 470 delegates during the games. Last week, NAM also received support of K10 million from Premier Bet.

The tournament, which is scheduled to start on 4 December in the capital city Lilongwe, will bring together 11 countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, and hosts Malawi.

The post Sunbird Tourism donates MK52m towards 2025 African Netball tournament appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Summer is here and many visitors and locals will be flocking to their nearest beaches for a cool-down. Before you take a dip, it’s worth brushing up on a few simple rules that keeps everyone safe and our beaches beautiful.

Here’s everything you need to know for a fun, fuss-free day by the sea.

Safety First

The city has a few clear rules in place. These are set out in the City’s Coastal By-law and other local regulations designed to ensure everyone has the best experience when exploring the city. You’ll find easy-to-read signs at every beach explaining what’s allowed, so take a moment to check them when you arrive.

What’s a definite “no” on the beach?

According to Chapter 4 of the Coastal By-law, here are some key things to remember:

· No fires, fireworks, or Chinese lanterns on the beach.

· No motorised boats or jet skis within 100 metres of swimmers or within 100 m of the low-water mark in a bathing area

· No fishing in tidal pools or close to bathing areas (within 100 metres).

· No overnight camping or closed shelters.

· No loudspeakers, amplifiers, or similar equipment. If found, the equipment will be confiscated.

· No alcohol or drugs

· You are not allowed to bathe, dive, snorkel, or play within 50 m of/ near a jetty or designated public launch site.

· No hawking or unauthorised performances

Anyone breaking these by-laws can face fines ranging between R500-R2500, and any illegal goods will be confiscated. You can read the full Coastal By-law here.

Water Safety: Be Smart in the Surf

Cape Town’s beaches are stunning, but the ocean can be unpredictable. That’s why the City’s Recreation and Parks Department runs a year-round Drowning Prevention Programme. Lifeguards are stationed at 29 beaches, tidal pools, and popular coastal spots during the busy summer months.

Here are the top four tips to remember at the beach or when swimming:

· Swim only where lifeguards are on duty and always look for the red and yellow flags marking the safest bathing areas.

· Watch out for rip currents.

· Never swim if you have consumed alcohol.

· Always actively monitor children in and around water

So, What Can You Do?

Plan ahead: Check which beaches have lifeguards on duty.

Pack wisely: Sunscreen, water, and snacks.

Respect the rules: They’re there for everyone’s protection.

Be mindful of others: A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping our beaches enjoyable for all.

Related Articles

• Download our Travelwise Safety Guide
• Safety in the city

The post Tips For Your Cape Town Summer Beach Days appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

The post Tips For Your Cape Town Summer Beach Days appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Ackis Muwanga and former crime superintendent Laudon Nthinda have been formally charged with three serious offences—attempted extortion by threat, abuse of public office, and money laundering.

According to court documents, the two are accused of obtaining approximately MK1.3 billion from three Malawians of Asian origin in June this year through threats and abuse of their official positions.

Both Muwanga and Nthinda appeared before the court and entered pleas of not guilty to all the charges levelled against them.

The prosecution alleged that the former top police officers used their authority to intimidate and coerce the victims into paying the money, which was later laundered to conceal its origin.

Their arrest and subsequent charging have drawn significant public interest given their former senior roles within the Malawi Police Service.

The court has since reserved its ruling on their bail application to November 18, 2025.

Meanwhile, legal experts and human rights groups are closely monitoring the case, describing it as a major test of accountability and integrity within Malawi’s law enforcement institutions.

The post Former Deputy Police Chief Ackis Muwanga, ex-Superintendent Nthinda charged with MK1.3 billion extortion, money laundering case appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) along side Lost History Foundation, has petitioned the Malawi Parliament to begin using local languages particularly Chichewa during its deliberations, in a move aimed at promoting inclusivity and national identity.

Presenting the petition at Parliament Building in Lilongwe on Thursday, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa emphasized that all parliamentary proceedings are meant for Malawians, the majority of whom communicate primarily in indigenous languages.

“Whatever transpires in Parliament is meant for the ordinary Malawian. It is therefore important that proceedings be conducted in a language that every citizen can understand,” said Namiwa.

He argued that introducing local languages such as Chichewa, Chitumbuka, and Yao in Parliament would help bridge the communication gap between lawmakers and the people they represent.

Namiwa noted that English, though an official language, often limits citizens’ understanding of national issues debated in the House.

The petition also calls for the translation of parliamentary documents, bills, and committee reports into local languages, enabling broader public participation in democratic processes.

He also calls for the local language inclusive in schools.

The petition has since been received by Member of Parliament for Zomba city North Bester Awali.

Awali commended the initiative, saying it would help them reach out to the local communities that voted for them.

He assured them that will present the petition to the Speaker’s office.

If adopted, Malawi would join other African nations such as Tanzania and South Africa that have incorporated local languages in parliamentary and official state business.

The post CDEDI petitions Malawi Parliament to adopt local languages during deliberations appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Two powerful former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regime cabinet ministers are allegedly threatening human rights a Chimwemwe Mbeya Mhango for dragging the party zealot Dala Kadula to court over “life threatening assault”.

This comes weeks barely weeks after Kadula who is also answering physical and theft assault in court was exposed to have threatened to kill Mhango, the former Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldier.

Mhango told The Maravi Post in an interview on Thursday morning that after exposed Kadula’s assault to the media, former MCP regime cabinet ministers have been pressuring him to withdraw the matter.

The activist claims that the former ministers have been using some MDF senior officers to threaten him to withdraw the matter on Kadula.

But Mhango retaliates, “Since Kadula’s assault case was exposed to the public through the media, two powerful former cabinet ministers during MCP government have been sending some senior MDF officers intimidating me to withdraw Kadula case.

“Let them know, I won’t withdraw this case until justice is prevailed. Kadula and others must face justice for the crimes they committed during MCP regime”.

But the activist wondered as to why public officers including senior MDF officers are involved into political matters, “The law is clear that public officers including MDF must desist from practicing politics inside service. Why some of MDF officers are being used by former MCP government cabinet ministers intimidate me? If they continue, I will expose them.

“This is the reason fellow activist Sylvester Namiwa was physically assaulted by MCP thugs in view of MDF soldiers and Malawi Police Service (MPS) officers. Many of these officers are in the service to serve politicians not the nation. This must end with the coming in of President Peter Mutharika’s government that whoever commits an offence must face the law”.

However, Mhango said he has reported the matter to relevant authorities for action.

The suspected MCP thug Dala Kadula is reportedly to have defiled Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) summons after the commission received complaint from Mhango.

According to MHRC letter dated March 21, 2024, Kadula snubbed the commission summon till to date.

The Maravi Post understands that the victim Mhango, was threatened with a gun after he participated in the concerned citizens demonstrations which Bon Kalindo held in Zomba last year.

Following Kadula threats to kill Mhango with a gun at a certain place in Lilongwe, the victim (Mhango) reported the matter to Kawale Police.

Despite Kawale Police issuing summons letter over the matter, Kadula also threatened the officers at that time as “he was un attachable”.

“The Human Rights Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission) is in receipt of a complaint by Mr. Chimwemwe Mbeya Mhango (Ntchindi) (hereinafter referred to as the complainant) against yourself.

“The complainant claims that you and a party activist belonging to the Malawi Congress Party: His complaint against you is that you have threatened to kill him following some work-related disagreements,” reads MHRC letter in part.

“Given the above, the commission would therefore like to hear your side of the story concerning the above allegations. You are therefore advised to present before the Commission on Thursday 28 March 2024.

“Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated”, reads MHRC summon letter signed by its Director of Civil and Political Rights Peter Chisi.

This publication understands that Kadula also assaulted the commission’s messenger upon receiving the letter.

But the commission hinted that “it’s still pursuing the matter”.

Dala is said to be leading panga-raiding thugs that kept on terrorizing demonstrators against ousted President Lazarus Chakwera and MCP leadership.

Kadula is also allegedly to be MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda’s errand boy.

With the change of leadership, Kadula is now subjected to justice on various assaults he committed under Chakwera-MCP leadership.

The post Former MCP regime’s cabinet ministers allegedly threaten activist Chimwemwe Mhango to withdraw Dala Kadula case appeared first on The Maravi Post.