MCP comfirms Simplex Chithyola Banda as Leader of Opposition

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Members of Parliament (MPs) have resolved to respect President Lazarus Chakwera’s appointment of former Finance Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda as the new Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

The decision was reached during a closed-door caucus meeting held this evening at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

The meeting was led by the party’s secretary general, Richard Chimwendo Banda, and was also attended by the party’s vice-president, Catherine Gotani Hara.

In an interview with Nation Online after the two-and-a-half long meeting, Chimwendo Banda confirmed the development.

Said Chimwendo Banda: “We have all agreed to rally behind the president’s appointee and we will all work together with one purpose, and that is to make MCP stronger as we are eyeing 2030.”

Source: Nation online

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2025 Chipiku Premier League: Extreme thrash Mbabzi

…..Extreme 3-0 Mbabzi

By Edwin Mbewe

MCHINJI-(MaraviPost)-Extreme Football Club on Sunday registered an emphatic 3-0 victory over Mbabzi United at Owen Malijani ground in Mchinji in their opening game of the second round.

In a fascinating match played under scorching weather in Traditional Authority Mavwere, both sides started on a high note, pressing in search of early goals.

The home side drew first blood in the 41st minute through Sly Antonie. After this goal, Extreme pushed for more but were denied by Mbabzi’s defense, and the match ended 1-0 at halftime.

While Mbabzi hoped to equalize early in the second half, Extreme had other plans as Gregory Mwase stretched the home lead just 10 minutes after the restart.

Mbabzi continued to struggle containing the home side, especially in midfield, with attacker Sly Antonie terrorizing the visitors’ defense with his magical moves into the box.

In the 87th minute, Antonie completed his brace after catching the defense napping and slotting the ball into the net to make it 3-0. Shortly after, the final whistle confirmed Extreme’s first win of the second round.

The victory took Extreme’s tally to 35 points, reducing the gap to three points behind leaders Blue Eagles Reserve, who have 38 points from 16 games, as they continue to pressure the Area 30-based side for the championship.

Mbabzi remain in 8th position with 19 points from 16 games, having won 5, drawn 4, and lost 7.

Extreme FC head coach Trust Nyirenda praised his players for their fighting spirit and victory.

“The boys gave their all in today’s match, hence the victory. It was a tough game since Mbabzi are also a good side, but we capitalized on their mistakes. We played them in the first round and took note of their weaknesses.

“We are fighting to qualify for the National Division League next season. We believe we will make it as we have rectified the challenges that led to our relegation from the elite league,” Nyirenda said.

Mbabzi United General Secretary Vincent Malizani expressed concerns over the team’s continued poor run but downplayed fears of relegation from the league they have competed in for decades.

“We recruited very youthful players as per recommendations from the CRFA, hence it took us time to gel. But other teams still used older players, and this affected our ability to produce consistent results, though we are able to win some games.

“The other factor is officiating, especially in away games, as decisions seem to favour home sides. But we will improve and avoid relegation from the league,” said Malizani.

Mbabzi United play their second game on Wednesday at home against Pyramid FC.

Extreme FC were relegated from the TNM Super League in the 2023 season and are fighting to return through the NBS Bank National Division League next season.

The K25 million Chipiku Stores Premier League second round produced 13 goals from five games.

In other Sunday results, Chisomo Academy lost 1-2 at home against TN Stars, with Chifundo Ngochela scoring for the hosts while Noah Malizwe and Joseph Kasewetha found the net for TN Stars.

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Speaker Suleman urges legislators to show commitment in parliamentary committees

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Speaker of Parliament Sameer Gaffar Suleman, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to work diligently in parliamentary committees, emphasizing that these committees are the engine rooms of Parliament.

Suleman made the call during the opening of a two-day orientation for MPs on parliamentary committees in Lilongwe.

The Speaker stressed that committees play a crucial role in transforming Parliament into a functioning system of checks and balances.

“We are here to work, and work begins in the committees. Expect that I will expect you to work. I will need regular reports from the committees, I will ask for programmes because I will rely on these committees to work effectively,” Suleman said.

He emphasized the importance of MPs questioning, probing, and demanding accountability on behalf of the people who elected them.

The orientation aims to introduce MPs to best practices on gender-responsive budgeting and budget analysis, crucial for committee work.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative Chika-Charles Aniekwe noted that the orientation is timely, as it will equip MPs with the necessary skills to effectively carry out their committee duties.

MPs are expected to resume sitting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., following the opening of the First Meeting in the 52nd Session of Parliament by President Arthur Peter Mutharika last week.

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South Africa stun USA, march into round of 16 with confidence

South Africa’s Under-20 national football team produced one of the biggest shocks at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile after defeating the United States 2-1 on Sunday.

The victory saw the young Amajita book their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Colombia on Wednesday.

It was a spirited performance from coach Raymond Mdaka’s charges, who showed remarkable composure and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.

The South Africans took the lead in the 28th minute through striker Thabiso Mokoena, who pounced on a defensive error to slot home past the American goalkeeper.

The USA responded early in the second half with a well-taken goal by midfielder Ethan Williams, leveling the match at 1-1.

However, South Africa refused to be intimidated, continuing to press forward with confidence and determination. Their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when captain Sipho Dlamini rose highest to head in a corner, restoring South Africa’s lead.

The closing minutes were tense as the USA pushed for an equalizer, but the South African defense, marshaled by the impressive Luvuyo Mthethwa, stood firm to secure the historic win.

Speaking after the match, coach Mdaka praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but the boys showed great character. Beating a strong team like the United States gives us confidence. We’ll keep the same energy and determination when we face Colombia,” said Mdaka.

He added that the team’s focus now shifts to recovery and preparation for the knockout stage.

“We must stay grounded. The job is not done yet. Colombia are a tough side, but we believe in our system and in our players,” he added.

The win sparked celebrations among South African fans both at the stadium and back home, as it marks the first time in several years that the Amajita have advanced past the group stage of the tournament.

South Africa will now face Colombia on Wednesday evening in Santiago, hoping to continue their dream run and make further history at the global stage.

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Suspected MCP regime’ panga-wielding thugs face five counts, remain in custody

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Fourteen suspected Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regime’s notorious panga-wielding gang on Monday, November 3, 2025 appeared brought before Lilongwe court.

However, eleven of them have been charged with five serious counts connected to a wave of violent attacks that shocked Lilongwe earlier this year.

According to the court document, the suspects are being accused of torching a Toyota Quantum, registration number RU 7197, on May 11, 2025 — an allegation they have all denied.

In the second count, they are alleged to have attacked Alex Wali with a knife, an act they also denied.

The third count relates to the destruction of a Nissan Hardbody, registration number PE 84, with damages estimated at MK550,000.

But all the eleven suspects denied responsibility.

The fourth and fifth counts involve alleged unlawful assaults on Felix Nazigamba and George Mataya, respectively — charges the accused have again denied.

The state has identified ten witnesses in the case but none of them was present in court today.

Prosecutors have requested that the matter be adjourned to another date to allow time for witnesses to appear and for additional evidence to be presented.

Defense lawyer Khwima Mchizi argued that the accused should not remain in custody, saying they have strong family ties and pose no flight risk.

As the court deliberates on whether to grant bail or adjourn the case, all eyes remain on the highly charged trial that has captured national attention — a case that speaks to the broader concern over rising urban violence and gang activity in Malawi.

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Your Guide To Exploring Longkloof In The City Bowl

The Longkloof Precinct sits in the suburb of Gardens, just off Kloof Street in Cape Town’s City Bowl. Once historic buildings that originally served industrial and educational purposes, the area has been transformed into a dynamic mixed-use hub lined with trendy shops, restaurants, and a hotel.

Here’s everything you can enjoy in Longkloof on your next visit:

Things To Do

Shop At Rosey and Vittori

This South African fashion brand is redefining edgy sophistication. Founded by creative duo Isabella Rosa Bisogno and Steven Eddie Rosenbaum (whose grandmother’s surname, Vittori, inspires the brand’s name), the label began its journey a decade ago with a focus on menswear. At the Longkloof store, you will find statement dresses, tailored sets, pants, and jackets for men and women. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a few coveted pieces on sale.

Website: roseyandvittori.com

Recharge At ShangriLa

You can’t miss ShangriLa; its green building stands proudly on Park Road. Step inside, and you’ll discover a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing, art and décor pieces that reflect creativity and calm. Beyond retail, ShangriLa is a space to breathe, move, and recharge. Join one of their yoga or meditation sessions (see their website for details), then relax at the cozy café for a cup of tea.

Website: www.shangrila.capetown

Get Sunshine-Ready At Ballo

Girlies who love sunnies, listen up! You will find the perfect pair at Ballo, a quaint little store with the season’s trendiest shades. There are fun, playful colours to match your mood.

Website: balloeyewear.com

Explore Innovation City

Innovation City is an exclusive workspace that brings together a community of startups, scaleups, corporates, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. This members-only space (application forms are available on their website) aims to drive collaboration and business growth in the city. When you need a break, the on-site coffee shop is the perfect place to connect, recharge, or spark your next big idea.

Website: innovationcity.co.za

Where To Eat

Vine and Dandy

Coffee shop by day, wine bar by night. Tucked just off Park Road, Vine and Dandy lets you enjoy the best of both worlds: freshly brewed coffee and award-winning wines. Vine and Dandy is pet-friendly, so bring your dogs along to relax on the pup sack beds while you catch up on work or hang out with your mates. Wine lovers, every Thursday, the restaurant hosts wine tastings from 5pm to 7pm, where you can sample a variety of wines and discover new favourites.

Website: vineanddandy.co.za

Cafe Sofi by tashas

Cafe Sofi by tashas is the brainchild of Natasha and Savva Sideris, the founders of Tashas Group, as an ode to their mother, Sophia Electra. Every detail is animated by Sophia’s spirit. Her loves, from cakes, cats and polka dots, to orchids, leopard print, and the Pink Panther, echo through the interiors and daily specials. Her fascination with flavour comes to life on a menu of simple, soulful dishes, including honey butter croissants, rosti and beef ragu, tiramisu, and a steak roll. Café Sofi is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Website: www.cafesofi.com

Custodian Pastry Bar

If you’re looking to enjoy delicious treats in a gorgeous setting, Custodian Pastry Bar, the latest edition from Hoghouse Brewing Company, is for you. Sip on freshly brewed coffee while indulging in baked pastries, rustic breads, and all-day toasties. There’s also a carefully curated selection of deli items and frozen goodies to take home and enjoy later.

Website: hoghouse.co.za/custodian-pastry-bar

Ongetem Restaurant & Bar

From the culinary brilliance of Chef Bertus Basson comes Ongetem Restaurant & Bar at Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof. “Ongetem,” Afrikaans for “untamed,” perfectly embodies the restaurant’s spirit. The menu celebrates bold, flame-cooked dishes bursting with flavour, perfectly paired with equally inventive cocktails.

Website: ongetem.com

Where To Stay

Canopy by Hilton Longkloof

Canopy by Hilton Longkloof brings bold design, local flair, and laid-back vibes to one of the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods. Just steps from Kloof Street, expect warm welcomes, a sweet Cape Town treat in your room, and epic views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Dine at Ongetem Restaurant & Bar, sweat it out at the 24-hour gym, or bar-hopping nearby -it’s the perfect base for exploring the city.

Website: bit.ly/3L5oZCq

Note: You’ll find many guest houses and boutique hotels in the Gardens area, a short walking distance of the Longkloof Precinct.

 

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Expensive-Looking Fall Dresses That Slim Pear-Shaped Bodies

Shopping for flattering fall dresses doesn’t have to mean shopping beyond your budget! If you’re pear-shaped and need fashionable, expensive-looking dresses that slim your silhouette but don’t put a dent in your savings, you’ll find plenty of affordable options at Amazon that do just that!

We’ve rounded up 13 stylish picks — starting at just $14 — that draw attention away from your tummy, balance your proportions and make you look and feel absolutely amazing! From slimming sweater dresses to fall fit-and-flare dresses, these pricey-looking finds combine style and figure-flattering cuts that work with your curves — not against them!

13 Expensive-Looking Fall Dresses Perfect For Pear Shapes

1. Our Favorite: We’d swear this incredibly slimming velvet fit-and-flare dress was a pricey pick from Anthropologie, but your style-savings secret’s safe with Us!

2. Workwear Upgraded: It’s anything but business as usual in this pricey-looking Peter Pan collar fit-and-flare dress that puts a sultry, sophisticated spin on workwear fashion.

3. Body Boost: For days when we’re not feeling our body’s best, we reach for this ultra-slimming sweater wrap dress that delivers unfailingly flattering fashion.

4. Throwback Style: If a holiday luncheon is on the calendar, take this elegant vintage-style swing dress as your plus-one! It hides the mom pooch extra well.

5. Looks Like Luxury: No, we didn’t buy this figure-trimming turtleneck sweater dress from a designer boutique, but it looks like we did! All we’re missing is a pair of gorgeous knee-high boots.

6. Timeless Pick: This slimming shirt dress is a great way to bring all-day comfort and expensive-looking style to the table.

7. Dress Perfection: Who knew a ruched waist dress could cinch your waist in such a way that your whole silhouette looks slimmer? Consider Us sold.

8. Best Seller: Over 800 shoppers have seized this slimming sweater dress this past month, and we can tell it’s not just a wardrobe staple — it’s a mega confidence booster.

9. Bodycon Option: If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail dress, you’ve found it in this expensive-looking floral maxi dress — complete with feminine bell sleeves and a fitted-but-flattering silhouette.

10. Take It Easy: Quiet luxury is on full display in this slimming casual mini dress that honestly looks like it’s from Lululemon!

11. Southern Fall: Should your fall feel more like a mild summer, consider this sleeveless fit-and-flare knit dress that brings fall vibes without the bulk.

12. Royal Style: Your style will be on par with Kate Middleton when you wear this tailored tweed blazer dress that looks straight out of a royal wardrobe!

13. Wedding-Guest Ready: This slimming smocked long-sleeve dress is on par with a pricey piece you’d buy at Tuckernuck, but you get polished charm without the splurge.

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Robert Pattinson Addresses Eating Food From Jennifer Lawrence’s Trash

Robert Pattinson is no picky eater.

Responding to Jennifer Lawrence’s story that she fed him food retrieved from her trash one evening, the actor, 39, offered his verdict on the meal during a Saturday, November 1, interview with Entertainment Tonight.

“I thought it was delicious,” Pattinson, who stars with Lawrence, 35, in the upcoming film Die, My Love, told the outlet at the New York City premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater. “She must have a really nice trash haul.”

Lawrence detailed during an October 17 appearance on The Graham Norton Show that she fed Pattinson after she invited him over one night. “He comes in, and I give him a hug, and he’s like, ‘You have any food? I’m so hungry,’ [and] he goes to the bathroom, and I do have food but it’s in the trash,” the Hunger Games actress recalled. “While he was in the bathroom, I was just, like, pulling food out of my garbage can.”

Rob Pattinson and Suki Waterhouse Enjoy Rare Date at ‘Die My Love’ Premiere

Lawrence noted that Pattinson liked what he tasted so much that he asked for more. It was only then that she revealed where she’d gotten the food from — not that it bothered him. “He was like, ‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ and he just pulled it out of the trash and kept eating it,” she recalled, adding that she had friends over who all proceeded to “just kinda watch him eat this trash.”

During the New York premiere of the pair’s film, Pattinson spoke about how much he enjoyed working with Lawrence. “I’ve always been a massive fan of hers. I didn’t really realize that it would be as easy as it was … to be friendly and also how easy it is to work with her,” he told the outlet on the red carpet. “She’s so good, so egoless … kind of amazing, she’s just such a natural actress.”

In a rare red carpet outing, Pattinson was accompanied at the premiere by his fiancée, Suki Waterhouse, who posed alongside him in a floral gown by Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen with a green tweed skirt. She dialed up the glamor with a choker necklace adorned with an ornate brooch.

Suki Waterhouse Introduces Her and Robert Pattinson’s Baby: 1st Photo

As for Pattinson, the Mickey 17 star looked equally dashing, opting for a black-and-white Dior Men ensemble that included a suit, vest, fringed scarf and basket-weave sandals.

Die, My Love is set to be released on Friday, November 7, and follows the story of a writer named Grace, played by Lawrence, who develops psychosis and postpartum depression following the birth of her first child. Based on a 2012 Spanish novel written by Ariana Harwicz, the story also follows Grace’s husband, Jackson, played by Pattinson, who must adapt to his evolved wife.

Lawrence spoke fondly about her costar during her appearance on The Graham Norton Show, comparing him to various loved ones. “Rob is one of the girls. He wants to gossip,” she explained before adding, “He’s also like my daughter. He’s a great father, he’s a professional, he shows up on time, but I wouldn’t trust that he, like, put a coat on. He brings out a very maternal side in me.”

Pattinson shares one child, a daughter, 19 months, whose name has not been publicly confirmed, with Waterhouse, 33. For her part, Lawrence is mother to two children, sons Cy, 3, and another child, 6 months, whose name has also not been publicly confirmed, whom she shares with husband Cooke Maroney.

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