BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc welcomes the new administration’s resolve for a return to economic stability, predictability and strong governance.
The bank looks forward to partnering government and other key stakeholders to support the new President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s plan to immediately tackle prevailing macro-economic challenges.
Speaking during the sidelines of Mutharika’s inauguration, Standard Bank Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said, “Attracting FDI from key economies such as the U.S and China, as outlined in his Excellency Professor President Arthur Mutharika’s inauguration speech, is also critical in unlocking Malawi’ growth potential and delivering meaningful economic recovery.
“We also note the President’s determination to seek a renewal of relations with the U.S through his special friendship with the U.S President Donald Trump”.
Madinga adds, “Easing diplomatic hurdles with U.S should set the stage for dialogue aimed at finding solutions for Malawi’s economy, trade and diplomatic relations.
“The loss of development and technical support following USAID’s departure would require dialogue aimed at exploring solutions for the country”.
Madinga hopes, “We look forward to a strong private and public partnership in the next critical three months of the government’s transition process.
“The stage should be prepared for a re-set of a new economic trajectory where Malawi’s resolve to return to stability through fiscal discipline and governance, dialogue with bilateral and multilateral donors and creditors and improved trade relations, is unambiguous”.
Prince William referenced his three young children’s futures to mark the halfway mark to his 2030 climate crisis activism pledge.
The royal, 43, shared a short film via Instagram on Saturday, October 4, in advance of his upcoming Earthshot Prize gala, which takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 5. In the video, Prince William sat under the same oak tree near his Windsor home where he initially announced a 10-year climate activism project in 2020.
“Now, more than ever, is the time to fix the planet,” he urged viewers.
Prince William added, “I sat under this oak tree five years ago, soon after we launched The Earthshot Prize. The planet, the only home we have, needed our help, as scientists made it clear that we had to make significant changes by 2030.”
Admitting that 2030 seemed once like “a long time” in the future, he now realized that the deadline was within reach for his three children. (William and Kate Middleton share three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.)
“[My son] George was 7, Charlotte 5 and Louis 2; the thought of them in 2030 felt a lifetime away. But today, as we stand halfway through this critical decade, 2030 feels very real,” he acknowledged. “The Earthshot Prize was founded because this decade matters. [Now] 2030 is a threshold by which future generations will judge us; it is the point at which our actions, or lack of them, will have shaped forever the trajectory of our planet.”
Prince William and his Earthshot partners named their charitable mission after former President John F. Kennedy’s “Moonshot” program with the goal of successfully putting an astronaut on the moon in the 1960s. Their modern activism shifted the focus to climate change, as they give away prizes in the following categories each year: “Clean Our Air,” “Fix Our Climate,” “Revive Our Oceans,” “Build a Waste-Free World” and “Protect and Restore Nature.”
Prince William touched on how he was personally impacted by the many inspiring stories behind this year’s 15 finalists for the Earthshot Prize.
Prince William with Prince Louis, Princess Catherine, Princess Charlotte, and Prince George in June 2023.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
“It is impossible to hear these finalists’ stories, to see the impact they are already having and not feel encouraged by their energy and momentum,” he said on Saturday. “For me, it is that urgent optimism that has been at the heart of this Prize from the beginning. And it feels unstoppable.
The prince went on, “The people behind these projects are heroes of our time, so let us back them. Because, if we do, we can make the world cleaner, safer and full of opportunity — not only for future generations, but for the lives we want to lead now.”
This year’s Earthshot Prize gala in Rio marks the fifth continent to host the ceremony since the organization’s 2020 founding. Rio was picked in connection with the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Belém, Brazil, from November 10-21, which William is also expected to attend, according to People.
“Earthshot was founded because we are in a decisive moment. It’s a ten-year window of opportunity where our actions today will shape life on Earth for generations to come,” he explains,” Earthshot CEO Jason Knauf said in a statement.”
Knauf, 43, went on, “The Earthshot Prize was also founded because Prince William believes that this decade can be a great human success story. That with urgency and optimism we can make these years count. Today as we stand at the half way mark of our mission, our work feels more important than ever.”
“We continue to be driven by the belief that the solutions already exist, we just need to identify, celebrate and back them. Today that’s exactly what we’re doing,” the Earthshot executive concluded. “The 15 finalists we are about to present alongside the amazing 60 before them are showing the world what’s possible.”
Meanwhile, Prince William recently made headlines for addressing his upbringing with brother Prince Harry amid their falling out. During an appearance on Eugene Levy’s Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler, Prince William referenced his and Harry’s upbringing in comparison to his son George’s potential future as king.
“Obviously, I want to create a world in which my son is proud of what we do, a world and a job that actually does impact people’s lives for the better,” Prince William explained. “That is caveated with, I hope we don’t go back to some of the practices in the past that Harry and I had to grow up with — and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we don’t regress in that situation.”
“I was not told I couldn’t ask anything, but it wasn’t really, you know, up to me, to get into that,” the comedian explained. “I had no interest in asking him about that, because it was, you know, [a] very delicate issue and certainly not up to me to get into it.”
Levy continued, “I think there were other things, you know, I could lead the conversation to that might be interesting for him and interesting for the world to hear, but that was something I wasn’t necessarily interested in getting into.”
Swift 35, announced on Saturday, October, 4, that The Life of a Showgirl was getting “four limited CD releases” — each featuring two newly-recorded acoustic versions of specific songs on the album.
“File this under ‘save your best for the finale’… I think my favorite moments from the tour were the acoustic surprises,” she wrote via Instagram. “So I went back into the studio with Max [Martin] and Shellback to record acoustic/unplugged versions of a few of the Showgirl songs with brand new vocals and production! Cannot WAIT for you to hear.”
The Life Is A Song Acoustic Version of The Life of a Showgirl comes with “Opalite (Life Is A Song Acoustic Version)” and “Ruin the Friendship (My Advice Version)” as the bonus tracks, while the Dressing Room Rehearsal Version features “Wish List (Settled Down Acoustic Version)” and “The Life of a Showgirl (Dressing Room Rehearsal Acoustic Version).”
Fans can also pick up the Alone In My Tower Acoustic Version with “The Fate of Ophelia (Alone In My Tower Acoustic Version)” and “Eldest Daughter (Now You’re Home Acoustic Version),” as well as the So Glamorous Cabaret Version includes “Elizabeth Taylor (So Glamorous Cabaret Version)” and “Elizabeth Taylor (Original Songwriting Voice Memo).”
“Four limited CD releases each including two acoustic bonus tracks on my site now for 24 hours while supplies last,” Swift teased.
Days before Swift’s 12th album was released, she compiled a schedule of events to celebrate the album’s debut, sharing the calendar via her Taylor Nation Instagram account on Monday, September 29.
“Places, everyone!” the caption read. “#TSTheLifeofaShowgirl comes out this week, and your official schedule is here! Make sure to clock in as we celebrate all week long.”
Among Swift’s schedule of TV interviews and her theatrical release party, fans noticed a note on Saturday that said “standby.”
Taylor Swift, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott
“STAND BY FOR WHAT???” one Instagram user asked in the comments section, while another wrote, “Excuse me what do you mean standby how could I possibly standby MORE?”
The schedule mentioned the album drop, the official release party and her appearance on The Graham Norton Show on Friday, October 3, the release party and “standby” on Saturday, the release party and the YouTube premiere of “The Fate of Ophelia” music video and album’s lyric videos on Sunday, October 5, her visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, October 6, and her takeover of Late Night With Seth Meyers in the early hours of Thursday, October 9.
In recent years, Swift has developed a reputation for surprising fans with bonus tracks shortly after releasing her new albums. With 2022’s Midnights, she dropped the 3 a.m. edition with seven additional songs just three hours after the initial 13 were released. Meanwhile, 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department was a secret double album, with 16 original songs and 15 extra tracks released on The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology two hours later.
Despite the pattern, Swift insisted she would not be releasing additional songs outside of The Life of a Showgirl’s standard edition.
“There’s no other songs coming,” she said on the “New Heights” podcast in August. “This is 12. There’s not a 13th. … There’s not other songs coming. This is the record I’ve been wanting to make for a very long time.”
Swift also revealed the full tracklist at the time: “The Fate of Ophelia,” “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Opalite,” “Father Figure,” “Eldest Daughter,” “Ruin the Friendship,” “Actually Romantic,” “Wish List,” “Wood,” “Cancelled!,” “Honey” and “The Life of a Showgirl” featuring Sabrina Carpenter. Swift shared on “New Heights” that she wanted “to be as proud of an album as I am of The Eras Tour and for the same reasons.”
“We knew that we had to bring the best ideas we’ve ever had, and I also know the pressure I’m putting on this record by saying that, but I don’t care because I love it that much. I’m so proud of it,” she elaborated. “It just comes from the most infectiously joyful, wild, dramatic place I was in in my life, and so that effervescence has come through on this record.”
However, Swift had a clever trick up her sleeve as she never ruled out releasing remixed and acoustic versions, as are featured on the four CD versions of the record.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Arthur Peter Mutharika has pledged to deliver what he described as “real change” for Malawians, calling for unity, discipline and renewed patriotism as his administration embarks on rebuilding the nation’s economy and public trust.
Speaking during his inauguration ceremony in Blantyre, Mutharika said the election victory was both the will of God and the collective will of the people, reflecting a united national vision and purpose.
He said Malawians had spoken clearly through the ballot, expressing their desire for transformation.
“We all wanted change. We voted for change. We expect change. I promise you real change “zinthu zisintha!” But real change must begin with each one of us.If we want a different Malawi, then we must think differently and do things differently,”he explained.
Mutharika urged his party members and all government officials to regard public service as a responsibility to serve the people, not as an opportunity for personal gain. He warned against corruption and abuse of office, saying the culture of self-enrichment in government must come to an end.
“Malawi does not belong to any individual, any tribe, or any political party not even the DPP.Let us serve the people, not our bellies or families. Government is not a feast. The honeymoon of looting government is over. You are dealing with a different President now,”he said.
He emphasized that his administration, together with Vice President Jane Ansah, would restore discipline, transparency, and accountability in the public sector.
The President extended his gratitude to the people of Malawi for their trust, his running mate Jane Ansah for her effective campaign and DPP alliance partners, including Enock Chihana and the Alliance for Democracy, for their contribution to what he described as “a national consensus.”
He also praised religious leaders for their moral guidance and for standing against corruption, state sponsored violence and injustice.
“The spirit that destroys our nation does not come from outside. It comes from within us.We suffer from a disease of the spirit, and I call upon all faith leaders to help us heal this nation,”Muthalika added.
He further thanked the international community including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, SADC and the United Nations Development Programme for their continued support to Malawi’s democratic process.
Turning to the state of the economy, Mutharika admitted that Malawi is facing serious challenges including food shortages, high maize prices, fuel scarcity, lack of foreign exchange and a growing national debt burden.
He said the problems were man-made and could be resolved through collective effort and sound leadership.
Mutharika warned Malawians against expecting quick fixes, urging them instead to embrace hard work, patience, and discipline.
He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to implementing the Democratic Progressive Party’s comprehensive development and governance blueprint, which he said represents a pledge for total transformation.
“The DPP government is ready to govern and ready to rebuild this country.Together, we will make Malawi a place we are proud to call home,”he concluded.
Mary Louise Kelly, host of NPR’s All Things Considered, is no stranger to tough conversations with important people. In her new national security podcast, NPR’s Sources and Methods, Kelly brings you inside the Pentagon, State Department, and intelligence community to help you understand America’s shifting role in the world, and how events in faraway places matter here at home.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has condemned the brutal attack on Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporter who was physically assault by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Namiyango councilor and other DPP cadres in Limbe.
HRCC made the remarks following the recent video which is trending on social media.
In an interview with Maravi Post on Saturday, HRCC Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba called on the ruling party to distance itself from the attack and for the police to investigate and arrest those involved.
Mkwezalamba described the attack as “against the rules of natural justice” and “uncalled for”.
He emphasized that lawlessness has no place in Malawi and that such acts can distance a ruling party from its citizens.
“We are even surprised to see the suspect in underwear but handcuffed, we don’t know where the handcuffs were collected from,” Mkwezalamba said.
The HRCC has demanded that the DPP take decisive action against its supporters involved in the attack.
Mkwezalamba also commended President Peter Mutharika’s inaugural speech, which emphasized the importance of following the rule of law and respecting human rights.
“Implicitly, it was clear the president wants things done in an orderly manner this time,” Mkwezalamba said.
HRCC has condemned the brutal attack on a suspected MCP supporter by DPP supporters in Limbe.
Mkwezalamba emphasized that lawlessness has no place in Malawi and that such acts can distance a ruling party from its citizens.
LILONGWE–(Maravipost)-First Capital Bank (FCB), the sponsor of the National Youth Football Association (NYFA), has reaffirmed its commitment to disburse administration funds for all grassroots football leagues before the second round commences.
The announcement brings relief to the association, which oversees various youth competitions including the FCB Katswiri Under-20 league.
The funds are expected to be transferred directly to district committee bank accounts before matches resume.
National Youth Football Association Chairperson Tiyenkhu Chavura welcomed the development, confirming that the money will be available before the second round kicks off.
“We are so excited and relieved with this news as the funds will be disbursed before the kick-off of the second round.
“Currently, teams across the country are on break, and we expect teams and stakeholders to use this period to polish up areas where they did not perform well during the first round,” Chavura said.
Responding to an announcement by the Blantyre committee, which had halted FCB Under-20 matches citing unforeseen circumstances, Chavura downplayed the impact, noting that teams are already on their scheduled break.
“We are aware that they are struggling in terms of resources for running the league, but let them be assured of getting the funds any day from Tuesday, 7th October 2025,” he said.
Chavura also appealed to the public to rely on official sources for information about the competitions.
“As an association, we wish all teams and stakeholders the best as they prepare for the second round. Let me also appeal to the public to avoid getting misleading information about our competitions in the country,” he added.
This publication has been reliably informed that First Capital Bank has already prepared the funds for the association.
The second round of the National Youth Football Association leagues, including the Katswiri FCB Under-20 competition which is currently played in 14 districts and participated by over 164 teams, is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 11th October 2025.
First Capital Bank has been a key sponsor of grassroots football development in Malawi, supporting youth leagues across the country through NYFA.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Standard Bank Plc welcomes the new administration’s resolve for a return to economic stability, predictability and strong governance.
The bank looks forward to partnering government and other key stakeholders to support the new President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s plan to immediately tackle prevailing macro-economic challenges.
Speaking during the sidelines of Mutharika’s inauguration, Standard Bank Chief Executive Phillip Madinga said, “Attracting FDI from key economies such as the U.S and China, as outlined in his Excellency Professor President Arthur Mutharika’s inauguration speech, is also critical in unlocking Malawi’ growth potential and delivering meaningful economic recovery.
“We also note the President’s determination to seek a renewal of relations with the U.S through his special friendship with the U.S President Donald Trump”.
Madinga adds, “Easing diplomatic hurdles with U.S should set the stage for dialogue aimed at finding solutions for Malawi’s economy, trade and diplomatic relations.
“The loss of development and technical support following USAID’s departure would require dialogue aimed at exploring solutions for the country”.
Madinga hopes, “We look forward to a strong private and public partnership in the next critical three months of the government’s transition process.
“The stage should be prepared for a re-set of a new economic trajectory where Malawi’s resolve to return to stability through fiscal discipline and governance, dialogue with bilateral and multilateral donors and creditors and improved trade relations, is unambiguous”.
