Former Thyolo District Commissioner (DC) Hudson Kuphanga has officially bid farewell to the Thyolo District Executive Committee following government’s announcement that Noel Dakamau is the new DC for the district. However, Kuphanga told the committee that he has not yet been informed about his next deployment or the position he is expected to take up within government. He further revealed that government has appointed Willard Mwambo as the new Director of Administration for Thyolo District Council, replacing Elestina M’mame, who has been reassigned to serve as the District Commissioner for Chiradzulu. Speaking during the farewell session, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapichi expressed mixed feelings, saying that although the community is saddened by Kuphanga’s departure, they remain grateful for his dedicated service. “We are disappointed to see Mr. Kuphanga leaving Thyolo, but at the same time we are happy because he has served this district very well during the two years he has been with us,” T/A Kapichi said.

Minister of Defence and Luchenza Municipal Member of Parliament, Honourable Chimwemwe Chipungu, has rolled out a K20 million Skilled Labour Initiative aimed at empowering young people across the constituency’s five wards. The programme seeks to equip youths with practical, income-generating skills as part of ongoing efforts to promote self-reliance and economic growth within the municipality. Speaking during the launch, Chipungu said the initiative is part of his broader vision to uplift communities through sustainable livelihood interventions. “I have brought in an expert who will train you in various skills, including how to bake bread using locally available materials,” he said. “You will also learn how to produce soap, cooking oil and other essential products. With these skills, you can support yourselves and create employment for others.” Kondwani Kachamba, Chief Executive Officer of SMED — an organization known for its technical and entrepreneurial training programmes committed to delivering quality skills development sessions for the participating youths. “We are ready to equip these young people with the practical knowledge they need to improve their economic well-being,” he said. The launch drew attendance from senior TEVETA officials, traditional leaders, councillors, and members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), underscoring the broad support for the initiative. The programme is expected to run across all five wards, with hundreds of youths anticipated to benefit from the training and economic empowerment activities.

Former State House Deputy Chief of Staff Godfrey Arthur Jalale was arrested on Tuesday morning and is expected to spend the night in police custody as investigations continue. According to police sources, Jalale is suspected of involvement in the disappearance of German Shepherd dogs—valued at approximately K4 million—from State House. The alleged theft reportedly occurred as it became evident that then-president Lazarus Chakwera was heading toward electoral defeat. Following former President Chakwera’s televised concession and congratulatory message to President-elect Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, reports began to surface alleging acts of vandalism within State House premises and staff residences. These reports included claims of property damage as well as the disappearance of various items, among them a plasma television and police-trained dogs. The incidents prompted the incoming administration to delay its move into State House to allow for what officials describe as comprehensive maintenance and repairs, a process expected to take several months. Law enforcement officials indicate that Jalale’s arrest may be the first among several, as preliminary findings suggest that the scale of the alleged vandalism and theft may have involved more than one individual. Police say investigations remain ongoing.

The China community in Blantyre will host a celebratory event this evening in honor of His Lordship Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman, following his recent victory in the mayoral election. The celebration is scheduled to take place at China Restaurant in Blantyre City. Key Highlight of the Event will include signing Ceremony where the chairperson of the China community is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mayor Osman, outlining plans to support the installation of solar-powered streetlights across Blantyre. Another key highlight is the Skills Development Initiative in which the agreement will also include opportunities for local youth to undergo skills training in China, aimed at enhancing capacity and fostering economic empowerment. The China community extends an open invitation to the public to join in commemorating Mayor Osman’s election victory and to witness the beginning of this new chapter of cooperation and development.

Malawi has launched the 2025 commemorations of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls, with strong calls for intensified action against both physical and digital forms of gender-based violence. Speaking during a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Minister of Gender, Mary Navicha, said the campaign provides a vital platform for government, civil society, and communities to unite in combating rising cases of online harassment, cyberbullying, image-based abuse, and digital exploitation. Navicha revealed alarming trends, noting that one in three Malawian children experience cyberbullying, while women and girls continue to face increasing digital threats. UN Women Deputy Representative, Fatma Mohammed, echoed the concerns, highlighting persistent inequalities. She noted that one in three women experience physical violence, while 42 percent of Malawian girls are married before the age of 18. Mohammed reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting the country’s fight against gender-based violence through legal reforms, digital literacy initiatives, and stronger accountability systems. The national launch event for the 2025 campaign was held at Khwisa Primary School in Balaka.

Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba, has challenged journalists at the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) to increase their focus on governance and accountability reporting. Namalomba made the remarks during a tour of MBC Kwacha Studios in Blantyre, where he stressed that the public broadcaster is not mandated to serve propaganda interests but to contribute meaningfully to national development. “I am not here to tell you what to write or not to write. This institution is not meant to attack any person, and as you know, the current government won without relying on any propaganda from the public broadcaster. So, do your job, hold duty bearers accountable, and amplify the development initiatives being implemented by government,” he said. The Minister also pledged full support toward strengthening the institution’s operations. During the same visit, Namalomba formally introduced Moses Chiwoni, who has been appointed Acting Director General of MBC. Chiwoni, who currently serves as Director of ICT at the Department of E-Government, joins MBC under public service secondment regulations. Namalomba further urged MBC staff to work diligently and prioritize the interests of Malawians. “It is sad to note that the leadership that was here was serving the interests of certain political parties, diverting from their core responsibility of informing, educating, and entertaining the masses,” he said.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has reiterated his administration’s commitment to resolving Malawi’s critical economic challenges, particularly fuel shortages, limited farm inputs, and rising food insecurity. Speaking on Sunday during a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at Mtunthama State Lodge in Lilongwe, Mutharika said addressing short-term constraints—such as debt restructuring and low foreign exchange reserves—remains a priority. “We will get support from the IMF, the private sector and government institutions to address both the short and long-term forex challenges so that we can stabilise the economy as soon as possible,” Mutharika said. He noted that a significant portion of government revenue is currently being used to service the country’s debt, but expressed optimism that ongoing discussions and IMF engagement would help ease the pressure. “At the moment, all the revenue we collect is being used to service debts, but we are working on this. We are also hopeful that the IMF will intervene with the necessary solutions,” he added. Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization, Joseph Mwanamveka, said the discussions were productive and enabled the IMF to better appreciate the President’s strategy for stabilizing the economy. “What is pleasing is that the IMF is ready to help. They understand the situation on the ground and the challenges we inherited from the previous administration. We expect the IMF to support us in terms of foreign exchange, which is a key pillar for the development of this country,” Mwanamveka said. IMF Director for Africa, Abebe Selassie, praised the President’s vision and commitment to confronting macroeconomic vulnerabilities, and pledged the Fund’s continued support. “IMF is ready to support Malawi in addressing the macroeconomic crisis through policy advice, capacity development and financing. We are in the process of supporting government reforms and will make recommendations wherever necessary,” Selassie said.

An anonymous lecturer with more than eight years of experience at the Malawi School of Government (MSG) has raised concerns about governance, recruitment practices, and institutional alignment with current government priorities. According to the lecturer, the top management team at MSG—appointed during the previous administration—may require review to ensure that the institution fully supports national programs. MSG is a key government training institution, and the sources claim that some senior officials may not be fully aligned with the administration’s policy agenda. The lecturer alleges that the current Director General (DG) was appointed without a competitive recruitment process, contrary to standard provisions in the MSG Act. The appointment, the source says, raised questions because of perceived political connections to the former administration. Similar concerns were raised regarding the seven directors who currently serve in senior roles, with some staff members suggesting that selections were influenced by networks and affiliations rather than merit. One example cited involves a Head of Department appointed to lead the Business and Management division despite, according to the source, having qualifications outside that field. Staff members also expressed concerns about the transparency of academic and professional claims made by some appointees. The source further claims that during the transition to the previous government, several experienced staff members who were seen as neutral or aligned with earlier administrations were removed or reassigned. This occurred during what was referred to internally as a “Placement Exercise,” which some employees believe favored individuals connected to senior officials of the time. Those affected reportedly included former Acting Executive Director Mr. Sikelo and his management team. Under their leadership, the institution—then known as MIM—had operated without government subvention and maintained stable performance. Currently, the anonymous lecturer reports that MSG now receives government subvention but remains “top-heavy,” with a large number of senior positions relative to output. The source alleges that substantial resources have been directed toward procurement of vehicles, travel, and benefits for senior officials, while junior staff continue to face challenges. While the current DG has highlighted the clearing of pension arrears as a significant achievement, the lecturer argues that the foundation for this progress was laid by previous administrators who managed the institution’s finances prudently without subvention. The lecturer is calling for a comprehensive review of MSG’s staffing decisions since its restructuring, including an audit of both recruitment processes and financial management—similar to recent audits conducted in other public institutions. “Our frustration is seeing qualified and experienced professionals displaced and replaced in ways that may not reflect merit or institutional needs,” the lecturer said. “We believe a thorough review would help restore confidence and ensure better alignment with government objectives.” The concerns outlined reflect the views of the anonymous source and have not yet been independently verified. MSG leadership has not issued a formal response to the allegations.

Malawi Parliament Announces Allocation of Members to PSC, Committees and International Parliamentary Organisations for 2025–2030 Term. Parliament of Malawi has released the official allocation of Members of Parliament to the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), Parliamentary Committees, and Inter-Parliamentary Organisations (IPOs), marking one of the key administrative steps in the new 2025–2030 Parliamentary cycle. The announcement, issued from Parliament Building in Lilongwe, highlights representation across political parties, independents and the Women’s Caucus, reflecting the composition of the current House. The Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC)—the body responsible for the welfare, operations and administrative oversight of Parliament—has been constituted as follows: Hon. Chifundo Makande, MP, Hon. Daniel Chitonya, MP, Hon. Fred Penjani Kamlepo Kalua, MP, Hon. Ismail Razziq Mkumba, MP, and Hon. Beatrice Roseby Mwale, MP. The composition features members from DPP, MCP, UTM, UDF and PP, ensuring multi-party representation in parliamentary governance. The National Assembly has also confirmed new delegations to Inter-Parliamentary Organisations (IPOs), which facilitate Malawi’s participation in diplomacy, cooperation and legislative exchange globally. Pan African Parliament (PAP) Representatives include: Hon. Charles Mchacha, MP, Hon. Francesca Theula Masamba, MP, Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda, MP, Hon. Moses Kumkuyu, MP, and Hon. Aisha Adams, MP Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Delegates include Hon. Daudi Chikwanje, MP, Hon. Thoko Matengambiri Tembo, MP, Hon. Francis Berekanyama, MP, Hon. Dr. Catherine Mzumara, MP, Rt. Hon. Hastings Khumbo Kachali, MP The following are the SADC Parliamentary Forum members Hon. Dr. William Susuwele Banda, MP, Hon. Francis Lucky Phiso, MP, Hon. Peter Dimba, MP, Hon. Abigail Sheriff Bongwe, MP and Hon. Mary Khembo Maulidi, MP. The following members are in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) thus Hon. Grace Kwelepeta, MP, Hon. Ishmael Grant Rashid, MP, Hon. Emmanuel Jere Chambulanyina, MP, Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno, MP and Hon. Abdul Ilyas Karim, MP. In the ACP–EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly the following members have been appointed;Hon. Mabvuto Sandram Scott, MP, Hon. Reuben Kanyama, MP, Hon. Deus Gumba, MP, and Hon. Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, MP. Based on the allocations, representation stands as: DPP – 10; MCP – 7; UTM – 1; UDF – 1; Others – 5; Women’s Caucus. Parliament has also released the full list of MPs assigned to the 23 Parliamentary Committees, covering critical sectors such as Agriculture, Budget and Finance, Legal Affairs, Health, Education, Transport, Public Accounts, Social Affairs and more. The committees—each comprising 23 members—include representatives from DPP, MCP, UTM, UDF, PP, AFORD, NDP, FP and a significant number of Independent MPs. Notably: The Agriculture Committee, one of the largest and most influential, includes members such as Hon. Dumisani Emmanuel Lindani, Hon. Paulos Chiumia and Hon. Thoko Tembo. The Budget and Finance Committee features senior legislators including Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, Hon. Sosten Gwengwe and Hon. Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa. The Defense and Security Committee includes Hon. Paulos Chiumia, Hon. Timothy Sukali, Hon. George Qoma and Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC)—central to oversight and audit scrutiny—comprises Hon. Noel Lipipa, Hon. Samson Phiri, Hon. Vuwa Kaunda and Hon. Eisenhower Mkaka, among others. The large presence of Independent MPs across committees reflects the diverse composition of the current Parliament. The 2025–2030 committee allocations appear designed to balance political representation while ensuring that strategic sectors receive experienced and technically knowledgeable MPs. Parliament officials say the distribution of MPs into committees and international delegations is aimed at strengthening legislative oversight, improving policy development, and enhancing Malawi’s voice in global parliamentary platforms.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has assigned major national responsibilities to the country’s two vice presidents, signalling what State House insiders describe as a move to strengthen coordination in priority sectors of his new administration. According to a statement issued by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) and signed by Chief Secretary Dr. Adak Saidi, First Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, SC, Justice of Appeal Emeritus, has been delegated to take charge of Disaster Management and Prevention. Her portfolio places her at the centre of national response planning ahead of the rainy season, as government anticipates potential climate-related emergencies. Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana has been appointed Champion for the Completion of Mbombera University, one of the flagship higher-education projects expected to expand university access in Malawi. President Mutharika has further directed Chihana to work closely with the Ministries of Education, Finance, Transport and Public Works, among others, to accelerate progress on the long-delayed project. “The President may consider delegating other duties as time arises,” the OPC statement reads, indicating that more sectoral assignments may follow as the administration organizes its governance structure. The latest appointments are viewed as part of Mutharika’s broader strategy to distribute executive workload, enhance efficiency, and ensure faster implementation of key national programmes.

Councilor Isaac Jomo Osman has been elected the new Mayor of Blantyre City after securing a clear victory in a tightly contested election held today at the Blantyre City Council chambers. Jomo, who represents Bangwe Mthandizi Ward, amassed a total of 15 votes, defeating two other contenders—Eric Mofolo, who garnered 11 votes, and Joseph Makwinja, who finished with 4 votes. The election, conducted through a secret ballot among councilors and Members of Parliament representing Blantyre City constituencies, marks a significant return for Jomo, who previously served as Deputy Mayor and has been an influential figure in city politics. Supporters applauded the outcome, describing Jomo as a grassroots leader with deep community ties and a strong track record in representing local interests. In his acceptance remarks, Jomo pledged to prioritize improving service delivery, restoring city cleanliness, strengthening security, and enhancing infrastructure development across Blantyre. The new mayor is expected to immediately begin working with council officials to address longstanding challenges such as waste management, traffic congestion, and deteriorating road networks. As celebrations erupted among his supporters, Jomo expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and promised to unite councillors across political divides for the betterment of Blantyre City. Congratulations to Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman.

The government has with immediate effect reassigned Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) Chief Executive Officer Kamkwamba Kumwenda to the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), formerly the Polytechnic. The development marks yet another major shift within Malawi’s key parastatals barely a month after the new administration took office. Several top executives in state-owned enterprises have either been suspended, redeployed, or reassigned—actions that some commentators have described as “cleaning up the rubble.” A letter signed by the Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), Justin Saidi, dated this week, has directed Kumwenda to wind up his duties at Escom immediately. According to the correspondence, Kumwenda has been assigned to serve as a lecturer at MUBAS, though he will remain an employee of Escom. The directive further clarifies that Kumwenda will not lose any of his current employment benefits or entitlements while serving in his new academic role. The government has not publicly stated the reasons for the reassignment. However, the move comes at a time when the energy sector remains under scrutiny over persistent power challenges, including blackouts, aging infrastructure, and financial inefficiencies within both Escom and its sister companies. The reshuffle is expected to trigger further debate among industry analysts, with many waiting to see what additional reforms or leadership changes the administration will implement in the coming weeks.