Showing posts with label Malawi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malawi. Show all posts

Saturday, September 19, 2015

American Satirical website mocks Prof Mutharika and Malawi Government


Bold Move! The popular American satirical website, Clickhole, surprisingly published a story mocking Malawian President, Prof Peter wa Mutharika and the Malawi government. In a story titled, Bold Move: Malawi Just Called Julia Roberts Their National Treasure.

The story mockingly claims that Prof Mutharika posted on his Twitter page that the award winning American Actress, Julia Roberts is a Malawian National Treasure. Clickhole went ahead to post photos of the tweets.


The satirical site further claims that the Malawian leader called Malawians are hard working because Julia Roberts, a Malawian, became successful.


In the same post, Clickhole posted a picture of Julia Roberts 'dancing' Likwata with Malawian Yao women. The picture is clearly photoshopped.


A check at Prof Mutharika's twitter page shows that he last posted a tweet on 15 May 2014. He has not been active on Twitter using this twitter handle. The other 'Malawi government' twitter handle has a wrong spelling (@malwiGvt) and is not available on Twitter.

It is not yet clear as to why Clickhole chose Malawi and its leader for this post. Clickhole is owned by another popular political satirical, The Onion.

Friday, October 3, 2014

SUNNYMONEY MALAWI LAUNCHES TWO NEW SOLAR LIGHTS

Life is Getting Brighter

SunnyMoney Malawi today launched two new affordable, portable, pico-solar lights. The new solar lights will add to their current range which includes; the extremely durable S2 that has an integrated solar panel, the Sun King Mobile that has a separate solar panel, detachable stand and a USB slot that enables it to charge mobile phones, and the Sun King Pro 2 an upgrade from the original Sun King Pro, the Sun King Pro 2 has 2 USB slots, a 3.3W separate solar panel and 3 brightness settings.

“I wanted to reduce torch battery cost since I had to buy them three times a week, my daughter was failing a lot at school so I bought the solar light so that she could have more reading hours. My daughter now is number one in her Standard 6 class.” Frolence – Mother from Karonga District, Malawi

In Malawi, 91% of the population is living without electricity, having to spend money on expensive torch batteries, impractical candles or dangerous and polluting paraffin on a daily basis. However; just like Frolence all that can be eliminated with a SunnyMoney solar light.


The S20


A favourite for single-room housing the S20 provides up to 8 hours of clean, bright 360-degree space lighting for any environment or focused light for studying, working, or cooking. It has a detachable handle and includes an integrated solar panel that makes recharging simple and easy. The S20 can be carried, hung or placed on any surface to effectively illuminate the surrounding area. With a battery life of 5 years and a 2 year replacement warranty, the S20 is a great cost efficient, cleaner and brighter alternative to paraffin, kerosene and other polluting lighting options. Suggested Retail Price: MK 6,500



The Marathoner Beacon MB2-380



The MB2-380 is a truly dynamic tri lamp lighting system. After just a single day charge the two secondary lamps give up to 70 hours of light while the primary lamp offers up to 150 hours of clean, bright light. This solar solution comes with a separate 5.5 watt solar panel and a torch/infrared remote control that allows users to change the brightness of the lamps from a distance. A charge indicator shows how many more hours of light it can offer before its next charge.

The MB2-380 can also charge mobile phones via a built in USB port, plus those with access to electricity may use the AC adapter as a charging option. Durable, impact resistant and waterproof the MB2-380 comes with a standard 2 year warranty and may be mounted on any surface or used as a portable handheld torch. Suggested Retail Price: MK 50,000


About SunnyMoney

SunnyMoney, founded by SolarAid, is a social enterprise that uses an innovative business model to sell and distribute solar lights in off-grid Africa to end dependency on costly, toxic kerosene. SolarAid is a UK-based international charity that believes in business-based solutions to poverty and climate change. By building a sustainable market for solar products SolarAid and SunnyMoney aim to eradicate the kerosene lamp from Africa by 2020.
For more information about SunnyMoney Malawi, please contact:

Phone: +265 (0) 997 034 806 / 0881 582 776
Email: info.malawi@sunnymoney.org

Physical Addresses:

Grey Building (office 13), next to Deekay Suppliers, in front of the DC office, Colby Road, Area 3, Lilongwe

Sunbird Mzuzu Hotel Complex (office 12), Mzuzu

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2261, Lilongwe, Malawi


SunnyMoney Global Media : Email: cindy.kerr@sunnymoney.org
Phone : +254 (0) 738 670 759 Website: www.sunnymoney.org

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tedx Conferences coming to Malawi - Ideas worth spreading


If you are an avid follower one of the worlds famous conferences for Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED), then you should plan to attend a TEDx Lilongwe conference on 25th May 2013

For the first time Malawi will host its own independently organised TEDx event at Crossroads Hotel Auditorium from 8am to 4pm. Presenters will include Business Consultants, Software Developers and Environmental Activists.

TED is a global set of conferences founded in 1984 by Richard Saul Wurman as a one off event with an emphasis on technology and design in the Silicon Valley, America. The annual conference began in 1990 in Monterey, California. However over the years it has turned into a global event attracting speakers of influence from various sections of the society.

The TED main conference with the slogan 'ideas worth spreading' is held annually in Long Beach, California with other events livestreamed throughout the US, Europe and Asia. They address a wide range of topics within the research and practice of science and culture often through storytelling.

TEDx was started in 2009 when TED started granting licences to third parties to organize independent TED live events internationally. TEDx Lilongwe has been granted this licence and will hold Malawi's first ever TEDx event following the successful organisation of two livestreaming TED events at The Living Room early this year.

Speakers to a TED event are given a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most enganging ways they can. Past presenters include Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Richard Dawkins, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende, Gordon Brown and Al Gore.

The 25th May TEDx Lilongwe event will include speakers like Dr Matthews Mtumbuka  Airtel Malawi Director of IT; Business Consultant Henry Kachaje; Educator and Blogger Steve Sharra; the boy who harnessed the wind Willian Kamkwamba will speak live from the US, Software Developer and Open Source Evangelist, Edmond Kachale; Architeture Lecture at the Polytechnic, Chitsanzo Lamba-Isaac; Ellen Doherty a social documentary photographer and Heather Lulu Maseko a youthful Climate Change and Environmental Activist.

Tickets to the event are sold at The Living Room and Papaya. They are going at K5000 for the whole day including lunch and refreshments.

You can get more information by emailing organiser@tedxlilongwe.com or visit their website.  You can follow them on twitter or Facebook.

Dr Chakwera should stand as an independent candidate in 2014

He is very charismatic, eloquent with an American accent, full of passion for his country and he is probably the best thing that has happened to Malawi politics in recent times. From the day the former President of Malawi Assemblies of God, Reverend Dr Lazarus Chakwera, announced his candidature for Malawi Congress Party presidency, various quarters have expressed their reactions both positive and negative.  From the reactions one cannot fail to notice that he is one of the few respected and principled people that Malawi needs to move away from the recycled politicians who grace our podiums. However,  just like some commentators have pointed out,  the 'man of God' is wrong to contest for Malawi's oldest party's presidency. He should consider putting his face on the 2014 Tripartite Elections ballot as an independent candidate. Here are my reasons:

1. Reverend Dr Chakwera is joining the same people he is trying to runaway from. Here is a candidate selling himself as a man full of integrity and ready to transform the political landscape of the country. His whole entry into politics is based on cleaning up the mess these recycled politicians have created. It is ironic enough to  see that he is lining up to contest with the same recycled politicians in their party, using the same rules they themeselves made and can change them at will to siut their egos. Simply put, Dr Chakwera is a sheep among wolves, playing the wolves game expecting to remain a sheep at the end.

To win the MCP presidency, Dr Chakwera needs the support of voting delegates to the  MCP convention. From my point of view these are party die hards who are the custodians of the four cornerstones of Unity, Loyalty, Obedience and Discipline. These are people who love their original party and are resistant to change to the extent that they still wear Kamuzu cloth even after 16 years without him.  To win the hearts of these diehards and party zealots is not only a hard nut to crack but it might require the Chakwera camp to use some ways that will not leave the integrity of the man of God intact.

Forget about the excitement that Dr Chakwera's joining politics has brought to the religions majority, the media or the various other quarters which have welcomed it. These do not vote in conventions! The MCP delegates will have to decide if the Dr Chakwera labelled drinks are enough motivation to move their loyalty away from Hon. John Tembo or the other familiar MCP members like Beston Majoni, Lovemore Munlo, Jodder Kanjere, Lyton Dzombe, Eston Kakhome or even Chris Daza.

2. Dr Chakwera is dividing the people who were ready to support him in transforming the nation. He is loved by people from various sections if the country. He is fit fir the national race as he us able to command support from most parties, regions, and various religious groups are ready to support him. If goes on the ballot paper alone with his integrity intact, he brings in the type of leader that is currently missing from those who have already shown interest. Malawians believe that his reputation speaks more than the speeches of orange, blue and yellow party colors. Unfortunately some of these people will not want to be associated with the MCP and would rather vote for another candidate than Chakwera and his MCP (will it be his?).

3. What next if he fails to win the MCP presidency? From the little interviews Dr Chakwera has made,  his eyes are set at transforming Malawi and not the MCP. Very little is said about what he will do for the party. Should one be excused to think that he wants to use MCP as a vehicle of winning the country's Presidency and then dump it? Are we going to see another Bingu like in 2005? Will he be an ordinary  party member if he looses at the convention? He should go for the bigger picture now and contest at a bigger stage before it is too late. Leave MCP to its owners.

4. Pressure from the MCP MPs and followers. One biggest challenge politicians in the country have faced and are still facing is to rise above party politics. There is always pressure coming in from within the party rank and file. Dr Chakwera will have to deal with this and his ideas will not only be diluted when they go through the party caucases but they might not see the light of the day. Unless he plans to be a dictator and impose his ideas on the party people, i dont see him contradicting the party that sponsors him.

5. MCP is right. It needs to screen the people who want to contest the party presidency. It makes sense that a person who has been an active member of the party for at least five years should be the one to lead the party. If Dr Chakwera has not been a member for five years he should forget about the party presidency. Some arguments driven by the Chakwera camp are that everyone was once a card carrying MCP member and that the late Kamuzu was never screened are not relevant with the current setup. Alot had to be done to save the might MCP since Malawi attained democracy in 1994. There are people who worked hard to make sure that the party should be where it is now. For some to gatecrush the convention and claim to renew their 1974 membership is not only an insult but unfair to those who have suffered the label of 'party of death' all these years. The respected Reverend is an outsider in MCP unless there is information to the contrary which has not been floated in the public domain.

Why not stand as an independent?

He has all it takes to win the nations presidency. Malawians are tired of these recycled politicians and are ready to vote for a person of great integrity who will move us forward after 50 years of stagnation. I suggest he mobilises his resources and stay away from party politics (he is above that anyway), let the parties fight for parliamentary and local government  elections. Only then will we have an independent Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Dr Chakwera will have a proper platform to practice his clean and honest politics and leave the petty politicking to part zealots.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Bar Camp Malawi 2012 - Day One

Developers and ICT enthusiasts from across Lilongwe had to brave the hot October sun, miss the breath taking match between Malawi and Ghana, and gathered for the annual BarCamp Malawi workshop.

BarCamp Malawi is international network of user-generated conferences (or unconferences). They are open, participatory, workshop events whose content is provided by participants.

This year's event has been sponsored by Google Technologies, Skyband Malawi, Baobab Health, Ultinets, DataCom and ITS Enterprises; and will run up to 14th October 2012.

As an ICT passionate blogger i managed to capture some interesting moments:

the venue, Sunbird Capital Hotel, Mulanje Room


One of the Software Developers, Kondwani Chimatiro, making a presentation on ICT incubation. Kondwani is the co-founder of Ctech and is also behind a Malawian search engine,cfinder.


'i think.....' Moderator, Precious and Lorraine sharing ideas at tea break.


Fresh from the UK, Elizabeth Kalitsiro shares what she learnt after taking part in the Velocity Conference 2012. She also took time to inspire girls to take software development seriously. Eliza also facilitated the start of ladies in tech group to start meeting shortly.




Training, training and more training!! Patricia Malunga from TechnoBrain New Horizon making a presentation on the courses they offer.



Boster Sibande making a presentation on using bio-registration.


Some of the participants.

There were also presentations from Baobab Health Trust on Touch Screen tool kits presented by Blessings Mhango and IPv6 presentation by Bram Fudzulani. Chimwemwe Kachaje challenged the participants to think of using robotics in his moving presentation on robotics. Yamiko Msosa also discussed about the fastest growing market of Android apps. He even presented figures to challenge developers to try the android apps market.

The highest moment of the workshop came when Bram Fudzulani (the Security Evangelist) led a practical SSL passwords sniffing. Participants were led through a ethical hacking exercise to learn how vulnerable our networks are.

BarCamp Malawi 2012 will continue tommorow from 9am.


You can follow these people on twitter to get real time updates of the workshop: @kristungati, @Loshaq, @ymsosa, @mulita5, @madeinmalawi, @soksmania, @Kalitsiro

You can also search these hashtags on Twitter #BarcampMW2012, #GDGMW

Monday, June 18, 2012

Mobile Banking Innovations - FMB Mobile

There is nothing i hate like spending hours and hours in a banking hall waiting to transfer money or to simply deposit cash. That's why i have always liked to use my mobile phone in making these transactions. In my quest to find the best bank which has an easy to use and user friendly mobile banking innovation, i have come across the FMB Mobile.

I opened a savings account at Limbe Leaf Tobacco company in Kanengo last week through one Direct Sales Agent, Queen Molande. I had gone to work on a machine at the Auction Floors so i happened to have 10 minutes to spare. Those ten minutes were enough to open an account and register to probably one of the best mobile banking innovation, FMB Mobile.

What is FMB Mobile?


FMB Mobile is a convenient way of accessing your FMB bank account using your mobile phone. You can easily manage your account from the comfort of your home, office or anywhere else through your mobile phone. Registration is simple, fast and free.

I registered and got confirmation in one day!

With FMB Mobile you manage your FMB Fast Account, FMB First Cash or Makwacha Account with your mobile phone for services like your account balance, mini statements, money transfers, bill payment or airtime top-up for your phone or any other phone. All that 24-hours per day, 7 days per week. You only have to visit any FMB Branch or agency if you wish to make a deposit into your account. People can even credit your account from their own FMB Account using FMB Mobile.


Key FMB Mobile services

-Balance inquiry

-Mini statement(Your last four transaction will be displayed on your phone or sent as an SMS to your phone).

-Mobile airtime top-up ( you can instantly top-up units for your own or other mobile phones (available to TNM and Airtel networks).

-Bill payments (Water and Electricity Bills)

-DSTV Subscribtion

- Money Transfer
From any other of your FMB accounts.
FMB accounts of others; you can even pay a shop owner or taxi driver who will get an SMS that you have paid!

Remittance (Ziri M’manja)

Another special mention should to go this great innovation!

With this service, one can transfer money to anyone, anytime, anywhere in Malawi even to those who do not have a bank account. All they do is receiving an sms with some digits which can be used to withdraw money on an ATM even without an ATM card!


FMB Mobile registration is absolutely free and the service fees are charged to the account and not the mobile phone. Meaning that you can still access FMB Mobile even when your cellphone has not credit!

You can get more information from their website.


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Malawi President is on Twitter!!!

Thank You Malawi! was the very first tweet from a Malawian President ever! President Mrs Joyce Banda posted her first tweet on 10th April, 3 days after assuming the presidency. Since then she has only managed to post one more tweet.

President Banda joins few other African leaders who are using the social networking site to engage their followers. The most popular African leaders on Twitter are John Atta Mills of Ghana, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, South AFrican President Jacob Zuma, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Paul Kagame has 64, 617 followers. Zambian President, Micheal Sata's twitter account is protected.

Amongst the world leaders, Barack Obama's account remains the most popular Twitter account with more than 16 Million followers according to an article by the Radio Netherlands Worldwide.

Madame Joyce Banda is also maintaining a personal website with a link to a page to her People's Party. She can also be found on Facebook.

Monday, May 14, 2012

$1 Million African News Innovation Challenge


Africa’s first major contest designed to promote the development of digital media products and innovations is now accepting applications.

African News Innovation Challenge (ANIC) will provide grants from $12,500 to $100,000 for the best projects aimed at strengthening and transforming African news media. The contest is modeled on the highly successful Knight News Challenge in the United States. Grantees will also receive technical advice, startup support and one-on-one mentoring from the world’s top media experts.

Of particular interest are proposals that improve data-based investigative journalism, audience engagement, mobile news distribution, data visualization, new revenue models and workflow systems.

The African Media Initiative (AMI), Africa’s largest association of media owners and operators, announced the contest last November as part of a pan-African initiative to spur digital experimentation and technology-driven projects and startups.

“African media have a tremendous opportunity to leapfrog the business disruption faced by media in Europe and the U.S.,” says AMI chief executive Amadou Mahtar Ba. “The growing reach of mobile networks and improving Internet access is beginning to reshape the media landscape in Africa. We believe this competition will help African news organizations stay ahead of the curve.”

Contest partners include Omidyar Network, Google, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the U.S. State Department, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

“Omidyar Network is delighted to be supporting the African News Innovation Challenge,” said Stephen King, partner at Omidyar Network. “Across the continent we are seeing innovative ways in which technology is providing people with greater access to information. This challenge is a great opportunity for journalists, entrepreneurs and technologists to join forces and help enable the African media to hold their leaders to account.”

Digital strategist Justin Arenstein is managing the initiative as part of his work with the AMI and International Center for Journalists in Washington, D.C.

HOW TO APPLY:

Entries must be submitted to the ANIC website by midnight (Central African Time) on July 10, 2012.

WHO CAN APPLY:

Proposals may be submitted by news pioneers from anywhere in the world, but entries must have an African media partner who will help develop and test the innovation. Projects that are designed for Africa will stand a better chance of receiving support.

PROJECTS OF GREATEST INTEREST:

ANIC is seeking new ways to create, discuss and share news and make quality journalism sustainable. This could include new revenue or production models, new ways to gather, produce or distribute news. Ideas that can be scaled up across the continent or replicated elsewhere are of particular interest. Preference will be given to ideas that solve bottlenecks facing Africa’s media.

THE JUDGING PROCESS

Winning projects will be selected by an ANIC panel of judges, following public voting and a review by an international jury.

About ICFJ

The International Center for Journalists is a non-profit organization that advances quality journalism worldwide. Its programs combine the best professional standards with the latest digital innovations. ICFJ believes that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition.

About AMI

The African Media Initiative is the continent’s largest umbrella association of African media owners, senior executives and other industry stakeholders. AMI’s mandate is to serve as a catalyst for strengthening African media by building the tools, knowledge resources and technical capacity for African media to play an effective public interest role in their societies. This mandate includes assisting with the development of professional standards, financial sustainability, technological adaptability and civic engagement.

About Google Inc.

Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top Web property in all major global markets. Google's mission in Africa is to make the Internet an integral part of every day life in Africa, by increasing its relevance and usefulness, eliminating access barriers for potential users, and developing products that are meaningful for countries in the region. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit http://www.google.com/africa, see our Africa Blog, http://google-africa.blogspot.com/ or follow us on Twitter twitter.com/googleafrica

About Omidyar Network

Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives. Established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, the organization invests in and helps scale innovative organizations to catalyze economic and social change. To date, Omidyar Network has committed more than $500 million to for-profit companies and non-profit organizations that foster economic advancement and encourage individual participation across multiple investment areas, including financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, property rights, consumer Internet, mobile and government transparency. To learn more, visit www.omidyar.com.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Malawi Posts Corporation's Fast Cash Money Transfer

I never thought that i will set my foot in a post office again! I had altogether given up the idea of writing letters with the advent of new technologies. However the past three months has seen me going to various post offices over 10 times. All these times i was there to send or receive money through the Fast Cash Money Transfer.

Sending and receiving money has never been this easier! This service has won the hearts of many Malawians especially from the rural areas and students who cannot afford the luxuries of gracing the commercial banks. Post offices are strategically located in all the districts of Malawi and are serving the rural folks efficiently.

Fast Cash Money Transfer is an initiative of Cash For Africa and is operating in many African countries. As an agent, Malawi Posts Corporation is doing its best to make this service successful despite some challenges faced.

Challenges


Network - This is one biggest challenge that Fast Cash is facing. Most of countries post offices are deep in remote areas where maintaining a network is a very daunting task. Since the service involves communication through computers over a network, it some times slows down the process of sending or receiving money.

Electricity blackouts - This is a song everyone in Malawi knows by now. Without electricity no transaction takes place. This becomes worse if the blackouts are prolonged.

No Money - There as been situations where the destination post office has no enough money to pay the receiver. Since the money sent is no physically transfered to the receiving post office, it is believed that the post offices income is used to give the receiver. In some rural areas, people had to wait for days to get the amount sent to them. I had a case when my mother was sent back because the post office did not have enough money to give her. She had to come again several times. This is mostly because the post office is not making enough money from various sales.

Congestion - Most of the people who are using this service in urban places are using it as an alternative to the congested banks and sending to their relatives who have no bank accounts. However as a lot of people discover the efficiency of this service, more and more people are using it thereby crowding the once dormant post offices.

Even though the Fast Cash Money Transfer is transforming the outlook and the image of the Malawi Posts Corporation, there is need to do more to win back the faith of many Malawians. In these technology times we cannot afford to post a letter to Blantyre and wait for a week!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Malawi's First female President names her cabinet - here is a full list.

Exactly ninteen days after swearing in as Malawi's first female President and Africa's second, Her Excellency Mrs Joyce Banda has named her cabinet. Joyce Banda who took over from the late Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika has roped in some faces from the former ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party and the opposition, United Democratic Front. Here is a full list.

Her Excellency the State President: Mrs. Joyce Banda who is also Commander in-Chief of Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service, Minister responsible for the Public Service, Statutory Corporation, Civil Service Administration, National Relief and Disaster Management and Nutrition and HIV/Aids

Vice-President and Minister of Health: Rt. Hon. Khumbo Kachali

Minister of Finance: Dr Ken Lipenga MP (retained from the previous cabinet)

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: Hon Ephraim Mganda Chiume MP (retained but given a different portfolio)

Minister of Education, Science and Technology: Eunice Kazembe MP

Minister of Energy, Mining : Hon. Cassim Chilumpha MP (resigned today from the UDF and joined People's Party)

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Services: Hon. Anita Kalinde MP

Minister of Economic Planning & Development: Hon. Atupele Muluzi MP (from the opposition party, UDF)

Minister of Justice and Attorney General: Hon Ralph Kasambara

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security: Hon Peter Nelson Mwanza MP (retained from the previous cabinet)

Minister of Transport and Public Works: Hon. Sidik Mia MP (retained from the previous cabinet)

Minister of Water Development and Irrigation: Bizwick Muheya MP (retained)

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development: Hon. Grace Zinenani Maseko MP

Minister of Information & Civic Education: Moses Kunkuyu MP

Minister of Industry and Trade:
Hon. John Bande MP (retained)

Minister of Lands and Housing: Hon. Henry Phoya MP (joined People's Party today from the Malawi congress Party)

Ministers of Home Affairs: Hon. Uladi Mussa MP (ditched the party he formed, Malavi People's Party and joined People's Party today)

Minister of Defence: Ken Kandodo MP

Minister of Tourism and Culture: Hon. Daniel Liwimbi MP (retained)

Minister of Labour: Hon Eunice Makangala MP

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Management: Hon Catherine Gotani Hara MP (retained and promoted to a full minister)

Minister of Youth and Sports: Enoch Chakufwa Chihana MP (from the Alliance for Democracy)

Minister of Disability and Elderly Affairs: Reen Kachere MP (retained)





Deputy Ministers

Deputy Minister of Finance: Ralph Jooma MP

Deputy Minister of Economic Planning and Development: Khwauli Msisya MP (from Alliance for Democracy)

Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare: Jennifer Chilunga MP

Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development: Augustine Mtendere MP

Deputy Minister of Transport and Public Works: Sosten Gwengwe MP

Deputy Minister of Education Science and Technology: Chikumbutso Hiwa MP

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security: Jerome Ulemu Chilapondwa MP

Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Management: Ibrahim Matola MP (from the opposition, UDF)

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation: Rachel Mazombwe

However missing on the list is the name of Malawi Congress Party President, Hon John Tembo, Goodal Gondwe and the late Presidents brother, Peter wa Mutharika who was the Foreign Affairs Minister. Earlier reports indicated that Tembo was tipped to be the Second Vice President.

Meanwhile Parliament will convene for a budget session on 18th May and it remains to be seen as to how the sitting arrangement will be following the transfer or power from DPP to PP and the mass defections which are taking place.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Malawi President's health / death - Where to get reliable news

Every Malawian is talking about the health / death of President Bingu wa Mutharika following news that he was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital in the Capital, Lilongwe on Thursday 5th April. While some reputable news sites are reporting that the President has died after suffering a heart attack, there is still no official communication on his health status from the government. News sites like BBC, CNN, France24 and Reuters have all reported of the death of the Malawi President.

At a 10 minute press conference held by the Information Minister Hon. Patricia Kaliati and other 4 senior government officials, government failed to make it clear on the health of the President. However the conference was held to clear the mist on the issues regarding succession of the President. Kaliati only said that government will make a statement tomorrow (today).

Following the information blackout government has chosen to take, many Malawians and and other observers have resorted to the use of Social Media (Facebook and Twitter) Since there is too much information being published i have created a list of sites and individuals you can follow to get up to date news, opinions and latest rumours.

1. You can listen online to Zodiak Broadcasting Radio , Read Nyasa Times, Malawi Voice, Maravi Post, Malawi Democrat, Malawi Today and Face of Malawi.

2. For all the tweets talking about Malawi i (@kristungati) have created a site to aggregate them all visit Malawi on Twitter

3. Kondwani Munthali's blog is well updated with accurate information.

4. Mabvuto Banda who write for alot of international media houses also maintains an in depth blog and updates it as the news happen. Mabvuto is also on Twitter - @bvutoB

5. Rebecca Chimjeka is also updating her blog with news from the corridors of power.

6. Kim Yi Dionne's love for Malawi and Africa keeps her very much in touch with news about Malawi. She blogs about well researched and professional issues about Malawi. She is more active on Twitter as @dadakim

7. Though Jimmy Kainja is not writing about the Malawi President's health / death on his blog, he is more active about that on Twitter. Follow @jkainja

8. Follow Fredrick Bvalani on twitter @fredbvalani

9 Follow the Nation newspaper on twitter @malawination and they are updating their news website as it happens

10. Austin Madinga @austinmadinga


11. Idriss Ali Nassah on twitter @mynassah

12 Waswa @malebopo

13. Capital Radio Malawi @CapitalRadioMW

14 Lawyer Wapona Kita on Facebook

15 Civil activist Billy Mayaya on Facebook

16. Dannie Grant Phiri on Facebook

17. Mzondi Lungu on Facebook

18. Sugzo Khunga on Twitter @sugzokhunga

19. Bright Mhango on Facebook and Twitter as @mutafire

20. Edmond Kachale on Twitter as @ceekays

21 Stanley Onjezani Kenani on Twitter as @onjezani

22. Ben Chiza Mkandawire on Facebook and Twitter as @khadiba

23 Chimwemwe Msuku on twitter @chimwemwemsuku

24. Malawi Voice on Twitter as @malawivoice

25. Towards Malawi Elections 2014 on Facebook and @Malawi2014 on Twitter

26. Face of Malawi on Twitter as @malawinews365


You can also join and follow news on these Facebook groups:

People's Party , Malawi Freedom Network, Occupy Parliament Malawi, Malawi at 50: Towards a New Crop of Malawian Leaders Youth Association For the Restoration of Democracy in Malawi YARDEMA and Capital Radio Malawi.


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Sugar woes in Malawi - {PICS}

Sugar has suddenly become a very precious commodity in Malawi and people are queuing in various stores to buy the precious commodity. I managed to take a few pictures this morning at Chipiku Plus along Chilambula road in Lilongwe.

Here customers are allowed to buy one 2KG packet at MK450.



















Tuesday, November 29, 2011

OCCUPY MALAWI PARLIAMENT: NOTICE OF PROTEST VIGIL IN THE CAPITAL CITY (LILONGWE)

OCCUPY PARLIAMENT-we are the 99%, they are the 1%

NOTICE OF PROTEST VIGIL IN THE CAPITAL CITY

Against Greed in the National Assembly



The Forum for Defence of Democracy (FDD) is coordinating a mass (peaceful) vigil in the Capital City for at least five days starting from Monday, 5th December 2011 up to Friday, 9th December 2011 and beyond if need be.
The aim of the vigil is, among other things, to convey the public outrage due to the proposed increase of over 300% on M.P.'s pay packages and peripheral benefits whilst we, the ordinary Malawian voters suffer miserable agony amidst economic mismanagement manifested by the ongoing fuel and forex crises,punitive taxes on essential goods and services, shortages of medicines etc, and spiralling costs of living that plague our daily lives.
The vigil will be situated directly opposite Parliament in Lilongwe, which will ideally attract maximum attention from Members of Parliament, Civil Servants, Ministers and hopefully, the Head of State.

Our intention is to hold this vigil in a peaceful manner which would conform to any democratic standards and indeed, is our inalienable right as enshrined in S38 of our Republican Constitution which states: “Every person shall have the right to assemble and demonstrate with others peacefully and unarmed”.

Let us reiterate that any disturbances, disruptions and violent acts will be caused by outsiders who have no respect for Rule of Law or the Constitution in pursuit of their narrow interests. we therefore urge the Police Service, in the strongest possible terms, to provide adequate protection for the vigilants and to ward off any potential damage on property and lives of the citizenry that may be inflicted by immoral and unethical thuggery.

These issues affect all of us, no matter which side of the fence we choose to sit upon. We thus invite all Malawians to join us in this protest vigil to express our total rejection of this situation. We are entitled to a better life that we work so hard for, now let us stand up and demand it from our elected servants.
For those who can please bring a tent.
Let us stand up and say:
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - NO MORE” NO MORE!!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Your Facebook Profile speaks alot

As of June 30 2011, there were 82,720 Malawians on Facebook and 716,400 people were using the internet in Malawi representing 4.5% of the population. This shows how much people are using the social networking site. Gone are the days when you could sign up on Facebook using a fake name or a fake account because it is proving to be a vital networking tool to the thousands of Malawians using it. You will only be left out if you decide to use a false account. Your profile is the first thing that impresses a friend you are trying to connect with. I got a friend request from someone calling himself, Wasuta Chamba Banda and another one Kunyenga Kunyenga, i immediately ignored those requests because i don't want such people on my timeline and they are not real.

Many people are using the information we post on our profiles to assess and analyze various aspects of our lives. In fact i usually check the profiles of people who comment on my posts or in the other groups i have joined. I have a special group of people whom i value the comments they make because they contain substance. Reputable companies are getting information of their employees on Facebook, people are finding marriages and other important relationships on the site. Business deals, promotion of events, advertising are all being done faster and free of charge on Facebook. One might argue that LinkedIn is better placed to do this but Facebook is commonly used in Malawi than LinkedIn.

I know of some people who still refuse to open accounts on Facebook calling it a satanic tool and yet many more lives are transformed, encouraged and inspired on this very site. It is a debate which i don't like to to take part simply because i have a conflict of interest being a christian in the technology field.

It is very important to be honest with whatever you are posting on Facebook and other internet sites because it reflects on who you are. I have made friends from many corners of the world through what i have been posting on the internet. Several people have traveled from their places to pay me a visit in Malawi when we only met on Facebook or Twitter. I have been asked to give an opinion on many projects to be done in Malawi because my readers know that i am on the ground because of what i have on my profile. Even my pictures are real giving confidence to those who follow me. There is no way Vincent Kumwenda can have a picture of Cristiano Ronaldo as a profile picture!

We are living in a world that values knowledge so it is important to share everything you know. These social networking sites gives us that platform to share knowledge. It also gives us a chance to interact with friends we have missed for a long time, who are far away. We cannot always afford to call them, all we can do is to drop them an email in their inbox or post on their wall. We can also update them on what is happening by posting pictures and videos. I have communicated with friends in many districts by simply posting pictures on my wall.

Facebook, though, does not replace face to face relationships. I am one of the people who is more talkative online but am not a good friend when it comes to real chatting, but i try to adjust to live a real life. At some point people were complaining that i spend much time with my smart phone than with the friends, but am now adjusting. I still have my phone everywhere i go and will always jump on the chance to reply and email, update my status or comment on someone's status. Friends at some point even feared that i will post everything they said on Facebook.

Too much of posting is also dangerous and can read to people using your information to your disadvantage. In advanced societies, thieves use location based sites, like Foursquare and Facebook Places to track down their targets. They can use your status updates to plan a robbery at your place, steal your car or other things. Hackers ca also have access to your sensitive information. They can easily access what you have posted willingly or get access to your computers and steal important information.

Oppressive governments tend to gather information on the internet to track down its opponents. Am yet to read or hear of someone who has been arrested in Malawi for posting on Facebook about the current regime. However we are not to rule out this possibility in the coming days. Even us bloggers are getting ready for huge censorship in the coming days. As of now Malawians are free to voice out their concerns through their status updates, comments and posting in groups that have been created on Facebook.

For now, you will enjoy real time chat on Facebook if you choose to be yourself.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Malawians are doing serious business on Facebook

Gone are the days when you could log in on Facebook simply because you don't have anything serious to do or just to update your status. Malawians have found a way of using this social networking site to do serious business. From the popular Malawi Fuel Watch to the Lets do business group, Malawians have enough reasons to spend more time on the Mark Zuckerberg's website.

People are selling and buying various things on this page free of charge. Ranging from Cars, Cellphones, Clothes, Computers and even advertising various services, Malawians are really making big money. The group now has 2461 members as of today, 24 October 2011.

To join the group you send a request to the group's email address: lets.do.business@groups.facebook.com and you will be added by any member of the group.

At least you can now take a break from commenting the various political groups that have been created on Facebook and do something that will bring food on your table!



Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Malawi Vigil Injunctions lifted. Not sure if I will attend 21st September 2011 vigil

The High Court has ruled that there should be nationwide demonstrations and vigils on September 21 as planned by the civil society.

Concerned citizens led by Dr. Yohane Mlambe, through lawyers Christopher Chiphwanya and Frank Mbeta sought an injunction to block nationwide vigils arguing “organising any nationwide demonstrations, vigils or mass protests poses national security threats”. This is a second ruling for the day on the same injunction after the court gave a similar ruling earlier in the morning. The defense team later appealed.

This means the vigil is on tomorrow in all the cities pending the authorities given by the city fathers of the respective cities.

However, am yet to decide if i will be part of the 21 September vigil. Am finding it hard to make a decision because i think this is not the way we should be taking as a country. I very much want to see things change in this country but i prefer a peaceful way. The only reason i took part in the 20 July demonstration was because i thought they will be peaceful only to see a different picture.

If you see me at the vigil tomorrow is simply to update you people who visit my blog. I will go there to get first hand information about things that are happening. I will be updating on twitter, Facebook, Google + and on this blog just to let the whole world know what is happening.

A few minutes before writing this post, i was watching a video of the 20 July demonstrations victims in Mzuzu. Its a very sad and touching video of how these people died and the bullet wounds that they had. I could not fail to shed a tear at what i was seeing. I feel sorry for the families these victims left behind. I dont want this to happen again. Not to me or to any person. I can send you the videos if you email me.

I love my country, Malawi so much so that i will not want to see it going astray simply because some people could not agree on two or three things. I would rather stay home and pray than demonstrate and destroy other peoples property.

Finally, am not clear on why we are demonstrating on 21 September. Or i have not been given enough information. I tried my best to ask for more information from the organisers on why we should hold a vigil but they were not clear. I searched for news in their various updates and releases but still could not be convinced. I also wonder where they got the mandate to hold these vigils after the 20 July demonstrations. Did they ask the people their views? Did they hold rallies or consultations? Who are they speaking for this time around?

I have not been bought as some of you might suggest because am not that cheap. I love my country so much that i will do anything in my capacity to make it a better place to live. Am a nobody in other people's eyes but a very important person to my family, workplace, church and friends.


God bless Malawi

Friday, September 9, 2011

Malawi Gospel Music Project X - Concept Paper

Last week i promised to publish a concept paper for the project that we are running together with the youth of St James CCAP called Project X. Here is the paper. If you fill like helping us in any way please contact us using the details below. We welcome any type of help at this stage.


PROJECT – X CONCEPT

1.0 PROJECT SUMMARY

Project –X is an idea that came about to unearth, improve, and promote raw talent which God has invested in some members of the Youth Ministry. Through various means, we identify talented youths, bring them together and train them for a period to make them established and mature artist.

We believe that there are a lot of talented youths in our ministry who need to be guided and trained to use their talents in worshiping God and uplifting both their spiritual and physical lives.

Project – X desires to give a chance to every individual to become a complete artist. In order to achieve this, we plan to help the youth to compose, practice, and record their original composition. At the end of the first mission, we will compile an album comprising of songs from the artists. We also plan to shoot a DVD of these songs. To achieve this, we are engaging various professionals in this field.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

1. To unearth, improve, and promote raw music talent
2. To improve the quality of gospel music
3. To advise and train the youth in the areas of vocal production, stage setting and performance, studio work and all areas pertaining to music.
4. To conduct seminars and forums for the youth through some established professionals
5. To come up with an established record label for Young Christian music artists that will be modeled on established labels like Integrity Music and Hill song
6. To become an established group that will use various talents we have to reach out to young people in various learning institutions with the gospel

3.0 ACTIVITIES

In order to achieve objectives and attain our goals, we have outlined a number of activities and some are already underway like:
3.1 Auditions

We used a very mature way to identify fifteen youths whom we have started the project with. Emphasis was placed on the potential one has and musical talent he/ she has demonstrated. We treat music in general from composition to stage performance.

3.2 Training Sessions

We do meet every Friday and Sunday for practices which involves various aspects of music which covers a period of about five hours. Our training also involves lessons from various people who we invite to teach on given topics.

3.3 Studio Test

Occasionally, we do go to the studios to do some studio work with various producers to give an exposure to the artists about what to expect once we start full recording of our music. So far we have recorded one song.

3.4 Album/ DVD compilation

As the whole idea behind Project – X is to make all the fifteen youths complete solo artists, we plan to compile an album with contributions from all the artists involved in the project.

3.5 Talent Explosion Shows

One way to make the artist mature enough is to expose them to a larger audience. Project – X will organize shows together with other promoters and will also take time to attend other music show to be exposed to the bigger stages.

3.6 Seminars/forums/workshops

We organize music workshops to train the selected artists. These workshops also concentrates on some issues to do with what it means to be Christian music artist like how to handle fame, maintain a Christian life style. We invite established people for these clinics.

4.0 TIME FRAME

The project initially started in may 2011 and the first mission is expected to be completed by early October, 2011 with the release of the first compilation album.
Plans are also in place to make Project- X a fully fledged band in the near future funds permitting.
In the next 3-5 years, it is our desire to the artists who have gone through project- x making it big the music industry and also in the Christian circles as artists like being worship leaders and evangelists.

5.0 FUNDRAISING

For the first few months of the project start, some members within the project will contribute towards the running of the project. We plan to approach various people and organizations with this concept to seek sponsorship for the project and also to partner the project. Funds will be needed to organize training sessions, visits to learning institutions, studio sessions, music shows and production of the first compilation and DVD.

5.1 Funding or partnering Project-X

We seek to partner with any organization that will embrace our idea and we are ready to assist in promoting the organization in return. Ways of partnering may include:
• Offering advertising space in our DVDs, music album
• Organizing music shows in partnership with the organization
• Sponsorship of various activities being undertaken by project- X
• Releasing our team to do some assignments as per the partner’s request
• Being involved in production of promotional materials for the organization and its products

5.2 Other fundraising means

Through talent explosions, we plan to raise some of the funds needed to make Project – X a success. We also plan to be selling T-Shirts and conducting raffle draws in our shows. We also plan to sell our product at affordable prices in order for us to reach out to a larger audience.

6.0 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Project – X is a brainchild of youths from St James C.C.A.P Youth ministry and is closely monitored by both the leadership of the youth grouping and the church leadership. Even though it is under an established youth ministry, our plan as project –X is to reach out to all young people of all faiths.
Project – X is being directed by Vincent Kumwenda with the full backing of St James Bible Class Youth Ministry’s music department.

Success of the project will be measured by the number of youths who will graduate having undergone trainings provided through the project and how they will be fairing as the main objective of the project is to shape these young people into accomplished solo artists. Apart from that, the quality of music and mature composition of songs and the holding of successful events by the Project will be anther check point.

One of the objectives of Project – X is to reach out to people in various learning institutions with message of salvation and Christian morals. We shall carry out a continuance evaluation of the success of these outreaches to see the impact of these on the youth we are reaching out to.

Project – X will also aim at bridging the gap that is in the gospel music community in terms of the quality of compositions and music being played in various quarters. Mature Praise and Worship music is our goal and that what we desire to present to the local and international audience as a whole.

7.0 CONCLUSION

We are driven by the passion we have for Christian music and for young talented Christians. This passion is enough to take us and the whole Project to greater heights. Project – X will create a big mark in the history of Christian music both in worship and evangelism. We are very determined to bring the success like that of Hillsong to Malawi and this part of Africa.

Contacts:

Project – X Coordinator.
C/o St James Bible Class Youth Ministry,
P.O. Box 58
Blantyre
Tel: +265 212 956 320 / +265 (0) 1 605 911
Email: vkumwenda@gmail.com/ cassiusndovie@gmail.com
Att: Vincent Kumwenda / Cassius Ndovie
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Thursday, September 8, 2011

TransWorld Radio Malawi Celebrates 25 Years on FM - Press Release


Update on and Appeal for Support towards TWR Malawi

Silver Jubilee Celebrations

Trans World Radio (TWR) a non-denominational broadcaster seeks the support of individuals, friends, companies, churches and partners towards the celebration of 25 years of work in Malawi.

Since 1986 when its radio work officially started, TWR has seen thousands of lives transformed in Malawi and beyond. This year, we are also celebrating ten years (from 2001) of broadcasting on a national FM network with a clean signal using English, Chichewa, Chitumbuka and Chiyao.

Hundreds of testimonies through letters, emails, SMS and personal meetings abound each month. Many Malawians in one way or the other have been impacted by TWR through its shortwave broadcasts in the early years when work was pioneered by among others former MBC broadcaster Mr. Pearson Chunga (based in Swaziland).

As such, we have organized listener celebrations in Mzuzu on Sunday 25th September 2011 at Katoto Freedom Park. Later on the main celebrations move to Blantyre on Sunday 16th for an inter-denominational thanksgiving morning Service and an open celebration show in the afternoon. The main closing event is on Saturday 22nd October at Lilongwe Community Centre Ground.

Ahead of that other special activities include having women take full charge of the airwaves beginning Monday 12th Sept to 18th September. This is to let women who have never been on air to celebrate in a special way by handling basic production and presenting radio programmes. A similar opportunity was made for the children in August during their school holiday.

TWR is also working on installing a new transmitter in Mchinji and host an appreciation dinner on Friday 21st October. The funds raised will go towards the expansion of TWR FM signal to Karonga and Chitipa.

Operating under the theme is “Thus far, has the Lord helped us” from 1 Samuel 12:7, the Silver Jubilee celebrations are an opportunity to celebrate God’s goodness to and through TWR Malawi in the last 25 years, launch a new listeners’ radio project and see a strengthened resource base.

TWR remains committed to holistic programming thereby build good character in the citizens in addition to helping the Church in its mission to reach people through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. We remain committed to provide information, inspiration and entertainment in Malawi.

As such ongoing financial support, patronage and sponsorship especially in this special season will help TWR continue to being useful to Malawi and beyond. For details on how to support (which will be acknowledged publicly), contact the undersigned.

Signed

Victor Kaonga,
National Director (Mobile 0999338902)

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

New Malawi Cabinet Out

Malawi President, Professor Bingu wa Mutharika has finally announced a cabinet which he dissolved on August 19, 2011. Here are the names of the new ministers and their ministries effective September 6, 2011:

The State President:
His Excellency Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika
*Commander in Chief: Malawi Defense Force: Malawi Police Service
*Statutory Corporation Policy Direction, National Relief and Disaster Management
*The Civil Service and Civil Society Administration


The First Lady: Her Excellency Madam Callista Mutharika
* National Coordinator: Maternal,Nutrition, Infant and Child Health; Safe Motherhood, Malaria and TB Coordinator

Deputy Minister in the Office of the President and Cabinet - Hon Nicholas Dausi


Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - Hon. Prof. Peter Arthur Mutharika
Deputy - Hon Kondwani Nakhumwa

Minister of Finance and Development Planning - Hon. Ken Lipenga
Deputy - Hon. Cornelius Mwalwanda

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development - Hon. Prof. Peter Mwanza
Deputy - Hon. Magret Loka Mauwa
Hon. Kingsley Namakhwa

Minister of Health - Hon. Dr. Jean Kalirani
Deputy - Hon. Ralph Jooma

Minister of Education, Science and Technology - Hon. Dr. George Chaponda
Deputy; Higher Education, Science and Technology - Hon. Oteria Moyo Jere, MP

Deputy; Primary and Secondary Education: Hon. Victor Sajeni

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
- Hon. Ephraim Chiume

Minister of Youth Development and Welfare - Hon. Symon Vuwa Kaunda

Minister of Information and Civil Education - Hon. Patricia Kaliati -

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Environment - Hon. Dr. Goodall Gondwe
Deputy -Hon. Vera Faramenga Chelewani

Minister of Transport and Public Infrastructure - Hon Sidik Mia
Deputy - Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara

Minister of Industry and Trade - Hon. John Bande

Minister Lands, Housing and Urban Development - Hon. Yunus Mussa
Deputy - Hon. Rev. Christopher Ngwira

Minister of Gender, Child and Community Development - Hon. Reen Kachere
Deputy - Hon. Nasrin Pillane

Minister of Labour
- Hon. Lucius Kanyumba

Minster of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture - Hon Daniel Liwimbi

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development - Hon Hery Mussa
Deputy - Hon. Chimango Chipimpha Mughogho

Minister of Home Affairs and National Defense - Hon Aaron Sangala

Some of the notable names missing out on the list include Hon Billy Kaunda, Professor Etta Banda, Anna Kachikho and Tarsizio Gowelo. The new cabinet will be sworn in 8th September 2011 at New State House in Lilongwe from 13:00hrs.

Missing on the original list is the name of the Vice President, Hon Joyce Banda. The President has also given himself a role to look after the civil society.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

malawi president's personal house vs a citizen's house


Just wanted to compare these three pictures of peoples houses in Malawi. This is how life is like in Malawi

Mutharika's house in Ndata

Malawian kids playing outside their home.

some of the houses belonging to ordinary malawians.