By Duncan Mlanjira Most people living in the floods-prone areas of Chikwawa and Nsanje districts are reluctant to relocate to high grounds because they are afraid of losing their fertile lands because the upper land is not conducive for their subsistence farming. This was shared by civil society organisation, Centre for Development Communications (CDC) during a media interactive briefing held at at Milestones Lodge at Ngumbe in Blantyre on Thursday of its Response and Recovery Project of six districts. The project that CDC carried out with flood survivors in Nsanje,... The post Land ownership is largest hindrance for relocation of Nsanje, Chikwawa people from floods-prone areas appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira In a bid to speed up the growth of information communication technology, the Information and Communication Technology Association of Malawi (ICTAM) has revealed plans to host the country’s inaugural international ICT Expo to be held on August 22-23 at the Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe. To be held under the theme ‘ICT as a catalyst for economic growth’, ICTAM says in a press statement that the Expo will help champion policies that will develop the industry further and promote ICT usage in rural areas.... The post Malawi ICT association to hold inaugural international ICT Expo at BICC in Lilongwe appeared first on Maravi Express.

Ursula Mueller, the United Nations assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator, completed her three-day visit to Malawi, during which she met with senior government officials, humanitarian and development partners, and visited some of the people affected by the recent Cyclone Idai. Mueller undertook a joint visit to Malawi with Omar Rabi, minister plenipotentiary/political coordinator for Morocco, who was representing the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), to appreciate how UN and partners’ assistance to Malawi Government flood response has helped save lives and put the affected... The post UN deputy humanitarian chief completes visit to Malawi appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Morocco’s French coach Herve Renard, who won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire, ranking as the first coach in African history to win the African title with two different teams, now hopes for another unprecedented piece of history with Morocco’s Atlas Lions for a  third continental crown with a side that has not won the title since 1976. Renard produced one of the most scintillating results ever leading Zambia to the 2012 crown with a penalty shoot-out victory over Cote d’Ivoire and... The post Frenchman Renard banking on World Cup experience for Morocco in 2019 AFCON appeared first on Maravi Express.

Umbro has entered into a new ball partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that will see the iconic sports brand becoming the exclusive ball supplier for the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2019 in Egypt. The tournament will be played for the first time throughout June and July with 24 nations competing.   As the exclusive ball partner, Umbro will supply the CAF with the top-level Neo Pro ball, which world football governing body FIFA certified to be used at the highest level of the game. The... The post UMBRO announces new ball partnership with CAF appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira South Africa-based long distance athlete, Peter Chiwaya has bemoaned Athletics Association of Malawi’s lack of interest in the Malawian athletes who are slowly stamping their authority in their host country’s races. “My goal is to try and inspire youngsters to pick up this sport,” said Chiwaya, who won the silver medal in last Sunday’s 90km Comrades Marathon, one of South Africa’s worldwide renowned races. “I would like to help those who are needy in athletics. Through my club, Oxford Striders, I am trying to raise some running... The post SA-based athlete bemoans AAM’s lack of interest in them appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Professional Golfers Association of Malawi (PGAMW) courting the corporate world and the public in general for sponsorship of two golfers, Victor Kachepatsonga and Paul Chidale to participate at the Karen Masters 2019 tournament in Nairobi, Kenya from June 27–30 that attracts a grand US$150,000 prize money.  “We have received an outright slot invitation for the two players and already one well-wisher has identified accommodation for them in Nairobi but we are now looking for sponsorship for their flight tickets and upkeep allowances,” said PGAMW president Patridge Shycal.... The post PGA Malawi seeking sponsorship for two golfers’ participation at Kenyan tourney appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira World chess governing body, the Federation International des Echecs (Fide) has signed a brand-new cooperation agreement with the Coca-Cola  company. Coca-Cola has a long history of supporting sports, a tradition which dates back nearly a century ago.  This company is the longest continuous corporate partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since Amsterdam 1928 Games and it has helped numerous athletes and Paralympic athletes to achieve their goals. A joint statement by the two parties says working together with world-leading companies for the benefit of chess is... The post World chess governing body FIDE signs sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Mphatso Sam Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the South, Kondwani Nankhumwa has proposed that the party and its supporters should hold prayers and observing fasting following the victory at the May 21 Tripartite Elections. He was speaking during a DPP victory rally at the Njamba Freedom Park, requesting President Peter Mutharika to set aside a day where the party would be involved in prayer and fasting as part of thanks giving for the triumph in the elections. “Your Excellency, I would like to ask you to set... The post Exit Mighty DPP Victory Rally, Enters Thanksgiving Prayers appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Tione Andsen, MANA Archbishop of the Lilongwe Archdiocese, Rev Tarcisius Ziyaye has bemoaned shortage priests in the diocese as a major setback for its continued growth. He said this Sunday when he conducted a Pentecost mass at St Padre Church an outstation of Kaggwa Parish of area 49 in Lilongwe. He said the diocese is faced with a number of challenges which include shortage of priests to enable the church establish more parishes. “The present challenge is that there more demands from several outstations within the diocese who are... The post Catholic Church Facing Shortage of Priests- Archbishop Ziyaye appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Evance Chisiano The Chanco Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) wing has elected Hope Nazombe and Kenneth Mbawa as president and vice-president respectively during the wing’s elections during the weekend. Both Nazombe and Mbawa went unopposed during the elections at Chancellor College in Zomba on Saturday. Present during the elections was DPP Deputy National Youth Director, Connex Muhuwa who advised the newly elected office bearers to advance the DPP development agenda. “Let the Chanco DPP Wing emulate the DPP visionary leadership,” Muhuwa said adding that the Chanco DPP wing has roles... The post Chanco DPP Wing Elects New Leaders appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Malawian athlete from Mulanje District, Doris Fisha, ran the 2019 Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 9 in a time of 7:20hrs and earned herself a silver medal but she was forced to participate at this great event as a South African because she was denied a citizen clearance letter from Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM). Fisha is a five-time winner of the Mulanje Mountain Porters Race and she came second during last year’s Blantyre Marathon and relocated to South Africa where she joined Orcus Academy.  Just three... The post Mulanje athlete forced to run SA’s Comrades Marathon as a South African appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Mzuzu University (Mzuni) Alumni Association is set to for its elective annual general meeting (AGM), which will be held in three days — June 28-30 — as it is also a fund-raising activity at Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. The event will start on Friday, June 28 with a disco from 6pm to midnight at the Wildlife Trust Centre’s Cuneco Cafe at a fee of MK2,500 per person and the ticket will be used to buy drinks inside at a rate reduced by MK300 for every drink. The conference... The post Mzuni Alumni Association’s AGM to also act as fund-raiser in Lilongwe appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Exceptional chess talent was on display at this year’s S&S Geniuses Schools Chess Championship held at Jacaranda Cultural Centre at CFAO premises in Blantyre on Saturday that has prompted co-sponsors Stanley Onjezani Kenani Susan Musa Namangale, to pledged continued sponsorship of the tournament. Kenani is a renowned Malawian writer and newspaper columnist while Namangale is Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) president and they made their commitment after been impressed with the enthusiastic participation, coupled with the excellent display of talent from the youngsters, some as young as... The post Exceptional chess talent on display at S&S Geniuses school’s tourney appeared first on Maravi Express.

Malawi fell out twice from the 2019 Confederation of African Football Associations (Cosafa) — the semifinals of the main tournament and in the final of the Plate Section but they have come back by claiming most of the individual awards, including five Man of the Match titles in six games. Gabadinho Mhango claimed his against Seychelles, John Banda against Namibia, Gerald Phiri Jnr. against Mozambique, again Gerald Phiri against Zambia in the semifinal and John Banda against South Africa in the Plate final. Gerald Phiri was also voted player of the... The post Malawi claim 5 Man of the Match awards from 6 games appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira The co-sponsored schools’ chess development tournament by renowned Malawian writer and newspaper columnist Stanley Onjezani Kenani together with Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) president Susan Musa Namangale is back this year set for this Saturday in Blantyre. This Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) tournament, called S&S Geniuses Schools Chess Championship, with S&S standing for Stanley and Susan, is played on individual format and the prizes are chess materials such as full kit chess boards, trophies, medals, chess literature as well as drinking bottles and learning materials such... The post S&S Genuises Schools’ Tourney currently underway appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira The Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam) national club chess championship is set for July 7 and its champions shall represent Malawi at Africa Club Championship in South Africa from August 7-12. The Chessam tournament’s venue is yet to be decided after been identified through the highest number of registered teams as hosts. Number of players per team is five with a compulsory inclusion of a lady or Under-20 player on board. Time control will be 1 hour per player. And there will be quite excellent cash prizes... The post Chessam national club chess champions to participate at Africa Championship in South Africa appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi’s international mountain trail race specialist, Edson Kumwamba has finally been granted his travel Visa and air ticket to France to participate in that country’s 90km Du Mont Blanc race on June 30 and he has a new strategy in order to be on the winners’ podium by having a multi-national experts as his race crew. Kumwamba first took part in the event two years ago in which he came 20th in his debut appearance in the very mountainous race that reaches 7,000m of climbing and having... The post Kumwamba to be assisted by a multi-national experts as his race crew appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Jordan Simeon-Phiri, MEC Stringer Following the release of official Local Government and Parliamentary elections results by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice and Peace (JP) of Karonga Diocese on Wednesday brought together ward councillors from three constituencies and their Members of Parliament to an interface meeting with the community members to discuss issues affecting the mining industry in the district. Project coordinator for extractives at JP, Vincent Bwinga said the meeting that took place at Manguzi Lodge came about as a follow up of public political debates his organization... The post Newly-elected Karonga Ward Councillors commit themselves to intervene on mining activities appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Jordan Simeon-Phiri, MEC Stringer Kenneth Ndovie, who was ushered in as independent Member of Parliament for Karonga Nyungwe constituency, is under heavy criticism from the constituents for what they say is betrayal after he secretly sneaked out of Karonga last week for Blantyre where it is alleged that he, along other independent MPs met the President Arthur Mutharika to seal a deal for a possible working relationship in Parliament. This, according to the voters, is against their wish as they could have voted for the DPP’s candidate on May... The post Constituents feel betrayed by Karonga Nyungwe MP for joining the ruling DPP appeared first on Maravi Express.

Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ahmad Ahmad was on Thursday morning arrested at the Berri Hotel in Paris, by the French Central Office for the fight against corruption and financial and fiscal offenses (Oclif). According to reports published by South African online publication, soccerladuma.com and @jeune_afrique, Ahmad signed off on a deal, which benefitted the company Technical Steel, with one of the company’s bosses said to have paid a total of €739,000 (R12.3 million) to the CAF president in order to get the deal sanctioned. The news of Ahmad’s arrest... The post CAF president Ahmad arrested in France on alleged corruption charges appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira The injury that Malawian picked before the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and which he aggravated during the race in April, has come to haunt him as it has affected his hopes of participating in the Comrades Marathon scheduled for this Sunday, June 9. Paya picked up a serious injury when he strained his left leg calve muscles and after being supervised by his physio for a week, he was given the go ahead to run the 56km Old Mutual Two Oceans race. But after a while... The post Injury disturbs Imran Paya’s preparations for SA’s 90km Comrades Marathon appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Jordan Simeon-Phiri, MEC Stringer Kilupula area development committee (ADC) chairperson Nelson Mwakisulu has expressed his disappointment over failure by the three newly-elected Members of Parliament for Karonga to turn up for an engagement meeting on extractives and health governance that Justice and Peace (JP) of Karonga Diocese jointly called with Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) on Wednesday. The absent MPs were two for DPP — Mungasulwa Mwambande (Karonga North), James Kamwambi (Karonga North West) and MCP’’s Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda (Karonga Central constituency). Speaking before the commencement of... The post Karonga development committee angry with newly-elected MPs’ no show to meeting appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira  Talented female player, Lughano Nyondo’s footballing and academic talents has earned her an amazing scholarship to one of America’s finest academic institutions, Indian Mountain School, Connecticut, courtesy of the Lilongwe-based football academy, Ascent Soccer (formerly known as Chigoli Academy). Lughano Nyondo is set to become the first Malawian young female to go for a double scholarship of academic studies and football development and will become the second Ascent player to head to the US on such a scholarship after Zobran Elias, who is on a three-year scholarship... The post Ascent Soccer academy’s talented female player set for academic studies and football development in US appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi’s chess genius, FIDE Master (FM) Joseph Mwale is gradually creating a rivalry with a young Indian Grandmaster (GM), Sahaj Grover, both of whom are based in South Africa. Just two weeks ago, their rivalry came to a head when GM Grover won the Arnord Schwarzenegger Blitz by beating Mwale, who finished second. According to sportstar.thehindu.com, in March 2018, Grover beat Mwale in the final round to win Broadwalk Pearson Open in 63 moves to take his tally to 7.5 and clinch the title while the Malawian... The post Malawi’s chess genius Joseph Mwale gradually creating rivalry with Indian Grandmaster appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Charity Kagona, MANA As the  Mighty Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members continue to celebrate their election victory, Balaka Wing on Monday organised a victorious tour of the town plus a thanks-giving prayer service. The tour was aimed at celebrating the victory of President Arthur Peter Mutharika and two Members of Parliament (MPs) namely Chifundo Makande and Bertha Mackenzie Ndebele for Balaka Central East and West, respectively. DPP’s director of operations Mwai Kamuyambeni asked all political parties to unite in developing the country. “We need to hold hands despite our... The post Balaka Celebrates Mighty DPP Victory appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira  Aaron Phiri is May’s champion of the monthly Central Region Chess League (CRCL) champion of the monthly Rapid Chess Tournament, breaking the three months dominance enjoyed by Candidate Master (CM) Alfred Chinthere. The monthly tournament is one of CRCL’s  development plans in order to expose and improve the overall level of play within the country in the drive to produce highly rated players for the international stage and had been won by Chinthere since January. The tournament failed to take place in May until veteran chess player,... The post Aaron Phiri ends Chinthere’s three months dominance of CRCL Rapid Chess tourneys appeared first on Maravi Express.

The once Mighty Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporters on Tuesday demonstrated against the May 21st Presidential elections by marching  to Capital Hill, the Seat of Government, going into offices, forcing civil servants to go out of the offices. Horrified with the conduct, almost the whole Capitol Hill was vacated within minutes according to some MCP youth and some Capital Hill workers. Because of fear, Civil Servants  used different outlets, not the main entrance which was filled and blocked by MCP supporters. At one point, the Youth League were seen controlling... The post Pictorial Focus: MCP ‘Thugs’ Seals Govt Offices appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Wisdom Ngwira, MANA The May, 21, 2019 polls can best be described as the most tightly contested among the country’s three general and two tripartite elections. For the first time in Malawi’s history, an incumbent President, Peter Mutharika, who has retained power under Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), was challenged by two of his own cabinet members in the presidential race. Former Vice-President Saulos Chilima, represented UTM Party and the then health minister, Atupele Muluzi, stood on United Democratic Front (UDF) ticket. The country’s oldest political party, Malawi Congress Party... The post Election That Ended Dominions, Thumps Up Mutharika appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Malawi and other southern African countries have been invited to participate at this year’s Zambia Open International Chess Championships to be held at the Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka from June 27 to July 3. And top on the bill are three Grandmasters (GMs), namely Hesham Abdelrahman from Egypt, Petr Kiryakov from Russian and Sahaj Grover from India. “We have also extended and invitation to regional International Masters (IMs) by offering them free accommodation and free entry registrations,” said the tournament’s technical director, Chanda Nsakanya. “We... The post Zambia Open Chess Championships dates three Grandmasters appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Maravi Express Reporter Malawi, Zambia  and other sub-Sahara African countries stand to benefit from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to approve a mobile HIV viral load diagnostic test kit called m-PIMA™ HIV-1/2 V, which has been designed by global healthcare company, Abbot. The m-PIMA™ HIV-1/2 V is specifically designed for resource-limited settings such as in sub-Saharan Africa, and WHO has given Abbot prequalification approval (WHO PQ). “m-PIMA HIV-1/2 VL is the only truly portable molecular point-of-care test designed specifically for use in resource-limited settings such as in sub-Saharan... The post Malawi, Zambia to benefit from new HIV test kit by global healthcare company Abbott appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira South Africa’s Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng will join two exceptional Malawians, Reverend Dr. Zacc Kawalala of Word Alive Ministries International and Justice Dr Chifundo Kachale, a Judge in the High Court of Malawi as motivational speakers during this year’s Dynamic Leaders and Gatekeepers Forum to be held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on June 14-15. To be held under the theme ‘Leadership and Faith in Our World’, the conference bids to enhance wholesome leadership in Malawi as it coincides with the newly-elected government following... The post Dynamic Leaders and Gatekeepers Forum set to enhance national leadership appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira  This year’s Parliamentary elections have been intriguing in that most of those who have fallen have been the ones who triumphed over the ones who have now been voted in 2014 elections. In Chitipa East, Chizamsoka Oliver Mulwafu of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the elections in 2014, beating Kezzie Kasambala Msukwa of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and this time it is the reversal of roles. In Karonga Central, independent Frank Tumpale Mwenifumbo, who was also the United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential running mate has... The post 54 Parliamentarians retain their seats appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Out of the 192 Members of Parliament voted into the august House, only 44 are women, defeating the 50-50 campaign that was rigorous conducted across the country by various civil society organizations in conjunction with Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare. Of the 44 women MPs, DPP has 18 representatives, 14 are independents, MCP has 9, UDF has 2 while UTM has one. The women MPs for DPP are Martha Mzomera Chiuluntha-Ngwira (Mzimba Hora); Martha Lunji Mhone Chanjo (Nkhotakota North East); Esther Asumani Majaza (Mchinji... The post 50-50 campaign not achieved; just 44 women MPs voted in appeared first on Maravi Express.

By Duncan Mlanjira Catholic Development Commission (Cadecom), is empowering rural-based child care givers in order to create and enhance equal early childhood education development system. Fourty-four of such volunteer child care givers and teachers completed their extensive two-week trading programme held at Early Childhood Development Training Centre based in Ndirande, next to Blantyre Girls Primary School. The participants were from Mwanza, Phalombe and rural Blantyre and had a rigorous training programme that is supposed to have two more upgrading sessions once more funding is secured. Cadecom’s Diocesan Secretary Mandinda Zungu... The post Cadecom trains rural-based child care givers to enhance equal education system appeared first on Maravi Express.