The Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate Madalitso Chimwaza on Friday, July 8, 2022 granted bail to two officials from Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB).
The two, Chimwemwe Kaphagawani, Grants Manager and Success Sikwese Communications Manager were nabbed last week on suspicion of money laundering and theft of MK335 million funds meant for students’ loans.
Success Sikwese arrested
According to the court documents which Maravi Post has seen the two on April 8 2018 in Lilongwe had in their custody about MK300 million and were unable to account for the money to their employer.
The matter also dates back to 2018 when Former HESLGB Executive Director ,the late Chris Chisoni and other officials alleged involvement in the theft.
In Court, State prosecutor Cecilia Zanga zanga asked that the suspects should be remanded for a further five days but their lawyer William Chiwaya objected saying the suspects can not interfere with investigations since they are no longer Loans Boards employees
In his ruling Magistrate Chimwaza has among other conditions, ordered the two to pay MK500,000 cash bond each, produce two traceable and reliable sureties bonded at MK5 million each, surrender traveling documents and be reporting to Area 30 National Police Headquarters once every fortnight.“`
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
