Dalitso Kabambe, one of the presidential aspirant for the UTM party, has called on delegates to vote for visionary leaders at the upcoming elective conference.
Speaking to Bua Central Region delegates in Kasungu District, he expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in the 2025 general elections.
“I’m very optimistic that if I am voted into the UTM presidential seat and win next year’s polls, my experience will help address the challenges Malawians face today,” Kabambe stated.
UTM Bua Central Region Governor Gerald Mbewe hailed Kabambe’s remarks, underscoring the need for intelligent leadership to ensure the party’s success.
The UTM party’s 2024 elective conference is scheduled for November 17.
Other news
- Mia encourages Muslim women to uphold unity and good deeds beyond Ramadan
By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, has urged Muslim women to remain united and continue practicing good deeds even after the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking to over 3,000 Kanjeza Muslim Sisters in Blantyre, Mia emphasized the importance of unity among Muslim women, stating that their role in society extends beyond religious observances.
She encouraged them to be role models in their families by fostering love, support, and harmony, which she described as key pillars of a strong and prosperous community.
Mia also extended her best wishes to the Muslim community ahead of Eid ul-Fitr, which will be celebrated tomorrow across Malawi.
She took the opportunity to remind the women that their responsibility goes beyond faith and urged them to focus on their children’s education.
The minister emphasized that education is the foundation of a brighter future and challenged the women to ensure that every child in their households is attending school.
She stressed that investing in children’s education would not only benefit individual families but also contribute to national development.
Kanjeza Muslim Sisters Secretary General, Jamila Lily, also addressed the gathering and advised Muslim women to uphold the values of Islam in all aspects of their lives.
She urged them to refrain from engaging in activities that contradict Islamic teachings, emphasizing the need for discipline and adherence to religious principles.
Lily reminded the women that their conduct in society reflects their faith and that they should always strive to be exemplary members of their communities.
The event provided a platform for Muslim women to discuss various issues affecting their lives, including education, family values, and religious obligations.
As the Muslim community prepares for Eid ul-Fitr, the message from both Mia and Lily serves as a call for continued commitment to personal growth, family responsibility, and societal development.
With a strong emphasis on unity, education, and adherence to Islamic principles, the gathering reinforced the importance of women’s roles in shaping the future of their communities.
Muslim women were encouraged to carry forward the discipline and generosity practiced during Ramadan into their everyday lives, ensuring that the spirit of the holy month continues to influence their actions throughout the year.
- Chakwera’s Presence at Eid prayers sparks debate among Muslims
By Burnett Munthali
Some members of the Muslim faith community have raised concerns over the presence of President Lazarus Chakwera during Eid Mubarak prayers on Monday, March 31, 2025.
While some saw it as a gesture of national unity, others questioned whether his attendance was politically motivated and whether Islamic religious gatherings should be influenced by political considerations.
The debate erupted shortly after the Eid prayers, which took place at the Lilongwe Main Mosque, where President Chakwera joined Muslim faithful in marking the end of Ramadan.
While his presence was acknowledged and welcomed by some Muslim leaders, others felt that it introduced an element of drama into a sacred religious event.
Critics argue that Islam, like other religions, should remain independent of political maneuvering.
They believe that having a non-Muslim leader in such a significant prayer gathering raises questions about the separation of religion and politics.
Some have gone as far as to ask: “Kodi chipembedzo chachisilamu chikulowesedwa drama chifukwa chani?” (Why is Islam being turned into a drama?)
On the other hand, supporters of President Chakwera’s presence argue that Malawi is a secular state that upholds religious freedom and tolerance.
They see his attendance as a sign of respect and inclusivity, emphasizing that a head of state should engage with all religious communities, regardless of his personal faith.
The controversy has also brought to light concerns over whether political leaders attend religious events for genuine reasons or for political gain.
With Malawi’s next general elections approaching in 2025, some Muslims suspect that such gestures are strategic moves to win votes from the Muslim community, which constitutes a significant portion of the population.
However, other observers maintain that political and religious harmony is crucial in a diverse society like Malawi.
They argue that engagement between political leaders and different religious groups should be encouraged rather than criticized.
According to them, such interactions promote unity, peace, and national development.
As discussions on this issue continue, it remains to be seen whether future Eid celebrations and other religious gatherings will become platforms for political presence or whether religious communities will set clear boundaries to maintain the sanctity of their events.
For now, the Muslim community remains divided on the matter, with some welcoming political engagement and others calling for a more cautious approach in preserving the independence of their faith.
- “A Cry for Justice: Malawian Female Artist Speaks Out on Domestic Abuse”
By Burnett Munthali
As the world dedicates this month to celebrating and honoring women, a shocking revelation has emerged in Malawi.
One of the country’s female musicians, Nonymous MW, has come forward with a heartbreaking story of abuse at the hands of her partner.
In a statement posted on her social media page today, Nonymous MW disclosed that the incident took place on March 22nd.
She recounted how, upon arriving at the hospital after the attack, some doctors initially thought she was already dead due to the severity of her injuries.
She further revealed that this was not the first time her partner had assaulted her.
According to her, this was the third occurrence, but this time, she narrowly escaped with her life.
For a long time, Nonymous MW said she remained silent about the abuse, believing that her partner would change.
Her reluctance to speak out was fueled by hope, love, and perhaps fear of the stigma that often surrounds victims of domestic violence.
This evening, as she struggled to speak, we reached out to her for confirmation regarding the truthfulness of her post.
When asked if her statement was real or just a publicity stunt, she responded with a question of her own: “Who could fake such kind of thing?”
Her pain was evident in her voice, a reminder of the deep scars—both physical and emotional—that domestic violence leaves behind.
She further stated that she would reveal more details in the future, once she felt safe enough to do so.
This heartbreaking revelation highlights the silent struggles that many women endure in abusive relationships.
Too often, victims remain trapped in cycles of violence, hoping for change that never comes.
Society must take this issue seriously and stand in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence.
Women should not have to suffer in silence, and abusers must be held accountable for their actions.
As Nonymous MW gathers the courage to speak out, we must ask ourselves—how many other women are suffering in silence?
Now, more than ever, it is crucial to strengthen laws, provide support systems, and create a society where women feel safe and protected.
No one deserves to endure such pain, and no one should ever have to fear for their life in the name of love.
- Patel urges all Muslims to continue supporting others
By Brighton Tchongwe
Lilongwe Sunni Foundation Chairperson Aamir Patel has urged Muslims across Malawi to continue spreading blessings and messages of mercy to the sick, needy, and underprivileged.
Speaking during Eid prayers in Lilongwe, Patel emphasized the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy amidst the country’s economic challenges.
Patel said that Eid prayers are important noting that the Holy month of Ramadan is filled with blessings that bring Muslims closer to Allah.
He encouraged Malawians to seek Allah’s mercy to restore the country’s economy.
In his remarks Sheikh Abdul Rahman Chibisa echoed Patel’s sentiments, appealing to Muslims to celebrate Eid prayers while upholding Allah’s teachings.
Today, March 31, 2025, marks the Eid ul-Fitr celebrations in Malawi, following the conclusion of Ramadan.
- Analysis: The connection of religion and politics in Malawi
By Burnett Munthali
Religion and politics have long been intertwined in Malawi, shaping the country’s governance, social structures, and national identity.
The influence of religious institutions on political matters is evident in the way religious leaders often provide guidance and critique on governance issues.
Throughout Malawi’s history, religious groups have played a crucial role in advocating for justice, peace, and social development.
Politicians frequently seek the support of religious communities to gain credibility and connect with the people on a moral and spiritual level.
The church, mosques, and other religious institutions serve as platforms for discussing key national issues, sometimes acting as mediators in political disputes.
During election periods, it is common to see political leaders attending religious gatherings to engage with congregants and seek blessings for their campaigns.
Religious leaders, in turn, have used their influence to call for ethical leadership, good governance, and the protection of human rights.
However, the intersection of religion and politics is not without controversy, as some critics argue that religious endorsements can lead to biased political decision-making.
Others contend that politicians sometimes exploit religious sentiments to gain public favor without genuinely addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Despite these concerns, religion remains a unifying force in Malawi, fostering national dialogue and encouraging leaders to be accountable to the people.
The moral authority that religious institutions hold has, in many instances, compelled the government to act on pressing issues affecting citizens.
As Malawi continues to develop democratically, the relationship between religion and politics will remain a key factor in shaping the nation’s progress.
The challenge moving forward is to ensure that this relationship fosters genuine national development rather than being used as a tool for political manipulation.
Finding a balance where religion contributes positively to governance while maintaining its independence from political agendas will be crucial for Malawi’s future.
