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Government calls for peace during election case ruling

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As the day of election case ruling slowly approaches, the government has taken effort in calling all Malawians to maintain peace, unity and tolerance during this time.

In a press release signed by Information Minister Mark Botomani ,The Government of Malawi would like to assure Malawians and all people living in Malawi that peace and rule of law remain priorities as the country wait for the ruling of the Constitutional Court in the 2019 Presidential Election case.

the statement went on to read “It is the belief of Government that all parties involved in the case shall exercise statesmanship to let the Constitutional Court work professionally based on evidence, facts and law. Government has already shown its commitment to peace during the entire Presidential Election case hearing.

As one way of demonstrating a gesture of peace, His Excellency the President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika has met leaders of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and has reiterated his willingness to meet all parties involved in the Presidential Election Case despite their lack of interest to do so.

Mark Botomani

Government would like to applaud the Judiciary in general, and the Constitutional Court Judges in particular, for declaring, through Lead Judge Justice Healey Potani, that the judges’ verdict will not in any way be influenced by public opinion. This is reassuring to all peace-loving Malawians who cherish the Rule of Law and the independence of the Judiciary.

This is why as Government we are perturbed with and condemn in the strongest terms sentiments by a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official at a rally at Mponela in Dowa on Saturday, 14 December, 2019. The official spoke to intimidate judges who are hearing the Presidential Election case to determine the case in a particular way. We would like to urge the public to desist from interfering with the court process and being seen to influence the outcome of the Presidential Election case. All Malawians must be mindful of the fact that the Presidential Election case is also sub-judice.


Government would also like to assure all Malawians and all people living in Malawi that all security agencies will be on high alert during this period, including after judgement, to ensure that peace and calm continue to prevail in the country.

Let us embrace principles of peaceful coexistence and remain tolerant of each other despite differences in our opinion and political beliefs. Let us all respect the Rule of Law and accept the ruling of the Constitutional Court, whatever the outcome. Let us all remain united and continue making Malawi the Warm Heart of Africa.

Gwamba launches new album in style

Thousands of music lovers from all walks of life on Saturday flocked to Lilongwe Golf Club to witness the grand launch of Gwamba’s second album titled Mama Said God First.

In a typical Gwamba fashion, the award-winning artist roped in both gospel and secular musicians to support the groundbreaking event.

Among others, the launch also saw up-and-coming acts such as Focus 265 Management artists— Toria and Cookie Kay—perform as curtain raisers.

Lilongwe-based rapper Charisma opened up for the main supporting acts followed by lyricists Classic and Achina Guttah.

Gwamba

At 15:50 hours, South Africa-based gospel musician Onesmus jumped on stage with his smash hit Miracle Money, delivering an energetic performance.

“It feels great to be home. I felt like blessing the fans. I wish Gwamba all the best,” Onesmus said in an interview after his performance.

Then Fredokiss, who bought and distributed 1 000 tickets to his fans, followed with a series of hits, including Malamuloamu Ghetto which he performed in an a cappella version with Ras Dema.

Speaking after the performance, Ras Dema thanked Fredokiss for the platform, saying it was a dream come true.

Then Kell Kay took to the stage before the man of the moment, Gwamba.

Gwamba dished out hits from his 2016 Jesus Is My Boss as well as the latest Mama Said God First albums, including Mapiko and Mr Yesu, among others.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, Gwamba described the show as a success.

“Just look at the crowd. This is a clear manifestation that God is working through my music. We want to touch and change as many lives as we can. I want everyone to remember to put God first,” he said.

Quizzed on the next move, the rapper said: “We are taking Mama Said God First album launch to Blantyre on 29 February 2020.”

However, missing on the list of performers was Amaona Kuchedwa hitmaker, Lawi.

Commenting on the Lawi’s absence, Gwamba said: “Lawi had family issues. He really wanted to come.”

Great Angels Choir closed the show with their angelic performance which touched the many thousands that attended and watched the launch on TV.

Mafco, Ekwendeni win TNM Super League promotion

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Mafco FC have returned to the TNM Super League after winning the Chipiku Central Region Football Association League Premier League title.

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) outfit, relegated last season, beat Jidi FC 2-0 yesterday to attain an unassailable 99 points with two games in hand.

The victory over Jidi followed a 7-1 thrashing of Mbavi United on Saturday.

Martin Masoatheka inspired Mafco’s victory on Saturday, netting four goals while the other goals came from Emmanuel Chipeta, Stain Malata and Vitumbiko Phiri.

Steven Zongololo scored the consolation goal for Mbavi.

Mafco, back in the top league

Yesterday, they completed the mission with goals from Martin Masoatheka and Paul Ndhlovu.

Mafco assistant coach Yohane Fulaye, who took charge of the two weekend games as the head coach Stereo Gondwe is with the national beach soccer team in Tanzania, said it was not easy.

“It was tough. We have learnt a lot in the Chipiku League and we will use this experience of hard work to remain in the TNM Super League,” he said.

In the Northern Region Football Association (NRFA) Simama and Sons (Simso) Premier League Ekwendeni Hammers have won the 2019 Premier League title.

They are leading the 18-team league with 69 points from 30 games, an accumulation that cannot be surpassed by any other team.

Second-placed Baka City have 61 points from 30 games and they have two games as well to wind up the league while Rumphi United on third position also have 61 points from 30 games as well, but have an inferior goal difference.

Ekwendeni Hammers team manager Benjamin Thole hailed the players for the fight that enabled them to lift the title and earn promotion to the TNM Super League.

“We are now done with our campaign. We thank God for the success and players for the gallant fight. It was not an easy task to achieve this. Our focus now will be preparations for the 2020 Super League,” he said.

NRFA chairperson Lameck Khonje commended teams for a successful season, observing that no violence was reported during the league matches.

“We wish Ekwendeni Hammers well in the TNM Super League,” he said.

Another MDF sponsored side Red Lions also returned to the top-flight league after winning the ThumbsUp Southern Region Premier League.

Hotel Masongola destroyed by fire

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Zomba City Council fire brigade struggled to contain fire which razed Malawi’s most historic landmark Hotel Masongola on Sunday as it damaged a lot of property.

Residents of Zomba City were on Sunday afternoon left upset as they helplessly watched Hotel Masongola go up in flames.

Zomba City Council fire brigade arrived late at the scene to save the historical landmark from the uncontrollable fire.

The fire brigade team was forced to leave the hotel still blazing to refill their vehicle which had runout of water, and returned afterwards to put down the blaze which had already wrecked the iconic structure.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established as some quarters blame it on the renovations which were underway at the hotel that they might have triggered a short-circuit in the hotel’s wiring.

The amount of damage from the fire is also yet to be established.

Built in 1886, Hotel Masongola which housed Kamuzu Banda’s first Office as President of Malawi has been under Malawi government until recently when it was sold to some business persons.

The Hotel was declared as a National monument by Malawi government has been a home for tourists.

The hotel has been non-operational for months due to renovations which were taking place there.

Legendary Joseph Tembo laid to rest

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Your talent has been extraordinary, your humanity indescribable. Your love stays for eternity. Gone physically, but your spirit and your love will remain eternally dear to our hearts. Sleep in peace,” reads a caption on a huge portrait of musician and politician Joseph Tembo mounted at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.

The ceremony was to take the gifted music maker through to HHI Cemetary, his final resting place. He died on Thursday at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe after a short illness.


From 8am in the morning, a stage had already been mounted where well known musicians such as King James Phiri, Ndirande Anglican Voices, Ethel Kamwendo Banda, Favoured Martha, Allan Chirwa and Black Missionaries were ditching out their best in honour of a man whose contribution to Malawi’s music industry is just huge.


Away from music, Joseph Tembo also had a flirt with politics, which saw him becoming a Member of Parliament for Chikwawa South Constituency in between 2009 and 2014.


This was evidenced by the turning up of number politicians, with President Arthur Peter Mutharika being represented by Agriculture and Water Development Minister Kondwani Nankhumwa.


“President Mutharika is saddened by Joseph Tembo’s death, as you are all aware that, through his music, he contributed a lot to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party,” said Nankhumwa in reference to DPP’s Sendera Sisters, who owe all of their production to Joseph Tembo.


Taking her turn, Musician Union of Malawi (MUM) President Gloria Kampingo Manong’a said late Tembo respected all musicians regardless of their status in the industry.


“You go to his studio; he would respect you no matter whether you were a new comer or an established musician. This is an example worthy emulating,” said Manong’a.


And according to Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Chancy Simwaka, Joseph Tembo died barely seven hours after President Mutharika had appointed him into a Copyright Association of Malawi (Cosoma) board.


A son to Apostolic Faith Mission president, Bishop Jeffrey Tembo, Joseph started his music in church at the age of ten. To his name, he has produced music for artists such as Lucius Banda, Billy Kaunda, Whyclif Chimwendo, Chitheka Family and Grace Chinga just to mention a few.


Born on September 18 1977, Joseph Tembo has died at the age of 42. He has survived with a wife and four children. He hailed from Tenesi Village, Traditional Authority Ngabu in Chikwawa.