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Jimusole calls for tougher penalties to strengthen fight against illegal mining

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Jimusole calls for tougher penalties to strengthen fight against illegal mining

By Chisomo Phiri

Renowned gemologist Yamikani Jimusole has called for stricter enforcement of penalties under the Mines and Minerals Act of 2023, warning that lenient sentencing risks undermining government efforts to curb illegal mining.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Jimusole who is the founder of Yami Gemstone Lab & Export Pvt Ltd (YAGLE), said his comment is in response to the ongoing ‘Operation Samala Mgodi,’ a multi-agency initiative aimed at protecting Malawi’s mineral resources.



The operation involves the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Malawi Police Service(MPS ), Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority(MMRA), Department of Mining(DM), and the National Intelligence Service(NIS).

He described the initiative as necessary and commendable, noting that significant public resources have been committed to its success.

However, Jimusole stressed that enforcement efforts must be matched by penalties that reflect the seriousness of illegal mining.

“The Mines and Minerals Act of 2023 was specifically enacted to introduce stiffer penalties against illegal mining because previous fines failed to deter the practice,” he said.

The gemologist expressed concern that some offenders arrested during the crackdown are receiving suspended sentences as first-time offenders, arguing that such outcomes weaken the intended deterrent effect of the law.

He noted that illegal mining continues to cost Malawi foreign exchange earnings, royalties, and causes environmental degradation, while also placing a financial burden on the State to sustain enforcement operations.

“The public expected that prosecutions under the new Act would result in convictions that set a clear example—that illegal mining no longer pays,” he said, calling for greater clarity on how the stricter penalties outlined in the 2023 law are being applied by the courts.

Jimusole further suggested that a lasting solution should combine firm law enforcement with efforts to formalize the mining sector.

He said creating legal pathways for small-scale miners would help transform informal operators into taxpayers and legitimate suppliers to entities such as the Export Development Fund (EDF) and the Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO).

Muluzi blames poor leadership for Malawi’s poverty

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Muluzi blames poor leadership for Malawi’s poverty

By Chisomo Phiri

President of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Atupele Muluzi,says Malawi’s persistent poverty is largely a result of poor leadership and policy choices, stressing that meaningful change depends on adopting better governance and decision-making.

In an interview with 247 Malawi News,Muluzi argued that the country’s economic challenges are not inevitable but largely man-made, attributing them to systemic failures that have allowed corruption and inequality to flourish.

He emphasized that solutions are within reach if the country embraces visionary leadership and practical strategies.

Atupele Muluzi



Said Muluzi:“Fixing Malawi is not rocket science.What we need is leadership that sets a clear, transformative vision for the country and a realistic plan to achieve it.”

He, however, warned that such progress cannot be achieved under what he described as a system designed for extraction and exclusion, where opportunities are skewed in favor of a select few, often along ethnic lines.

Muluzi said the consequences of this governance model are now evident in the daily struggles faced by ordinary Malawians.

Despite the challenges, he highlighted what he called a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ in the country’s critical minerals sector.

He noted that the industry has the potential to significantly transform Malawi’s economy, with projections indicating up to $30 billion in export earnings between 2026 and 2040, and annual revenues reaching $3 billion by 2034.

This growth, he said, could expand the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 1 percent to 12 percent.

“This should be a turning point for our country,” he said, cautioning that such potential will only be realized if governance systems are reformed.

Muluzi also criticized certain policy choices, including the management of exchange rates, arguing that artificially fixed rates create opportunities for arbitrage that benefit a small elite.

This, he said, leads to the enrichment of a few individuals, weakened exports, and broader economic hardship for the majority.

He called for the emergence of reform-driven leadership capable of steering the country toward structural transformation.

“Malawi does not just need change.It needs bold, fair, and inclusive structural transformation,” said Muluzi.

He concluded by urging Malawians to recognize the opportunities ahead and make deliberate choices to secure a better future.

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa, with a largely agrarian economy that depends heavily on rain-fed agriculture.

Most Malawians rely on smallholder farming, which makes incomes highly vulnerable to climate shocks such as droughts and floods.

This pattern is common across much of Sub-Saharan Africa, where economies are often tied to primary commodities rather than diversified industries.

Historically, Malawi’s economic structure was shaped during the colonial period under United Kingdom (UK) rule, when the economy was oriented toward exporting raw agricultural products like tobacco, tea, and sugar.

After independence in 1964, the country made some progress in social development, but economic growth remained uneven and heavily dependent on agriculture and foreign aid.

Compared to some African peers, Malawi has struggled to industrialize.

Countries like South Africa and Kenya have more diversified economies, including manufacturing and services, which provide more stable employment and revenue streams.

Malawi, by contrast, has limited infrastructure, low levels of industrial investment, and a narrow export base.

Poverty levels remain high, with a significant portion of the population living below the international poverty line.

Rapid population growth has also put pressure on land, education, and health systems, making it harder for economic gains to translate into improved living standards.

Malembo market opens in Lilongwe, bringing hope to local farmers

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Malembo market opens in Lilongwe, bringing hope to local farmers



By Burnett Munthali_

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, has officially opened Malembo Market in Lilongwe, a state-of-the-art facility worth K3.6 billion.

The market has been constructed with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad).

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Phiri said the market will ease challenges faced by farmers who previously lacked a reliable nearby place to sell their produce.

The minister noted that the market’s opening is a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to improve the country’s agricultural sector.



“With the coming of this modern market, we are empowering farmers to continue working hard because they will now reduce transportation costs,” Phiri said.

He added that the market will have a positive impact on the local economy, creating new opportunities for traders and farmers alike.

Phiri also commended traders in Malembo for accepting temporary relocation during construction, noting that resistance to change often delays development.

He praised the traders for their patience and cooperation, saying it had contributed to the successful completion of the project.

Ifad country director Bernadette Mukonyora said the facility is expected to boost agricultural production and improve supply chains, contributing to economic growth.

She noted that the market’s construction is part of Ifad’s broader efforts to support Malawi’s agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

Mukonyora also praised Sico Holdings for delivering quality infrastructure, saying it was a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence.

She added that Ifad was proud to partner with the Malawian government to support projects that benefit the country’s most vulnerable populations.

The market has a capacity of 80 shops and is expected to benefit about 14,000 people. It features modern facilities, including sanitation blocks, storage facilities, and parking spaces.

The market is expected to provide a reliable platform for farmers to sell their produce, increasing their incomes and improving their livelihoods.

The opening of Malembo Market is a significant development for Lilongwe’s agricultural sector, and it is expected to have a ripple effect on the local economy.

As the country continues to grapple with challenges related to food security, projects like this offer hope for a brighter future.

From reflection to resilience: Janet Karim’s vision for a gratitude revolution in everyday life

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From reflection to resilience: Janet Karim’s vision for a gratitude revolution in everyday life

By Burnett Munthali

In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty and emotional strain, a new publication is emerging as a quiet yet powerful response to the human need for reflection and healing.

At the centre of this initiative is Janet Karim, whose story is closely intertwined with the creation and vision behind a journal designed to inspire resilience through daily gratitude.

The publication, titled _365 Days of Gratitude_, is being introduced as more than just a writing tool, but as a structured pathway toward personal transformation over time.



It is presented as a three-year guided journal aimed at helping individuals cultivate mindfulness and appreciation in their everyday lives.

The project, released by JayZedKay Books Publications, reflects a broader shift within the publishing industry toward materials that prioritise mental wellness and intentional living.

For Janet Karim, the idea behind the journal is deeply rooted in the belief that gratitude, when practised consistently, has the power to reshape perspectives and restore emotional balance.

Her story reflects a growing awareness that small, daily habits can have profound long-term effects on how individuals perceive their lives and challenges.

By encouraging users to record their thoughts and reflections each day, the journal creates a personal archive of growth, resilience, and evolving self-awareness.

This emphasis on consistency highlights Karim’s understanding that transformation is rarely immediate, but instead unfolds gradually through disciplined reflection.

The journal’s three-year format sets it apart from conventional notebooks, offering users a rare opportunity to revisit past entries and observe changes in their thinking over time.

Such a structure is particularly significant in a world where many seek quick solutions, yet struggle to sustain meaningful personal development.

Karim’s approach challenges this mindset by promoting patience, introspection, and long-term commitment to self-improvement.

The availability of the journal on Amazon signals an ambition to reach audiences far beyond its immediate context, making the practice of gratitude accessible on a global scale.

This accessibility aligns with a wider movement that recognises the importance of mental health tools in navigating modern life.

In recent years, gratitude journaling has gained recognition among researchers and mental health professionals as a practice linked to reduced stress and increased overall well-being.

Karim’s work appears to draw on this growing body of knowledge, translating theory into a practical and user-friendly format.

The journal is therefore positioned not merely as a product, but as a guided experience that encourages users to reconnect with the positive aspects of their lives.

Its simplicity is deliberate, reflecting an effort to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can engage with the practice without feeling overwhelmed.

By framing gratitude as both a daily exercise and a long-term journey, Karim underscores the importance of consistency in achieving lasting change.

Observers note that such initiatives are becoming increasingly relevant as people search for stability amid social, economic, and emotional pressures.

The journal’s message resonates particularly strongly in times when uncertainty can easily overshadow appreciation.

For many, it offers a structured way to regain a sense of control and perspective.

Ultimately, Janet Karim’s story is one of transformation, not only in her own outlook but in her effort to inspire change in others.

Her work suggests that even in the face of adversity, there remains a quiet power in reflection and gratitude.

As the demand for mental wellness resources continues to grow, publications like _365 Days of Gratitude_ highlight the evolving role of storytelling and self-expression in shaping healthier, more resilient societies.

In this way, the journal stands as both a personal tool and a broader statement about the enduring human capacity for hope and renewal.

Janet Karim

Julius Malema sentenced to five years in prison for firearm offense

247Malawi
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Julius Malema sentenced to five years in prison for firearm offense


By Burnett Munthali

Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been sentenced to five years in prison for firing a semi-automatic rifle into the air at a party rally in 2018.

The KuGompo City Magistrate’s Court handed down the sentence, with Magistrate Twanet Olivier stating that Malema’s actions were pre-planned and reckless, endangering thousands of supporters.

The conviction stems from a 2018 incident at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, where Malema was filmed firing shots into the air with what appeared to be an assault rifle.

Malema



Malema’s defense team argued that the firearm was a toy and that the shots were part of a simulation, but the court rejected this claim.

The sentence has significant implications for Malema’s political career, as a prison term of more than 12 months without the option of a fine could result in him losing his seat in the National Assembly.

The EFF has announced plans to appeal the conviction.

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