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Assessment: Dr. Jane Ansah: A Beacon of Hope for Malawi: Score (9.2/10)
(October – December 2025)



By Burnett Munthali

Dr. Jane Ansah’s vice presidency has shone brightly, illuminating paths to progress and prosperity for Malawians through her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.

Crisis Leadership: A Strong Start (9/10)
Her inauguration marked a proactive approach to governance, as she tackled the flood crisis with empathy and transparency, setting a new standard for disaster response.

Acts of Kindness: Touching Lives (9/10)
The Christmas visit to Nkhoma Mission Hospital showcased Dr. Ansah’s generosity and commitment to social welfare, complemented by initiatives supporting vulnerable households.



Regional Statesmanship: Promoting Peace (9/10)
Through her regional engagements, Dr. Ansah promoted stability in Madagascar and ensured disaster relief reached those in need in Zomba, Nsanje, and Mangochi.

Digital Futures: Embracing Innovation (9.5/10)
Dr. Ansah’s support for ICT initiatives underscores her vision for Malawi’s development, highlighted by her participation in the AU-EU Summit.

Leadership with Integrity: Challenging Corruption (9/10)
At the Mangochi retreat, she emphasized accountability, challenged corruption, and urged ministers to prioritize national growth, earning her a strong reputation for community engagement (9.5/10).

Rating Breakdown:
– Disaster Response: 9/10
– Food Security Initiatives: 9/10
– Regional Diplomacy: 9/10
– Digital Development: 9.5/10
– Community Engagement: 9.5/10
– Leadership and Governance: 9/10

DODMA responsibilities shifted to the Office of the President on January 10, 2026, while Dr. Ansah was in the UK.

Based on reliable sources. Feedback: +265884433313, bonnetmunthali2101@gmail.com

Driemo and the Magic of “Joker”: A New Malawian Music Record



By Rahim Abdul

Malawian music star Driemo has once again proven why he is regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation after his latest music video, Joker, became the fastest Malawian video to reach one million views on YouTube.

The Joker video achieved the milestone in just six days after its release, setting a new national record and surpassing Driemo’s own previous benchmark. His earlier hit, Pensulo, had taken nine days to reach the same number, a record that now belongs firmly to Joker.



The achievement has been widely celebrated by fans, fellow musicians, and industry observers, many of whom describe Driemo as a “magician” for his ability to consistently deliver chart-topping and record-breaking content.

Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages praising both the song and its visual creativity.

Joker has resonated strongly with audiences due to its catchy rhythm, relatable lyrics, and high-quality video production. The visuals tell a compelling story that complements the song’s theme, helping it gain massive traction not only in Malawi but also among Malawians in the diaspora.

Beyond the numbers, Joker has sparked conversations about the evolution of Malawian music, particularly in terms of production standards and marketing strategies.

Driemo’s team effectively promoted the release, building anticipation before the video dropped and maintaining momentum afterward.

This milestone also highlights the increasing power of streaming platforms in shaping local music success. Unlike the past, where radio airplay dominated, online platforms now allow Malawian artists to compete for global attention using digital tools.

Driemo’s consistency has been key to his success. Over the years, he has released multiple hits that appeal to different audiences, blending modern sounds with relatable storytelling, a formula that continues to work in his favor.

Industry insiders believe the success of Joker could open more international opportunities for Driemo, including collaborations beyond Malawi’s borders. A record of this nature sends a strong signal to promoters, labels, and partners across Africa.
For upcoming artists, Driemo’s achievement serves as motivation and a lesson in the importance of quality, branding, and audience engagement. Breaking one’s own record, as Driemo has done, demonstrates growth rather than complacency.

Fans are now eagerly watching to see what comes next, with many speculating whether Driemo will set yet another record with his future releases. The pressure may be high, but history suggests he thrives under it.
As Joker continues to rack up views, one thing is clear: Driemo is not just making music he is rewriting the record books and redefining what is possible for Malawian artists in the digital age.

Armed Robber Shot, Arrested as MPS Tighten Security

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By Rahim Abdul

Police officers on the night of January 10, 2026, thwarted an attempted armed robbery at Mbowe Filling Station in Lilongwe following an intelligence-led undercover operation aimed at flushing out criminals who have been terrorising the area.

According to the Malawi Police Service (MPS), the suspect, whose name has been withheld, was armed with a knife and attempted to rob an undercover police officer who was posing as an Auto Teller Machine (ATM) user near the filling station.

Police said officers lawfully used force to neutralise the threat after the suspect advanced on the officer. The suspect was shot, disarmed and immediately arrested at the scene.



He was later taken to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment under police guard and is expected to be taken to court once he is medically fit.

The operation forms part of heightened security measures by MPS in response to a rise in criminal activities around City Mall, Crossroads, Mbowe and surrounding areas in Lilongwe.

MPS has since issued a strong warning to all criminals operating in these hotspots, as well as in other urban and rural areas across the country, that the security net is rapidly tightening.
Police have intensified both undercover and overt patrols and reiterated that officers will not hesitate to act decisively against anyone who poses a threat to public safety.

MPS has also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the police.

The service has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, stressing that protecting lives and property remains its top priority.

A second chance for economic stewardship: Henry Mathanga’s appointment sparks hope

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By Burnett Munthali

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi, People Power Movement CCM-PPM, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Peter Mutharika for appointing Henry Mathanga as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) responsible for Economic Affairs.

This appointment is a testament to President Mutharika’s commitment to choosing individuals with proven track records, and it’s almost like Mr. Mathanga is returning to a role he was meant to be in – a position he previously held in 2019.

The High Court of Malawi, Financial Crimes Division, ruled in Mr. Mathanga’s favor, emphasizing fair trial rights and prosecutorial power limits, a move that’s seen as a vindication of his integrity.

Mathanga



The Court found insufficient evidence for renewed charges, refusing further prosecution, and as reported by various media outlets, Mr. Mathanga has not been proven guilty of any wrongdoing.

Mr. Mathanga hasn’t been convicted of wrongdoing, and allegations against him are pending and unproven, making it unfair to prejudge him.

As a fundamental right, Mr. Mathanga is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and his appointment shouldn’t be judged on unproven allegations.

Throughout his career, Mr. Mathanga has demonstrated competence and integrity, making him a fit and proper person for the role of Deputy Governor.

“We urge the public and authorities to support Mr. Mathanga’s appointment, as it will contribute to Malawi’s economic stability and growth”, said Comrade Edward Kambanje.

The Concerned Citizens of Malawi is thankful for the President’s vision but shocked by criticism against his appointments, seeing Mr. Mathanga’s appointment as a prime example of merit-based selection.

Despite being targeted by some, Mr. Mathanga’s experience and qualifications make him ideal for the role, and it’s puzzling why he’s being singled out when there are many public servants facing court cases.

In 2021, he resigned citing constructive dismissal, and in 2023, he faced a disciplinary hearing for alleged involvement in fraudulent transactions, which he contested, but the fact remains that he’s returning to a position he held in 2019.

Comrade Edward Kambanje, on behalf of The Concerned Citizens of Malawi, has signed this statement in support of Mr. Mathanga’s appointment, hoping that it will bring much-needed stability to Malawi’s economy.

The appointment of Mr. Mathanga is seen as a positive step towards strengthening Malawi’s economy and reinforcing the principles of fairness and justice.

With his experience and expertise, Mr. Mathanga is well-positioned to make a significant impact as Deputy Governor of the RBM.

The focus now shifts to ensuring that Mr. Mathanga is given the support he needs to excel in his new role, and Malawians are eagerly awaiting the positive changes that his appointment will bring.

As the nation looks to the future, one thing is certain – Henry Mathanga’s appointment is a vote of confidence in his ability to steer Malawi’s economy towards prosperity.

Centenary Bank revises branch operating hours

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Catholic-owned Centenary Bank Limited has adjusted its branch operating hours in a move aimed at improving customer convenience and ensuring greater certainty on service availability.

In a statement, the bank’s Marketing and Customer Experience Manager, Lindani Nkosi, says the new hours take effect from today January 12, 2026,with all branches opening at 8:00am and closing at 4:00pm from Monday to Friday, from the previous closing time of 4:40pm.

Lindani Nkosi



She says on Saturdays, branches will operate from 8:30am to 12:00 noon, while the Gateway Mall and Malangalanga branches in Lilongwe will extend their services until 1:00pm.

Nkosi says the revised hours are intended to help customers plan their visits more efficiently.

“We want our customers to know exactly when they can visit us. Our focus remains on providing a reliable and convenient banking experience,” she says.

Nkosi adds that customers who are unable to visit physical branches can still access banking services through mobile and online platforms, automated teller machines (ATMs), and a network of over 350 banking agents across the country.

“Centenary Bank remains among the banks in Malawi offering some of the longest banking hours, giving customers greater flexibility to manage their financial needs. This is part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility, convenience, and excellent customer service,” she says.

Meanwhile,one of the bank’s customers, Charles Kagwere, has welcomed the move, describing it as timely and supportive of business growth.

“As a business operator, this gives me adequate time to complete my transactions and deposit my daily proceeds. It is a worthwhile initiative by the bank, and it could not have come at a better time than the start of the new year,” he says.

Centenary Bank currently operates 16 branches, two microfinance outlets, and more than 350 banking agents nationwide.