Wednesday, February 4, 2026
No menu items!
spot_img
Home Blog Page 5

Brenda Onsewa Calls on Artists to Use Social Media Responsibly



By Rahim Abdul

Gospel musician Brenda Onsewa has challenged artists and individuals with various talents to embrace social media as a tool for growth and positive influence in their careers.

She says platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok have created new opportunities for creatives to showcase their abilities beyond traditional stages.

Onsewa notes that when used correctly, social media can help artists connect with wider audiences and build meaningful support networks.

She adds that many upcoming artists are now being discovered online, making digital platforms an important space for talent development.

Brenda Onsewa



The gospel singer has also urged the public to change how they judge artists, especially when gospel musicians are seen sharing platforms with secular performers.

According to Onsewa, music provides a chance to reach people from all walks of life, regardless of genre or background.

She explains that appearing at mixed events does not change an artist’s values but instead broadens the reach of their message.

Onsewa believes that spreading positive messages should go beyond labels, as the goal is to touch lives without discrimination.

She further encouraged artists to remain disciplined and mindful of the content they share online.

Brenda Onsewa began her music journey in 2019 and is widely known for her song Njira, which helped establish her presence in the gospel music industry.

Electoral body slams brakes on presidential directive, heads to Court

0



By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has hit the brakes on President Peter Mutharika’s order to relocate its headquarters to Blantyre, filing a court challenge against the executive directive.

The move has sparked a constitutional debate, with MEC arguing that the president’s order may compromise its independence and ability to discharge its duties.

The controversy began on October 10, 2025, when the president issued a directive requiring MEC and other statutory bodies to relocate to the commercial capital within three months.



MEC has taken umbrage with the order, citing Section 76(4) of the Constitution and Section 6(1) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act, which safeguard its autonomy and powers.

In its petition, MEC argues that the president’s order may amount to unlawful interference with its constitutional and statutory powers, and is seeking a judicial review to determine the legitimacy of the directive.

The commission’s decision to approach the High Court underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting its independence.

The outcome of this case is eagerly awaited, as it may have far-reaching implications for the country’s governance and electoral processes.

As the nation watches with bated breath, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the judiciary is being called upon to play a crucial role in resolving this impasse.

The case is set to be heard in the coming weeks, and stakeholders are hoping for a fair and impartial decision that will uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.

In the meantime, the debate continues, with many wondering what the future holds for MEC and the country’s electoral processes.

Man arrested for possession of medical drugs without licence

0

By Rahim Abdul

Police in Mangochi have arrested a 45-year-old man, identified as Ruben Nyalugwe, of Village Nikisi, Traditional Authority Chilipa, Mangochi District, for being found in possession of medical drugs without proper documentation.

The incident occurred on  the afternoon of 28 January 2026 at around 13:00 hours at Village Nikisi in the district.



On the said date, police received a tip-off from community members that the suspect, who is not a medical practitioner, was selling medical drugs, and treating patients after disguising the building as a store.

Following the tip-off, a team of detectives rushed to the shop and conducted a search, during which assorted medical drugs and equipment were found.

The suspect was taken into custody after he failed to produce authentic documentation. Surprisingly Nyalugwe also failed to mention the names of the drugs found in his possession prompting the detectives to invite qualified pharmacist from Mangochi District Hospital who assisted in identifying the drugs.

The seized items include five bottles of Benzyl Penicillin, five bottles of depo provera contraceptives, one blister pack of LA, 423 tablets of praziquantel 600mg, 20 tablets of ciprofloxacin, eight tablets of paracheck, two tablets of Metronidazole, and 69 syringes. The total value of the seized items is yet to be established.

The suspect will appear before court to answer charges related to being found in possession of medical drugs and operating a clinic without a licence.

Police in the district are warning members of the public against seeking medical treatment from unlicensed individuals, noting that such practices pose serious health risks.

Man arrested for possession of medical drugs without licence

0

By Rahim Abdul

Police in Mangochi have arrested a 45-year-old man, identified as Ruben Nyalugwe, of Village Nikisi, Traditional Authority Chilipa, Mangochi District, for being found in possession of medical drugs without proper documentation.

The incident occurred on  the afternoon of 28 January 2026 at around 13:00 hours at Village Nikisi in the district.



On the said date, police received a tip-off from community members that the suspect, who is not a medical practitioner, was selling medical drugs, and treating patients after disguising the building as a store.

Following the tip-off, a team of detectives rushed to the shop and conducted a search, during which assorted medical drugs and equipment were found.

The suspect was taken into custody after he failed to produce authentic documentation. Surprisingly Nyalugwe also failed to mention the names of the drugs found in his possession prompting the detectives to invite qualified pharmacist from Mangochi District Hospital who assisted in identifying the drugs.

The seized items include five bottles of Benzyl Penicillin, five bottles of depo provera contraceptives, one blister pack of LA, 423 tablets of praziquantel 600mg, 20 tablets of ciprofloxacin, eight tablets of paracheck, two tablets of Metronidazole, and 69 syringes. The total value of the seized items is yet to be established.

The suspect will appear before court to answer charges related to being found in possession of medical drugs and operating a clinic without a licence.

Police in the district are warning members of the public against seeking medical treatment from unlicensed individuals, noting that such practices pose serious health risks.

NBM plc boosts Veterans chess tourney with K5 million support

0

By Linda Kwanjana

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K5 million to the Southern Region Chess League (SRCL) Veterans Chess Tournament aimed at strengthening the development of the sport through structured and inclusive competitions.

The tournament will be hosted at the Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on February 20, 2026.

Speaking during the cheque presentation on Wednesday, NBM plc Business Development Manager James Ngalande said the support is directed towards the growth of chess, with particular focus on organized tournaments such as the Veterans and the Inter-College competitions.



Ngalande said the initiatives are designed to promote inclusion, intellectual growth, and intergenerational engagement, noting that the Bank views investment in sport as part of a broader national development strategy.

“At NBM plc, we believe that true national development goes beyond banking. It includes investing in people, ideas and platforms that nurture discipline, strategic thinking and lifelong learning.”

“Chess occupies a special place in the bank’s corporate social investment portfolio because of its emphasis on intellect, patience and strategy—values that align with the bank’s brand as a leading financial institution. The donation builds on the bank’s previous support for the sport, including the sponsorship of Malawi’s youth chess team to an international championship in Zimbabwe last year,” said Ngalande.

Ngalande added that by supporting veterans and inter-college competitions, the bank is contributing to the lifelong mental wellness of veteran players, youth development and intellectual excellence among students, mentorship across generations, and the overall growth of chess as an organized sport in Malawi.

SRCL Chairperson, Martin Nyamilandu thanked NBM plc for the continued support, saying the donation will help recognize the role veteran players have played in laying a strong foundation for the growth of chess in the country.

“The donation will go a long way in appreciating the veterans. NBM plc has been our greatest partner,” said Nyamilandu.

Veteran chess player Tutule Msukwa also welcomed the gesture, expressing gratitude to the bank for recognizing the importance of supporting veteran players and their contribution to the development of the game.

“Chess helps with planning and discipline. To win a game, you need these qualities, and the same applies to everything we do, whether at school, at work or in business,” said Msukwa.