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Kalemba challenges new MPs to build a results-driven parliament

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By Chisomo Phiri

Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba has challenged newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to move beyond campaign rhetoric and focus on delivering tangible results that will drive Malawi’s development agenda.

Speaking during the opening of a week-long orientation workshop for MPs-elect in Lilongwe on Monday, Kalemba urged legislators to embrace their roles as agents of transformation, committed to building a Parliament that not only strengthens democracy but also accelerates national progress.

Fiona Kalemba



“It is time to shift from election to action and build a Parliament that stands as a beacon of democracy and a catalyst for transformative change,” she said.

Kalemba stressed that lawmaking must go beyond passing bills, calling on MPs to ensure legislation is responsive to Malawi’s pressing challenges and aligned with the country’s long-term vision, the Malawi 2063 Agenda.

She further emphasized the importance of robust parliamentary oversight, describing it as key to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public resources.

“Effective oversight ensures that policies, programs, and services reach the people they are meant to serve,” she said.

Kalemba also encouraged MPs to demonstrate transformative leadership by putting aside partisan and short-term interests in favor of long-term national priorities that benefit all Malawians.

The orientation, held under the theme ‘From Election to Action: Empowering Parliamentarians for Impactful Legislation, Governance, and Transformative Leadership’  brought together 224 MPs-elect to strengthen their understanding of legislative processes, governance, and public accountability.

Machika pledges continuity, innovation at NRB

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By Chisomo Phiri

The newly appointed Principal Secretary (PS ) for the National Registration Bureau (NRB), Patrick Machika, has pledged to build on his predecessor’s achievements and drive innovation within the bureau to strengthen the country’s national registration and identity systems.

Machika officially assumed office on Monday following a smooth and cordial handover from outgoing PS Mphatso Sambo, who has led the bureau since 2021.

Speaking during the transition meeting, Machika commended Sambo for his dedicated service and leadership, describing the handover process as professional and cooperative.

Machika and Sambo



“I want to thank Mr. Sambo for his commitment to the bureau and the nation.The NRB has made tremendous progress under his leadership, and I look forward to continuing that momentum,” he said.

Machika praised NRB staff for their teamwork and contribution to strengthening Malawi’s national The system.

He pledged to promote efficiency, digital transformation, and service accessibility as key priorities of his tenure.

On his part, Sambo expressed gratitude for the support he received during his time at the bureau and assured his successor of full cooperation to ensure a seamless transition.

“It has been an honour to serve the bureau and the people of Malawi. I am confident that Mr. Machika will continue to advance NRB’s mission,” said Sambo.

He added that he had provided comprehensive handover notes and would remain available for any clarifications.

Machika’s appointment was announced last week by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).

HR practitioners urged to drive workforce motivation for Malawi’s economic growth

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By Chisomo Phiri

Director General of the Malawi School of Government, Professor Asiyatu Lorraine Chiweza, has challenged human resource practitioners in the country to take a leading role in motivating and empowering the workforce to help Malawi achieve its economic development goals.

Speaking at the opening of the Human Resource Society of Malawi’s Annual Conference in Mangochi on Monday,Chiweza emphasized that human resource professionals often referred to as ‘people managers’ play a critical role in shaping a productive, dedicated, and skilled workforce.

Professor Asiyatu Lorraine Chiweza



“People managers must recognise that they have the vital responsibility of motivating and capacitating workers so that organisations can achieve their goals. For Malawi to meaningfully develop, we need a skilled and dedicated workforce that performs without excuses,” she said.

Chiweza described this year’s conference theme, ‘HR Practice as a Calling,’ as both timely and profound, saying it highlights that human resource management goes beyond administrative functions.

“Human resource management is not just about processing payrolls, drafting contracts, or enforcing procedures. It is a mission, a calling that serves people, institutions, and the nation at large,” she said.

Chiweza further urged HR practitioners to embrace emerging challenges in the profession and position themselves as custodians of institutional values that drive organisational success and national progress.

“An effective HR professional must be a guardian of organisational culture and values, ensuring that employees remain motivated, ethical, and aligned with institutional goals,” she said.

The annual conference has brought together human resource experts from across the country to discuss strategies for strengthening professional standards and promoting sustainable human capital development.

CAIF lauds Mutharika’s free secondary education policy

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Corporate Africa International Foundation (CAIF) has praised president Arthur Peter Mutharika’s decision to introduce free secondary school education in the country saying it is as a bold step toward improving access to education.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday, CAIF Executive Director Kay Phillip Kagwa commended the president for fulfilling his campaign promise, saying the policy demonstrates his administration’s commitment to transforming the country’s education sector.



Kagwa, however, cautioned that the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively it is implemented, urging the government to address potential challenges that could undermine its impact.

“While we commend President Mutharika for this historic policy, we urge government to ensure that secondary schools do not introduce hidden charges such as development or examination fees, which have previously affected the effectiveness of free primary education,” he said.

Kagwa added that many Malawian learners continue to face barriers to education due to extra fees and inadequate school resources, and called for stronger investment in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and learning materials to make free education sustainable.

Mutharika announced the new policy on Sunday during the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe cultural festival in Mulanje, stating that free secondary education will commence in January 2026.

The move has been widely viewed as part of the president’s broader effort to enhance social equality and human capital development in the country.

Castel Malawi strengthens employee welfare, market leadership

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By Alfred Chauwa


Castel Malawi Limited has deepened its drive to foster employee well-being and strengthen workplace harmony, following the successful Castel Malawi Workers Union (Camawu) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Salima over the weekend.     

Addressing Camawu members, Castel Malawi Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director, Gloria Zimba, stressed that the company values a strong, independent workers union as an essential partner in promoting a healthy and productive working environment.

“We believe that an organization with an empowered union and employees who freely express themselves is better positioned to thrive. The annual general meeting provides a space for reflection, review, and planning, ensuring that employees and management continue moving forward together,’’ said Zimba.



Zimba highlighted several milestones achieved since the last AGM, particularly in the area of employee welfare and work-life balance.

Among the developments, Castel Malawi has established social welfare teams, including football and netball clubs in Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu, to promote unity and well-being among staff.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, Castel Malawi has improved facilities for casual employees, including new restrooms, changing areas, and designated break spaces, ensuring that all workers enjoy dignity and comfort regardless of employment status.

“Casual workers deserve to be treated with the same respect as permanent employees. We are proud of the progress we have made in providing them with proper amenities and spaces,” said Zimba.

From a business perspective, Castel Malawi continues to demonstrate strong market performance as it was recognized by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), the second-highest taxpayer in Malawi last year.

Zimba attributed the achievement to increased demand for Castel products, driven by the successful rebranding of Kuchekuche and the introduction of Sapitwa beer, both of which have injected new energy into the Castel brand.

“These brands have captured the excitement of Malawian consumers, and we are proud to see that some of our products are now crossing borders into Mozambique and Zambia,” added Zimba.

Camawu President, Ruben Kapito commended the collaborative spirit between management and employees.

“Productivity has been high, and this shows that things are moving in the right direction. Castel Malawi is not only performing well in the market but also ensuring that employee concerns are heard,” said Kapito.

Gloria Zimba