Mutharika delivers: Fully rolls out Malawi’s free secondary education

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Parents and guardians whose children are in public secondary schools have all the reasons to be delighted following the government’s decision to finally roll out Free Secondary School Education (FSE) from Monday 5 January 2025.

According to a press release signed by the Secretary for Education, Ken Ndala, the abolishment of the fees and other related costs follows President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of status, has access to free and quality secondary education.

The statement has among others, indicated that the rolling out of the FSE means that the examinations and Identity Card fees that the Malawi National Examinations Board charges to public school students for national examinations in primary and secondary schools are abolished with immediate effect.

The School Development Fund and other user fees are also abolished with effect from 1 January 2026 in all public schools.

However, the statement said all government boarding secondary schools will continue to collect boarding fees until further notice.

The Ministry of Education has since urged concerned stakeholders to support the initiative, noting that its sustainability depends on shared ownership.

The development is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure that all boys and girls complete free equitable and quality primary and secondary education by 2030.

This move is expected to increase access to secondary education for many Malawian children, particularly those from low-income families.

The government’s decision is a significant step towards achieving education equality and promoting economic growth and development in Malawi.

By making secondary education free, the government hopes to reduce the country’s poverty levels and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.

The success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to provide adequate resources and infrastructure to support the increased demand for secondary education.

The rollout of Free Secondary Education (FSE) in Malawi is poised to transform the country’s education system.

With the removal of financial barriers, more students are likely to access secondary education, leading to a more educated and skilled population.

FSE may also help bridge the gap in education inequality, enabling girls and marginalized groups to pursue their studies without financial constraints.

As a result, Malawi can expect a more informed citizenry, improved economic prospects, and a competitive workforce, ultimately driving sustainable development and growth.

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Balaka’s woman Rhoda Amos arrested for illegal ammunition, pistol possession

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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Police Service in Balaka are keeping in custody a 55 year old woman, Rhoda Amos for allegedly possessing a pistol and seven rounds of ammunition without a permit.

Balaka Police Station Publicist Gladson M’bumpha said the suspect Amos was arrested on January 1, 2026 at Lupanga Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Nsamala following a tip-off.

“The house of the suspect was raided and upon searching in her house, it was discovered that the unidentified Pistol and seven ammunitions were hidden in the sack bag whilst wrapped with a plastic jumbo,” explained M’bumpha

M’bumpha added that the suspect revealed that the gun was sent to her by her son, currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, concealed inside a subwoofer.

The suspect is expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of illegal possession of a firearm.

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“No comment”-Gangata on MRA security services tender cancellation

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-State Minister and Masters Group Executive Director Alfred Gangata says “No comment” on the decision Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) cancelling the security services the authority wanted to ward to three companies.

MRA wanted award security services to three companies including Masters Security, Iringa Security, and Kamu Guard services.

But in a public notice dated December 31, 2025, MRA has cancelled a tender awarded to all three companies without giving any reasons.

The authority is expected to re-advertise the tender to the public.

MRA publicist Wilma Chalulu has confirmed writing letter to the three companies.

When contacted Masters Group Chief Gangata on matter, he just said, “NO comment”!

The procurement reference number for the cancelled tender is MRA/Security Services/12/11/2025.

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2025 in Review: Suileman defies expectations, takes Speakership with firm, professional hand

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Against widespread skepticism and harsh public judgment, newly appointed Speaker of Parliament Sammer Suileman has begun his tenure with a level of authority and professionalism that has surprised many critics and observers alike.

Social media had been abuzz with doubts about Suileman’s leadership capacity, especially following past parliamentary confrontations in which he was repeatedly ejected from the chamber under Standing Order 105. 

For many, these incidents painted him as short-tempered and unfit for the highly disciplined role of Speaker of the National Assembly.

However, Suileman’s recent conduct in the august House has signaled a dramatic shift in tone  one marked by firmness, order, and a clear commitment to parliamentary discipline.

In his first decisive remarks as Speaker, Suileman issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament, urging them to take parliamentary business seriously by attending sittings consistently. 

He emphasized that absenteeism would no longer be tolerated and warned that MPs who fail to attend proceedings without valid reasons risk having their allowances deducted.

“The people of Malawi expect seriousness, responsibility, and accountability from this House,” 

 “Parliament is not a ceremonial space; it is a working institution, and attendance is not optional.”Suileman said.

The statement alone sent a strong message across party lines, drawing mixed reactions but earning praise from governance advocates who have long criticized chronic absenteeism in Parliament.

Many Malawians had dismissed Suileman as a potential embarrassment to the House, branding him “uneducated” and ill-equipped for such a high office. 

Yet his early handling of proceedings has challenged that narrative, demonstrating that effective leadership extends beyond academic credentials.

Observers note that Suileman has enforced Standing Orders impartially, allowing debate while swiftly curbing disorder  a balance that past Speakers often struggled to maintain.

“Leadership is not measured by certificates alone,” commented one parliamentary analyst. 

“So far, Suileman has shown that discipline, decisiveness, and respect for procedure can command authority even in a divided House.”

Ironically, the very traits once used to criticize him  firmness and intolerance for chaos  are now proving to be assets in restoring order and seriousness to parliamentary business.

As Parliament continues its sessions under his stewardship, expectations remain cautiously optimistic.

 Whether Suileman can sustain this momentum and rise above political pressure remains to be seen.

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Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout, Epstein Files Mess, Swiss Nightclub Fire

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Somali-run day care centers in Minnesota report threats and vandalism after a viral right-wing video accusing them of fraud prompts federal action with nationwide consequences.
The Justice Department misses its deadline to release the Epstein files, fueling confusion and conspiracy theories as heavily redacted and unreliable documents trickle out.
And Switzerland begins days of mourning after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire rips through a crowded nightclub at a ski resort, killing dozens and injuring many more.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Luis Clemens, Dana Farrington, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Kaity Kline and Christopher Thomas.

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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is David Greenburg..

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p class=”readrate”>

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p class=”readrate”> Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

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p class=”readrate”>(0:00) Introduction
(01:54) Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout
(05:31) Epstein Files Mess 
(09:27) Swiss Nightclub Fire

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Tragedy strikes Alabama Church: Pastor DaQuarius Green shot dead by wife

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ALABMA-(MaraviPost)-A devastating incident has shaken the community of Elba Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where beloved Pastor DaQuarius Green was fatally shot by his wife, Quintaria Massey, in front of their children.

The tragic event occurred on December 30, leaving the congregation and the wider community in mourning.

According to authorities, the shooting was reportedly a result of a domestic incident, with Massey claiming self-defense.

However, the investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against her as yet.

The couple had been experiencing marital problems, which may have contributed to the tragic event.

Pastor Green, 31, was a respected figure in the community, known for his dedication to his faith and family.

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow pastors, church members, and the community at large.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved pastor,” said Elba Zion Missionary Baptist Church in a statement. “We ask that you keep his family and our congregation in your prayers during this difficult time”

The incident has also raised concerns about domestic violence and the importance of seeking help when needed.

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