Ellen DeGeneres’ gander across the pond looks like it hit pause — ’cause she popped up back in Montecito mansion-hunting … the same day of calling for a nationwide shutdown. The ex-talk show host preached in an IG post, “no work, no school, no…
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated sanitation and maintenance equipment valued at K15 million to Blantyre City Council, as part of its K200 million Corporate Social Responsibility programme targeting district and city councils across the country.
Speaking during the official handover of the equipment on Friday, NBM plc Head of Corporate Banking, William Chatsala said the donation is aimed at supporting the council’s efforts to keep the city clean, in line with the bank’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) focus on health and sanitation.
“A clean and well-managed city is a shared responsibility between local authorities, the private sector, and citizens. We are confident that this equipment will enhance the Council’s operational capacity in maintaining cleanliness in the city,” said Chatsala.
Chatsala added that the bank remains committed to supporting development initiatives and is open to collaborating with local authorities to address challenges affecting communities.
“We remain open to further collaboration aligned to development priorities, whether in infrastructure, environmental management, or community-centred initiatives,” said Chatsala.
Blantyre City Mayor, Councillor Isaac Jomo Osman, acknowledged the timely support from NBM plc, noting that the donation comes as the council is preparing to launch the ‘Keep Blantyre Clean’ campaign.
“We sincerely thank the bank for this support. We are making deliberate efforts to keep the city clean, and several initiatives are already underway to improve the service delivery,” said Osman.
He urged residents to make proper use of the donated equipment, citing rising cases of cholera in the city.
“Through this donation, NBM plc is also helping to protect residents from the spread of cholera. As the city’s population continues to grow, it is the responsibility of every resident to play a role in keeping Blantyre clean,” said Osman.
The donated items include gumboots, heavy-duty PVC gloves, blooms, and other sanitation equipment.
By Kenneth Bwanali
LILONGWE—(MaraviPost)-The recent cabinet reshuffle by President Peter Mutharika has sparked intense debate at Capital Hill, particularly regarding the movement of Alfred Gangata. Moving from the Ministry of Natural Resources to Youth, Sports, and Culture, Gangata’s transition has been described by some as a change in pace.
However, a closer analysis reveals this is a strategic deployment of one of the administration’s most agile “fixers.”
The “People’s Ministry”
In the architecture of Malawian politics, portfolios are often divided into “technical” and “political.” While Natural Resources is a technical heavyweight, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is a political powerhouse.
With over 70% of the population being youth, the Minister holding this seat is effectively the face of the government to the largest voting bloc in the country.
By moving Honorable Gangata—who has already proven his competence as a Minister of State and in Natural Resources—to Sports, the President is placing a trusted, high-energy communicator where the administration needs to win hearts and minds.
Versatility as a Strength
Since his appointment as Minister of State in October 2025, Gangata has shown a rare ability to adapt. Very few leaders in the current cabinet have served in three distinct capacities within such a short window. This versatility is not a sign of instability; it is evidence of a leader who can be dropped into any environment and deliver.
“Some look at the size of the budget, but smart politicians look at the size of the audience,” notes an analyst close to the Presidency.
“In Sports, Gangata isn’t just managing a department; he is managing the national mood. Every time a national team wins or a youth center opens, it is his face the public sees.”
The Road Ahead
For Gangata, the Ministry of Youth and Sports offers a unique platform to build massive political capital. While boardroom-heavy ministries can often isolate a leader from the grassroots, Sports puts him directly in the community.
As we look toward the future, the experience Gangata is gathering across these diverse portfolios—from the administrative intricacies of the State House to the environmental challenges of Natural Resources and now the social dynamics of Youth—is building a CV of a truly well-rounded national leader.
In Lilongwe’s corridors of power, the most valuable players are those who can play any position on the field.
Alfred Gangata has just been moved to the center of the pitch. The future, for those paying attention, looks brighter than ever.
About the author: Kenneth Bwanali is a political commentator and analyst based in Lilongwe.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Concerned Citizens of Malawi (CCM), a pressure group operating under the banner of the People Power Movement, has called on the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to publicly explain the procurement of misinformation and disinformation monitoring equipment, citing lack of transparency and growing public concern.
In a letter dated January 14, 2026, addressed to the Director General of MACRA and signed by CCM representatives Edwards Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, the group expressed disappointment over what it described as prolonged silence by the regulator despite earlier assurances that the nation would be briefed on the matter.
CCM reminded MACRA that the organisation was actively involved in the procurement process including participation in a due diligence visit to HASHCOM in Accra, Ghana.
The delegation reportedly included representatives from Parliament, the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM), and the media.
According to the letter, the system in question is valued at approximately US$1.5 million, translating to over K2.6 billion.
The group argues that such expenditure is unjustified given Malawi’s current economic challenges including a high cost of living and underfunded health and education sectors.
The concerned citizens further warned that the technology could enable mass surveillance posing a threat to constitutional rights such as privacy, freedom of expression and access to information.
They also raised fears that the equipment could be abused for political targeting, particularly as the country approaches the general elections scheduled for September 2025.
CCM noted that MACRA had previously assured stakeholders that a public communiqué would be issued to clarify the purpose, scope and justification of the procurement. However, the group says no such communication has been made to date.
The lack of engagement, according to CCM, has left the public in the dark about the status, outcomes, and intended use of the equipment, raising suspicion and eroding public trust.
In the letter, the group described the situation as unacceptable and formally demanded that MACRA brief the nation on the procurement process and provide full disclosure on the equipment’s purpose and current status.
The group also urged the new MACRA management to prioritise transparency and accountability, saying the leadership transition presents an opportunity to restore confidence in the institution.
CCM concluded by stating that it will continue monitoring the issue and advocating for transparency and good governance, while expecting a prompt response and concrete action from MACRA to address the concerns raised.
President Peter Mutharika has appointed Simon Itaye as new Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism in Malawi on 30 January 2026.
He is part of a cabinet reshuffle by President Arthur Peter Mutharika, replacing George Partridge, who was moved to serve as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
Itaye is a veteran of the Malawian private sector with over 35 years of experience in strategic management, international trade, and financial services.
Itaye boasts of holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy from the University of Malawi, an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of West London (formerly Thames Valley University), and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).
As if that is not enough, Itaye once served as the Managing Director of Nampak Malawi Limited, the nation’s leading paper-based packaging manufacturer, until his retirement in 2018.
He is also the former Chairman of Malawi’s largest holding company from 2015 to 2016.
Itaye’s board leadership experience as the chairman of several high-profile boards, including Old Mutual Life Assurance Co. (Malawi), Marsh (Fiji), and the Millennium Challenge Account Malawi is another asset to Mutharika’s cabinet.
Furthermore, Itaye also boasts as one of 12 local entrepreneurs who co-founded Investment Alliance Ltd in 1998.
In terms of his political affiliation, Itaye is closely associated with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) under President Peter Mutharika.
His appointment is viewed as part of Mutharika’s strategy to bring seasoned technocrats and loyalists into the administration to stabilise the economy following his return to power in October 2025.
Interestingly, Itaye is credited with leading Nampak Malawi to become a dominant force in the country’s manufacturing sector.
In fact, Itaye has been a vocal proponent of investment culture among Malawian youth, frequently conducting seminars on building wealth through investment groups.
For instance, Itaye’s role as Chairman of the Millennium Challenge Account Malawi involved overseeing significant energy infrastructure projects aimed at improving the country’s power grid.
Truth be told, while Simon Itaye himself has a generally clean professional record, his surname was briefly linked to controversy through a 2021 Ombudsman report involving his relative, Godfrey Itaye (former Director General of MACRA).
The report alleged nepotism and cronyism within the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority, though no personal wrongdoing was attributed to Simon Itaye.
It is also important to note that President Mutharika once described Itaye as a “private sector veteran,” signaling that his appointment is intended to bridge the gap between government policy and the business community.
Therefore,Itaye’s background in FCCA and MBA provides the financial literacy necessary to manage the trade and industrialisation portfolios.
It is therefore speculated that having run one of the country’s largest manufacturing firms, Itaye is considered uniquely positioned to address the forex shortages and export bans currently hampering Malawian trade.
In conclusion, Itaye faces a daunting challenge of convincing the youth in Malawi that experienced veterans can improve the struggling economy for the benefit of everyone.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Chilobwe United Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Elvis Kafoteka as head coach ahead of the 2026/27 football season.
The Blantyre based side is set to compete in the National Bank Division League after earning promotion into the Southern Premier Division league.
According to the club, Kafoteka has been engaged on a one year contract as part of efforts to strengthen the technical department in line with league requirements.
In an interview with MaraviPost publication, Kafoteka acknowledged his appointment and outlined the expectations placed upon him by the club and he said his principal assignment is to guide Chilobwe United into Malawi’s elite league, the FDH Premiership.
“It is true that I have been given a one year contract and the main task is to ensure that the team gains promotion to the FDH Premiership,” said Kafoteka.
Kafoteka takes over from Jimmy Chikulekule, who was instrumental in helping the club secure promotion into the NBS Bank National Division League.
However, Chikulekule has been reassigned to the assistant coach role after failing to meet the minimum coaching qualifications required to serve as head coach at this level.
The arrangement allows the club to comply with league regulations while retaining Chikulekule’s technical input and institutional knowledge.
Kafoteka brings considerable experience, having previously served as head coach for FOMO FC, Extreme FC, Eagle Strikers, Chikwawa United and Chitipa United.
