Justin Baldoni’s dad Sam is still proud of his son, despite the sexual harassment allegations plaguing the 42-year-old director … which Sam seemed to refer to as “injustice.” Sam posted a tribute for Justin’s 42nd birthday Saturday, writing, “I…
Paul Tungwarara
AS I travelled through out the length and breadth of Zimbabwe, I am across a new phenomenon, a class of entrepreneurs carrying various titles.
One of these was a brother by the name of Paul Tungwarara, supposedly from Manicaland, an entrepreneur of sorts. One of his titles was “Dr” apparently denoting some much learning of sorts. Yet another title was that of “advisor”, a title which I later learned referred to his role of having the ear of Mukuru.
Having Mukuru’s ear is something to be envied or admired, but that was not the end of his titles. There was yet a fourth title, associated with state contracts, supposedly having to do with environmental rehabilitation of rivers.
While rehabilitating rivers, a very necessary survival task, along the Murodzi, Hunyani and other tributaries, there is gold to be found.
The point I am trying to make is that this brother is no small brother; he is everywhere, we can call him a very bad cat indeed.
If this was not enough, I was baffled by his hitherto unknown role as a 2030 advocate, a forest in which angels would fear to cross.
After consulting some wise men, it dawned on me that to take the brother seriously, as a political actor, is to be misled by puffery.
A rhetorician.
Before Brother Masiphula Sithole died, we had planned to write a book about Zimbabwe politics and philosophy.
In African politics, as exemplified by Brother Tungwarara, rhetoric and entertainment are closely aligned.
This gift is universal in the Afro-world. As I write, January 19th of an American holiday in honor of the Reverend Martin Luther King. The holiday usually reminds Americans of one of the finest speeches of the 20th Century- I have a dream speech.
That is my point. I have a dream speech, was not just a political speech, it was entertainment par excellence, the beauty, cadence of the words and presentation and style-the wave of the hand, the gesture, the drawl of the voice-the sigh-and the provocation and the finale-all those are combined in one speech.
Now listen to this brother, Tungwarara-never mind what he is saying-that Mukuru can rule till 2030-is not a serious argument.
But that is to miss the point.
Tungwarara is not a serious brother. He says so himself.
The argument is not whether Zanu PF can extend Mukuru’s tenure to 2030 and after that to 2035.
The argument is not whether Mukuru’s tenure has been accompanied by economic growth; the Trabablas through-way is his signature achievement.
The issue is that age takes its toll-Aristotle says that even a wise king grows old and infirm. Hastings Banda, once the Ngwazi of Malawi, at 94 was infirm and fragile like a baby.
And so was our own Robert Mugabe, at 94 he became a plaything in the hands of Grace, his younger wife.
Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, once a brilliant commander, at 84 years old, has become a laughing stock in Uganda.
Tungwarara’s argument is not a serious argument. But that does not mean that he is less formidable.
The brother’s gift lies in rhetoric and entertainment. After all, politics is partly entertainment.
“I asked the vice-president. Do you know this guy?” Supposedly a reference to Blessed Geza.
A sigh, calculated to draw attention and curiosity.
“I don’t know this guy,” the vice president replies. Again, a sigh and one can feel the tension.
The audience apparently knows the story and they fill in the gaps. Tungi does not say which of the two vice-presidents he consulted.
A trained voice shouts from the corner. “Speak, Advisor.” Now, I was not aware that the brother is an advisor.
A woman’s voice shouts from another corner. “Speak Prophet!”
So. Brother Tungi has been transformed from an advisor to a prophet.
Students of political science need to study the video renditions of Tungi’s speeches. Of course, Tungi wants Mukuru’s tenure to be extended. Such an extension is not harmful to his contracts.
But to argue that Tungi is a serious philosopher in the manner of Professor Lovemore Madhuku is to miss the point.
He is making a general point. Zanu PF is a fun party. It behooves anybody who is anybody who wants some attention to attend.
The attire is deliberate. A scandalously colorful scarf worn on an equally generous coat of many colors completes the picture of a luna park.
Tungi is what Afro-Americans call a bad cat.
He is full of smoke and stuff, and just like a cat chasing a snake, you can’t catch him nowhere.
.*Ken Mufuka is a Zimbabwean patriot.
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BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism, George Partridge, has commended the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) for its proactive leadership in promoting the responsible growth of the gambling industry while safeguarding young people and strengthening investor confidence.
The Minister made the remarks on Thursday during a strategic engagement with MAGLA management, which included a familiarisation tour aimed at deepening his understanding of the Authority’s operations, regulatory mandate, and strategic priorities.
Speaking during the engagement meeting, Partridge, said MAGLA’s approach demonstrates a strong commitment to balancing revenue generation, tourism development, and social responsibility, noting that gambling, when well regulated, can contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
“Gambling is an experience for both local and foreign consumers. It complements our tourism products and attracts more consumers, and when they spend more, government also benefits through increased revenue,” said Partridge.
He then applauded MAGLA for taking deliberate steps to address the social risks associated with gambling, particularly the protection of children and vulnerable groups.
“As a regulator of gambling, one of the major challenges is the negative effects of gambling on society and on children. We wanted to understand what MAGLA is doing to minimise these negative effects, and this is an area they are taking seriously,” he said.
The Minister also acknowledged operational challenges facing the Authority, including limitations in office infrastructure, and assured that government is aware of the impact such constraints can have on effective service delivery.
“They are operating from converted residential houses and are scattered across different locations, which makes administration a bit difficult. These are genuine concerns that government has taken note of,” said Partridge.
Commenting on the Minister’s visit, MAGLA Director General, Rachel Mijiga, described it as a strong show of government support for the gaming industry.
“We are grateful to the Minister for visiting MAGLA and for the guidance he has provided on how we can take the industry forward, particularly on responsible gambling and sustainable growth,” said Mijiga.
She said MAGLA is engaging betting operators on concerns surrounding the newly introduced betting tax and is working closely with key stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach.
“We are gathering insights from operators and will engage the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders to arrive at a win-win situation for government, investors and the people of Malawi,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mijiga said MAGLA is projecting 60 percent growth in the gaming sector in the new financial year and will intensify responsible gambling initiatives.
“We will partner with responsible gambling agents and engage parents, guardians and school principals to ensure that under-18s do not participate in gambling,” she said.
She also highlighted the media’s role as a key partner in public awareness.
“The media shape public opinion and help us reach the youth and the wider public. They are a critical stakeholder in promoting responsible gambling,” said Mijiga.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Photos of teachers at Chikwawa Secondary School celebrating education have flooded social media, showcasing the dedication and passion of these educators.
The images are a testament to the hard work and commitment of teachers in Malawi, who go above and beyond to shape the minds of future generations.
The celebration is a moment to recognize the tireless efforts of teachers who often work under challenging conditions to provide quality education to their students.
Their dedication is the foundation upon which the future of Malawi is being built, and it’s time to acknowledge their contributions.
Teachers elsewhere in the country are being called upon to share their own images, marking the celebration and showcasing the spirit of education across Malawi.
This collective celebration aims to highlight the importance of education and the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the country’s future.
The outpouring of support is a clear indication of the respect and admiration Malawians have for their educators.
As the country celebrates this momentous occasion, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the education sector and the challenges that still need to be addressed.
The government and stakeholders must work together to ensure that teachers are supported and equipped to provide quality education to all Malawians.
The celebration also serves as a reminder of the power of education to transform lives and communities.
By investing in education, Malawi is investing in its future, and the impact will be felt for generations to come.
KAMPALA-(MaraviPost)-Barbie Kyagulanyi, the wife of Ugandan singer and former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu alias Bobi Wine, has made a desperate plea for safety, privacy, and access to food as security men surround their home in Magere.
The urgent appeal highlights the escalating tensions and concerns for the family’s well-being.
Security forces have been deployed around the couple’s home, restricting access and sparking fears for their safety and security.
Barbie Kyagulanyi’s cry for help underscores the gravity of the situation, with the family facing significant challenges in their daily lives.
The situation has also taken a toll on the family’s access to basic necessities, including food.
Barbie Kyagulanyi’s appeal for access to food highlights the humanitarian concerns and the need for urgent intervention to ensure the family’s basic needs are met.
The standoff between security forces and the Bobi Wine family has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling for calm and respect for human rights.
The international community is watching the situation closely, with many urging the Ugandan government to ensure the safety and security of the family.
As the situation continues to unfold, the plight of Barbie Kyagulanyi and her family remains a major concern.
The world waits with bated breath as the drama unfolds, hoping that sanity and respect for human rights will prevail in Uganda.
The Bobi Wine family has been at the center of controversy and political tensions in Uganda, with many viewing them as symbols of resistance against the ruling government.
The current standoff is the latest chapter in a saga that has captivated the nation and sparked heated debate.
The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The world waits anxiously for a resolution to the standoff, hoping for a peaceful and safe outcome for the Bobi Wine family.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has attributed the recent sharp fuel price hike to prolonged government and parliamentary interference in the operations of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), arguing that the economic shock could have been avoided if the regulator had been allowed to operate independently.
Speaking to MaraviPost, CAMA Executive Director John Kapito said fuel prices would have increased gradually and with far less pain if MERA had been permitted to execute its mandate without political pressure.
Instead, he said sustained interference delayed necessary adjustments, culminating in a sudden and severe hike that has heavily burdened consumers.
Kapito argued that MERA’s hands were effectively tied by government actions, making it impossible for the regulator to conduct incremental price reviews that would have cushioned the public from a major shock.
He stressed that the blame should not fall on MERA staff, whom he described as professionals constrained by political decisions beyond their control.
“This situation is man made and it was avoidable,” Kapito said,
calling on government to “get its hands off MERA” and allow the institution to operate strictly within its legal framework. Where weaknesses exist in the law, he added,
Parliament should amend the Act rather than interfere with day to day regulatory decisions.
He warned that continued political interference would only prolong the suffering of ordinary Malawians, noting that undermining independent institutions erodes public confidence and weakens service delivery.
While acknowledging that higher fuel prices inevitably hurt consumers, Kapito emphasized that pricing should not be confused with availability.
He argued that selling fuel below cost creates scarcity, which ultimately drives prices even higher through black market trading.
He cited recent market experiences in which fuel shortages led to extreme price distortions, with consumers paying several times the official price simply because fuel was unavailable.
Kapito maintained that ensuring consistent fuel availability would restore mobility, support business activity and help the economy stabilize over time, even if the adjustment period remains painful.
Turning to unscrupulous traders, he issued a stern warning against exploiting the situation by unjustifiably hiking prices of goods and services beyond what is warranted by fuel adjustments.
He said consumer protection bodies, working closely with the media, would closely monitor markets in the coming weeks.
He also called on the media to play a constructive role by exposing abuses while giving consumers hope and confidence that their interests are being safeguarded.
However, he concluded that while traders must be held accountable, the primary responsibility lies with government.
