Veep Ansah urges food self-reliance during Chikwawa Lean Season Response

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Vice President Dr Jane Ansah spearheaded the Lean Season Response Programme in Chikwawa, urging unity and collective commitment in the fight against hunger.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ansah described the food distribution initiative as a critical intervention designed to support households grappling with severe food shortages during the lean period.

She emphasized that sustainable development at family, community, or national level is impossible without sufficient food.

Dr Ansah explained that the 2024/2025 farming season was severely affected by the La Niña weather pattern, which delayed rainfall, caused erratic showers, and left some areas parched, leading to widespread crop failure.

She added that crop-destroying pests, economic hardships, and rising commodity prices further aggravated food insecurity for many Malawians.

Citing the latest Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, Dr Ansah noted that over four million people are at risk of food insecurity between October 2025 and March 2026.

Highlighting government interventions, she said that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared food insecurity across all districts, necessitating food assistance throughout the country.

She thanked development partners and supporting nations for enabling the timely rollout of the programme and praised district councils for ensuring smooth distribution.

Dr Ansah encouraged communities to adopt modern, climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce reliance on rainfall to secure long-term food stability.

In closing, she urged beneficiaries to use the maize responsibly and report any misuse or fraud, assuring them that legal action would be taken against all acts of corruption.


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Zelensky set for landmark address to Irish Parliament

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to deliver a historic address to the Irish Parliament as part of his continued diplomatic outreach amid the ongoing war with Russia.

The planned address will take place during a special sitting of the Oireachtas, where both Irish lawmakers and senior government officials will gather to hear his message.

Zelensky is anticipated to express gratitude for Ireland’s humanitarian support while urging the nation to continue standing with Ukraine as it navigates unprecedented security challenges.

Irish officials say the invitation reflects their solidarity with the Ukrainian people and their commitment to supporting democratic values under threat from Russian aggression.

The speech is expected to focus on strengthening international alliances, deepening cooperation with European partners, and mobilising additional global assistance for Ukraine’s defence.

Analysts believe Zelensky’s engagement with Ireland underscores his broader diplomatic strategy of building a united front across Europe, even among countries that are militarily neutral.

The visit is also seen as an effort to remind European governments that Ukraine’s struggle has far-reaching implications for the continent’s security and democratic stability.

Irish lawmakers have welcomed the upcoming address, describing it as a timely reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity in the face of ongoing conflict.


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Malawi mourns former Flames Striker Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawian football fraternity is mourning the passing of former Flames striker Esau “Black Mamba” Kanyenda, who has died in the United Kingdom after being diagnosed with liver cancer.

Kanyenda, 43 years old, revealed his battle with the illness on his Facebook page on Monday, December 1st, 2025, where he appealed to the public for prayers as he fought for his life. Sadly, he succumbed to the disease shortly afterwards.

Esau Kanyenda had been living in the UK since retiring from professional football in 2018, ending his illustrious career with Mighty Wanderers. Widely respected for his pace, strength and discipline, Kanyenda remains one of Malawi’s most iconic exports.

His football journey began in 1998 with Dwasco FC, from where he rose to become a fully fledged international star.

He later moved to South Africa, where he played for Jomo Cosmos and Polokwane City.

His impressive performances earned him a move to Europe, spending several seasons in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow, Rotor Volgograd, FC Kamaz and Dynamo Bryansk.

In 2012, he also had a brief stint in Denmark, continuing to showcase his versatility and experience on the pitch.

Among those paying tribute is former Flames defender and close friend Elvis Kafoteka, who shared emotional reflections on their bond.

“Esau was very humble. He was my roommate every time we went to camp for the national team. We would always encourage one another,” Kafoteka said.

“He was someone who was serious whenever he was in the country for national duty,”Kafoteka explained in an interview with MaraviPost publication.

Kafoteka further revealed a personal gesture inspired by their friendship.

“It’s also the reason I picked jersey 12, because he was putting on jersey 11,” he added.

Kanyenda’s death leaves a huge void in Malawi football, where he is remembered not only for his achievements but also for his humility, leadership and commitment to the game.

His legacy as one of the finest strikers to wear the Flames jersey will live on.


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Hegseth Boat Strikes, Witkoff To Moscow, National Guard Shooting Suspect

A U.S. official contradicts the White House account of who ordered the deadly boat strike in the Caribbean, while President Trump considers his next moves with Venezuela.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow for high-stakes talks after revising the peace agreement with Ukrainian negotiators.
And new details about the Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers point to a long-running mental health crisis rather than radicalization.

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Machinga pupil struck, killed by lightning while returning from well

MACHINGA-(MaraviPost)-A 14-year-old pupil from Mpiranjala Primary School in Machinga, identified as Ivy Patsidya, has died after being struck by lightning on Sunday evening.

The chairperson of the area’s disaster risk committee under Senior Chief Mchinguza, Asima Kapalepale, confirmed the tragic incident.

He explained that the teenager was on her way back from the well where she had gone to fetch water when the lightning struck her.

Kapalepale said the area had experienced a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds at the time of the incident.

He described the event as a devastating loss for the family and the community, especially given the young girl’s age and the circumstances under which she died.

The local disaster risk committee has since urged communities to exercise caution during stormy weather conditions, particularly when children are moving outdoors.

They have also appealed to parents and guardians to monitor the whereabouts of young people during severe rainfall to prevent similar tragedies.

Education authorities in the area have expressed sadness over the sudden loss of the pupil, noting that her death comes at a time when students are preparing for end-of-term activities.

Community members have also called for increased awareness on lightning safety measures as rainfall patterns continue to become unpredictable.

The matter has been reported to relevant authorities, and funeral arrangements are underway as the community mourns the death of the young learner.


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Malawian activists call for sustained HIV/AIDS support

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Health rights activists and national HIV stakeholders have urged government and partners to maintain strong financing and focus on the HIV and AIDS response, warning that gains made over the years must not be reversed.

Speaking during World AIDS Day commemorations, health activist Mazuko Matemba stressed the need for continued investment in HIV programmes.

He said HIV and AIDS must remain a key priority for government, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities, noting that the disease still has no cure and continues to affect young men and women.

At the same event, National AIDS Commission (NAC) Executive Director Beatrice Matanje announced that Malawi has reached HIV epidemic control.

She said the country has successfully achieved the 95-95-95 global treatment targets—with 95% of people living with HIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment virally suppressed.

Matanje further highlighted a significant decline in national HIV prevalence among adults aged 15 and above, dropping from over 14% in the late 1990s to 7.3% in 2020, reflecting the impact of sustained national interventions.

Despite this progress, activists are calling for consistent financial support and commitment to ensure Malawi maintains these milestones.

They warn that without continued focus from all sectors, the country risks losing the gains made in controlling the epidemic.

The call comes as Malawi aims to strengthen its HIV prevention, treatment and community support systems to sustain the progress achieved so far.


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