BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Castel Malawi Limited has reinforced its dedication to supporting government efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS through a partnership with the Malawi Business Coalition on Health (MBCHealth) during this year’s World AIDS Day commemoration.
The event, held on Monday (December 1) in Makata, Blantyre, ran under the theme ‘We Remember, We Lead, We Rise to Transform the Response.’
Castel Malawi Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Linda Kolomba, said the company remains deeply invested in strengthening the country’s HIV/AIDS response through strategic collaborations.
“As Castel Malawi, we recognise that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires unity and consistent action. This is why we continue to stand side by side with organisations to ensure that communities have access to the support and information they need. Our role is to uplift, empower, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier Malawi,” said Kolomba.
Kolomba further emphasised that, as a company, Castel Malawi places high importance on health and wellbeing, not only within the communities it supports but also among its own employees.
“At Castel Malawi, we believe that a thriving workforce starts with a healthy workforce. This is why we prioritise health initiatives internally and extend the same support to the communities we operate in. When our people are healthy, our nation is stronger,” she said.
In her remarks, MBCHealth Chairperson, Gloria Zimba, thanked Castel Malawi for joining hands with the coalition, adding that the health sector is currently facing significant financial constraints.
“We have lost partners from abroad, and we are very grateful to Castel Malawi and others for stepping forward to support us. We now depend heavily on such partnerships for financial assistance. Their involvement shows how dedicated they are, and as MBCHealth, we are honoured to have this collaboration,” said Zimba.
Other partners for the commemoration day included National Bank of Malawi plc, MASM, ESCOM, and Blantyre Water Board (BWB).
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s National Association of Business Women (NABW) is set to launch its advocacy paper under the project Enhancing Gender-Inclusive Public Procurement and Open Contracting in Malawi.
The Launch and presentation of the Advocacy Position Paper on Gender-Responsive procurement slated today, Thursday in the capital Lilongwe at Crossroads Hotel aims at facilitating dialogue among stakeholders on inclusive procurement reforms, engaging the media in promoting women’s economic participation.
NABW Executive Director Barbara Banda told The Maravi Post in an interview that women-led enterprises in Malawi continue to face barriers in accessing public procurement opportunities including limited access to information and procurement platforms, inadequate awareness of procurement policies such as the MSME Order 2020, limited capacity to prepare compliant bids and financial and collateral constraints hence the launch.
“The Advocacy Position Paper provides evidence from policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and consultations, identified gaps in the procurement ecosystem, recommended gender-inclusive procurement reforms, practical measures for MDAs, SOEs, PPDA, and policymakers.
“The paper also advocates for gender quotas or set-asides for women-owned enterprises, simplified bidding requirements and strengthened implementation of MSME Order 2020,” discloses Banda.
The event has attracted government institutions, state-owned enterprises, civil society, private sector players, and women-led businesses and among others.
The National Association of Business Women (NABW), with support from the Women and Girls Fund (WGF), is implementing a national advocacy project titled Enhancing Gender-Inclusive Public Procurement and Open Contracting in Malawi.
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Malawi plc through the Airtel Africa Foundation on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 donated MK300 million humanitarian contribution to support households affected by prolonged drought, crop failure, and severe food shortages.
The funds intend to reach out to thousands of Malawian families struggling through one of the toughest hunger seasons in recent years, announcing a
The company is responding to the declaration of state of disaster by President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika in all the 28 districts of Malawi.
This donation reflects Airtel Malawi’s belief that during moments of national hardship, standing together is the greatest strength a country can have.
The support underscores the company’s enduring commitment to the wellbeing of Malawians and its promise to show up where the need is greatest.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Airtel Malawi plc Managing Director, Aashish Dutt observes, “The hunger crisis is affecting the lives of so many families and children across our country. As Airtel Malawi, we feel this pain deeply. We are not just a network; we are part of every community we serve. When our nation hurts, we hurt. And when our nation needs us, we step forward.
“Through this partnership with DODMA and the Malawi Red Cross Society, we are hopeful that more families will find relief, and more children will have the nourishment they need to stay in school and thrive.”
Commenting on the donation, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization, Joseph Mwanamvekha expressed appreciation over the timely support.
“We welcome this generous donation from Airtel Malawi at a time when many families are struggling. This assistance will directly support vulnerable communities and ensure children are not going to school on empty stomachs.
“As government, we remain committed to working with the private sector to ensure urgent relief reaches all the Malawians who need it most,” lauds Mwanamvekha.
The Malawi Red Cross Society welcomed the contribution, describing it as a timely show of solidarity and compassion.
“Airtel Malawi’s support has come at a moment when many families are unsure of where their next meal will come from. This contribution will bring relief and hope to 2000 households and 10 primary schools in the hardest-hit districts of Blantyre rural and Chikwawa.
“We are grateful for this partnership, which strengthens our humanitarian response and touches lives where it matters most,” said Chifundo Kalulu, Secretary General- CEO of Malawi Red Cross Society.
Airtel Malawi appreciates the Ministries of Information and Communications Technology; Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization; as well as the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) for providing clear direction on how the private sector can complement Government efforts in this regard.
This lifeline will be delivered in partnership with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) and Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and will provide emergency food assistance to vulnerable families.
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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s leading premier network provider TNM has reached out two million Mpamba Tikankhe customers with MK50 billion funds disbursement.
This has been possible within two years of the loan facility following its inception.
TNM has therefore fully partnered with Credit Data Bureau for loan defaulters tracing.
Addressing the joint press conference on Monday, December 1, 2025 in the capital Lilongwe, TNM Mpamba General Manager Christopher Sukasuka, said the the loan facility has over 1.5 million regular customers with payment and collection rates at 95 percent.
Sukasuka added Mpamba Tikankhe mostly targets rural audience while helping them access timely loans for farm inputs, utilities services accessibility and other daily needs.
He therefore disclosed that ‘Mpamba Ndikankhe’ regular users can now borrow up to MK500,000 instantly via mobile services.
Echoing the same, Credit Data Bureau Managing Director, Patricia Mwase, said the bureau has partnered with TNM to simplify the loan access process .
Mwase added that her company has also come monitor and ensure repayment of loans through the ‘Ndikankhe’ program.
She therefore lauded company’s zeal to reduce loan defaulters across all financial institutions.
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…..CDEDI introduces free-toll line on suspected corrupt practices in Malawi
…Simply dial 4384 for free on both Airtel and TNM mobile networks
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s civil rights Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) is demanding accountability on the business venture between Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited (GBIGL) and Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia amid public funds abuse allegations.
CDEDI regrets “to inform the nation that during the previous Democratic Progressive Party regime government paid $5 million to Inosselia, an Israeli firm registered in Cyprus, to construct an intensive high value vegetable farm on some 30 hectares of land near Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. At that time, the cost of one green house was estimated at $100,000 at most.
“To date, Malawians may wish to know that only 16 fullyfledged green houses have been constructed while four others were constructed for training. But it is sad to report that the said training no longer takes place”.
Addressing the news conference on Monday, December 1, 2025, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says the grouping has written the Secretary to Treasury (ST) Cliff Chiunda and the Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, demanding an immediate recovery of the much-sought-after foreign exchange that is in the hands of Inosselia.
Namiwa adds, “Apart from the $5 million, the Malawi Government also pumped in K2.2 billion and K2.7 billion respectively, in respect of the beginning of what is known as the Greenbelt Initiative Greenhouses Limited (GBIGL), a purported joint venture between Greenbelt Authority and Inosselia.
“These funds pumped in the project, on 9th June 2021, through the then Acting GBA Chief Executive Officer Amon Mluwira, the Malawi Congress Party-led government signed an agreement with Inosselia, committing Malawians to what is known as management fees, pegged at $25,000 per month”.
The grouping observes further, “Despite that huge investment, the GBA, let alone the Ministry of Finance, has never been involved in the day-to-day running of the farm, and there has been no public declaration of sales from the farm.
CDEDI has invoked the Access to Information (ATI) Act, demanding the following information; GBIGL to make public its audited accounts for the six years it has been operational. GBIGL to make a detailed account of foreign exchange accrued from the vegetable exports declared to the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
“We want Malawi government to provide a detailed exit plan, including details on how the company will pay back Malawians’ money before leaving the country, since it is clear that Inosselia has breached its contract with the Malawi Government.
“Government to conduct a forensic audit of GBIGL in order to have a fair and clear view of how much Inosselia owes the people of Malawi. CDEDI appeals to government through the new Finance MinisterJoseph Mwanamvekha to review the greenhouses’ initial contract in order to serve the interest of Malawians,” appeal Namiwa.
Meanwhile, CDEDI has established a toll-free line that will enable the general public to participate in this noble initiative.
“CDEDI hereby informs the people of Malawi that it has embarked on a serious course to follow up on all monies and other resources that the country received in the name of its citizens in the form of grants, loans, royalties, fines, forfeiture and taxes.
“Well-meaning citizens are hereby advised that they can blow the whistle to anonymously report to us suspected corrupt practices, fraud, abuse of power or office, and violation of human rights by simply dialing 4384 for free on both Airtel and TNM mobile networks,” says Namiwa.
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Singer Ray J comes from a family filled with musicians and performers, including his father and his sister, Brandy.
Ray J released his debut single “Let It Go” in 1997, but his family’s history in the music industry dates back to at least the 1970s, when his father Willie Norwood joined The Composers. His mother, Sonja, has worked as the manager for both Ray J and Brandy since they began their own music careers.
Ray J has created his own family with estranged wife Princess Love, who he married in 2016. The pair welcomed daughter Melody in 2018 and son Epik in 2020. In May 2020, the pair announced they were separating, and have since rescinded and then re-filed for divorce three more times. They are currently still married.
In November 2025, the “One Wish” singer was arrested after he allegedly pulled a gun on his estranged wife during an argument on Thanksgiving Day.
Video footage from the livestream allegedly showed Ray J saying, “Y’all wanna drive drunk? Y’all wanna drive drunk? Drive drunk. Drive drunk, Princess,” before Love interjects, “Ray, you just pointed a gun–.”
“Drive drunk, princess. Go ahead,” Ray J also appeared to say. “You wanna take my kids? You and your drunk cousin? Cuz y’all drunk at the alcoholics? Take my kids then, go ahead. Who’s gonna drive? Tony, he’s been drinking too.”
Keep scrolling to learn more about Ray J’s relationships with his family, including Love and their two children.
Willie Norwood
Willie NorwoodParas Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
Ray J’s father Willie is a singer, coach and teacher. As shared via Kovocals, Willie joined the singing group The Composers in the 1970s. The band made the decision to move to Hollywood after opening for Chaka Khan & Rufus, and Willie lived there with his family until he and wife Sonja decided to move back to Mississippi.
Willie took the family back to California to serve as a minister of music and become a music coach. He put together Brandy’s first tour and released his own album, Bout It, in 2001.
Willie also appeared on Brandy and Ray J’s reality series, Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. The series aired on VH1 for two seasons, from April 2010 to February 2011.
Sonja B. Norwood
Sonja NorwoodJonathan Leibson/Getty Images for WE tv
Sonja has worked as Brandy and Ray J’s manager throughout their music careers, and is also the CEO of the family’s management company, Norwood & Norwood. As shared on her website, Sonja cut her career at H&R block short to focus on her children’s musical pursuits. This allowed her to help Brandy and Ray J navigate music contracts, Brandy’s foray into music and beauty deals and running the Norwood Kids Foundation.
“Being Black, a woman, a mom, and coming into this industry in the `90s was not easy,” she says on her site. “When I’m teaching, it’s important for people to understand the practices of the entertainment industry. I appreciate all of the good and bad attitudes, the no’s and yes challenges and deceptions that came my way. They have made me the business person I am today. I have earned my way – fearless, confident, and passionate about who I am and how I can change things. I want up-and-coming mom managers and females especially to know that if they are willing to put in the work to not only master their craft but also to wholly understand who they are as a person, establish boundaries and keep God first – they can accomplish anything.”
Brandy Norwood
Brandy NorwoodDerek White/Getty Images
Brandy is Ray J’s older sister, known to audiences around the world as a singer and actress. She rose to fame after securing a role on the ABC series Thea, which aired from September 1983 to February 1984, but her breakthrough moment came with the release of her first self-titled album in September 1984.
Brandy led the cast of Moesha in 1996, and the series became a hit soon after its debut. Her acting career spawned several more roles, including in the 1997 movie Cinderella.
The release of her follow-up album Never Say Never in 1998 introduced Brandy to wider audiences after the single “The Boy is Mine” hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Brandy has continued to act and sing in the years that followed.
Sy’Rai Smith
Sy’Rai SmithBryan Bedder/Getty Images for Lifetime
Sy’Rai is the daughter of Brandy and producer Robert Smith. She made her debut as a singer on her mom’s 2020 record B7 and released her own song, “On My Own” in 2023. She is also the host of the “I Shouldn’t Have Said That” podcast.
Princess Love
Princess LoveUnique Nicole/Getty Images
Ray J and Princess Love married in August 2016, and have since welcomed two children together. The pair’s relationship has been tumultuous, and they have filed for divorce several times (in May 2020, September 2020, October 2021 and most recently in February 2024).
“After much reflection, discussion, and counseling, we have come to the difficult realization that our paths have diverged, and it is in the best interest of both of us to part ways,” Love wrote in a since-deleted post shared via Instagram in February 2024. “We want to reassure you that this decision was made thoughtfully and with mutual respect and consideration for each other’s well-being. While our relationship as spouses may be coming to an end, we remain committed to co-parenting our children and maintaining a positive and supportive family dynamic.”
Princess was a cast member on seasons 3 through 6 of Love & Hip Hop: Miami (the series aired from 2014 to 2019) and frequently documents her cooking on Instagram.
Ray J Familyesse Grant/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Ray J and Love welcomed their first child together on May 23, 2018. Soon after her birth, Ray J shared a video of himself with Melody with OK! Magazine, telling the outlet that he and Love were considering a move to London with their daughter.
“I’m here with the love of my life,” he said in the video. “I love you. I’ll always be there for you. You’ll never have to want for nothing, baby.”
He added of the potential move, “I like the people, the opportunities, and the values are a little different. I’ve been in Hollywood so long, I know what it comes with, I want my daughter to have a peaceful, happy life. I want to be consistent in being there for the baby. We’d love to move in the next year and a half.”
Epik Ray Norwood
Love and Ray J’s son Epik joined the family on December 30, 2019.
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