Mutharika performance appraisal in 100 days: A leader of action and vision

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…Scores (8.7/10)…

President Arthur Peter Mutharika has demonstrated commendable leadership, tackling Malawi’s pressing challenges with a mix of empathy, strategic thinking, and proactive engagement.

His tenure has been marked by efforts to stabilize the economy, address food insecurity, promote national unity, and support vulnerable groups.

Economic Recovery and Development
President Mutharika’s administration is prioritizing economic recovery, focusing on declining inflation, easing fuel shortages, and reducing power outages.

He’s introducing measures like open tenders for fuel imports, scaling up the Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, and reforming the mining sector.

The President’s engagement with international partners, like the IMF and World Bank, shows proactive leadership in tackling economic challenges.

Initiatives like the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and reduced fertilizer prices aim to support citizens and promote growth.

Food Security and Humanitarian Support
President Mutharika acknowledges hunger as a major challenge and has initiated food distribution in affected areas.

He’s committed to ensuring adequate food supply at ADMARC and addressing farm input resources.

The President’s administration has allocated K5 billion to each constituency for grassroots development, showing commitment to inclusive growth.

National Unity and Governance
President Mutharika emphasizes unity and collective action for peace, stability, and development in Malawi and the SADC region.

He’s urged his cabinet to deliver results, not rewards, emphasizing integrity and service.

The President’s merit-based cabinet appointments have been commended, reflecting his focus on effective governance.

Support for Veterans and Citizens
President Mutharika honors war veterans, pledging support for their welfare and improving accommodation.

He’s shown compassion and support for bereaved families, like covering funeral expenses for young artists.

The President’s messages of hope, unity, and resilience during the festive season demonstrate his connection with citizens.

International Leadership and Cooperation
President Mutharika’s leadership in SADC emphasizes regional cooperation, peace, and stability. He’s engaged with international partners to address Malawi’s challenges, like fuel scarcity and forex unavailability.

Overall Appraisal
The President’s efforts to address national challenges, promote economic recovery, and support citizens demonstrate a strong commitment to Malawi’s development, unity, and prosperity, earning him an overall rating of 8.7/10.

Areas for Improvement
While President Mutharika’s initiatives are commendable, sustained efforts are needed to deliver tangible results on economic recovery and food security, enhance transparency and accountability in governance, and address pressing issues like fuel shortages and forex challenges.

Conclusion
President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s leadership shows a proactive and visionary approach to tackling Malawi’s challenges. With continued focus on economic recovery, national unity, and citizen welfare, he is poised to drive Malawi’s development and growth.

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From floodwaters to fragility

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The 2025–2026 rainy season has exposed Malawi’s deep vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, with widespread floods causing destruction and a deepening food insecurity crisis.

The floods have affected all regions, with southern and lakeshore districts bearing the heaviest burden, destroying crops, livestock, homes, and critical infrastructure.

Malawi’s food system, heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture, has been severely impacted.

Thousands of hectares of farmland were submerged, damaging maize, rice, beans, and other crops, leading to a sharp decline in household food availability.

Effects of climate change

The destruction of irrigation schemes and river diversion structures has further undermined prospects for recovery.

The floods have also claimed large numbers of livestock, stripping families of a crucial coping mechanism and reducing their ability to purchase food or recover.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, leaving families without secure shelter and exacerbating food insecurity.

The damage to roads and bridges has isolated communities, disrupting access to markets, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance.

The cost of transporting goods has risen sharply, contributing to shortages and price spikes.

The floods have worsened public health conditions, increasing the risk of cholera, malaria, and other water- and vector-borne diseases.

Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities have been disproportionately affected.

The destruction of healthcare facilities and sanitation infrastructure has further compromised the ability of affected communities to access essential services.

The economic impacts of the floods are also significant.

The destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure has led to substantial losses, estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

The floods have also disrupted trade and commerce, with many businesses forced to close due to the damage.

The government’s response to the floods has been swift, with the declaration of a state of disaster in affected areas.

The Malawi Defence Force has been deployed to assist with evacuation efforts, and emergency supplies have been distributed to affected communities.

However, the response has been hampered by limited resources and infrastructure.

The 2025–2026 floods offer critical lessons for Malawi.

Climate shocks are no longer exceptional events, and planning must assume recurrence.

Infrastructure vulnerability amplifies disaster impacts, requiring investment in resilient infrastructure.

Early warning systems and preparedness remain insufficient.

To build a more resilient Malawi, the government must prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure, promote flood-tolerant crop varieties, and strengthen social protection systems.

Disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation must be mainstreamed into national development strategies.

This includes investing in climate-smart agriculture, improving drainage systems, and constructing flood-resistant homes and infrastructure.

The government must also strengthen its emergency response capacity, including improving early warning systems, enhancing coordination among agencies, and increasing funding for disaster response and recovery efforts.

The international community also has a critical role to play in supporting Malawi’s recovery and resilience-building efforts.

Recommendations include prioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting flood-tolerant crop varieties, strengthening social protection systems, mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation into national development strategies, improving early warning systems, and increasing funding for disaster response and recovery efforts.

Specifically, the government should:

First, invest in climate-smart agriculture practices, such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry, to improve soil health and reduce erosion.

Second, implement flood-resistant infrastructure, such as raised foundations and flood-proof buildings, in high-risk areas.

Third, strengthen social protection systems, including emergency cash transfers and livelihood support, to help households recover from disasters.

Fourth, establish a national disaster risk reduction and management policy, with clear roles and responsibilities for government agencies and stakeholders.

Fifth, develop and implement early warning systems that can provide timely and accurate information to communities at risk.

Finally, increase funding for disaster response and recovery efforts, including the establishment of a national disaster fund.

Malawi stands at a crossroads. With deliberate investment and strong political will, the country can transform this crisis into an opportunity to build a more resilient, food-secure future.

Without such action, floods will continue to wash away not only harvests and homes, but also the hopes of millions of Malawians striving for stability and dignity.

The path forward is clear. Malawi must prioritize climate resilience, invest in disaster risk reduction, and strengthen social protection systems.

The government, international partners, and civil society must work together to build a more resilient Malawi, one that is better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change.

In conclusion, the 2025–2026 floods have exposed Malawi’s deep vulnerabilities to climate-induced disasters.

The government must take urgent action to build resilience, prioritize climate adaptation, and strengthen social protection systems.

With deliberate investment and strong political will, Malawi can transform this crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development and food security.

The future of Malawi depends on the actions taken today.

The government, international partners, and civil society must work together to build a more resilient Malawi, one that is better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change and ensure a food-secure future for all Malawians.

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Email: bonnetmunthali2101@gmail.com

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My Take On It: The Good, the Bad, and the Downright Ugly of 2025, Part III

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16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Open up prayer for all governmental leaders and their institutions so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.” —1 Timothy 2:2

The year 2025 continues to be a year where the country and the world is losing many of its greats – forming what we call the Bad. It is also the year many disastrous and Downright Ugly things have happened, right along there with the Good. Among those we have lost in 2025 are relatives, nationals, and international icons. While this week we outline the Downright Uglies of 2025, a section is reserved for the Bad. Losing loved ones or icons are Bad and unbearable experiences.

This week, as the year draws to its twilight, the Mayombo clan weeps again; this time with the loss of our brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, Ronald Mtisunge Mbekeani; he is the second from the clan to breathe his last. Earlier this year, we lost Rogers Zamachetcha Mbekeani.

From the international scene, former New York Congressman Charles Wrangle passed away this year. Others are musician Marianne Faithful, Brandon Clackson (husband to TV personality Kelly Clackson), Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean, a song writer and married to the singer for 60 years, died early in 2025. Phil Robertson, Ruth Buzzi, Uche Ujeh, David Lynch, and Diego Jota were all lost to us in 2025.

Three very gruesome killings took place in 2025. These include the slaying by gunshot of a Republican Party activist, an actor/director and his wife, and Hanukkah celebrants in Australia.

On September 10, 2025, an assassin gunned down, Charles James Kirk. He was an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, and media personality. He co-founded the conservative student organization Turning Point USA in 2012, and was a member of the Republican Party, and a highly influential figure in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) Movement. The assassination took place while Kirk was speaking at an outdoor campus debate at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Twenty-two year old Tyler James Robinson, from Washington, Utah later surrendered to Police.

Acclaimed director, producer, screenwriter and actor Rob Reiner and wife Michele Reiner (née Singer), were found dead in their Brentwood, California, home on December 14, 2025. Their son Nick has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The cause of death was from knife wounds.

The shocking headline read: At least 15 killed in mass shooting at Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The assassins turned out to be a pair of father-and-son duo who used two “basic” improvised explosive devices that were found at the scene of the slaying. Among the dead was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event.

This killing took Australians by surprise as mass shootings are rare in Australia. It also took place during the annual Jewish festivity and celebration of Chanukah by the Sea, an event celebrating the start of Hanukkah. Meanwhile,Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday called the shooting a “targeted attack against Jewish Australians” and a “terrorist incident.”

“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian,” Albanese said in a statement posted on social media. “There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear. We will eradicate it.”

Turning to the US, let us continue to seek God’s face and pray, especially for President Donald Trump. The American leader is a gifted, highly admired gifted, and skillful communication professional. Let us pray that in 2026 President Trump uses his skills to bring global and national unity and peace beyond measure – in Europe, in the Middle East, in Latin America, and everywhere.

Let us pray that he uses his communication skills to bring an end to divisive, corrosive hatred, and racism. Let us pray, praising the LORD our God, that President Trump will bring about lasting respect for the rule of law and order within and even outside the USA.

Lastly, as the USA marches toward its celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Independence, let us pray that Mr. Trump will genuinely lead America to be the loveable country this land of the brave and free, land of opportunity continues to be the true bulwark of democracy it has been all these years. Let us pray, believe, and hold to be true that with God’s Mighty Hand, this President of the United States can do it.

Yes, he can, by God’s grace!

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The hard truth behind MRA’s unjust cancellation of security service tenders

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The Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) recent decision to cancel the tender award intended for Masters Security Services, Iringa Security Services, and Kamu Guard Services raises serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and the integrity of procurement processes in Malawi.

The hard truth is that this cancellation is not justifiable and appears to be a reaction driven by political pressure rather than a sound business or ethical rationale.

The hard truth is that these companies have demonstrated operational excellence and delivered high standards of security services long before this tender. Masters Security Services, owned by Alfred Gangata, has a proven track record that commands respect.

To suggest that there is any conflict of interest simply because Mr. Gangata is associated with the government is to undermine the very principles of business and governance.

The question must be asked: Does holding a political office or affiliation automatically disqualify one from running a legitimate and successful business?

The hard truth is that conflating political involvement with corruption or malpractice in business is a dangerous precedent that threatens entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The hard truth is that these firms have been repeatedly successful in winning tenders from MRA and other government agencies in the past, reflecting the quality and reliability of their services. So, what has suddenly changed to warrant the cancellation of this tender? The absence of an official explanation from MRA only fuels speculation and mistrust among the public and stakeholders.

The hard truth is that transparency is paramount in public procurement, and withholding reasons for such a significant reversal undermines public confidence in the institution.

The hard truth is that the backlash from political factions such as the MCP’s wing, the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC), and others should not dictate the course of business decisions.

If MRA’s leadership bowed to such pressure, it raises questions about the independence and resilience of public institutions in the face of political interference. Should public entities be swayed by political clout rather than objective evaluation criteria? The answer is an emphatic no.

The hard truth is that the cancellation, coming after an initial notice of intention to award the contracts, disrupts the operations of these companies and places their employees and clients in uncertain positions. Security services are essential for the protection of assets and people, and any disruption can have ripple effects on safety and trust.

The hard truth is that such abrupt reversals without clear justification reflect poor governance and disrespect for contractual processes.

Furthermore, the hard truth is that the MRA Commissioner General Felix Tambulasi’s letter to Masters Security Services, while formally communicating the cancellation, conspicuously lacks any explanation.

This omission is critical. How can stakeholders assess the legitimacy of this decision without understanding the reasons? Is this a fair practice? Is this in line with procurement laws and principles of natural justice? These questions demand answers.

The hard truth is that allegations of conflict of interest should be handled transparently and with due process.

If there were genuine concerns, MRA should have conducted a thorough investigation and communicated findings openly rather than cancelling the tender abruptly. This would preserve public trust and uphold the rule of law.

The hard truth is that politics should not be a barrier to business success. Malawi, like many nations, benefits when capable individuals contribute to both governance and economic development.

The notion that one cannot hold political influence and run a legitimate business simultaneously is not only unfair but also counterproductive.

The hard truth is that this incident sends a chilling message to other business owners who may have political affiliations or backgrounds.

It risks discouraging investments and entrepreneurship, which are crucial for Malawi’s growth and development. Should Malawi’s business environment be hostage to political rivalries and vendettas? The answer must be a resolute no.

The hard truth is that the cancellation of the tender by MRA, without transparent justification and seemingly influenced by political pressure, undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and good governance. It is an injustice to Masters Security Services, Iringa Security Services, and Kamu Guard Services, who have proven their capability and reliability over time.

Malawi’s institutions must uphold integrity and resist undue political influence to foster a healthy business environment and safeguard public trust.

So, the critical questions remain: Why was the tender cancelled without explanation? Was political interference more important than merit and service quality? How can Malawi build a fair and transparent procurement system if decisions are reversed without accountability? These are questions every Malawian should ponder as we strive for a just and equitable society.

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Email: jonesgadama@gmail.com

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Salima, Singini standout in Malawi’s 2025 football campaigns

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As the curtain falls on the 2025 TNM Super League season, the debate over who deserves the prestigious Player of the Season award is gathering momentum with Chikumbutso Salima and Blessings Singini emerging as two of the strongest contenders.

Chikumbutso Salima enjoyed a memorable season after finishing as the league’s top scorer with 15 goals.

His impressive tally made him the most lethal forward in the 2025 campaign and placed him firmly at the centre of the individual awards conversation.

Turning out for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Salima was not just about goals. He delivered consistent match winning performances, contributed assists at crucial moments and collected several Player of the Match awards along the way.

His ability to influence games week in and week out highlighted his importance to Bullets’ title challenge.

Salima’s all round attacking contribution played a major role in helping Big Bullets finish the season in second position. Beyond the statistics, his creativity and movement in attack made him one of the most feared players in the league.

On the other hand, Mighty Wanderers forward Blessings Singini may not have matched Salima’s goal tally but his impact on his team’s success cannot be overlooked.

Singini scored eight goals in the 2025 TNM Super League based on the latest available match reports, many of which came at decisive moments.

Singini’s biggest argument lies in his contribution to team success. His goals and overall influence helped Wanderers to win the league and playing a key role in their campaign and underlining his value to the Nomads.

While official assist statistics for Singini are less documented, his ability to step up in big matches and deliver when it mattered most strengthened his case as a genuine contender for the top individual honour.

The Player of the Season award is not decided on goals alone. Factors such as consistency, match influence, leadership and contribution to team performance all come into play.

In this regard, both Salima and Singini tick important boxes, albeit in different ways.Salima stands out for his superior numbers, all round attacking play and individual accolades collected during the season.

Salima have tipped him as a front runner due to his goals, assists and consistent influence for Bullets.

However, Singini’s role in helping his team mount a strong league challenge carries significant weight.

While Salima guided Bullets to a second place finish, Singini’s contribution to Wanderers’ overall campaign gives him a compelling case of his own.

Ultimately, the 2025 Player of the Season race reflects the beauty of football debates goals versus impact, numbers versus moments and individual brilliance versus team success. Whether voters prioritise Salima’s 15 goals and all round excellence or Singini’s decisive role in Wanderers’ season, both players have done enough to deserve a place in the conversation.

As the final verdict awaits, one thing is clear,the 2025 TNM Super League was richer for the presence of Chikumbutso Salima and Blessings Singini, two players who defined the season in their own unique ways.

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When has MRA become a social media’s buzz listening tax agency to cancel legal binding tender out of someone’s anger, jealousy, malice?

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By Deus Chikalaza

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) decision to cancel a tender without providing reasons has sparked a heated debate about fairness, transparency, and the influence of politics in government procurement processes.

The move has raised concerns about whether the cancellation was motivated by a desire to exclude a particular bidder, specifically one linked to a government minister.

Why punishing a company for winning a contract simply because the owner is a minister is a clear case of unfair treatment.

If the company met the tender requirements, it should have been awarded the contract regardless of the minister’s position.

Out of three companies that were intended to be awarded security services contracts only one firm’s cancellation letter has been leaked to the public.

Why this unfairness of targeting an individual over someone bitterness, anger, malice, jealousy?

This approach undermines the principles of meritocracy and creates an uneven playing field for bidders.

MRA action also raises questions about the competence and integrity of the evaluation process.

The decision to cancel the tender due to social media buzz is also troubling.

It clearly suggests that taxing agency is more concerned with managing public perception than ensuring a fair and transparent process.

Surprisingly, the leaked tender cancellation letter was issued barely days after public notice of intending to offer the contracts following social media buzz and trial.

Surprisingly also MRA has acted swiftly without engaging the wining bidders.

The decision is made within days of public hearing without waiting final decision from tender evaluation Committee.

Whose interest is MRA serving?

This unrealistic approach can create uncertainty and undermine trust in the procurement process.

Re-advertising the tender may not necessarily address the underlying issues.

Without clear guidelines and transparency, the process may be vulnerable to similar criticisms.

To ensure fairness, the MRA should establish clear criteria for the tender process and communicate these to all stakeholders.

The re-advertisement should also include measures to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that all bidders are evaluated solely on their merits.

One potential solution is to establish an independent evaluation committee to assess bids and make recommendations, reducing the influence of individual decision-makers.

Additionally, introducing stricter conflict-of-interest guidelines and disclosure requirements for bidders with government connections can help prevent undue influence.

The MRA’s decision to cancel the tender without explanation has highlighted concerns about transparency and fairness in government procurement processes.

Addressing these concerns is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that government contracts are awarded based on merit rather than political influence.

Moving forward, the MRA should prioritize transparency and fairness in the re-advertised tender process.

This includes providing clear guidelines, ensuring independent evaluation, and communicating openly with stakeholders.

By doing so, the MRA can rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to merit-based procurement practices.

In conclusion, MRA must follow all due process not paying attention to social media buzz otherwise the tax agency will lose public trust and credibility.

MRA should not operate under political, personal vendetta influences with calculated move to frustrate capable firms to offer quality public services.

MRA must stand by legal process without being intimidated by some noisy Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), social media commentators who have political and personal interests.

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