MPs raise concerns over council access meetings

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Airtel Malawi

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed growing concerns over being barred from attending and speaking at local council meetings, raising questions about oversight and accountability at the local government level.

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MPs Yona Dadawisa Nkandawire and Richard Chimwendo Banda brought the matter to Parliament on 20th November 2025, during ongoing deliberations in Lilongwe.

They highlighted instances where some local councils have imposed restrictions on MPs, limiting their ability to participate fully in council proceedings.

Banda reported that, although he was allowed to attend a council session, he was denied the right to speak, which he described as a challenge to Parliament’s role in ensuring transparency in local governance.

He emphasized that such restrictions undermine MPs’ ability to monitor the activities of local councils effectively.

Responding to the concerns, Local Government Minister Ben Phiri stated that MPs do have the right to inquire about the use of council funds, stressing that oversight by Parliament is essential to promote accountability.

However, he clarified that a court ruling currently prevents MPs from participating in voting during council meetings, which limits their direct influence over council decisions but does not negate their oversight functions.

Speaker of Parliament Sameer Sulemani confirmed that Parliament is actively addressing the matter.

He indicated that measures are being considered to ensure MPs can carry out their oversight responsibilities effectively without infringing on the legal frameworks governing local councils.

The debate underscores ongoing tensions between Parliament and local councils regarding transparency, governance, and the monitoring of public funds.

MPs’ concerns reflect a broader demand for strengthened accountability mechanisms, particularly in ensuring that local authorities operate openly and in line with legal standards.

As the discussions continue, the issue highlights the delicate balance between local council autonomy and parliamentary oversight, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different arms of government to protect public interest and maintain good governance practices.

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Zambia, China forge new horizons as Premier Li Qiang visits Lusaka

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LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Zambia on Wednesday night, embarking on an official visit designed to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two nations.

He was warmly received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, senior Zambian officials, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.

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The visit represents a historic moment, being the first official trip by a Chinese head of government to Zambia in nearly three decades.

It is also Premier Li’s first engagement in a sub-Saharan African country since taking office.

Zambia and China have maintained diplomatic relations for more than sixty years, marked by landmark collaborations such as the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA).

Their partnership has grown to include extensive cooperation in sectors such as energy, healthcare, mining, and industrial development.

Prior to the visit, China’s Ambassador to Zambia highlighted the desire to advance the consensus reached between President Hakainde Hichilema and President Xi Jinping.

The Ambassador also emphasized the importance of implementing decisions from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.

“This visit is meant to enhance political trust, promote mutually beneficial projects, and strengthen coordination on regional and international matters,” the Ambassador said.

He added that the visit further demonstrates the commitment to building an ‘All-Weather China–Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.’

The ambassador reflected on the deep historical bond between the two nations, noting China’s support for Zambia during its liberation struggle.

China also played a pivotal role in constructing TAZARA, which helped break the economic isolation facing Zambia at the time.

He stressed that Chinese investments continue to contribute significantly to Zambia’s economic development and social progress.

In 2023, President Hakainde Hichilema visited China, where he and President Xi upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership.

This partnership ushered in a new era of engagement between the two countries.

Since that time, Zambia has witnessed the launch of several key projects, including the Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway, the Luanshya Shaft 28 dewatering project, and the Chisamba Solar Power Plant.

Recent debt restructuring agreements have also facilitated smoother cooperation between Zambia and China.

During the FOCAC Beijing Summit, a Memorandum of Understanding for revitalizing TAZARA was signed, followed by a concession agreement in October.

Premier Li’s current visit aims to consolidate previous achievements while setting the stage for new initiatives in bilateral cooperation.

He is scheduled to hold talks with President Hichilema at State House, where discussions will focus on enhancing trade, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting South–South solidarity.

Officials expect over a dozen agreements to be signed, covering areas such as trade, green energy, innovation, and education.

Premier Li is also expected to witness the groundbreaking of the TAZARA revitalization project.

China’s recently announced 15th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes innovation, green development, and social inclusion, closely aligns with Zambia’s national development priorities.

The visit underscores the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable growth, technological advancement, and strengthened diplomatic ties.

It signals a renewed chapter in China-Zambia relations, built on history, mutual respect, and future-oriented collaboration.

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MEC declares Alfred Gangata as winner for Lilongwe Mtandire-Mtsiriza Parliamentary Seat

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced that Alfred Gangata won the parliamentary election for the Lilongwe Mtandire–Mtsiriza constituency.

In a media briefing on Thursday, MEC Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimanja said Gangata, who represented governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), secured 12,369 votes while his closest competitor, George Zulu, received 12,360 votes.

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The announcement follows a court ruling ordering MEC to release the results after George Zulu filed a complaint alleging several irregularities in the election, which had initially prompted MEC to withhold the results.

Gangata is DPP Central Region Vice President and Minister of State in President PeterMutharika’s administration.

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When will Mutharika reinstitute Parastatal boards amid fears of corruption breeding?

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LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As of November 20, 2025, most of Malawi’s parastatal boards remain vacant, more than six weeks after the government dissolved all previous boards.

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) announced the dissolution of all boards of parastatal organisations and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) on October 7, 2025, with immediate effect.

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When contacted on the appointments delay, President Peter Mutharika’s Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi referred The Maravi Post to Chief Secretary arguing that, “The State House is the last slot to comment as it starts from Chief Secretary”.

Chief Secretary to Malawi government Justin Saidi acknowledged the delay.

Saidi however cited complications in the appointment process as the reason for the delay in filling the vacancies.

He therefore assured that the reconstitution of boards is underway, though no comprehensive list of new appointees has been released to date.

The absence of functioning boards has created a governance vacuum, raising concerns among experts about potential risks and the concentration of power in the hands of SOE executives.

During this period, all matters requiring the attention of boards are being directed to the OPC through the Department of Statutory Corporations.

The Department has also suspended all ongoing and planned recruitments and major procurements across all parastatals to prevent irregularities during the transitional period.

Since the dissolution, the only notable appointment announced has been that of Felix Tambulasi as Commissioner General of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

However, Tambulasi’s appointment is an executive position and does not address the vacancies at board level.

Governance experts warn that prolonged vacancies could hinder decision-making, delay critical projects, and increase administrative bottlenecks within state-owned enterprises.

Some observers have urged the government to expedite the appointment process to restore proper oversight and accountability in parastatals.

The government maintains that once the process is complete, new boards will be equipped to provide effective governance and ensure transparency in operations.

As the appointment process continues, stakeholders remain keenly monitoring developments to gauge how soon Malawi’s parastatals will regain functional leadership.

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Zambia’s Hichilema UPND cadres abduct, harass former justice Minister Lubinda

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LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Zambian governing United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres on Wednesday reportedly abducted former Justice Minister Given Lubinda, subjecting him to harassment before police officers intervened to rescue him.

UPND is a major political party in Zambia, currently in power, with Hakainde Hichilema as the current President of Zambia and the party leader.

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The incident escalated quickly as the group confronted Lubinda in what appeared to be a politically motivated attack.

Eyewitnesses say the cadres surrounded him, shouting threats and insults while attempting to force him into a vehicle against his will.

The situation grew tense as the harassment intensified, drawing the attention of bystanders who feared the confrontation might turn deadly.

According to witnesses, the cadres accused Lubinda of undermining the ruling party and vowed to “teach him a lesson,” signalling a troubling rise in political intolerance.

Police officers who were alerted to the incident arrived promptly at the scene and managed to disperse the attackers before safely extracting Lubinda from their hold.

Law enforcement authorities confirmed the rescue, noting that the cadres had acted unlawfully and would be pursued for criminal conduct.

In their statement, police condemned the attack and warned that political violence would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The rescue operation brought temporary relief, but it also sparked wider national concern about the growing pattern of political thuggery.

Several political commentators have criticized the incident, describing it as a dangerous reminder of how partisan violence threatens democratic stability.

Opposition figures have also condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to silence dissenting voices through intimidation.

Citizens across social media expressed outrage, urging authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.

Many observers have emphasized that political competition must never justify lawlessness, stressing the need for stronger protection of public figures.

Lubinda, though visibly shaken, was safely escorted to an undisclosed location where he is receiving support from colleagues and family members.

The incident has revived debate about Zambia’s political environment, with many calling for urgent reforms to curb cadre violence.

Analysts warn that the normalization of such attacks risks eroding public trust in law enforcement and institutional governance.

Others argue that unless perpetrators face real consequences, political violence will continue to grow and spread unchecked.

As investigations proceed, the public is demanding transparency, accountability, and meaningful action from both the police and the political leadership.

The attack on Lubinda serves as a stark reminder that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where fear replaces dialogue.

It also underscores the urgent need for political leaders to denounce cadre behaviour and promote a culture of peaceful engagement.

Zambia now watches closely as authorities take the next steps, hoping this incident marks a turning point in the fight against politically motivated violence.

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Blantyre City Mayor Osman makes history by share tables with street kids in his office

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Airtel Malawi

By Zakeyu Mamba

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Mayor of Blantyre City, Jomo Osman, made history this week on by becoming the first mayor in Malawi to officially invite street children into his office for an open, motivational, and personal conversation.

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The rare moment, which took place Tuesday 18 Nomber, 2025, has drawn widespread praise from community members, leaders, and social-welfare advocates who view the gesture as a compassionate and progressive step toward supporting vulnerable young people.

During the meeting, Mayor Jomo spoke to the children with humility and honesty, sharing the difficulties he faced while growing up.

He explained that his journey to leadership was filled with struggles, uncertainty, and moments where giving up seemed easier.

However, through perseverance, discipline, and continuous effort, he managed to shape a better future for himself.

His message to the children was clear: Their present situation does not determine their destiny, and with commitment and self-belief, they can rise above any challenge.

The children listened closely as the mayor encouraged them to avoid destructive behaviors and to distance themselves from influences that may push them deeper into hardship.

He emphasized the value of education, respect, hard work, and good conduct-qualities he described as essential for anyone who wishes to transform their life.

He also assured them that his office remains open for guidance, mentorship, and support whenever they may need it.

As the meeting concluded, Mayor Jomo politely reminded the children to respect the office environment and ensure that nothing went missing as they left.

The remark, although delivered with humor, carried an important lesson about trust, responsibility, and integrity.

The visit has since been celebrated as a groundbreaking effort to build stronger relationships between city leadership and marginalized children-many of whom often feel unseen, unheard, and forgotten in society.

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