Chikwawa East Constituency occupies a distinctive place in Malawi’s political history. Since the advent of multiparty democracy in 1994, the area stood firmly as a United Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold, electing UDF Members of Parliament election after election. For nearly three decades, political change in the constituency appeared inconceivable, with party loyalty deeply entrenched and alternative voices largely dismissed before campaigns even began. That long-standing pattern has now been decisively broken. For the first time since 1994, Chikwawa East has elected a Member of Parliament from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This historic outcome represents not merely a change of party colours, but a profound political shift in a constituency once regarded as impenetrable territory for the opposition. At the centre of this transformation stands Hon. Ginford Maulidi. Maulidi’s victory is no accident of circumstance, nor the product of fleeting political winds. Widely known as calm, humble, and soft-spoken, he embodies the truth of the Chichewa saying: “ndi wodekha koma m’mtima muli kanthu”—gentle in manner, yet strong in purpose. Beneath his quiet disposition lies resilience, courage, and an unshakable sense of conviction. His journey to Parliament was marked by repeated setbacks. He contested the same seat several times and lost. Each defeat tested his endurance and commitment. Where many would have withdrawn, defected, or sought political refuge elsewhere, Maulidi chose perseverance. During periods of intense political turbulence in the Lower Shire, when allegiance became fluid and expediency tempted many, Maulidi stood firm. As some who identified with the DPP defected to support Kondwani Nankhumwa, and later enabled the Malawi Congress Party’s inroads into the East Bank, Maulidi remained resolute. At considerable personal and political cost, he held onto the DPP flag almost single-handedly. Ridiculed, doubted, and politically isolated, he refused to abandon either his party or the constituency he believed in. While others shifted with the prevailing winds, Maulidi remained constant. Mkuyu uyu mondizana ndi chipani, sadatope—this fig tree stayed rooted in the party and did not grow weary. His eventual triumph is therefore earned, not gifted. It is the culmination of patience, discipline, loyalty, and faith—both in party principles and in the electorate. For the people of Chikwawa East, voting for Maulidi signifies more than a partisan realignment; it reflects political maturity, renewed hope, and a willingness to reward consistency and character over historical habit. The electorate has demonstrated that loyalty is not blind, and that long-held political traditions can be reconsidered when leadership, humility, and persistence are proven over time. Maulidi’s story offers a compelling lesson for Malawian politics. It underscores the enduring value of perseverance, affirms that loyalty still matters, and reminds us that political dominance is never permanent. Constituencies evolve, and voters ultimately honour those who remain committed even when the odds are stacked against them. For the DPP, this victory is historic. For Chikwawa East, it is transformative. And for Hon. Ginford Maulidi, it is living proof that steadfastness, humility, and resilience can indeed rewrite history. Phungu wa DPP woyamba ku Chikwawa East, pomwe mbuyo monse kumakhala wa UDF basi since 1994—a moment worthy of record, reflection, and learning.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, abolishing the position of Minister of State in a move aimed at streamlining government operations and reducing public expenditure amid ongoing economic challenges. The changes, which take immediate effect, were announced in a press statement issued by Chief Secretary to the Government, Dr. Justin Adack K. Saidi, and are made under powers granted to the President by Section 92 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi. The Minister of State portfolio had been part of the administration formed following the September 2025 general elections, in which President Mutharika secured a landslide victory. Its removal is being widely interpreted as a response to public calls for fiscal discipline and lean government. The reshuffle retains several key ministerial portfolios while introducing a number of deputy minister appointments, a move government sources say is intended to enhance coordination, decentralize decision-making, and improve service delivery in priority sectors. Under the new arrangement, President Mutharika remains President and Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service, supported by First Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, SC, JA (Rtd), and Second Vice President Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana. The economic cluster continues to be led by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization, Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP, alongside portfolios overseeing agriculture, trade, energy, and labour—sectors viewed as central to economic recovery. Among notable appointments: George T. Chaponda, MP retains Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Roza Fachi Mbilizi, MP heads Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Patridge takes charge of Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism Alfred Gangata, MP has been appointed Minister of Natural Resources Jean Mathanga, MP oversees Energy and Mining The reshuffle also introduces several deputy ministers in ministries including Agriculture, Health, Education, Natural Resources, Gender, and Industrialization, signaling increased operational support in service-heavy departments. Political analysts describe the reshuffle as a strategic recalibration barely three months into President Mutharika’s new term, aimed at injecting momentum into governance and aligning cabinet performance with campaign promises. “The appointment of deputy ministers suggests a deliberate effort to strengthen implementation capacity, especially in agriculture, health, and education—areas critical to economic stability and social resilience,” said one governance analyst. The abolition of the Minister of State position has drawn particular attention, with commentators viewing it as a symbolic and practical cost-saving measure, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence. According to the Chief Secretary’s statement, all appointments and structural changes take effect immediately, as the administration moves to consolidate its policy agenda amid economic recovery efforts and climate-related pressures.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the Southern Region, Honourable Joseph Mathyola Mwanamvekha, has told residents of Phalombe North that the country’s economy is on a recovery path under the leadership of President Arthur Peter Mutharika. Speaking during a political rally held at Namileme Primary School Ground, Mwanamvekha said the current administration has stabilised the economy following what he described as mismanagement during the previous Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government led by President Lazarus Chakwera between 2020 and 2025. He pointed to improved availability of essential commodities as evidence of economic recovery, noting that maize prices have reportedly dropped from around K110,000 to K50,000 per 50kg bag. Mwanamvekha also highlighted improved fuel supply across the country. “Fuel is now readily available. There are no longer queues at our filling stations,” he said. Member of Parliament for Phalombe North, Honourable Feston Chauma, thanked constituents for their continued support and expressed appreciation to Mwanamvekha for pledging to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Chiteketsa road, which has long been in a poor state. The rally attracted several senior DPP officials, including Regional Governor for the South, Honourable Charles Mchacha, and DPP Director of Youth for the Southern Region, Honourable Bizzier Kalulu. The meeting formed part of the DPP’s outreach programme aimed at updating citizens on government initiatives while also gathering feedback from the grassroots. Mwanamvekha urged residents of Phalombe North to maintain their support for President Mutharika’s development agenda, which he said is focused on economic stability and growth.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Women for the Southern Region, Honourable Maria Mainja, on Tuesday visited female inmates at Thyolo Prison, where she donated assorted items and hosted a luncheon as part of end-of-year goodwill activities. The visit, held on December 30, was aimed at bidding farewell to 2025 and welcoming the new year. It coincided with similar outreach activities by other DPP officials, including the party’s Director of Youth, who visited inmates at Maula Prison during the festive season. Speaking to the inmates, Mainja encouraged them to remain hopeful and committed to personal reform. She emphasized the importance of rehabilitation, urging the women to use their time in custody for reflection and positive change, which she said could improve their chances of reintegration into society and consideration for future pardons. “As women, we must encourage one another to choose lawful paths in life,” Mainja said, adding that crime often exposes families—especially children—to hardship and suffering. Mainja also addressed concerns raised by the inmates regarding water shortages, electricity challenges, and inadequate shelter at the facility. She assured them that she would relay the issues to relevant authorities for possible intervention. The DPP official further stated that inmates remain part of Malawian society and deserve dignity and protection of their fundamental rights, regardless of their circumstances. Mainja has been an active political figure in the Southern Region, where she played a visible role in mobilization efforts during the September 16 general elections. Her visit to Thyolo Prison, she said, reflects her commitment to community engagement and social responsibility beyond partisan politics. The visit was welcomed by prison officials and inmates, who expressed appreciation for the support and the attention given to their welfare concerns.

His Excellency President Peter Mutharika has declared that from January 2026, secondary school education will be free in all public secondary schools in Malawi. The Malawi leader said this on Sunday, 19 October 2025 at Mulhako Wa Alhomwe headquarters at Chonde in Mulanje during this year’s cultural festival where he was the guest of honour. The president is also the patron of this cultural grouping whose aim is to preserve and promote Lhomwe culture. The news was greeted with great excitement as school fees has been a barrier to some students with a dream to pursue secondary education especially those from ultra poor families. On hunger situation, the president assured Malawians that government has bought over 200,000 metric tones of maize from neighboring Zambia and that it will start arriving soon. Mutharika expressed surprise by the reaction of some farmers and traders who wanted the government to buy maize locally. He said he is perturbed by such accusations because the situation became dire when maize scarcity was reported in many parts of the country not knowing that some farmers and traders are hoarding maize. Nearly half the population of the country is facing hunger and experts fault the previous regime for failure to purchase maize in time.

The Catholic University of Malawi on Friday September 26, 2025 saw the remarkable and record passing out of over 1,500 graduands who have successfully completed their programmes in various fields of studies at the institution. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chancellor of the Catholic University of Malawi Bishop Martin Mtumbuka said the university takes pride in offering skills to students so as to make them employable and also to help them look after themselves through entrepreneurship should they become unsuccessful on the job market due to limited opportunities. Bishop Mtumbuka encouraged universities in the country to occasionally, conduct research which is crucial in determining the kind of skills required by prospective employers. The Chancellor warned both the staff and students that the institution’s policy remains unchanged on individuals who lack discipline, saying they will be fired or weeded out. On his part, Old Mutual Malawi Group Chief Executive Officer Taxona Biza who was the guest of honour, said the world keeps evolving therefore, this calls for a reason not to keep doing things as usual. He advised the graduands not to wait to be employed but to start something so that in future, they employ others. The Catholic University of Malawi was established in 2004 but opened its doors in 2006 and its first congregation was in 2010 with less than 100 students.

Police in Mulanje have arrested 8 male students of Mulanje Secondary school who are seating for this year’s Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations for bullying form one students and Vandalising school property It was all started on Sunday 13 July, 2025 when form one students reported their ill treatment to the head teacher. According to one victim who opted for anonymity, some form 4 students on Sunday entered form one students’ hostels and took some of them into the nearby bush and started beating them and demanding cash. One traumatized victim who spoke to Khulubvi Post narrated harrowing experiences he suffered as he was carrying his bags on his head heading home The situation went out of control some form 4 students started vandalising property, stealing mattresses and blankets, physically assaulting the form ones in solidarity with their colleagues who were identified as ring leaders and were taken by police for questioning Violence continued to Monday afternoon when police fired teargas leading to form one students leaving school campus looking for safety The suspects will potentially face theft and vandalism charges after exams, according to Mulanje police station Public Relations Officer sergeant Innocent Moses

Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya, underscored the vital role of higher education in addressing Malawi’s pressing socio-economic issues during his visit to Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) on Wednesday. The visit formed part of the Ambassador’s wider tour of Malawian universities aimed at gaining insight into their operations and exploring potential partnerships with Japanese institutions. “Since I was posted in this country, I have been visiting some leading universities to find out some spaces of engagement with the Japanese universities. I will take all the information back to my office to see how we can continue working together,” Oya stated. Dr. John Phuka, KUHeS Executive Dean, School of Global and Public Health, said KUHeS through his school can leverage Japanese knowledge and experience in managing the impacts of natural disasters and public health emergencies. “As you are aware that the country is facing significant challenges in terms of cyclones and other public health emergencies of different kinds including epidemics,” he said. Dr. Phuka also appealed to the Ambassador for resource support to address the increasing demand for healthcare human resources in Malawi. Prior to the discussions, Ambassador Oya was given a tour of the KUHeS campus, where he observed the infrastructure development and gained insight into the university’s service provision.