Iron Rose

Former MEC Commissioner: Francis Kasaila By: Jane Chimchere  April 25, 2025 Commissioner Francis Lazalo Kasaila has stepped down from his role in the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) with effect from April 23, 2025, following what the commission described as personal reasons.  The development was confirmed in a public notice issued on April 24, 2025 signed by Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC 's Director of Media and Public Relations.  Kasaila , who also chaired the Media , Civic and Voter  Education Committee, is being acknowledged for his service and contributions during his tenure.  The Commission expressed it's appreciation for his efforts in enhancing civic engagement and media coordination during electoral processes.  In a statement the Commission did not detail the exact reasons behind Kasaila's resignation , it noted that the move complies with section 4(8) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act.  The section permits a Commissio...

By: Jane Chimchere  April 18 , 2025 The decision to grant bail to Yeremia Chihana , member of parliament for Mzimba North, has stirred pubilc discourse on the intergrity of public office bearers and the justice system's role in curbing corruption in Malawi.  Chihana, who belongs to the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) is facing two counts of abuse of office and one count of failing to declare interest in the use of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF). According to Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Principal Legal and Prosecutions  Officer Daniel Nyasulu, investigations are still ongoing , with more suspects from M'mbelwa District Council yet to appear before the court.  "These are serious offences involving public resources meant for community development. Our goal is to ensure accountability at all levels of governance." Nyasulu said.  As part of the bail conditions Chihana was ordered to pay a cash bond of K1 million and provide one surety with a non...

By: Jane Chimchere  April 11,2025 Shoprite has voluntarily recalled all Cereal brands manufactured by Heartland Foods , after authorities in South Africa and Malawi found misleading nutritional labels, affecting when and how consumers with health conditions eat them.  According to a press statement released by the Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) on April 11,2025,Shoprite Group has initiated a voluntary recall of various products.  Following concerns about inaccurate nutritional labelling. The recall stems from a notifications by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) of South Africa , which highlighted concerns in the nutritional content, particulary sugar levels.  The CFTC noted that while no complaints lodged so far, the products may pose a risks to consumers with health conditons such as diabetes due to undeclared higher sugar content.  Hearland Foods , the manufacturer of the affected cereals acknowledged the issue and has confirme...

By: Jane Chimchere  April 11,2025 Nation Publications Limited(NPL) and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter brought news into a classroom at Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ)) in Lilongwe to give students experience in real- world reporting dynamics.  According to , NPL and MISA , this collaboration is part of a broader effort to nurture responsible Journalism by connecting media institutions with academic spaces.  Suzyo Chitete, investigative journalist and assistant bureau chief at NPL , underscored the value of journalists , sources , media houses and the audience.  Chitete , explained that students often learn the rules of journalism in textbooks but rarely feel the pressure of a tickling clock.  "We want you to learn how to verify  facts under pressure and make ethical decisions." he said.  Golden Matonga, chair of MISA Malawi and investigative  reporter with the Platform for Investigative jo...

By : Jane Chimchere  April 4, 2025 Renowned Ugandan- American journalist Shaka Ssali will be cremated on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Washington DC at Jefferson Funeral Chapel from 5:00pm to 9:00 pm .  According to the, family statement his remains will be sent to Uganda and other African countries in respect to his final wish , Ssali passed away on March 27, 2025 in Virginia, USA just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday.  Paul Ssali a family representative , highlighted that , Mr Ssali survied by  a wife Suzaana Kiganda Nampinga and a son Allan Hendrick Ssali whom he fondly called "Astronaut."  According to Ghana web ,  the cause of Ssali 's demise has not been disclosed , but he had been battling undisclosed health complications since last year.  Colleagues from Voice of America (VOA) shared their heartfelt tributes online.  Ester Githinji  attributed that, Ssali joined (VOA) in 1994 and hosted " Straight Talk Africa." From 2000 ...

By: Jane Chimchere  April 2, 2025 The Ministry of Health has launched a nationalwide recruitment drive to 6,000 health workers in April, aiming to address staffing shortages in health facilities across Malawi through walk- in interviews at regional centres.  In a memo signed by secretary to to health Samson Mndolo , the initiative aims to fill critical vacancies in various healthcare facilities , particularly in rural areas where medical personnel are scare.  According to the statement from the Ministry, the recruitment process will priotize candidates willing to serve in rural health centres and district hospitals , prosectives applicants who are unwilling to work in these areas have been advised not to attend the interviews.  The positions available include senior biomedical engineers , clinic officers , pharmacists just to mention a few. To qualify applicants must have graduated from accredited imstitutions and be registered with relevant professional bodies....