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Showing posts from May, 2025

SUGAR CRISIS IN MALAWI

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Salima Sugar CEO : metrics of sugar will be ready next week- video clip . By Emerson Sam Navaya A s a concerned Malawian, I am deeply troubled by the ongoing sugar crisis that has left our major cities, Lilongwe and Blantyre, grappling with shortages and exorbitant prices. Despite Malawi being home to major sugar producers like Illovo in Nchalo and Dwangwa, and Salima Sugar in Salima, our supermarkets are running dry, and when sugar is available, it costs an outrageous MK3,000 per packet. This is unacceptable in a country with such robust sugar production capacity. The government’s inaction and apparent indifference to this crisis are letting down millions of Malawians who rely on this staple. My views here are my own, not tied to any political party, but born out of frustration with a system that seems to prioritize excuses over solutions. The people’s discontent is palpable. One citizen rightly pointed out the absurdity of Salima Sugar’s recent offer, stating,“the Salima Sugar sh...

CHOICES OVER SOCIETY VALUES

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Chiyambi: I want to be a modern farmer- file photo. By Emerson Sam Navaya T he little girl in the image, I call her Chiyambi (not real name) stands as a proof to the unshakeable dedication and passion that defines true calling. Her choice to pursue a career in agriculture, a field often overlooked and underappreciated, is a bold statement that challenges societal norms and expectations. Chiyambi, a less than 10 years eyes for farmers like Napoleon Dzombe, Prof. Immanuel Mlenga and more importantly Abraham who farmed carmels, sheep among others. In a society where professions like nursing, law, and banking are often revered and sought after, this young girl's decision to become a farmer is a refreshing anomaly. It is a choice that requires not only hard work and perseverance but also a deep-seated passion for the land and a commitment to nurturing it. "I sought for careers that envelope all other fields in life. Be it a nurse, banker, a player etc will sit down look for food. S...

CHAKWERA'S REMARKS AT THE CHICHIRI INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

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  President Chakwera: IMF is evil- file photo. By Emerson Sam Navaya P resident Lazarus Chakwera’s public criticism of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and his decision to cancel Malawi’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program, as expressed during the 35th Chichiri International Trade Fair on May 22, 2025, reflect a reactive and potentially shortsighted approach that risks undermining Malawi’s economic stability and international credibility. His accusations that the IMF’s conditions—such as devaluing the kwacha and increasing electricity and fuel tariffs—are “unrealistic” and detrimental to economic recovery may resonate with domestic audiences but overlook the broader context of IMF support and the necessity of structural reforms. By publicly dismissing the ECF without presenting a clear alternative strategy, Chakwera risks alienating international financial partners and exacerbating Malawi’s economic challenges. His swift response suggests a lack of consultation with econom...

THREE LITTLE BIRDS

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By Emerson Sam Navaya I n the lush forest of life, three vibrant birds— I call them the "Trio of Truth"—perch on a sturdy branch, their feathers shimmering with the wisdom of camaraderie. They chirp in unison, their voices a mocking melody, aimed at a lone bird, the "Rude Redhead," who’s flapping desperately to join them. For seasons, Rude Redhead had basked in the sunlit canopy, gorging on the juiciest fruits while sneering at the Trio’s invitations to share. “I’m fine alone!” it squawked, feathers puffed with selfish pride, as it relished its solitary feasts. Now, with the winds of hardship blowing—fruits scarce and storms looming—Rude Redhead suddenly craves the warmth of the flock it once ignored. The Trio, however, aren’t so welcoming. “Oh, look who’s flying in now!” they jeer, their beaks dripping with sarcasm. “When the forest was a bed of roses, you were too good for us, but now that the thorns are out, you want to nest with us? Fly back to your lonely branc...

IS THE MEC TRULY SERVING THE PEOPLE

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Photo: Daily Times (Front Page) By Emerson Sam Navaya A s I glanced at the front page of The Daily Times on Monday, May 19, 2025 , a headline screams, "ELECTION SYSTEM DISPUTE PERSISTS," with the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) at the center of controversy. The article, penned by Isaac Salima, points out MEC’s refusal to allow a private audit of the Smartmatic election system, despite calls from political parties and IT experts for a technology audit. This stance has left me, and I am sure many others, questioning whether MEC—a government electoral agency—is genuinely serving the people of Malawi. The lack of transparency in this critical process raises serious doubts about the integrity of our democratic system, and I am eager to hear the general public’s thoughts on this matter.  MEC’s decision to deny a private audit of the Smartmatic system is a troubling signal in an era where transparency and accountability are cornerstones of democracy. The article quotes MEC wonderi...