South Africa's Lira To Headline Blue Mingoli Music Concert

South Africa’s award winning singer Lira to headline this year’s Standard Bank inaugural ‘Blue Mingoli’ music concert scheduled for 24th October, 2015 in Lilongwe.

Lerato Molapo better known by her stage name as Lira, is South Africa’s award winning vocalists whose music is a fusion of soul, funk and Afro-jazz.

Margaret Kubwalo at Chameleon

“The main act for this year’s Standard Bank Blue Mingoli is Lira!” unveiled Margaret Chaika Kubwalo, the Bank’s Head of Personal and Business Banking

Chaika unveiled Lira on Sunday night at Chameleon bar in Lilongwe during a curtain-raiser show where Lulu was the main act supported by Eunice (from Mizu Band) and Nesnes. 

Lulu perfoming Jazz at
Chameleon Pre-show
for Lira 

“Lira is a talented musician who is on top of her game in contemporary music in South Africa. Standard Bank is proud to host her for this year’s concert. And She will share the stage with our own local artist Lulu.” Said Chaika

Chaika: we felt Malawians
would relate to Lira

Speaking in an interview of Lira choice, Chaika said “We looked around, and we felt that Malawian crowd would relate more with Lira for this year”

“Lulu will also curtain raise for her because we want to keep the show locally relevant” added Kubwalo

Lulu playing guitar: to
share stage with Lira

She said Standard bank is focusing on Jazz music because it is a music genre that attracts people across all ages.

At the curtain raiser show, Standard Bank also played a video which Lira speaks to her fans in Malawi. Lira says she looks forward to her performance.

“This is Lira. I am so excited to be performing at this year’s Blue Mingoli concert on the 24th of October. I have heard a lot about the warm heart of Africa and what it has to offer and I’m truly honoured to be invited to headline this event. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the supporting acts all of the best for the 24th. I am confident that together we are going to give you unforgettable show. See you there!” she said.

Standard Bank has since assured people that preparations for the main show are at an advanced stage and promises more fun from pre-shows lined up for Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Lulu&Eunice perfoming at
Chameleon: they will be
curtain raise Lira show 

The Bank says the pre-show venues will only be in selected entertainment places that resonate well with type of people expected to come for the main show.

Prevailing Economic Hardships Opportunity For Malawians

The Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC) says the prevailing economic downward spiral offer Malawians more opportunities and that if well utilized may result into growth of businesses and the whole economy.

Kumbemba 

Chief Executive Officer for MITC Clement Kumbemba observed that Malawians are failing to see opportunities the prevailing situation has and instead, the foreign investors are the ones making good use of it.

He emphasized that the country’s economy will grow and possibly end some of the problems if the local private sector take advantage of the weakening Kwacha and many other current hurdles through increased production, exports and investments.

“Well, let me say that this is a perfect time for Malawi to fiercely market its opportunities. Many countries in the world developed through private sector capital, and in Malawi most of what you see as gaps are in fact opportunities.” He said

“People talk about the sliding of kwacha and the best way to stabilize Kwacha is basically to pop up production in Malawi, let’s produce so that we are able to export. And the more we export taking advantage of the weakening Kwacha the economy will grow.” Said Kumbemba

In Energy for example, he said “We are seeing more expression of interest in energy by foreign investors because there is a gap and this country has many energy sites. So some of what we see as Malawians hurdles may in fact be what investors are coming here for.” 

Bwaila Media Club, Super Sakuwa Steel Renovates Police Houses

Bwaila Media Club and Super Sakuwa Steel Limited Company renovates roof tops of two police houses at Mtsiriza in Lilongwe

Two flats roof tops remained open for years after wind damage and no immediate response was made by Police Department.

This forced Police officers who lived in the two houses to vacate to other places. But they can now return, thanks to a group of Journalists in the Central Region ‘Bwaila Media Club’ who facilitated the renovation of the two houses.




Bwaila Media Club facilitated the  roofing materials which includes 100 iron sheets worth K3.8 million from Super Sakuwa Steel Limited company to renovate the houses.

Kamphika 

“We are very thankful of this support. And we thank Bwaila Media Club for sourcing this donation from Super Sakuwa.” Said Senior Deputy Commissioner of Police, Officer In charge Quartermaster Leniford Kamphika

Kamphika explained that immediately when officers relocated far from the houses, the police experienced number of challenges especially when such officers were needed for urgent matters.

“With the renovation, officers will be together at this camp and whenever there is need they will be called at a short notice as a result it will have an impact on the crime prevention and detection” said Kamphika

Chithonje 

Sales Executive for Super Sakuwa Steel Limited company, Enoch Chithonje said Super Sakuwa supported Bwaila Media Club in renovating the houses because their company understand important role Police play in the society.

“For Police officers to effectively work they need good accommodation, and as partners in development we know we can work as a team in developing our country by support our Police” said Chithonje

Bwaila Media Club Chairperson Peter Makawa said the media has role to play in society apart from writing news.

“As media practitioners, we know our job is basically to report issues that are affecting the society, but we should not only limit our self to that but we can as well reach out to people and support those that are in need.

We saw that those police officers who were affected they were in need. We waited to see how police was going to react and we all saw that these houses were taking long to be roofed again. So we decided to approach Super Sakuwa Steel Limited to support Police by roofing these houses.” He said

“We know that when police officers are together at one place they can quickly respond to any call that requires their action” said Makawa while adding that the group also wanted to ensure that police officers live in good and decent houses in Lilongwe.

Cashgate Case: State Seeks Withdrawal Of Kalonga From Katengeza Case

Lilongwe High Court 

Leonard Kalonga conviction of money laundering has set ground for the state to apply for his withdrawal from Angela Katengeza case. 

Katengeza, who owns Faith Construction, is jointly accused with former Deputy Director in the Ministry of Tourism, Leonard Kalonga for the siphoning of K105. 6 million. 

The High Court in Lilongwe has received an application on Thursday from the state, seeking withdrawal of cashgate convict Leonard Kalonga from the case he jointly accused with Angela Katengeza 

This follows Kalonga conviction of money laundering of K3 billion whose particulars of the offense are the same with that which were jointly charged with Angela Katengeza on second count of money laundering. 

"According to the law section 131 of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code, you can not proceed prosecuting that person. If you have been convicted or acquitted, on an offense which has same facts of a similar offense." said Anti-Corruption Bureau Deputy Director General Reyneck Matemba in an interview 

Matemba said proceeding with prosecution of Kalonga together with Katengeza would have been unconstitutional

"That is why we came here to apply for the withdrawal of Mr. Kalonga because he has already been convicted of the same offense of which he was jointly charged with Angela Katengeza" said Matemba

However Katengeza continue to plead not guilty

Now Katengeza charge has been amended as the prosecution has filed a fresh charge sheet which contains one count of money laundering. 

The case has been adjourned to to 8th of September

Leonard was charged of money laundering of whose particulars of his offense are the same with that which were  jointly charged with Angela Katengeza on second count of money laundering. 

The state was applying for the removal of Leonard Kalonga because he has been convicted of that offense. 

However Katengeza continue to plead not guilty

Now Katengeza charge has been amended as the prosecution has filed a fresh charge sheet which contains one count of money laundering. 

The case has been adjourned to to 8th of September 2015

Reviewed Minines And Minerals Act To Parliament in November

Malawi Government says, the reviewed Mines and Minerals Act will possibly make its way into the National Assembly this year. 

Msaka

Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka says the review and all other processes including consultations have been completed 

He said the reviewed act is part of number of integral initiatives his ministry is implementing that are aimed at reforming the mining sector to sustainably meet the expectations of Malawians.

“The Mines and Minerals Act review is underway, the process of consultation was completed the draft bill is currently with the Ministry of Justice. In our discussion we are hoping that that bill can be before parliament during November meeting of parliament” he said

"Apart from reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act; we are also reviewing the Mining Fiscal regime; Establishing a geo-data management centre in order to increase on line access to geoscientific data at Geological Survey Department. 

We are Establishing a mining cadastre system at Mines Department in order to increase efficiency and transparency in the allocation and management of mineral tenements; we are Building capacity in  the Environmental Affairs Department to monitor environmental issues resulting from mining activities"

Msaka further said government is Reviewing the curriculum in the University especially in mining related programmes in order to produce high quality human resources needed by the mining sector; and that Geological mapping of the country to commence in 2016 with funding from the French Government.

"These initiatives are aimed at reforming the mining sector to sustainably meet the expectations of Malawians." Said Msaka 

It is also envisaged he said "that probably it might be a god idea for the government to establish a company as we had done before. To be having shares in some of the lucrative mining ventures on behalf of people of Malawi. So that people of Malawi are participants of in the share holding of various mineral investments. So there are a lot of work to be done by government. We will continue to work with the industry but more focusing on the benefits that Malawi government as well as people of Malawi can make from our mineral wealth.”

The minister also said as pert of reforms in the sector government will soon join the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) in order to promote transparency in the extractive industry. 

Cashgate Case: Kalonga Bail Revoked

Lilongwe High Court 

The Lilongwe High Court has revoked bail of a cashgate convict Leonard Kalonga and has since been sent to Maula prison pending his sentence.

Kalonga, accused of defrauding government money amounting to K3 billion between April and September 2013, has on Wednesday pleaded guilty and got convicted before Justice Fiona Mwale to three counts of money laundering.

Kalonga was arrested on cashgate following his acquisition of 6 Scania Marcopolo buses using government money. However his second charge indicates that the buses belong to Paul Mphwiyo. The charge states,  Kalonga facilitated, a baited and aided laundering of K520 million, between July and September 2013, the proceeds which were used in acquisition of the 6 buses for Paul Mphwiyo. 

Other charges includes conspiring to defraud government using forged documents money not less than K1 billion which was paid to bogus suppliers and that he was involved in Money laundering of K3, 252, 225 billion, proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013.

Kalonga pleaded guilty and convicted of all three counts. 

Meanwhile the case has been adjourned to a later date and possibly next week for sentence hearing.

However, his caution statement has made revelations of genesis of Cashgate and named some of the key figures in government including other government officers from various ministries and departments who became defrauders after being recruited by the ruling party then.

Key names includes: former President Dr. Joyce Banda, former Budget Director Paul Mphwiyo, former Accountant General Bill Kandoje, chief accountant George Banda, Clemence Madzi including some officers from Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

17 Civil Engineering and Building companies have also been implicated as bogus service providers that were paid huge sums of money without rendering any service to government.

Mary Kachale: Kalonga was recruiting fellow
workers

In both State narration of facts to the present case and Caution Statement of Mr. Kalonga indicates that former President Joyce Banda was at the control of such calculated theft of public coffers for the purpose of funding her Peoples Party during the 2014 general election campaign.

Kalonga says at one point Oswald Lutepo spoke to the former president on telephone and that their conversation was put on a loudspeaker. He said Lutepo was assuring her of the availability of funds that was defrauded by the conspiracy team.

He also said apart from being assured by Paul Mphwiyo that nothing will happen to them as people were placed in every strategic areas in all government ministries and departments, officers involved in the scam received a word of assurance of their protection by the former president Joyce Banda through Treasa Senzani. 

In his self confession statement, Kalonga is claiming that he was introduced to Paul Mphwiyo by a man from Accountant General’s office and that later, Mphwiyo placed him as recruiter of fellow civil servants from Ministry of Tourism as well as bogus contractors.

Later, Kalonga said he used to collect money from bogus companies after they withdrawn their cheques. Then 60% of the money was for the Peoples Party while the rest was shared among the companies and officers involved. But he said Paul Mphwiyo was the one collecting the money for the party and was delivering the money to state house. 

Leonard Kalonga also indicated that most of their meetings were taking place at his house in area 18 and in rare occasions, the meetings happened in other places. 

However, he also mentioned that the defrauding group had at one point suspected nontransparent acts from Paul Mphwiyo due to unfair shares.

The former Assistant Director of Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism, Leonard Karonga began working civil servant in 1992.

Cashgate Case: Former President Joyce Banda Named In Kalonga Case

Lilongwe High Court 

Leonard Kalonga pleads Guilty to K3. 2 billion case. 

Kalonga was arrested on cashgate following his acquisition of 6 Scania Marcopolo buses using government money. 

Now, case involves more other persons already answering cashgate cases and other new other names. The case also includes 17 Civil Engineering Constructions 

Kalonga has since pleaded guilty. 

Shocking revelation of the case 

Immediately Kalonga pleaded guilty, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mary Kachale made narration of facts of the case which claim involvement of former President Dr. Joyce Banda and Paul Mphwiyo as key coordinator of the fraud way before he become budget director.

Mary Kachale: Proceeds
of theft were going to
Peaples Party 

The statement claims, Kalonga was a recruiter of government officers that were involved in cashgate, companies involved including collecting and distribution of cash, even including collecting and distribution of cheques. 

DPP stated that the defrauded money was delivered to State House and were meant for 2014 campaign by Joyce Banda administration 

The facts also claim that Dr. Joyce Banda assured protection of all involved in the scam. 

The DPP also in her narration included names of Oswald Lutepo, George Banda, Treasa Senzani (who joined the fraud later than others)

Kalonga equivocally agreed to the facts presented by DPP

Case was under Justice Fiona Mwale who has since convicted Kalonga of three charges 

The first charge indicates that Kalonga in 2013 conspired with other persons to defraud government using forged documents to a tune of not less than K1 billion paid to bogus suppliers. 

His second count states that between July and September 2013 Leonard Kalonga facilitated, a baited and aided acquisition of 6 Marcopolo Scania buses with Paul Mphwiyo and others money laundering to a tune of K520 million while the third count Kalonga was involved in Money laundering which were proceeds of serious crime between April and September 2013 with other persons to a tune of K3, 252, 225 billion.

Visit again for more updates as the case is still in progress

Ten European Investors Coming To Malawi Looking For Invesment Opportunities

Ten European companies visiting Malawi to explore investment opportunities available in the country

The Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC) says the team of Seventeen delegates is in a reciprocal mission to verify investment opportunities that were discussed with Malawi delegation in London between 21t and 23rd of July this year.

Minister of Industry and Trade, Joseph Mwanamveka who led Malawi delegation to UK and held bilateral investment meetings with 25 European investors, asked them to come to Malawi. The visit was a pre-conference exercise ahead of Global African Investment Summit to be held in London on 1st and 2nd December 2015 where Malawi President is expected to attend.

Kumbemba

Chief Executive Officer for MITC Clement Kumbemba said the 10 companies who were among the 25 companies are keen to explore and to see for themselves of the enormous opportunities that the country told them while in UK.

Kumbemba said some of the companies to form part of the delegation are interested in energy, infrastructure, tourism, financial sector among others

“There is a construction company called Dawnus, which is interested in Finance and construct infrastructure projects, to a valued of US$80 million. There is also Aggreko Company that specializes in the provision of off-grid interim supply of electricity from either gas or diesel

Mott Macdonald a global management, engineering and development consultancy company that adds value for private and public clients. It mostly undertakes feasibility studies for both public and private projects leading to bankable feasibility studies” said Kumbemba

He also mentioned of PW Mining International a British owned company which has a lot of business interests including civil works, mining, property development and airport handling and that there is a company called Well and Able company interested in residential and property management.

He indicated that the delegation visiting Malawi from 31st August to the 4th of September 2015 will meet President Peter Mutharika before meeting sectoral line ministries and other key stakeholders.

“They have to interact with sector specialists so that they can firm their positions before December Summit” said Kumbemba

Kumbemba added that the remaining 15 companies could have come but opted other time and that some would come individually this year possibly at the end of September and October.

The Malawi Investment Trade Centre (MITC) CEO also asked Malawians and local companies to effectively take advantage of the the prevailing economic downward spiral by increasing production, investments and exports.

He noted that the weakening Kwacha and many other current hurdles offer Malawians more opportunities and that if well utilized may result into growth of businesses and the whole economy  and possibly end some of the problems the country is facing.

Chikwawa Customer Wins Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge in Be Your Own Bank-Transact&Win Promotion

Thomas Banda from Chikwawa is a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge winner during the second draw of Standard Bank internet banking promotion.

Standard Bank launched 'Be Your Own Bank Transact& Win' promotion for its customers having current account with internet banking option.

"This is a good news" Banda reacted in a telephone call when the bank called him to inform of his win in the promotion.

"This internet banking is helpful especially down here in Chikwawa because it is very convenient" said Banda while encouraging fellow customers to use the internet banking facility

Chirwa (in white shirt)

Speaking in Lilongwe Standard Bank’s Sales and Customer Experience Manager, Frank Chirwa said the competition has received positive response from customers and that the bank is surpassing its target on customers registering for internet banking.

“Our target was 2000 registrations in three months, but we have seen 1700 so far.” said Chirwa

Within the first two weeks of the promotion the bank recorded 400 registered new users

“From these results, we are seeing that people are interested in internet banking transaction, but let’s transact more because there are lots of prizes waiting for customers.”

With a minimum of four transactions every two weeks using internet banking, one stands a chance to win the fortnight's promotion prizes; 15 caps, 15 T-shirts and 5 flash discs and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. 

The promotion Grand prize money is K1 million and K500 thousand for runner-up and third placed winner will walk away home with a DSTV Explorer plus a month's Premium subscription which will be given at the end of promotion in October.

Individuals, Companies Challenged to Explore Minerals In Malawi

Malawi Government has officially launched its Country Wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data with an appeal to interested individuals and companies to show interest and begin exploration of minerals available in the country.

Launching the new survey, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka said the Data is now accessible at a nominal fee and ready for use by interested individuals and companies.

Bright Msaka

“I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to the private sector to fully utilize this modern data so as to help our Government in its efforts to realize a modern, efficient and effective mining industry in Malawi.”

He strongly affirm that if efficiently utilized, this airborne geophysical data will truly, prove that Malawi is not poor even though the people may be poor.

He assured that his Ministry “will do everything possible to support investors” so that they get the best return on their investment in the sector.

The event which took place in the Capital City, Lilongwe at Peermont Five Star Hotel’s Bingu International Conference Center was fully packed with interested individuals and companies in mining sector.

The Mining Minister told the gathering that the data which replaces the 1984-85 survey, will greatly enhance the mining profile of Malawi at the same time significantly increase knowledge of the geology.

“The geology and hence full mineral potential of this country is poorly understood.” He said “The lack of background geological information to assist in selecting areas for exploration has hindered meaningful mineral exploration in this country. This can only be improved by acquiring more geological data.”

The Country-wide Airborne Geophysical data launched on Thursday was acquired at more closely spaced flight lines and at low height to achieve the maximum detail.

According to the Minister, this will further reduce the high risks involved in discovering mineral resources at the same time stimulate mineral exploration.

Bright Msaka added that the data generated from the airborne survey is also useful for general infrastructure development.

He further highlighted that the airborne geophysical survey is an integral part of initiatives his Ministry is implementing and include:



Reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act; Reviewing the Mining Fiscal regime; and Reviewing the curriculum in the University especially in mining related programmes in order to produce high quality human resources needed by the mining sector.



He also said government intends to;


Establish a geo-data management centre in order to increase on line access to geoscientific data at Geological Survey Department; Establish a mining cadastre system at Mines Department in order to increase efficiency and transparency in the allocation and management of mineral tenements;



Building capacity in  the Environmental Affairs Department to monitor environmental issues resulting from mining activities; and Geological mapping of the country to commence in 2016 with funding from the French Government.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits. 

This search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as ‘Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million was spent in acquiring the airborne data from World Bank’s Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million), while European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.

UNC Project To Conduct HIV Vaccine Tests in Malawi

Professor Francis Martinson 

After success in conducting Malaria candidate vaccine for children waiting approval from World Health Organization, the UNC Project in Malawi is planning to carry out tests of HIV vaccine.

Professor Francis Martinson the UNC Project Country Director, disclosed that the study only awaits an approval of their application by the National Health Sciences Research Committee.

He said once the committee give a go ahead, tests will be carried out in areas where there is high HIV prevalence and that trials will target close to 20 adults with low risk of HIV.

With all support, Martinson said those participants will be followed up for the rest of their lives to see how the vaccine behaves in their body.

He offered hope that once the results of the study brings out positive result, there is possibility of trying the vaccine to those infected with HIV Virus.

Prof. Martinson made emphasis that this HIV Vaccine study aims at adding force to existing tools for fighting HIV prevalence.

"HIV prevalence remains at 10% for quite some time now, so we need more tools to force down the prevalence. That is why the issue of HIV Vaccine comes in." he said

He explained that the vaccine which is not an infectious agents, once introduced in the normal body will trick the body to produce antibodies that can be ready to fight and kill the virus so that the body does not get infected.

But he urged people to be part of the trial process "Everybody needs to do their portion. You need to be part of the process." Urged Prof. Martinson

"If we test the HIV virus in your country is easy to do a vaccine and the chances that the vaccine will work better in your country are far better than if we go and test those vaccines in another country and bring the results here.

It is always good to participate in some of these things so that you reap the full benefits of the results of these studies" explained Martinson

The UNC Project country director hinted that many SADC region countries where HIV prevalence is very high including South Africa, Botswana and Zambia are also participating in this vaccine.

"In these places people have higher chances of being exposed to HIV virus. The Vaccine is being tested in these areas because they are people who will benefit most with the vaccine."

UNC Project in Malawi was also recently involved in trials for malaria candidate vaccine for children (RTS, S/ Mosquirix) which will soon be recommended by World Health Organisation. The Committee for Medical Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency has already made a positive opinion of the vaccine.

Important facts

Prof. Martinson has emphasized that the project will be looking at possibility of testing the HIV Vaccine in a small section of the population to see how it works. And if the vaccine is able to demonstrate that it works adequately, UNC Project will be able to tweak where little inefficiency are and then scale up the vaccination to a bigger group to see really what happens in a population if it’s possible.



He indicated that this vaccine is not an infectious agents. But Said this Vaccine only has part of the virus that causes the body to react and produce antibodies but cannot infect the body. So it will just trick the body to produce antibodies which normally when somebody gets infected those antibodies should be ready to fight the virus which has been introduced and kill them so that that person does not get infected.



The vaccine wants to prevent people from the virus so the people to be vaccinated are those that are not infected so are not taking medications



“We need to try this to someone who is normal first so that once we know the body is reacting right then we can go to somebody who has either been infected depending on type of the vaccine that we will be using, or pre use it to prevent everybody who has not been exposed” explained Prof. Martinson



“May be somewhere along the line when we have seen how it behaves in normal people it may be possible to look to see those people who are already infected and are taking medication if the vaccine is going to be of any use to them also to help them fight the virus.” he said

Two Children Torch Home, Kill 7 Months Old Girl

A seven months old baby girl died in fire that gutted down home in Kasungu district.

The raging inferno is reportedly to have been ignited by her two little siblings playing with the fire when their mom was away, says Police.

Sub Inspector Edna Mzingwitsa, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in Kasungu identified the deceased as Esnart Samson.

Mzingwitsa says while the 7 month old girl was sleeping inside the house her mother left home to draw water but had asked two children aged 4 and 2 who were at that time playing outside the house to keep eye of their sister.  

Sub Inspector Mzingwitsa said the two children began to play with fire which accidentally caught up the grass thatched house.

Mzingwitsa said though neighbors rushed to put-off the fire, found the baby already burned to death

The police officer indicated that the incident that occurred on late hours of Wednesday happened at Jere village, of T/A Wimbe in Kasungu district.

Police have since appealed to the general public that parents should not leave little children alone but with a grown up guardian to avoid such incidents.

Standard Bank Rebrand its Jazz Concert to ‘Blue Mingoli’

Standard Bank's annual music concert 'Joy of Jazz' returns this year with new name 'Blue Mingoli'

Last year, the bank took a break from hosting a main jazz concert, but instead treated its selected customers to a jazz evening with South Africa's contemporary jazz man, Jimmy Dludlu in Lilongwe.

Margaret Kubwalo 

"I am pleased to announce that the main Jazz Concert is back. We have rebranded the concert to "Blue Mingoli" disclosed Margaret Kubwalo-Chaika Standard Bank Head of Personal and Business Banking  

Kubwalo said the rebranding aims to create a relevant platform for the bank's annual jazz concerts while maintaining its objectives of promoting the development of local musicians.

She therefore said Blue Mingoli will maintain legacy where leading Malawian musicians will be invited to share the stage with international artists.

"Under Blue Mingoli, we have created a new platform that resonates with Malawian music lovers, our customers and local musicians

Blue Mingoli will not take away anything from our fans, but rather add icing to a delicious cake." Added Kubwalo

Kubwalo said Blue Mingoli highlights the power of relevant connections that the Standard Bank brand has with its customers who are lovers of music. 

This year's Blue Mingoli concert is scheduled to take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on October 24, 2015.

"We have cast the net wider in terms of the caliber of the international artist we will invite." Said Kubwalo but indicated that the Bank will reveal the identity of the artists soon 

Ahead of the concert, Standard Bank has lined up a series of pre-concert shows at popular entertainment joints in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

In 2012, Standard bank brought South Africa's award-winning artist, Zahara, the following year, the bank invited US Grammy-Award winning jazz master, Earl Klugh.

Malawi Anticipate Booming Mining Sector After Positive Survey Results

The Malawi Government has expressed optimism that the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Data will propel government plans of diversifying the economy.

Data obtained from the survey conducted between September 2013 and August 2014 which involved radiometric and gravity methods has been launched on Thursday in the capital city, Lilongwe.

Results from the survey, shows that there are mineral deposits across the country but Geological Survey Department is yet to interpret and conduct ground follow-up for the whole data set. However interested individuals and companies can still access the data and conduct their own interpretation and ground follow-ups based on their interest.

Hon Bright Msaka 

Speaking when launching the results, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, Hon. Bright Msaka, said the results from the survey are impressive enough to greatly improve the mining profile of Malawi.

He said this data is likely going to attract more investors and lead to stimulated mineral exploration.

The Minister then said from such intensive explorations, the country will start earning more revenue from the mining sector and possibly end the overdependence on Agriculture sector.

"Malawi's economy has been agro-based since independence, relying a lot on revenue from major cash crops, in particular tobacco. However, various factors including the global anti-smoking lobby, unpredictable and hostile climatic conditions among others, have heavily affected the agricultural sector and subsequently, the country's agrarian-dependent economy" noted the Minister when speaking on sidelines of heavy dependence of agriculture

To further enhance economic diversification and realize sustainable economic growth, Hon Msaka mentioned that Malawi also will implement number of reforms in the mining sector.

He among others said government will introduce number of initiatives including enactment of mining related Acts.

Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann

In his remarks, European Union Head of Delegation to Malawi, Ambassador Marchel Gerrmann also noted that the new data marks beginning of development of mining sector as well as economic diversification and broadening of the resource base.

But he stressed that Malawi ought to be more transparent and properly manage resources generated from the sector including contracts and licenses to fully realize potential of the mining sector.

On other hand, Ambassador Gerrmann, hailed Malawi's interest to join Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) saying this is a right direction geared towards more transparency in mining sector.

On 6th November, 2013, Malawi launched the Country-wide High Resolution Airborne Geophysical Survey at a function held at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, kicking off a massive search for high value mineral deposits.

The search involved low flying aircrafts hovering over the whole country and the exercise was widely known as 'Kauniuni.

US$ 5.7 Million from World Bank Mining Governance and Growth Support Project (MGGSP) loan (amounting to US$ 25 million) was spent in acquiring the airborne data while, European Union co-financed the Project with a Grant amounting to 4.1 million Euros.

Chia Productions Brings Chiphwando cha Ndakatulo in Lilongwe

A local Studio Chia Productions is set to take the Capital City, Lilongwe by storm on Sunday 13th September 2015 with a poet event dubbed 'Chiphwando Cha Ndakatulo' 

Gift Khabuwa, Public Relations Officer for Chia Productions told Malawi Voice that Chia productions is bringing Chiphwando Cha Ndakatulo to make Lilongwe experience the best poetry event that never happened before in the Capital. 

Gift Khabuwa

He said for the first time in Lilongwe, the poetry event  will draw together a lot of renowned poets who never met face to face in Lilongwe.

"For the first time and ever before, it will be Robert Chiwamba facing Nyamalikiti Nthiwatiwa" said Khabuwa 

"Not only that" he said,  "We have on the line up, Sylvester Kalizang'oma the Amkalindanji Moyo fame, Joseph Mazeze who did Amunanga a Chikabudula and Raphael Sitima just to mention a few."

He also disclosed that several comedians including Atcheya, Mr. Malawi and Aunt Geti are also prepared to make people laugh their lungs out. 

"We have number of things organized for this day" added Khabuwa

He then mentioned that the show will include live musical performance starting late hours.

He said the live performances headlined by Lulu and Mathumela Band will include Dalisoul from Zambia, Innocent Chitimbe and Sangwani Munthali who will also entertain people with classic Jazz.

"This function is organized to give Lilongwe fans what they have been looking for a very long time" said Gift Khabuwa

The event scheduled to take place at Wakawaka Hotel starting at 1 Pm will cost K1000 for advance tickets found at Galani Shop behind Mangochi building and Globe Star near Wullian Super Market. But Tickets will cost K1500 at the entrance.

Woman Commit Suicide After Suffering from Cancer

Police in Ntchisi district in the central region of Malawi says a 50 year old woman has committed suicide for allegedly suffering from cancer disease for a very long time. 

The suicide which police suspect to have occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday this week, found the deceased hanging in a tree.

Police have identified the deceased as Selina Zamtima of Kankowe village in the area of Traditional Authority Nthondo in Ntchisi. 

Sergeant Gladson M'bumpha, Ntchisi Police Public Relations Officer, while confirming the suicide said the woman was diagnosed with cancer long time ago.

"The deceased has been suffering from cancer for along time and she has been admitted to Ntchisi District Hospital for several times." confirmed 

Sergeant M'bumpha indicated that the woman has been critically ill and week so that her husband had on 11 August 2015, taken her to a traditional doctor at Khadani village for further assistance. 

However, the Ntchisi Police PRO indicated that the deceased never get any treatment from the traditional doctor and that on August 18th 2015 at around 8pm she went missing only to be discovered hanging up in a tree.

M'bumpha said postmortem conducted by a medical officer revealed that death was due to suffocation and no foul play suspected. 

He also indicated that the incident took place at Khadani village in the area of Traditional Authority Chikho in the district.