MIJ Express news

Minister Msaka leads Malawians in celebrating SKC

…as First and Second Vice Presidents honor the minister as guest of honour
By Issidore Kang’ombe

Thousands of Malawians from all walks of life on Saturday June 13 gathered at Nsipe in Ntcheu to commemorate the life of late Saulos Klaus Chilima, who, until his death on June 10 2024, was the country’s Vice President.

Key faces at the event included Jane Ansah, Country’s Vice president, Enock Chihana, Second Vice President, Former President Joyce Banda and former Vice Presidents Michael Usi and Khumbo Kachali.

Also in attendance at the function in which the guest of honour delegated by President Peter Mutharika who left the country yesterday ton South Africa for a private visit, Minister of Education Bright Msaka, was Chilima’s successor as UTM President, Dalitso Kabambe.

Much as lmost all political party leaders were present at the function, conspicuously missing was the leadership of the erstwhile ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Son to late Chilima, Sean Chilima said in his poetic like speech which he termed an apostrophe to his late father that two years down the line, it is still difficult for him and the entire family to forget the love and care he is missing from his late father

“They say time is a healer; but tell me why the pain gets deeper….When I look for the pieces lost, it feels heavy like carrying the cross… changes happen but not like this.

“I try to remain strong, but when I reflect deep down, I know I really just miss the jokes you made, the laughs made, the advice you gave, the sacrifices you made; we never had fear of anything going wrong as long as you were here; you always had a vision that was so clear,” he said.

He added saying that the past two years have been filed with confusion with many questions that do have a conclusion stressing that that he is hoping for an answer that will bring closure to the mystery of his father’s death

Mary Chilima echoed in an emotional tribute what Sean just said saying although two years have passed, but she is not sure when the tears will dry in her eyes.

“As a family, I greatly appreciate the love that Malawians have been showing to the family the past two years. Your support has made us strong in the devastating moments that we have been going through the past two years.

“I thank President Mutharika for the commission of inquiry that is currently investigating circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Chilima and eight other Malawians who perished in the plane crash on June 10 2024. The previous reports lefts gaps and whenever we could raise questions on the gaps we could be ridiculed and vilified so we welcome the fresh inquiry not with confusion but expectation that gaps will be addressed,” she said.

She added that as a family, their desire is not vengeance but truth.

Bright Msaka, who spoke on behalf of President Mutharika described late Chilima as a distinguished national leader whose contributions to public service left a lasting impact on Malawi.

He added saying the mausoleum would stand as a symbol of remembrance and appreciation for Chilima's service to the nation.

UEFA glorifies Somali referee Artan

By Leonnard Mossolini and Joseph Chibade

Somali referee Omar Artan has received a major career boost after being appointed to officiate the UEFA Super Cup, just days after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his denial of entry into the United States.

Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men's Referee of the Year, was recently removed from FIFA's list of World Cup match officials after U.S. immigration authorities denied him entry despite travelling with valid documentation.

The decision shattered his hopes of becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament and sparked widespread debate across the football community.

However, what initially appeared to be a devastating setback has quickly turned into a remarkable opportunity

UEFA has appointed Artan to referee the UEFA Super Cup clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August this year.

The appointment is regarded as one of the most prestigious refereeing assignments in European football outside major international tournaments and underscores the confidence that football authorities continue to place in the Somali official.

Following his exclusion from the World Cup, Artan remained optimistic and focused on the future.

"I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support, and I promise to maintain the highest refereeing standards as I concentrate on future opportunities," he said.

Somali football fans have warmly welcomed UEFA's decision, describing it as a fitting recognition for a referee whose World Cup dream was cut short under controversial circumstances.

A FIFA-accredited referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at several major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and is widely regarded as one of Africa's most respected match officials.

His appointment to the UEFA Super Cup represents a remarkable turnaround, transforming a story of disappointment into one of resilience, determination, and redemption.

US bars Somali referee Artan

By Leornad Mossolin

Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States (US).

Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.

According to BBC Sport report, no reason for Artan's repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.

After speaking to the US authorities, world governing body Fifa said Artan will miss the tournament.

"Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," read a statement.

"Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.

"In line with previous Fifa events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," further reads the statement.

A senior adviser to Somalia's ministry of youth and sports confirmed the denial of entry to the media and said Artan had been travelling with valid documents.

A Somali embassy official in Nairobi told the BBC that Artan's diplomatic passport had been issued specifically to ease his travel after earlier visa difficulties.

Speaking in a statement to Reuters, Artan said that despite the circumstances he was in a positive mood and focused on the next challenge.

"I would like to thank Fifa and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future," he said.

"I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions."

The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has contacted Fifa seeking urgent clarification.

Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup confirmed the development to the media.

He said: "While I can't go into the derog [derogatory information] on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision."

Artan was among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Source: BBC Sport

Ramaphosa condemns xenophobic attacks as ‘lawless
’
By Joseph Chibade

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the March and March movement as “lawless” and called for it to be stopped.

In a televised address on Sunday June7 2026, Ramaphosa addressed the immigration crisis with a diplomatic but firm stance, criticising leaders of the March and March movement.

"Only authorised officials are permitted to act against violations of the law,” he said.

His remarks follow those of African National Congress (ANC) General secretary Fikile Mbalula, who earlier this week criticised the March and March movement for xenophobic actions.

The address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on government’s management of illegal migration and the recent protests against foreign nationals" minced no words for both leaders of the movement and governments of countries whose citizens are in South Africa without documentation.

A sombre Ramaphosa appeared determined to lead efforts to end the gruesome image of South Africa as hostile to fellow Africans.
“We as South Africans are not xenophobic,non the less every country has the right to manage migration and secure its borders,” he said.

“We will partner with other African countries through regional bodies like SADC to promote growth, development and employment,” Ramaphosa added.

He further said South Africa would work with these "sister" countries to address political instability, conflict and economic hardship.

However, the President acknowledged loopholes in South Africa’s migration system and promised to “crack down on corruption and inefficiency at the Department of Home Affairs”.

The speech comes at a pivotal moment as other African governments raise concerns and demand action from the Rainbow Nation’s leadership.

On the other hand a press statement realeased by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Saturday, June 6 2026, the Malawi Government had dispatched two buses to begin repatriation of the first 150 Malawians displaced by violence in South Africa.

The group is the first to be repartriated under the task force set by the governement of Malawi through its high commission in that country.

The anti-immigration civic group "March and March" which began in 2024 set a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30.

The movement has demanded that the government present a clear action plan for deportations by this date, threatening a national shutdown if their demands are not.

Meanwhile despite the Malawi Government has successfully begun repatriation of its citizens,the unrest persists as violence continues as per dates set by March and March movement leaders for “foreigners to go” with some political experts calling it another civil revolution in that country since the 1970's apartheid governemnt youth uprise.

Counting losses from broken Namawalo bridge

By Shameema Hajji.

Namawato bridge, which used to make life easier for children walking form Chilembe Village going to Mwanje Primary School, has of late become a death scare because it has been in disrepair for eight years now.

In its state now, mothers helplessly watch their children struggle to get to the other side and when it is rainy season, the situation is even worse.

Namawato is a bridge that connects Chilambe and Matuta villages. This bridge had been important for these villages and other surrounding areas as small-scale business operators cross to reach Songani market while learners use it when going to Mwanje primary school.

Mary Samute, one of the villagers who has been impacted by the state of disrepair of the broken bridge, said it is unfortunate that since 2018, they have been heavily impacted by the broken bridge as they find it difficult to cross and get to the other side.


“During rainy seasons, this river always floods thereby impinging on movements of school children leading to injuries and a scare to lives of learners who attempt to cross the flooded river.

"As business people, we really suffer when crossing this broken bridge. Sometimes, we carry heavy goods and we fall into this river leading to serious injuries. Indeed this river has become a daily struggle filled with pain, danger and uncertainty", said Samute.

She added saying that many traders return home with injuries while others lose their goods into the strong currents of the river when rains are in progress as they attempt tp cross the bridge which is the only way to get to the other side.

As a way of mitigating the impact, villagers organized themselves to have a makeshift bridge in place to help ease of crossing, however it is also as hazardous because some people find it very difficult to cross on this makeshift bridge.

Village Headman Chilembe, whose real name is Hamid Mtambo, decried the authorities lack of concern for the area to build a good bridge as people are tired of using a makeshift bridge in this modern era.

"Our children who need education are suffering when passing through this bridge. As the leader of Chilambe village, I tried my best to seek help from those in power but I failed", said Mtambo.

Mtambo has since called on well-wishers and those in authority at Zomba District Council to help construct the bridge for the people of his area adding the makeshift bridge is as hazardous with or without rains.

Transforming Africa with African innovation

By Joseph Chibade

Africa is struggling with an energy crisis as the rest of the world, yes of course the war in the Middle East, and the case with the strait of Harmuz.

But this leaves one to wonder- Africa has countries that produce crude oil yet struggle to have it refined. Now to combat the issue of energy for lighting and cooking; a lot of innovators have over the years emerged to present solutions to governments especially Sub-Saharan Africa, and with electric vehicles coming on the market as an alternative, these innovators have emerged with unconventional forms to answer the question of fuel.

In January 2025, a Zimbabwean man named Maxwell Chikumbutso went viral on social media and he was called by President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa to demonstrate his innovations to him in person at the State house in Bulawayo.

His revolutionary energy technology, according to zimtech, demonstrates an electric vehicle, reportedly a modified Chinese-manufactured car available on Alibaba, which Chikumbutso claims can run indefinitely without charging through his “Microsonic energy device.” This device, he says, converts radio frequencies into usable energy.

Writers like Kabweza from Techzim have pointed out that Chikumbutso's story has changed over time. In 2013, he first claimed his device made energy "from thin air." Later, he changed his explanation, saying it captures radio waves instead. He claims this technology can power anything from cars and motorcycles to helicopters.

“Chikumbutso acknowledges his invention allegedly violates fundamental laws of physics, specifically the laws of thermodynamics. When attempting to patent the technology, he reports being rejected on the grounds that it violated natural physical laws and lacked industrial applicability. Rather than addressing these scientific concerns, he says he opted to treat the technology as a trade secret, “he said.

Although the innovation began years ago the Zimbabwean says this is without legal and economic challenges, Kabweza also notes that the innovator once attempted to push his operations in Silicon Valley California, where he alleges that he and a partner were poisoned due to their revolutionary discovery, resulting in his partner’s death.And he had to return to Zimbabwe.

The story is similar to another young inventor, who is a black American known as Julian Brown who also through his method, known as microwave pyrolysis, uses solar powered microwaves to heat plastic in the absence of oxygen until it breaks down into liquid hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can then be refined into gasoline, diesel, or even jet fuel.

Moreover, beyond the science, Scholarshipregion notes that Julian’s story is one of persistence, curiosity, and purpose. He taught himself complex chemical engineering concepts using online resources, demonstrating how accessible knowledge can drive real-world innovation. Meet Julian Brown, the 22-year-old man who turns plastic waste into fuel | Scholarship Region

However, both of these stories despite coming from two different demographics and sphere, they are linked by one common thread.

If it was Mark Zukerberg there will not be a resistance to accept the innovation and easy for government to embrace. The two men face the challenge of politics and the challenge of a trillion-dollar business, because there were unverified information last year that Brown went missing, and people speculated the worst, but later addressed the rumors that some people were after his life.

Back to Chikumbutso, the question is why did President Mnangagwa’s personally involve himself to check the invention? Kabweza notes that there’s politicization of unverified scientific claims. Despite Zimbabwe having access to globally recognized scientists and intellectual property experts who could facilitate proper scientific validation while protecting Chikumbutso’s interests, the demonstration bypassed traditional scientific scrutiny in favor of political endorsement.

William Kamkwamba is a Malawian inventor born on August 5, 1987, in Dowa District. His biography in Brittanica.com alludes that the young Kamkwamba is also an author who worked on projects to improve the lives of his family and the residents of Masitala,a, a rural village in Kasungu where he grew up.

As a teenager, he made a windmill out of scrap materials that provided electricity to his family’s house. He wrote a memoir about that accomplishment titled The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2009; with Bryan Mealer). Kamkwamba also helped build windmills to provide clean water for drinking and for running an irrigation system for crops.

inventors like Chikumbutso and Kamkwamba are unutilized innovations by African governments because they present a solution to a major problem but because their powerful institutions who only want profits over development, such talents go down the drain. And like Kamkwamba the west benefits from their knowledge and wisdom, and just like Brown they are given grants to shut up and hide their invention to only their local market and never touch the market or like Maxwell Chikumbutso just lost in oblivion.

Masters FC: still enjoyingvrich vein of form

By Joseph Chibade

Masters Football Club scaled to the top of the FDH Bank Premiership standings following a 4-0 victory over Goshen City -Dedza Dynamos at the Bingu National Stadium on Sunday night.

The breakthrough of the towers from Goshen came after title chasers, Silver Strikers were held to a frustrating goalless-draw by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in Zomba earlier on sunday, opening the door for the Capital City Masters to seize control of the top tier league.

Determined to redeem themselves after a painful defeat to Silver Strikers last weekend, Masters FC put on a football masterclass. They dictated the tempo from the opening whistle and thoroughly dominated both halves of the match.

Reacting to the victory, Masters head coach Peter Mponda expressed his immense delight, commending his squad for their absolute dedication and relentless work ethic on the pitch.

Following the weekend's action, Masters FC now sets the pace at the top of the table with 12 points from 5 matches, while Silver Strikers trails closely in second place with 10 points.

Malawi intensifies ebola preparedness amid regional outbreaks

By Williams Simwela

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has intensified Ebola preparedness measures in Malawi following outbreaks of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

In a press statement signed by the Secretary for Health, Dr Dan Namarika, and issued on May 21, 2026, the ministry said Malawi has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases, but government has strengthened surveillance and response systems to prevent the disease from entering the country.

“Some of the measures that have been put in place include intensified screening at airports and border posts, readiness of isolation and treatment centres, and training of healthcare workers on Ebola detection and management,” Namarika said.

He added that the ministry has also strengthened rapid response teams, infection prevention measures in health facilities, and public awareness campaigns through various media platforms.

The ministry has urged the public to remain calm and continue observing preventive measures such as regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick persons, and reporting suspected Ebola symptoms to nearby health facilities.

“Government remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all Malawians,” reads part of the statement.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has registered more than 160 suspected deaths, over 600 suspected cases, and 51 confirmed Ebola cases. Uganda has reported two cases and one death as of May 22, 2026.

Ebola virus disease is caused by the Ebola virus, which is believed to originate from wild animals such as gorillas, fruit bats, and chimpanzees.

Lessons on coaching consistency from Arsenal’s EPL Win

By Joseph Chibade

Arsenal the Gunners have secured the 2025/26 Premier League title, ending a 22-year championship drought which has been haunting them.

After three straight second-place finishes, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners sealed the 2025/26 title with a game to spare after Manchester City drew 1-1 ith Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

The Arsenal English Premier league (EPL)trophy is just the result, but the real story for any coach, manager, or team leader is how they got there.

Consistency and trusting the Process even When You finish Second in four consecutive seasons is what has kept the Gunners growing.

Arsenal finished 2nd in 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25. Most clubs would have blown it up.

Arteta didn’t. He stuck to the same defensive structure, the same set piece focus, the same recruitment profile.

That “boring” consistency gave players clarity. This season it clicked: 25 wins, 7 draws, best defense in the league.

While Arsenal celebrates in North London, the FDH Bank Premiership is already serving up major drama.

Two clubs have suspended their coaches just three games into the season! So, what's the secret to the English champions' success?"

Build a Defensive Foundation

First Arsenal’s title was built on 19 clean sheets. David Raya won a 3rd straight Golden Glove.

After years of “we’ll outscore you” football, Arteta made Arsenal hard to beat. You can’t win a league conceding 2 goals every other game.

The Offense tactics he employed with pin pointing striking signing of the likes like Eze made the Gunners achieve a Champion mentality which they only envisioned.

Managing pressure

When the pressure is highest, your routines need to be the most boring. Consistency calms nerves.

Arteta took over in 2019. For 4 years it was “project” talk. Fans wanted instant trophies.

The club backed him anyway. Unlike here the fans are very quiet yet they want results.

They let management do whatever, but a good coach must be seen on how he or she can manage pressure.

That patience for the Guners paid off. The 2025/26 title is the payoff of a 6-year rebuild.

Now they’re in the Champions League final vs PSG too. Coaching consistency requires alignment from the top. If ownership chops and changes every 18 months, no process survives.

Arsenal didn’t win the league because they suddenly became brilliant in May. They won because they were consistently good from August to May.

Arteta’s Arsenal is proof that in sport, business, and life, the boring stuff works: clear standards, resilience after failure, and sticking to the plan when it’s easier to panic.
Moreover North London waited 22 years. But when the process is right, the trophy eventually finds you. So why do Malawian team owners, football managers are very impatient when the system they build requires alot of lesening to do.

Mikel Arteta is the first former Premier League player to win the Premier League as a Manager.
Bravo Gunners!