The Thinking Malawian

Although most people access the news through radio, newspapers and television, media outlets in Malawi have embraced a new way of delivering news to their young audience--who are always on social media.   Before social became popular, media outlets, especially Times 360 and Nation Online would post lengthy stories on their social media platforms. This was due to, among other reasons, a lack of capacity to file brief stories because their writers were only familiar with writing for print.  But now things have changed. Reading stories on their platforms, the changes are glaringly noticeable. The writing is light and snappy, enabling their readers especially young people to get the gist of the in countable minutes. It's not surprising, though, that these media outlets have grown their following as well as engagement. Within minutes, for example, a story gets a thousand in likes and dozens in shares. That's progress.  Such success ...

“When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and less in control…”—Robert Greene, 48 Laws of Power. President Lazarus Chakwera loves speeches. Well, he loves his art—talk, talk, talk. And the hard times we are in, his pep talk perhaps can soothe our heavy-laden souls, poor souls drifting into the gaping bottomless pit of inflation, hunger and sheer lack of essentials.  On Wednesday he addressed the nation, and key on the agenda were three things: his desperate measures to end chronic fuel shortages, hunger, and a veiled condemnation of the political violence ahead of next year’s elections.  Soon after the televised speech, social media erupted, cherry-picking what the Malawi One had said. It was evidently clear that there was resentment. Generally, the feeling was that the president fell short to inspire as regards to when this economic malaise would peter out.                ...

The more things change the more they remain the same, so goes the saying. Malawi is likely to find itself in this merry-go-round as it heads to the 2025 General Elections, if  the status quo remains the same. Meanwhile, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), is registering voters for the forthcoming  elections. However, the opposition led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has already raised  concerns about the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, especially registration. Also, it questions MEC’s neutrality and its proposition to use new voting technology, fears the  election management body has allayed.                                                                                      ...

If you've ever lived in Liwaladzi, the name Gochi must sound familiar. On the market day, usually Sunday, Gochi village, just 10 minutes away from Kautaka, was a beehive of activity.  People as far as Chizewo, Walemera, Chambwande, Kabiza, Nkhono, and even some from Dwangwa, thronged the village  to watch Gule wa Mkulu. It was fun to watch the “spirits”, as referred to by the members of the cult. Of course, there were other Gule wa Mkulu villages such as Chilasa and Deko at Chizewo, but what made Gochi popular was that its spirits were skillful at their craft. Also, Gochi had different kinds of spirits such as "Maria", who mesmerized the onlookers with her feminine mannerisms. Ndege (the airplane), makanja and ng'ona (crocodile) hooked people as well.  No wonder, on Sundays or during the chief's coronation where Gochi was invited, multitudes patronized the dance event.                         ...