A video clip of Vice-President Jane Ansah urging Malawians to remain vigilant has resurfaced on social media, prompting widespread discussion as President Peter Mutharika remains in South Africa on a private visit. The clip, in which Dr Ansah says, “When you see smoke, whatever it is, there must be fire,” has been shared extensively online […]
Malawians who share unverified rumours on WhatsApp and social media could face criminal prosecution or crippling civil damages, a UK-based Malawian lawyer and former journalist has warned. Writing in The Nation’s “My Turn” opinion column, Peter Makossah said phrases such as “forwarded as received” and “just sharing to find out if it’s true” have long […]
Social media users have turned on Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda after he personally presided over the commissioning of a K22 million rehabilitated magistrate court at Jenda in Mzimba, with critics branding the event disproportionately high-profile for what they view as a relatively modest project. Mzikamanda commissioned the rehabilitated Jenda Magistrate Court at Levi Jere area […]
Malawi’s communications watchdog has issued a stark public warning over the circulation of non-consensual intimate videos on social media, threatening anyone involved with fines of up to K20 million and lengthy prison sentences. The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), acting in its capacity as the country’s designated Data Protection Authority, confirmed it had noted with […]
Social media use is contributing to a mental health crisis among young Malawians, exposing them to content that promotes suicidal thoughts and self-harm, a government minister has told parliament. Roza Fatchi Mbilizi, the minister of agriculture, made the remarks on Thursday during a parliamentary debate over the country’s soaring suicide cases due to mental health […]
Entrepreneur Ryana Bagus has spoken out after harsh online attacks accusing her of getting “sudden riches” following the opening of her new Lilongwe shop — insisting the K100 million investment came from years of saving, not scandal. The businesswoman has been hit with a wave of social‑media criticism, with strangers speculating about her private life […]
Malawi’s tightening grip on online speech has come under fresh scrutiny after the arrest of political activist Fredrick Billy Malata in Lilongwe on Monday — the latest sign of authorities turning the screws on social media users. National Police spokesperson Lael Chimtembo confirmed Malata was being held at Lingadzi Police Station but declined to give […]
The enthralling aspect with journalism in this digital age is that its space, today, has opened to any person with a smartphone and, of course, a bundle. We no longer have to wait for Zodiak, or Times or MBC to tell us breaking news. In fact, you can’t even talk about waiting for daily newspaper […]
When he began his campaign for the US presidency, few people, if not none, took billionaire Donald Trump seriously. Mainstream media—especially CNN, BBC, New York Times, Washington Post and Al Jazeera—rapped him as a time waster, as a result, never presented him positively. Ignored by mainstream media, Trump found a medium to channel his political […]
Mulanje district commissioner (DC) Micheal Chimbalanga has suspended Assistant Trade Officer (ATO) for the district Macdonald Njoka Phiri over comments he made on social media allegedly insulting President Peter Mutharika. According to a suspension letter which Nyasa Times has a copy, the suspension is with immediate effect pending investigations. DC Chimbalanga informs Njoka Phiri in […]
Rights and governance commentator, Undule Mwakasungula, has asked social media users to refrain from creating day fake news, saying it would fuel hate-talk which can, in turn, result into violence. Mwakasungula told Nyasa Times ahead of the constitutional court ruling on the May 2019 presidential election in which UTM Party and MCP are contesting its […]
My name is Alpha Sky Dube, Alpha Sky or Alpha Dube rather depending on how much of a mouthful you can take. I am a former Internet Content Creator (Youtuber), author and blogger. Having worked with brands such as Adidas, Canon, British Army, The I AM+ (Will.I.Ams company) and the United Nations; World Food Program. […]
The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) have suspended one of their Blantyre-based employees after a video in which the woman was mocking motorists on Carbon Tax went viral on social media platforms, primarily WhatsApp. The tax-collecting body announced last week that they will be collecting Carbon Tax from motor vehicles upon renewal of Certificate of Fitness […]
Malawian born, South African based singer and rapper Maclean Ngwira also known as Lean Omega has released a video for the song “Be Happy” depicting the fake happiness lifestyle on social media. “Be Happy” audio was recorded by DMU Records and Concord Music and the video was shot by Step Up Grafixx. Commenting on the […]
Minister of Transport and Public Works Ralph Jooma has expressed concern over social media reports alleging that a primary school in his constituency is in a poor state. A picture purportedly of Luwi Primary School in group village (GVH) Kasankha, Traditional Authority Nankhumwa in Mangochi has gone viral on social media. The social media post […]
Government has warned social media abusers that the Electronic Transactions and Cyber Security Law will catch up with them. Minister of Information, Civic Education and Communications Technology Mark Botomani gave the warning Tuesday at a press conference in Lilongwe which was also addressed by Minister of Homeland security Nicholas Dausi. The Electronic Transactions and Cyber […]
A bogus social media outlet ‘Malawi News Alert’ has been dragged to court for defamation after it published a fake news which alleges that some woman was planning to leak nude pictures of Vice President Saulos Chilima, UTM Party presidential candidate for May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections. However, the woman Sandra ‘Andu’ Ntonya a famous […]
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has warned all candidates who will be competing in the forthcoming tripartite elections against believing in false news being spread through social media. Commissioner for MEC, Very Reverend Killion Mgawi issued the warning in Dedza during the vetting of ballot paper templates by candidates in the district on Wednesday. “The commission would […]