MANAonline
UNIMA students advocate for child protection
By Mtisunge Gwedeza
Blantyre, March 16, Mana: University of Malawi (UNIMA) Child Rights Clinic, in collaboration with the Student Law Society, on Friday held a seminar to discuss child rights and protection and challenges in the justice system that compromise rights and protection in the best interest of the child.
During discussions at UNIMA campus in Zomba, students and staff presented their research findings and possible solutions for child protection against wider range of abuse, violation and neglect.
The Child Rights and Justice System Seminar also focused on awareness programmes on child rights and protection, enforcing laws that protect children from becoming parents, apart from discussing the urgent need to revise laws that protect children from cyberbullying.
Ruth Mchidzi from the Faculty of Law presented her findings on: Rethinking Child Maintenance Laws, a pathway to population control and sustainable economic growth in Malawi.
“We should shift from obligor-centric to child centric and child maintenance approach. This approach focuses on the best interests of the child and encourages responsible family planning which will help with child protection,” she said.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency, Students Law Society executive member Sungeni Mkwanda said there was need for collective action to ensure that every child is protected in the best possible way.
“Apart from presenting our findings, our goal was also to engage the broader community beyond just law enthusiasts in order to bridge the gap that is there so that we work together to deal with these issues. This is why we invited all the UNIMA societies,” she said.
Public Administration Society president John Peter said the seminar, organised by Private and Public Law Department, was relevant as, among other issues, it highlighted wide range child rights, including the plight of street connected children.
“The seminar inspired me to advocate for children’s rights,” he said and expressed optimism that the UNIMA Child Rights Clinic will contribute positively to policies and laws that protect children in Malawi.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an important agreement by countries, including Malawi, that promised to protect children’s rights as the convention explains who children are, all their rights, and responsibilities of governments in protecting children’s rights.
Activists demand justice for sodomised children
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, March 15, Mana: Child rights activist, Memory Chisenga, has expressed frustration over the prolonged sodomy trial involving a Dutch national, Wim Jan Akster, former Financial Director of Timotheos Foundation who allegedly sodomised six boys that sought education scholarship.
Akster, was arrested in 2020 on sodomy allegation but the case has delayed thereby affecting justice, according to an activist, Memory Chisenga.
Briefing the press on Friday in Blantyre, Chisenga demanded justice for the victims, saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” as some of the witnesses want to pull out due to the delay of the trial.
“We are worried with the delay and we are demanding answers as to why it is taking so long to come to its conclusion. We have waited for over five years for the boys to get justice,
“As activists, we are saddened because we expected our court to work in the best interest of the young boys that were sodomised by this Dutch national” she said
Chisenga said despite the delays and threats, they will still push for justice.
“We will meet the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, and even the state President to seek justice for the victims,” she added.
Director for People Serving Girls at Risk, Caleb Ng’ombo, concurred with Chisenga, appealing for collective action in fighting for justice for the minors that were sodomised.
“This is a call to all of us to rise up and take action. We expect the courts to stand and protect children. If we cannot condemn sexual abuse, then we do not conform to a noble society,” he said.
The first trial was set to commence on September 11, 2024 but did not proceed as the magistrate who was handling the case was transferred to Lilongwe.
A new date for hearing was set for February 6, 2025 but the case was also adjourned to March 12, as the case file was reported to have gone missing.
Y-AFRICA to empower 800 pastors and church elders in Lilongwe
By Eranivey Temani
Lilongwe, March 15, Mana: Y-Africa, a locally based Christian faith-based organization, is set to empower 800 pastors and church elders in Lilongwe through a project called Community Transformation being implemented in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimutu.
Speaking during a Technical Working Group meeting on Friday, Operations Manager Richard Kapanda said the project aims to reduce high vulnerability levels in communities.
"By equipping these pastors in theology, they will be able to change the mindset of community members and provide moral support when needed," Kapanda said.
The project, which will run until 2033, will not only target pastors and church elders but also chiefs, children, and youths.
"We believe that by targeting these groups of people, we will be able to achieve our goals of reducing school dropouts, increasing economic activity, and decreasing gender-based violence," Kapanda added.
As part of the project, Y-Africa will also equip 200 members from different churches, establish 30 Bible centers, 30 village savings loans, and conduct child protection interventions.
"By providing economic empowerment, moral support, and education, we believe that we can create a brighter future for the people," he said.
Lilongwe District Social Welfare Officer, Derrick Mwenda thanked Y-Africa for the initiative, saying it will go a long way in providing moral support to community members.
"The project will help reduce vulnerability levels in communities, as people will have access to economic activities and moral support," Mwenda said.
The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of community members, promoting sustainable development and positive change.
Give women fair treatment- DC
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, March 15, Mana: Machinga District Council has called upon people in the district to continue promoting equal opportunities, fair treatment and strive to create space where every woman’s dream should come true against all odds
District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma made the call on Saturday at Traditional Authority Sitola’s area as the district commemorated International Women’s Day.
He said previously, men had more privileges in every aspect of life in the society at the expense of women.
Mateamu said empowering women is a collective responsibility but also vital for gender equality, adding that there was need for the society to accord women opportunity to take up various positions that should give them room to contribute to socio-economic development.
“Society benefits when women are treated with respect and are not treated as second class citizens. Today, we are celebrating remarkable achievements of women who shape our communities, lead our organisations, and inspire future generations,” he said.
He therefore appealed to women to uplift and support one another and continue to break barriers, saying when women rise, the world also rises.
Mateauma asked people in the district to stand against child marriages in their respective areas, observing that some communities entertain child marriage at the expense of children’s future.
Machinga Police, Officer In charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jane Mandala advised women to speak out whenever they are oppressed or encounter any form of abuse.
She said Machinga Police, under Victim Support Unit was always available to address all issues relating to gender based violence (GBV).
“Most of the women here in Machinga conceal information whenever they are abused. Let me ask you women, youths and even men to come out when you experience any sort of gender based violence,” said Mandala.
In his remarks, Traditional Authority Sitola said local leaders in the area were doing everything to deal with GBV but said there was still more to be done to completely stop GBV.
“Child marriages are still rampant in our communities despite our effort to eradicate them. We are however trying our best to ensure that such malpractices are dealt with now and forever “ he said.
This year’s International Women’s Day is commemorated under the theme; For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.
Gift of the Givers set to reach out to Tropical Cyclone Jude victims
By Nellie Nyirenda
Blantyre, March 15, Mana: Humanitarian organization, Gift of the Givers Foundation has disclosed that over K8 million worth of relief items will be distributed to people that were affected by the recent Tropical Cyclone Jude in Phalombe and Mulanje districts before extending to other districts such as Mangochi.
So far the cyclone has affected 20,646 people across 11 districts, with approximately 4,588 households displaced, according to Gift of the Givers Foundation.
The organisation`s Country Director, Sherifa Mia told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday that in response to effects of Tropical Cyclone Jude, the foundation was distributing to victims’ relief items such as 2,000 kilograms of maize flour, 1,000 packets of soya pieces, tinned fish, salt, cooking oil, cartons of water guard, cartons of soap and plastic buckets.
“Many of the displaced individuals have lost food and non-food items including kitchen utensils, clothes and blankets. We are now providing them with food and hygiene supplies,
“Once we have a clearer picture of their needs, we will provide a return-home pack to the affected families,” Mia added.
She said while Phalombe and Mulanje were there immediate focus, the organisation intended to extend assistance to other severely affected districts such as Mangochi in the coming weeks.
The humanitarian organisation also urged individuals of good will and other organisations to contribute towards Tropical Cyclone Jude victims “through finances or in-kind donations”.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) Public Relations Officer, Chipililo Khamula, thanked Gift of the Givers and other organisations for assisting affected communities.
“We are thankful to organisations such as Gift of the Givers and others for the support they are providing to affected communities,” he added.
Government’s housing initiative provides shelter to thousands of Malawians
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba, has announced the completion of over 10,000 houses for vulnerable people across the country.
This ambitious project initiated by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera administration aims to provide secure and decent housing for those in need.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday at Golden Peacock in Lilongwe, Gumba said the ministry had previously constructed around 4,000 houses in all districts nationwide.
“The new additions bring the total number of houses built to over 14,000, a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the country's housing challenges,” he said.
Gumba emphasized government’s dedication to building more houses in various districts across the country.
He highlighted construction of 67 houses specifically designed for people with disabilities and 65 houses in refugee camps, demonstrating government’s focus on inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.
Government's efforts to provide affordable housing is part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth, reduce poverty and improve living standards.
With the Ministry of Lands at the forefront of this initiative, Malawi is making steady progress in addressing its housing needs and creating a better future for its citizens.
South Korea donation to Malawi’s education sector to enhance quality education
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has expressed enthusiasm over the donation of teaching and learning materials worth US$200,000 by the government of South Korea.
Speaking after the handover ceremony on Friday at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, explained that the donation will help to enhance the works that are underway in the ministry.
Wirima cited establishing a radio under the Education Broadcasting Station (EBS) which, she said, is lacking certain necessities for teaching and learning.
She further explained that the education broadcasting station delivers lessons through radio and also acts as a standby for lessons in case of emergencies such as cyclones or pandemics that requires closure of schools.
“This is another arm of the education system that also enhances learning in a big way as children will be able to have access to lessons without depending on their physical presence in schools.
“This plays a crucial role in enhancing quality education as children will not be affected academically hence it will bring resilience in difficult situations,” she explained.
The ministry has received a mobile van that will be traveling in different parts of the country for lessons to children; laptops and other high technology equipment that will boost the education sector.
Ambassador for South Korea to Malawi , Jae Kyung Park, said the donation will play a crucial role in Malawi’s the education sector.
“We hope we can continue to contribute to government of Malawi’s efforts in improving the education sector by working hand in hand with the Ministry of Education.
“We strongly believe in investing in Malawi’s education sector so that it can achieve it’s goals of ensuring that all children have access to quality education,” he said.
Promote agriculture extension workers to end hunger- Deputy Minister
By George Mponda
Karonga, March 14, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, has advised District Councils to prioritize promoting agriculture frontline workers as one way of motivating them to end hunger in Malawi.
Chambo said this in Karonga on Friday during an engagement meeting with agriculture frontline workers from Karonga and Chitipa District Councils.
"With decentralisation, the power to hire, fire and even promote government employees is in the hands of the local authorities therefore District Commissioners in Malawi should make deliberate efforts in councils to promote these officers as one way of motivating them to help end hunger in our country," Chambo said.
The deputy Minister went on to advise local authorities to address challenges faced by agriculture extension workers like accommodation for them to work effectively and boost food security in Malawi.
Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Karonga Agriculture Developmet Division, Emmanuel Mzumara said lack of clear promotion pathways and limited opportunities for career advancement have led to low morale and motivation among them.
Mzumara said; “We have officers who are working on the same grade or on acting capacities up until they retire without getting a promotion. Some of the positions have staff that have advanced their educational qualifications; some have diplomas, degrees with a hope that one day they shall get a promotional letter in addition to the vast experience they possess on the post.
"The recruitment of additional staff is also essential to reduce the vacancy rate that exists. The current shortage of staff has resulted in an increased workload for existing staff, compromising the quality of services delivered to farmers and we appeal to the ministry to recruit more staff to fill existing vacancies," he added.
In his response, District Commissioner for Karonga, Frank Mkandawire said the agriculture human resource department has been devolved to the councils and Karonga is already recruiting new staff.
"We are glad to report here that Karonga has so far recruited 10 new officers in the 2024/25 financial year. On the issues of promotion, this is something that we will continue because as the Deputy Minister indicated, resources for not only recruitment but for the promotions are readily available," Mkandawire said.
"On the accommodation issues, we will lobby members of parliament to allocate some resources from the Constituency Development Fund to deal with poor housing conditions that we have," he added.
He however complained that some ministries have only devolved functions but the assets are still with the parent ministries making it hard for local authorities to maintain these infrastructures.
Karonga ADD has 133 sections and 63 extension workers.
Usi moved by struggles of Kauma children
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana – Vice President Dr. Michael Usi was deeply moved during a visit to Kauma, Lilongwe, after meeting two young children, (names withheld), who were preparing for school on their own while their parents were out searching for money.
The siblings, like many others in the area, began their day with a simple breakfast of fried maize before heading to school. When Dr. Usi asked about their parents, one of the children, with teary eyes, replied, “They went to look for money.”
Touched by their situation, the Vice President took time to speak with them and provided food and essential supplies.
This encounter highlights the harsh realities faced by many families in Kauma, where economic hardships leave children fending for themselves.
Dr. Usi’s visit is part of his ongoing city-wide tours aimed at assessing the living conditions of citizens and identifying areas where intervention is needed.
Youth Boxing Promotion plans to build boxing ring
By Happy Byson Milanzie
Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Youth Boxing Promotion, one of the leading companies promoting boxing in Malawi, has revealed its plans to build a boxing ring, requiring approximately MK8 million.
The company has expressed frustration over the constant need to hire rings for every arranged fight.
Senior Executive Officer of Youth Boxing Promotion, Salimu Chazama, stated that the primary reason for building their own ring is the financial losses incurred from hiring rings. He added that most of the money goes towards renting the ring, leaving little for the boxers.
Chazama highlighted that the cheapest ring costs approximately MK300,000 which does not align with the budget allocated for boxing. He noted that the boxing industry in Malawi consistently struggles with insufficient funding compared to other sports.
"It's unfortunate that we spend more money hiring rings instead of rewarding our boxers. For example, a boxer only receives MK200,000 after a fight, while the ring owners take a much larger share," he said.
According to Chazama, Youth Boxing Promotion is not only paying MK300,000 to borrow a ring but also incurring additional costs, such as transport fees for the ring and the services of technicians to set it up.
Chazama called on well-wishers to support Youth Boxing Promotion in funding the construction of a 6x6 boxing ring, which is estimated to cost up to MK8 million.
He emphasized that Youth Boxing Promotion has been consistently arranging monthly fights to promote youth boxing in Malawi, making it challenging to rent a boxing ring for every event.
Currently, the company borrows boxing rings from the Malawi Boxing Association.
Meanwhile, renowned boxer Wilson "Shasha" Masamba welcomed the initiative, stating that the country has very few boxing rings and none of international standards. He expressed hope that the planned innovation would help expand boxing activities in Malawi.
"It's concerning that we are still using amateur rings and have very few in the country, even though we host big fights and invite international boxers. Building professional rings is essential for the growth of boxing in Malawi," he said.
Masamba praised Youth Boxing Promotion for its efforts to uplift the boxing industry in Malawi. He noted that boxers are often underpaid because the majority of funds are directed towards ring rentals.
He further emphasized the importance of building more rings to support Malawian boxers, ensuring they are better prepared when called to participate in international fights.
