MANAonline
Karonga communities condemn council for selling donated assetss
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, April 10, Mana: Communities in Karonga have demanded accountability from the district council after it sold a donated ambulance and tricycles meant for critical healthcare services.
A press briefing held Wednesday at the Foundation for Community Support Services (FOCUS) saw community members, led by Zebedia Mvula, voicing their concerns and demanded immediate accountability.
Mvula said the donated assets, including a fully equipped Toyota Land Cruiser ambulance and tricycles, were provided through a successful 2015-2018 UK Aid Match (UKAM) project.
“The arbitrary sale of these tricycles directly donated to our communities is a direct violation of the rights and welfare of the rural population here in Karonga. We were meant to benefit from these lifesaving tools not have them snatched away without our knowledge or consent.
“These were not just mere assets, they were instruments meant to save lives especially mothers and children. We will not stand by while such a grave injustice is committed,” he said.
Karonga District Council Spokesperson, George Mponda, said all procedures for the disposal of the assets were followed.
"During a full council meeting, the council resolved that all obsolete items lying idle in various stations should be sold by means of a public auction.
“Following this resolution, all obsolete items were listed and on October 10, 2024 we requested the services of Plant and Vehicle Hire Engineering Services (PVHES) from Lilongwe to do valuation of all vehicles which cannot be repaired as repairing them would mean depleting council resources.
"So PVHES inspected all vehicles. The valuation report was produced on February 19, 2025. Then we procured the services of Exploit Auctioneers to do the sale on our behalf. They floated an advertisement in the Nation on Sunday of March 2, 2025,” he said
Mponda said they also wrote Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority requesting a letter of 'No objection' as per Procurement Act but were advised that the value was too small hence no need for letter of No objection as long as full council had approved the sale.
"Eventually, the auction took place on March 7, 2025 and as you can see, all procedures were followed and nothing was unlawfully sold. The council is ready to meet the stakeholders and explain the process and even ACB is welcome to investigate," he explained.
According to Mponda, a total of K89, 256,000 was realized from the auction and part of the proceeds will be used to repair motor vehicles, procure motor cycles and do rehabilitation works at Karonga District Hospital.
Kasasire community, MDF reach agreement over boundary
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, April 10, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Davie Chilonga, has decsribed the outcome of an engagement meeting with Kasasire community members in Traditional Authority (TA) M’bwana in Nkhata Bay on land wrangles with Malawi Defence Force (MDF) over shooting range boundary as impressive.
He said people have been well informed about the boundary of the area in accordance with the laws.
Speaking Wednesday at Kasasire, Chilonga said the meeting was arranged to raise awareness on the boundary of MDF shooting range in Nkhata Bay following eviction of some community members who allegedly encroached the area.
"The main agenda of the meeting was to sensitize people about the boundary which was established in 1963 which must be respected.
"After lengthy discussions, the communities have understood and asked for land where they can be relocated to. We will work with all relevant stakeholders, including the District Commissioner and traditional leaders, and see how we go about it,” he said.
According to Chilonga, relocation of the people will require screening to identify those affected by the eviction court order; calculate the costs, which is doable when all concerned offices have agreed that it is necessary.
He admitted to having received about seven lease documents on the public land, saying the owners will be summoned to map the way forward as the area belongs to MDF.
"We have already mobilized resources for the retracement survey of the 17,712 hectares of land through the surveyor general office and we will do it at the end of this rainy season as requested by the TA so that nobody shall encroach this protected area again,” he said.
MDF Commander, Valentino Phiri, said they are committed to protecting communities living around the firing range from harm.
"MDF uses weapons and most of the weapons we are using now are quite modern and long range. If people trespass in this field they can be caught in the cross fire. So, we want to prevent that from happening.
"We also want to protect the communities from accidents following the collection of unexploded materials. We have witnessed such unfortunate deaths, and we don't want that to happen at Kasasire," he said.
He said MDF soldiers are citizens of this country and will always strive to do their job professionally.
TA M'bwana commended government for timely intervention on the matter.
"As a chief for this area, I am satisfied with the discussions as government has shown commitment to help people evicted from the area they encroached on," he said.
He, therefore, asked government and all well-wishers to continue helping people with food and non-food items as they wait for finalization of the relocation process as requested.
Organized by the Ministry of Lands, the meeting brought together officials from the Ministry of Homeland Security, Office of the President and Cabinet, Ministry of Local Government Unity and Culture, MDF, traditional leaders, and community members from Kasasire.
A Beacon of Hope for Women: New Health Facility to Revolutionize Maternity Care
Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 9, Mana: In the heart of Senior Chief Makanjira in Salima District, a quiet but powerful change has unfolded, one that promises to save lives and transform the health landscape for women. For decades, women in this rural area have faced unimaginable hardships when it comes to accessing maternity care.
Women walked up to 20 kilometers, sometimes in labor, to reach the nearest health center. Tragically, some never made it, giving birth on the side of the road or losing their lives due to lack of timely medical attention.
Mbochele Ndaziona, 28 year's old lady from Kwineng'ene Village, narrated her struggles from the past when she was in labour but had to brace the 20 kilometers to reach Khombedza health center.
"It was the most horrific experience in my entire life, to find transportation was a huge challenge at that time because only vehicles were used as transportation unlike these days were motorcycles are locally found, then we had to wait for taxi's which were very expensive," she narrated.
She vividly remembered how she slept on the roadside with her mother by her side waiting for well-wishers to offer themselves to drop her off at the hospital, being her first pregnancy she says it was difficult to recognize the onset of labour pains, hence the delay in traveling to the hospital.
In her words upon reaching the hospital she was assisted fortunately everything went well and she did not encounter any major challenges due to the delay in seeking maternity care, the baby made it in good health.
Litinesi Abdul 30, from the same village also narrates how giving birth was more than a life altering event, it was often a life threatening ordeal. We faced a grueling and sometimes dangerous journey while in labor. The long walk, sometimes with no form of transportation, was a test of endurance and willpower.
But now, there is hope, a new health facility, will alleviate these agonizing challenges. This facility, strategically located within reach of the community, has brought maternity care closer to the women of Senior Chief Makanjira, ensuring safer deliveries and healthier futures for mothers and babies alike.
Summarizing the agonizing ordeals of his people, Senior Chief Makanjira attests that the upcoming health facility is more than just a building, it represents a lifeline to thousands of women who have long been denied the most basic health services.
"With its strategic location, the facility will provide comprehensive maternity services, from antenatal care to safe deliveries, all within the community’s reach. I remember one woman, she was in labor and had no way to get to the hospital,” recalls Makanjira.
He adds: “She walked for hours, but when she finally arrived, it was too late. She gave birth on the road, and the baby didn’t make it. She passed away shortly after.”
For Senior Chief Makanjira, this new health facility is more than just a building it is a testament to what happens when a community comes together to make a difference, when governments, NGOs, and local leaders unite to provide a safer, healthier future for all.
He says these stories were not isolated incidents. The lack of nearby maternity care contributed to high maternal and infant mortality rates in the area, a grim reality that many families had to endure.
“We have seen too many women suffer, too many lives lost, this new facility will make a huge difference. No more women will have to walk miles, risking their lives to get the care they deserve.” he adds.
Esther Chiwenda, a Nursing and Midwifery Technician for Mnema health center, says the facility has been equipped with modern medical equipment, staffed by trained professionals, and designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
"The facility will also offer postnatal care, ensuring that both mothers and babies receive the attention they need in the critical days following childbirth.
She highlights that the benefits of the new facility extends far beyond just safer deliveries. For women in this community, it means they no longer have to choose between risking their life and giving birth in uncertain conditions.
"They can now look forward to prenatal visits with trained healthcare professionals, reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy, the fear of dying in childbirth is real for many women here, but now, the will be able to deliver in a hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses," she says.
In addition to maternity care, the facility will serve as a hub for maternal education, equipping women with the knowledge they need to take charge of their health and well-being. Local health workers will be trained to offer guidance on nutrition, family planning, and early child development, creating a ripple effect that benefits entire families and future generations.
In his sentiments, Director of Public Works at Salima District Council, Harris Kumwenda has commended Performance Based Grant (PBG) being supported by Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) for enhancing collaboration and accountability among sectors.
Kumwenda explains how Salima District Council ensures it qualifies for the Performance-Based Grant after being assessed through Local Authority Performance Assessments (LAPA).
Kumwenda cites an example of the first project that Salima District Council implemented through the first grant that the district received under GESD, the K460 Million, Mnema Maternity wing, which is a pride of the district council's strong collaboration amongst sectors.
"Construction of Mnema maternity required essential facilities such as staff houses, a dispensary, water tank and proper toilets, for it to be certified as a proper health facility that can offer quality services to the community," he says.
Mnema maternity wing was officially opened by the Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda on February 16th 2025, heightening the joy of Mnema community, as it is a symbol of progress, compassion, and the commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society, mothers and children.
In total about K800 million has been disbursed to Salima District Council for three GESD cycles, from 2021/2022 cycle to 2023/2024 cycle for implementation of various projects including Mnema maternity wing.
Malawi Censorship Board moves to regulate artists
By: Eranivey Temani & Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Malawi Censorship Board (MCB), has called-on artists, creators, artistic event organizers, the general public and all other relevant stakeholders to adhere to public entertainment regulations prevailing in the country in order to ensure safe, lawful, and enjoyable experiences for all.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, MCB Deputy Director, Anganile Nthakomwa, said all entertainment events are supposed to obtain the necessary permits from the MCB before going to the general public.
“We want people to get permits before going out to the general public to ensure compliance on standards for content, as well as for safety and security measures. The Organizers must also ensure crowd control, emergency exits, and adequate security personnel, compliance with fire safety and health protocols is mandatory.
“And as part of enforcing standards on content, some forms of public entertainment may require enforcement of age restrictions. For instance, minors are prohibited from attending adult-rated entertainment,” she said.
Nthakomwa further said in line with the regulations for films, all filmmakers, distributors, exhibitors, content creators are supposed to apply for a film making permit before the actual shooting of the film saying it is against the law to screen unclassified films.
Speaking in a separate interview, President of Musicians Union of Malawi, Vita Chirwa, said it is very crucial to uphold national laws and standards in the creative and entertainment sectors.
“For the musicians and event organizers, this will enhance professionalism and accountability as it will ensure that performances are safe, respectful and well-managed. This initiative will also protect artists from legal issues and enhance their credibility,” he said.
Chirwa said the Union will engage with MCB through consultative meetings, joint awareness campaigns, and capacity building initiatives to ensure artists and event organizers are well informed about content standards and licensing requirements.
The Malawi Censorship Board which is under the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture was established to regulate films (the importation, production, dissemination of undesirable films, publications and similar materials); public entertainment performances and facilities.
It draws its mandate from the Censorship and Control of Entertainments Act of 1968.
Man arrested for stealing 598 ESCOM tower members in Balaka
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, April 9, Mama: Police in Balaka District have arrested a 50-year-old man, Elia Kanyeleza, for allegedly stealing 598 Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) tower members valued at K22, 126,000.00.
Balaka Police Station, Publicist, Inspector Gladson M'bumpha said the suspect committed the offence on January 9, 2025 and was arrested on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Naming'azi, Traditional Authority Phalula in Balaka along Phalula-Zalewa M1 Road.
“The suspect was arrested when he was about to transport the said tower members from Naming'azi (Phalula) to Lilongwe,” said M'bumpha, adding that police have since recovered 45 towers members as they arrested Kanyeleza.
The suspect comes from Nyanyala Village, Traditional Authority Nyanyala in Balaka and will appear before court soon to answer a theft charge of ESCOM property.
President Chakwera reaffirms commitment to peace and unity ahead of elections
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has pledged his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and unity across the nation.
The President made this pledge on Wednesday during a meeting with the National Peace and Unity Commission at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Speaking after the meeting, Mary Nkosi, Chairperson of the National Peace and Unity Commission, expressed satisfaction with the discussions, highlighting that the President had reassured them of his ongoing efforts to foster peace, especially with the upcoming elections in the country.
“The role of political leaders in setting the tone for peace in the country is crucial. As the ruling party, this meeting marks the first in a series of dialogues we will be having with political leaders to foster peace before, during, and after the elections,” said Nkosi.
She further shared that the Commission plans to extend their outreach to traditional leaders, such as chiefs, to continue promoting the message of peace.
Samson Limbani, the President’s Chief Advisor on Public Policy and Governance, reaffirmed that the President is deeply committed to promoting peaceful coexistence among Malawians of different political backgrounds.
“The Head of State has rededicated himself to condemning extremism and actions that seek to disrupt peace. He will continue to encourage unity and peaceful dialogue, particularly in these politically charged times,” Limbani said.
This statement comes in response to recent calls by some political leaders that have raised concerns over the potential for incitement to violence at political rallies. The President’s continued call for peace aims to prevent such extremities from disrupting the democratic process.
NGORA commends NGOs for compliance to operating regulations
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, April 9, Mana: Chief Executive officer for Non-Governmental Regulatory Authority (NGORA), Edward Chileka Banda, Friday commended Non –Governmental organizations (NGOs) for improved compliance to operating regulations and NGO Act.
Banda was speaking in Mzuzu during a presentation of an update on the operations of NGORA to NGOs drawn from the north.
“We have in this just ended quarter, 350 NGOs that have licenses basing their last year’s reports. This is contrary to previous years where compliance was low and we therefore commend them for this.
We are also currently processing a number of applications and licenses are issued based on reports that NGOs are required to submit to NGORA as we continue promoting a compliance culture as a bedrock to success,” said Banda.
He said that the reports include issues such as sources of fund and the amount, activities being implemented and where.
“The whole purpose of this, is to ensure that NGOs’ operations benefit communities because without that, it becomes difficult to track, monitor and understand the impact of their operations in the communities,” he said.
Banda also said that there were cases in the past where some NGOs had taken advantage of communities and abused resources provided by donors, hence some donors complained of their funds being embezzled.
On update on regulations, he said that NGORA has come up with operating regulation for international NGOs.
“In this particular regulation which has been gazetted already, there is a requirement for international NGOs to be spending at least 30 percent of their funding through local organizations to ensure enhanced capacity of local NGOs and sustainability of interventions through various sectors in their projects’ catchment areas,” he added.
Executive Director for Youth Watch Society, Muteyu Banda described the meeting important as besides update from NGORA it also discussed issues of compliance to enhance sanity, transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs.
Banda wondered why some NGOs which are fond of holding press briefings and organizing demonstrations are either registered with NGORA or not as most of them don’t avail themselves during such meetings.
“It is of paramount importance that NGOs operate within the rule of law and I can say that am satisfied with the laws and regulations that they do not shrink civil space in terms of advocacy but will continue checking on each other to ensure sanity and that we always work within the laws,” said Banda.
Lilongwe District Council generates K1.5 billion on local revenue
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Director of Finance for Lilongwe District Council, Charles Mhone has disclosed that the council has surpassed the budgeted K1.4 billion on locally generated revenue and has generated over K1.5 billion in the just ended 2024/25 financial year.
Mhone disclosed this, on Wednesday during the learning visit by the Chikwawa District council members who came to learn and explore strategies used by their counterparts on locally generated revenue.
Mhone said despite the council having a number of sources where it generates its funds such as market fees and licenses, he attributed its achievement to team work among the revenue collectors.
“Some of the strategies that we use is that we give targets to all our revenue collectors, train them, and award them if they have done a good job by the end of the financial year. This has really worked for us,” he said.
Mhone further said plans are underway for the council to start collecting revenue through e-payment saying this will also assist the council to increase its locally generated revenue base further.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Chikwawa Nardin Kamba, said the council decided to come to Lilongwe District Council to learn and explore strategies that the council uses for it to excel in locally generated revenue.
"We have witnessed Lilongwe District Council receiving different awards in connection with local revenue, this is the reason we have decided to come here and learn more," he said.
Kamba further advised Chikwawa District Council members to take the learning visit seriously for it to be fruitful.
"Learning is one thing, but putting into practice what you have learnt is another. So let us take advantage of this visit and make our council vibrant on locally generated revenue.
Lilongwe District Council pegged its 2025/26 financial year’s budget at MK35.8 billion which is an increase of 4 percent from last year’s budget of MK34.4 billion.
Over 46311 families to receive relief maize in Blantyre District
By Joseph Ligowe
Blantyre, April 9, Mana: Over 46,311 families that are affected by hunger in Blantyre District stand to benefit from a maize distribution which is expected to start on Sunday, April 13 in the district with each listed affected family to receive a 50 Kilogramme bag of maize for six months.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Disaster Risk and Management Officer (DRMO) for Blantyre District Council, Faith Khamula, disclosed that the exercise is a response to food insecurity among housedholds as a result of last year’s effects of El Nino.
“This climatic condition led to many households harvesting low yields, resulting in food insecurity at household level,” she added.
Khamula said about 2,552 tons of maize are expected to be distributed to households in all Traditional Authorities in Blantyre District, with each family receiving a 50-kilogramme bag of maize for six months.
Traditional Authority Machinjiri applauded government for responding to the food situation in the district, saying the exercise will address the situation in his area as well.
“This exercise has come at an opportune time because, currently, the majority of people rarely afford a meal in a day," he said.
The maize distribution exercise will be done by Government of Malawi through Blantyre District Council in collaboration with the World Food Programme.
ILO impressed with Recognition to Prior Learning artisans
By Christina Mkutumula
Mzuzu, April 9, Mana: The International Labour Organization (ILO), says it is impressed with the work that artisans in bricklaying are doing after being assessed and getting certification for their skills through the Recognition to Prior Learning (RPL) Project.
The remarks were made on Tuesday, by the ILO National Project Coordinator for Global skills Programme, Patrick Makondetsa, in Mzuzu when he visited some of the artisans who have been assessed and certified through the RPL project.
“I am happy to say that RPL has a significant impact on the beneficiaries. We have seen how after getting certified they are given big contracts which shows that the project is good to the informal sector,” he said.
He further explained that the beneficiaries are adding value and increasing their opportunities for a wider clientele and in so doing gaining more wages that will help their families.
Makondetsa also said there are some industries that require different kind of skills and they need to support their people so that the skills being acquired on the job training has to be assessed and certified.
“Going forward we need to not only look for artisans who are doing piecework but we also need to engage industries who have artisans that are not certified to train them and ensure that they are certified. In future when we develop the sector skill council it will provide all and meet the gap that is there,” he said.
Speaking in an interview, acting Chief Trade Test Officer for Mzuzu, Jack Kachingwe, said the RPL project, is an extended assessment to external candidates who do not have classroom skills but learn the job informally.
“This project started in 2019 after abolishing the Malawi Trade Test Certification where we left out the informal sector but now we are recognizing these people and assessing them. We piloted the project in 2022 with 11 candidates in two trades of bricklaying and fabrication and welding,” said Kachingwe.
He explained that since the project started to-date they have assessed about 187 candidates adding that it is encouraging that people are coming forward. He said they have added five more trades in Tailoring, Automobile Mechanics, Food, Plumbing and Carpentry and Joinery and appealed to more people with the skills to get to their offices to be assessed and certified.
Commenting on the same, Regional Centre Manager for TEVETA in Mzuzu, Joseph Chikopa, said the beneficiaries of RPL have gained the required skills.
“We have seen how confident they are working after being assessed and certified and this is helping them to contribute effectively to the social economic development of the country,” he said.
A beneficiary of the project, Donly Mkandawire said he did his training in January 2023 and has since been certified.
“Before getting the paper I was just building houses anyhow, but now I know how to build a house right from foundation to roofing stage. I have also come to realize that people have confidence with artisans, who not only know the job but are also certified,” he said.
Recognition to prior learning process help individuals who do not have qualifications, to acquire a qualification that matches their knowledge.
