By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, June 6, Mana: A 36-year-old maize mill operator Wilson Nkhoma has been arrested in Likoma for alleged indecent assault on a 21-year-old man in the district.

Likoma Police Station Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sergeant Enala Kalua, said the suspect, who hails from Chipumba Village, Traditional Authority Wimbe in Kasungu District, was arrested on June 4, 2025, at Makungulu area in the district.

“It has been established that both the victim and the suspect stays in the same village, and the victim is into pig farming whereby most of the time he buys maize husks from the suspect.

“On the said date, at around 18:00 hours, the victim received a call from Nkhoma that he was offering him free maize husks. He rushed to the maize mill but he was told to go again the following day because he was late,” said Kalua.

She explained that the two started off together since the maize mill was far from home, saying that on their way, Nkhoma told the victim to branch somewhere to collect fire wood.

“After reaching the said place there was no firewood, instead Nkhoma hugged the victim and started kissing him while caressing his private parts. The victim pushed Nkhoma away and called for help, and was rescued by passersby,” said Kalua.

The PRO said the matter was reported to Likoma Police Station which led to the arrest of Nkhoma with the help of community policing members.

Kalua said the suspect is expected to appear before court soon to answer charges of indecent assault, contrary to section 137 sub-section 1 of the Penal Code.

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, May 6, Mana: Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Halima Daudi, has applauded Senior Chief Mwabulambya of Chitipa District for ensuring that 133 learners who drop out of school at Kasisi Primary School are back to the institution.

Daudi commended the Senior Chief’s effort on Thursday at Kasisi Primary School in the district, saying the traditional leader’s initiative is worth emulating.

“I had a chance to interact with some of the learners who have gone back to school and I have encouraged them to work hard in class for them to excel in their academic studies,” Daudi said.

She added that President Lazarus Chakwera is committed to ensuring that young people are in leadership positions, including ministerial, and in various sectors in the civil service.

Senior Chief Mwabulambya said it was disheartening to see half of the learners at the school dropping out of school.

‘It was so disappointing that some of dropouts were Standard One and Standard Two learners and, to sustain this achievement, I will lead my subjects in formulating bylaws as one ways of curbing this malpractice,” said Mwabulambya.

Head Teacher for Kasisi Primary School, Dominic Nkhata, said child neglect is one of the challenges that fuels the malpractice in the area.

“Most parents do not value education in this area. The school is surrounded by 18 villages but most of the people in these villages do not care about the welfare of their children,” Nkhata said.

Out of 133 learners who went back to school, 69 are girls in different classes and the school has an enrollment of 756 learners, with six teachers.

By James Mwale

Ntchisi, June 6, Mana: WaterAid has launched a Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation promotion campaign, branded “Mudzi Uwale” and “Chipatala Chobeba,” in Ntchisi District, to encourage hygiene practices in health facilities, communities, and households.

The launch follows WaterAid’s construction of toilets and a water supply system at Sambakunsi Maternity wing whose operations have been at a standstill due to lack of the same.

Speaking during the launch at Chandulu Primary School grounds in Traditional Authority (TA) Sambakunsi on Thursday, the organization’s Head of Business Development and Partnerships, Clement Ndiwo Banda, urged local authorities to take a leading role in ensuring that the campaign lives up to its objectives.

He said: “Promotion of health through hygiene practices like clean disposal of waste, access to clean potable water, and adherence to sanitation discipline are at the core of this campaign and we need proactive interventions from local authorities if we are to succeed.

“Senior Chiefs and local authorities need to take the lead as champions of hygiene, and that is why we have set up a competition where best-performing villages in advocating and implementing pro-hygiene activities will be awarded trophies and prizes.

Speaking earlier, Traditional Authority Sambakunsi underscored the need for hygiene in development, saying it is only healthy community members that can actively participate in development activities and that no one can talk about good health without mentioning hygiene.

“Hygiene is at the centre of human existence, and people, or place, without hygiene practices becomes a laughing stalk. It is a healthy citizenry that can strike impactful development, and it is in this respect that the coming of WaterAid with this campaign cannot be overemphasized,” he said, further committing himself to see through the campaign’s success.

According to the district’s Health Promotions Officer, Frank Kaphaso, 35 percent of cases that visit hospitals are infections from unhygienic practices hence practice of hygiene could help decongest hospitals by 35 percent.

Also present at the ceremony was the district council’s chairperson, Mark Mphenzi Ntengo, who commended WaterAid for the campaign and urged other organizations to emulate the gesture, saying the district needed such initiatives.

Sambakunsi becomes the seventh health facility, among them Ntchisi District Hospital, in which WaterAid has intervened with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene initiatives with funding from Wimbledon Foundation.

By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, June 6 Mana: Balaka Full Council Meeting has approved K249 billion 2022–2030 District Development Plan (DDP) whose priority is food security.

Presenting the plan to the council members in the week, Director of Economic Planning and Development for Balaka Council, Chris Nawata, said after a thorough consultation with the grassroots across the district, the plan has 14 key priority areas that need attention, with food security topping the list.

He said every stakeholder in the formulation of the DDP was given a chance to contribute so that the 2022-2030 DDP is a true reflection of what people in Balaka need.

“We noted that almost in all Village Level Action Plans (VLAPs) issues of food security were mentioned as number one area of focus. In the years to come, we would like to promote use of drought tolerant and early maturing crops varieties to suit the kind of rains we receive.

“Apart from that, we will also strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services delivery mechanism where irrigation will also be enhanced so that we, at least, raise the food security of our district from the current 20 percent to 40 percent,” Nawata added.

According to the Director, the DDP also captures low average household income, high morbidity and mortality rate, high illiteracy levels and poor access to affordable and clean water, among other areas.

“The passing of the DDP today entails that we have a clear direction as far as the development agenda is concerned, these are the issues that the people out there are looking for. The DDP formulation process followed decentralisation guidelines.

“Now that we have the plan, the entire district owns it, which means every partner, investor even government projects, coming into the district must align their efforts to the plan. It is therefore not us the council alone that is mandated to work towards funding implementation of the plan,” the director added.

On the previous DDP (from 2017 to 2023), Nawata said the council tried to work towards fulfilling key priority areas that were listed.

“We prioritised access to clean water, and we worked towards that, and if you see in this plan, the access to portable and clean water is coming 9^th which means the situation has changed for the better through various interventions that we, together with other players, instituted,” he said.

Balaka District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pharao Kambiri pledged a political will towards implementation of the DDP.

“We cannot win if we only wait from the council alone to help in implementing the plan. We need to make people understand that due to the fact that the globe is experiencing climate change, our people must be ready to adopt irrigation farming which is very possible as we have water around us,

“Most of the problems are interlinked, once a person has enough food at a household level, you will see that he or she will have the energy to do other things to improve his or her home, in the process issue of low-income levels which is coming second in the plan will not be there,” he added

Kambiri also called for adequate funding and collective implementation of the Balaka DDP for positive results.

By Cassandra Mangulama

Mwanza, June 6, Mana:  Mwanza District Council on Thursday awarded staff members that worked exceptionally well in 2024/2025 financial year to motivate and appreciate their dedication to duty, with Emmanuel Yasin from Finance and Audit Directorate standing tall above all, as best performing member of staff of the year.

Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Councillor Emmanuel Kapawe, said during the award ceremony that the council had to recognise the hard working spirit among its members of staff, adding that the local authority felt this was the best way to encourage best performance among staff across the council sectors.

“The awards are very important to the council staff members because this is the best way to motivate them to work extra hard in their respective sectors,” he added.

Mwanza District Commissioner, Dr. Martha Magreta Sineta, who introduced the awards, said this was another way of motivating best performers, saying those that perform very well deserved a token of appreciation.

“There are several members of staff that are committed to duty but it was decided that we sample out the few exceptional ones. We needed to recognise them and make them feel valued for their hardworking spirit.

“It is my hope that from today, every member of staff is going to work extra hard by serving the people of Mwanza even better than before, so that they can be recognised as well in the next financial year," the District Commissioner added.

The DC pledged that the council will continue with the awards to make it an annual event, and she asked the organising committee to explore more categories of recognition.

Sineta encouraged members of staff in all council sectors to actively participate in voting to ensure competitiveness among members of staff. 

Chairperson of the organising team, Joe Magombo, who is also Director of Education and Sports said the voting process was done both physically, using ballots, and online.

“We faced some challenges, there was low sensitisation and difficulties in categorising departments under some directorates,” he added.

An accountant from Finance and Audit Directorate, Yassini got K150, 000 for emerging Mwanza District Council best performing staff of the year.

He hailed the council for recognising his commitment to duty and for delivering to his best in the 2024/20325 financial year, and he asked fellow members of staff to be committed to the work for best performance.

“I am very grateful for the award. I therefore encourage my colleagues not to give up because next time they might be recognised as well,” he said.

A driver in the Administration directorate, Richard Laudon, Gracious Pofera from the Agriculture directorate, Primary Education Advisor, Emily Matewere, Principal Education Officer, Fredrick Malango, went home with K100,000 each for coming second after the overall performer, Yasini,   

Others that got K100,000 each as token of appreciation for good performance were: Viena Kaponda from the Health directorate, (non-medical), Tamandani Kuchanje (medical), Eric Nyekanyeka from Lands and Public Works directorate, alongside Sibongile Phakati Chimbaka from the Administration; and Lerato Mbalule from Social and Community Development section

By Happy Byson

Lilongwe, June 6, Mana: The Central Region Darts League has landed a Six-Million-Kwacha sponsorship from SMK Trading Company, strengthening the competition among twelve teams that participated in a darts tournament at 31 May at Area 18 Lodge Bar in Lilongwe.

The trophy, organized by SMK Trading Company, has provided an opportunity for Central Region darts to foster competitive gameplay and identify talented players who can represent the region in national and international tournaments.

Chairperson of the Central Region Darts League, Amon Chinyophiro, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, stating that it has helped them realize their vision of hosting a major competition to scout skilled players ahead of the league’s official opening on June 14, 2025.

"We are satisfied with the support from SMK Trading Company. This sponsorship has allowed us to discover strong players, and it marks a historic moment for darts in Malawi to have a six million Kwacha trophy, reflecting the growing passion for the sport," he said.

Chinyophiro further emphasized that while SMK Trading Company has provided crucial support, the league welcomes additional sponsors to bridge existing gaps and promote darts in the Central Region.

Meanwhile, SMK Trading Company representative, Asante Kagwada, said the sponsorship is only the beginning, as the company aims to further elevate the darts league.

"We cannot promise much yet, but SMK Trading Company is impressed with the league’s progress. Seeing how effectively the six million Kwacha has been utilized to foster strong competition, we are committed to supporting them in achieving their vision," he said.

The Central Region Darts League trophy awarded MK1, 000,000 to the first-place team, Kamuzu Barracks Snipers; MK750, 000 to the runners-up, C2K Crocs; and MK500, 000 to the third-place team, Civil Citizens Shooters.

Additionally, the top six teams received darts boards to enhance their training and gameplay. 

By Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, June 6, Mana: The Accountant General’s Department is training accounts, procurement and human resources personnel in the Ministry of Health for two weeks at Regional Treasury Cashier, South offices, in Blantyre, to strengthen the personnel’s capacity in managing public finances within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

Thursday morning, Secretary for Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, opened the training of participants drawn from Government Health Commission, National Cancer Center, Department of Nutrition, Kamuzu Central Hospital, and Ministry of Health Headquarters.

Giving a background, Mndolo said, in March 2023, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Affairs issued a circular directing all cost centers under vote number 310 (Ministry of Health) to implement commitment controls within IFMIS.

He said the Ministry of Health adopted the commitment controls and this resulted into spending within approved budgets, preventing accumulation of arrears and improving financial forecasting and expenditure planning.

Mndolo therefore applauded the Accountant General’s Department for training accounts, procurement and human resources personnel from the Ministry of Health, acknowledging that this was the second phase of capacity building for the remaining cost centers under vote 310.

“The primary goal is to enhance competence of the personnel in the Ministry of Health in managing public funds. The training emphases efficiency and transparency in contract management,

“It is therefore important to understand that SAP-IFMIS is more than just a system, it is a vital tool in promoting financial discipline, transparency and accountability,” the Secretary for Health said as he addressed participants at the start of the training, calling them to play a pivotal role in putting into practice the IFMIS backed financial reforms.

He said their dedication and diligence in applying the acquired knowledge and skill will bolster credibility and efficiency in government financial operations.

“You are not merely system users, you are custodians of public trust and stewards of public resources,” Mndolo added, and he commended the Accountant General’s Department for providing the training.

The second cohort of training of the accounting, procurement and human resource personnel was organized under Malawi Emergency Project to Protect Essential Healthy Services (MEPPEHS)    

MEPPEHS Coordinator, Moses Zulu said the training was in line with Public Finance Management Act of 2022, disclosing that personnel from central hospitals, Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba and Queen Elizabeth in Blantyre were already trained.

He expressed hope that there will be sustainable use of IFMIS for long term efficiency management of public finance in the central hospitals and other sectors in the Ministry of Health.  

Director of Accounting Services in the Ministry of Finance, Chifundo Kapulula, said in February 2014 cabinet passed a resolution to replace Epicor based IFMIS with a new one, after the infamous Cash gate scandal, adding that the objective was to develop an IFMIS that is robust, secure and more efficient.        

“The new IFMIS (SAP based IFMIS) was rolled out to all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from July 1, 2021, having been piloted on 10 votes in 2020-2021 financial year, with five core system modules and functionality,

“The Accountant General’s Department rolled out additional modules, thus Revenue Management, Project Systems, Inventory, Contract Management, and Asset Management modules,” he said.

Kapulula added that the Department implemented and rolled out Commitment Controls through Contract Management modules in IFMIS to enable capturing and commitment of all Government of Malawi’s contracts entered into with various suppliers of goods and services.    

“Among the first votes to be piloted on this functionality is the Ministry of Health. The Commitment Control functionality allows Ministry of Finance to release the budget to MDAs through Quarterly Allotments,” he said, adding that the Quarterly Allotments enables MDAs to commit their procurements in IFMIS, entailing the MDAs to obtain goods and services from suppliers with assurance that Treasury will make funds available for payment.

According to the Director, IFMIS provides a platform to commit resources for procurements in the MDAs; ensures no expenditure is done outside the approved budget; and provides assurance to service providers that goods and services supplied to MDAs have resources and budget provided for.

He therefore assured Ministry of Health that the Accountant General’s Department will always be available to support as the ministry use IFMIS in its transactions, and in other training programmes.

The Accountant General’s Department rolled out the Contracts Management functionality to 13 more votes with the rest of the MDAs planned for roll out in the current financial year, 2025/2026