MANAonline
Law enforcers warned against breaking traffic rules
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, November 17, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara has warned enforcers of traffic rules and regulations to stop being soft to those that fail to comply with laws on the roads of Malawi.
Speaking at Gymkhana ground in Zomba on Sunday during the commemoration of Africa Road Safety Day, Hara expressed concern over the behavior of some law enforcers.
"Why giving someone GR (General Receipt) and allow them to commit multiple crimes on the road at the expense of people's lives. This has to end forthwith," said the minister as he also took a swipe at political parties that use lorry trucks to ferry supporters to various destinations, saying the law is clear on illegality of mode of transportation.
The minister said political parties need to start using busses as opposed to ferrying their supporters on lorries.
"If you are a real political party, buy buses for your supporters. Don't expose them to life threatening situations if you care for them. The police will start arresting all drivers transporting people in open vehicles," he added.
The minister underscored government’s commitment to meeting Malawi 2063, to reduce fatal accidents by 50 percent, come 2030.
Mayor for Zomba City, Councilor Christopher Jana lamented lack of seriousness in enforcing the law on the roads of Malawi.
"The operators are overloading, using unworthy vehicles and other shortcuts to beat the law, to satisfy the employer," Jana noted.
The Director of Road Traffic and Safety Services, Andrew Sandula said that if all stakeholders join hands, accidents could be reduced to minimal levels.
50 percent of the country's accidents are caused by kabaza operators, according to the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services.
The African Road Safety Day, was commemorated under the Theme: Voluntary compliance with road traffic rules saves lives, non-compliance is fatal.
The minister earlier visited accident patients at Zomba Central Hospital and participated in a big walk within the City of Zomba.
Blantyre District Council awards best performing teachers
By Abel Ikiloni
Blantyre, November 17, Mana: Blantyre District Council has awarded teachers from zones in rural areas for producing good results in the 2023/2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education Examinations (PSLCE).
District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko, presided over the award ceremony to schools from Blantyre rural zones where 24 of them registered a 100 percent pass rate.
On position one is Nansengwe Primary School and Chigodi 2 Primary School and the best zone is Madziabango and best zone on national and district secondary school selection is Lunzu Zone.
Each of the best performing school and zone went away with K150,000 cash prize.
In his remarks, Mdooko expressed gratitude to Standard Bank and United Civil Servants Saving and Credit Cooperative for the financial support towards the activity.
Mdooko said the event is a testament to the fact that education remains the pillar of the country’s development.
He commended the district education office for championing the cause, adding that such efforts will never go unnoticed.
“You have been instrumental in shaping the future of our children, guiding them to achieve the PSLCE,” he said.
He observed that people had gathered to celebrate the success which had been achieved amid challenges, noting that the achievements had proved that education remains key to unlocking opportunities in life.
Mdooko advised teachers to continue working hard and avoid being complacent, saying “It is essential that we support our teachers with resources and further training to motivate them to do more.”
Blantyre District Education Information Systems Officer, Elson Edwin Kamanje, in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), said the day was set aside to celebrate success registered in the 2023/2024 PLSCE.
“Overall, 7218 learners sat for the exams out of whom 6205 passed representing 85.97 percent. Out of 3416 male candidates who sat for the exams, 3069 passed representing 90 percent pass rate while 3802 female candidates wrote the exams with 3136 passing representing 82 percent pass rate,” he said.
According to Kamanje, out of 175 examination centres, 100 scored 86 percent and above on national/district average and out of 88 centres, 29 scored 100 percent and out of 29 centres 24 are public schools and five are private schools.
Kamanje said for the special needs education candidates, out of 71 who sat for exams, 36 passed representing 51 percent pass rate.
Kamanje expressed worry that over 156 learners did not sit for the exams presenting such reasons ranging from flimsy to early pregnancies as well as early marriages.
“This year, we want to engage communities so that we can minimize challenges experienced last year,” he said.
The best Primary Education Advisor (PEA) for Madziabango Zone, Robert Bonya, expressed happiness for maintaining first position for three consecutive years, attributing the achievement to effective communication existing among teachers and communities in the zone.
Bonya pledged to continue working towards increasing the number learners selected to boarding secondary schools.
In a separate interview PEA for Lunzu, Loveness Pendame, whose zone was recognized for its feat of sending more learners to district and national secondary schools disclosed that they conduct regular continuous assessments besides not resting after learners have sat for the PLSCE.
CHEFO demands apology
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Chairperson for Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) has described remarks made by President for the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD, Enoch Chihana, as said and disrespectful to the Chewa culture.
Chihana on November 13, 2024 held a press briefing where he said the use of Smartmatic machine by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will be used ku dambwe.
CHEFO Chairperson, Stanley Khayila, said during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Saturday that the remarks are provocative and insensitive and has no respect for the Chewa culture.
"The apology we are looking for is not a difficult one. He made these remarks with different media houses and we expect him to go to the same media houses and tell Malawians that what he said is wrong and he should assure us that he will not say that again,” said Khayila.
Senior Chief Chadza said they are very concerned with the remarks made by Chihana saying they disrespectful and that also shows that he has no respect for the Chewas.
"As CHEFO leaders and all chiefs in Malawi we wish to reiterate commitment to preserve, protect and promote our culture. The Chewas will continue living peacefully and in harmony with all other tribes and ethnic groups in Malawi,” he said.
Malawi ratifies the agreement for the establishment of ARC
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Malawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Kester Kaphaizi, has reaffirmed Malawi's commitment to the objectives of the African Risk Capacity (ARC), emphasising that these initiatives offer solutions to challenges faced by Malawians.
Kaphaizi made the remarks during the official ratification of Malawi's ARC membership by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He highlighted the benefits of ARC's drought insurance policies, which support government efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity as Malawi contends with adverse weather conditions.
Professor Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union, along with representatives from ARC, commended Malawi government for its decision to ratify the agreement.
He also commended Malawi's active participation in ARC programs since their inception in 2012, noting that this ratification signifies a deeper collaboration between Malawi and ARC.
ARC is a specialized agency of the AU aimed at assisting AU member states in enhancing their capacity for planning, preparation and response to extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The goal is to achieve these aims in a timely, cost-effective and transparent manner, thereby protecting and improving food security of vulnerable populations.
Since 2015, Malawi has received a total of US$40 million in drought insurance payouts from ARC due to adverse weather conditions affecting agricultural growing seasons.
The most recent payout, amounting to US $11.2 million, was presented to the Government of Malawi through President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in August 2024
Mkaka urges prospective voters in Lilongwe to unite in support of Chakwera
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, November 16, Mana: Malawi Congress Party Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Eisenhower Mkaka has urged residents of Nathenje to place their trust in President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the continued advancement of sustainable development in the country.
Mkaka made the remarks on Saturday during the final match of the Bonanza between Nathenje Stars and Chowa Football Club, held at Nathenje Primary School Grounds in Lilongwe.
He stressed that President Chakwera is implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Malawians across all regions of the country, hence the need to vote for him in the upcoming 2025 general election for such development to continue.
Mkaka also pledged to ensure that beneficiaries of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) receive substantial benefits without falling victim to illegal fertilizer vendors who exploit farmers during the planting season.
"I am committed to ensuring that every AIP beneficiary has access to fertilizer and other farming inputs consistently.
“I urge you to report any illicit activities by these vendors so that we can effectively execute the President's vision of ensuring food security in our constituency,” said Mkaka.
Additionally, Mkaka has announced plans to launch a K10 million Football League in January 2025 to provide the youth in the constituency with an opportunity to engage in competitive sports.
He also underscored the importance of constituents registering to vote when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) conducts voter registration in the constituency, enabling them to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election.
In his remarks, Senior Group Village Headman Kamundi expressed his satisfaction with the Bonanza, noting that it has significantly impacted the lives of many youths in the constituency.
"The Bonanza has indeed benefited the youths in my area who were previously idle, and I am pleased to hear about our parliamentarian's initiative to launch a K10 million League, a commendable development,” said Kamundi.
He Commended Mkaka for his unwavering dedication and commitment to developing the constituency in various sectors such as road infrastructure, water accessibility, and youth involvement.
Rumphi TTC students petition DC over allowance, water and sanitation issues
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 15, Mana: Students of Rumphi Teachers Training College (TTC) petitioned the District Commissioner for Rumphi on Friday over delayed payment of teaching practice allowances for some student teachers and water and sanitation challenges at the institution.
The students argued through their petition that water challenges have led to poor sanitation and hygiene at the campus.
In an interview, the student leader, Sengerewayo Wirikani, said the students have been facing the challenges for a long time and are hoping for a lasting solution.
"There are over 500 students at the school. Due to water challenges, we are forced to use alternative pit latrines, which are not even adequate for all of us.
“Some student teachers have also not been paid their allowances. We therefore ask government to come to our rescue so that we continue concentrating on our studies," said Wirikani.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu promised to take the grievances to the relevant authorities for redress.
When contacted, Public Relations Manager for the Northern Region Water Board, Edward Nyirenda said that water supply challenges in the district will be addressed once Rumphi Water Supply and Sanitation Services Project is completed.
“The project which will be finished in 2027 is funded by the African Development Bank and Malawi Government. At least 158,000 people in Rumphi and some parts of Mzimba are expected to benefit from the project,” said Nyirenda.
Japan pumps K113 million grant for primary school construction project
By Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: The Japanese government has pledged a K113 million grant to support the construction of Makala Primary School Blocks in Lilongwe.
The USD 66.143 (approximately K113 million) grant will go into the construction of school blocks, teacher’s houses and office and toilets.
Speaking after signing the contract agreement, the Japanese ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya expressed optimism about the positive impact of the project".
He said the new classroom blocks will alleviate challenges currently being faced at the school and enable learners to take their lessons in a conducive environment."
The Japanese ambassador emphasized the importance of primary education, observing it is a key for human foundation and the driving force for the development of the country, adding this is why Japan has supported investment in people.
Head teacher for Makala Primary School Christopher Chakatuwa said the school faces a lot of challenges due to the increasing number of students.
He said as a result, many students have to take their lessons under trees which makes it difficult for teaching and learning to take place during the rainy season,
“This new infrastructure will create a more stable and conducive learning environment for the students” he said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education Responsible for Basic Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, hailed the Japanese government for its continued support to the education sector in the country, which she said was instrumental in the ministry realization of its goals.
The funding has been provided through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects which will address urgent needs of Makala Primary School, currently facing numerous challenges due to a rising student population.
SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) engages the media on policy making
By Pempho Kantayeni and Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Sexual Reproductive Health Research African Trust SRHR (SAT) has urged the media to help disseminate information regarding sexual reproductive health in the country.
SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Country Director, Robert Phiri said this during a media engagement meeting on Sexual Reproductive Health held in Lilongwe on Friday.
He said the media has a critical role to play in disseminating information to people by covering stories on sexual reproductive health without fear of being criticized by the public since these stories are considered sensitive.
“Sexual reproductive health issues require a lot of attention from people hence the media should be on the forefront in disseminating right information to the people.
“In as much as we are making progress in some areas such as fighting HIV, we are not making much progress on issues of teen pregnancies and child marriages” he said.
Research Officer for African Population and Health Research Centre, Emmanuel Otukpa said a research conducted in Malawi shows that pregnant and parenting adolescent in Malawi face a lot of challenges.
“We observed that about 700 adolescent girls face challenges that include stigma, discrimination from their community members and lack of opportunity to go back to school.
“We have also observed that the experience of poverty in their communities contribute to their inability to live life to the fullest” Otukpa said.
Vice President Usi returns home, upbeat on COP29 gains
By Watipa Nyalugwe
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi returned to Malawi Friday afternoon, through at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he represented Malawi and 44 other Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Dr. Usi’s participation at COP29, held from November 11, 2024, marked a significant stride in championing the climate resilience needs of vulnerable nations.
As a lead negotiator for the LDC group, he facilitated critical discussions on scaling up climate finance to address the pressing challenges faced by nations most impacted by climate change.
Highlighting Malawi’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and technology, Usi advocated for collaboration between Scotland and Malawian universities to foster innovation in renewable energy solutions. He also emphasized the need to integrate information technology (IT) tools into primary education for girls, promoting equal opportunities in the digital age.
“One of the major achievements of COP29 for Malawi was the establishment of the Adaptation Investment Platform, an initiative led by the African Climate Foundation to bolster climate adaptation efforts,” said Usi.
He further disclosed that that Malawi would host the first global office for this platform, positioning the nation as a hub for adaptation investment and strategy.
“Malawi secured $33 million in climate finance from the Green Climate Fund through Save the Children. This funding will be directed toward building resilience in vulnerable communities,” announced Usi emphasizing the importance of Malawi’s active participation in global negotiations, as advised by the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the country’s voice is heard on international platforms.
COP29, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, is an annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference brings together world leaders, policymakers, and organizations to assess global progress on climate change, negotiate new commitments, and foster international cooperation.
Dr. Usi expressed optimism about the outcomes of COP29, stating that the conference provided Malawi with opportunities to strengthen partnerships and secure crucial resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Six netted over vandalism of 16 transformers in Lilongwe
By Patience Longwe.
Lilongwe,15 November Mana; Police in Lilongwe have arrested six people on suspicion that they were behind the vandalism of 16 transformers in several locations of the capital city between July and November 2024.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, confirmed about the arrests of Manuel Banda, Mustafa Wisdom Machemba, Chikumbutso Lameck, Jawadu Buleya, Yamikani Thambo, Yamani Batani, between November 7 and 11, 2024.
Chigalu said Area 36 police, in collaboration with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited security team, arrested the suspects in a joint operation at their houses.
"During interrogation, apart from the latest incident, the suspect further revealed to have also vandalized ESCOM transformers and stole property at Nkhoma CCAP Mission in July, Kamphata Trading Centre in August, Mlale Mission in Mitundu, Dzaleka in Dowa and Kunthembwe in Ntchisi all in October this year " He said.
The suspects appeared before the Lilongwe First Grade Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to answer a vandalism charge,
The offence attracts a 30-year jail term with no option of paying a fine, according to Section 45 (4) (b) of the Electricity Amendment Act of 2024.
Meanwhile Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate, Imran Phiri has ordered that the suspects be remanded at Maula prison for 10 days pending the conclusion of investigations, including a transformer vandalism case at Mlale in Mitundu on November 6, 2024.
Banda originally hails from Kasichi Village Traditional Authority (TA) Chulu in Kasungu, Thambo and Batani both from Chikwasa Village, TA Sawali, Balaka, Buleya from Bulika Village, TA Sitola, Machinga. Lameck from Namale Village, TA Mthiramanja, Mulanje and Machemba who comes from Matozo Village, TA Mthiramanja in Mulanje District.
ECOM Chief Public Relations Officer, Kitty Chingota, has since condemned the continued vandalism of the corporation's infrastructure saying such vices affect service delivery, put lives at risk, and deprive the company of revenue needed to connect more customers.
The power utility company has lost over K 4 billion in the last two years due to cases of vandalism of its infrastructure. This figure includes transmission and distribution infrastructure, replacement cost and revenue lost.
