MANAonline
VP Usi donates fertilizer, maize seed to elderly in Phalombe
By Linda likomwa
Phalombe December 1, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Machael Usi has donated fertilizer and maize seed to the elderly in Phalombe district.
Speaking during the donation at Paramount Chief Kaduya Headquarters on Sunday, Usi said he wanted to share the seed and fertilizer with the elderly in their fields, but since some of them cannot work in their fields that was why they gathered at the headquarters to do the donation and encouraged others to do the same to the less privileged.
Usi said he was doing all this in the spirit of promoting a culture of sharing and contributing to the country’s efforts to realize food security at the household level.
"I think if all of us can share whatever little with others, we can make a huge difference. This approach would also go a long way in contributing to national food security," Usi added.
On her part, Paramount Chief Kaduya thanked Usi for the donation, saying the farm inputs would assist the elderly to harvest and be food sufficient in their homes.
“Not all elderly people are on social cash transfer, so the seed and fertilizer would help them to produce more and have enough food to feed themselves'" she said, urging more well-wishers to come and assist those in need to end hunger in the district.
One of the beneficiaries, Fibbe Yona from Matephwe Village expressed joy with the donation, saying the elderly are most often excluded from various social protection programmes.
She, however, thanked the government through the office of the Vice President for considering the elderly.
Yona appealed Usi to extend the donation to other elderly persons in the country.
The Vice President later interacted with vendors at Migowi Market.
Malawi's Wildlife conservation efforts earn foreign recognition
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, December 1, Mana: Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change, Werani Chilenga has disclosed that Malawi is ranking among the top ten countries in the world that are doing well in wildlife conservation.
Chilenga attributed the development to the revision of the Wildlife Act of 2015, which stipulates strong penalties for people found guilty of wildlife crimes in the country.
He was speaking on Saturday in Chikwawa when the committee visited Majete Game Reserve, which is being run by Africa Parks on behalf of the government.
Chilenga said: "Parliament played an instrumental role in ensuring that we removed all the fines and made all the offences custodial. This means that once one is caught trafficking wildlife animals or products, in most cases, the sentences are as high as 30 years of imprisonment.
"So this has made Malawi to be among the top ten countries in the world that have won the battle against wildlife trafficking and we are very proud of that."
Chilenga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Chitipa South, commended Africa Parks for restoring the former glory of Majete Game Reserve, which was marred by poaching of wild animals by surrounding communities.
He therefore advised the Ministry of Tourism to fully utilize the conservation efforts being made in various game reserves, including Majete, to propel the country's economy through tourism.
Chilenga also urged government to continue entering into Memorandum of Understanding with more organizations like African Parks to conserve other game reserves such as Kasungu, Lengwe and Nyika.
In his remarks, Field Operations Manager for Majete, Martin Gibson Awazi, hailed the parliamentary committee for visiting the park, adding that great strides have been made in conserving Majete Game Reserve.
Awazi also disclosed that African Parks installed cameras in strategic places in the game reserve to monitor animal activities and their populations.
Majete has close to 100 lions, 30 giraffes, 13 wild dogs, 10 cheetahs and elephants, among others.
Apart from Majete, African Parks also manages Liwonde, Nkhotakota and Mangochi Forest Reserve.
Destiny College of Leadership and Development graduates 196 students
By Mary Makhiringa
Balak, December 1, Mana: Destiny College of Leadership and Development in Balaka on Saturday awarded 196 students with Degrees, Diploma and Certificates in various fields such as Leadership and Development Studies, Community Studies, Social Work and Advanced Community Leadership.
Speaking during the awards, Principal of Destiny College of Leadership and Development, Bishop Andrew Mankhanamba said the graduation fulfilled the mission of equipping people with knowledge and skills that should contribute to national socio-economic development.
He therefore appealed to the graduates to utilize knowledge and skills from the college in the society while maintaining moral values, saying no country can develop if its citizens lose moral values.
“We are crying of corruption, bribery and various abuses simply because of moral decadency and we are excluding the social wellbeing of the people. We need to bring back our lost glory,” Bishop, Mankhanamba said, adding that the college is planning to introduce local education courses to push the agenda.
Regional Director for International Christian Youths-Africa and Chief Executive Officer at Africa for Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Joe Bonga described the graduates as problem solvers and encouraged them to make use of the gained knowledge and skills.
“Today’s graduation is a demonstration of a progressive engagement that we have been holding, and it is encouraging to see more people coming forward to enrol.
“Transformative development begins from the mindset and this is achieved once a person is empowered and is given the right knowledge and skills. This is what the Destiny College of Leadership and Development is trying to do so that the youths are the drivers of change,” he said.
Swittan Wemba, who graduated with a Diploma in Leadership and Development, said is looking forward to make good use of the knowledge and skills he learnt from the college.
“We have been taken through a long way, and in the process, we gained several skills that also made us entrepreneurs. I am geared to go out with full force,” he said.
Traditional leader warns community to stop vandalism
By Milton Sukasuka and John Witness
Balaka, December 1, Mana: Group Village Head Lupanga of Traditional Authority Chanthunya in Balaka district has warned people to stop stealing and damaging the railway line that has passed through his area.
Lupanga made the warning on Saturday, during a meeting organized by Balaka Police Station and Nacala Logistics to raise awareness following increased cases of vandalism and theft of property along the rail line.
He referred to the theft of metals at Lupanga Bridge saying this was counterproductive to development.
The incident therefore prompted Balaka Police Station to do a joint meeting with Nacala Logistics to condemn and address the malpractice.
“I strongly condemn the malpractice. The rail line is key to the country’s transport infrastructural development,
“As a traditional leader for this area, I will hold meetings to strongly condemn this and in the course of it, l will sensitize my subjects to desist from this bad behavior,” he said.
On his part, Assistant Superintendent, Victor Malunga from Balaka Police Station also condemned vandalism and theft of railway property.
He therefore urged community members to protect railway property against vandalism and theft, saying responsibility to look after the railway property is collective as opposed to leave the responsibility solely to Nacala Logistics or the police.
To prevent rail accidents, Malunga also advised people to avoid walking, sleeping, or playing near the railway tracks.
Nacala Logistics, Senior Security Officer, Lawrence Phiri concurred with Malunga saying stealing or damaging railway property is a crime.
He said the company will continue working with local communities to stop vandalism and theft of rail property.
Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church Celebrates 2024 Annual Big Sabbath
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, December 1, Mana: Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday celebrated its Annual Big Sabbath with a call to strengthen unity and embrace hard-working spirit.
The annual event, which took place at Balaka Primary School ground, brought together various sub-congregations within the Seventh-day Church in Balaka District such that spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and other joyful activities were part of the day’s activities.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) after the event, Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor Masauko Joster Samudeni, said the event was meant to create room for church members to discuss ways of promoting unity apart from encouraging them to fulfil church activities and personal endeavours.
“We believe that faith is not just about worshipping on the Sabbath, but is also about living out our beliefs through service.
“The Big Sabbath is therefore a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our faith, and make a positive impact in our lives both bodily and spiritually,” Pastor Samudeni added.
He therefore encouraged all churches in the district to utilize the time and give offerings that can help the church build prayer houses among others.
“People cannot worship God in a bare place; we need to respect a place where people gather to worship God. In this gathering, Churches also share all developmental activities and what they have accomplished this year,
“This helps leaders to know if the churches have managed to fulfil their targets,” Pastor Samudeni added.
A member of the Seventh–day Adventist Church that attended the Big Sabbath, Mayamiko Mputeni appreciated biblical teachings, saying this provided an opportunity for members to do soul-searching on their role in the church as the year-ends.
Balaka Seventh-day Adventist main church in Balaka has 54 sub denominations and on the Big Sabbath, families bring food to share with other families to show love and unity
Mwanza farmers applaud AIP beneficiary verification system
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, December 1, Mana: Agriculture Inputs Programme (AIP) beneficiaries in Mwanza have applauded the new system, which is used to verify beneficiaries of the subsidized farm inputs this year.
In an interview on Friday Fanny Chimera of Chikolosa Village in the area of Inkosi Kanduku Maseko said this year she has retrieved her farm inputs without scrambling with vendors.
"The fact that a beneficiary is vetted through a photo and other body features scrupulous people have been prevented from retrieving the farm inputs dubiously," said Chimera.
So far, 25% of prospective beneficiaries have accessed the subsidized farm inputs in all four markets of Mwanza Boma, Thambani, Tulonkhondo and Kunenekude.
In an interview AIP District Coordinator Malanga Thipa asked the beneficiaries to retrieve their farm inputs now, in order to harvest bumper yields.
"The objective of the programme is to fight hunger therefore there is need for the farmers to do everything on time," he said.
He then called upon farmers not to sell their farm inputs so that their households do not suffer from hunger.
Youth Festival tackles GBV and SRHR challenges in Neno
By Thuraya Kiwala
Neno, December 1, Mana: Neno District Council Youth Office with support from Partners in Health (PIH) hosted the Youth and Adolescent Art Festival to mobilize and empower young people to address critical issues of sexual reproductive health rights and gender-based violence in the district.
Speaking at the festival on Saturday at Neno Community Hall, Neno District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali said the festival was meant to break barriers that exist in accessing Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services on top of addressing issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) among young people in the district.
“This festival was designed to address critical challenges young people face in accessing health and legal support services,”
“By integrating recreational activities, we have created a safe space where youth can engage meaningfully, showcase their talents and learn about these important issues,” Sukali added.
Held under the theme; Promoting Youth Access to SRH and GBV Services through Recreational Activities, the festival raised SRH and GBV awareness among young people.
One of the participants, a student at Chiwale Secondary School, Fiona Seleman hailed the organizers for providing an opportunity for young people to discuss SRH and GBV issues through the art festival,
“Many girls lack important information on health services which could help in preventing teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections,
“The festival was relevant to young people. It provided an opportunity for us to get knowledge on critical issues,” she added and described the art festival as fun and youth-friendly,” she said.
Interactive workshops and information booths were major highlights, providing attendees with counselling, educational materials, and confidential consultations with health professionals.
The festival which coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign drew young people from across the district for a day of live music, comedy, drama, poetry, weightlifting, and dance competitions.
Beyond the fun, the event served as a platform to educate and empower youth, providing vital information and services in an accessible and engaging format.
BSS wins cluster quiz competition
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, December 1, Mana: Blantyre Secondary School (BSS) on Friday won the Cluster Spelling and Quiz Competition by outclassing three other contesting schools in preparation for cluster mock examinations, expected to be administered in the second term of the current 2024/2025 academic year.
BSS, which hosted the quiz competition, faced Rays of Hope Secondary School, Carlo Acutis Catholic High School and Ndirande Community Day Secondary School as Quiz Master, Ndaluza Themu took control of the contest.
The highly competitive quiz competition comprised several rounds in spelling, Mathematics, English, Biology, Financial Literacy and General Knowledge.
At the end of it, BSS scooped 28 points, Rays of Hope came closer with 27 points and Carlo Acutis came closer behind the runner-up with 26 points and Ndirande Community Day Secondary School came last with 21 points.
In her speech during the contest, BSS Headteacher, Hilda Gwauya said the competition was a celebration of the joy of learning and growing together as a family,
“Let’s remember to support each other. The competition is done for a good course to improve performance in our schools,” she added and described the spelling and quiz competition as a genuine testament to commitment towards academic excellence.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Carlo Acutis Secondary School, Headteacher, Chrissie Supedi said the competition was a great experience for her students.
“They have learnt a lot and they know where they need to improve in case we organize another activity. We look forward to another learning point,
“The competition has encouraged students to master public speaking,” the school head teacher added.
Judith Nsokanya from BSS said was happy that her school emerged winner in what she described as tight contest, adding that this was her first appearance in a spelling and quiz competition.
Glory Chasowa from Carlo Acutis School team expressed dissatisfaction with becoming the third on the list.
“I am a bit disappointed, I thought we would win, but unfortunately we came third. This has given us the courage to work hard so that next time we come on top position,” Chasowa added.
The spelling and quiz competition was spiced up by a talent show that included dances, and music by students from all the contesting four schools.
BSS, Rays of Hope, Carlo Acutis, and Ndirande secondary schools are in a cluster of 12 schools of which five are public while seven are private.
BT to commemorate World AIDS Day in January
By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, December 1, Mana: As Malawi joins the rest of the World in Commemorating World Aids Day, which falls on December 1, Blantyre District Council Principal Nutrition HIV and Aids Officer; Ruth Hara said Blantyre will commemorate World Aids in early January 2025.
“Blantyre District will hold the commemoration in early January 2025. The council is currently in the planning stages and we are seeking partners to support the commemoration,” she added.
Hara said World Aids Day commemoration will provide an opportunity for public, and private sectors and citizens to reflect on progress made in HIV and Aids response, adding that the day will also reflect on the significance of respecting the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS.
“World Aids Day remains an important reminder of the need for compassion, awareness and sustained commitment to HIV/ and Aids response,” she added.
Pastor Jeffreys Zimba from Raised for a Purpose Ministry said as part of the HIV and Aids response he has been preaching the gospel, which encourages Christians to participate in all initiatives that are meant to prevent HIV transmission and support those living with HIV.
“The church must offer love to those who are living with HIV. As the Bible says, you cannot claim to love God if you don’t love your neighbour. We Christians should love and pray for those living with HIV when commemorating the day,” said Zimba.
He added that the Raised for a Purpose Ministry has been supporting people living with HIV through awareness prayers and looking into their welfare among others.
This year’s World Aids Day is commemorated under the theme: ‘Take the right path’.
MPs and councilors advocate for self-boarding in primary schools
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, December 1: Mana: Members of Parliament and Ward Councilors in Zomba District collectively supported self-boarding in primary schools citing it as a positive move towards improving the performance of learners in rural schools though education authorities in the district say it is against Education Policy.
This comes after the education authorities in the district cautioned some primary schools to abolish self-boarding’s, describing the arrangement as something outside the education policy.
However, the Members of Parliament and Ward Councilors said self-boarding is the only solution to improve learner performance in rural schools.
Speaking during a Full Council meeting, Councilor, Douglas January of Chiphoola Ward said it was sad that the education authorities discourage self-boarding yet communities value the arrangement hoping that it would help their children improve their performance.
“Banning self-boarding in primary schools is one of the things that is bringing education in the district down. Why would they stop something that was helping our learners,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi Constituency, Mark Botomani said it would have been better for the education authorities to guide how schools should manage self-boarding rather than banning them entirely.
“If the arrangement is helping the community, I feel it would have been good if this continued,” he added.
Parliamentarian for Zomba Lisanjala, Dr William Susuwele Banda concurred with Botomani, observing that, “Sticking to policies would sometimes destroy the education of children in a rural setup,
“Not all the policies work. Sometimes we use what we know would help learners even if it is contrary to what the policy says,” Banda added.
Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Thomas Mbwembwe said the decision by his office is in accordance with the Education Policy which does not allow primary schools to do self-boarding’s.
He explained that there are several reasons why self-boarding is not accepted in primary schools citing, accommodation, welfare and security of learners.
“Most of the learners reside in classrooms that do not have secured doors, or windows on top of having anyone to look after them. Teachers are forced to look after learners which is not a recommended arrangement,
“For your information, there is zero security on learners and that poses a threat, particularly to a girl child,” the director said, adding that his office was only implementing what is in the Education Policy.
Public Relations Officers in the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera asked for more time to comment on the matter.
