MANAonline
Former FAM Second Vice President dies in a road accident
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, November 10, Mana: Former Second Vice President for Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Othaniel Hara died Saturday night in a road accident at Edundu along Mtwalo-Ekwendeni Road in Mzimba District at around 20:00hrs.
Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer, Augustus Nkhwazi, has confirmed the death of Hara through a statement.
“He was driving a motor vehicle registration number BR 7252 Toyota Land Cruiser Station Wagon from Ezondweni heading Ekwendeni and was alone in the vehicle.
Upon arrival at Edundu, it is alleged he lost control of the vehicle due to speeding. As a result, the vehicle swerved off the lane and hit the road embankment before it overturned,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further said that following the impact, Hara sustained several head injury and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
One of the football fanatics, Augustin Harawa said that the soccer fraternity has lost a man who was passionate and dedicated to the sport.
Late Hara, born in 1968 hailed from Dunduzule Hara Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba.
Aside serving as FAM’s second Vice President for 8 years, he also served in various positions at district, regional and national level of the football governing body.
Children’s corner sparks hope for literacy in Thyolo
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, November 9, Mana: A brighter future for Thyolo’s children is unfolding with the launch of a new children’s corner at Luchenza Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), an initiative by the National Library Service (NLS) to promote reading culture among young learners.
Speaking at the launch on Friday in Luchenza, Acting Regional Librarian for the Southern Region, Martha Gada, emphasized the need to address low reading culture in Malawi.
“This corner is our effort to instill a lifelong love for reading among children and help break the barriers to ignorance,” she added.
Gada said that the NLS was equipping the children’s corners with age-appropriate materials to engage young minds and encourage consistent reading habits.
Assistant District School Health and Nutrition Coordinator for Thyolo, Francis Kunje, hailed the initiative, saying it has potential impact on both children and the broader community.
“A space like this not only promotes literacy but aligns to Malawi’s 2063 agenda. By encouraging a culture of reading, we are laying the foundation for an educated and informed generation,” she added.
NLS Luchenza Branch Supervisor, Deborah Nyirenda, said the corner provides a platform for children to learn beyond the classroom, develop critical thinking, and gain exposure to the world through books.
She further urged parents to support their children by encouraging regular visits to the library.
“Reading is not just about passing exams but nurturing a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning,” Nyirenda added.
Ten-year-old Favour Kossam, a learner at Luchenza Primary School, expressed excitement saying that the library helped her learn to read, write, spell and numerate better.
“I encourage my fellow learners to embrace this opportunity,” said Favour.
The project, funded by Book Aid International aims at dedicating space where children from nursery to primary school can access books and other reading materials, fostering literacy and knowledge acquisition.
Science for All Initiative to promote education in Malawi
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 9, Mana: Associate professor Kondwani Jambo has underscored the importance of the first Marcfarlen Mbewe National Science Quiz saying the idea is to generate interest in science among students.
Speaking on Saturday during the Marcfarlen Mbewe National Science Quiz at Bingu international Convention centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Jambo said it is very important to establish science skills in students to advance the MW2063 agenda.
“It could have been very difficult for us if we did not get the support from the Ministry of Education, the ministry is the one that selected the six schools we have here and they have been excellent partners, so we are so thankful to them. Going forward we will do this again,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary for Education, Dr. Golden Msilimba emphasised that the initiative has continuously set a benchmark for innovative approaches in science education, offering opportunities for students to engage deeply with scientific principles and explore how they can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“I encourage you to approach this competition with the mindset that every question answered and every challenge faced is a step toward personal growth and collective advancement. Regardless of the outcome today, each of you has already accomplished something noteworthy by being selected to engage, prepare, and showcase your abilities on this platform. Remember that your journey in science does not end here; it is only the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and impact,” said Msilimba.
Meanwhile a student from Providence Secondary School, Grace kachingwe, said the experience is amazing since they are being exposed to Science subject and also in a science world since the world now is dedicated to science.
"They have been a great help to me, as I am now inspired and confident that a girl can pursue sciences and achieve anything she aspires to in the field," she said.
Vice President to attend COP-29 in Baku
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe, November 9, Mana: Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi on Saturday departed at Kamuzu international airport to represent his Excellence President Lazarus Chakwera at the 29th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP-29) in Baku Azerbaijan.
The United Nations Conference that will be held from 11th to 22nd November will provide the platform for Malawi to lobby for timely and adequate climate financing for the country's initiatives to mitigate climate-induced impacts and foster resilience.
The Vice President will also represent the voice of 45 other member states in the least Local Developed countries (LDC) on climate change which Malawi chairs.
However, the VP will hold a number of bilateral discussions with the representatives of government intervention institutions including the United Kingdom, Scotland, African Climate Foundation (ACF) Green Climate Foundation (GCF) and OPEC Fund for International Development.
Dr. Usi is expected to return on 15th November at 13:35 hours, at the same airport.
Voter registration exercise kicks off on a good note in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, November 9, Mana: The second phase of the Malawi Electoral Commission's (MEC) voter registration exercise has begun in Nkhata Bay with a notabe turnout of potential voters for the 2025 General Elections eager to have their names in the electoral register.
According to MEC's District Elections Officer for Nkhata Bay, Peter Mukhula, this positive start sets a tone for a successful registration period expected to run up to November 22nd.
"All 186 centres were open at exactly 8:00 a.m. and so far, the turn up is impressive as you can see and we are hopeful that this will continue up to the last day," said Mukhula.
According to Mukhula, the awareness campaigns to woo people to register are still underway.
He added that adequate staff, with some on reserve, have been deployed to all centres and National Registration Bureau staff are available to help on national identity card issues to make sure that all eligible voters are registered.
One of the people who turned up for registration at Nkhata Bay Admarc Registration Centre, James Banda aged 18 said he is happy to have been registered and he is ready to cast his first vote in the next year's general election.
"Let me advise my fellow youths to come and register because the process is not taking long,” he added.
Another potential voter at St. Maria Gollet Registration Centre, Wilson Banda aged 74, said he understands that his vote counts in next year's general elections, hence the decision to get registered on the first day.
According to Registration Centre Supervisor at St. Maria Gorretti, Gladys Misomali, about 60 people had already registered in the first two hours after opening the centre, indicating a strong start of the voter registration process.
German organization commits to supporting education for children
By Mary Sichali
Karonga, November 9, Mana: Kindernothilfe (KNH) Malawi and Zimbabwe Programme Manager, Katharina Baumgarten has expressed her organisation's continued support for efforts to provide children with a good start in life through education.
Baumgarten said this on Friday in Karonga during an interface meeting to evaluate progress of different development projects funded by KNH and implemented by Future Planning for the Child (FPC) in four primary schools in the area of Senior Chief Kilupula.
"I have seen that in Karonga, FPC has done a great job improving the quality of education through gathering influential stakeholders in the sector to ensure effective results in the future of the children," Baumgarten said.
“Seeing government officials, local stakeholders, community leaders and parents sit down and offer a listening ear to the children airing out the challenges they face in their schools and provide feedback on the projects was very incredible,” she added.
She said it showed that FPC has done a great job in creating a space for the children and bringing all the stakeholders together to encourage and support the children to stand up for themselves and represent their fellow children.
On his part, Director of Administration at Karonga District Council Steve Chima hailed FPC for organising the meeting to allow stakeholders to hear from the children themselves and take action.
“We will use our own means to implement the projects like building toilets and girls changing rooms by writing project proposals to partners and well-wishers to assist in the endeavor," Chima said.
Executive Director for FPC, Amos Chindamba appreciated stakeholders for sparing their time to listen and suggest possible interventions to address the educational needs of children.
“Today we were looking at the reports from four primary schools and we have witnessed some progress. However, there are still gaps that need to be filled to improve the quality of education for our children. I believe through this meeting, action will be taken to address the gaps", Chindamba said.
Kindernothilfe (KNH) is a charity organization founded in 1959 by a group of Christians in Duisburg, Germany, in order to help needy children in India. Over time, it has become one of the largest Christian organizations in Europe for children's aid across the World.
DoDMA orients disaster risk management committees in likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, November 9, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has oriented District Disaster Risk Management and Area Disaster Risk Management Committees from Likoma and Chizumulu Island on beneficiary targeting in 2024/2025 Lean Season Food Response Programme.
Speaking on Friday during the orientation in Likoma, Director of Preparedness and Response for DoDMA, Moses Chimphepo said the purpose of the meeting was to inform the committees on how best to select deserving beneficiaries.
“The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with the members on how best they can select the right beneficiaries during maize distribution exercise. There are some challenges that we have been experiencing throughout the country including selection of undeserving beneficiaries,” said Chimphepo.
He said the committees need to have the segregated data when registering inorder to know how many men or women, the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities are suppose to benefit from the program.
District Commissioner for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma advised the committees to put into practice whatever knowledge gained from the orientation.
“It is the government’s wish to reach out to the affected families with maize. As committee members, we need to play a vital role in the exercise. So let us take whatever we have been told here,” said Nkhoma.
Chairperson for Area Disaster Risk Management from Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Mwase, Stanley Jafu thanked DoDMA for the orientation saying it was an eye opener for everyone.
“This meeting is very crucial because last year we encountered some challenges. Things never went well during the maize distribution exercise as some people registered their relatives,” said Jafu.
Rumphi DC urges people to register
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 9, Mana: Rumphi District Commissioner, Emmanuel Bulukutu has urged the people of Rumphi to exercise their constitutional right by registering to be able to vote in 2025 tripartite elections.
Bulukutu made the remarks after registering at Rumphi Magistrate Court Centre on Saturday.
"If people do not register they will not be able to vote in 2025 tripartite elections. I am requesting all people of Rumphi to register so that they may choose a leader of their choice," said Bulukutu.
A supervisor at Saint Denis Primary School Centre, Nicolas Msukwa says since they opened the centre in the morning people have been coming to register.
"We have not gone for up to 10 minutes without someone coming to register. We are hoping that the numbers will improve in the coming days," said Msukwa.
Rumphi Prison Centre supervisor, Evans Phiri has said inmates and some officers at the centre have already started registering. There are at least 300 inmates at Rumphi Prison.
An inmate at the prison, Lebohang Banda says he will register to choose a leader who will improve their welfare such as equipping them with vocational in carpentry, mechanics and others for easy reintegration in the community after completing their sentences.
The registration excise will run from Saturday, November 9 to 22 November, 2024. There are 168 voter registration centres in the district.
Embrace cleanliness to prevent diseases, Mzimba people told
By Alexander Tchongwe
Mzimba, November 9, Mana: Principal Environmental Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, James Pelani, has advised communities and traders in Mzimba to embrace cleanliness as a daily routine to prevent diseases that affect people due to lack of sanitation.
Pelani made the remarks on Friday during a Clean-Up exercise that the council organized and took place in various places of the districts such as offices, schools, residential areas, and markets.
He stated that as the rainy season approaches, it is essential for people to maintain cleanliness, including activities such as filling open pits and clearing blocked drainage systems, which serve as breeding grounds for malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Pelani said communities should ensure all unused pits are buried, and all grass and shrubs are cleared to make sure mosquitoes have no breeding grounds.
“As a council, we appeal to people to consider doing these clean-up exercises as routine work in communities where they stay more especially this time when weather forecasts show rains may start this month. We just set the precedence in cleanliness let communities continue with it,” said Pelani.
He appealed to businesspeople, traditional leaders, and church leaders to take a lead in these clean-up activities.
A Chanthomba resident who took part in the exercise at Mzimba Market, Ephraim Songa said residents need to take responsibility over areas they reside and do business.
“Our communities and towns are becoming filthy because we have forgotten about our civic duty to make them clean. We throw litter anyhow and everywhere which is not helping in making our places look good. Let's all be responsible in taking care of places where we live and conduct our businesses for our healthy living,” he said.
Mzimba District Council’s Public Relations Officer, Joel Phiri, expressed his appreciation for the turnout.
“We are pleased to see people turn out for the exercise today. This shows that the community supports this initiative.
“Such exercises are essential not only to keep our environment clean but also to protect ourselves from diseases linked to poor sanitation,” he said.
The clean-up aligns with Malawi’s 2063 agenda, which highlights the importance of a clean and healthy environment for the country’s future. Through efforts like these, Mzimba District Council is supporting the goal of making Malawi a better place for everyone.
Man arrested for selling counterfeit maize seed in Mzuzu
By Nolious Gondwe
Mzuzu, November 9, Mana: Police in Mzuzu, Friday arrested Bamusi Dyton, 30 for allegedly being found selling counterfeit seeds.
The arrest was effected following a tip and complaint by Seed-Co Malawi officials that Dayton was selling the seed within Mzuzu City.
When contacted, Seed-Co Regional Manager for the north, Adrian Mtambo, said that the company received information from a customer that the suspect was selling counterfeit maize seed in packets with Seed-Co Malawi brands.
“This prompted us to report the issue to police as Seed-Co Malawi is yet to put its seed on the market,” said Mtambo.
Deputy Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police, Cecelia Mfune said upon arrest, Dyton was found with a large quantity of maize seed comprising 50 packets of 2 kilograms (Kgs) DKC83-25 and 28 packets of 5 kgs DKC83-25 with Mozambican labels among other quantities.
Dyton who hails from Ndalama Village in the area of Traditional Authority Chikowi in Zomba has since been charged with possession and selling of counterfeit products.
