By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, November 19, Mana: The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has donated K5 million to support preparations for Parliament Week, during which parliamentarians plan to donate essential materials to Malingunde School for the Blind as part of their celebrations.

Speaking at the donation ceremony held at the Parliament Building in Lilongwe on Tuesday, NBM’s Service Centre Manager for Lilongwe, Moreen Gwengere, emphasized the bank’s commitment to initiatives that impact Malawians positively.

“It was imperative for us to contribute to this initiative as it targets Malawians, who are not only crucial in electing our leaders but also our valued customers,” she said.

Gwengere noted that NBM aligns its corporate social responsibility with its mission to provide inclusive financial solutions while delivering sustained stakeholder value.

“National Bank of Malawi believes in giving back to the community. Supporting initiatives like Parliament Week, which promotes social and economic development, resonates with our values. We are delighted to hand over K5 million towards the donation for Malingunde School for the Blind,” she said.

Head of Planning Services at Parliament, who also Chairperson of the Parliament Week organizing committee, Lovemore Monyongo, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting its significance in addressing preparation needs.

“We have received overwhelming support from various partners, including the National Bank of Malawi. We have been in close contact with the school management, who provided us with a list of requirements needed for this initiative,” said Monyongo.

Parliament Week serves as an opportunity for legislators to engage with citizens and give back to communities, embodying their role as representatives of the people.

By Temwa Kalea

Karonga, November 19, Mana: District Coordinator for the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) under the Karonga Diocese, Obert Mkandawire has called for the reformation of Karonga districts mining industry, citing workers’ low wages and poor working conditions as challenges being faced.

Speaking Tuesday at a mining Indaba organized by CCJP, he emphasized that addressing these issues was not only a moral obligation but a key factor in ensuring the industry's long-term viability.

"Workers in the mining sector have expressed growing frustrations regarding their compensation and safety conditions, which has sparked calls for systemic changes within the industry," Mkandawire said.

He urged mining investors to adopt a more humane approach by prioritizing employee welfare, asserting that improvement in these areas is crucial for building a productive work environment and fostering trust between workers and management.

Principal Secretary responsible for Regulation at the Ministry of Mining, Martin Kaluluma Phiri reiterated the government's commitment to safeguarding local communities' rights and ensuring that they receive fair benefits from resource extraction.

"Regulations that promote equitable treatment of workers and sustainable economic growth through ethical practices are very crucial towards achieving the Malawi 2063 which government has set as a priority sector for realizing wealth creation," he said.

Karonga District Environmental Officer Khumbo Mbeye underscored the pressing need for environmental stewardship in the face of mining activities.

"Indeed, there are already ongoing efforts aimed at minimizing the ecological footprint of mining operations and we are advocating  for a balanced approach that takes into account both economic development and environmental protection.

“This holistic perspective aligns with a growing international emphasis on sustainable mining practices, reflecting a shift away from exploitative models," he said.

Participants at the Indaba which started with a parade from Karonga roundabout included local community members, labor representatives, and government officials.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, November 19, Mana: Executive Director for Cancer Survivor Quest. Chikhulupiliro Ng'ombe has urged Malawian men to join hands in observing, No Shave November to bring awareness and raise money towards the fight against prostate cancer.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday, Ng'ombe said when men decide not to trim their hair or beard during this month; it will give them a glimpse of what patients going through prostate cancer experience, which should motivate them to help raise awareness on the disease.

"We need to hold hands to fight cancer. We need a holistic approach, and we need everyone in the fight whether through corporate, individual, groups, organization or government sector to ensure that we have holistic care which ensures more people survive from cancer," said Ng'ombe.

No Shave November is a month that calls for men to keep their hair and beards unshaved as one way of raising cancer awareness, according to Ng’ombe who added that No Shave period will end on November 30.

He said the period also provides room for men and women to spare money they would spend on barbershops or hair salons to have their hair done to donate to organizations that sensitize the public on cancer prevention

Ng’ombe added that the grouping of cancer survivors has also involved youths to take an active role in the No Shave November campaign to raise awareness on social media platforms to mobilize funds to fight prostate cancer among men.

One of the advocates, John Mwale said he has been participating in the campaign at least five years consistently, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against cancer.

“The fight against cancer fight is too huge to fight alone, we, therefore, need to come in to support patients and cancer survivors and join forces that assist in preventing cancer. Everyone has a role to play in dealing with cancer,” Mwale added.

No-Shave November was founded in 2009, to raise awareness in the cancer fight, mobilizing support for the cause.

By Maria Tembo

Ntchisi, 20 November, 2024, Mana: Participants under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works (CS-EPW) program in Ntchisi have expressed satisfaction over timely payment of wages in the past two phases.

Jennifer Sofasi of Mikwala catchment area, in Senior Chief Chikho, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, that timely payment of wages in the past two phases has served as a motivation to the participants to work hard.

Untimely payment of wages has been among the major concerns among participants under the World Bank-funded project, making respective authorities work tirelessly to rectify it.

"We rely on these wages to survive, in these difficult economic times. We sometimes get demotivated when the payments are delayed,” said Sofasi adding that in the past, participants could stay for over a month without receiving their wages.

“Our families will be helped through the wages we have received today, and some of us will be able to pay school fees for our school-going children", she added.

Another participant, Tilimbe Samalani, said the wages will among many things reduce the challenges they are facing.

"The wages will help us in buying our daily necessities including food, and some of us will invest the money in Village Savings and Loans (VSLs)" said Samalani.

Foreman for Mikwala catchment area Labsoni Chichitike thanked government for the timely wages and hopes for more impactful activities to be done across the district through the project.

By Namon Chitukuta and Eliam Thera.

Mzuzu, November 19, Mana: Mzuzu City Council says it is prepared to prevent cholera and other hygiene and sanitation-related diseases in the coming rainy season.

Public Relations Officer for the council, Macdonald Gondwe told Malawi News Agency (MANA), on Tuesday that the council is arranging different committees on disaster and waste management to work in various wards and markets for waste management sensitization.

Gondwe said that the council is making efforts to ensure that residents are practicing good hygiene and sanitation habits to avoid cholera and other waterborne infections.

“People should be watchful mostly in this rainy season and avoid littering in places anyhow as risk of a cholera outbreak is high,” Gondwe said.

He appealed to residents to be responsible in their localities by clearing drainage systems as well as properly disposing of wastes, and he stressed that poor waste management poses a high risk of cholera outbreaks mainly during rainy seasons.

Chairperson for vendors in Zigwagwa market, Gerald Maulana has since asked the council to allocate more resources like bins and wheelbarrows as well as working personnel for cleaning and garbage collection.

“We are having uncollected garbage in various parts of the market, and this may cause cholera and other waterborne diseases,” Maulana said.

Meanwhile, Mzimba North District Health Office (MNDHO) is currently implementing a cholera preparedness plan and carrying out various cholera sensitization activities.

MNDHO Public Relations Officer, Lovemore Kawayi said since no cholera case has been registered, the DHO is alerting health facilities to get prepared so that if any case is there they should be able to handle it and prevent further transmission.

By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, November 19, Mana: Dedza District Council Director of Administration, Chris Salaniponi says the district is prepared to host the first ever out-of-chambe parliament session on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Salaniponi said the council has met all the requirements set by Parliament secretariat including availability of running water and clean toilets at the event venue, Dedza Stadium.

He said the parliamentary session presents a unique opportunity for citizens to gain insight into parliamentary procedures and engage with lawmakers.

He said the event fosters a collaborative environment that promotes economic growth and development.

“To come up with this event we have put great effort which has come from business enterprises themselves. For the council we hope to get an opportunity to identify different investors because Dedza district is a food basket but markets haven’t been fully developed,” he added.

Salaniponi who is also the event’s task force chairperson expressed gratitude that Dedza triumphed over Mchinjii, Dowa, and Balaka districts to host Malawi’s inaugural parliament meeting outside the chamber.

Dedza District Civil Society Network chairperson, Osborne Nyirongo said the civil society in the district were engaged in the preparations for the event.

He said a cross-section of people including chiefs, the clergy, primary and secondary school learners, the business community and farmers will stand a chance to appreciate what parliament means to them.

“I hope that as these members of parliament will be coming, they will also see that our ring road is not completely up to date and that they will also have a chance to ask the relevant authorities to look into it,” he said.

A resident at Dedza Boma Elton Zitha hailed the initiative, saying by attending the session physically people will have a different understanding of parliamentary procedures.

He said during the event he intends to understand why some decisions made by parliament take longer to be implemented.

The activity which falls under the Bringing Parliament Closer to People concept started Monday in Lilongwe. All 193 members of parliamentarians are expected to attend the function.

By Nandie Magomelo

Dedza, November 19, Mana: Female officers from Malawi Police, Prison and Immigration in Dedza district on Monday, launched a three-day Basad campaign operation with the aim to help combat crimes.   

Dedza Police Station, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sergeant Beatrice Jefita, said the launched Basad operation, will make female officers focus on crimes against women and children such as defilement, rape, assault, human trafficking, child labour and domestic violence among others.

“Basad operation, normally takes place twice annually and every female officer working in the security agencies in the SADC region is expected to participate,” she said.

Jefita further said that on Monday, the three security agencies had a road show where they interacted with various communities from Dedza border, roadblock and Msikawanjala respectively.

“The communities in these areas were encouraged to report Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases to the relevant authorities,” she added.

From a Tswana word ‘Basad’ means ‘Women’ and is a bi-annual operation by female police officers across countries in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

In Malawi, the operation is set to enhance the country’s police service commitment to eradicating GBV and fostering a safer society for all.

By Alex Mlanga

Blantyre, November 19, Mana:  Mthawira CCAP youths in Blantyre on Sunday held a mock wedding that raised K500,000 for a trip to Mulanje Mountain on December 17 for a retreat.  

The mock wedding brought together youths from Makalanga, Mkolokoti, Chitsime, Mount Camel, Mvunguti CCAP and other youths from the Assemblies of God church.

Reverend Miriam Chipeta Banda of Mthawira CCAP hailed the youth for being creative and resourceful in organising the fundraising mock wedding.

“I was inspired by this initiative. If the youth had simply asked for support for their trip to Mulanje, people might have been reluctant to give. But this idea shows wisdom and hard work.

“Money does not come easily, the Bible says; he who does not work shall not eat. The youths worked for it, and we supported the wedding,” added Manda.

The moderator encouraged the community to support youth's participation in church activities for spiritual growth.

Esther Chibaba and Luwani Msiska played bride and bridegroom respectively dressing formally as opposed to normal wedding attire.

Mthawira Youth chairperson, Adrian Sezza said was delighted with the event and was optimistic that the Mulanje Mountain trip will be on following the fundraising mock wedding.

“We are happy with the turn-up and support. The success of this event is an indication that the trip to Mulanje is on,” he said.

By Austin Kananji

Lilongwe, November 19, Mana: UNDP’s HIV policy dialogue in Lilongwe emphasized the importance of law reforms to protect key populations at high risk, fostering collaboration among stakeholders to sustain Malawi’s HIV progress.

The dialogue attracted and brought together many organizations including, UNDP, CPO, UNRC, USAID, POM, and NAC to discuss issues concerning HIV and AIDS targeting key populations such as the prostitutes on law reforms for the good and benefit of all Malawians leaving no one behind.

Speaking in an interview on Monday evening, the Director of the HIV and Health Group of United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Mandeep Dhaliwal highlighted the importance of organizing the dialogue as Malawi is making progress on HIV and AIDS to the key populations.

“It is essential to organize this event because Malawi has made such good progress on HIV, but also to make further progress Malawians need to watch more on the safety and security of key populations and improve the human rights environment in line with the constitution and the law and also make improvements in the law so that they can sustain the gains of HIV response,” she said.

Speaking on another interview, CEO of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), Beatrice Lydia Matanje underscored how candid the discussion was as it focused more on what was going on in the country, triggering future discussions because of the recommendations that were made.

“This dialogue is critical because within the general population, the risk is very little but in the key population groups it is over double or 7 times for example female sex workers have 7.7%, men who have sex with men it is about 0.4%, and people who inject drug it is about almost double, hence this shows that the key populations are still harboring the pandemic and if we ignore structural barriers that hinder them not to be identified and to access services then we are going to continue with this pandemic hence addressing the issue as these people do not live in isolation,” she said

On the other hand, the National Coordinator of the Diversity forum Dunker Kamba stressed that their organization as an umbrella body works with the Key populations hence citing the need to be involved in the dialogue.

“The dialogue is important because this is where we get to meet the key stakeholders, and the issues we relay with key populations which is at high risk of HIV therefore this space gave us time to connect but also to tell the responsible people on how our issues will affect us on day to day life, and helped us to share whatever challenges we encounter so that they are resolved,” he said.

The HIV Policy and Law Reform Dialogue held in Lilongwe marks a critical step forward in addressing the unique challenges faced by key populations at higher risk of HIV infection. Stakeholders, including UNDP, NAC, USAID, and the Diversity Forum, underscored the need for continued collaboration and reform to ensure that no one is left behind in Malawi's fight against HIV and AIDS.