MANAonline
Muslim youths must prioritize unity and education, Ayami
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, November 3, Mana: At the Muslim Youth United get together at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre on Sunday, a renowned Islamic scholar who was also guest of honour, Sheikh Mustahab Ayami, urged the youths to embrace unity, uphold justice and seek knowledge that should serve as foundation for a brighter future.
Ayami emphasized that unity is a divine command from Allah, not just a concept, and that the youth serve as the foundation of society and the promise of a brighter future.
“Islam encourages our youth to work towards positive change because they have the power to transform society, uphold justice, and seek the truth. Prophet Muhammad united the youth with purpose, teaching them honor, discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge,” he said.
Ayami also stressed that seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim and that knowledge should be used wisely to benefit the community and the country at large.
“Knowledge shapes our souls, empowers our communities, and serves humanity. Through knowledge, we draw closer to Allah, and through education, we can uplift our society,” he said.
Ayami pointed out that education is central in Islam and should be used to advance human knowledge to build a just, prosperous, and peaceful society.
“Education is an act of worship when done with the right intention to please Allah and benefit His creation,” he added while encouraging the youth to pursue various professions while remaining deeply rooted in Islam and upholding integrity and passion for knowledge.
The scholar further urged Muslim youth to reflect on the roles they wish to play in the Ummah (community) and to strive to help each other, building strong bonds of unity.
Regional Manager for Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational, and Educational Training (TEVETA), Malingose Kafuwa Banda, said it was important for youths in Malawi to be innovative.
“You must have the spirit to continuously seek ways to develop yourselves so that this country can progress,” she said.
Banda also encouraged young women to embrace technical, vocational and entrepreneurship other than leaving young men to advance in the three areas.
“Females, you must also be at the forefront in matters of both education and development; your involvement does not undermine the role of males but instead represents a partnership for change,” she said.
Banda therefore urged the youths to consider technical and vocational training as means of acquiring skills that should help them to reduce unemployment rates in the country.
At the gathering, the youth were informed about various technical, vocational and entrepreneurship opportunities offered by TEVETA and how the authority track their students' progress to ensure they remain relevant with skills they have gained from various training institutions.
Maize distribution expedited in Salima
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, November 4, Mana: Lean season response of maize distribution has commenced earlier than expected in Salima District due to the severity of the hunger situation, a development which has been commended.
Speaking on Sunday during an inspection of maize distribution exercise in the areas of Senior Chiefs Makanjira and Khombedza, Member of Parliament for Salima North West, Enock Phale commended government for the swift response, describing it as timely.
He said this on Thursday, November 1, when State President's Dr. Lazarus Chakwera had a whistle stop at Siyasiya trading centre in his area. He requested that there should be an expedition of maize distribution in his area, because the hunger situation had worsened.
"Barely after a day when we requested for commencement of maize distribution, today about 5, 403 households are receiving maize, this is the relief that is needed at the moment, to have productive citizens," he said.
Phale urged beneficiaries not to sale the relief maize and advised them to avoid food wastage so that the maize should take them to the next phase of receiving another bag of maize.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Salima, Gloria Chinangwa said maize distribution in the district was supposed to commence in December, fortunate enough maize has started trickling in the district early.
"For the next three months families will be receiving a bag of maize monthly, this is under the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee response, so far the exercise is going on well, we have not met any challenges, eligible households are receiving the maize," she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Rose Phiri, from Odala Village in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza, said she was heavily affected by El Nino and she did not harvest well.
"We do not have enough food at home, this bag of maize will go a long way in alleviating hunger in my house for the next four months until we harvest in the next farming season," she said.
Another beneficiary, Peter Chimchere, from Senior Chief Khombedza, said his household has been struggling to find food and he can hardly feed his six children.
"Receiving a 50kg bag of maize is such a relief, because it will go a long way in feeding my family, I am grateful to have benefited from this response, seeing how badly the El Nino affected us to the extent of failing to harvest even after ably farming," he said.
A total of 37, 750 households from Salima District will receive a bag of maize monthly for the next three months until February 2025.
Adult Education through vocational training helping people-DVV
By Pickson Chipeso.
Lilongwe, November 4, Mana: DVV International Organization says that adult education through vocational training is helping people in many ways for them to be more self-sufficient.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Communication Officer Dyson Nthawanji, mentioned that the participants are benefiting through vocational training because they are getting much needed skills.
He added that people are dedicating themselves, starting from entire communities to chiefs who are in the fore front in supporting the project because they are the ones who provide the infrastructure for learning centres. He also said that after graduating they can be independent and buy tailoring machines for business purposes.
“In implementing the project, we don't choose the infrastructure ourselves; it is the communities, particularly the chiefs, who volunteer to provide it. They also include members of the committee that oversees the activities of these classes. This commitment and dedication from the community have been key to the progress in all the projects that integrate adult education and other interventions through Community Learning Centres.
“For your own information, soon after tailoring training they are also given entrepreneurship skills in order to conduct tailoring as a viable business, so that they should make profits and be able to market the products which they make,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that these vocational training skills are in line with the Malawi 2063 because this program is targeting communities and they want to see that our country will be better than before.
“So, by acquiring vocational skills, it will help those people who were just idle in the communities to start engaging in income activities. If they engage in income activities, they will be able to raise money to support their family and community, as a result, many communities will be developed and this will be a great contribution from community initiatives to the Malawi 2063, which is a development blueprint for the country,” Nthawanji explained.
In his remarks, education expert Dr. Limbani Nsapato said adult education is critical because it is part of human capital development and it ensures that relevant skills are imparted on people especially communities in rural areas.
He added that, remote area communities have a lot of challenges such as poverty, diseases and other issues that need to be addressed by interventions like literacy programs. DVV international is supporting adult literacy and vocational training as one way of promoting quality education, human capital development and contribute to the Malawi 2063.
“As you know that in Malawi 2063, human capital development is imparting the skills for development, so the training that have been done under the adult literacy and education programs as well as vocational training help to give the capacity of the communities’ skills in a way of enhancing the capital development in the Malawi 2063,” said Nsapato.
DVV international has Community Learning Centres in Dowa and Ntchisi and tailoring training in Zomba Central Prison.
International Organization for Immigration commits to ICT training for immigration officers
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe, November 4, Mana: The International Organization for Immigration says is committed to training ICT specialists among immigration officers to enhance the capacity of immigration services in the country through digital systems.
This comes following the training of 16 ICT immigration officers to operate the system called Migration and Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS), a system that enables data keeping, tracking and other security issues across the country.
In an interview Nomagugu Ncube, Chief Mission for IOM-Malawi revealed that the training will mark the vision of MIDAS deployment that will help ICT officers to use digital systems by highlighting data, identifying secondary inspection that requires real time reporting.
"We are looking at the vision that the country has in gearing the trade, so the coming in of this initiative will play the pivot role as our immigration officers will be trained on how they can operate the gadget to serve the country," she said.
Ncube emphasized that the system has capacity to address problems that the department was facing and fill the gap of manual data capturing.
In his remarks, Hastings Ngoma, Project Manager in the Ministry of Transport and Trade said the project will help to address the cost of doing business, address some of the major challenges that are in borders across the country and enable smooth running of business.
"The digitalization will soften up the challenges that were being faced by officers to know the numbers of transporters including the goods and services that have been passed in the boarders,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Vivian Kasambo, Commissioner Responsible for Administration in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship said the MIDAS project marks the sign of relief as the project will help in data preservation and ensuring smooth operation of services that are offered timely.
"Immigration is impressed to have this initiative such that will build strong trust worth to the country such that the data can be stored for long period of time," he said.
Police decry mob justice as Lindian Resources Limited unveils new police unit
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, October 3 Mana: Lindian Resources Limited, a company which is currently doing rare earth mining in Balaka handed over a newly constructed police unit to Malawi Police Service for effective safety and security services to people at Chanthunya area that struggle to access police services.
To this effect, Eastern Region Police Commissioner, Babra Mchenga Tsiga called the people in the area to desist from mob justice, saying the tendency frustrates police investigation into crime cases.
She made the call at Chanthunya in Balaka over the weekend during inauguration of the new police facility that the Australian mining company constructed as a way of giving back to the community.
“We have come from afar, from a situation that the people of this area were walking from here to Balaka town to access police services.
“As police we don’t condone mob justice. This is why I am calling upon people of this area and the country at large to always desist from this behavior immediately,” she added.
Mchengha Tsiga therefore commended Lindian Resources Limited for constructing the police unit at Chanthunya, saying this was a good gesture.
“This symbolises collaboration and commitment to security to the people of Chanthunya area. Let me urge the community here, to always take care of the structure and let them work hand in hand with the officers that will be here.
Lindian Resources Limited Chief Executive Officer, Alwyn Vorster said corporate social responsibility is the company’s policy, saying the company felt obliged to construct the police facility following concerns of increased crime in the area.
He said the company approved construction of police post, which the community once started but could not finish because of limited financial resources.
“We offered technical and financial resources for the construction of this police unit, and we are very proud to be part of this story, and we still have strong dreams for this area, for example schools, clinics just to give examples,” Vorster added.
He disclosed that the company will be present in the area for a long time, remitting taxes to government plus ploughing back to communities through various corporate social responsibilities ways and means.
“We estimate that this beautiful mountain that we will be mining on will have more than 200 years of mining reserves available, we are not talking about 10 to 20 years project, so this is for generations to come.
“The value on an annual basis could be in the order of 100 million USD revenue, 50 million USD of profit under the current pricing, so we feel that there are significant royalties and taxes that will go to the Malawi community,” he added.
Senior Chief Inkosi Chanthunya, hailed the company for responding to the community’s need for a police facility as they mostly failed to access police services within reasonable distance at the wake of increased crime in the area.
“We have had serious crimes in this area, a lot of robbery in our communities, this beautiful police unit will go a long way in solving these problems, and we are grateful for this,” he added.
Member of Parliament for Balaka West Bertha Ndebere said Lindian Resources Limited also provided jobs for people in her area apart from constructing the police unit.
Lindian Resources Limited is currently mining rare earth at Kangankunde hills in the district.
CEDOSSA appeals for more support for persons with down syndrome
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, November 3, Mana: The Center for Down syndrome, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Autism (CEDOSSA) has appealed to the government, employers, and the public to provide more support to persons with Down syndrome in the country as a crucial step in mitigating the challenges they face.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (MANA), Lauryn Sulani, Director of CEDOSSA, emphasized the need for inclusion in organizations to support people with Down syndrome.
"We are asking employers to consider persons with Down syndrome based on their capabilities. Inclusion in organizations is a long-term goal that starts from early childhood with interventions like physiotherapy and speech therapy," Sulani said.
She further highlighted the numerous challenges faced by people with Down syndrome, urging both the government and the public to provide necessary support.
"People with Down Syndrome face challenges such as lack of support from their families and inadequate treatment and surgeries for heart conditions that require operations.
"Let us support and embrace people who have Down syndrome. Government should be supporting resource centres with materials needed in the resource rooms and train more special needs teachers," she said.
Sulani also mentioned that her Center has established October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month to combat discrimination and raise awareness about the condition, highlighting that awareness campaign on the condition may help to reach out to many people, and make people understand what causes Down syndrome and where to go for medical support.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, Adrian Chikumbe said the fight against discrimination is a priority for the government.
"The ministry is actively discouraging any form of discrimination, including against those with Down syndrome," Chikumbe said.
According to Chikumbe, the country has over 100 conditions that the government is addressing to mitigate discrimination.
However, he noted that Down syndrome in Malawi has not affected many people, unlike other conditions, hence no need for much costs to it.
Misunderstanding democracy diluting our culture - Kyungu
By George Mponda
Karonga ,November 3, Mana: Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa has said most Malawians no longer follow traditions due to misunderstanding of democracy.
Kyungu said this, Saturday, while speaking at the celebration of the second Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival held at Mbande Hills in Karonga under the theme 'Unity in Diversity, Respect and Justice for All'.
"Ever since we attained democracy, most Malawians fail to understand the system and end up abusing it. We have witnessed a high number of suicide cases, youths vandalising development equipment all this happening because of failure to understand what democracy is all about."Kyungu said.
“We need to retrace our steps and start using our lost values and showing respect especially to the elderly people and if we do this, then the country’s development will be on the right track,” he added.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara, who was representing President Lazarus Chakwera at the festival, commended people of Karonga and Chitipa for their efforts in promoting culture.
Said Hara: "Culture is considered as being primitive by the current generation. Most people living in urban areas dont even know their vernacular languages like Tumbuka, Nkhonde and Lambya which is very bad."
“We have forgotten where we come from, in the past you wouldn't even know that there are orphans because people adopted them into their homes with love unlike the situatuon now where everyone only looks out for their immediate family members which is a serious sign of moral decay," she added.
Chairperson for Karonga Chitipa Heritage Malumbo Mwasinga, asked government to offer support for cultural festivals, emphasizing their role in fostering national unity.
This was the second joint cultural festival held by the people of Chitipa and Karonga, following the inaugural edition in 2022 at the same site.
UNHCR donates vehicle to Dzaleka Police Unit
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, November 2, Mana: The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday donated a Toyota Hilux vehicle to Dzaleka Police Unit at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa, to help in bolstering security at the camp.
Making the donation, UNHCR's Country Representative, Modeste Kouame said lack of resources like transport can jeopardize police work in enhancing security, hence the donation.
"We had seen that the police here faced some challenges including transport which negatively affected their work, hence some recurrences of crime in this area.
"But with this vehicle, we believe it will aid police movement and patrols for both day and night and help curb crime," he said.
Kouame urged Dowa police officers to execute their duties with diligence and dedication.
He reaffirmed UNHCR's commitment to help in improving security at the camp and surrounding areas, but called on community members to be law abiding citizens.
In her remarks, Superintendent Gladys Chiwaula representing Dowa Police Officer In- Charge expressed gratitude for the donation but called for greater collaboration in fighting crime.
"Fighting crime is not a one man's job, it involves all of us. That is why we are urging for collaboration with stakeholders, community policing, and also members of the community, because if we work as one, we can achieve more," she said.
Dzaleka Chief Security Officer, Serial Ghambi thanked UNHCR for the donation saying amongst many things, it would facilitate more effective patrols.
In June 2024, UNHCR also donated three motorcycles and two desktop computers to Dowa Police Station.
Lilongwe West Education awards schools, teachers
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, November 2, Mana: Ministry of Education Director of Basic Education, Grace Milner has described primary school teachers as the heart of the education system upon which learners’ lifelong learning and character are built upon.
Milner made the remarks, Friday at Njewa Primary School during the best award event ceremony of Education Managers, teachers and schools that performed well in the 2024/25 academic calendar in Lilongwe Rural West Education Division.
“Primary education forms the cornerstone of every child’s learning journey and behind this phase of discovery are teachers like you. Your commitment to nurturing potential, sparking curiosity and inspiring confidence for the learners to become future leaders cannot be overstated,” she said.
Milner said government through the Ministry of Education is committed to creating an environment where every teacher feels valued, motivated and equipped to thrive.
“Our goal is to ensure that teachers have access to professional development opportunities, additional resources and the support they need to overcome the challenges. We are advocating for more robust resource allocations, improved classroom environments, and continuous teacher professional development,” she said.
In her remarks, Director of Education and Sports, Sophia Mthiko said they organized the awards as one way of encouraging and motivating teachers and learners to continue doing well in their education.
Mthiko said the event targeted schools that produced a 100 percent passing rate and urged other schools to emulate the gesture.
One of the teachers who got the award Harriet Chitanda from Khanda primary school thanked the education office for the initiative, saying it will go a long way in motivating and encouraging teachers and learners in their education.
“This is a morale booster. It has never happened in the district before. I am so happy for this initiative,” she said.
Lilongwe Rural West Education Division has 261 primary schools and 223 schools participated in the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination, out of which 77 schools produced a 100 percent pass rate.
The schools, Education Managers and Teachers went home with certificate of recognition and cash.
Ngonis ends late Chilima`s, Banda`s mourning period
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, 2O October, Mana: Paramount Chief Inkosi ya Makhosi Gomani V of Ntcheu has described the late Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima and the late legendary music icon Soldier Lucius Banda as patriotic citizens of the country.
Gomani V made the remarks on Saturday at the end of Maseko Ngoni mourning period of the late State Vice President, Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima who was also Impi to Gomani V and the late legendary music icon Soldier Lucius Banda at a ceremony that took place at Nsipe Catholic Primary School ground in Ntcheu district.
He commended the families of the late Chilima and the late Banda for accepting the Maseko Ngoni heritage request to organize a special day marking the end of the mourning period.
"The late Dr Saulos Chilima and Lucius Banda were patriotic, they loved their country and their culture and will always be remembered" he said.
Gomani urged all the people to emulate the example set by the two departed souls.
State Vice President Dr Michael Bizwick Usi, Madame Mary Chilima and Madame Sunganani Banda together with various other political dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Nsipe Parish Priest, Father Atanazio Steve Manyenga said the ceremony is a true testimony that religion and culture are not in conflict, but rather complement each other.
Member of Parliament for Ntcheu West, Simion Salambula asked government to construct a musoleum for the late Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima.
He advised all UTM Party aspirants to bring unity amongst the members.
A representative of the Chilima family, Ana Sazuze commended the Maseko Ngoni heritage for organizing a special ceremony marking the end of the mourning period for their son who was also the State Vice President.
"The family salutes the Maseko Ngoni heritage because as Chilima family we had organized a ceremony after 40 days from his death, but the heritage organized a special period," said Sazuze.
On his part, a representative of the late Lucius Banda family, Elias Kamoto saluted the Maseko Ngoni heritage for the ceremony which has shown love and unity amongst the Maseko Ngoni.
"You stopped everything from June this year up to now in honour of Lucius Banda and the late State Vice President, we say thank you,' said Kamoto
In July this year, Paramount Chief Gomani V cancelled the 2024 Umhlangano annual cultural event which was scheduled for 5 to 7 September in honour of the late VP and Lucius Banda.
The late Chilima died in a plane crash on 10 June, 2024 in Chikangawa forest in Mzimba district while Lucius Banda died on 30 June 2024 in South Africa.
