MANAonline
Chakwera calls upon Malawians to honour veterans and ex-servicemen
By Eunice Lole
Lilongwe, October Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has stressed the importance of reflecting upon and emulating the commitment and dedication of veterans and ex-servicemen in the country’s historical struggle for freedom.
Chakwera made the remarks on Monday during the official inauguration of Poppy Week at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
“We are here to honour those sons and daughters of the soil who have selflessly volunteered, made sacrifices, served, fought and given their lives for our freedom, we are here to declare publicly that it is their dedication that merits our deepest recognition and we are here to express our gratitude by vowing to not only remember their contributions but also by emulating their example of their service to our country in any way we can approximate it during the peace time which we now enjoy on their account,” he said.
He added that the poppy symbolizes both the blood that purchased our freedom and the resilience of those who returned home from the frontlines.
Chakwera therefore, urged Malawians to actively contribute to the noble cause by supporting the initiative through the purchase of the poppy distributed nationwide.
As a way of showing his commitment and dedication to supporting the initiative, President Chakwera has contributed the sum of MK2 million.
In his address, the Chairperson of Veterans and Ex-Service League (VELOM), General Henry Odilo (retired), commended the President for his support towards Poppy Week aimed at fundraising for the cause.
He highlighted the significance of Poppy Week in supporting VELOM members to enhance their livelihoods.
Odilo hailed government’s commitment in ensuring VELOM achieves its objectives. He further acknowledged the Malawi Defense Force and other key stakeholders for their unwavering dedication and support towards VELOM’s mission.
Chakwera encourages impartiality in the 10th June plane crash investigation
By Eunice Disi Lole
Lilongwe, October 28, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has urged the newly sworn in members of the Commission of Inquiry on the 10th June plane crash to work with impartiality in the investigation.
Chakwera made the remarks on Monday during the swearing in ceremony of members of the Commission of Inquiry on the 10th June plane crash at Kamuzu palace.
On 25th October, the president appointed a 19-member commission to look into the circumstances of the plane crash following his pledge during the funeral ceremony for late Dr. Saulosi Chilima on 16th June.
“I know that the establishment of the commission of enquiry seemed to have taken long but it is because there were a number of procedures that needed to be followed in order to avoid appointing an unreliable Commission,” he said.
He added that he had planned to conduct the investigation of the plane crash in three phases which included finding out the cause of death of the deceased but also finding out if there were any survivors when the plane crashed not only that but also finding out what caused the plane to crash.
Furthermore the president asked the members of the Commission to execute their duties with diligence and ignore biasness and political pressure on the matter, emphasising the importance of scrutinizing the events leading to the plane crash.
The president expressed optimism that the commission would deliver its investigative findings by the end of November, providing clarity on the circumstances in unveiling the details surrounding the aircraft accident.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet, Coleen Zamba, stressed the importance of the Commission in unveiling the details surrounding the aircraft accident.
Zamba emphasized that as per Section 5 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, the appointed individuals must adhere to the oaths prescribed in the Malawian Constitution.
The Commission is expected to present its findings to President Chakwera by 30th November, 2024.
Lack of mobile phone networks hinder rural digital payments
By: Brighton Thengoliweta Chimsinde
Mchinji, October 28, Mana: People in rural areas of Traditional Authorities (TAs) Ndawambe and Mkanda in Mchinji District have raised concerns that lack of access to mobile phone network is a major challenge that discourages them from adopting and using digital finance services.
The people raised concerns during a digital finance service (DFS) awareness campaign being held in the Mchinji district.
Traditional Authority Ndawambe said it was difficult to switch to mobile phone money transactions because the area does not have a mobile phone network.
“Despite the goodness of the service, people in the area are denied access due to lack of the mobile phone network of either Airtel or TNM. We are pleading with mobile phone network operators to erect a network tower as soon as possible for us to enjoy the services,” TA Ndawambe said.
Another person who also expressed network concerns was a head teacher at Mkanda Secondary School, Marcel Elifala who asked mobile phone network providers to strengthen their network's capacity for it to be accessible everywhere and all the time.
“I have been using the services since the introduction of mobile phones money transactions and it is good in terms of security and reduces time consumption. However, I am requesting the relevant authorities to boost mobile phone networks and that it be accessible to all parts of the district,” Elifala said.
Elifala also described the service fees incurred when doing electronic money transactions as being exorbitant.
In an interview with Support for Digitalization Financial Inclusion and Campaign Competitiveness Project`s E-Trade Specialist, Sangwani Mkandawire, said he was encouraged that mobile network operators are being involved during the campaign for them to see how best they can also respond to the consumers' concerns.
“The campaign has helped to expose challenges encountered by the consumers and mobile network operators need to see how best they can respond to consumers' concerns and how they can protect their customers,” said Mkandawire.
The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of Malawi with funding from the African Development Bank Group (AFDB).
Educate a Child programme promoting education in Thyolo
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, October 28, Mana: Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in partnership with Education Above All Foundation is implementing Educate a Child (EAC) programme to improve education for the vulnerable children in Thyolo District by providing essential learning materials.
Senior Data Analyst from Education Above All Foundation, Joshua Maina expressed satisfaction over the programme when a district level monitoring team toured Mkaombe Primary School where it interacted with teacher mentors and other education stakeholders too appreciate EAC progress.
"The practical work on the ground is more reassuring than what we read in reports. The dedication shown by learner guides, teacher mentors, and other stakeholders is truly impressive. The programme is having a real impact," said Maina.
Maina acknowledged some challenges as the programme had resource constraints, limiting its ability to reach more learners.
Chief Education Officer for Thyolo, Rabecca Misili, hailed the two organizations for jointly implementing EAC in the district, saying the programme helped to improve enrollment and retention of learners in the targeted schools.
"The introduction of entitlements, learner guide sessions, study circles, and home visits has brought significant impact.
"Since its introduction, Educate a Child has enabled 545 learners (296 girls and 249 boys) to get selected to secondary school. This is a clear sign of improved performance," added Misili.
She noted that other schools borrowed a leaf to introduce child protection guidelines, including the use of complaint boxes to address concerns in their respective schools.
Teacher mentor at Mkaombe Primary School, Asireni Jeffrey, said EAC has a psychosocial support component that helps to address challenges such as child abuse and other negative factors that affect child education.
She also acknowledged that EAC programme reduced absenteeism, particularly among girls who previously missed classes during menstruation, saying the programme introduced ways and means of addressing menstrual health and hygiene among girls in schools.
Standard eight learner and programme beneficiary, Deborah Magalasi, expressed gratitude, saying the programme brought positive impact on both retention and enrollment on top of improving menstrual health and hygiene.
"The support we receive encourages us to stay in school despite the economic challenges in our families.
"The entitlements help us focus on our education and motivate us to work hard," she said, and appealed for continued support to ensure that most girls stay in school,” she added.
Launched in 2022, the EAC targets 103 primary schools in Thyolo, providing students with essential learning materials such as uniforms, shoes, and sanitary pads for menstrual health and hygiene.
Minister calls for accountability on children’s issues
Awome North Chapter donates to Upendo Children’s Village in Mzuzu
By Mayamiko Nyirenda
Mzuzu, October 27, Mana: Association of Women in Media (Awome) Northern Region Chapter Saturday donated assorted items, which included Sugar, cooking oil, laundry soap worth K250, 000.00 to Upendo Children’s Village in Mzuzu City.
Speaking after presenting the donation, General Secretary for the Northern Chapter, Towera Katswiri said that the grouping decided to make the donation having considered numerous challenges the institution faces in its day-to-day operations.
He added that besides the donation, the grouping of the women scribers thought it wise to visit and offer emotional support to children at the facility in response to recent incidents where some children resorted to committing suicide after failing to cope with some challenges.
“You might be aware that at this place there are children from various communities who have gone through circumstances that sometimes make them feel bad about themselves. Therefore, we decided to visit cheer these children so that they feel loved and that they are cared for,” said Katswiri.
We encouraged them to at least share their problems with someone rather than taking their life away when they face stress,” she said.
Director for Upendo Children’s Village, Pastor Floncy Mkisi, acknowledged the need for emotional counselling for the children.
Mkisi said that some children are at the facility not because they are orphans but because of some unpleasant circumstances, they encountered in their parent’s houses.
“As an orphanage, we face numerous challenges including a shortage of foodstuffs; therefore any kind of assistance towards us is very welcome. We are always pleased to see visitors like you engaging our children in various aspects,” said Mkisi.
Upendo Children’s Village currently hosts over 50 children aged between 2 and 18 years.
Bullets kick two Blantyre derby to the max
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, October 26, Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has refused to throw in three points to Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the Blantyre derby played on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium after a 2-1 goal show.
The People's team displays quality football in the first half as in 7th minutes Ronald Chitiyo scored and later Babatunde Adepoju made a simple taped in to extend the lead after Noma goalkeeper William Thole_failed to grip Wongani Lungu pass making the first half to end on a 2-0 note.
In 87 minutes Mighty Mukuru Wanderers reduced the deficit through Thierry Tanjong Sama but it was not enough to savage a point.
Bullets head coach, Kalisto Pasuwa said they have been dropping points in games that they were supposed to win but having derby on their side gave them full confidence saying if they continue like that, the team will claim championship of this season.
“This victory it's a big plus and perfect motivation on our side. The boys played a very good game, but again, 75, 80 minutes, like last time, we conceded unnecessary goal as such I have learnt that there is lack of leadership in the field of play whereby as a team will solve it,” said Pasuwa.
The defending TNM Super league champions have now accumulated 40 points with 14 clear goals as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers maintained second position with 44 points with 31 goals.
In 80 minutes, noise from the Bullets stands filled the whole stadium as their team enjoyed possession as in the middle of the game Noma’s captain Chaziya was sent off with a red card following some football uncalled for manners.
Head Coach Meke Mwase_expressed concern over the loss saying there is a lot of work to be done, saying the loss affected their league plans, but was hopeful for some good things as all is not yet over.
“We started well, in five minutes we lost control. This affected us a lot. This was the game that we planned with the boys that they should work very hard so that we should increase our chances of the championship," said Mwase.
In other TNM Super League match of Moyale FC against Mzuzu City Hammers ended nil-nil as Chitipa United with Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos ended 2-2.
Blantyre City Mayor cheers children at QECH
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 26, Mana: Mayor for Blantyre City Council (BCC), Joseph Makwinja on Saturday visited and cheered up children at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).
During the visit, the Mayor accompanied by his deputy, Isaac Jomo Osman and other councilors from the city council cheered children on the cancer, orthopedic and neurosurgeon wards.
The Mayor distributed assorted groceries to the hospital in the children’s ward. According to Makwinja, the hospital visit is one of the initiatives and a dream he has had from day one when he ascended to the mayoral office in August this year.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) after the hospital visit, Makwinja said they decided to visit the children’s ward to cheer the kids because they are future leaders.
“It is important to support our children who are in hospitals because they are the ones who shall be our leaders tomorrow that is why for the first time, we are starting with them then in December we have plans to come and cheer patients in the other wards at QECH,” he said.
Makwinja, however, asked organizations, individuals to come out and join hands with BCC to help people who are sick in hospitals.
“We are asking well-wishers to come and assist people who are suffering with different diseases in the hospitals because they are lacking different things, I have seen how children are struggling in the hospital; therefore, they need our help,” he said.
Makwinja also asked health workers to continue with their selfless spirit in caring for the children, noting that BCC appreciates the important role health workers play in the delivery of health care services particularly to children who are mostly very vulnerable.
He, therefore, thanked various companies such as FDH Bank and NBS Bank, among others, for taking part in the Mayor’s initiative.
Principal Nursing Officer at QECH, Loness Kanyemba thanked BCC for the initiative, describing it as timely.
“We are so grateful as a hospital because a lot of children are referred here from most parts of the country especially from Southern region and most of them struggle to get their daily needs especially food, so we really appreciate for the donation,” she said.
On her part, Margret Olive Davie, a guardian to a three-year-old child said she is very happy because she has been lacking some groceries brought by the Mayor.
“I want to thank those who organized this initiative, God should bless them, and they should do the same to other people as well,” she said.
BCC donated various items such as Sobo Squash, Milk, Soya pieces, cooking oil, laundry soap, among other necessities. At least 70 children have benefited from the donation.
Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V advises people to register in readiness for 2025 General Elections
By George Bulombola
Mzimba, October 26, Mana: Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V has urged people in the northern region and the country as a whole to ensure that they are registered during the on-going voter registration exercise for them to exercise their right to vote come 2025 General Election.
M’mbelwa was speaking Saturday during interactive gathering with his subjects who included traditional leaders at Bazaar Nyirenda Village in the area of Traditional Authority Jalavikuwa in Mzimba.
He said registration is an important prerequisite step during electoral processes towards the preparation for the General Election and that being registered in the voter registration documents, entitles one to enjoy his or her right to vote thereby contributing to effective democratic governance.
“Let me therefore advise traditional and religious leaders to take advantage of various gathering to encourage people so that they get registered,” he stated.
On culture, M’mbelwa V said such gatherings which are usually spiced up traditional dances and narration of history of the Ngoni of Mzimba are vital as they resuscitate people culture and remind younger generation of their origin.
“Therefore I here today to interact with my subjects one of the means of promoting unity and culture within and outside the district.
I will also take advantage of this event to civic education people on the need to adhere to Chiefs Act when conducting their duties and reminded them that government suspended creation of new villages and that this should be observed at all cost,” he said.
He also advised people who are expected to benefit from Agriculture Input Program against selling out the inputs for short lived and immediate benefits, saying such a tendency counteracts the goal of the initiative.
Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe commended M’mbelwa V for his being always available to his people through several for a.
“We will for sure extend an invitation to my fellow paramount chief and any similar event which will be organized in our districts. We are one, districts are made of artificial boundaries,” said Chikulamayembe.
Speaking on behalf of the Bazaar Nyirenda Family, Emma Kaliya said the village was excited and honored to host the event.
“This interactive cultural gathering brought together Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe of the Tumbuka People and M’mbelwa V, traditional authorities Mtwalo and Jalavikuwa among others, hence the event is a gesture of unity and peace,” said Kaliya.
Some of the dances which spiced up the event included the usual N’goni’s Ingoma, Malipenga, Mtungo, Mchoma, Ulumba, Vimbuza and Mganda.
Chewa people led by Makewana offer pray for good rains
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 27, Mana: Makewana, a Chewa Prophetess has urged Chewa people to live in unity and promote love among themselves and also with other tribes in Malawi to maintain peace in the country.
This was said during a sacrificial ceremony for good rains and mercy from God to take away hunger, pandemics and all evil, which undermines Malawi's progress.
Speaking for Makewana on Saturday at Msinja Shrine in Tsang'oma Village under Traditional Authority Chingala in Lilongwe, Senior Village Head Chithonje said all tribes in Malawi are one and therefore should live in harmony.
"Our difference in tribes, jobs, religion and everything should not make us forget that we are all Malawians. Let's love each other, work very hard in different aspects of life including agricultural production to fight poverty. Let's hold hands in achieving the development of our country Malawi," he said.
Chairperson for Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo), Dr. Stanley Khaila expressed gratefulness for the message by Makewana to Malawi about unity in diversity, saying the bible preaches the same.
"People need to know that Chewa culture is rooted in God just as seen here, the rules for going to the shrine are very strict than other places of worship, some didn't reach the shrine stage because they failed to meet the requirements and this clearly tells us that if we really choose to be God fearing, Malawi can never be the same," he said.
Khaila said the position of Makewana is not through nomination but rather one is naturally born as a prophetess.
"Here they look for a girl who is visionary to see things that will happen in future even beyond three to four years. Makewana sees the future and is able to advise people to be prepared for what is coming ahead," he said.
According to senior GVH Mazombwe, Makewana stayed indoors for 21 days to prepare for the day of sacrifice and prayers and all people who participate especially at the shrine stage are those who have abstained from conjugal obligations for seven consecutive days.
He said the sacrifice offered includes a goat which is slaughtered and prepared, it is then shared to all people present to eat the steak only leaving the bones which are included in the sacrifice.
He added that anything red is not allowed to step into the shrine because red stands for blood.
Director of Museums and Monuments, Dr. Lovemore Mazibuko concurred with Khaila, saying the message from Makewana about unity and love is very important for the country to forget ahead with its development aspirations.
"In Malawi, we promote coexistence and also establishment of different cultural heritages, each one of them celebrating their own culture as much as possible.
"We also place such activities as the government's annual calendar and we encourage these cultural heritages to be inviting other heritages to events so that they can participate in these cultural activities," he said.
Mazibuko added that Umodzi Day which was established two years ago brings together all ethnic groups where they celebrate and appreciate each other's culture so that together they can protect and preserve what is Malawian.
The ceremony was funded and supported by CHEFO under the leadership of Supreme Chewa King, Kalonga Gawaundi.
