MANAonline
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.
Ungweru organization clocks two decades of its existence
By Martin Mailosi
Mzuzu, November 8, Mana: Ungweru which is charitable non-governmental organization based in Mzuzu City, on Friday celebrated its two decades of its existence in working with various sectors of people.
According to Praise Kajogolo-17, a resident of Mzuzu City, he has acquired computer skills and data analysis through trainings which are offered by the organization.
“The organization has also changed our mindset towards entrepreneurship and enhanced our analytical reasoning in finding solutions to challenges affecting our businesses and communities.
We have also attained effective communication skills and how we can protect ourselves from falling victims to scammers in this error where almost everything is going digital,” said Kajogolo.
Kettie Phiri-16 who also lives in Mzuzu, commended Ungweru organization for drilling young people in various areas such as Information Communication Technology (ICT) tailoring and designing, business management among others.
According to the Director of Ungweru Organization, Sam Phiri, the institution has branches in Mzimba through which it engages young people in initiatives geared at improving their livelihoods, environmental protection and enhancing community resilience to climate change shocks.
“Our interventions are tailor made to suit youth empowerment approaches in various fields and I am pleased to say about 15,000 young people have graduated and awarded certificates in different fields since the establishment of this institution twenty years ago,” said Phiri.
During the day, the institution’s workers and students conducted a cleanup exercise around the surrounding of the organization’s campus area to motivate people to participate in the promotion of sanitation and hygiene in their areas.
The organization has this year awarded certificates in ICT to 70 students.
Engineer Mumba urges youth to be interested in affairs of the country
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, November 9, Mana: Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba has urged young people across the country to be interested in the affairs of the country.
Mumba was speaking on Friday in Mzuzu during the signing ceremony of a three year-MK45 million sponsorship of Northern Zone Basketball League which he has financed to promote Volleyball in the northern region and the country as a whole.
Taking advantage of the ceremony, Engineer Mumba said that the youth do not take pride in the affairs of the country, hence due to lack of such an interest leads them to embark on undesirable behaviors.
“Young people are supposed to be innovative, must come up with innovative ideas which can be refined in consultation with other stakeholders for financing. This can in a long run make youths economically active.
I have a passion for volleyball hence raising the sponsorship from MKl5 Million to MK45 million and besides this, I support this drive as also a platform through which various stakeholders can be engaging the youth on different issues for the country’s development,” said Mumba.
To ensure that the volleyball teams are provided with conducive playing environment for the game, Mumba urged authorities in volleyball arena and others to identify land for construction of volleyball court in Mzuzu.
“I am going to pay for the land and construct the court in partnership with other stakeholders so that, together we contribute to the development of the sport in the region and the country as a whole,” said Mumba.
General Secretary for Basket Ball Association of Malawi, Peter Gomani, commended Mumba for the sponsorship which he will contribute to unlocking of hidden volleyball talent, hence enhancing development and populace of the sport.
“We don’t take this for granted We therefore assure Engineer Mumba that we will be accountable and encourage reporting at every level to safeguard what you have given us,” said Gomani.
Silver Strikers face Nyasa Big Bullets in Airtel Top 8 final
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, 9th November, Mana: The stage is set at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe as Silver Strikers take on Nyasa Big Bullets today in the highly anticipated Airtel Top 8 Cup final.
This marks the second time the two teams have faced each other in the final of this tournament. Last year, Silver Strikers were defeated by Nyasa Big Bullets in a penalty shootout, with Bullets claiming the title.
Will Nyasa Big Bullets successfully defend their title as reigning champions? 90 minutes of play will determine who appears as the winner of the 2024 Airtel Top 8 Cup.
Digital skills training key to unlocking future innovators and entrepreneurs
BY Paul Madise
Lilongwe November 09, Mana: Manager of Hello School Program at Malawi University of Business and Applies Sciences (MUBAS) Innovation Hub, Tamara Chitawo says Hello School Programs remains focused on developing a digital literate and skilled workforce, a critical aspect of achieving sustainable economic development.
Chitawo told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday 7th following the successful graduation of children in the fifth cohort of the Hello Tomorrow Innovation Hub stipulating that by equipping kids between the ages of 6 and 17 with programming skills is directly contributing to the country’s aspirations of becoming a technologically advanced nation.
She further articulated that empowering young learners to engage with stem education from an early age will enhance their problem solving abilities preparing them for the digital future.
“By proving foundational coding and programming skills, we are helping to create a pool of future innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in technology-paving the way for a digital-driven economic growth across the country,” she said.
Chitawo also disclosed that since the inception of the Hello Tomorrow program, close to 200 kids have graduated with skills in various fields including, web development, and basic digital skills.
According to Tamara Chitawo, a number of strategies have been put in place to ensure Hello Tomorrow programmes are more accessible underscoring outreach initiatives to rural areas to ensure that children in remote areas also benefit from the programmes further increasing the collaboration with organizations that provides funding for underprivileged background kids to actively participate.
“Currently, we are also working with schools, local communities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness of the program and create pathways for children who might otherwise not have access to these opportunities,” she said.
“Hello Tomorrow program is not about teaching technical skills, but it is also about inspiring young minds to dream big and pursue careers in fields they may not have otherwise considered. Our long-term vision is to help create a generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can tackle challenges in various sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. We are committed to continuing our efforts and partnerships to make sure that no child is left behind when it comes to gaining the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century,” explained Chitawo.
However, Chitawo acknowledged infrastructure constraints resulting in limited number of student accessing Hello Tomorrow programs and inadequate funding to facilitate the expansion of the program as other challenges facing the implementation of the initiative.
Previously during the closing programme of the third cohort at MUBAS, Chisomo Sambakunsi one of the parents acknowledged that through the programme children have learnt programming skills as well as developing other capabilities.
Apart from the Hello Tomorrow Program, the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences Innovation Hub also offers Digital Skills training designed for both professionals and youths, emphasizing proficiency in Microsoft Office Packages and Data Management aiming at enhancing productivity, improve data handling capabilities, and equip participants with essential digital competencies required in today's technology-driven world.
Society of Anesthesiologists to hold fundraising dinner and dance
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, November 9, Mana: Society of Anesthesiologists (SOA) Malawi will host a dinner and dance at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on November 15 to raise about MK110 million for 2024 College of Anesthesiologists East, Central and Southern Africa (CANESCA) Annual Regional Conference to be held in Blantyre from December 4 to 6.
The 2nd Annual Regional Scientific Conference will take place at Sunbird Hotel, Blantyre, Malawi, under the theme; Strengthening Anaesthesia Education, Workforce and Well-Being in Africa.
SOA President, Dr. Delia Mabedi told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday that the annual regional conference is aimed at advancing anaesthesia, perioperative care, pain management, and intensive care in East, Central, and Southern Africa.
She therefore appealed to all stakeholders as well as corporate institutions to attend the fundraising dinner and dance and encouraged them to donate any amount towards the December international conference.
“Our budget is quite a lot, about MK110 million, so we need to raise anything towards the budget. We are doing it to fundraise for the conference that we are having from 4 to 6, December. From a range of our activities, we will have examinations on December 4, graduation on December 5 in the morning and in the evening we will have the conference which will end on the December 6,” she added.
Some of the highlight of the fundraising dinner and dance, include a live performance by Armstrong Kalua who is popularly known as African Butter, Onesimus of the romantic hit ‘Controller’, which won Song of the Year Award in the Music Video Africa Awards (MVAA) 2024.
Mabedi who serve as Chief Anesthesiologist at Zomba Central Hospital, said that during the event, anesthesiologists will give a short glimpse of what they do to raise awareness of the profession.
“The SOA is a professional body that was formed to promote the welfare of anesthesiologists. We also train more anesthesiologists on the ground,” she added.
SOA has members in government hospitals, providing health care, promoting education to doctors and other professionals as well as ensuring that safe, high-quality anaesthesia services are available to all Malawians, according to Mabedi.
An anesthesiologist is a physician specializing in giving drugs or other agents to prevent or relieve pain during surgery or other procedures on top of having a wider range of practices that extend beyond anaesthesia for surgery to include pain management and intensive care.
Court finds former police officer a case to answer
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, November 8, Mana: Principal Resident Magistrate Court in Zomba has found former police officer Twalick Mpaweni with a case to answer on two counts namely; having sexual intercourse with a minor and aiding a suspect to escape from lawful police custody at Kachulu Police Post in Zomba.
Principal Resident Magistrate, Martin Chipofya made the determination on Friday after the state paraded over 12 witnesses against Mpaweni who until the offence was stationed at Kachulu as police sergeant.
Vitumbiko Mbizi from Women Lawyers Association (WLA who) represented the girl expressed satisfaction with the court's determination, saying justice is on its way.
Mpaweni is being accused of having sexual intercourse with a girl aged 14 and aiding the minor to escape from lawful police custody
Principal Legal Aid Advocate, Hanleck Ching’anda who represented the accused said the courts' decision was anticipated but said will fight on.
“We will parade three witnesses and we are certain that these will punch holes in evidence provided by the state,” he added.
Sergeant Mpaweni was arrested for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a minor at Kachulu in August 2023.
The court heard that Mpaweni had sexual intercourse with a minor in exchange of freedom after the latter was booked for theft.
The court further heard that after having sex with the minor, Mpaweni provided a police flag to the girl for warmth after the midnight release from the cell.
The Principal Magistrate Court set November 27 for the defense to parade its witnesses.
PWP participants gear up for forest replenishment in Mchinji
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, November 8, Mana: As part of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP), micro-catchments in Mchinji district have set up tree nurseries to support afforestation activities during the current season in the district.
With the seasonality calendar pointing to afforestation activities in the implementation of the programme, participants are establishing the tree nurseries after previously working on soil and water conservation interventions.
One of the forepersons from Puye Catchment in Traditional Authority Matuwamba, Emmanuel Sandikonda, said that they have established tree nurseries in readiness for afforestation interventions during the rainy season.
“In the nurseries, we are raising tree seedlings that we want to plant during the rainy season to help recover forest cover and reduce water runoff in the area,” said Sandikonda.
At Mwimbi catchment in T/A Simphasi, the chairperson of the management committee, Benson Geresomo, said the community came together to establish a tree nursery so that they should have enough seedlings for planting as the rains start.
“As a community contribution in the implementation of the programme, we spared our time to establish the nurseries and raise more seedlings so that we plant the trees on a large area of land, since most of the land here is bare,” said Geresomo.
District Forest Officer for Mchinji, Fortune Mwafulirwa, said she was impressed with how the programme participants have prepared for the next phase of continuous implementation.
Mwafulirwa said the preparations are going on well, as evidenced by the presence of forest nurseries in all the micro catchments across the district.
“My advice to all participants is to continue caring for their nurseries by following all the silviculture operations, and advice given to them by forestry extension workers in their respective micro catchments,
“The communities should also focus on caring for natural regenerating trees. They should also formulate bylaws and forest management plans for proper management of their respective woodlots and trees that will be planted,” said Mwafulirwa.
Some of the local species that are being raised include Nsangu, Ntangatanga, M’bawa, and Mthethe
Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP –Tidzidalire) supported by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
NRB ready with second phase of MEC voter registration
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, November 8, Mana: The National Registration Bureau (NRB) says it is ready to register and provide proof of identification through National Identity Cards to all citizens during the second phase of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) registration exercise.
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Homeland Security, Mphatso Sambo said this during a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Friday.
He said citizens who do not posses’ National IDs should register in all centres for easy registration in preparation for the upcoming general elections.
“NRB is encouraging all citizens who are above 16 years to register in all centres allocated and also all those above 18 years are eligible to register with the Malawi Electoral Commission in order to vote in the 2025 general elections.
“All those who have lost their ID cards or have not yet received them will be directed to NRB desks for assistance before registering to MEC in all centres,”Sambo explained.
He also noted that in the first phase of voter registration, those who had lost their cards were successfully verified for registration.
However, he cautioned Malawians against attempting to re-register at MEC centres, as this could disrupt and delay the identification process.
“Citizens should note that only those above 18 who are already registered with NRB are the ones eligible to register for voting and all those already registered under MEC are discouraged to re-register to avoid distracting and delaying the identification process.
“NRB is present at all MEC registration centres to assist citizens with the processes," he said.
