MANAonline
Bishop Mtumbuka advises chiefs to have well defined succession plans
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, November 18, Mana: Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Catholic Diocese of Karonga has urged traditional leaders in the district to have well defined and clear succession plans to avoid chieftaincy wrangles.
The bishop made these remarks during the presentation of a MK4 million 2024 Bishop Peace Trophy to the winners.
The competition featured 35 football clubs, with Chicago FC clinching the trophy after defeating Mlamba FC 1–0 in the finals on Sunday.
“Chiefs are often the root cause of chieftaincy wrangles especially when one is on the throne in an acting capacity and refuses to step down when the rightful heir to the throne is identified.
“This must be avoided. We should do away with the practice of appointing acting chiefs altogether to avoid such wrangles,” said Mtumbuka.
He further urged people in the district to refrain from engaging in political violence as the country is heading towards 2025 General Elections.
“Karonga has been consistently ranked high in political violence. Do not let politicians exploit you as most of them do not even know your names or where you live. When you get injured, you suffer alone,” he said.
Then the bishop said that he was satisfied with how the competition had fostered peace in the district.
“This motivated me to increase next year’s trophy value from MK4 million to MK20 million so that the trophy reaches more youths,” said Mtumbuka.
Paramount Chief Kyungu commended Mtumbuka’s efforts, urging him to continue promoting peace and unity in the district
“Our gathering today is a testimony that peace and unity need to prevail in the district and the country as a whole.
Parents have the duty to instil values of peace, respect, and unity in children from tender age so that these values become part of them as they grow,” said Kyungu.
He also urged people in the district to embrace their culture as their root of identification and refrain stop associating old age with witchcraft and instead love and protect the elderly.
TNM super league matches continues this Wednesday
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, November 18, Mana: The TNM Super league is heating up with excitement matches this coming Wednesday as league leaders Silver Strikers are set to take on Mafco FC at Civo Stadium, while Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who are currently second on the log table will play against Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu stadium.
Silver strikers will be looking to maintain their top spot, but Mafco FC will undoubtedly provide a tough challenge as they are also looking to finish at a good position in the league, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will be seeking to close the gap with the leaders and cement their position in second place.
On the same Baka city who are already relegated in the league will play against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium, while Fomo who are also in relegation zone will play against Creck Sporting Club at Mulanje stadium.
The matches are expected to be highly competitive, since all teams are looking forward to secure all the points by the end of the games.
Neno CS-EPWP applaud environmental and economic benefits
By Salome Gangire
Neno, November 18, Mana: Participants in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Neno District have described the initiative as transformative, bringing positive change both to the environment and their financial status.
The project funded by Malawi Government through the World Bank and by the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) programme aims at mitigating climate change effects while boosting local livelihoods, has had tangible impact in communities heavily reliant on subsistence farming.
A participant from Mtungamowa Catchment in the area of Traditional Authority Mlauli, Wyson Ndapita expressed gratitude for the dual benefits of the programme.
Mtungamowa said the programme has introduced an alternative, offering participants a reliable income source while simultaneously promoting environmental stewardship.
“This project has brought hope to many of us. In the past, we only depended on our small farms which barely produced enough food for our families,” he said.
Ndapita said with the income realized from participating in the programme, they afford other basic necessities they couldn’t before.
He said the work has helped them foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
“We are beginning to see that our survival is connected to how well we care for nature. Our children are also learning from this and I hope this project will continue so we can build a better future,” he said.
Another participant from Chapita Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mlauli, Lonely Boti resonated similar sentiments, noting how the initiative has reduced poverty while restoring degraded landscapes.
“Through this project, we are not just earning money; we are contributing to conserving the environment which is our lifeline. The reforestation and soil conservation activities have revived barren lands around here and we hope to see even better results in the coming years,” she said.
Boti said through the money they receive after working under the project, women are now economically empowered as they have ventured into village savings and loans groups, while others have started small businesses which help them support their families.
CS-EPWP Project Facilitator for Neno, Chrissy Kamanga said the programme has produced good economic results apart from communities’ adoption of sustainable catchment management as well as improving livelihood of the participants.
Kamanga said participants work for 30 paid days and 10 days for community contribution; thereby, receiving K48, 000 after a cycle.
“The programme is empowering participants economically through wages they receive to buy food and other basic necessities,” said Kamanga.
The programme involves participants in a range of activities including promoting natural regeneration, tree planting, constructing soil and water conservation structures like swales and stone bunds in attempt to curb soil erosion, enhance water retention and promote biodiversity, all crucial for communities facing erratic weather patterns and soil depletion.
The CS-EPWP is a component under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP), a Malawi Government project funded by the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank and is being facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee in all the 28 district councils.
Chakwera for good tobacco prices
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, November 18, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Monday said his government will identify more leaf buyers to ensure there are competitive prices that can benefit farmers, in the 2024/2025 market season.
Chakwera said this on Monday when touring the eastern side of Kasungu district on a whistle- stop tour that will take him to six trading centers in five Traditional Authorities of Kasungu district.
At his first stop at Gogode in Kasungu Central Constituency, the President said the 2024/2025 market season will be another good year for tobacco farmers regarding prices.
"As you saw this year the prices for tobacco were good. This coming season, we want to build on that and have better prices," He said.
The President said, while other things may look happening at a slow pace due to the various natural disasters that struck the country, Malawians must not despair but continue working hard.
"For the four years I have been president, we have experienced disasters every year including drought.
"However, let us not give up, until we overcome the challenges and have households that are independent," He said.
Chakwera added that, government will ensure that more people including the youths access loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund as capital to start various life changing ventures.
While thanking the President for the various development initiatives, including the M1 Road rehabilitation, Member of Parliament for the area, Ken Kandodo, said there is need for farmers to access fertilizer under the Agriculture Inputs Programme (AIP) in good time.
Kasungu is largely an agricultural district , but last season the El Nino weather phenomenon, heavily affected produce, leaving over 40 000 households on the line of hunger.
Government has since started distributing maize and at least 43 208 families are expected to receive 150 kilograms each.
The Flames to finish with Burkina Faso at home today
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 18, Mana: The Malawi National Football Team is set to take on Burkina Faso today at Bingu National Stadium in their final Group L match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Malawi heads into this game following a goalless draw against Burundi in Ivory Coast.
Unfortunately, today’s match will not have much impact on Malawi’s standing, as they currently sit at the bottom of the group with just one point from five matches.
Group leaders, Senegal, have secured 13 points, followed by Burkina Faso with 10 points.
Burundi holds the third spot with 4 points, leaving Malawi out of contest for qualification.
Despite this, the Flames will be looking to end their campaign on a high note in front of their home fans.
CASM conference inspires students to blend faith and education
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, November 18, Mana: Christos Ambassadors Students Ministries (CASM), a branch of Christos Ambassadors Ministries International (CAMI), hosted a conference at Malawi College of Accountancy (Blantyre Campus) over the weekend aimed at enhancing the spiritual and academic lives of university and college students.
Speaking at the conference, Founder of CAMI, Kennie Mulinde emphasized the importance of involving God in every aspect of life, as the future, though unseen, can be shaped through faith.
“Our future is entrusted to God and can only be navigated by the Holy Spirit through the gospel. The destiny of your life has already been planned by God,” he said.
Mulinde discouraged the tendency to blame misfortunes on one’s background or country of origin, reminding attendees that being born in Malawi is not a mistake but an opportunity to be fruitful.
He also encouraged students to engage in self-reflection and not let others define their self-worth.
“Develop a habit of looking in the mirror and telling yourself positive words that build confidence and positivity in your life. Self-affirmations shape how you see yourself and influence how others perceive you,” Mulinde said.
Mulinde outlined the challenges he faced when starting his ministry during his college years, including facing ridicule and mockery from fellow students.
“I have faced the worst mockery than I expected, but I have learned not to argue with people who have no contribution to my future,” he stated.
Tickson Kondowe, a Malawi College of Accountancy alumnus and a member of CAMI, urged students to take responsibility for shaping their lives and not remain stuck in unfavorable situations.
“Do not rely on complaints alone when things go wrong. As students, you must explore different ways to achieve your goals,” he said.
Kondowe also advised students to be content with what they have and use it as motivation to strive for greater achievements.
“Dedicate yourself to the small things you have; big accomplishments often originate from humble beginnings. Learn to value what you have,” he added.
He, however, encouraged students to acquire additional skills to supplement their education and to surround themselves with a positive and supportive social circle.
During the conference, it was announced that next year’s event will be held at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) with the specific date to be advised later.
The conference was attended by alumni and students from various universities and colleges around Blantyre.
Law enforcers warned against breaking traffic rules
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, November 17, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara has warned enforcers of traffic rules and regulations to stop being soft to those that fail to comply with laws on the roads of Malawi.
Speaking at Gymkhana ground in Zomba on Sunday during the commemoration of Africa Road Safety Day, Hara expressed concern over the behavior of some law enforcers.
"Why giving someone GR (General Receipt) and allow them to commit multiple crimes on the road at the expense of people's lives. This has to end forthwith," said the minister as he also took a swipe at political parties that use lorry trucks to ferry supporters to various destinations, saying the law is clear on illegality of mode of transportation.
The minister said political parties need to start using busses as opposed to ferrying their supporters on lorries.
"If you are a real political party, buy buses for your supporters. Don't expose them to life threatening situations if you care for them. The police will start arresting all drivers transporting people in open vehicles," he added.
The minister underscored government’s commitment to meeting Malawi 2063, to reduce fatal accidents by 50 percent, come 2030.
Mayor for Zomba City, Councilor Christopher Jana lamented lack of seriousness in enforcing the law on the roads of Malawi.
"The operators are overloading, using unworthy vehicles and other shortcuts to beat the law, to satisfy the employer," Jana noted.
The Director of Road Traffic and Safety Services, Andrew Sandula said that if all stakeholders join hands, accidents could be reduced to minimal levels.
50 percent of the country's accidents are caused by kabaza operators, according to the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services.
The African Road Safety Day, was commemorated under the Theme: Voluntary compliance with road traffic rules saves lives, non-compliance is fatal.
The minister earlier visited accident patients at Zomba Central Hospital and participated in a big walk within the City of Zomba.
Blantyre District Council awards best performing teachers
By Abel Ikiloni
Blantyre, November 17, Mana: Blantyre District Council has awarded teachers from zones in rural areas for producing good results in the 2023/2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education Examinations (PSLCE).
District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko, presided over the award ceremony to schools from Blantyre rural zones where 24 of them registered a 100 percent pass rate.
On position one is Nansengwe Primary School and Chigodi 2 Primary School and the best zone is Madziabango and best zone on national and district secondary school selection is Lunzu Zone.
Each of the best performing school and zone went away with K150,000 cash prize.
In his remarks, Mdooko expressed gratitude to Standard Bank and United Civil Servants Saving and Credit Cooperative for the financial support towards the activity.
Mdooko said the event is a testament to the fact that education remains the pillar of the country’s development.
He commended the district education office for championing the cause, adding that such efforts will never go unnoticed.
“You have been instrumental in shaping the future of our children, guiding them to achieve the PSLCE,” he said.
He observed that people had gathered to celebrate the success which had been achieved amid challenges, noting that the achievements had proved that education remains key to unlocking opportunities in life.
Mdooko advised teachers to continue working hard and avoid being complacent, saying “It is essential that we support our teachers with resources and further training to motivate them to do more.”
Blantyre District Education Information Systems Officer, Elson Edwin Kamanje, in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), said the day was set aside to celebrate success registered in the 2023/2024 PLSCE.
“Overall, 7218 learners sat for the exams out of whom 6205 passed representing 85.97 percent. Out of 3416 male candidates who sat for the exams, 3069 passed representing 90 percent pass rate while 3802 female candidates wrote the exams with 3136 passing representing 82 percent pass rate,” he said.
According to Kamanje, out of 175 examination centres, 100 scored 86 percent and above on national/district average and out of 88 centres, 29 scored 100 percent and out of 29 centres 24 are public schools and five are private schools.
Kamanje said for the special needs education candidates, out of 71 who sat for exams, 36 passed representing 51 percent pass rate.
Kamanje expressed worry that over 156 learners did not sit for the exams presenting such reasons ranging from flimsy to early pregnancies as well as early marriages.
“This year, we want to engage communities so that we can minimize challenges experienced last year,” he said.
The best Primary Education Advisor (PEA) for Madziabango Zone, Robert Bonya, expressed happiness for maintaining first position for three consecutive years, attributing the achievement to effective communication existing among teachers and communities in the zone.
Bonya pledged to continue working towards increasing the number learners selected to boarding secondary schools.
In a separate interview PEA for Lunzu, Loveness Pendame, whose zone was recognized for its feat of sending more learners to district and national secondary schools disclosed that they conduct regular continuous assessments besides not resting after learners have sat for the PLSCE.
CHEFO demands apology
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Chairperson for Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) has described remarks made by President for the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD, Enoch Chihana, as said and disrespectful to the Chewa culture.
Chihana on November 13, 2024 held a press briefing where he said the use of Smartmatic machine by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will be used ku dambwe.
CHEFO Chairperson, Stanley Khayila, said during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Saturday that the remarks are provocative and insensitive and has no respect for the Chewa culture.
"The apology we are looking for is not a difficult one. He made these remarks with different media houses and we expect him to go to the same media houses and tell Malawians that what he said is wrong and he should assure us that he will not say that again,” said Khayila.
Senior Chief Chadza said they are very concerned with the remarks made by Chihana saying they disrespectful and that also shows that he has no respect for the Chewas.
"As CHEFO leaders and all chiefs in Malawi we wish to reiterate commitment to preserve, protect and promote our culture. The Chewas will continue living peacefully and in harmony with all other tribes and ethnic groups in Malawi,” he said.
Malawi ratifies the agreement for the establishment of ARC
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Malawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Kester Kaphaizi, has reaffirmed Malawi's commitment to the objectives of the African Risk Capacity (ARC), emphasising that these initiatives offer solutions to challenges faced by Malawians.
Kaphaizi made the remarks during the official ratification of Malawi's ARC membership by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He highlighted the benefits of ARC's drought insurance policies, which support government efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity as Malawi contends with adverse weather conditions.
Professor Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union, along with representatives from ARC, commended Malawi government for its decision to ratify the agreement.
He also commended Malawi's active participation in ARC programs since their inception in 2012, noting that this ratification signifies a deeper collaboration between Malawi and ARC.
ARC is a specialized agency of the AU aimed at assisting AU member states in enhancing their capacity for planning, preparation and response to extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The goal is to achieve these aims in a timely, cost-effective and transparent manner, thereby protecting and improving food security of vulnerable populations.
Since 2015, Malawi has received a total of US$40 million in drought insurance payouts from ARC due to adverse weather conditions affecting agricultural growing seasons.
The most recent payout, amounting to US $11.2 million, was presented to the Government of Malawi through President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in August 2024
