By Rose Cross Mahorya and George Bulombola

Mzuzu, January 28, Mana:  Senior Chief Mpherembe of Mzimba District has applauded government for increasing access to farm inputs through the provision of farm inputs, especially fertilizer, on loan which is provided by National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to smallholder farmers across the country.

Speaking Monday during a distribution exercise of 400 bags of fertilizer worth K42.2 million at his headquarters, Senior Chief Mpherembe said the agriculture loan facility has inspired households in his area to venture into large scale farming.

He said that the initiative will go a long way in averting food insecurity hence enhancing development in rural areas.

“Previously, most households were doing their farming on small parcels of land because they could not afford to buy fertilizer. Now, we are seeing more people expanding their farming areas because they have access to this loan.

 “We are therefore optimistic that with this intervention, food insecurity will be history in this area,” said Mpherembe.

He then advised those who have benefited from the facility to use the fertilizer prudently so that they realize bumper yield out of which they can sell the surplus to pay back the loan.

“May I ask NEEF to consider processing the loans in time so that people can get the inputs on time before rainy season approaches,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo, who presided over the ceremony, said government has put in place various strategies in ensuring food security.

“We are promoting Mega Farm initiative, we also have Agriculture Input Program and this one, through which smallholder farmers are provided with farm inputs on loan through NEEF,” said Chambo.

One of the clients who has benefited from the loan facility, Lisa Chasiya Mbewa, who got K12 million worth of fertilizer for her 24 hectares of maize farm land, said that access to agricultural inputs is hard in the area hence commended NEEF for taking the fertilizers to their door step.

 “By bringing the inputs to our area, they have cut down transport costs which we would have incurred if we were to get the fertilizer from elsewhere, such as Mzuzu and Rumphi as we do not have many agricultural dealers in our area,” said Mbewa.

NEEF Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Mdyetseni assured people in the area that NEEF will make sure that the loans are provide just before the commencement of farming season for maximum utilization of the inputs.

By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, January 28, Mana: It is a Friday night and Kasungu Town is pulsating with nocturnal life. The party mood has been activated and drinking joints are filled to capacity with patrons enjoying their night, emptying bottle by bottle.

At American Filling Station Bar, the dance floor is a busy arena as the drunken patrons – both males and females – surrender their bodies to the blasting sound.

A 16-year-old boy, covering his head with a cowboy hat and sunglasses, sneaks in, defying a signpost restricting under-aged children to enter the bar. The signpost reads: “Ana ochepela zaka 18 asalowe muno” or “persons under the age of 18 are not allowed in these premises”.

He is however quickly noticed and flashed out.

“We do not want children here under any circumstances. We are always alert and we easily identify them when they try to sneak in.

“They will never be successful. They are chased before they do anything inside here because we quickly identify them,” says Gift Rabson a bartender at the drinking joint.

He says the bar ensures at all times – day or night – that under-aged children do not patronize the premises.

“They try to sneak in to buy beers but they are not served. We actually flush them out. We are well aware that this is against the law and that we have a duty to protect children,” he says.

Section 74 of the Liquor Act criminalizes selling alcohol to persons below the age of 18.

At another famous spot, two young girls also unsuccessfully attempt to get into the bar in search of men.

As they try to enter, one of the sex workers hovering in the room notices them and blocks their way in before calling a guard who chases the girls away.

We followed the two girls to inquire about what they intended to do in the bar.

“We stay on our own and do not have any one to support us. So we visit bars searching for men. That is our easy means to surviving,” says one of the girls.

“I am 16 years; my friend is 15. We both live in a rented room. We have to pay rent, buy food and clothes. Where do we get the money?” she wonders.

The younger girl reveals that she resorted to go to the streets after her parents divorced, leaving her with her jobless mother who cannot meet her needs while the other one says she was chased after she refused to be forced into marriage.

“We know we should not be doing this because we are young, but what can we do in these circumstances?” they say.

The girls say life for them has been difficult because they are denied entry into most of the popular joints where they feel they can find better customers.

“Access to most of the bars is difficult because we are chased away. On a lucky day we meet the customers in the streets. But we could be making more money if we had easy access to drinking joints,” they say.

As an agricultural district, Kasungu is a busy agribusiness centre with high circulation of money throughout the year.

Alinafe Phiri of Ndife Amodzi Liquor Shop says besides being a crime, selling alcohol to minors is not good for the general behaviour in the societies.

He says bar owners and attendants must not relax chasing the minors away to protect the good image of the liquor business.

“It must not just be about fearing the law. It must also be about being responsible. We must be responsible enough ensuring that we don’t entertain minors in our premises,” Alinafe says.

A campaign by authorities in the district, in conjunction with owners of drinking joints, to protect children through restrictions in vulnerable places seems to be bearing fruits.

The campaign, which is largely about sensitization and awareness, has seen drinking places pasting messages warning children not to patronize their places. 

Child Protection Coordinator at Kasungu District Council Social Welfare Office, Sam Kamalonda, says the campaign involves various stakeholders including the police, bar owners, parents, pastors and the children themselves to make sure that minors are protected.

“We have intensified this campaign and made sure that every drinking joint has a sign post in front that it does not allow persons below the age of 18 to patronize the premises.

“We expect the bar owners not to sell liquor to children under whatever circumstance. So the efforts go beyond the signposts and so far, our assessment shows the efforts are bearing fruits,” Kamalonda says.

He says the campaign will help contain various cases of child abuse which are rampant in the district.

Kamalonda adds that allowing children in drinking joints exposes them to dangers such as defilement, trafficking and teenage pregnancies.

In 2024, Kasungu recorded 639 cases of sexual abuse against children of which 568 were against females and 71 against males.

According to the Social Welfare Office, the district also registered over 10,000 teenage pregnancies and at least 269 cases of physical abuse against children.

Child marriages were also high at 2,086, child neglect at 2,381 and at least 290 cases of child trafficking were recorded. 

“These statistics are worrying. We need to continue monitoring in all trading centres in the district and thus urge all that are selling alcohol to register their businesses for easy monitoring

“Parents on their part should not run away from responsibility. Some of these children that suffer in streets have their parents alive. Some children will resort to such dangerous routes because the parents are not there for them,” he says.

On his part, District Gender and Development Officer Humphrey Chawezi Longwe says his office has supported the campaign by raising awareness on gender-based violence, including child prostitution and early marriages.

“It is our duty to ensure that the girl child lives a comfortable life. That is why in collaboration with the Municipal Council, we have organized interface meetings with bar and guesthouse owners, market committee chairs and relevant stakeholders.

“These meetings aim at educating and cautioning them against child prostitution and allowing minors to access their premises. We managed to persuade bar owners to display signs at the entrances to restrict the minors from entering in there,” Longwe says.

Longwe adds that the campaign has shown some positive impact in the sense that it has created a spirit of accountability among bar owners and other stakeholders.

“Most bar owners actively ensure that minors do not access their premises. Additionally, outreach exercises organized by Civil Society Organizations, the Police and the Victim Support Unit have reinforced this effort.

“However, we require collective responsibility from all stakeholders and the community at large for us to be fully successful,” he says.

Longwe says his office has also been working towards enforcing child care, protection and justice, aligning efforts with national and district-level gender policies that aim at protecting minors and prevent exploitation.

Public Relations Officer for Kasungu Police, Joseph Kachikho, sends a reminder that selling alcohol to minors is punishable by the laws of Malawi, warning that the law enforcers will not hesitate to make arrests in cases of violation.

By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, January 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and the First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera, have arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to attend the M300 for Africa summit.

Upon arrival, the first couple was warmly welcomed by various dignitaries, including Zanzibar's Minister of Finance and Planning, Saada Mkuya, Malawi's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Andrew Kumwenda, and Malawi's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo.

The summit aims to reach 300 million people with energy in Africa by 2030, an initiative sponsored by the World Bank, African Development Bank, and other financial institutions.

The welcoming ceremony also drew government officials from both Malawi and Tanzania, as well as ordinary Tanzanians.

The M300 for Africa summit is a significant event, bringing together leaders from across the continent to discuss strategies for increasing access to energy.

Malawi is among the 11 countries in the pilot phase and is expected to benefit greatly from this initiative.

According to the information, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released, the Energy Summit will be held in Dar es Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania, on 27th and 28th January 2025.

The Summit will be convened by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank.

The statement further said the meeting will bring together 13 African Heads of State and other partners to advance Mission 300’s initiative to scale energy access and accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition under the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration that will be adopted by Heads of State attending the Summit.

During the high-level event, the President will preside over the signing of a US$300 million compact that the World Bank Board has recently approved for Malawi’s efforts to achieve universal energy and electricity access by 2030.

“So far, since taking office, President Chakwera has increased electricity access among Malawians from 9 to 25 percent, and the World Bank compact to be signed in Dar es Salaam is part of his plan to increase that further to 70 percent over the next few years and generate enough electricity to power the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy for creating wealth,” reads the statement in part.

The president is scheduled to return on Wednesday, 29th January 2025.

By Wellington Sibale

Neno, January 27, Mana: The much-anticipated FAM Cup was officially launched in Neno District on Sunday at the Neno Community Ground with a thrilling opening match between Neno United and Hungry Hunters that ended in a 1-all stalemate. 

The tournament features 14 teams divided into three zones: Ligowe Zone with four teams, Chikonde Zone with four teams, and Lisungwi Zone with six teams. Each zone will host matches every weekend as teams battle for district supremacy.

Speaking during the launch, Neno District Football Association (NDFA) General Secretary, Austin Kumwenda expressed satisfaction with the start of the tournament.

"For us, we are happy that the games here in Chikonde have started. The games already started in Lisungwi zone and they are in the second week of the FAM Cup, but here in Chikonde, this is our first week. In Ligowe, we are going to kick off the games this weekend," said Kumwenda.

He further emphasized the importance of community support, urging residents to attend the matches.

“The FAM Cup is being played in three zones, Lisungwi, Ligowe, and Chikonde, and people should expect games every weekend. We hope to have a successful season, free from violence and produce good players who can play for big teams and we appeal to the communities to patronize these games," Kumwenda said.

He said the stakes are high, with the district champion set to take home MK1 million in prize money and the runner-up will receive MK400,000, while the third-place team will get MK300,000.

Kumwenda expressed optimism about the competition's positive impact, adding that no violence has been recorded so far.

Despite a late start in Neno due to delayed communication and initial reluctance from some teams, Kumwenda is confident that the district will catch up with others already deep into the tournament.

He said with matches lined up every weekend across the three zones, the FAM Cup promises to deliver thrilling football action in Neno District while fostering talent and unity among the local communities.

By Lily Kampani

Lilongwe, January 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has emphasized that the government will seek to make energy more accessible in the country by increasing from 25 per cent to 75 per cent by 2030.

The President made the remarks in Lilongwe on Monday at the Kamuzu International Airport before he left for Tanzania to attend the Mission 300 Energy summit.

“The World Bank and the African Development Bank (ADB) have been real close friends in terms of helping us realize our energy goals.

“I am going to attend this meeting for us to kickstart this huge project concerning the whole continent including Malawi,” he said.

Chakwera added that he believes that issues of food security, jobs and wealth creation in line with agricultural productivity, urbanization and industrialization will be realized because of such projects.

“We need to realize that with all the vision that we have, energy is an enabler, therefore it needs to be readily available,” Chakwera emphasized.

The President will leave today the 27^th and return on the 29^th of January through Kamuzu International Airport at 09:40 am.

By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, January 26, Mana:  Traditional Authority (TA) Mgulumia-born Margret Askim Mlomba was laid to rest on Saturday before thousands of people including government officials, chiefs from surrounding districts, faith leaders and political leaders.

TA Mgulumia, 53, of the Yao tribe, passed away on January 25, 2025, at Likwenu Headquarters, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to her community since her installation on June 9, 2023.

During the eulogy, the secretary for National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture Dr. Elizabeth Gomani-Chindevu hailed the late Mgulumia for her exceptional leadership skills.

"She was a strong-minded and visionary woman who knew how to bring peace among her people,

“She was one of the strongest minds that Machinga District has lost. She was a hardworking and visionary woman worth being a chief,” she added.

The PS also acknowledged TA Mgulumia as the first female TA in Machinga, who defied traditional norms to excel in her duties.

“She was bold, courageous, and an inspiration to others. She could not consider her gender to fail her in carrying out her duties,

“We encourage the deceased’s family to choose the right person to fill the gap so that her good work should continue," she said.

Dr. Gomani-Chindevu therefore encouraged the deceased's family to choose the right person to fill the gap left by TA Mgulumia.

Yao Paramount Chief Kawinga praised the Mgulumia for her selfless service to the community, saying she always put her subjects first in development issues.

“TA Mgulumia served us for a short period, but her contributions to the chieftaincy have been very fruitful. She used to put others first, and we will remember her for that,” he added while encouraging the deceased's family to remain united as it mourned Mgulumia

Machinga District Council chairperson, Simplex Diwa, also paid tribute to TA Mgulumia, describing her as a champion of development who will be deeply missed.

“We are saddened by the loss of TA Mgulumia, who was a champion of development in our district. She had innovative ideas and was always on point when it came to development issues," Diwa added

Diwa said Mgulumia's death left a big gap in the district's traditional leadership, and he expressed hope that the loyal family will choose a perfect replacement to continue with good work.

“I hope there will be peace and unity in the loyal family during the mourning period of our lovely TA. Let us support each other during this difficult time,” he added.

Chiefs from Balaka, Zomba, Mangochi, and other districts attended the funeral of Mgulumia.

TA Mgulumia is survived by four children and two grandchildren.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, January 26, Mana: Communities in the area of Senior Chief Mlumbe in Zomba District have commended government for implementing a land reforms programme, which among other things promotes the registration of Customary Land.

The communities made the remarks Saturday at Chilipa primary school in the area of senior chief Mulumbe where the Ministry of Lands issued certificates of customary estate to land owners and smallholder farmers.

Paul Mweta, a beneficiary who hails from Matanga Two in Masula Village, expressed his excitement saying that the certificate he received provides a sense of ownership over his land, which is likely to resolve land-related issues such as encroachment.

"I can now identify boundaries of my land, this development will reduce the problems related to land that people in our area have been struggling with," Mweta said.

He added that initially, he did not understand the programme well thinking that the government might grab his piece of land.

“At first, I was uncertain about registering my land, but when the Ministry of Lands conducted awareness meetings on the importance of registering Customary land, all the fears were not there and that encouraged me to register my land. This customary land was passed on to me by my parents, so I need to protect it, hence registering it,” he added.

Another beneficiary, Maria Maopa, from Masaula Village, said the certificate authenticates ownership of the land and that issues such as selling land to foreigners and inheritance disputes will be a thing of the past.

"As a farmer, I will be working on my piece of land freely without fearing that someone would come and grab my land away. This will enable me to use the land productively,” she said.

A member of Masaula Customary Land Committee Jafali Thombo remarked that the exercise has been impactful and significant, as it has allowed people in the area to have true ownership of their land.

He appealed government to expedite scaling up the land registration process to other areas stating that registered land gives people the confidence to work on it freely.

Senior Chief Mlumbe commended the government for implementing the land reform programme saying it has reduced land disputes, which chiefs have been grappling with for years in the area.

He therefore urged his subordinates to fully support the programme by exercising fairness when handling land issues.

He urged them to ensure that only indigenous Malawi should register customary land in their respective areas.

Commenting on the development, Anthony Mzima, Deputy Commissioner for Lands, stated that the initiative is crucial for effective land management and highlighted that it is a priority for the ministry to ensure that everyone registers their customary land across the country.

He indicated that the initiative began as a pilot project in Karonga, Kasungu, Phalombe, Chikwawa, and Nsanje districts.

Mzima further said the ministry is collaborating with the district land registry at the district council to ensure that all individuals who registered have received their certificates.

By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota January 26^, Mana: Nkhotakota District Council through its District Health Office over the weekend handed over Awonenji Building contractors to construct the much-awaited K267 Million Mwala Wa Tongole Health Centre at Group Village Man Makhanjera, Senior Chief Mphonde in Nkhotakota District.

Speaking during the handover, the Director of Health services for the district Dr Jacob Kafulafula said the facility is expected to improve the work of delivering quality health services in the district and help to reach people from hard-to-reach areas like the Mwalawatongole area.

"This infrastructure is very crucial for the community who have been travelling long distances to get medical services from Nkhotakota District hospital, so this facility will be beneficial to the community because they will be able to access health services at the nearest facility," said Kafulafula.

In his remarks, Chairperson for Nkhotakota District Council, Counsellor Charles Chimzukuzuku said the Heath Centre project is timely as the community will be able to access quality health services in time.

The project contractor, Awonenji has assured District Council officials and people in the area that they will construct a quality and long-lasting health centre that will conform to contract standards within 120 days as per agreement.

The council has also handed over a Market Shed to the community at Msenjere Trading Centre under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project with funding from the World Bank.

Senior Group Village Headman Aaron James Kahambe expressed his gratitude for the great market shed project saying vendors along the road will now be transferred to the market.