MANAonline
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.
AWOME donates to Mai Mbambande elderly home
BY Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, October 26, MANA: Association for Women in Media (AWOME) on Saturday, donated assorted food items and soap to Mai Mbambande Elderly Home in Lilongwe.
In her speech AWOME National Vice Chairperson, Lisa Malango, said the donation is part of the association’s initiatives to celebrate mothers during the month of October.
“As women in media, we felt it was important to donate these items to the elderly home, to help them in their daily needs,” she said
Malango applauded Mai Mbambande elderly home for taking care of the elderly people saying the elderly need to be valued, respected and cared for, by the society.
Mai Mbambande elderly Home Founder Deborah Mbale, thanked the association for the donation.
“We are going through difficult times financially and for the Association to bring us this support, we really appreciate,” said Mbale.
She called on well-wishers to donate to the elderly home, to ease some challenges they face.
One of the elderly people, Grace Kathelele appealed for more support towards the elderly bemoaning witchcraft accusations towards them saying they breed hate.
“Some of us who are at this elderly home would have been dead by now, because we were chased from our homes and accused of being witches,
Thanks to Mai Mbambande we now have shelter and we are able to eat, ” she added
The donation included cooking oil, sugar and soap.
Mai Mbambande Elderly Home located at Dzama Village in Traditional Authority Chitukula, supports 84 elderly men and women.
Increase in Wildlife crimes worry KK Wildlife reserve
By Maria Tembo
Ntchisi, October 26, Mana: Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve has expressed worry over wildlife crimes that are on the increase in Ntchisi.
Community Development Manager for Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, Timothy Maseko Chana, made the remarks on Friday during a sensitization campaign at Muuta Primary School Ground in the area of Senior Chief Nthondo in the district.
Chana said it is disheartening that wildlife crimes continue to rise regardless of different interventions to curb the malpractice.
He cited illegal charcoal burning where 44 sites were found in the game reserve of which 36 are from Ntchisi district representing 81 percent.
“The statistics show that Ntchisi is number one among Kasungu and Nkhotakota in terms of wildlife crimes and this is very worrisome. We are hoping that with the sensitization meetings we are conducting such cases will decrease,” he said.
Second Grade Magistrate Frederick Malovu advised people in the district to avoid engaging in such malpractices saying that once found the law will take its course.
“There are new penalties for wildlife crimes and as such, we are hoping that the district’s court will not be receiving many wildlife crime cases as stiffer sentences will be given to the offenders to serve as a warning to would-be offenders,” Malovu explained.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Nthondo said almost 500 hectares of Nkhotakota game reserve in the district have been destroyed through illegal charcoal burning and said he will continue working with Group Village Headmen surrounding the game reserve in order to continue sensitizing the general public as well as bringing to book perpetrators of wildlife crimes.
“We have seen that most of these people that are engaging in charcoal burning are not from Ntchisi but Lilongwe and we are only waiting for funding from African Parks and Nkhotakota Wildlife Association. Once everything is done we are going into the forest and arrest those that will be found there,” he said.
Ntchisi North East legislator Olipa Chimangeni thanked the organization and its partners for the sensitization campaign and asked her constituents to be at the forefront in reporting the perpetrators of the wildlife crimes.
Turning small plots into big wins: How Irrigation farming is empowering farmers in Chiradzulu
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, October 26, Mana: The adverse effects of climate change have had a far-reaching impact on smallholder farmers in Chiradzulu District.
Drought and erratic rainfall, coupled with traditional farming methods, have left many households who rely on rain fed agriculture food insure and in extreme poverty.
However, farmers utilizing various community irrigation schemes in the district are rewriting their future by utilizing natural water resources as a transformative tool.
Take Charles Mpunga, from Kachere Village under Senior Chief Mchema, who joined the 25-hectare Natama Irrigation Scheme in 2019. Today, his 0.5-hectare plot yields onions worth over MK850, 000 a year.
“I used to rely on rain fed farming and barely harvested anything," Mpunga says. "Now, I’ve built an iron-roofed house, bought a motorcycle, and can support my four children’s education, all because of irrigation.
“We grow maize, onion, pepper, eggplants and tomatoes, and last year we realized about K17 million from the sales of our produce but we were only 45 households who planted,” says Mpunga, adding that this year they expect the figure to rise as now 73 farmers are utilizing the scheme.
Another beneficiary, Ganet Kachingwe, from Kheleng'eza village the 44-hectare Chilusa Irrigation Scheme under Traditional Authority Kadewere shares a similar story such that in six months, Kachingwe earns MK2.1 million from his 0.8 hectare Okra farm.
“The rains are no longer reliable, but irrigation lets us grow our crop and harvest three times a year even when the rainy season fails,” he says.
Chiradzulu’s proximity to Blantyre offers an added advantage: a steady demand for fresh produce.
Thanks to the growing numbers of farmers at the scheme, he says, buyers come directly to the site, cutting down on transport costs and helping farmers make the most of their harvests.
Mpunga and Kachingwe's stories align well with Malawi Vision 2063, which emphasizes on agricultural productivity, commercialization, and sustainable development as key drivers of economic growth and prosperity.
The push toward irrigation is already paying off across the district, says Senior Chief Ntchema.
“Our farmers are seeing real change,” he notes, explaining how irrigation has transformed once-struggling smallholders into thriving growers who can now feed their families and improve their homes.
However, he emphasizes that even more households could benefit by expanding the total land under irrigation.
Chiradzulu has untapped potential in land and water resources for irrigation development, with many areas still available for expansion.
Approximately 4,500 hectares are considered suitable for irrigation, yet only 695 hectares have been developed so far, representing a small fraction of what is possible.
This gap underscores significant opportunities for scaling up irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen food security, and improve livelihoods for Chiradzulu’s farmers.
Supporting this shift is Chiradzulu District Council Irrigation Engineer Julia Nyembeze Qoto, who oversees 164 irrigation sites benefiting 4,895 farmers out of which 2,590 are men and 2,305 women.
“These projects bolster food security by supplying about five percent of the district’s food. Irrigation has helped many farmers bounce back from drought and flood shocks.
And with more investment, we could expand to 4,500 hectares, reaching even more farmers,” she explains
From solar-powered pumps to treadle systems and traditional watering cans, the district is promoting diverse irrigation technologies to accommodate farmers of all levels.
One ambitious project, the Nazombe Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Ntchema, is expected to cover 200 hectares, while a further 700-hectare expansion at Masamba Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Onga is planned, pending funding.
While farmers initially resisted the switch to irrigation, witnessing their neighbors' success has rapidly changed minds.
“When farmers see their peers thriving, they’re more eager to join in,” Qoto says, while commending Malawi Government and World Vision Malawi for being on the forefront in promoting irrigation farming in the district.
Currently, the district is addressing the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which damaged various irrigation schemes, leaving only 390.11 hectares usable.
Franco Kaliya, Chairperson of the Chiradzulu District Council Agriculture Service Committee, says the council is working with partners to repair these systems.
“Irrigation is the future here. It is the only way for many farming households to overcome drought and become self-reliant.” he says
Kaliya encourages farmers to embrace irrigation farming, as it offers not only food security but a steady income.
He says with irrigation farming reshaping lives across Chiradzulu, local farmers are turning their small plots into engines of growth, proving that even limited land can yield boundless opportunities.
This mirrors SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting year-round agricultural productivity that provides stable incomes and reduces poverty.
“When farmers can support their families, send their kids to school, and invest in essentials like livestock or home improvements, they create a cycle of prosperity,” he explains.
Athletics Malawi challenges parents in Balaka to nurture kids
By Albert Mulizakamba
Balaka, October 26, Mana: Balaka Stadium on Friday was abuzz with excitement as Athletics Malawi in collaboration with Balaka District Sports Office hosted a Kids athletics challenge as a way of uncovering their potential in sports activities.
Eleven primary schools from the district participated in the event giving chance for kids to feature a variety of sporting activities including the kids’ triple jump.
Ngwangwa Primary School emerged victorious, followed by Zammimba Primary School in second place and Balaka Primary School was recognized for their fair play allowing it to receive an additional prize of 100 notebooks, pencils and other school materials for their participation.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Balaka District Sports Officer, Moses Chimbetete expressed his satisfaction with the event.
“We have seen the potential that kids in Balaka have, so we needed to start from the scratch with the class one and that is the first step,” he said.
Chimbetete, therefore, urged parents to change their mindset and take children's sports seriously, emphasizing that some children may pursue sports as a career in the future.
He added: "We have noted some challenges such as limited school participation due to mobility issues, with some schools located far from the venue."
On his part, Athletics Malawi President, Kondwani Chamwala stressed the significance of choosing Balaka District for the event.
He noted that many athletes in Malawi come from Balaka despite the area’s hot climate.
"Our main focus was on developing children’s skills at a young age to understand their movements and jumps," he said.
The event was sponsored by Old Mutual and it was part of a broader initiative that has also been conducted in the Northern region with an aim of nurturing young athletic talent across the country.
Established organic waste management and processing systems key to sustainable soil health
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, October 25, Mana: Tamala Mataka, Project coordinator for Promoting Organic Systems of Soil Improvement to Build a Lasting Economy (POSSIBLE) project has appealed for organic fertilizer inclusion in the Agriculture Inputs Program (AIP) for the country’s enhanced agriculture sustainability and food security.
Mataka made the remarks on Friday during her visit at Chitedze, Chimamba Villlage in Lilongwe to appreciate soil intervention initiatives emphasizing the need for increased implementation of soil composition practices at Pfumvudza Plot and other manure concentration sites in the area.
In her brief, Mataka highlighted that through the intervention Malawi can address declining soil fertility noting that Malawi has reached a tipping point where soil organic matter is below a minimum threshold for supporting crop productivity.
Furthermore, Mataka also appealed for enhanced collaboration to ensure there are established waste management systems from city councils specifically Lilongwe and Blantyre noting that mismanagement of waste has led into increased food scarcity and increased waste generation rates largely contributing to pollution and GHG emission making Malawi vulnerable to food insecurity.
“You might wish to agree with me that almost 80 percent of the waste which is generated in the urban cities is organic, so the project took advantage of that to make sure that we are turning these organic matters into compost that can be used for crop productivity but also to restore soil health in Malawi,” she said.
Kolinto Sadoni, Manager of Gospel to All Farmers group applauded Waste Advisers for the provision of lesson and training on soil organic matter restoration and west-to-compost systems interventions further appealing for shift of mind to embrace the use of organic fertilizers if the country considers maintaining soil health and plant nutrition.
“I think government should intervene to bring awareness to our farmers of the importance of manure because most of the people living in Malawi are farmers and promote small organizations that are working to promote soil health and plant nutrition,” said Sadoni.
POSSIBLE project is being implemented by Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (CEPA), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) with Waste Advisers as project implementation partner with finance from European Union, among others 1,000 smallholder farmers from Lilongwe and Blantyre are directly benefiting from the project.
