MANAonline
We will continue protecting people with albinism- Kabwira
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, October 26, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Publicity Secretary Dr Jessie Kabwila says President Chakwera-led administration will continue to provide a conducive living environment for people with albinism so that they can enjoy a full life just like anyone else.
Kabwira said this on Friday at Malanga Village, Traditional Authority Masula in Lilongwe, where she went to inspect a house built for Siyana Kamuntengo and Linly Latasoni, two sisters with albinism.
She said as one way of protecting people with albinism in the country, the MCP-led government will continue constructing houses so that people with albinism can be protected.
“In Lilongwe alone, government has constructed 11 houses and nationally, we have completed 57 houses for people with albinism. I have to put it on record that previously people with albinism were being killed but with the coming of President Chakwera security has been tight and the tendency has stopped.
“Some of the reasons is that people with albinism are living in secured houses and government will continue providing security because the current administration believes in inclusivity and it is due to such deliveries that next year people will still vote for MCP,” she said.
Kabwila said the houses are being built to enhance the security of people with albinism against attacks adding many homes in the villages are not strong or secure enough, making it easier for attackers to target people with albinism.
“Due to attacks, government strengthened the laws to ensure severe punishment for perpetrators. Additionally, we began constructing homes for people with albinism to enhance their security. Malawians will remember the tragic and unique case of Buleya Lule, where a brother with albinism was murdered, and Lule himself died in police custody,” she added.
In her remarks, Siyana Kamuntengo expressed gratitude for the newly built house saying, it will protect them from being attacked.
“We are happy with the new house because the house we were living in previously was not well secured as a result we were living in fear,” she explained.
Kamuntengo added,” Years ago, we were being hunted and some of us could not even find the body lotion which we use. However, the administration of President Lazarus Chakwera has ensured that persons with albinism are protected and enjoy the same rights as other citizens in Malawi.
Blantyre City Council launches construction of city boundary billboards
By Brenda Nkosi
Blantyre, October 25, Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) on Friday launched the construction of one of the two-faced city billboards, which will be mounted in all its entry points.
Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony at Kameza Roundabout, Mayor for BCC, Councilor Joseph Makwinja said the billboards will be constructed in all city boundaries to show ownership which will translate into efficiency in service delivery.
"Even the implementation of our by-laws will be effective because we now have the jurisdictions under-which they are operational," Makwinja said.
Deputy Mayor for BCC, Isaac Jomo Osman advised the contractor to do a good job that matches with the status of the city.
"The quality of the billboard is the image of the city. We expect nothing less than what we are, the most beautiful city in Malawi. The billboard has to match up, if not, it is us the leaders who will be mocked in today's age of social media," Osman said.
In his remarks, Deputy Director of Town Planning at BCC, Mathews Mwadzaangati said they opted to build the billboards to avoid having them vandalised.
The first billboard at Kameza will be constructed with finances from Zagaf Transport amounting K5.6 million.
MAKBA to host 2024 National Kick-boxing Championship
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 25, Mana: Malawi Kickboxing Championship (MAKBA) will host the 2024 National Kick-boxing Championship on November 3, 2024 from 10 am at China Complex in Zomba District.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Secretary General for MAKBA, Bright Limani said preparations are underway for the competition which will be used to select national team athletes who will participate in the African Kick-boxing Champions to take place in South Africa in December this year.
“Our main aim for this competition is select those who will make it into the national team, winners on the day will be included to play in South Africa this December,” he said.
Limani said on the day, they expect to have 11 clubs from different parts of the country where the main event will be a fight between Yamikani Matembeka and Yohane Edward who will be competing for a heavy weight belt.
A kick-boxer from Ndirande Township in Blantyre, Jimmy Katsoka who is expected to take part in the competition said his preparation is at advanced stage.
“I want to confirm that I will take part, my preparation so far is good and I want to teach these young ones how to do kick-boxing on the day. What I want is to do better so that I can be one of those to be included in the national team which will participate in South Africa this December,” he said.
Katsoka called upon sports lovers to come with their families to watch the kick-boxing on the day and give them support.
In 2022, Malawi kick-boxing team took part in the African Kick-boxing Champions in South Africa and came back with seven medals. 55 kick-boxing athletes are expected to take part on the day, out of whom, one is female.
Meanwhile, Malawi National Council of Sports has pumped in K2.5 million in preparation for the 2024 National Kick-boxing competition.
Govt committed to taking essential services to communities - Chiponda
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, October 24, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda Thursday said the newly constructed Lomola Health Post in Thyolo District will significantly improve access to healthcare for local residents.
During her tour of the facility, Chiponda emphasized government's commitment to ensuring that even rural areas have access to quality health services.
Speaking to community members who gathered for the event, Chiponda underscored the importance of the facility in reducing the long distances previously endured by residents to seek medical care at the nearest facility.
“This health post is a symbol of our continued efforts to ensure that every Malawian, regardless of their location, can access quality healthcare. It will offer critical services and treatment for common illnesses right within the community,” said Chiponda.
"We will continue to invest in resources and personnel to ensure this facility operates at full capacity, meeting the healthcare needs of the people of Lomola and beyond," she added.
District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, said the health post will relieve the burden on larger health facilities in the district.
"Lomola Health Post will reduce overcrowding at Thyolo District Hospital by providing primary care services closer to the people. This will not only save time but also ensure that those requiring urgent care can access it without delay," Kuphanga said.
Senior Chief Ndalama, in whose area the Lomola Health Post is located, expressed his appreciation for the construction of the facility in his area, emphasizing its potential to improve access to healthcare services for the surrounding communities.
“This health post will be a great relief to our people, especially pregnant women and children who have been struggling to access basic medical services due to the long distances to the nearest facilities.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund for this crucial development,” said Senior Chief Ndalama.
Manager for the Global Fund and GAVI Project Unit at the Ministry of Health, Doreen Sanje, said the Global Fund is constructing 25 health posts across the country.
“So far, Lomola Health Post will be opened on November 1, an indication that we are on course with the completion of the health posts,” said Sanje.
Sanje said in addition to the health posts, the Global Fund is also constructing Infectious Diseases Wards with 200 beds at three major central hospitals of Queen Elizabeth, Kamuzu, and Mzuzu.
“That’s on top of procuring medical equipment and recruiting personnel,” she added.
NEEF encourages persons with disabilities in Chitipa to access loans
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, October 24, Mana: The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) says it is disappointed with lack of interest from persons with disabilities in the northern region to access NEEF loans.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, said that persons with disabilities in the Northern Region have largely not benefited from the NEEF loans while their counterparts from the Central and Southern Regions are accessing the loans.
Mdyetseni said this Thursday in Chitipa District during a stakeholders meeting.
“We are concerned that persons with disabilities in the region are lagging behind. K55 million has been accessed by persons with disabilities in the other regions but those in the northern region have not benefited,” Mdyetseni noted with concern.
He then asked representatives of persons with disabilities in Chitipa district to sensitise their members to go to NEEF offices and access the loans.
Chitipa District Disability Forum Chairperson, Mabvuto Lwinga, said that most persons with disabilities were afraid to access NEEF loans.
Lwinga said that he is going to sensitise his group members on the importance of accessing NEEF loans which he said have affordable interest.
“This meeting is an eye opener. I am going to brief members what we have been briefed here,” Lwinga said.
11-year-old girl dies in road accident
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 25, Mana: A 11-year-old girl has died in Nkhata Bay after being hit by motor vehicle at Strabag camp site Wednesday night.
Nkhata Bay Police Public Relations Officer, Kondwani James, identified the deceased as Margret Chanza, from Galimoto Village, Traditional Authority Timbiri in Nkhata Bay District.
He said Chanza was hit by a Toyota Sienta registration number LL 1147 which was being driven by Gift Phiri who was coming from Nkhata Bay heading to Mzuzu with three passengers on board.
"Upon arrival at the mentioned camp site which is just after Mpamba Trading Centre, the driver lost control due to over speeding.
"As a result, the vehicle swerved off the road and hit the deceased who was walking to the left side of the road going to the same direction," James said.
According to James, the girl sustained severe head injuries and died while being treated at Nkhata Bay District Hospital due to loss of blood as per autopsy conducted.
He said police are hunting for the driver who fled after the accident.
First Lady hail China support to Malawi
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, October 25, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera, through Shaping Our Future Foundation received support from the Chinese Embassy at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday at an event where a cheque worth MK47.535 million and relief items were presented aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in Malawi.
The event highlights the ongoing collaboration between the Chinese government and the Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF), which focuses on the holistic development of village girls and street children through education.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady said she was excited about the delegation's visit and the positive impact of their support.
“The help makes a lot of difference to the girls, as many more things are accomplished through this initiative," she said.
The support from China includes assistance for 75 students who will receive tuition fees for the academic year, a gesture that aligns with Malawi's aspirations outlined in the 2063 agenda.
“This gesture means that China is helping Malawi to attain some of the goals stipulated in the 2063 agenda by keeping girls in school. These interventions go a long way in improving the development of the country at large," Chakwera emphasized.
she expressed gratitude for the relief items which she said will help families affected by disasters.
“This will go a long way in assisting the families affected by these challenges. As a Foundation, we are always delighted to have a helping hand, and this gives us a good landing for our operations," she added.
Wang Hao, a representative from the Chinese Embassy, praised the First Lady for her commitment to charitable causes in Malawi.
“The First Lady has always been committed to the development of Malawian charitable causes and safeguarding the rights and interests of Malawian children,” he noted.
He also thanked her for fostering a strong relationship between Malawi and the Chinese Embassy.
Since 2021, the Chinese embassy has been a significant supporter of education initiatives in Malawi through SOFF. This year, the embassy has increased funding to SOFF from K32.78 million to K47.535 million to help more girls continue wi their studies.
“China and Africa share the same dreams of advancing education for girls and women in the world,” Hao stated.
He said China provides government scholarships to Malawian university students annually to support further their studies in China.
The embassy also announced plans to donate maize flour and beans worth K70.7 million to Nkhotakota District through SOFF to alleviate food insecurity among local communities.
Dr. Michael Mkandawire, Chief Executive Officer for SOFF and advisor to the First Lady, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from China.
“We are thankful to China for the help they have been providing over the years, ensuring that girls in need in Malawi are kept in school.
“In 2023 alone, SOFF provided scholarships to 1,108 students, with 64 percent being girls. China has been instrumental in making sure that these girls remain in school,” he added.
The collaboration between Malawi and China continues to demonstrate the significant impact of international partnerships in promoting education and supporting vulnerable populations.
Nkhata Bay SCTP beneficiaries lobby for E-payment system
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 24, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries in Nkhata Bay eye transition of manual to electronic payment system of their stipends just like its done in other districts.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thursday, during a pay parade at Chihami in the area of Senior Chief Malanda, an elderly lady, Jane Mkandawire, 73, said electronic payment will bring to her comfort and convenience in accessing her monthly stipends.
"At my age, it is challenging to travel long distances to collect my monthly stipends, therefore, I would like to ask authorities to introduce E-payment system so that we get our payment with ease," said Mkandawire.
She added that E-payment system is more preferable over the current cash-based system which she said among others exposes the beneficiaries to robbery.
Another beneficiary, Symon Mphande, 42, who has disability, said E- payment will make it easier for people with disabilities to manage access and manage their finances. It is secure and we can save and invest the money efficiently,” Mphande said.
Chief Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Chifundo Namchukwa, said plans to introduce E- payment system across all social protection programs are under way.
'We are currently rolling out e-payments in 16 more districts on top of 10 which are already utilizing the facility.
However, Nkhata Bay and Ntchisi districts will early next year pioneer ‘Choice Model’ E-payment approach that allows beneficiaries to select their preferred service provider, “said Namchukwa.
SCTP is a Malawi Government programme which is being implemented across the country through National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank to cushion the elderly and ultra- poor from economic shocks.
Deputy Minister calls for teacher - parent collaboration
By Doreen Chiwalo
Mwanza, October 25, Mana: Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko has called for joint effort between teachers and parents to address challenges faced by learners.
She made the call in Mwanza on Thursday when she toured Chiwale Primary School on top of Thambani Hills to appreciate challenges the school is facing.
Mdooko said there was need for joint efforts between teachers and parents to address the school’s challenges for the good of learners’ quest for quality education and a brighter future.
She said her visit was a surprise one to appreciate how the school was faring in the provision of child education, staff welfare and housing.
“I am impressed to see the commitment of teachers who climb this hill every day to teach here," said Mdooko.
She pledged that government will construct teachers' houses so that they should stay within the school premises and upgrade the school to a full primary by building additional classroom blocks.
Chiwale Primary School has 4 teachers against 173 leaners in standards 1 to 5.
Head teacher for the school, Eliot Mlera asked the Ministry of Education to send more teachers to the school to address teacher- learner ratio for effective class management,
Councilor for Thambani Ward, Frazer Bandiele asked partners in the district to come forward with various support to improve child education.
“Learner drop out is high due to poor road condition which makes the school inaccessible during rainy season. There is also need to construct additional class room blocks to accommodate learners in senior classes," said Bandiele.
Chiwale Primary School is at Kunkhoma Village, Senior Chief Nthache.
Next Level USA Brings Hip Hop Masterclass to Malawi
By Priscilla Phiri
October 25, Lilongwe, Mana: Malawian Creatives are in for a treat as Next Level USA announces the launch of its Next Level Academy Malawi, a 10-days masterclass and workshop series in Lilongwe.
According to a Press Statement released on Thursday by Next Level USA, the masterclasses aim to provide intensive training in various artistic disciplines including dance, beat-making, MCing, and street art, alongside entrepreneurship and conflict transformation workshops.
The program, which is open to individuals aged between 18 to 35, will be facilitated by renowned artist-educators from the United States. The line-up includes Queen Gabby (Dance), Polaryss (MC), DJ Hoppa (Beatmaker), Nosey42 (Aerosol/Street Art), and Masta Minch (Videographer), under the leadership of Site Manager MeccaGodZilla as per the statement.
Excited by the event, MeccaGodZilla, expressed his enthusiasm to lead a team for Next Level's cultural exchange in Malawi in collaboration with Kweza in Lilongwe.
“We are not just sharing our expertise in Hip Hop, we are here to connect, learn, and grow together with the incredible artists of Malawi. This program is all about building bridges through the universal language of Hip Hop, and I can’t wait to see what we create together,” he said.
The masterclasses are scheduled to take place at Kweza Arts’ Hub in Area 3, Lilongwe, from November 4th to November 15th.
Meanwhile, applications for the program are open and participation is free with provision of transport to and from a central point within Lilongwe.
Next Level is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Centre, with a mission to use Hip Hop music, dance, and art to foster cross-cultural creative exchange in diverse communities.
The Next Level Academy Malawi is implemented by Kweza Arts with support from the U.S. Embassy in Malawi.
