MANAonline
MHRC moves to safeguard refugees
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, May 17, Mana: Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has underscored the importance of addressing issues of lack of information sharing which has potential to misinformation and lack of action in some important issues which is affecting the rights of refugees in the country.
Speaking in Salima district during a capacity building workshop for commissioners and staff on refugee’s related laws, policies and international best practices, Commissioner Andrew Kavala highlighted that lack of coordination among stakeholders is a big challenge.
"We want refugees to live their lives like any other citizen in the country with their rights protected and promoted and those undermining their stay in the camp are taken into task, no one should feel more important and violate the rights of refugees,” he said.
“As a commission we look at a number of areas which require immediate interventions by government and various key players on issues about safety of the refugees, status and overcrowding. We will make sure that these issues are addressed by various stakeholders,” he added.
Kavala said the interface meeting will help the commission to develop a way forward, on what should be done and what strategies should be put in place to address various issues faced by the refugees in the camps.
In her words, Programmes Manager at European Union Delegation, Atiji Nuka highlighted the importance of coordination among stakeholders and the need to review refugee act of 1989 which is outdated.
“We have an outdated legislation, there is coordination among main stakeholders, lack of knowledge sharing and the need to discuss and review all issues happening with refugees and come up with solutions,” he said.
Nuka added that complaints handling mechanisms in the refugee camps is not working due to lots of trust issues between refugees and organisations working in the camps.
“This dialogue can come up with a set of either an independent organisation, commission or a forum that the refugees can feel comfortable with but also trust that their issues can be handled properly,” she said.
Law Commissioner Rosemary Kanyuka, who is one of the commissioners reviewing the Refugee Act of 1989 said it is important to review the Act to accommodate the current situations being faced by the refugees.
“We are reviewing the act because it is long overdue, we want to incorporate current issues such as overcrowding and relocation of the camp. This meeting will provide us information about these issues and will tell us what will be made so that when reviewing we should include them in the new act,” she said.
MHRC is implementing a two year “promotion and protection of rights of refugees and other migrants in Malawi” project with funds from the European Union to enhance alignment of national legal frameworks and policies and to improve equality, inclusion, respect and engagement of refugees in the country.
WVI graduates 97 Ntchisi youths in tailoring
By Maria Tembo
Ntchisi, May 17, Mana: At least 97 youths from Senior Chief Vuso Jere, Chikho and Kalumo have graduated from a tailoring course which World Vision Malawi (WVM) in collaboration with Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) conducted in Ntchisi district.
World Vision Project Officer in Ntchisi Lewis Chiwanga said these 97 youths have been equipped with all the required knowledge and skills about tailoring and hopes for high quality products to be produced from them.
Speaking on Thursday, during a graduation ceremony of youths at Chipokosa Youth Resource Centre in the area of Senior Chief Kalumo, He said with the tailoring skills the youths have acquired, they will be able to act as role models in their communities, create jobs to fellow youth and train others on the same.
“We expect these tailors to be productive members of the community and Ntchisi as a whole and that we are planning on training other youths in the district with different vocational skills in future,” Chiwanga explained.
In his remarks, Regional Service Centre Manager for Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) Josephy Sambaya said with the startup toolkits the youths have received from WVM, they will be able to start small scale businesses.
He said these youths have also been empowered with entrepreneurship training and hopes for some of these youths to get employment from different organisations in the district.
“These youths have not only been given startup toolkits from WVM but have also received certificates from TEVETA and this is very huge as they will be able to get employment from different organisations within the country as well as outside Malawi,” said Sambaya.
Arnold Kapolo who is Ntchisi District Council Chairperson applauded WVM and TEVETA for empowering youths with tailoring skills, saying they will be reliable citizens of the community and will help in developing the country.
One of the graduates, Memory Chimombo said the vocational training is coming at the right time, as most youths in the district are jobless and advised fellow graduates to take good care of the given startup toolkits.
The trainings and startup toolkits that have been given to youths in the district are worth MK52 million.
Mana nr 1Microfinance institutions urged to support women
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 17, Mana: In an effort to promote financial inclusion and equality, Microfinance institutions have been urged to develop policies that ensure that women have access to financial services.
Reserve Bank of Malawi Executive Director, Mercy Kumbatira, made the call on Thursday, and during an inaugural ‘Women in Microfinance Meeting’ organized by Malawi Microfinance Network, in Salima district.
Kumbatira said it is unfortunate to note that women are preferring informal financial institutions popularly known as "bank nkhonde" a development that is putting them at risk of financial insecurities, adding that most of these groupings are not registered.
"These women groupings where money is kept are not registered therefore if money is misappropriated it is difficult to lay claims to recover the loses," she said.
She said the higher percentage of women accessing and using informal financial services, specifically village banks, is an indication of a high and unmet demand for financial services and products by women.
On this point she said it is important for financial institutions to revisit their policies so that women should move from preferring informal financial services to preferring formal financial services and create demand for women to have access to financial services.
She therefore said Microfinance Institutions should continue challenging traditional gender norms by promoting financial inclusion adding that when women gain control over financial resources, they make financial decisions which positively impact their families and communities.
Kumbatira said the Reserve Bank is complimenting efforts made by Microfinance Institutions such as development of a Gender Inclusive Finance Roadmap to address the gaps hindering women from accessing formal financial services.
Concurring with Kumbatira, Malawi Microfinance Network Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Phulusa said bringing together women in Micro Financing will help in bringing solutions to challenges that women are facing when trying to access financial services.
Phulusa said the meeting provided networking and mentorship opportunities for building professional networks among women working in the financial services.
"This conference has provided an opportunity and a platform for all stakeholders to engage and chart a way for leadership, empowerment and embracing talent in the microfinance sector, as in doing so, plays a crucial role in shaping the industry and promoting financial inclusion," he said.
Malawi Microfinance Network acts as a resource Centre for Microfinance Institutions and other stakeholders to access a wide range of information on Microfinance within and outside Malawi.
Super Sunday in a do or die encounter
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Battle for supremacy will take a centre stage on Super Sunday encounter when TNM Super League leaders, Silvers Strikers will battle it out for maximum points with third placed, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Area 47 Silver Stadium.
The Central Bankers have consolidated their lead with 16 points from six games and they have dropped two points after they were held to 1-1 draw against Premier Bet, Dedza Dynamos.
The Lali Lubani Boys are four points short of the leaders with 12 points from the same number of games played and are yet to register a defeat for the season.
Both teams are having good defence formation and stable goal keeping which have seen them conceding few goals.
Wanderers have only allowed two to kissed the back of their net while Silver have let in three.
The Sunday encounter will put to test the capabilities of their goalkeeping departments with Silver’s custodian, George Chikooka and Wanderers shot stopper, Richard Chipuwa.
The attacking formation for both teams should be clinical if there will a winner from the encounter.
The Bankers pose a threat through their leading scorers, Adiel Kaduya and Binwell Katinji as they will be provided with killer passes from the midfield operated by Chimwemwe Idana, captain, Mphatso Kamanga and Uchizi Vunga.
Wanderers defence led by captain, Lawrence Chaziya need to keep on checking the on slots from both flanks by guarding them firmly with Stanley Sanudi and Timothy Silwimba.
The Nomads have ammunitions they can use upfront, Christopher Kumwembe, Vincent Nyangulu and Clement Nyondo with the help of Isaac Kaliati, Gaddie Chirwa and Wisdom Mpinganjira at the heart of the pitch.
Silver defence commanded by Nixon Mwase, Maxwell Paipi, MacDonald Lameck and Tatenda M’mbwalaka
Both coaches, Silver’s, Peter Mponda and Wanderers’ Nsanzuarwimo Ramadhan have a duty to ensure that they title hopes are kept alive at the end of regulation time.
On Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, TNM defending champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will play host to second placed, Mzuzu City Hammers in a must win battle for both teams.
Hammers have 13 points from six games while Bullets are sixth with 10 points and the game promises to be a tricky one.
A military affair will be at Aubrey Dimba’s Stadium in Mchinji when Kamuzu Barracks will face Moyale Barracks.
Moyale should be on the lookout for leading scorer, Zeliat Nkhoma with five goals and need to keep him on bay.
Debutantes, Creck Sporting and FOMO will battle for points at Civo stadium and this game will be of interest to watch.
With Creck coming from a defeat and FOMO had a draw last weekend, both teams will be aiming at collecting maximum points.
Bangwe All Stars up against Mafco, Karonga United will sweat out with Civil Service united and Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos will dine with Chitipa United.
Mighty Waka Waka Tigers Thursday moved to fifth place from eighth by playing seven after beating Baka City 4-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The weekend fixture are as follows and kick off is at 2;30 pm.
Saturday- May 18, 2024
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets vs Mzuzu @ Kamuzu Stadium
Kamuzu Barracks vs Moyale Barracks @ Aubrey Dimba Stadium
Creck Sporting vs FOMO @ Civo Stadium
Sunday- May 19, 2024
Bangwe All Stars vs Mafco @ Mpira Stadium
Silver Strikers vs Wanderers @ Silver Stadium
Karonga vs Civil Service United @ Karonga Stadium
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos vs Chitipa United @ Dedza Stadium
NYCOM launches consultation meetings on strategic plan development
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, May 16, Mana: National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) on Thursday launched consultation meetings on the development of its 2024-2025 strategic plan.
Speaking in Mzuzu during the launching ceremony of the plan, Executive Director for NYCOM, Rex Chapota, said the plan should be youth-centred so that it can guide implementation of youth driven strategies for them to contribute to the country’s development.
Chapota urged the youths to have self-esteem, stand for what they feel will work for them and voice out challenges and propose solutions to the same so that they are incorporated in the plan.
"The consultations are not a once for all activity which is done to show off. I need young people in every part of this country to be sending in their views for the betterment of this strategic plan which will reflect a true situation concerning youths on the ground.
“This is your council; therefore, it must be driven to the future that you envision it to go," said Chapota.
He added that youths should look forward to more opportunities through NYCOM.
“We will soon be calling for applications for agribusiness grants from youths, and we are currently in the process of consulting for more affordable terms of conditions so that more young people access these grants," said Chapota.
Chairperson for Mzuzu Youth Network, Salome Kadazi, commended the council for consulting the youth on the development of the plan and said that the process will contribute towards the success of the plan.
"For a very long time, youths have been rarely consulted on issues affecting them, let alone on national development programs, a development that made it hard for youths to fully participate and benefit from such interventions,” said Kadazi.
She said the consultation should not be the end in itself but incorporate views as submitted by different stakeholders in the youth development sector.
“Youths need to be empowered financially if they are to contribute positively to the development of this country," said Kadazi.
Director of Planning and Development for Mzuzu City Council, Philemon Maseko, said it is high time youths were empowered and given a chance to be part of planning and decision making processes, as young people are part of the country's driving force.
The council's previous strategic plan expired in 2020.
2 murder suspects surrender to police
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Two murder suspects who were wanted by Lingadzi Police in Lilongwe have voluntarily surrendered to police, fearing for their own lives.
Lingadzi Police Station publicist Sergeant Cassim Manda confirmed the development in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday.
Manda has since identified the two as John Gidala, 34, and Mavuto Jonas, 42.
“The two are suspected to have murdered a 27-year-old Madalitso Magwaya whose body was found in Lilongwe River near Kauma Township with both hands and legs tied.
“It is also believed that Gidala offered his bicycle to transport the victim to an unknown destination where they hacked Magwaya before throwing him into the river,” he said.
According to Manda, the two had been on the run for several days and became extremely fearful of their safety after hearing growing tension from the deceased’s family, hence surrendering themselves in the hands of the police.
The two will be taken to court soon to answer murder case, contrary to section 209 of the penal code which attracts the maximum sentence of death penalty.
Gidala hails from Lipalama Village in the area of Traditional Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe District and Jonas hails from Nkhuthe Village in Traditional Authority Chitukula’s area in the same district.
Watchman arrested for theft
By Martha Simchimba
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: A 44-year-old security guard, Patrick Zgambo, is in police custody at Lilongwe Police Station for breaking into a church building where he stole electronic music equipment worth K3.5 million at Time of God Church situated opposite Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Lilongwe.
Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Hastings Chigalu confirmed the development in an interview with Malawi News Agency and said the suspect committed the offense at his workplace on Wednesday and was arrested the same day.
Explained Chigalu: “The incident took place around 01:50 hours when the station's detectives who were on routine motor vehicle patrols along Kamuzu Procession Road, intercepted the suspect while carrying several travel bags on a bicycle.
“When the police searched the bags, they discovered that it was music equipment and upon being questioned, the suspect revealed that he stole the equipment at Time of God Church, where he was working on night shift as a security guard."
Meanwhile the police have since recovered all the stolen items that include 16 channel mixer, six microphones with their stands, and amplifier, among others.
Zgambo hails from Mzikubola Village in Traditional Authority Mabulabo in Mzimba district.
The suspect, who gained entry into the church by breaking a big window glass, will appear in court soon to answer unlawful breaking and theft charges.
Mehuca trains people in mental health issues
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, May 16, Mana: Mental Health Users and Carers Association (Mehuca) held a training workshop in Blantyre where participants were provided with comprehensive knowledge and skills to help them advocate for a Mental Health Bill expected to improve the welfare of people with psychological and intellectual disabilities across the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the training workshop on Thursday, Mehuca Director Memory Bismarck told Malawi News Agency that the organization started in 2012 by Scottish men who were working with College of Medicine to advocate, train and offer awareness on issues to do with people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.
“We noted that there is a lot of stigma and discrimination against people with psychological and intellectual disability because most people fail to understand what mental health is all about. We are here to raise awareness by defining types of mental disorders so that people should know that depression, stress and anxiety are also mental issues,” she added.
Bismarck said that there are mental health laws that were came into being in 1948 and are still in use, adding that there is need to have new laws in place to protect people with psychological and intellectual disabilities against all forms of abuse, stigma and discrimination.
“The aim of this meeting is to educate and to find ways on how we can reach out to government so that a new law must be in place so that people with psychological and intellectual disabilities should have right in accessing social services easily,” she added.
She added that Mehuca’s challenges include limited funding which hinders the organization to reach throughout the country to raise awareness on issues of mental health, adding that the organization only reaches six districts.
One of the facilitators, Enoch Chilemba, said the training was relevant as participants discussed and looked into the possible Mental Health Bill which will be introduced in Parliament which in turn should empower Mehuca to populist it.
“People with psychological and intellectual disabilities meet various challenges when accessing social services in our communities. They are vulnerable to many challenges in their daily lives, such as sexual harassment and discrimination, which leads to low self-esteem," he added.
Chilemba added that there was need to find strategies that can be put in place to eliminate or deal with issues of mental health, citing public awareness campaign as one of the strategies to deal with issues that affect people with psychological and intellectual disabilities.
One of the people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, Rodger Kachimbili, said they face a lot of challenges in their communities, adding that their rights are often violated such that some sections of the society fail to regard people with psychological and intellectual disabilities as human beings.
“There are a lot of people with psychological and intellectual disabilities that have limitations in accessing social services. As an organization, we intervene so that rights of these people should not be violated,” he added.
He therefore asked citizens of goodwill and civil society organizations to help engage government to push the passing of the bill so that rights of people with psychological and intellectual disabilities should be respected.
Youths urged to spearhead community development
By Tawonga Moyo
Mzuzu, May 16, Mana: Youths in the country have been challenged to take a leading role in developing their communities to enable them acquire various skills and build strong support networks.
The call was made on Wednesday by Webster Ndhlozi who is founder and Chief Executive Officer for Web Champions Chiputula, an organization in Mzuzu City which conducts clean-up initiatives and trains communities on matters of hygiene.
Ndhlozi noted that when youths partake in various developmental activities at the community level, they will be prepared to take on leadership roles even at the national level or effectively collaborate with different organizations that deal with development.
“Partaking or volunteering in community development activities can provide youths with various opportunities whereby they can acquire skills in communication, problem solving as well as team work, which are essential in leadership roles.
“They can also gain a sense of belonging as well as make a positive impact by contributing to the overall wellbeing and development of their communities,” said Ndhlozi.
He then urged organizations to consider involving young people when they are implementing various development projects without necessarily considering years of experience, noting that such criteria hinder many young people from showing their potential.
In his remarks, Lunjikani Chirwa, who resides in Luwinga Mzuzu, concurred with Ndhlozi, saying youths possess creative ideas and by taking part in developmental projects, they can ensure that the projects being implemented align with their needs and inspirations.
“Youths bring fresh perspectives, energy and innovative ideas that can drive positive change. As such, taking part in projects can empower them to take ownership, thereby build their capacity and confidence in readiness for future tasks,” said Chirwa.
Among other initiatives, Web Champions Chiputula has been clearing wastes in most parts of Chiputula’s drainage systems, as well as handing out cash prizes to households which excel in hygiene.
Mpamba Market sheds spur businesses
By Chisomo Kambandanga
NKhata Bay, May 16, Mana: In the outskirts of Nkhata Bay town, about 10 kilometres from the beautiful scenery of Lake Malawi, lies a busy trading centre called Mpamba.
Wedged between several beautiful hills, including the famous Kandoli Mountains, Mpamba enjoys a cool breeze that wheezes down from the thick surrounding forests.
A few miles away are stretches of Kaning'ina and Kandoli forests which further influence the weather conditions for the place and that of neighbouring area like Chikwina, Thanula, Kangoyi and Mzenga.
With such usually-rainy weather conditions that go all year round, these areas have turned into a production hub for bananas, maize, cassava and mangoes which find their way to Mpamba for better market.
“Here, everyday day is a busy day. Many people come here on daily basis, seeking to buy produce especially bananas, maize and cassava,” says Naomi Jere, a banana supplier.
She says Mpamba has become a busy trading area and attracts traders from as far as Lilongwe and Mzimba and those from nearby places like Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay town.
“Our biggest challenge was that we did not have proper market sheds, being an area that receives rains almost throughout the year. So doing business on the open was not easy,” she says.
Nkhata Bay District Council authorities also noticed this gap that existed and planned to construct modern market sheds to help boost business activities at the district’s most famous trading centre.
Nkhata Bay Director of Planning and Development Edgar Chihana says Mpamba deserves modern market sheds because it is fast growing into a very important trading area, supplying produce far and wide.
“As a council, we noted the potential that Mpamba has in terms of trading activities and decided to quickly move in and construct better market sheds.
“I’m happy to report that all what we wanted has been achieved. Vendors are doing business all seasons and revenue collection for the council has been simplified. This is driving to the growth of this agro-based community besides improving the service delivery of the council,” he said.
In random interviews, market users expressed satisfaction with the facility which was ofificiary handed over to the community in September 2023.
Martha Banda, a 45-year-old tomato vendor, praises the structures for their quality and the convenience they offer to both sellers and buyers.
She said: “I ventured into tomato business a decade ago. It was not easy considering that I was conducting my business on an open space and that meant braving rains almost on daily basis.”
She said that such situations nearly forced her to quit the business.
“When my husband died, his relatives grabbed all the property we had so I had no choice but to proceed with the business that I use to take care of my children despite the challenges that were there due to the absence of market sheds,” she says.
Until the opening of the new market structure, Banda has seen her business blossom.
“I am able to provide for my family with ease. I’m paying school fees for my children and I have secured a plot.
“I plan to build a good house before end this year,” she said.
Not only that, Banda has also managed to buy two goats and two pigs, toping up on the chicken farming that her late husband introduced to her.
“The new market shed is providing an environment suitable for all weather conditions. I continue making sells even during rain. On a good day I make up to K40,000 in profits,” she said.
On his part, 40-year-old beans and fish seller Thomas Phiri said the new market sheds are an encouragement to him, as he has gained more customers for being stationed at one place.
"The coming in of these market sheds has helped me to gain more trust from my customers, as I am always found at one place. Everyday I receive new customers and that is an encouragement to me to keep on diversifying what I sell to keep on realizing more profits," Phiri said.
Chairperson for Mpamba market, Soko Banda, says he is overwhelmed with the messages he usually gets from the buyers and sellers at the market which all show satisfaction.
“We are excited to have this market and we will appreciate even more if the council can construct a fence and a car park,” he said.
Acting Director of Trade and Commerce at Nkhata Bay District Council, Thanila Gondwe, said they are pleased to see traders utilising the market with happy faces.
“Already, we can see the fruits of this project. Mpamba Market has boosted revenue collection as it becomes easy for ticket sellers to do their work. On a good market day, we are able to collect K50,000 on average, which was not the case before,” Gondwe said.
Mpamba market sheds have a capacity of 120 vendors with good spacing, allowing people to pass each other without problems.
It is a twin of Chintcheche Market under Senior Chief Malanda, which is also rendering hope and survival to the buyers and sellers from southern part of the district and those from Dwangwa, Nkhotakota and Salima.
In his remarks, spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Patrick Botha, said construction of markets like Mpamba is in line with MW 22063.
"So when we talk of MW2063 we are talking of three key pillars, namely Agriculture Commercialization, Industrialization and Urbanization. When you look at the three, you will see that provision of a modern market plays a very crucial role in terms of access to market but also urbanisation as you know the coming of the market also brings about other components and complementary amenities.
"The availability of a market will also make producers produce more quality products in order to be competitive," Botha said.
Nkhata Bay District Commissioner Rodgers Newa assures vendors that the council will keep lobbying for funding for more market sheds at Mpamba.
“As a council we need to take care of all communities in the district. Mpamba is a big community. Much as we have provided them with these two sheds, that’s not enough. The future plan is to increase the number of sheds to almost six and to properly accommodate the vendors.
We will keep on lobbying for more funding so that we can keep on responding to the needs of the people,” Newa said.
Funded through Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project to the tune of K60 million with support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank, the market is expected promote trade and create wealth in line with the 2063 vision.
