MANAonline
CHEFO demands apology
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Chairperson for Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) has described remarks made by President for the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD, Enoch Chihana, as said and disrespectful to the Chewa culture.
Chihana on November 13, 2024 held a press briefing where he said the use of Smartmatic machine by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will be used ku dambwe.
CHEFO Chairperson, Stanley Khayila, said during a press briefing in Lilongwe on Saturday that the remarks are provocative and insensitive and has no respect for the Chewa culture.
"The apology we are looking for is not a difficult one. He made these remarks with different media houses and we expect him to go to the same media houses and tell Malawians that what he said is wrong and he should assure us that he will not say that again,” said Khayila.
Senior Chief Chadza said they are very concerned with the remarks made by Chihana saying they disrespectful and that also shows that he has no respect for the Chewas.
"As CHEFO leaders and all chiefs in Malawi we wish to reiterate commitment to preserve, protect and promote our culture. The Chewas will continue living peacefully and in harmony with all other tribes and ethnic groups in Malawi,” he said.
Malawi ratifies the agreement for the establishment of ARC
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, November 17, Mana: Malawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Kester Kaphaizi, has reaffirmed Malawi's commitment to the objectives of the African Risk Capacity (ARC), emphasising that these initiatives offer solutions to challenges faced by Malawians.
Kaphaizi made the remarks during the official ratification of Malawi's ARC membership by the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He highlighted the benefits of ARC's drought insurance policies, which support government efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity as Malawi contends with adverse weather conditions.
Professor Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union, along with representatives from ARC, commended Malawi government for its decision to ratify the agreement.
He also commended Malawi's active participation in ARC programs since their inception in 2012, noting that this ratification signifies a deeper collaboration between Malawi and ARC.
ARC is a specialized agency of the AU aimed at assisting AU member states in enhancing their capacity for planning, preparation and response to extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The goal is to achieve these aims in a timely, cost-effective and transparent manner, thereby protecting and improving food security of vulnerable populations.
Since 2015, Malawi has received a total of US$40 million in drought insurance payouts from ARC due to adverse weather conditions affecting agricultural growing seasons.
The most recent payout, amounting to US $11.2 million, was presented to the Government of Malawi through President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in August 2024
Mkaka urges prospective voters in Lilongwe to unite in support of Chakwera
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, November 16, Mana: Malawi Congress Party Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Eisenhower Mkaka has urged residents of Nathenje to place their trust in President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the continued advancement of sustainable development in the country.
Mkaka made the remarks on Saturday during the final match of the Bonanza between Nathenje Stars and Chowa Football Club, held at Nathenje Primary School Grounds in Lilongwe.
He stressed that President Chakwera is implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Malawians across all regions of the country, hence the need to vote for him in the upcoming 2025 general election for such development to continue.
Mkaka also pledged to ensure that beneficiaries of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) receive substantial benefits without falling victim to illegal fertilizer vendors who exploit farmers during the planting season.
"I am committed to ensuring that every AIP beneficiary has access to fertilizer and other farming inputs consistently.
“I urge you to report any illicit activities by these vendors so that we can effectively execute the President's vision of ensuring food security in our constituency,” said Mkaka.
Additionally, Mkaka has announced plans to launch a K10 million Football League in January 2025 to provide the youth in the constituency with an opportunity to engage in competitive sports.
He also underscored the importance of constituents registering to vote when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) conducts voter registration in the constituency, enabling them to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election.
In his remarks, Senior Group Village Headman Kamundi expressed his satisfaction with the Bonanza, noting that it has significantly impacted the lives of many youths in the constituency.
"The Bonanza has indeed benefited the youths in my area who were previously idle, and I am pleased to hear about our parliamentarian's initiative to launch a K10 million League, a commendable development,” said Kamundi.
He Commended Mkaka for his unwavering dedication and commitment to developing the constituency in various sectors such as road infrastructure, water accessibility, and youth involvement.
Rumphi TTC students petition DC over allowance, water and sanitation issues
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 15, Mana: Students of Rumphi Teachers Training College (TTC) petitioned the District Commissioner for Rumphi on Friday over delayed payment of teaching practice allowances for some student teachers and water and sanitation challenges at the institution.
The students argued through their petition that water challenges have led to poor sanitation and hygiene at the campus.
In an interview, the student leader, Sengerewayo Wirikani, said the students have been facing the challenges for a long time and are hoping for a lasting solution.
"There are over 500 students at the school. Due to water challenges, we are forced to use alternative pit latrines, which are not even adequate for all of us.
“Some student teachers have also not been paid their allowances. We therefore ask government to come to our rescue so that we continue concentrating on our studies," said Wirikani.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu promised to take the grievances to the relevant authorities for redress.
When contacted, Public Relations Manager for the Northern Region Water Board, Edward Nyirenda said that water supply challenges in the district will be addressed once Rumphi Water Supply and Sanitation Services Project is completed.
“The project which will be finished in 2027 is funded by the African Development Bank and Malawi Government. At least 158,000 people in Rumphi and some parts of Mzimba are expected to benefit from the project,” said Nyirenda.
Japan pumps K113 million grant for primary school construction project
By Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: The Japanese government has pledged a K113 million grant to support the construction of Makala Primary School Blocks in Lilongwe.
The USD 66.143 (approximately K113 million) grant will go into the construction of school blocks, teacher’s houses and office and toilets.
Speaking after signing the contract agreement, the Japanese ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya expressed optimism about the positive impact of the project".
He said the new classroom blocks will alleviate challenges currently being faced at the school and enable learners to take their lessons in a conducive environment."
The Japanese ambassador emphasized the importance of primary education, observing it is a key for human foundation and the driving force for the development of the country, adding this is why Japan has supported investment in people.
Head teacher for Makala Primary School Christopher Chakatuwa said the school faces a lot of challenges due to the increasing number of students.
He said as a result, many students have to take their lessons under trees which makes it difficult for teaching and learning to take place during the rainy season,
“This new infrastructure will create a more stable and conducive learning environment for the students” he said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education Responsible for Basic Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, hailed the Japanese government for its continued support to the education sector in the country, which she said was instrumental in the ministry realization of its goals.
The funding has been provided through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects which will address urgent needs of Makala Primary School, currently facing numerous challenges due to a rising student population.
SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) engages the media on policy making
By Pempho Kantayeni and Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Sexual Reproductive Health Research African Trust SRHR (SAT) has urged the media to help disseminate information regarding sexual reproductive health in the country.
SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Country Director, Robert Phiri said this during a media engagement meeting on Sexual Reproductive Health held in Lilongwe on Friday.
He said the media has a critical role to play in disseminating information to people by covering stories on sexual reproductive health without fear of being criticized by the public since these stories are considered sensitive.
“Sexual reproductive health issues require a lot of attention from people hence the media should be on the forefront in disseminating right information to the people.
“In as much as we are making progress in some areas such as fighting HIV, we are not making much progress on issues of teen pregnancies and child marriages” he said.
Research Officer for African Population and Health Research Centre, Emmanuel Otukpa said a research conducted in Malawi shows that pregnant and parenting adolescent in Malawi face a lot of challenges.
“We observed that about 700 adolescent girls face challenges that include stigma, discrimination from their community members and lack of opportunity to go back to school.
“We have also observed that the experience of poverty in their communities contribute to their inability to live life to the fullest” Otukpa said.
Vice President Usi returns home, upbeat on COP29 gains
By Watipa Nyalugwe
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi returned to Malawi Friday afternoon, through at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he represented Malawi and 44 other Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Dr. Usi’s participation at COP29, held from November 11, 2024, marked a significant stride in championing the climate resilience needs of vulnerable nations.
As a lead negotiator for the LDC group, he facilitated critical discussions on scaling up climate finance to address the pressing challenges faced by nations most impacted by climate change.
Highlighting Malawi’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and technology, Usi advocated for collaboration between Scotland and Malawian universities to foster innovation in renewable energy solutions. He also emphasized the need to integrate information technology (IT) tools into primary education for girls, promoting equal opportunities in the digital age.
“One of the major achievements of COP29 for Malawi was the establishment of the Adaptation Investment Platform, an initiative led by the African Climate Foundation to bolster climate adaptation efforts,” said Usi.
He further disclosed that that Malawi would host the first global office for this platform, positioning the nation as a hub for adaptation investment and strategy.
“Malawi secured $33 million in climate finance from the Green Climate Fund through Save the Children. This funding will be directed toward building resilience in vulnerable communities,” announced Usi emphasizing the importance of Malawi’s active participation in global negotiations, as advised by the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the country’s voice is heard on international platforms.
COP29, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, is an annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference brings together world leaders, policymakers, and organizations to assess global progress on climate change, negotiate new commitments, and foster international cooperation.
Dr. Usi expressed optimism about the outcomes of COP29, stating that the conference provided Malawi with opportunities to strengthen partnerships and secure crucial resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Six netted over vandalism of 16 transformers in Lilongwe
By Patience Longwe.
Lilongwe,15 November Mana; Police in Lilongwe have arrested six people on suspicion that they were behind the vandalism of 16 transformers in several locations of the capital city between July and November 2024.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, confirmed about the arrests of Manuel Banda, Mustafa Wisdom Machemba, Chikumbutso Lameck, Jawadu Buleya, Yamikani Thambo, Yamani Batani, between November 7 and 11, 2024.
Chigalu said Area 36 police, in collaboration with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited security team, arrested the suspects in a joint operation at their houses.
"During interrogation, apart from the latest incident, the suspect further revealed to have also vandalized ESCOM transformers and stole property at Nkhoma CCAP Mission in July, Kamphata Trading Centre in August, Mlale Mission in Mitundu, Dzaleka in Dowa and Kunthembwe in Ntchisi all in October this year " He said.
The suspects appeared before the Lilongwe First Grade Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to answer a vandalism charge,
The offence attracts a 30-year jail term with no option of paying a fine, according to Section 45 (4) (b) of the Electricity Amendment Act of 2024.
Meanwhile Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate, Imran Phiri has ordered that the suspects be remanded at Maula prison for 10 days pending the conclusion of investigations, including a transformer vandalism case at Mlale in Mitundu on November 6, 2024.
Banda originally hails from Kasichi Village Traditional Authority (TA) Chulu in Kasungu, Thambo and Batani both from Chikwasa Village, TA Sawali, Balaka, Buleya from Bulika Village, TA Sitola, Machinga. Lameck from Namale Village, TA Mthiramanja, Mulanje and Machemba who comes from Matozo Village, TA Mthiramanja in Mulanje District.
ECOM Chief Public Relations Officer, Kitty Chingota, has since condemned the continued vandalism of the corporation's infrastructure saying such vices affect service delivery, put lives at risk, and deprive the company of revenue needed to connect more customers.
The power utility company has lost over K 4 billion in the last two years due to cases of vandalism of its infrastructure. This figure includes transmission and distribution infrastructure, replacement cost and revenue lost.
Stone bands, check dams for improved soil fertility
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, November 15, Mana: Communities under Kakolo catchment in Dedza district on Thursday said there are high expectations of improved soil fertility following the check dams and stone bands that have been constructed under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), in the area.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, one of the programme participants, Timvezina Ndindilosi said previously running water from the hills used to wash away the fertile soils and people could not harvest bumper yield regardless of their farming efforts.
“The programme has motivated us and we will continue gathering stones to protect the soil. Through the programme, we now know how to construct stone bands as you can see. We are also into natural tree regeneration and all these are helping to control running water from the hills,” she said.
Concurring with Ndindilosi, Group Village Headman (GVH) Mtema commended Dedza District Council, government and other partners for the support adding that for a long time, soil erosion has negatively affected crop production, especially for farmers cultivating down Dzenza hills in his area.
In her remarks, Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Kaphuka Extension Planning Area (EPA), Elessie Phiri said the stone bands will help in slowing down running water.
“Apart from controlling the running waters, communities are also making manure to improve soil fertility. Participants are receiving K48 000 a month,” she said.
Kakolo catchment under T/A Kaphuka has 1384 programme participants.
Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program aims to build resilience to climatic shocks and is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) through the district council with support from the Malawi Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund, World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU and Norway.
Ng’ombe catchment in 40 000 trees seedlings planting exercise
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, November 15, Mana: In a bid to restore village forests, participants under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) under Ng’ombe catchment area in Dedza district, said they are eager to plant 40 000 trees seedlings.
The participants are assured of their total commitment to ensure that once planted, the trees are taken care of.
Speaking in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thursday, Group Village Headman (GVH) Chinkhota under Traditional Authority (T/A) Tambala in which the catchment falls, said all is set to restore some bare lands.
GVH Chinkhota said: “We realize the importance of restoring natural trees that also help in provision of fruits and firewood. Just also to highlight that the financial aspect of the program is not only helping us in our houses, but also aiding our efforts of planting more trees.”
One of the catchment’s committee members, Umali Sadic, from Njirasowa Village, said many people are willing to support afforestation activities during the 2024/2025 season as clearly seen in their tree nurseries.
“As for this area, we plan to plant more trees and find better ways of making sure that they are taken care of. We understand the benefits of having trees that include fresh air, shades and also possibility of more rains,” he stated.
In his remarks, the area’s Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO), Joseph Jassi, commended the people for taking strides in nursery preparations.
“I am extremely happy to see that people in this catchment area are doing great in nursery establishment which gives us hope that more trees will be planted. The unity in these people is so adorable which is enabling proper implementation of the program,” he said.
District Commissioner (DC) for Dedza, Thomas Chigwenembe, expressed gratitude at the development while calling on the communities more especially where the CS-EPWP is being implemented to own it.
He said being a project with a time factor, there was need for communities to fully regard it as their own, so that once it phases out; they will be able to continue implementing it.
“We thank government for bringing in this intervention. It is covering a lot of people who are benefitting. Let me also commend Ng’ombe catchment for joining hands on this one because the tree seedlings being planted will help us in future endeavors,” he said.
CS-EPWP aims at addressing climate change and environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable communities.
It is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme, which is being implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
