MANAonline
Britain commits to boosting Malawi’s economy
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe November 14 Mana: The British High Commissioner to Malawi Fiona Ritchie has said Britainn is committed to help the country boost its economy as part of celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Malawi.
She made these sentiments at the Commissioner's residence in Lilongwe during the 76th birthday celebration of His Majesty King Charles the third.
The commissioner said the relationship between Malawi and Britain draws strength from the colonial rule and it is imperative that the two benefits symbiotically in the health, education and the economic sector.
"Malawi must be a place where businesses and investors find it easy to grow, expand and export their products in order to employ a capable workforce and all this is ultimately through collaboration," said Ritchie.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, who represented President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, said the relationship between Britain and Malawi has played a crucial role in economic growth and other different sectors of the country.
"As we celebrate His Majesty King Charles 76th birthday and 60 years of good relations, l would like to point out the crucial role of the king in promoting core values such as democracy, human rights, good governance and rule of role that Britain has played to develop Malawi.”
"We have been partners since Malawi became independent and continues to support us in health, education and financial areas throughout the country," said Tembo.
Among key dignitaries at the function included Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Leader of Opposition in Parliament George Chaponda, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanja, ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries.
BCC Ready to Fight Cholera
By Hope Chimwala and Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, November,14 Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) has intensified sanitation and hygiene measures in town by placing refuse bins in strategic places as one way of its fight against cholera and other water borne diseases during the current rainy season.
BCC Chief Executive Officer, Denis Chinseu, disclosed this to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday saying facilities have been provided for waste disposal in all market places to ensure proper disposal of waste.
“We have placed these bins in markets and other strategic places. We are planning to buy additional ones which will be placed in all designated places within the city,” he added.
Chinseu further said the council continues to engage business people in all city market places to ensure they maintain a hygienic environment in order to keep the city clean and avoid cholera and water borne diseases.
“We are moving in various markets to inform business people on the importance of keeping their environment clean,” he said.
Chairperson for Blantyre Market, Black Binya said his committee will ensure that all business people in the market keep their places and toilets clean in addition to enforcing proper wastes disposal.
“We have designated areas for waste disposal and from there city council workers will collect the waster for further disposal. The good thing is that we never registered any cholera case in the market when the pandemic previously hit the city,”, he said.
Besides routine refuse collection in Limbe and residential areas, the BCC held sanitation awareness on November 8, 2024 calling for total sanitation and hygiene in the city.
Malawi experienced a cholera outbreak with 36,943 cases and 1,210 associated deaths reported from all 28 districts in 2022 and 2023.
Malawi college scene gets a boost as UMP cyphers initiative takes off
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Chitoliro Productionz has launched the College Cyphers initiative, providing a platform for talented college students to showcase their skills and revolutionizing Malawi's music industry.
According to UMP Cypher Project Lead Andrew Macheso, also known as Badup Skillz, the initiative aims to empower emerging artists and create opportunities for them to shine.
"The project has exceeded expectations in terms of participation, engagement, and talent discovery," said Macheso.
University of Malawi Entertainment Director, Isaac Zexus Mtola, echoed Macheso's sentiments, citing the initiative's success in promoting new talent.
"We discovered new stars and introduced them to a wider audience," Mtola said.
The initiative will culminate in the Cypher Awards, recognizing exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication among participants.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the awards will feature an independent judging panel, clear evaluation criteria, secure online voting, and audited results verification.
Chitoliro Productionz plans to launch an online voting portal, offer exclusive performances, and develop a College Cyphers alumni network.
The UMP Cypher has received praise from participants, including Prisper Proud Skies from the University of Livingstonia.
"UMP Cypher is just the start for me. It's setting me up to build my name, share my lyrical vision, and bring that beast mode to the scene," Skies said.
The initiative is seen as a beacon of hope for emerging artists, empowering them to showcase their talents and fostering unity among Malawi's youth.
By providing a platform for emerging artists, Chitoliro Productionz is shaping the future of Malawi's music industry.
Chakwera urged graduates to seek spiritual guidance
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 14, Mana: President Dr.Lazarus Chakwera has urged graduating students to be bound by the holy spirit to avoid being ruled by evils of the world which have affected many.
The president was speaking at Bingu International Convention Center ( BICC) in Lilongwe during the 12th Congregation graduation ceremony of Malawi Assembles of God University (MAGU), which was held under the theme: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders :Innovate, Lead and Inspire.
He said there are a lot of bad things happening in both the public and private sectors by the most educated and trained people in the country hence the need for the devine intervention.
“They are many temptations out there but you should not fall for them greater is He that is in you than the degree that is in your hand,” he said.
Chakwera further encouraged the graduates to show good leadership as it goes beyond academic achievement.
“When you have good positions in different fields you should not be abusing them but help towards improving the environment you are working for,” said Chakwera
In his remarks, MAGU’s Chancellor, Reverend Benito Chitsamba, reiterated the university’s commitment to promote quality higher education in the country.
He said the university wants to expand its infrastructures to ensure they reach out for more students.
“We are hopeful that the efforts you are making your excellency to turn around the economy of the country will be supported by all Malawians so as the university we should be able to have more infrastructures development for our institution,” he explained.
One of the graduating student, Dorrie Gama, appreciated the university for the academic experience saying the journey was not easy.
She said they will apply everything they have learned to develop the country, as they are many things that are needed to the society.
The university has awarded Diplomas, Degrees and PHDs to 358 graduands in different faculties.
TNM Super League Matches Continue This Weekend
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, 15 November, Mana: TNM Super League Match Week 28 continues this weekend with intense competition as team’s battle for crucial points.
On Saturday, 16 November, Kamuzu Barracks will host Mafco FC at Nankhaka Stadium, while already-relegated Baka City will face Mighty Tigers at Karonga Stadium. Bangwe All Stars will take on Civil Service United at Balaka Stadium.
On Sunday, 17 November, Karonga United will play against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium.
With the season drawing to a close, every team is eager to secure all three points, as each match is vital in the race to the finish.
Big hitters that include league leaders Silver Strikers are on bay together with second placed Mighty Mukuru Wanderers as well as Nyasa Big Bullets all who have contributed a large chunk of players to the national team.
Madam Chakwera donates to Nkhotakota flood victims
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, November 15, Mana: First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has through her office in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management Affairs donated food relief items to people who were affected by water disaster due to heavy rain that hit Nkhotakota early 2024.
Speaking in an interview during the distribution, Chief Advisor to the First Lady, Michael Mkandawire said they have donated 40 tonnes of maize flour and 5 tonnes of beans that will help almost 1800 people affected.
"This is not the first time for Madam Chakwera to help, she has been helping people of different backgrounds to ensure food security in the country,” said Mkandawire.
Mkandawire insists that Madam Chakwera intends to have food-sufficient households, adding that such households can participate in the development of their areas.
Nkhotakota District Commissioner Ben Matengeni Tonho thanked the First Lady for the support and emphasized that all households they targeted will benefit from the donation.
He stated that they have done a lot of agriculture sensitization about disasters in preparing people for water disasters that are prone in the district.
Member of Parliament for Nkhotakota North East Overton Kondowe asked other stakeholders to help with agriculture equipment for the community to be vibrant.
"Community has to be empowered through agriculture inputs such as fertilizer and seeds that can help them to harvest their own so that they should not be relying upon relief items," said Kondowe.
One of the beneficiaries from Msenjere Aida Banda expressed gratitude for the donation saying it has been a relief to her family.
"Life at camp has not been easy since the disaster hit and we are grateful to Madam Chakwera for remembering us," said Banda.
Over 14,000 people were displaced by the floods that hit Nkhotakota early this year due to heavy rains and water rising levels on Lake Malawi.
Committee wants immediate amendment of ATI Act
By Josephine Chipofya
Lilongwe, 14 November, Mana: Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communication has said their need for immediate amendment of Access to Information Act (ATI) in order to hold accountable non compliant institutions.
This was said on Thursday at the parliament building, where the committee met officials from Ministry of information and Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), to give update on compliance on ATI.
Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communication Susan Dosi said the Act needs to be amended to give powers to Ministry of information and MHRC to issue punishments to non compliant institutions.
"There are a lot of gaps in the Act one of them is what happens if an institution is not complying with the law, Malawi Human Rights Commission and the Ministry should be given powers to hold to account no compliant institutions," she said
She added that the committee we will continue to press institutions to comply with the ATI Act, saying the laws are made so that everyone should abide to them.
Meanwhile Director of Information in the Ministry of information, Arthur Chipenda said all Ministries, Departments and parastatals have at least designated information officers, he also said they need to update the list to check if the information officers appointed are still the same.
"We will publish the names of the information officers by December, we have a total of 150 information officers appointed from public institutions and we are yet to receive from the private sector," he said.
He added that there is need for capacity building for information officers and information holders to submit names of the information officers and reports without being reminded.
In his presentation Malawi Human Rights Commission Head of Access to Information Unit Chancy Kalolokesha said some provisions in the ATI Act conflict with other laws like official secrecy Act.
Access to Information Act was enacted in 2016 and became effect in 2020 to regulate the provision of access to public information.
Mangochi fisheries office confiscates illegal fishing material from traders
By Lyte Ali
Mangochi, November 14, Mana: Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit in the Department of Fisheries with support from Ripple Africa confiscated illegal fishing material from traders around some shops at Mangochi Boma and Makawa Trading Centre this week.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Fisheries Inspector in Mangochi, Allan Katola said after noticing increased illegal fishing gears on Lake Malawi, the department planned to conduct a spot check operation in shops that trade fishing material.
He said some of the fishing materials that were seized are monofilaments as well as gillnets, saying that most fishers buy them because they are cheap and that they kill more fish.
“What we confiscated are illegal fishing gear and are banned by the laws of the country, as such, they are unauthorised. They help are responsible for depleting every aquatic life in the water bodies.
‘‘As such, we thought of starting to move in shops, targeting traders, and those found selling these materials will be prosecuted in court,” said Katola.
Commenting on the development, District Project Manager for Ripple Africa, Robert Manthonyera said Ripple Africa will continue supporting the Fisheries Department with resources through their Fishing Conservation Project as a way of protecting fish in the water bodies.
He added that the Fish Conservation Project also known as Fish for Tomorrow is aimed at reducing illegal fishing in Malawi as well as promoting fishing regulation.
“Ripple Africa will continue collaborating with the Department of Fisheries in confiscating illegal fishing material whether in shops or lakes in order to protect our lakes,” Manthonyera said.
CS-EPWP hailed for transforming livelihoods, farming methods
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, November 14, Mana: People of Mayani in Dedza district have hailed the Climate Smart Enhancement Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) for transforming their livelihoods as well as farming methods through construction of swales which they say are helping in holding rain waters that used to cause land degradation.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Vice Chairperson for Ng’ombe Catchment, Cecilia Seliso said unlike in the past, many communities are embracing the initiative having noticed the many benefits that come with it.
She said apart from swale construction, the cash being provided to members of the communities is helping them to buy farm inputs and also support their households.
“Some are doing small scale businesses while others are paying fees for their children in schools. This intervention is important as it is also improving our lives. Some households have managed to buy domestic animals which also provide them with manure for our farms and others we sale in so doing improving our economic wellbeing,” said Seliso.
On his part, Group Village Chingota expressed satisfaction with the program adding that apart from the swales, they have established nurseries and tree seedlings have also germinated ready for planting soon.
“We are geared to restore forests for the benefits of our next generation. We appreciate the council for leading us in various initiatives that are transforming our lives through the program,” he stated
Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO), Joseph Jassi, for Kaphuka Extension Planning Area (EPA) where Ng’ombe catchment falls, said people are able to make manure.
“About 800 hectares of land is being used by people in this catchment area. We are happy to see that participants have embraced the program. There are a number of program participants that have owned some businesses while others do have domestic animals curtsey of the financial aspect of this program,” said Jassi
Dedza district council, Land Resources Officer, Franklyn Gomani, who is also desk officer for the program said CS-EPWP is aimed at addressing four areas of afforestation, ending hunger, access to finances and ownership to the affected areas either by soil erosion, galleries and deforestation among others.
There are 22,336 program participants under the CS-EPWP in Dedza district.
The program 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 funded by the World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU and Norway.
Stormy rains affect 2,313 households in Mangochi
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, November 14, Mana. Mangochi District Council has established that stormy rains the district had on Thursday, November 7, 2024 affected 2,313 households as 16 people got injured in 12 villages under traditional authorities Mponda, Mapila and Ntonda in the district.
The council's spokesperson, Bishop Witmos disclosed this on Wednesday following an assessment, which the District Disaster Risk Management Committee (DDRMC) conducted recently.
According to Witmos, out of the 2,313 affected households, 1,430 are female headed while 883 are male headed.
The council spokesperson added that 319 households are displaced due to damages of their houses as the council calls for urgent assistance of tents, food and other non-food items to keep the affected households going.
“We are pleading with organization to help the victims with family tents, food items including maize or flour, rice, relish, cooking oil and nonfood items such as blankets, plastic kitchen utensils as most families lost almost everything,” added Witmos.
Mangochi Municipal Council, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ernest Kadzokoya said that the stormy rains affected 782 households in five wards in the municipality including; Chikole, Kalungu, Msukamwere, Chigawe and Ndege.
He added that a boy got injured and infrastructure damaged, citing Mpondasi primary school roof and Ndata market shed were blown off.
Kadzokoya has since appealed to individuals of goodwill and organizations to help the council with tents food and non-food items to timely assist the victims.
The assessments were underway in Traditional Authorities Chimwala and Nankumba to establish the impact of the damage due to stormy rains on Tuesday, November 13.
Apart from Mangochi, stormy rains also affected other districts in the country including, Balaka, Neno, Mwanza, Mzimba.
