MANAonline
Peter Mponda returns home
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 06, Mana: Peter Mponda has been appointed as the coach of Nyasa Big Bullets marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter at the club.
His return to the country’s most decorated football club follows a successful tenure at Silver Strikers, where he solidified his reputation as one of Malawi’s most promising coaches.
With head coach Kalisto Pasuwa now at the helm of the Malawi national team, Mponda’s appointment signals a seamless continuation of the club's legacy of success.
Peter Mponda’s time at Silver Strikers in the 2024 season was nothing short of exceptional. Appointed as head coach in 2022, Mponda brought discipline, tactical innovation, and a winning mentality to the Lilongwe-based team.
His leadership transformed Silver Strikers into one of the most formidable teams in the Super League of Malawi, competing fiercely with traditional giants like FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers.
Mponda steps into the role with the task of maintaining the club’s domestic dominance while improving its performance on the continental stage. His appointment follows a remarkable 2024 season with Silver Strikers, where he guided the team to win the TNM Super League title and finished second in the Airtel Top 8 Cup.
The Neglected Boy Child: Malawi’s Growing Concern
By Hastings Yobe & Gomezgani Msiska
Mana, Lilongwe, January 6: Malawi’s efforts to empower girls and women have been remarkable, but in the process, the boy child has been left behind. The consequences are alarming.
According to recent statistics from the Malawi Police Service, the first half of 2024 recorded 281 suicide cases representing a 27.7 percent increase from the previous year. Males accounted for 87.5% of these cases, with 246 reported incidents.
This disturbing trend is a wake-up call for Malawi. Isabel Pike’s 2019 study in Kenya highlights the threat to the future of the boy child.
“Too much attention has been paid to the girl child leaving the boy child completely ignored,” the report reads.
This neglect has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the boys but also their families and communities.
For young men like Gift Banda, a student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, the struggle is real.
“I have never seen any bursary for boys,” he says, his voice laced with frustration.
“If they cannot support us all, at least they should support those boys who are brilliant and from marginalized families,” he adds.
Gift’s story is not unique; many boys in Malawi face similar challenges, their potential hindered by lack of opportunities.
The societal expectations placed on boys exacerbate the problem.
Kelvin Chirwa, a student at the University of Malawi, explains: “Systems are there to help men, but they are not adequate. Men are suffering in silence because the society expects them to persevere.”
This toxic masculinity stifles boys’ emotional expression, leading to devastating consequences.
Redson Kandozi, a student at the University of Livingstonia, believes that counselling should start from primary school to help boys with mental health issues.
“This makes it hard for men to get help, but I think if we start counselling from schools, then we can help more men with mental health issues,” he says.
By addressing these issues early, Malawi can prevent the alarming rise in suicide cases.
Communications Director for Centre for Social Equity (CSE), Beston M’betewa, says that nearly one million boys are facing different forms of violence at the hands of teachers and their peers, especially girls.
“Many boys or men fail to report violence because of their gender roles and the fear of being looked at as weak in their communities,” M’betewa said.
The neglect of the boy child is not only a Malawian problem but also a global concern. The African Union (AU) recognizes the need to promote the boy child alongside girls.
Writing on its website after a conference on matters of gender equality held in Ethiopia, the continental body agreed that both men and women are victims, survivors as well as perpetrators of violence.
“Why do we only focus on females as the only victims of gender based violence? Why is there such a stereotype towards men?”writes AU.
Paramount Chief Gomani V of Ntcheu emphasizes, “It is important for us, as traditional leaders, to lead in the fight against gender-based violence and to remind people that our communities have both males and females.”
As Memory Banda, an activist and founder of the Foundation for Girls Leadership, aptly puts it, “To have a peaceful co-existence and end gender wars, we must groom both girls and boys in the same measure of opportunities and respect to their rights.”
Witness Chawinga, a CorpsAfrica volunteer, highlights the importance of supporting both girls’ and boys’ education.
“Supporting boys’ education is crucial for achieving youth empowerment, and it should not be neglected in favor of solely focusing on girls’ education,” she said.
Ministry of Education reports a 7.3 percent decrease in the number of boys writing Junion Certificate of Education (JCE) examination, compared to a 6 percent decrease in girls. This trend is concerning, as it suggests that boys are being left behind in education.
By acknowledging the neglect of the boy child and working towards a more balanced approach to empowerment, Malawi can create a brighter future for all its children.
As the 16 days of activism against gender based violence just passed in December, the call to action is clear. It is time to recognize the struggles of the boy child and work towards a more equitable society. The future of Malawi’s boys depends on it.
VP Usi warns against politicizing relief food distribution
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, January 5, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has urged political and traditional leaders not to politicize food distribution exercise being undertaken by the government, saying doing so will hinder the intention of the exercise.
Usi made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at Gunda Primary School ground in the area of Senior Chief Ndalama where he distributed 5 kilogramme maize flour to 700 food insecure people in the area of chiefs Ndalama and Nanseta.
“Hunger is a danger to the community such that politicizing food distribution exercises will leave hundreds of people suffering from famine.
“If you see a politician or any person politicizing food distribution, ask them to give their portion of food to those who are suffering from hunger, hunger affects all people regardless of one’s political affiliation,” he said.
Usi, therefore, called on politicians, clergy, and faith groups to come together and help Malawians to come out of hunger.
However, Usi lamented over some government officials who are stealing the relief items from the poor that they were supposed to serve.
The Vice President observed that for the past two weeks, he has been in the Southern Region distributing maize; he noted with shock that those stealing from the poor were well-to-do who can fend for themselves.
He said measures will be put in place to stop the malpractice from continuing.
Member of Parliament for Thyolo East, Masauko White thanked Usi for being diligent in fulfilling his promises, saying it was the second time for Usi to visit his constituency where at first the VP distributed food under the lean season food insecure programme.
Masauko added that as a Member of Parliament, his focus is to see people who are affected by hunger being assisted; noting that it is sad to note that his party (DPP) is politicizing the initiative thinking it is aimed at bringing MCP to the area.
Senior Chief Ndalama expressed gratitude to President Chakwera and the vice president for understanding the magnitude of the hunger in the country.
Ndalama said the food assistance will reduce hunger in the villages of Bandaman, Ndalama, Nanseta, Gunda, Thowera, Chitimbe, and Khumukile, which are under traditional authorities Ndalama and Nanseta.
He, however, attributed the recurrent hunger situation to the lack of land for cultivation as a contributing factor aside from the climate shocks.
Ndalama, therefore, appealed government to consider reclaiming some pockets of uncultivated land from Tea Estates and distribute it to the communities to ensure food security in the district.
He also asked the Vice President to assist in the construction of a school block for Gunda Secondary School.
One of the beneficiaries, Alefa Magombo from Kasalika Village in Traditional Authority Ndalama expressed gratitude for the food received.
"I could have slept on an empty stomach if it was not for this food," she said.
She added that hunger has severely affected her since she doesn't have a husband to support her.
Apart from distributing maize flour, Usi distributed groundnuts, mosquito repellent and clothes to people in the area.
Government responds to hunger in northern Kasungu
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, January 5, Mana: Government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) is continuing the distribution of maize to hunger-stricken communities in Kasungu District where at least 50 000 households are earmarked to benefit.
On Saturday, Member of Parliament for Kasungu North, Mike Bango, led the relief maize distribution exercise in the areas of Traditional Authority Kaluluma, Chisemphere, Kalikokha, Chisikwa and Chikwa in the district.
Bango applauded government for the maize, describing it as a huge response amid a hunger crisis largely created by the El Nino weather phenomenon that led to prolonged dry spells resulting in poor harvest last season.
“We thank government for walking the talk on food distribution as we are all aware of the hunger created by natural disasters last season. We do not expect anyone to sell the maize received today.
“I would also like to urge well-wishers to join government in these efforts because many people do not have food and will need assistance,” Bango said.
He said it pleasing that maize is now available in ADMARC markets in his constituency where people can buy it at affordable prices.
Group Village Head, Chisikwa expressed excitement with the donation and thanked government for the response.
“We are hungry here, not necessarily because of laziness, but because of the dry spells we experienced last year. Most families do not have food.
“However, I am glad that we have received the maize. This will reduce the pressure we had in our households and we are thankful to the government for this,” Chisikwa said.
He called on the beneficiaries to adopt eating habits that can assist in preserving food by avoiding wastefulness.
One of the beneficiaries, Witness Banda could not conceal her joy after receiving a bag of maize and said she and her family will now have something good to eat after a long period without proper food.
At least 5014 bags of maize have been distributed so far in Kasungu North alone, with the exercise expected to be done for two more months.
Kasungu is one of the 23 districts President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in March last year following a disastrous growing season.
YOWORI enhances access to SRHR with 4324 Hotline
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, January 5, Mana: Young Women Rise (YOWORI), a women-led organization has launched a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) hotline, 4324 to improve access to SRHR information and services for young people in Malawi.
Speaking during the launch at George community ground, Katsamba village, Traditional Authority Symon, in Neno, YOWORI Executive Director, Mirriam Chilemba highlighted the transformative potential of the hotline in bridging the information gap and providing timely support to vulnerable populations.
“The SRHR hotline, 4324 is a game changer. Many young people face challenges because they lack information or resources to address their reproductive health concerns effectively.
“This hotline ensures that everyone, regardless of their location, can access accurate SRHR information and support,” added Chilemba.
She said the hotline will also serve as a safe and confidential reporting channel for issues such as gender-based violence and psychosocial concerns.
“Some people are trapped in harmful situations simply because they don’t know where to seek help or because the available services are out of reach. With this hotline, anyone can report cases, seek advice and receive assistance without barriers,” YOWORI Executive Director added.
The launch of the hotline coincides with YOWORI’s ongoing efforts to promote access to SRHR services under the SRHR for All project.
Chilemba said the initiative addresses critical issues such as unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions and limited access to family planning methods.
“There’s a gap in accessing SRHR services among the youth, especially in areas like Neno. Through the hotline, we aim to provide immediate support and link young people to professional healthcare services,” she said.
With the hotline's launch, YOWORI reinforces its commitment to empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
Post-Abortion Care Coordinator at Neno District Hospital, James Chinkhata, pointed out the importance of seeking professional medical care for reproductive health concerns, particularly in cases of unplanned pregnancies or abortion complications.
“Incomplete and unsafe abortions often result in severe complications, such as septic infections and infertility.
“We provide post-abortion care, including manual vacuum aspiration, family planning, and other reproductive health services to prevent such tragedies. The hotline will further enable us to connect with those in need of these services,” Chinkhata said.
YOWORI’s broader mission focuses on addressing social injustices affecting young women and girls, including gender-based violence, early pregnancies, and limited access to education.
The organization also advocates for the rights of young people living with HIV, offering economic empowerment and educational initiatives.
The hotline, 4324, is now operational and available to anyone seeking information or assistance with SRHR, gender-based violence, and psychosocial issues.
VP Usi preaches unity and peace in Thyolo
By Catherine Chikopa
Thyolo, January 4, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has urged members of the Seventh - day Adventist (SDA) Church to cultivate peace and unity of purpose as vital components for Malawi’s transformation.
Speaking during a prayer service at Thekerani SDA Church in Thyolo, Usi emphasized the role of the church in fostering harmony within communities.
“Prayers are the foundation for peace. Churches must lead by example in uniting people rather than creating divisions. It is a peace that brings meaningful transformation,” Usi said.
Usi also reminded the congregation of God’s unconditional love for all people, stressing the importance of setting aside tribal or political differences to achieve one common goal of salvation.
“We are all one before God almighty. There is no Lomwe, Tumbuka, Sena, or any other tribe in His sight. As a church, we should be exemplary, united and work as one body in Christ,” he pointed out.
Member of Parliament for Thyolo South, Mabvuto Sandram Scott, praised Dr. Usi for setting a remarkable example to the congregation.
“People’s faith will rise, seeing the Vice President praying and putting God first. People of Thekerani need continuous encouragement and we look forward to more such visits in future,” Scott who is also SDA congregation in Parliament said.
Pastor John Nakomwa of Thekerani SDA Church expressed profound gratitude for the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a milestone for the congregation.
“Your coming today is like a dream come true. It is God who sent you here and we look at you as Joseph in the Bible,” said Pastor Nakomwa, drawing parallels between Dr. Usi’s mission and Joseph’s role in saving his people.
He added, “There are many churches you could have visited, but God directed you here. We do not take this for granted.”
During the visit, Dr. Usi donated K1 million to the church’s DORCAS women’s group.
Vibrant farmers clubs key to bumper harvests, economic growth
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, January 4, Mana: Government has disclosed plans to revive farmers clubs as one way of ensuring food security and economic growth among its citizenry across the country.
Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kumkuyu, disclosed on Friday when he launched the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loan programme in Dedza district.
The minister said during Kamuzu era, Malawi did a lot of farming thereby increasing exports, which in return brought in more forex into the country.
“That relieved us from some challenges. We had more drugs in hospitals and most goods and services were cheap. It’s just unfortunate that when other administrations came in, they overlooked that aspect but the Chakwera administration is restoring that lost glory,” he said
He added that hence government’s commitment to ensure farmers clubs are activated and that they receive the necessary support.
Kunkuyu further hailed communities in Dedza for coming together heeding to the call while emphasizing that Dedza has for a long time been a producing district.
“You can agree with me by looking at what we see when passing through the district’s trading centres. Let me ask those beneficiaries to seriously use the farm inputs for the intended purposes so that together we achieve the country’s aspirations for the Malawi 2063 agenda,” he stated.
On his part, NEEF, Board Chairperson, Jephta Mtema, said unlike in the last farming season when K27 billion was allocated towards the same which saw 11,500 farmers benefitting across the country, the 2024/25 season has an allocation of K150 billion.
“Through this, we expect to reach 400,000 farmers across the country. So far, K15 billion cash has been disbursed and 48,000 bags of fertilizers have been distributed since October 2024. Of this figure, 14,000 were NPK while 34,000 were Urea,” said Mtema.
Dedza District Council, Chief Agriculture Officer, Matilda Mtambo, hailed government through NEEF for reaching out to the district adding the diversification by the loan institution from solely providing cash loans to giving out farm inputs to farmers is a game changer.
“We appreciate this timely action which will greatly benefit our farmers. Let me also emphasize here that our office is committed to make proper follow-ups to ensure that the farm inputs being provided are being used for the intended purposes,” she said.
Inkosi Kamenyagwaza and one of the beneficiary farmers, Mirriam Pakhale from Tikhadzikitse Women Club under Mpalale Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kasumbu, hailed the move by government to ensure that farmers can also access farm inputs from NEEF on a loan basis while promising to do their best in order to achieve the programme’s objectives.
The chief further stated that it was pleasing to note that the programme is reaching out to everyone regardless of their political affiliations.
“This is a good initiative and if properly implemented, we won’t be the same in years to come. We will work hand in hand with government so that the beneficiaries can pay back the loan so that others can benefit too,” said Inkosi Kamenyagwaza.
In Dedza district, the launch took place in areas of Lobi, Linthipe and Boma which among other officials, Martha Kwataine, presidential advisor on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), participated as an observer of the programme.
212 households affected by heavy rains in Nkhata Bay
By Aubrey Ghambi
Nkhata Bay, January 3, Mana: About 212 houses in Nkhata Bay district have been damaged following heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in the district on Wednesday.
Nkhata Bay District Council Spokesperson Chisomo Kambandanga confirmed the development in an interview on Thursday.
He said the rains covered a wide range of areas; however, the affected houses are in the areas of Traditional Authorities Fukamalaza, Mkondowe, Mndola, Khoza, and Senior Chief Timbiri.
"In the last two days of 2024 up to the day we were celebrating the New Year; most areas received heavy rains, which was accompanied by strong winds causing damage to several houses.
"This has left most people homeless as walls of their houses were damaged, and roofs blown off, among others. Through an assessment and verification exercise the council conducted, I can confirm that 212 households have been affected,” Kambandanga said.
According to Kambandanga, the rains also affected some school blocks where roofs have been blown off in the mentioned areas.
"A report has been sent to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) as the affected families require numerous essential items," he added.
Councilor for Kandoli Ward, Osman Charge Phiri said that the affected households need urgent assistance of food, basic needs like clothes, and support to reconstruct their damaged houses for them to resume normal life.
One of the affected household members, Mary Manda, from the area of Senior Chief Timbiri said the disaster has heavily impacted her household.
"This has greatly affected us, as instead of focusing on farming, our attention will be diverted to rebuilding our home, which may lead to hunger in the next season,” she said
Government for equal distribution of loans
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, January 3, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, has stated that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera's administration is committed to ensure that National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) fertilizer loan programme is reaching the intended beneficiaries across the country.
Kunkuyu made these remarks during the launch of the NEEF loan fertilizer distribution at Lobi Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Kachere in Dedza District.
He emphasized that President Chakwera will ensure that farmers receive what they are promised so they can fully benefit from the initiative.
The minister noted that the programme will stimulate growth in the agriculture sector, which is likely to improve the country’s foreign exchange reserves when agricultural commodities are sold on the international market.
"You are the ones feeding the country, and you need to be fully empowered. We want to see you driving cars buying from the profits that you accumulate from this initiative," Kunkuyu said.
He commended local chiefs for encouraging their communities to avoid reliance on free handouts and to embrace hard work, which is essential for enhancing agricultural growth in the area.
NEEF Board Chairperson Jefta Mtemwa indicated that the programme was launched in 2024 with an initial budget of K25 billion, benefiting 11,500 farmers.
He said government has allocated K150 billion, targeting 400,000 farmers in 2025.
Mtemwa said this aligns with the President's vision to revitalize and transform agriculture, aiming to make Malawi a food-secure nation.
Mtemwa assured the beneficiaries that NEEF is working diligently to assist all applicants for loans, especially as the country is currently experiencing good rainfall.
Member of Parliament for Dedza South West Constituency, Clement Mlombwa, described the development as a testament to the government’s promises and commitment to promote self-reliance among the citizens.
Mlombwa expressed optimism that the programme would help to eradicate hunger in Dedza, as most farmers depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
He highlighted the importance of Lobi as a key agricultural production area and stressed the need for people in the district to benefit from the NEEF programme.
Additionally, Member of Parliament for Dedza Dzalanyama, Philipo Chinkhondo, praised NEEF for its initiative, stating that it would revitalize agriculture in his constituency.
He emphasized that the programme is not politically affiliated and that NEEF is distributing fertilizer regardless of political affiliations, unlike previous governments.
Chinkhondo urged communities benefiting from the initiative not to sell the fertilizer and encouraged chiefs and councilors to actively participate in implementing the programme to help combat hunger challenges.
In his remarks, Group Village Headman Lobi expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating it will significantly benefit farmers in the area.
He urged farmers to resist the temptation of engaging with vendors to maximize their production.
Nicolas Pemba, a beneficiary representing Uli Kuti Club, also commended the government for the positive progress of the programme.
He urged fellow beneficiaries to repay their loans on time to sustain the initiative and continue benefiting others in the future.
Pemba stressed the importance of using the fertilizer as intended to secure food for all.
VP condemns corruption in the distribution of maize
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, January 3, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has condemned the unfair distribution of maize, noting that it frustrates the purpose the maize distribution exercise is meant to achieve.
Addressing Soche West Ward beneficiaries at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday, Usi emphasized that there are people who are conniving with those in authority to receive maize meant for underprivileged households.
"It is a worrisome development that people who are indeed poor are coming here, waiting tirelessly but are not receiving the maize," said Usi.
"People who are not intended for the maize distribution and are well-to-do are receiving the maize because they are well known to some people in authority," added Usi.
The Vice President added that there should not be politicization of maize distribution as the maize is intended for poor Malawians, not people affiliated with any political party.
"The relief maize is not for any political party. It is for all hungry Malawians so there should not be segregation or political agendas towards the exercise. Whether they are UTM, DPP, MCP, AFORD supporters they all need to receive maize as they are all poor Malawians," Usi stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Bright Levers said the bag of maize has come in time of need as he was struggling to feed his family.
"We have been hungry for a week now as we did not have any other means of survival. So, this bag of maize is my hope to feed a family for weeks," he said.
Another beneficiary, Alinafe Chikoti described the bag of maize as a timely support as he is waiting to harvest maize from her farm in the following months.
Chikoti, however, advised those who sell maize to vendors to refrain from doing that saying this has potential to put their families at risk of hunger.
Meanwhile, 2 400 beneficiary families from Soche West Ward have each received a bag of maize worth 50 Kilogrammes.
