MANAonline
Blantyre Kabaza operators ask Blantyre City for convenient operating space
By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, November 14, Mana: Motorcycle taxi operators in Blantyre have appealed to Blantyre City Council (BCC) to provide designated operating spaces within the city as opposed to current situation that sees them operating in undesignated places in town in conflict with traffic regulations.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), a motor cycle taxi operator, Maxwell Teketeke, said was aware of inconveniences caused by undesignated parking spaces but added that most operators have no choice but to operate though in conflict with traffic regulations.
He said on average operators earn between K8,000 and K15,000 per day despite difficulties, however they bemoaned the fact that many operators are fined by traffic police for breaking route restrictions often compelling them to pay heavy penalties.
“We know the law, but sometimes we have no choice but to break them because there are so few places for us to operate. We are given huge fines to the extent of K100,000 which make us get loans to retrieve our bikes,” Teketeke added.
He also expressed concern over motor bicycle operators’ safety saying minibus drivers often ignore motorbikes safety on the road.
“One time, a minibus hit me, and the driver sped off leaving me behind in pain. Minibus operators don’t respect us,” he added.
Blantyre Police Office-in-Charge, Assistant Commissioner, Aubrey Kawale, admitted that motorcycle operators are fined depending on an offence they commit.
“Police charge every committed offence and these include; fines for riding without licence, K15,000, riding without insurance, K50,000, riding an unregistered bike K20,000, and without a helmet K10,000, among others,” Kawale added.
On safety measures, the Officer in Charge said that the police have Community Policing Office responsible for sensitising motor bicycle operators on road safety.
Kawale however observed that some motorbike operators are suspected of using their bikes to facilitate crime in the city.
Blantyre City Council, Chief Executive Officer, Denis Chinseu said he was not aware of any Kabaza operator officially registered with the city authority.
The Chief Executive Officer said the council could not provide parking spaces for unregistered operators.
“They need to come to us, identify themselves as operators to get registered. They should also be properly trained by the Road Traffic Directorate, as we must ensure the safety of all city residents,” he added.
Green Belt Authority commits to transparecy
By Mary Sichali
Karonga, November 15, Mana: The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has pledged to be an open institution to facilitate transparency and accountability.
The Authority's Public Relations Officer, Sam Majamanda, said this in Karonga during an engagement meeting Thurday with community members surrounding Nthora Ilola Irrrigation Scheme and officials from Karonga district council on the Access to Information Act.
"We want to inform stakeholders about the Access to Information Act and assure them that GBA abides to what the law requires.”
"Where there's lack of information, there's room for speculations and misunderstandings. GBA aims to build a good relationship with the public, the community we serve and other stakeholders," Majamanda said
Sub Traditional Authority Mwangolera hailed GBA for engaging with the public and its affirmation to be cooperative in the provision of information.
"GBA has now opened up to the public which is very important to keep them informed. As traditional leaders we will play our role to ensure this is fully embraced," said Mwangolera.
President for Water User Association (WUA) for Nthora Ilola Irrigation, Scheme Bitoni Maghunda Mwalweni, said the engagement meeting was eye opening for them to know what is expected of both parties.
"At first we did not know about our right to access information but we now know what to do. We will not keep this information to ourselves, an initiative to sensitive our fellow stakeholders will be taken," said Mwalweni.
Mike Tyson Returns to the Ring
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Former World Boxing Champion Mike Tyson is set to take on Jake Paul in a historic boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, scheduled for 3:00 AM Central African Time.
Mike Tyson who was part of popular culture in Malawi, will return to the ring since his last fight in June 2005.
Tyson has a career record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts and started his career with 37 wins before a shock first loss to James “Buster” Douglas on February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, Japan.
Whereas Jake Paul holds a 10-1 record with seven knockouts in his career. His lone loss came via a split decision to Tommy Fury in February 2023.
Mike Tyson is currently 58 years old and was born on June 30, 1966 while Jake Paul is 27 years old, born on January 17, 1997.
DAZN reports that Striverne, a former WBC heavyweight champion, told Baccart.net: “I don’t think it will last more than six rounds. In the first half of the fight, the younger guy is going to come out to try and impose himself, but I see Mike working his body and dragging him into deep water from early on in the fight.”
“Mike is a lot older, but he still has the ambition to fight and has bad intentions. He still hits the pads hard, looks great on the pads and it’s not like he fighting somebody who is a live opponent. Mike is taking this fight seriously and I don’t see in any way how he loses this fight against Jake Paul.”
Nevertheless, as the boxing world tunes in to witness the clash of generations between the legendary Mike Tyson and the rising star Jake Paul, all eyes will be on the ring to see if experience trumps youth, or if the new era of boxing will deliver an upset for the ages.
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.
