By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, February 6, Mana: Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, has departed Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Thursday morning following a two-day diplomatic visit.

The Chairperson was seen off at KIA by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo and other government officials.

Speaking before the departure at KIA, Spokesperson for Mahamat, Ebba Kalondo said the visit for the Chairperson was very important as they have discussed issues pertaining to the country as well as the African continent with President Lazarus Chakwera.

She said the Chairperson was in the country to appreciate the support which President Chakwera has been giving him throughout the time he has been Chairperson of the AUC.

“The Chairperson thought it wise to visit Malawi so that he should bid farewell to the Malawi president as his eight years tenure has come to an end,” said Kalondo.

She further stated that the visit has also helped the two leaders to discuss continental agendas which Malawi has been standing in all the operations of the AUC.

Kalondo said Malawi has been addressing great challenges including climate change as it was affected by drought and heavy rainfall.

“Malawi is among some African countries who benefited from solidarity funds of the AUC after it was affected by El Nino,” she said.

The Spokesperson further said the two leaders have tackled issues to do with intra-African solidarity and unity, on how to address problems the continent is facing so that peace and security should prevail.

Mahamat, was first elected chairperson for a four-year term on January 30, 2017, after seven rounds of voting beating Kenya's Amina Mohamed.

He was reelected in 2021 for another four-year term which ends this month

By James Mwale

Ntchisi, February 6, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo has challenged contractors undertaking government projects to either meet their set deadlines with quality results or step down and pave the way for their capable counterparts.

Chitsulo was speaking in Ntchisi district Wednesday after inspecting the progress of development projects under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).

She expressed dissatisfaction with delays in the construction of Malambo police unit and police officer’s house in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Masanya, which she said should have been completed as the deadline was three months ago.

She said: “As a Ministry, we are not impressed and we have urged the district council to get in touch with the contractor to agree on the final deadline which I am told is 27^th February 2025. Failure to meet this deadline will force us to award the contract to another contractor who will finish in time.”

She, however, was impressed with the completion of a police officer’s house construction at Kansonga in the area of Senior Chief Malenga, and a two-classroom block at Masangano Primary School in Senior Chief Kalumo.

She said the two projects are of good quality and that the contractors have done a commendable job.

Chairperson for Ntchisi district council, Marko Mphenzi Mtengo commended government for awarding such development projects to Malawian contractors.

He, however, warned contractors who miss deadlines and put out substandard work saying they are sabotaging government’s development initiatives.

Governance to Enable Service Delivery is a government of Malawi project funded by the World Bank and is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).

By Joyce Menyere

Lilongwe, February 5, Mana: The Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the Malawi Police Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) in its implementation of the financial inclusion and security at large and household level, where Malawi police SACCO is handing out loans to small and medium-sized enterprises and farmers.

 Speaking during the event on Tuesday, Gwengwe said having toured different Sacco’s in Malawi people are hardworking and have ideas but have a challenge when it comes to financial access. He encouraged the Malawi police SACCO to continue the good work that they are doing as it is reaching many hardworking and creative people in the country.

“the financial cooperatives that we are working with is Reserve Bank of Malawi to simplify the regulatory regime that are for small SACCO’s which should be hand holding rather than applying bracket regulations for big banks to let the SACCO’s grow”, Gwengwe said.

 Ian Mwalungira who is an officer with the Malawi police and a member of SACCO, said that they are happy that as an institution they have grown from 65 to 14,900 members as of 31^st December 2024 and total asset book has increased from K300 thousand in 2014 to K7.2 billion.

“K 6 billion has been advanced as loans to the members, who have also been able to mobilize K4.7 billion in shares and savings that are used for onward lending. Our headquarters is here in area 30 and we have now opened a branch in Mzuzu and its satellite in Karonga, another branch in Blantyre and a satellite in Luchenza, and a branch in Zomba and we intend to have a satellite in Mangochi”, he said.

He added that they are yet to reach more members with the use of technology using the member portal and plan to move to mobile banking.

“The Government has a vision of the 2063 agenda of the financial inclusion aspect and access to financial services, where they are trying to create vibrant financial institutions for self-reliance initiatives as offering loans for members, and the ATM strategy where people like those supplying meat in the tourism industry borrow from the SACCO and buy goats”, Mwalungira said.

The Minister of Trade will continue to work with the Reserve Bank of Malawi to simplify the regulation of small SACCO institutions.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, February 5, Mana: Police in Limbe have arrested a 34-year-old man for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a minor.

 Limbe Police Station Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Aubrey Singanyama said in an interview on Wednesday that a complaint was lodged at Kapeni Police Unit that on January 29^th 2025 at around 6 PM in Manje Location at Soche Township in Blantyre, Ebelle Mangani coaxed a three-year-old girl who was playing with her friend into a nearby maize field where he sexually assaulted her.

“The matter came to light when the victim's mother inquired from her about her prior whereabouts. The victim narrated the whole ordeal and also highlighted that her underwear was left in the said maize field,” he said.

This prompted the victim's parents to report the matter at Kapeni Police Unit where they were referred to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital One Stop Centre for medical examination the results came out positive for sexual assault and the child was admitted to the medical facility.

Upon receiving the complaint, police detectives commenced investigations that led to the arrest of the suspect at Nkando Trading Centre in Mulanje District on February 02, 2025, where he sought refuge.

Mangani who is admitted to the charge levelled against him is currently remanded at Blantyre Prison pending a further court appearance.

The suspect, a bricklayer by profession was once convicted of the same offence in 2017 and got released from Blantyre Prison in 2023.

Ebelle Mangani hails from Nthundu Village in the area of Traditional Kapeni in Blantyre District.

By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, February 4, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba, has directed Bishop McKenzie International School (BMIS) to reform key policies following concerns raised by employees regarding unfair labour practices.

During his visit to the institution on Monday, Mumba, alongside Secretary for Labour Chikondano Mussa and other government officials, held discussions with staff members to hear their grievances on working conditions.

 Among the major concerns raised were disparities in contracts between local and expatriate employees, lack of transparency in management decisions, and cases of unfair dismissal.

Workers raised concerns over unfair policies employees voiced frustrations over contract terms, alleging that local staff receive fewer benefits compared to their expatriate colleagues. They also decried the lack of career progression, with some holding the same positions for years without promotion.

Another key issue was the unilateral change of employment terms, with some workers claiming they were shifted from permanent to contract employment without consultation. Additionally, employees raised complaints about limited access to study leave and unfair termination of contracts.

Despite these concerns, Mumba praised BMIS for its approach to salary adjustments.

“We have had a fruitful discussion, and I want to inform the nation that we are impressed with some of the things happening here especially salary increments tied to inflation and devaluation. This is something we have not seen anywhere else,” he said.

Following the meeting, BMIS management assured the minister that they are revising policies to address staff concerns. They highlighted existing initiatives, including a mentorship program with Chancellor College and a career growth policy allowing employees to take salary advances for further studies.

Mumba, however, issued several directives to the school, including abolishing the existing health policy, which required annual medical tests for employees, as it was found to be inconsistent with labor laws.

“However, the new management has assured me that this policy is not in practice,” Mumba said.

Another directive was reducing the number of expatriate teachers, emphasizing that Malawi’s laws allow expatriates to work for a maximum of six years and must have a local understudy. BMIS currently employs 62 teachers, of which only seven are Malawian.

The minister also stated that his ministry will review all claims of unfair dismissals and ensure compliance with proper termination procedures.

Mumba reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labor practices across all sectors.

“We cannot talk about job creation when jobs meant for Malawians are being taken by foreigners. We will ensure all organizations, whether schools, NGOs, or private companies, comply with the law,” he warned.

The Ministry of Labour says it will continue monitoring BMIS and other institutions to ensure compliance with labor regulations and fair treatment of employees.

By Patience Harawa

Karonga, February 5, Mana: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has called for deliberate efforts in a bid to promote active women's participation in electoral processes.

CCJP’s Gender Officer, Stella Zimba said this on Tuesday in Karonga during a loud-hailing awareness campaign on enhancing women's participation in the democratic processes.

Zimba said it’s a pity that women continue to lag behind in development activities especially in political leadership despite several efforts being made in order to change the status quo.

Zimba said: "There is a need for specific interventions that enhance women's participation in the democratic processes, especially now that the country is preparing for the general elections slated for 16 September 2025.

“Women's participation in political leadership remains critically low. We should make efforts that will not only ensure women take part in electoral activities but also vie for leadership positions.”

CCJP under the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has been implementing a one-year project called 'Enhancing the participation of women in 2025 General Elections' funded by the United Development Programme (UNDP).

The project is aimed at enhancing the participation of women in the September 16, 2025, general elections by creating awareness of electoral processes and empowering communities to vote for women.

“Women's participation in electoral processes is crucial for our democracy. This project aims to raise awareness of the electoral processes, empower communities, and ensure inclusive women participation in the electoral processes,” Zimba said.

The District Elections Officer for Karonga Elias Nyirenda hailed CCJP for the project which he said will help to promote women's participation in the electoral processes.

Nyirenda said there is a need to remove all barriers that hinder active women's participation in political leadership

By Wishes Matchaya

Lilongwe, February 5, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) says it is satisfied with how the Supplementary Voter Registration Exercise has been conducted.

MEC commenced the Supplementary Voter Registration Exercise on January 21, 2025, and concluded on February 3, 2025. The exercise was among others to ensure that those who did not register during the voter registration process should have the opportunity to register and exercise their voting rights in forthcoming general elections.

“It has been a successful exercise and we are satisfied with how it has been conducted. We managed to run all the centres as scheduled. No centre warrants us to extend the voter registration period that we provided for” Sangwani Mwafulirwa, MEC’s spokesperson.

MEC’s spokesperson, Sangwani Mwafulirwa also revealed that MEC will run the transfer window which will be opened later this month. The transfer window intends to give an opportunity for people who might have moved from the places where they registered or for those who foresee that by September 16, 2025, they will be in places other than where they registered.

Mwafulirwa has argued people to use the transfer window as there will be no transfer during the voting day.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 5, Mana: District Forestry Officer for Kasungu, Fletcher Mhone, says the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) has significantly contributed towards achieving this year’s district target of planting at least 3 million trees.

Mhone made the remarks Tuesday when the District Environmental Subcommittee toured conservation works at Mwaeka Catchment in the area of Traditional Authority Wimbe in the district.

He revealed that over 750,000 trees, mainly under the CSPWP, have already been planted by the end of January, putting the district on the right curve to meeting its target.

“We are on the right trajectory towards achieving our district targets of 3 million trees this planting season as we are now nearing a million trees this early February.

“Most of the nurseries prepared under the CSPWP have been planted, although we still have some catchments that are still planting. We urge them to accelerate the exercise to ensure a high tree survival rate,” he said. 

Mhone encouraged the participants in the programme to carry out all the required woodlot management practices so that the planted trees survive.

“One of the tricks to ensure high survival rate of trees is to prepare nurseries early enough to accord the young trees a hardening off period before they are transplanted.

“This helps them to get accustomed to harsh conditions and when they are transplanted, they become resilient and survive,” he said.

Chairperson for the Vipingo Forestry Management Project under Mwaeka Catchment, Yohane Mwale, hailed the CSPWP for helping to restore degraded landscapes in the area and therefore called for its continuation.

“We are well aware of the programme’s objectives and its impact. This is why we have committed ourselves to it. Our plea is that it must be sustained,” he said.

The CSPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Project being funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

In Kasungu alone, the programme has enrolled 24,000 participants who are engaged in creating soil, land and forest conservation assets while also earning a living through the monthly K48 000 payment per participant

By Salome Gangire

Neno, February 5, Mana: Neno District Commissioner Rosemary Nawasha has urged participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) to invest their wages in small-scale businesses to improve their livelihoods.

Nawasha made the remarks on Tuesday at Ligowe in the area of Senior Chief Mlauli during the payment of wages to CS-EPWP participants.

She emphasized that the programme’s primary objective is to restore degraded landscapes while enhancing the livelihoods of participants.

"Please invest the money in small-scale businesses so that you can afford basic needs such as food, clothing, and school materials for your children while also boosting your household income," Nawasha said.

The District Commissioner highlighted that the project aims to create visible, durable, and high-quality assets within micro-catchments to improve household resilience to shocks, increase income levels, and enhance food security and seeks to reduce households' exposure to risks associated with climate change and its effects.

Nawasha revealed that the council is disbursing over K671 million in wages to participants working in all 14 catchments across the district.

She praised the programme for helping restore the district’s vegetative cover, contributing to environmental restoration.

A participant working at the Mwangisi Catchment from Zigwa Village under Senior Chief Mlauli, Aida Molosoni, expressed gratitude to the government for the wages.

She said the money had come at the right time and shared her plans to allocate the funds wisely.

"I am grateful to the government for this money. I will use part of it to buy food and invest the rest in my fritters business," she said.

According to CS-EPWP Project Facilitator for Neno, Chrissy Kamanga, there are 14,159 participants working across the district's 14 catchments and participants work for 30 paid days and 10 days of community contribution, earning K1,600 a day which translates to K48,000 per cycle.

The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) is a key component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP). It is implemented by the Malawi Government, funded by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank and is facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) across all 28 district councils.

Lilongwe, February 5, Mana: The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila on 4 February 2025 sent off 15 students to Morocco on a scholarship at Kamuzu International Airport.

Speaking during the event, Kabwila said the scholarship represents not just an individual achievement but a testament to their commitment to fostering educational excellence and international collaboration.

"As you embark on your journey to Morocco, remember you are ambassadors of Malawi fostering connections between our nations. Your experience will enhance your lives and reinforce the mutual respect and shared aspirations for progress that bind us together," she stated.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Naji Abdelkader emphasises that the event marks a significant milestone in their academic journeys as they embark on an exciting chapter in Morocco.

"The knowledge and experience you gain in Morocco will empower you to foster positive change in your communities, upon your return, you will be equipped to contribute significantly to Malawi's development and Progress

"On behalf of the Moroccan government and the people of Morocco, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for being selected for this prestigious scholarship," he said.

So far 69 students have already been sent to Morocco, and 15 more students, totaling up to 84 students and 16 more will be sent next week to add up to 100 students. This initiative aims to enhance skills and foster international collaboration, benefiting both Nations.