By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, November, 21 Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera who is also the Chancellor of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has urged fresh graduates to bring a positive impact in the economic development of the country through agriculture and science in line with the Malawi 2063 agenda.

The President made the sentiments on Thursday, during the eighth Luanar congregation that took place at LUANAR Bunda campus in Lilongwe.

He said the fresh graduates have been honoured to make long lasting impacts in the economic development of the country due to their perseverance, dedication and determination to achieve their goals.

He emphasized that LUANAR is no ordinary institution and does not produce ordinary graduates due to its high quality and excellent education that is offered each and every year to students in various faculties.

“As the chancellor of the university, I would like to encourage the graduates to refuse to participate in any activities that can destroy the economic sector of the nation but rather encourage them to show their full potential that can help to boost the economic sector through agriculture.

“LUANAR is known for its commitment in creation of knowledge, skills and innovations hence the outgoing students should build systems that can help to promote different sectors of the government through agriculture,” Chakwera said.

Vice Chancellor for LUANAR, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda said the newly graduated individuals have been equipped to conquer challenges of Malawi by offering long lasting solutions towards the country’s development.

He also said the 8^th congregation represent a significant investment in human capital resources with endless possibilities in transforming Malawi in agriculture and other economic growth.

“As newly graduates, you must know that you carry not only knowledge but also potential impact to transform Malawi into a self-reliant nation in line with achieving Malawi 2063 values.

As you step out into the world, don't underestimate yourself; instead, keep pushing forward until you achieve your goals," Kaunda encouraged.

Concurring with Kaunda’s sentiments, Professor Zachary Kasomekera, who is LUANAR Council Chairperson explained that LUANAR saves as a ground platform for innovative ideas to be actualised with high quality resources and support to its students.

“Graduates are encouraged to focus on investing in agriculture natural resources for human capital development.

“The outgoing students should act as a bridge between government and the university in guiding Malawi to fulfil its Malawi 2063 values,” he explained.

He has however advised the graduates to work hard and transform others by knowing their values in order to help in achieving the MW 2063 Pillar of agricultural productivity.

Upon arrival the President was welcomed by Minister of Agriculture Sam Dalitso Kawale, LUANAR Council Chair Prof. Zachary Kasomekera, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Emmanuel Kaunda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Agnes Mwangwela, University Registrar Dr. Phillip Kaonda, and other senior government officials.

The graduation is celebrated under the theme “Investment in Agricultural and Natural Resource Human Capital Development: Paving the Way for Malawi’s Social and Economic Transformation

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, November 20, Mana: The Principal Secretary of Finance and Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Nwazi Mnthambala, has commended Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for transforming lives of the programme beneficiaries.

Mnthambala made the remarks on Wednesday at Nkhwali, in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in Nkhata Bay, during a visit to households benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) alongside officials from her ministry.

“It’s impressive to see beneficiaries having achieved financial stability in various forms including asserts. This development fits the goals of the programme,” said Mnthambala.

She then advised the beneficiaries against using the assets which they have accumulated as a tool for propelling gender based violence.

One of the beneficiaries, Timothy Mlauzi aged 58 testified that he is ready to graduate from the programme to pave way to others so that they also benefit from the initiative.

“I developed my exit strategy immediately I was enrolled into the programme in 2022 and I can say proudly that the strategy is working.

I now have five goats, 24 chickens besides purchasing 15 iron sheets and I am expecting to receive money from village savings and loans (VSLs) group bank which I will invest in farming,” said Mlauzi.

According to District Social Welfare Officer for Nkhata Bay, Martha Mphopo, beneficiaries will continue being encouraged to be investing their stipends money in VSLs so that they develop a sustainable economic base.

SCTP is being implemented by Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank and currently is benefiting 6,475 households in Nkhata Bay.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, November 21, Mana: Ripple Africa through its Fish for Tomorrow’s Project has oriented officials from the judiciary and police in Nkhata Bay on Fisheries Conservation Management Act for them to be familiar with it as they are key when it comes to law enforcement.

Speaking on Wednesday after a two-day orientation exercise, Country Director for Ripple Africa, Force Ngwira said their expectation was that the law enforcers would better understand the Act for them to effectively handle fisheries related cases.

“We are trying to fill the knowledge gap that we identified and we expect to collaboratively move forward together as we manage and conserve fish on our beautiful lake,” he said.

Ngwira singled out poor mind-set of fishermen and transfer of well-trained law enforcers on Fisheries Management Act as major challenges fuelling illegal fishing in Malawi.

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay Rodgers Newa urged the trained law enforcers to pass on the knowledge they gained to the local communities.

“There is need for cascading such trainings to trainer of trainers at grass root level for its sustainability as transfers of government officials are inevitable,” he added.

He therefore commended Ripple Africa for always taking a leading role in complementing government’s efforts in conserving the environment

By Patience Kapinda

Lilongwe, November 21, Mana: After a three-year break, Malawian hip-hop sensation SevenOmore is back with a bang, announcing the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, Yr2099 Lives: Teacher's Guide.

The album, set to be released in late November 2024, promises to continue the narrative introduced in his debut album, Yr2099: The Future Is Here.

SevenOmore revealed that he didn't take a break from music, but rather used the time to refine his craft, "I was making music, which I'm about to release," he said.

The album's theme revolves around love, inspiration, and spirituality.

SevenOmore acknowledged the challenges he faced during his break but expressed gratitude to fans who waited patiently and supported him throughout.

"This project is a masterpiece designed to ease people's pain, motivate them, and bring emotions together," he said.

The album features a collaboration with renowned Afrobeat artist Piksy, who praised SevenOmore as a genius, "His beats, lyrics, and videos are out of this world," Piksy said. "When he asked me to jump on his song, I didn't hesitate."

Fan Timothy Nahosi shared his excitement about the album, citing SevenOmore's unique blend of hip-hop and Malawian rhythms, "Their music has become an anthem for my own journey," Nahosi said. "I'm expecting Yr2099 Lives: Teacher's Guide to tackle social issues, personal growth, and self-empowerment."

With Yr2099 Lives: Teacher's Guide, SevenOmore is poised to elevate Malawi's music scene, showcasing local talent and creativity to a global audience.

Some of other artists that he has featured on the album despite Piksy are Third eye, Anne Matumbi, just to mention a few.

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.

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.

By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 16, Mana: Chief Executive Officer for Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) Dr. Micheal Mkandawire says his organization will hold a high-level breakfast on Monday as one way of helping to end Tuberculosis (TB)by 2030 and also to end stigma as a nation.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday at the Central Office of Information in Lilongwe, Mkandawire said the high-level breakfast will bring together different stakeholders from across the country.
“The First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera will on Monday 18th November host a High- Breakfast to amplify missing voices aimed at ending Tuberculosis (TB). The function is scheduled to take place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
"We will be joined by people from the Global Fund and other stakeholders from across the country to amplify global health and voice towards ending the disease," said Mkandawire.
Technical Advisor for Paradiso TB patients Trustie, Mara Kubweza said their involvement in the High- level breakfast is for them to show the world that TB survivors are there to minimise stigma across the world.
"We are very honoured as TB survivors to be part of this auspicious occasion. We will take advantage of this gathering to make a statement about what is happening in the country and also bring up the issues that are affecting us in the response,” she said.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Facilitators of Community Transformation (FACT) Thokozile Phiri said they know some of the stigmas that have been there and are working towards minimising them.
"We have been doing awareness in Malawi to make sure that people are aware of TB and how to end it. With strong political will, we can end TB. We are very happy that the First Lady of this country is an ambassador for TB,” she said.

By James Ngalande

Dowa, February 7, Mana: The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) through its Universal Service Fund (USF) has committed its support to the Ministry of Education to introduce sign language in all primary and secondary schools in Malawi.

MACRA Executive Director Daudi Suleman made the remarks on Monday during the opening of a 5-day training of trainers in sign language in Dowa. He emphasized that for the nation to develop, every Malawian must have equitable access to communication services regardless of location and disability.

"Equitable communication services to all the citizens in Malawi including persons with hearing disability is the backbone to the development of Malawi. But there are challenges in Malawi’s education sector in fully accommodating learners who are deaf which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of performance.

“It is with this background that MACRA through USF decided to step in and support the education sector to introduce and promote sign language in all schools so that every Malawian has access to information," he said.

Daudi said inclusive access to communication and education services will also contribute to achieve Malawi 2063 goals.

Deputy Director for inclusive education in the Ministry of education Lucy Magagula said the inclusion of sign language in all schools will help learners with hearing disability in their studies and eventually bridge the communication gap.

"The Ministry is very grateful to MACRA through USF for the support. This is a very important step because we have a lot of learners who are deaf hence requiring specialists to teach them, of which we have few. Therefore, this training will help address this challenge," said Magagula.

One of the participants Hannah Chiwindi from Thyolo secondary school applauded MACRA for the initiative saying this will help them to deliver

By Moses Nyirenda

Lilongwe, January 14, Mana: Founder of Lilongwe based non-profit organisation, Zoe Foundation, Temwa Chilenga has urged well-wishers, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), companies and individuals to support her organisation in order to enhance its works of assisting vulnerable children.

She made the appeal on Saturday when women under Water Employees Trade Union of Malawi (WETUM) visited her foundation’s premises in Area 25, Lilongwe here they cheered children and donated various items worth K7.5 million.

The donated items include soap, bags of maize, sugar, flour, soya pieces and cooking oil among others.

Chilenga said the foundation faces different challenges to help vulnerable children hence the call for support.

“The problems that we face include shortage of food, lack of school fees as well as learning materials for our children. Our plea to the well-wishers is food, school fees, learning materials and other things that children may need,” Chilenga said.

She appreciated WETUM for the support saying the donation received would assist address some of the challenges which they face at the foundation.

WETUM Women's Chairperson, Elizabeth Chirambo said they decided to visit Zoe Foundation to encourage the foundation's work.

“After reading Temwa's story on Facebook about what she is doing as a young lady, we decided to visit her foundation with support in order to encourage her,” she said.

She, therefore, called upon other organisations and well-wishers to also visit Zoe Foundation with support to the foundation’s work.

Zoe Foundation was established in 2018 and currently it is looking after 74 vulnerable children.

By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, January 12, Mana: Some farmers based in Mzimba have cried foul at the lack of readily available markets for their produce and lack of access to loans.

Speaking on Thursday in Mzimba during an agribusiness forum organised by the Mzimba district agriculture office for farmers, agro-dealers and loan providers, Thokozile Jere, of Chitafika Cooperative from Champhira Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mzikubola, said they produce a lot of sunflower, soya, maize and beans but they end up selling to vendors who offer low prices.

‘‘As a cooperative, our major challenge lies in finding readily available markets where we can sell our produce at better prices. And due to the lack of markets we end up being milked off by vendors who buy our produce at lower prices,’’ she said.

Jere said some unscrupulous vendors go into the village and buy their maize produce at K5,000 per pail of 20 litres which they in turn sell at over K12,000.

Another farmer, Luka Kaweche Manda of Sekelerani Cooperative from Unyolo Section in Khosolo EPA in T/A Khosolo, lamented lack of capital for growth of their cooperative.

‘‘We produce a lot of Irish potatoes but we don’t make a lot of profits because we don’t have markets so we just sell at local markets in the village, and in the end incurring hefty losses.

“The sad part of it all is that we incur a lot in buying farm inputs, such as fertilizer and chemicals yet we can’t make any gains from it. We appeal to government to help us on how we can gain access to loans and also help identify markets for our produce,’’ said Manda.

Speaking during the forum, FDH Bank’s Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprise (Farmse) Project officer Eloshadieh Fologonya appealed to the farmers to apply for loans under Farmse programme.

‘‘Under Farmse we provide loans to associations, cooperatives and clubs at no loan interests at all. So those of you farmers grappling with lack of finances to grow your various businesses, apply for these loans and you will be given,’’ said Fologonya who also works as Direct Sales Agent for FDH Bank.

In his remarks, acting Chief Agriculture Officer for Mzimba, Raphael Msyali, said his office organised the meeting so that farmers’ concerns about access to loans, markets and other things could be dealt with by stakeholders in agribusiness.