MANAonline
Government set to establish 395 civic education hubs
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, June 14, Mana: Government plans to establish 395 civic education hubs across the country to advocate for a positive mindset change among citizenry on various issues of development.
Deputy Director of Civic Education in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Lawrence Useni disclosed this Friday in Blantyre during capacity building and knowledge sharing of civic education hubs for southern region.
Useni said Malawi 2063 mandates the Ministry to establish the hubs comprising civil society organizations and government extension workers to sensitize the public at the village, traditional authority and district levels on various issues of development.
“So far, we have established 14 hubs and these structures are working hand in hand with district councils to identify areas that are problematic for sensitization. In some councils, their concern is school dropouts among girls, while in others, their area of focus is child protection in general,” he said.
National Planning Commission Development Planning Officer responsible for Mindset Change enabler, Salim Ahmed Mapila described the civic education hubs as crucial in the overall implementation of Malawi 2063.
“If you look at the vision document itself, it’s anchored on three pillars and seven enablers and a cross-cutting and key among the seven is mindset change. Within that, we are looking at how we could change people’s way of thinking as a development tool so that we have a citizenry that is geared towards development,” he noted.
Mapila asked for increased popularization of the document, saying the development would lead to the recruitment of more mindset change agents to help in the implementation of Malawi 2063.
“Currently, nearly 90 percent of Malawian adults are aware of the vision document and some pieces of what is contained in the document, but what the commission is geared at now is to let the people understand it better and help in its implementation. So, the civic education hub is one of the avenues we are exploring,” he said.
One of the participants from Chiwalo Civic Education Hub in Phalombe, Fanny Khalambe hailed the government for establishing their hub, which has gone far and beyond in sensitizing communities on the vision document and also seeking their effective participation to achieve the Malawi 2063 development objectives.
“Besides, we advocate for girl-child education, improved farming technologies and lobby for market linkages from various local and international organizations,” she said.
Body of Late Chilima arrives at State Residence
By Priscilla Phiri and Lesnart Kenani
Lilongwe, June 14, Mana: The body of late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima has arrived at State Residence in Area 12, Lilongwe where the wake of his funeral will take place.
There was a sombre mood as multitudes of Malawians from all walks of life that have gathered at the residence to mourn Chilima.
Government officials, political party officials, the Ngoni community, religious leaders are among those present at the residence.
The Body has arrived at the residence from a Requiem mass which was held at St Patricks Parish Church, together with family members.
The casket was carried by Malawi Defence Force (MDF) pall bearers.
A Military gun salute was sounded in honour of the late Vice President, 30 minutes after the arrival of his remains.
Chilima’s body will be moved to Parliament Buildings on Saturday, June 15, 2024 where it will lie in state for Malawians to pay their final respects.
Vice President Chilima died on a plane crash together with eight others on June 10,2024 and he will be laid to rest on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Nsipe Village, Ntcheu District.
Late Chilima to be remembered as a Saint
By Eunice Disi and Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, June 14, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera with thousands of Malawians on Friday afternoon attended funeral mass service to pray for the late Vice President, Dr. Saluos Chilima at St. Patrick's Parish in Lilongwe.
Describing the late Chilima as a dedicated and humble member of the church, the assistant officiating Rev. Father Zulu said Chilima would be remembered as a Saint in their prayers at St. Patrick's Parish.
"It all feels like a dream; we are all crying. Chilima was a church elder here and he loved the church so much. He was an easy going person, easy to interact with. I thank Madam Mary Chilima and the President for allowing this mass to take place," he said.
Speaking during the Mass, Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka who is the Parish Chairperson described Chilima as a dedicated member of the church who was ever present at every church's event.
"I know that death is painful but Chilima's passing has hurt so much because he has left a huge gap that no one will be able to fill.
"Chilima was a devoted Catholic whose Christianity was portrayed in everything that he did and it's my prayer that God in heaven should reward him for his good deeds," he said.
Auxiliary Bishop of Lilongwe Archdiocese, Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa officiated the Mass at St. Patrick's Parish where late Chilima used to attend church services since 2007. In his words the Bishop said Chilima's legacy will carry on.
Major Aidini laid to rest in Mangochi
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, June 14, Mana: There were gun shots by the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers at Chiwalo Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Nankumba in Mangochi on Friday as one way of paying their last respect to their fellow colleague in arms, the late Major Wales Aidini.
Aidini, an airplane technician, died together with the Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and seven others in a tragic plane crash in Chikangawa Forest on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe said that Aidini is a fallen hero, who died while serving the country.
Gwengwe, who was accompanied by Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, described the Chikangawa tragedy as a big loss to the country, as it has taken away very productive citizens.
“Personally, I have traveled in that plane for in so many occasions,” he said of the plane that remains a wreckage.
“Apart from that, I was with the Vice President and some of our departed friends in South Korea just a few hours before the accident. As such, I am very confused as it is so painful and difficult to believe that our colleagues are no longer with us,” the Minister said.
Gwengwe asked communities to exercise patience and restraint while waiting for the results of an investigation of what really happened leading to the plane crash.
“You will appreciate the fact that President Chakwera has made a directive on the launch of an investigation that will lead to the establishment of what really happened. As such, let us exercise patience while we are waiting for results of that investigation,” he said.
Land Forces Commander, Major General Chikunkha Soko said Aidini was a dedicated as well as committed soldier.
Soko said Aidini joined the military in 2001 and later did a number of Aircraft Engineering courses.
“Due to his hard work and education, Wales was promoted in 2017 as Captain and in 2020 as Major.” he added.
“He had four medals to his credit and worked under the United Nations in Ivory Coast and in DRC. We have lost an icon,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Mangochi-Monkey Bay, Ralph Jooma said he was lost with words at the death of Aidini, whom he described as a brother.
“Among the children we considered as educated in our area was Wales. It is so painful,” he said.
“I just received an invitation to their family function in the coming months. But as of now, he is no longer with us. With that, we are speechless,” Jooma added.
He commended President Chakwera for issuing a directive for an investigation into the tragic death of Chilima, crew and the other five passengers in Chikangawa on June 10, 2024.
In his eulogy, representative of the bereaved family, Omega Mlelemba said the deceased has left a gap as he was the bread-winner for the whole family.
“As a family, we are speechless for the passing on of our brother. We were all going to him to ask for support, as such, we have been left hopeless,” she said.
Born on February 16, 1981, Aidini is survived by a wife and five children.
Updated programme for funeral programme
By Naomi Langisi
Lilongwe, 14 June, MANA: Minister of information Moses Kunkuyu has announced the change of programme for the burial ceremony of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.
He disclosed this Friday in Lilongwe during the press briefing that the President would be at the mortuary at 1:00 pm to lead the ceremony to St Patrick’s Parish in Area 18 where there would be mass and the body would to Area 12,
Kunkuyu said on Saturday the body of Chilima would be taken to Parliament until Sunday morning.
On Sunday, the President would be at Parliament to take the body to Bingu National Stadium in Area 48 where there will be different activities to honour the late Vice President.
Burial will take place on Monday at his home village for burial at Nsipe in Ntcheu.
Kunkuyu urged all politicians to avoid doing campaigns during this sorrowful period and they are working hand in hand with the relatives of the late vice president.
Afreximbank condoles President Chakwera
By Tikondane Vega
Nassau, June 14, Mana: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) President, Prof. Benedict Oramah has condoled President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the tragic loss of his Vice President Saulosi Chilima and eight others during a plane crash on Monday.
Prof. Oramah sent the condolence message during his keynote address on Thursday evening at the ongoing Afreximbank annual meeting being held in Bahamas at Baha Mar Convention, Arts & Entertainment Center in Nassau, from June 12-15, 2024.
At the meeting that has brought together on one platform thousands of people, including African and Caribbean leaders and senior government officials, policymakers, corporate leaders, bankers, academia, and other leaders, Orama urged the gathering to put Malawians into prayers as the country was going through its difficult time.
“Before I start my speech I would like to condole President, Chakwera and Malawians at large due to the plane accident that has claimed the life of Vice President, Dr. Saulosi Chilima and eight others. We were supposed to have Malawi leader at this meeting but he failed to make it due to this loss.
“I am sending my condolence message and prayers to the Malawi leader and should feel that we are together during this trying moment. May all those who lost their lives rest in peace and God should console the bereaved families,” he said.
On this, Oramah said his bank has been helping Malawi in different ways and shall continue to do so in many years to come in areas of infrastructural development and mega-farms among other important areas as one way to uplift socio-economic development.
Afreximbank, recently initiated construction of the “Magwero Industrial Park” in Lilongwe, an integrated industrial park set to accelerate the country’s industrialization.
At the Bank's Annual General meeting, several speakers including the African Union sent a condolence message to the Malawi government, and during the opening of the gathering on Monday, delegates observed a one-minute silence as a way of paying their respects to the late Vice President.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Dr Mwaiwawo Polepole who is leading Malawi delegates told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Nassau that the condolence messages are showing unity and love to Malawi and commended delegates for the gesture.
Dr Polepole said Malawi's presence at the meeting signifies the commitment that President Chakwera's administration has to trade and investment which was a key focus in the Banks 2024 meeting.
In recognition of the increasingly closer linkages between Africa and the Caribbean and the movement towards a Global Africa uniting Africans, their diaspora, and descendants worldwide, the three-day event is taking place jointly with the 3rd Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF).
WHO urges substantial funding to lifesaving blood donations?
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, June 14, Mana: World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Region has stressed the need to raise adequate and sustainable funding in a bid to continue to build systems and capacities to increase blood donation rates and separate donated blood into its components that can be stored for long-term use.
The WHO made the statement in a message from WHO Africa Region Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti as the global community is set to commemorate World Blood Donor Day Friday.
The Day which is commemorated annually will this year be observed under the theme: “20 years of celebrating giving: Thank you, blood donors!”
According to Moeti, the 20th anniversary was a time to reflect on achievements, address challenges and envision a future where safe blood transfusion is universally accessible as well as a time to remember the health of blood donors and the quality of care accorded to such people.
She said this was critical in encouraging them and building the commitment and willingness to donate blood regularly.
“I recommend that communities support those who donate blood to encourage others to donate. This has the potential to create an exponential increase in the availability of life-saving donor blood when and where it is needed most,” Moeti said.
She encouraged organizations to support capacity building efforts for efficient National Blood Transfusion Services.
Moeti emphasized on the critical role that blood transfusion plays in the provision of lifesaving health care to vulnerable people, such as mothers during childbirth, under-nourished and malaria-affected children, victims of trauma and accidents and patients suffering from sickle cell and other chronic diseases.
Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has postponed this year’s commemoration for the World Blood Donor Day which was slated for Saturday, June 15, 2024 following the death of Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others in a tragic plane crash earlier this week.
In a statement signed by MBTS Marketing and Public Relations Manager, Janet Katonda, MBTS arrived at the decision following the President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration that the nation should observe 21 days of mourning in honour of late Chilima and others killed in the accident.
Ntchisi mourns Chimaneni
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, June 14, Mana: Remains of late Inspector, Chisomo Chimaneni who died on Monday along with late Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima was accorded military honours on Thursday in his Makwaule Village Senior Chief Chilooko in Ntchisi district.
Representing President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the funeral, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, who was in the company of Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sam Kawale, described late Chimaneni as a “patriotic hero who died serving his country.”
He said that, “His death is a big loss to the country, to his district, and to me personally as Minister of Homeland Security because it is devoted young ones like these that who should take over these positions we hold as we are aging towards retirement.”
Ngo’ma went to caution against social media ‘excitement’ and sensational reporting under such sorrowful occurrences.
Present was legislator for Ntchisi North Constituency, Arnold Kadzanja who described late Chimaneni as a personal friend who inspired and encouraged him to rise above average heights.
He said that, “When he heard of my ambition to represent my constituency as MP, he called me personally and encouraged me against any form of discouragement. His death is a great loss to Ntchisi as a district, Ntchisi North as a constituency, and to me as a personal friend.”
In his eulogy, Senior Chief Chilooko echoed Kadzanja saying it was heartbreaking to experience the loss of young ones like Chimaneni “but there are some things we have no control over and all we can do is look up to God because He knows best.”
Malawi hosts 52nd Global Fund Board meeting
By Wallace Chipeta
Lilongwe, June 23, Mana: As Malawi prepares to host 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting, a team of seven members from the Fund’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland were in Lilongwe from June 10 to 13, 2024 to discuss and agree on priority preparatory activities the host’s organizing committee requires to implement ahead of the global event.
Among such undertakings are identifying vetted service providers in internet connectivity boosting, safety and security, conference and accommodation, transportation and events planning and management.
Others are capturing life changing stories in form of print and video documentaries from Global Fund supported health programmes on Malaria, HIV and Aids, Tuberculosis including infrastructure construction and equipment provision.
Success stories will be showcased during the Board Meeting official opening segment, side events including welcome receptions and cultural events to showcase Malawi’s culture.
Speaking on Thursday at the end of discussions with the Malawi Organizing Committee for the Board meeting, Senior Governance Officer from Global Fund, Eva Trujilo Herrera said her team will be in constant engagement with the subcommittees’ chairpersons to follow up on progress made in all thematic areas of logistics, protocol, security and connectivity just to mention a few.
She was accompanied by six other Global Fund delegates that included Max Muller, Deputy Head, Governance Team leader, Osian Jones, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager, Malawi, Grant Management Division, Rebecca Phillips, Media and Communications Events Manager, Marielle Mellinet, Events Manager and Thomas Ehlers, IT Support Officer and William Helfand, Senior Security Officer.
Malawi’s Ministry of Health Global Fund Programme Manager, Dr. Doreen Sanje said the face to face interaction with Governance Team Scoping Mission would culminate into a very successful Global Fund meeting to be held from 19 to 22 November, 2024.
She said the engagement enabled Global Fund and Malawi to express their respective major perspectives and expectations regarding the Board meeting organization and implementation.
Government of Malawi qualified to host 52nd Global Fund Board Meeting because it met all the guiding principles and its practical experience presented in its expression of interest submitted Global Fund through Ministry of Health as principal recipient of Global Fund grants in the country.
Malawi, as an implementer country, previously hosted similar high level Global Fund officials, has capacity to provide services such as visa processing, general event coordination, conference and accommodation, security and transport among others.
Global Fund Board meeting is expected to bring 300 heads of global agencies and several ministers. President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera will officially open the 52nd Global Fund Board meeting.
Global Fund Board meets twice a year in implementer countries.
In January, 2024, The Global Fund approved US$9.2 billion for grants starting in 2024 supporting more than 70 countries to continue their lifesaving work to end the three epidemics of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and build sustainable and climate-resilient systems for health over the 2024-2026 period.
Since 2003 the Global Fund has committed over US$ 2.2 billion in support of the Republic of Malawi’s National HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria programmes.
The investment has helped reverse the courses of the three epidemics in the country making it one of the stand-out countries in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Vice President official medical doctor buried
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, June 14. Mana: Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo has described the death of Daniel Kanyemba who until his death was late Chilima’s official medical doctor, as a great loss for the entire nation.
In his eulogy Thursday during the burial ceremony of Kanyemba, he said President Chakwera was saddened and shocked by the death of the Nine people including the Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima in a plane crash that occurred in Chikangawa Forest, saying all of them contributed greatly towards the development of Malawi.
Mvalo said that, "President Chakwera is deeply shocked with the untimely departure of Kanyemba and Eight others including our country's Vice President. This is a tragedy and loss to the deceased families and the entire nation at large,”
Group Village Headman (GVH) Chiseka said late Kanyemba was a productive young man and was acting as a role model for the youths in his area for working in high office of the Vice President.
He commended President Chakwera and government for rendering support to the bereaved family of Kanyemba during the bereavement.
Late Kanyemba was born on December 12, 1989 and he survived by a wife and three children.
Some of the notable people who were present during the burial ceremony were Minister of Tourism Vera Kantukule, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Liana Kakhobwe, councilors and the clergy.
