MANAonline
MEC declares pilot voter registration in Mzuzu City a success
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, September 15, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has declared the pilot voter registration exercise in Mzuzu City a success.
MEC Commissioner Reverend Phillip Kambulire expressed satisfaction when the commission met members of the Mzuzu City District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST) on Sunday before departing for a similar exercise in Chitipa district.
Addressing the members, Kambulire said during the exercise, the commission has been able to capture both challenges and successes, which will certainly help to improve service delivery of the main registration exercise scheduled to begin on 20th October 2024.
“The purpose of the exercise was to test the efficiency of the equipment and our officers. We proudly say that the purpose has been accomplished.
“For example, when the exercise was just starting, the officers had challenges capturing subjects on certain backgrounds but in the course of the exercise, they were able to properly adjust the cameras to produce desired pictures.
“During the exercise, we have also seen the officers improving on time spent to capture and record a subject which was good,” said Kambulire.
While acknowledging that the exercise met the challenge of few people turning up for the exercise, Kambulire noted the number of those who came was significant enough for the exercise.
He however asked stakeholders in the city to rise and intensify civic education as official voter registration will soon start.
Mzuzu City Council Chief Executive Officer Gomezgani Nyasulu said participating in the pilot voter registration exercise has helped the council to identify areas that need to be worked on.
“During the pilot exercise, we have noted that very few youths participated, therefore it is a wakeup call for us and all stakeholders to invest more time to encourage youths to register with National Registration Bureau (NRB) so that they can also register for voting,” said Nyasulu.
Mzuzu City is among eight councils where the pilot voter registration exercise is taking place and in the city the exercise was conducted on 13th and 14th September, 2024 in Mzuzu City North and Mzuzu City South East Constituencies.
Minister calls for support in adult literacy
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, September 15, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza on Saturday called for support in reducing the number of adults who cannot read, write and count in the country.
Sendeza made the call in Salima district during commemoration of 2024 International Literacy Day.
Sendeza expressed concern over the lack of support that the sector has been facing such as lack of learning materials, teachers, learning spaces, and overall financial support.
"We need to upscale adult literacy in the country so that it should be accessible to everyone, unfortunately, the challenge remains that fewer organizations are supporting the sector and the standards are not satisfactory," she said.
She said in the country about 5 million people cannot read, write, and count, adding a larger number of such people who cannot read and write are women from rural areas.
"Development is fostered when the majority of people can at least understand some basics of reading and writing, therefore our goal is to ensure that we reach the estimated target by employing different strategies that can motivate more teachers and more adult learners," she said.
Currently, the Ministry of Gender through the Department of Community Development has 8000 Chichewa classes and 1,633 English classes across the country meant for adults.
This year's International Literacy Day theme is Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace.
On the theme, the Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that lessons for adult classes are delivered using vernacular languages that everyone understands.
Country Representative for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) David Mulera said to help promote literacy, UNESCO is implementing a Community-Based Literacy and Livelihood Skills Development Programme.
"Literacy is more than just a skill, it is a fundamental human right that opens the door to the enjoyment of other rights and freedoms. It empowers people and equips them with skills, attitudes, and behaviors to foster a culture of respect, justice, and tolerance," he said.
He said literacy programmes should reach the most vulnerable groups, particularly adolescent girls and women, providing basic literacy and livelihood skills that enable individuals to pursue further education or contribute economically to their communities.
Since 1967, people around the world have come together every September 8 to celebrate International Literacy Day.
Chiradzulu District Council registers 62 percent increase in revenue collection
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, September 14, Mana: Chief Account for Chiradzulu District Council, Henderson M'mangeni says the council has recorded a 62 percent rise in revenue collection in the first five months of the current financial year compared to same period last year.
Speaking when he presented the council’s financial management report during a sector management meeting on Friday, M'mangeni said the total local revenue collected from April to August this year amounted to MK73 million which is an improvement from same period last year when revenue collection stood at MK45 million.
He said revenue from market facilities and other district level commercial ventures rose by 9 percent while fees and service charges have seen a 4 percent increase while revenue generated from licenses and permits has increased by 65 percent.
M'mangeni attributed the increase to several initiatives the council was implementing, including efforts to deal with revenue pilferage through the council's internal audit.
“The council has also expanded its revenue base by introducing fees for previously untapped sources such as business licenses for building contractors, as well as enforcing licensing regulations more efficiently and raising various fees,” added the chief accountant.
He said that infrastructure improvements such as construction of market sheds and sanitary facilities like toilets in some markets, supported by the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF), have also contributed in enhancing the council’s revenue performance.
“However, challenges remain. We have low revenue collections, especially from Nguludi plots as well as from markets like Thomasi and Yasini where vendors boycott paying market fees due to poor sanitary infrastructure and other facilities,” he explained and further appealed to all sectors at Thyolo District Council to work together in addressing challenges that affect revenue generation.
Chiradzulu District Council, Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Henderson Kaumi, expressed satisfaction with the increase in revenue collection, describing it as good news.
“It is always important to have a solid revenue base for smooth operations of the office and this includes being able to pay staff salary on time leading to improvement in service delivery to the general public,” he said.
On lack of sanitary infrastructure in markets, the DPD stated that the council is implementing projects that aim at addressing some of the issues within the current financial year.
In the 2024/2025 financial year, Chiradzulu District Council targeted to collect MK171, 803,500.00. So far MK72, 694,773.00 has been collected representing 42 percent of the budget.
Forestry graduates told to desist from corruption
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, September 14, Mana: Principal Secretary responsible for administration in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Richard Perekamoyo, on Friday, urged graduates at the Malawi College of Forestry and Wildlife in Dedza district to desist from corrupt practices saying the fight against negative effects of climate change needs professionals who can say no to corruption.
He made the call during the graduation of 38 students who had completed their diploma in forestry at the college.
He however pointed out that financial constraints were failing the ministry to train many people who can competently support the government’s efforts in environmental management.
“The ministry would like to train more individuals as we work towards combating climate change. Malawi is experiencing negative effects of climate change as witnessed by some cyclones recently. It is therefore my call to you all receiving diplomas today to work with a purpose of achieving the 2063 agenda which aims to promote climate smart technologies and practices," said Perekamoyo.
He further stated that increased variables and adverse climatic conditions continue to affect Malawi hence the need for experts like the new graduates to support environmental management.
In her remarks, the college's Principal, Monica Gondwe asked the new graduates to utilise the skills gained and help accomplish the government’s objective of working towards bringing back the vegetative cover.
Gondwe said: “This College was established in 1952. We do more practical lessons and field visits. This is why we believe in all those that have gone through the corridors of this college that they will work competently wherever they go.”
One of the graduates, Esther Nyirenda said she has learnt a lot and will help contribute to the achievement of the Malawi 2063 agenda.
“I am already in the system. I work in Kasungu under Mkanakhoti extension area. I worked very hard to get the diploma and I believe my tertiary education knowledge will help me to deliver more," she said.
Nathenje bridge construction excites communities
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, September 14, Mana: Newly constructed Nathenje concrete Deck Bridge in Traditional Authority (TA) Chadza in Lilongwe has brought excitement to many communities in the area saying it will improve mobility in accessing health and other essential social services.
Speaking on Saturday during a media tour, Councilor for Misozi ward Steve Chikupila, said before the construction of the bridge which connects Chaseta and Njati villages, people used to face challenges, especially during the rainy season when crossing the river to access markets, schools and hospitals services.
"It was a difficult situation because you would want to go somewhere and sell your goods, access banks, schools and hospitals, but you could not do so because crossing the river during rainy seasons was dangerous as we did not have a good bridge.
"Over the years, we have had some accidents and others lost their lives while trying to cross the river using unchartered crossing areas, so it was a big challenge," he said.
A community member from Chadza village Mercy Mapemba hailed government for the construction of the bridge saying this was a relief to communities, especially women who were facing challenges in crossing over to access antenatal services at a health facility.
“Life was hard for expectant women, some even failed to attend antenatal clinics because of mobility. This was also a challenge when the time to give birth comes closer. The bridge has addressed mobility challenges because this is a story of the past,” she said.
And one of the farmers in the area, Mateyu Chibwe also hailed government for the construction of the bridge saying selling farm produce to the main market at Nathenje was a challenge.
He said the bridge has provided a greater opportunity for business community to visit other marketplaces without difficulties as was the case before.
“This is a great opportunity. We are now able to transport our produce to marketplaces without difficulties,” he said.
Lilongwe District Council Director of Public Works, Sydney Chiphaka said the council is geared to implementing different projects to improve the people’s living standards.
"We are building schools, police units, market sheds, medical facilities and bridges among other infrastructures.
"On our part as a council, we are making sure that every project we are delivering to the people should be durable, of high quality and meet stipulated requirements and specifications. And most importantly, the projects must answer the challenges of the people, as we have done with this bridge," he said.
The K63 million Nathenje concrete desk bridge has been constructed through the Governance for Enabled Service Delivery (GESD) which is being implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee, with funding from the World Bank.
NGORA to improve services and enhance policy alignment and sustainability
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, September 13, Mana; The Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has underscored the importance of Gap assessment survey finding saying it is clearly indicating that there is a strong demand to enhance skills development among local NGOs, International NGOs and donors.
Speaking during the meeting on Friday at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Edward Chileka Banda, Chief Executive Officer of the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA), emphasized that while financial management and donor relations are often seen as key areas for improvement, it is important to recognize that these terms can sometimes oversimplify the broader range of skills truly required.
"Our NGOs are telling us that they lack a diverse set of skills, which range from fundraising and technological proficiency to research and analytical skills, advocacy, public speaking, and monitoring and evaluation," Banda stated.
"the survey highlights the preference of local NGOs for institutional funding over individual grants for skills development. This preference reflects the desire for sustainable growth and capacity-building at an organizational level," he said.
Meanwhile, Trustee Chairperson for Congoma, Hestor Mkwinda Nyasalu has expressed his gratitude saying this study which survived over 130 local NGOs and 70 international NGOs, highlights key areas where local NGOs need support and assistance with financial management and resource mobilisation.
"I believe this study findings should be shared with development partners to raise awareness about the challenges local NGOs face, and by sharing this study we can advocate for more targeted support to address these gaps and enhance the sustainability of local NGOs," he said.
Karonga District Hospital registers a Cholera case
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, September 14, Mana: Authorities at Karonga District Health Office, Friday confirmed recording a Cholera case in the district.
Speaking in an interview, Director of Health Services for Karonga District Council, David Sibale said that the patient is from Mlare in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu in Karonga.
“We are treating this case as an isolated case but all necessary measures to contain the spread of the disease have been put in place. We are advising people to follow all hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent contracting Cholera,” said Sibale.
Sibale said that Karonga Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC) met soon after the confirmation of the case to enhance collaboration in tackling the situation.
“Fighting Cholera needs multi-sectoral approach as such all stakeholders in the committee have to come up with measures of containing the spread of the disease, we are positioning some supplies such as water guard and chlorine in all health facilities and hotspots,” he said.
Thoko Chipeta who runs a restaurant business at Karonga Main Market described the situation as worrisome as such conditions affect heavily restaurant business.
“Our customers stop patronizing and buying ready cooked foods from our restaurants as a precautionary measure to prevent contracting the disease per advice by health authorities,” said Chipeta.
Chitipa District Health Office has within the week registered 22 Cholera cases with one death since the outbreak of the disease in the district on Wednesday.
Thyolo DC leads council staff in clean up exercise at Bvumbwe Market
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, September 13, Mana: Thyolo District Council officials and Bvumbwe residents on Friday went to Bvumbwe Market to clear liters to continue with presidential cleanup campaign that is meant to promote cleanliness in market places and other public premises.
District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, therefore called on Bvumbwe residents to remain committed to the cleanup campaign to prevent outbreaks like cholera which often result from poor hygiene practices.
“We are here to continue with what the president started. We should keep our surroundings clean to prevent cholera outbreak,” said the District Commissioner.
He therefore commended the youth for participating in the clean-up exercise in large numbers, acknowledging their participation as ideal for a generation that needs to embrace the spirit of environmental consciousness.
“This exercise instills discipline among the youth. By engaging them in cleaning up exercises, we teach them that cleanliness is next to godliness and this helps to shape them into responsible citizens,” Kuphanga added.
The event attracted various council members and stakeholders, including Nchima Tea Estate and NBS Bank and renowned artist Gibo Pearson performed at the exercise.
The District Commissioner said, “We also invited Gibo Pearson to mobilise and entertain the youth and show them that the council cares for them.”
Kuphanga further urged stakeholders, especially tea estates to participate through corporate social responsibility highlighting Nchima Estate as an exemplary model.
Chairperson for Bvumbwe Market, Edrissa Gausi said traders at the market were committed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene practices.
“As Bvumbwe Market, we will continue enforcing cleanliness standards both in the market and at home. By educating the community on importance of keeping the market clean to prevent cholera outbreak,” added Gausi.
He also encouraged vendors and Bvumbwe residents to continue with cleanliness at the market places and their homes by disposing wastes in their rightful places.
Most local authorities do clean up exercises after President Lazarus Chakwera launched the initiative to set the pace in promoting cleanliness in the country.
NOCMA refutes importing Molasses
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, September 13, Mana: National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has dismissed social media reports that the inaugural train that arrived on Wednesday at Marka border in Nsanje district carried molasses.
NOCMA Public Relations Officer, Raymond Likambale said the allegations are baseless because the company deals with petroleum products and gas.
“We are guided by the policy and our mandate is to deal with petroleum products and gas. Let me make it clear that the train which was inaugurated by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera was fully loaded with fuel.
“The trucks loaded with fuel are in transit to deliver fuel at Matindi Oil Reserve,” he added.
He said over 20 trucks have left Nsanje to Matindi Depot and expressed optimism that the consignment will be finalized by this coming Saturday.
He, therefore, asked communities to love their country and stop spreading false information.
Senior Chief Chimombo described the allegations as useless as people from Nsanje witnessed the transfer of fuel from the train to trucks.
Chimombo, therefore, asked people to appreciate Chakwera’s administration for revamping the railway as it will open up economic opportunities in the district and the country at large.
Malawi Congress Party Publicity Secretary, Jessie Kabwila described the allegations as cheap propaganda from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Kabwila, however, asked the DPP to stop politicizing developments in the country.
“Traditional leaders, communities and the media are all here to witness offloading of fuel from the train to tankers,” said Kabwila.
She, therefore, encouraged communities to work closely with the MCP-led government for continued development in the country.
“We heard reports that the opposition is accusing the State President for visiting lower Shire. People from the lower Shire are also Malawians and the President did not make any mistake to visit the lower Shire,” she added.
The train carrying 1.2 million petroleum products was inaugurated by President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday at Marka Border Station in Nsanje.
MCGs crucial in vaccine advocacy
By Tamala Kamanga
Dowa, September 13, Mana: The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has said Mother Care Groups (MCGs) are crucial in promoting vaccine advocacy especially amongst children in the rural areas.
MHEN Regional Chair, Gift Mwale made the remarks on Thursday in Dowa during a media tour to appreciate progress of the GAVI vaccine alliance, Extended Immunization Programme (EIP).
He said in Dowa, EIP coverage was at 65 percent, but the district has now achieved the set target of 85 percent.
Mwale said the successful implementation of the EIP hugely depended on the formation of MCGs in rural health centers in the district by MHEN, which he then said should be utilized in promoting vaccine absorption in rural areas.
"MCGs are vital because as mothers, they already have the natural love and care for the well-being of children and their communities.
"So, our organization provide advocacy trainings to the MCGs for them to understand the importance of vaccine and immunization to a child, and make sure that they know all the types of immunization that are provided to children and their importance.
"We encourage them to go into their communities and advocate for leaders and the general community to take lead in immunization issues,” he said.
Mwale added that MHEN has also empowered MCGs to engage with duty bearers in taking initiatives to bring developments in their communities like construction of under-five clinics and HSA's houses in their communities.
Chinkhwiri Health Centre MCG Chairlady, Ephrida Gwani said community mobilization is one of the important aspects they undertake to ensure every child is immunized.
"A day before the outreach clinic, we conduct mobilization exercises in our communities. And during outreach days, we use cards to identify children and follow up those who have not showed up to make sure they also get immunized in good time.
"But we do this voluntarily, and in doing that we face some challenges like lack of equipment such as scales, and also transport when going to submit our monthly reports," said Gwani.
While appreciating the MCGs, Group Village Head Zakaliya from Senior Chief Msakambewa said the formation of MCG in his area has changed people's mindset on issues of immunization.
Also, they have benefited with the Chinkanda under-five clinic structure built by community members in collaboration with Mudzi Wathu Connect.
In his remarks, coaching technician for Dowa district hospital, Maxwell kapiseni appreciated MHEN for the formation of MCGs in the district.
"If we look at the data that we have now, these MCGs have played a very significant role in uplifting vaccine coverage because we are doing much better than before.
"On our part, we have a good number of refrigerators that can be installed in rural areas that have no electricity but must have a recommended structure of under-five clinics and a Health Surveillance Assistant house,” he said.
The media tour visited Chinkhwiri health centre in Traditional Authority Chakhaza, Dzoole health centre in Traditional Authority Dzoole and Msakambewa health centre in Traditional Authority Msakambewa.
