MANAonline
Invigilators and learners urged to maintain integrity
By Lyte Ali
Mangochi, May 22, Mana: Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaola Mdooko has urged invigilators and learners sitting for this year's Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations to maintain integrity to ensure smooth proceeding of the examination.
She made the call in Mangochi during the inspection of PSLCE examinations at St Charles Lwanga and Makawa Primary Schools.
Mdooko expressed hope that this year’s PSLCE examinations would go without issues considering how the examination started in the two schools on Wednesday as well as signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on security issues between the Ministry of Education and law enforcers that include Malawi Defence Force and Malawi Police Service.
"The examinations as for now have started on a good note country wide and l believe that this year's examination will progress very well without disturbances comparing to last year when the country was hit by Tropical Cyclone Freddy," the Deputy Minister added.
She said total number of learners siting for PSLCE examinations country wide is over 260, 000, representing a decrease of 5 percent comparing to last year which saw a total figure of 276 000 learners sitting for the examinations.
Mdooko said was satisfactory with the progress that Mangochi District made as the number of girls sitting for the examinations was higher compared to other districts.
Mangochi District Council’s Chief Education Officer, Rabson Kawalala thanked the Minister for touring PSLCE examination centres in the district, saying this testified that all examinations stakeholders worked towards successful administration of the examinations.
“A total of 8,593 candidates are sitting for PSLCE examination in Mangochi, where 4,714 are girls while 3,879 are boys with a notable decrease comparing to 2023 exams where the total number of candidates was 11,261,” he added.
Kawalala hailed stakeholders in the district for supporting government’s Re-admission Policy and other interventions implemented by Mangochi District Council in ensuring that girls are sent back to school.
He added that the Re-admission Policy and council’s initiatives resulted into an increase in girls sitting for this year’s PSLCE examinations.
Kawalala urged parents and guardians to send their male children to school as most of the boys in the district opt for fishing as well as travelling to South Africa hence the decrease of male candidates in the district.
MACRA sets aside K400 million for computer labs in Dedza
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, May 21, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has set aside K400 million from its Universal Access Fund for the construction of Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories in four Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSSs) in Dedza district under the Connect-A-School project.
MACRA IT Manager, Gabriel Alli, said his organization hopes that through the development, they will bring ICT knowledge to students, especially in rural areas, as one way of imparting them with basic knowledge of computer usage and also bringing the ICT services across the country.
Alli made the remarks at Mpatawamilonde CDSS in Senior Group Village Head, Chamadenga, Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza Central East on Monday during a groundbreaking event.
He said they will provide 60 computers at each site and some lessons for students with communities around benefiting from services that will be offered.
“We are living in a modern world and the coming in of the computer laboratories in primary and secondary schools will reduce the digital gap that is there,” he said.
He said, through the initiative, MACRA believes in achieving a significant reduction in digital gaps by 2063 while urging for a speedy construction of the sites.
Head teacher for Mpatawamilonde CDSS, Bazwell Kalume, hailed MACRA for the intervention saying apart from students acquiring ICT knowledge, they will be able to do research on various topics on top of the motivation that will see them in school.
Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Joshua Malango, said once completed, the site will enhance learners’ practical experience in the use of ICT.
He said apart from the laboratories and the 60 computers, MACRA is also bringing in free Wi-Fi will enable both learners and teachers to research on several topics.
Stich Fray resurfaces with an album
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 22, Mana: Blantyre based urban music artist, who is also a music producer, Steven Chibwazi, popularly known as Stich Fray has made a comeback with an album titled Mtendele which will be released on May 28.
Stich Fray told
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Stich Fray, explained his silence on the music scene saying he wanted to come up with “mature music”.
“I took my time because I wanted to come up with a mature material. I was also busy producing albums for other musicians at my studio,” he said.
Stich Fray has compiled an album with 10 songs namely; Hello, Ah Abale, Ndimafuna Mtendele, Nkhawa bii, Shu Shu Shu (kwayaka moto), Ine si Nep Man, Gentleman, Mzanga, Wagwa and Still Me.
He said the album tackles a lot of issues but is centered on the theme of peace and love as the title suggest.
Stich Fray said he mixed different genres in his new album just to accommodate a diverse audience.
“It is just a mixture of genres so that everyone can find his or her type of music to vibe on,” said the urban music artist.
He disclosed that he has featured other well-known artists like Nep Man, the late Evison Matafale in (Nkhawa bii cover), DNA, Leumas, Queen Fire, Annie Matumbi and Smacks.
One of his fans, Alfred Kalikokha, was excited with Stich Fray’s album saying Stich Fray is his favorite artist and was looking forward to this album.
“Stich Fray is my favorite artist, l like his music and l am waiting for the album,” he said.
The album will be available for free in all the music websites like Malawi Music.com, Mikozi Network and Makosana among others.
Sub-Fisheries Associations empowered to conserve fish species
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 22, Mana: As one way of improving and conserving fish species in Lake Malawi, an agreement on fisheries management has been signed between the Director of Fisheries and Sub-Fisheries Associations for Salima and Dedza.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Salima district on Monday, Director of Fisheries, Dr. Hastings Zidana expressed optimism that the agreement would improve conservation efforts of fisheries.
He implored the associations to be diligent in executing their duties in a transparent manner as good examples in the fishing communities.
"The signing ceremony is one way of empowering fishing communities in the two districts, because we have trickled down some of our duties and powers to the Associations for them to use available by-laws to enforce fisheries regulations," he said.
He also urged the Traditional Authorities to support the associations, as they will be implementing fisheries management initiatives and not tolerate corrupt practices by allowing illegal fishers to operate in their areas.
Zidana said based on the 2023 survey in the fishing grounds in lake Malawi, the fish population stands at 180,000 metric tonnes but the government's vision is to attain 350,000 metric tonnes by 2030 and 700,000 metric tonnes by 2060.
The signing ceremony was facilitated with financial assistance from Ripple Africa through its conservation project called ‘fish for tomorrow’ which seeks to empower local communities and officials to take control of illegal fishing and unsustainable fishing methods in their areas.
Country Director for Ripple Africa, Force Ngwira said the signing is a milestone towards sustainable fishing among fishing communities.
He said they are committed towards assisting communities to have legally binding by-laws that allows them to understand the dynamics of sustainable fishing and not fishing in a way that promotes wastage and catching of small fish.
In his remarks, a representative of the fisheries Associations from Salima, Abdul Haji said the signing ceremony was timely because at the moment most fishermen do not understand stipulated by laws.
"We have been empowered and we pledge to lead by example in ensuring that the fisheries resources are well managed," he said.
A total of eleven Sub-Fisheries Associations, nine from Salima and two from Dedza, signed the fisheries management agreements with the Director of Fisheries.
New classroom block excites education stakeholders
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, May 22, Mana: Head teacher for Chimwala Primary School in Ntcheu District has commended the Ntcheu District Council for constructing an additional classroom block for the institution.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), the head teacher, Onex Chatsunda said the facility is timely for the institution which has an enrollment of over 540 pupils.
“We have two classroom blocks and the construction of the structure is timely as a majority of learners learn under trees,” he said.
According to Chatsunda, the school has learners from standard one to eight hence calling for the council to construct more classroom blocks.
On his part, Chairperson for the Lower Ganya Area Development Committee, Inkson Nzunga said their wish is to see all the pupils learn under a conducive environment.
“While we commend the council for constructing the additional classroom block, our appeal is to have all the learners learn under a conducive environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ntcheu District Council Director of Planning and Development, Obed Mwalughali said they are geared to construct more classroom blocks in the district aimed at improving education standards.
Mwalughali said the education sector development is amongst the key priorities for the council.
“The council has lined up a number of infrastructure projects with the education sector being the beneficiaries,” he said.
The new Chimwala Primary School Classroom block which is worth over MK25 million has been constructed with funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) pool.
During the 2024/25 budget sitting, parliament raised money for CDF from MK 100 million to MK 200 million.
Phalombe District Council surpasses 2023/24 trees planting target
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, May 22, Mana: Phalombe District Council has surpassed 2023/24 tree planting target with 566, 931 tree seedlings and attributed the achievement to various partners and programmes in the district for mobilizing communities to participate in the forestry season.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, District Forestry Officer, Yasin Mtesha said the district planned to plant 2 million trees, but planted 2, 566,931 trees and acknowledge the role played by non-governmental organizations and other development partners working in the district for mobilizing communities to plant trees within the national forestry season from December 15 to April 15.
He said the council planted trees through Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), Food for Assets (FFA), One Acre Fund, Wee Forest, Inter Aide, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church Council, among others.
“We are now looking at the survival rate of trees as we are yet to compile a report on the same. We are hoping that a good number has survived although we were faced with dry spell,” he said.
Mtesha advised the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to work with Village Natural Resources Management Committees for easy monitoring of trees at community level.
One of community members, Maliet James from Tradition Authority Mkhumba commended CS-EPWP initiatives for contributing positively to tree planting saying that most trees survived due to a spirit of ownership instilled in the communities.
2023/24 national Forestry season was launched by President Lazarus Chakwera in Phalombe at Mpasa Hill on January 18, 2024.
Market shelters increase Rumphi Council's revenue
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, May 22, Mana: New market shelters constructed with Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds at Phwezi and Katowo in Rumphi district have doubled revenue collected from the Centre’s barely two years after they were handed over to users in December, 2022.
Figures shared by the council show that during 2021/22 financial year, before the council finalized construction works, it collected K1, 601,000 and K1, 534,000 from Mphwezi and Katowo markets respectively.
However, following completion of the market shelters, the amount increased to K2, 206,100 million for Phwezi and K3, 813, 900 million at Katowo market shelter in the 2022/23 financial year.
In the 2023/24 financial year, revenue collected from the two shelters went up to K2, 844, 900 million for Phwezi and K4, 853,000 million for Katowo market shelters.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Director of Planning and Development for Rumphi, Frank Mfune said market shelters have improved revenue collection and that GESD projects have improved service delivery in the sectors of education, health and agriculture, among others.
Chairperson for Phwezi Market, Elizabeth Gondwe said the market shelter has provided a favourable environment for traders such as tomato sellers and others who used to trade along the M1 Road posing a risk of road accidents.
She said other businesses have also started benefiting from having a market shelter in the area.
"We have different businesses here. For example, grocery shops. After selling their produce such as tomatoes, potatoes and many other items, the traders selling at the shelters also buy from other businesses.
"They buy soap, sugar and other assorted items. This means more money for every one since traders are now located at one place and once they sell their commodities they come to buy from people like us who own grocery shops. So, this structure is a positive addition to the market,” she said.
Each of the shelters costed at least K21 million.
Through GESD, the council has also built a pharmacy at Rumphi District Hospital, a teacher development Centre at Old Salawe, a girls’ hostel at Junju Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), a youth resource Centre at Rumphi Stadium and a police unit at Livingstonia, among others.
GESD is a Malawi Government performance based grant project, facilitated by National Local Government Finance Committee and funded by the World Bank.
Roaming cattle worry Karonga Town road users
By George Mponda
Karonga, May 22, Mana: Motorists and cyclists have complained about herds of free roaming cattle in Karonga Town.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi Mews Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, a taxi driver, Badwin Mkandawire said the cattle are becoming a traffic hazard in the town, adding that they are causing inconveniences as commuters are being forced to wait for the cattle to cross the road.
“The situation is worse especially in the morning and afternoon when these herds are going out to feed or returning to their kraals, if at all they have any, since some cattle owners leave them to roam freely even at night,” Mkandawire said.
Bicycle taxi operator, Keston Msiska said the free roaming livestock is a major concern to them and action needs to be taken before something bad happens.
“Accidents have happened before due to cattle wandering the streets in town. It is time our council wakes up and realize this is an urban area where cattle are not supposed to be running around like in some bush," Msiska said.
In his reaction, Karonga District Council Chairperson, Misheck Mwaijengo said the council has been engaging cattle owners over the issue but it seems they are showing disrespect.
“It is a very serious problem around town as in some cases residents wake up to find cattle sleeping on their lawns while some even go further to bring their cattle for feeding at the District Commissioners office lawn," said Mwaijengo.
"We formulated by-laws to control this malpractice and proposed that the council should build a kraal where all cattle found roaming will be captured and kept for their owners to pay a fee of K50, 000 per cattle or risk it being confiscated," he said.
Mwaijengo said they sent a draft copy of the by-laws to the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture for review and authorization but the council is yet to receive feedback.
Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Local Government, Anjoya Mwanza confirmed that all councils, including Karonga submitted draft by-laws to the ministry for approval.
"Before the minister approves, by-laws undergo a review process where the Ministry of Justice goes through them to check if they are reasonable, fair and consistent internally as well as with other laws.
“In this regard, all the draft by-laws submitted by the councils are with the Ministry of Justice for the aforementioned purpose," she said.
She appealed to Chiefs surrounding Karonga town to help the council make cattle owners aware that it is illegal to be feeding or leaving their livestock to roam freely.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, Frank Namangale could not comment on the matter as his phone could not be reached before press time.
K 88 million Matope Bridge excites communities
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, May 22, Mana: Newly constructed Matope Bridge at Traditional Authority (TA) Somba in Blantyre has brought excitement to many communities in the area and will improve mobility in accessing health and other essential social services.
Blantyre District Council constructed Matope Bridge at a cost of K88 million with funding from Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE)
A community member from Chadzunda at Mpemba, Janet Tadala Wednesday hailed the council for the construction of the 22-metre-stretch bridge saying this was a relief to communities, especially women that find challenges to cross 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 time to give birth came. The bridge has addressed mobility challenges because this is a story of the past,” she said.
A business person, John Thole said selling farm produce at Mpemba Trading Centre was a challenge, adding that the bridge has provided a greater opportunity for business community to cross over to other market places without difficulties as was the case before.
“This is the great opportunity. We are now able to transport our produce to market places without difficulties,” he added.
During a tour of Council officials to Matope Bridge, TA Somba commended the Council for constructing the bridge.
He observed that the bridge had been constructed at a convenient place, saying it was convenient as enables easy mobility of people to public facilities citing health centres, schools and market places to seek medical services and do various businesses
“This bridge connects villages including Mandevu, Chikunje and Bakili. Communities are now crossing on this bridge to go to clinics, markets and schools suffice to mention that many communities attempted to cross the river and most children stood chances of being swept away by running water on their way to and from school,” Somba said.
Blantyre District Council, Director of Public Works, Joseph Bodole said TRADE was a government project under the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture.
NICE engages journalists in civic educating the public on elections
By Innocent Kachingwe
Blantyre, May 21, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged journalists from different media houses to play a vital role in civic educating the public ahead of the 2025 general elections.
NICE Programmes Officer for Blantyre, Glory Ngosi Maulidi, made the call on Tuesday during a meeting at Blantyre District Council, which was meant to discuss how the media can join NICE Trust in civic educating people on electoral processes to prevent voter apathy.
Maulidi added that there are some issues that the media need to follow up in promoting mindset change, considering that most of the women, youths and people with disabilities do not participate in national issues, such as general elections.
“The media is very important to the public in disseminating information. NICE Trust is therefore calling on the media institutions to encourage the women, youths and people with disabilities to take part in the forthcoming general elections through different programmes and publications,” she said.
Maulidi added that NICE Trust will support National Registration Bureau (NRB) and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure effective National ID registration and voter registration processes so that many are eligible to participate in the 2025 general elections.
One of the participants from YONECO FM, Smart Sochela, said that his media house has a programme called “Ufulu ndi Udindo” that talks about the importance of people's rights in participating on issues of national importance.
The meeting was attended by eight journalists from various media houses, such as Pentecostal Radio, Ndirande FM, Eagle FM, Mzati Radio and Angaliba TV and Radio, among others.
