MANAonline
MACRA project to increase access to ICT services by rural communities
By George Mponda
Karonga, May 20, Mana: Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has said its Connect a School (CAS) project will help increase access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services by rural communities.
MACRA's Human Resources Manager Glad Ngwira said this on Monday at Mlare Secondary School in Karonga during a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of an ICT laboratory.
Ngwira said: "The National Statistical Office released figures which revealed a huge disparity in access to ICT services between rural and urban communities. As a regulator, we decided to bridge the gap by constructing computer labs which will enable learners get acquainted to ICT services from a young age.
"This is the first phase of the project whereby we are going to construct computer labs in 75 secondary schools of which 73 are community day secondary schools (CDSS), one national secondary school and one primary school with funding from MACRA's Universal Social Services Fund."
In his remarks, guest of honor at the function, Member of Parliament for Karonga Central Constituency, Leonard Mwalwanda, said ICT is a lifeline for every development project worldwide.
"If we want to compete with other nations, our citizens have to be conversant with ICT hence this initiative by MACRA is step in the right direction towards ensuring our learners are equipped with this valuable knowledge,” he said.
On his part, head teacher for Mlare Secondary School, Edward Luhanga, hailed MACRA for selecting their school to be one of the beneficiaries of the project.
"The world has transformed into a digital place now and being located in a rural setup, our learners needed this laboratory yesterday. ICT in education advances information sharing not only for teachers who support learning but especially for students who will be able to acquire knowledge and skills which could be used to develop our country,” Luhanga said.
President for Mlare Secondary School Students Union, Sayamika Phiri, said the construction of a computer laboratory at their school will help learners get used to devices which are instrumental in today’s world.
"As students, we are fascinated with technology and the laboratory will encourage and motivate us to learn and gain knowledge which we can use to uplift our communities,” he said.
Africa urged to use its population to its advantage
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, May 20, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has said African countries need platforms for collaboration, where the continent’s population advantage is married to the human capital disadvantages of other continents to create a better world across the globe.
Chakwera said this on Monday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during the official opening of the 9th African Population Conference.
He said Africa must put its population to work and animate it to the fact that it is in a long season of sacrificial nation-building and a lean season of disciplined sowing, not a short-sighted and election obsessed season of harvesting, plundering and eating like there is no tomorrow.
“I doubt that there is anyone in this room who does not know that other continents in the world are struggling to sustain their labour markets demands because they do not have enough young people to work in various industries that are critical to their economies, including agriculture and food security.
“If only we can remove our afro-pessimistic lenses and see that the youthful and enterprising population of Africa is a resource we must harness and equip to solve the sustainability problems that the ageing populations of other nations are grappling with.
For this reason, here in Africa we must celebrate and leverage our demographic dividend by nurturing, empowering and deploying our people,” Chakwera said.
He further said the perspective by other continents that African poverty is exacerbated by its overpopulation is wrong, saying this narrative is afro-pessimism as Africa has enough resources to sustain its people.
Chakwera therefore urged the participants at the conference to take the conference as a solution-oriented event, not a competition on who can complain about Africa the loudest.
“This is a new Malawi for a new Africa, and we are too busy focusing on finding solutions to waste any time on meetings that add no value to the creation of Africa we want,” he added.
In his remarks, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda said the conference is set for African countries to share knowledge, experiences and best practices in population management, in pursuit of Africa’s sustainable development ambitions.
Chithyola Banda said for so long Africa has been taken as a stunted and stagnant continent with little hope of lifting her people out of poverty and that Africa has received little attention to her quest for development and technical assistance.
“But the world now knows that Africa is on the move and that it has the largest size of arable land for agriculture production to feed the world; Africa has the largest deposit of mineral wealth and that it is enjoying a demographic dividend for economic productivity,” Chithyola Banda said.
“As Africans, we are collaborating more and strengthening partnerships in areas which will accelerate African economic growth, such as health and education, focusing on population development, especially on the youth.
“It is therefore worth noting that this conference today is such a powerful testimony on Africa’s resolve,” he added.
The five-day conference, which has attracted over 600 delegates, is held under the theme “Road to 2030: leveraging Africa’s human capital to achieve transformation in a world of uncertainty”.
MANEB tightens security for PSLCE
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, May 20, Mana: Spokesperson for Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) Angella Kashitigu has said the preparations for this year’s Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examination have been finalised as students are expected to start the exams on Wednesday.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Kashitigu said, 262,216 learners are expected to sit for PSLCE exams in the country.
“The Board has accredited all names of learners who are expected to sit for the national examinations as teachers and parents verified all the details about their pupils”, Said Kashitugu.
She further said MANEB together with Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and Malawi Police Service (MPS) have tightened security in readiness for the exams.
“We have experienced a number of cheating in the past years so this time the security is highly tightened in all centre’s because we want to ensure credible examination, “she said.
In his remarks, a Standard 8 leaner at Kawale L.E.A, Hassan Hussein said he is ready for the exams and hopes to pass with good grades.
“As learners we have prepared ourselves to write the exams as we know that they only come once a year, all we want is to do well”, he said.
Meanwhile, MANEB has temporary suspended all its services from May 20 to July 19, to pave way for students writing PSLCE, Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
NYCOM for active youth engagement in Malawi 2063 implementation
By Wakisa Myamba
Karonga, May 20, Mana: Programs Officer for National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Ashan Cossam, says the Council is geared to promote youth participation in the implementation of the Malawi 2063 through a strategic plan they are formulating.
Cossam was speaking Saturday in Karonga during a stakeholder consultation meeting for the development of the NYCOM Strategic Plan (2024-2029).
He said the strategic plan is aimed at harnessing the potential of the country’s youthful population, emphasizing the pivotal role of youths in realizing Malawi’s long-term aspirations for inclusive prosperity.
"As stewards of tomorrow, the youth must be at the forefront driving change and shaping the future. Our strategic plan must align with Malawi 2063 and youth policies that are in place to empower young people to actively participate in the country's development.”
"The consultation sessions being held across the country are providing a platform for youth representatives, non-governmental organizations and council officials to voice their challenges and aspirations,” he said.
Chairperson for Mbande Youth Network, Walusungu Kaseghe, lamented obstacles faced by young entrepreneurs in accessing loans and financial hurdles hindering their education pursuits.
"We are failing to meaningfully participate in sectors like agriculture and education due to difficulties in accessing loans from money lending institutions. However, through the strategic plan which NYCOM is formulating, we are hopeful that our concerns will be addressed," Kaseghe said.
A representative for Karonga District Youth Office, Anna Chima, urged NYCOM to integrate the insights learned from participants into the strategic plan.
South Lunzu Alumni motivates Standard 8 candidates
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 20, Mana: South Lunzu Primary School Alumni Association on Saturday visited their former school in Machinjiri with an aim of motivating and encouraging Standard 8 learners ahead of Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (PSLCE) which starts on May 22, 2024.
The Association's Publicity Secretary, Ernest Kuleti, told Malawi News Agency that since the examination dates are approaching they thought it wise to visit their former school and speak with candidates to encourage them to come up with good grades.
"We went there to have motivational talks with candidates and encourage them ahead of the examinations, we told them that they have to be focused,” Kuleti said.
After giving the word of encouragement to the candidates, the group provided writing materials including pens, lead pencils and a mathematical ruler to each candidate to be used during examinations.
In a separate interview, Hendrina Mphenzi, Head teacher for South Lunzu Primary School commended the alumni's visit saying the initiative will give confidence to the learners because they will know that in the past others performed well in their PSLCE from the same school and now is their time and can do the same.
"It was an important visit because learners will be confident that they can also perform well during examinations after hearing how the former candidates performed,” she said.
South Lunzu Alumni Association was formed in 2023. This is the second time they have visited the school.
In February, 2024 the alumni conducted a tree planting programme. In the meantime, they have plans to assist the school with teaching materials and award top performing students.
UTM welcomes UDF Eastern Region Vice President
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, May 20, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party on Sunday welcomed former United Democratic Front (UDF) Vice President for the Eastern Region, Hasheem Banda, and other UDF and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members into the party.
UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, welcomed Banda during a party meeting held at Chinamwali Ground in Zomba City where she claimed that other 50 UDF members also defected to UTM.
Kaliati said the party will continue receiving members from other parties to ensure that all interested members are given chance in the party.
“Apart from Hasheen and 50 members from the UDF, we have also received 17 members from DPP,” Kaliati said.
She said the party is set to form the next government in the 2025 general elections and called on young people above 18 to apply for National Identification and get registered once voter registration starts.
“We will distribute campaign materials (wrappers and t-shirts) to those that will get register for the general elections,” Kaliati added.
Banda announced his resignation from the UDF recently through a presser but declined to say the party he intended to join.
He said this was his memorable time in his political career having joined the UTM.
“This is my greatest moment in my political career. I have joined the UTM,” he said, adding that there are many UDF supporters that have followed him to UTM.
Banda contested for a Zomba Central parliamentary seat in 2019 and lost to DPP’s Bester Awali.
He said he will also contest in the 2025 parliamentary race on a UTM ticket.
Finance Minister urges all NEEF loan defaulters to pay back
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, May 20, Mana: Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has urged all people owing National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to pay back their loans for others to benefit from the same.
Chithyola made the remarks in Balaka on Sunday during the official handover of 10 boreholes which NEEF has drilled in the district as a corporate social responsibility for emerging the best loan repayment district.
He said it was encouraging that even though others are defaulting, a lot more are coming forward to repay their loans.
He, therefore, emphasized on the importance of the boreholes to the community saying NEEF has complimented government efforts in as far as providing clean and potable water to the people is concerned.
Said Chithyola: “Having clean and potable water is a milestone to the development of the country as people will prevent waterborne diseases and no country can develop if its people are sick and not health.
"We are happy with the initiative that NEEF has done to Balaka community members; this is what we call corporate social responsibility.”
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Chapota-Munthali, concurred with Chithyola commending NEEF for the boreholes saying it has given back to the people of Balaka what they need as the district is a dry land.
Board Chairperson for NEEF, Jephta Mtema, said Balaka has done well in loan repayment with 85 percent registered.
“At national level, we managed to give out K109 billion and in terms of loan repayment we are at 75 percent. In Balaka, out of K109 billion, we disbursed K1.2 billion and 85 percent of the people have already given back their loans which is very encouraging.
He added: “In the 2024- 2025 financial year, we are geared to give over K70 billion to our clients, let me urge all Malawians especially the youth to come forward, get the loans and uplift their businesses and lives.”
Balaka District Commissioner, Tamanya Harawa, disclosed that the district has very low access to potable clean water, and with the donation, things will greatly change for the better.
“Reports shows that only 79 percent of people in Balaka have access to potable drinking water which means 21 percent are drinking from other non-conducive sources, with such donations, the 21 percent remainder will further be reduced,” he said.
Harawa further disclosed that the distribution of the donated borehole, have been drilled in cholera hotspots, markets, schools, as these are crucial as far as access to potable, good drinking water is concerned.
STA Kwanjana laid to rest
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, May 20, Mana: People from different walks of life led by Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika, on Sunday attended burial of Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Kwanjana, born James Damiani, who succumbed to stroke on Friday at Thyolo District Hospital where he was receiving medical treatment.
In his eulogy at Sambankhunda headquarters, Chomanika said government is saddened by the death of STA Kwanjana considering that Thyolo District has lost four Traditional Authority leaders within a short period of time.
"The STA has been a person of service and his departure has created a gap. His loss is a blow to the government as chiefs are responsible for the development, peace, unity and the enhancement of culture in their areas," said Chomanika.
He urged the bereaved family to unite and choose a person who will take over from the departed chief.
He said the family has a responsibility to the community of bringing up a new leader to the area, district and the country at large.
“Choose a person who will work with other chiefs, government and the council. A person who will look into the needs of the people in this area," he said.
Councilor for Nchima Ward, Hudson Ovila, representing Thyolo Central Constituency Member of Parliament Dr Ben Phiri, said the death of the STA is a heavy blow to the constituency and ward since he was a person where people were getting advice and knowledge.
He asked the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture to continue promoting the welfare of the chiefs citing that some chiefs are corrupt because they do not get enough to look after their everyday lives.
Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Listen Banda, expressed gratitude to the ministry for its efforts in looking into the welfare of chiefs in the district.
Senior Chief Khwethemule was saddened by the death of the STA saying the chief has served the position for a short period of time since his installation.
However, Khwethemule was happy that the bereaved family has already chosen someone to take over from the departed chief.
He said this will reduce chieftaincy wrangles which puts national resources at pressure to solve since at times people drag each other to courts.
Born April 12, 1943, the late James Damiani was installed as STA on November 16, 2019 and he is survived by a wife, 14 children and 51 grandchildren.
Silver consolidates intent for title
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 19, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers showed their intent to challenge for the title after 11 years of absence when they beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-0 at jam packed Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
Silvers scored through Chikondi Kamanga in the 56’ and Zebron Kalima in the 2’ and the win has inflicted the first defeat of the season for the visiting Wanderers while dropping to fourth position from third with their defensive record being spoiled.
The teacher- student battle has been won by evergreen, Peter Mponda whose team demonstrated total football worth watching in the league.
The Central Bankers are now six points clear of their nearest challengers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mzuzu City Hammers and have 19 points from seven games.
Wanderers played second fiddle in both halves which saw Silver dominating play in the midfield where Uchizi Vunga, Chimwemwe Idana and Chikondi Kamanga had a field day over Felix Zulu, Isaac Kaliati, Blessings Singini and Wisdom Mpinganjira.
Silver’s Charles Chipala has proved himself that he can do things and was a thorn for Wanderers central defence of Peter Cholopi and Ahamadu Kang’unde as they were exposed with his crafty runs at times.
Wanderers President, Dr. Thom Mpinganjira watched the game from the VIP but his presence could not make players to the billing of the game as they gave away in the game in the second half.
Struggling Mafco posted their first win of the season away after beating Bangwe All Stars 0-1 through Yohane Malunga’s goal after 55 minutes.
With the defeat, Bangwe All Stars are still stuck in the mud of relegation zone on the same position 15 that they have occupied for the past four weeks.
Mafco have moved out of the relegation zone and have moved to position 13 from 15 after four weeks.
They have six points from seven games and Chitipa has been pushed back to relegation zone after a goalless draw against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos in Dedza.
They have five points from seven games and are number 14 on the log.
Karonga United gave away their 42nd minute lead to allow Civil Service United to pull level after 72 minutes to end the game at 1-1 in Karonga.
Bullets have moved to second position from fifth with 13 points from seven games after silencing Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
Kamuzu Barracks failed to utilize their home advantage as they were forced to a 0-0 draw against visitors, Moyale Barracks at Aubrey Dimba Stadium.
They dropped on the ladder from fourth to fifth with 12 points and are a point a head of Mighty Waka Tigers who on Thursday collected maximum points after beating Baka City 4-1 at Kamuzu Stadium.
The Tigers poured more pressure on the newcomers, Baka City who are still anchoring the log with two points from seven games.
Creck Sporting collected maximum points after beat FOMO 1-0 at Civo Stadium to move to position eight from 11.
This was a sweet win for Creck Sporting after suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of League leaders, Silver Strikers.
The following are results for week seven.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 2 Mzuzu City Hammers 0
Kamuzu Barracks 0 Moyale Barracks 0
Creck Sporting 1 FOMO 0
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Silver Strikers 2 Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 0
Karonga United 1 Civil Service United 1
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 0 Chitipa United 0
Bangwe All Stars 0 Mafco 1
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Mighty Waka Tigers 4 Baka City 1
Iceland Prime minister jets in
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, May 19, Mana: Iceland Prime Minister, Bjarni Benediktsson on Sunday landed in the country for a five days working visit.
Upon his arrival at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) Benediktsson was welcomed by the Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima, Minister of Water and sanitation Abida Mia among other government officials.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in which the two Leaders will hold bilateral discussions on various areas of cooperation.
On Monday President Chakwera will host the visiting Prime Minister to a state Banquet to celebrate the 35 anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Malawi and Iceland.
The Prime Minister will further have engagements with other senior government officials and conduct a tour of development projects funded by the government of Iceland in the country.
