MANAonline
Chikulamayembe advocates for marginalized people to vie for political leadership positions
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, October 10, Mana: Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says empowering the youth, women and people with disabilities is critical towards the attainment of Malawi 2063.
Chikulamayembe was speaking Wednesday at his headquarters at Bolero in Rumphi when he interacted with representatives of Oxfam Malawi, Women Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) and Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) who are lobbying for inclusive and participatory democracy.
He said women are more compassionate and just as thorough as men and can even do better when handling different tasks.
Chikulamayembe added that the organizations’ visit to him was in line with the 2024 Gonapamuhanya Cultural Ceremony’s theme which emphasized on empowering women and youth for development.
“Our theme for this year’s cultural ceremony was centred on a similar subject and its organizing chairperson was also a woman. Umthetho organising chairperson was also a woman (yourself Mrs Kaliya) and both of you performed excellently.
We need more women and youth in leadership positions for the country to transform. I will be sharing this message with my chiefs and others from outside Rumphi to support women, people with disabilities and young people in the upcoming General Elections,” said Chikulamayembe.
He also urged women to support each other for them to excel in politics at different levels.
Executive Director for Oxfam Malawi, Linga Mihowa said the organizations visited Chikulamayembe to request him help in lobbying for a conducive environment for women, youth and people with disabilities who are interested in running for various political offices during the elections.
She further said that the initiative is supported by European Union will also engage political parties to accommodate the interests of such groups during primary elections.
Mihowa said the organizations will provide cash transfer to support electoral monitoring, observation, mobilization of youth groups and other electoral related requirement, once such marginalised people are endorsed as candidates whether on independent or political tickets.
NGORA engages players in education sector
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 10, Mana: Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA) in collaboration with Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA) and the Ministry of Gender has organized sectoral workshops for NGOs aimed at laying the foundation for commemoration of 2024 NGOs Day.
The engagements focusing on three thematic areas of education, agriculture and health will take place from Wednesday October 9 – 11 in Blantyre. The NGO Day will be observed on October 16 at Sanjika Palace Mini Stadium.
Chief Executive Officer for NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda said the workshops have been organized so that NGOs and government should align with each other and look at policy gaps for a more elaborate service delivery.
“We need to look at outstanding issues that need to be addressed in education sector,” Chileka Banda said.
“NGOs are making enormous contributions towards improved access to education services in all communities in this country. However, the contributions are not properly captured or documented and sometimes there is lack of collaboration between NGOs and government. This poses a policy alignment challenge,” he added.
Chileka Banda said NGORA would like to bring all resources together and move forward for the development of the country.
“We are tired of having similar challenges year in, year out and we are looking at the contributions NGOs are making, it will be very important now to see NGOs working closely with government, “he said.
Presidential Advisor on NGOs, Martha Kwataine said the workshops were very crucial because President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera recognizes the work being carried out by NGOs in Malawi.
“From the perspective of President Chakwera, the workshops are very important; specifically today as we are looking at the education sector. Education is the only equalizer that we can have as a nation, so whether rich or poor, if one is educated is equalized and is on the same table of decision making.
“Even when you look at it from the office of the First Lady through her Shaping the Future Foundation, there is that passion from the President in the sense that scholarships have been provided to the girl child,” Kwataine said.
Senior Development Planning Specialist for the National Planning Commission (NPC), Ivy Chauya said the NPC has a keen interest in the various developmental programmes and their implementation strategies; hence, would always support initiatives which would contribute to national development.
“It is our wish to see different NGOs working with government in the fulfilment of the Malawi 2063 Vision. The NPC is mandated to coordinate and oversee the implementation of long term and medium term development plans; education being a key in that respect,” Chauya said.
The theme for this year's NGO Day is ‘strengthening partnerships and capacity in the NGO sector-panacea for achieving Malawi 2063 Agenda.’
SP GEAR project addressing social and economic challenges in Ntcheu
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, October 9, Mana: Principal Gender Officer for Ntcheu District Council Phaless Chizule has commended Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP GEAR) also known as "Amai Titukuke" programme for removing social and economic challenges, which affect women in the district.
Chizule made the remarks on Monday during a sensitization meeting at Masitimale Village in the area of Senior Chief Kwataine in Ntcheu district.
"The programme is very relevant to communities as it is addressing the social and economic challenges which in most cases affect women who are the primary caregivers to their children," said Chizule.
She highlighted that the programme is expected to contribute towards livelihood resilience and poverty reduction.
Chizule further added that it is expected that once the household livelihood is enhanced, women will be able to participate fully on issues that affect them and their children.
Ntcheu District Social Welfare Officer who is also the district’s Desk Officer for Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) Catherine Ngoleka said SP Gear beneficiaries are the same people who are benefitting from SCTP who are currently totaling 14,354 in the district.
"Since Ntcheu is using E-payment mode of payment, beneficiaries receive the funds through FDH Bank," said Ngoleka.
One of the beneficiaries, Ivy Kanyemba who joined the SCTP in 2019 said she has managed to build an iron sheet house and is able to pay school fees for her two daughters at Ntcheu Secondary School and Ntcheu Community Day Secondary Schools.
"My life has improved, I can support myself and my children," said Kanyemba.
Meanwhile, district council officials are currently conducting sensitization meetings and beneficiary product training so that the beneficiaries can easily access their funds.
SP-GEAR is a three-year project which was officially launched in April 2024 with financial support from UNICEF, the European Union and Ireland.
CARD committed for sustainable Agriculture in Balaka
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, October 9, Mana: Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) has embarked on a new project; Resilience Enhancement for Anticipated Community Hazards (REACH) at Traditional Authority Nkaya in Balaka District to improve food availability and accessibility to households in the area.
CARD Project Assistant, Idah Ngwena, said on Tuesday during stakeholders meeting in Balaka that the project targets 400 households, 160 male headed and 240 female headed at Nkaya.
She added that the initiative came in response to challenges that people encountered in 2023 when the district was affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which led to loss of property and crops.
“All Traditional Authorities in Balaka were affected and it is against this background that CARD thought of responding this way to address some of the problems in Traditional Authority Nkaya,
“The project will provide bunches of sweet potato vines, cassava cuttings and 10 local chickens (one rooster, nine hens) to each household,” Ngwena said and further disclosed that REACH includes the distribution of high-quality seeds that are resilient to local climate condition.
She therefore advised farmers at Nkaya to grow the high quality seeds, saying such seeds will give best results in terms of yield.
“The organization is also providing drilling and lining materials for shallow wells which will enable farmers to access groundwater more efficiently, reducing their dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
“The mobile solar irrigation kits are a game-changer to many farmers, allowing them to irrigate their fields without relying on fossil fuels,” she added.
Among others, the REACH also incorporated training sessions to orient farmers on best farming practices, ensuring they maximize benefits of the project support.
CARD started implementing the project in September 2024 and will end in September 2025 at a cost of K20 million.
To ensure proper coordination in beneficiary selection, implementation and monitoring of the project, CARD will implement the project in partnership with the Department of Disaster Risk Management (DoDMA) as a key partner.
Invest in stock markets, minister urges Malawians
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe, October 9, Mana: Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno, has urged Malawians to invest in stock markets to harvest abundant as the government is talking about inclusive worth creation.
She made the remarks in Lilongwe when Illovo Sugar Company and Minority Shareholders Association of Listed Companies (MISALICO) organized civil servants capital markets financial literacy.
Chang'anamuno said Malawians can create their worth through shareholding because it is one of channels that they can use to make money.
Malawians are being encouraged to buy shares with a minimum amount of K50 per share.
"This is a good ideology for pulling the lives of citizens into prosperity as the channel is a bit cheaper for residents and everyone has accessibility to invest in stock market," she said.
Chang'anamuno highlighted that the coming in of these opportunities must rise up civil servants including some individual workers that are interested to invest in stock market.
She urged people to invest in mining industry saying about two companies have already registered and many others are coming to do business in the country.
"It is impressive that companies are putting opportunities on the table and selling shares publicly. We believe that Malawians will invest in stock market to attain prosperity," Chang'anamuno said.
Secretary for MASALICO, Frank Hawara, was excited to see companies calling upon Malawians for the import aspect of making money.
"In past years it was difficult for companies to publicly urge citizens to invest and do business with them. So, this must energize minds of Malawians now that the doors are open for everyone," he said.
Harawa said there is need to reach Malawians in rural areas saying everyone can afford to buy shares.
WMHD commemorations crucial advocate for mental health
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe October 9, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi, has appealed to government and multi-stakeholders for a prioritized mental health in the workplace emphasizing that such initiatives remain instrumental at fostering a productive and supportive atmosphere aimed at championing mental health in the country.
She made the remarks during a press briefing at the ministry headquarters in Lilongwe as part of commemorations to this year’s World Mental Health Day (WMHD), which falls on October 10 each year to raise awareness on mental health and to reduce stigma.
The day is being commemorated under the theme "It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace" with a modified theme for Malawi “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace: health workforce is the best workforce”.
Daudi emphasized the need for employment laws that adequately protect and support mentally challenged individuals and also the implementation of policies attributing to flexible working hours, providing access to mental health resources to act as protective factors for mental health.
“I am pleased to inform Malawians that as part of the commemorations of the day the Ministry in collaboration with stakeholders has organized different activities which include panel discussions and message dissemination aimed at sensitizing the general public on mental health at work place,” she said.
The Ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, has planned mental health first aid sessions in workplaces which will be conducted in cities and districts by mental health professionals who will visit different workplaces from October 14 to 31.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Neema Kimambo, reiterated that WMHD commemorations serve as a reminder that mental health is key to a complete wellbeing and productive life.
She said it is important to link mental health to the importance of work and individuals work environment.
Kimambo has affirmed WHO’s continued commitment in proving technical support on all mental health interventions for health and well-being of Malwians.
Nkhotakota DC applauds NBS Bank
By Davie Phiri & Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, October 9, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhotakota, Ben Matengeni Tohno, has commended NBS Bank for donating Public Address Equipment to the council saying it will improve deliberations that are usually held in the Council Chamber.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Monday at the district council chamber, Tohno said proper communication and sound delivery within the chamber were challenges, as they did not have functional Sound System equipment.
He said the donation would rapidly improve the district's communication gap in announcing and broadcasting information.
“Our jobs are vital in reaching out and rendering all necessary information to the public and as such it is important to have attained such up-to-date equipment which will help improve all challenges being met in the district,” said Tohno.
Tohno commended NBS Bank for supporting the people of Nkhotakota with the first-of-its-kind equipment at the district level to improve service delivery at the local council.
NBS Bank Head of Cluster for Centre and North, Dr Justin Chikaonda, said the bank is a partner of the local councils and will keep supporting in many forms as part of their corporate social responsibility to the communities.
Director of Finance for Nkhotakota District Council, Khumbo Masankhula, thanked NBS Bank and encouraged them to also render aid in other sectors to uplift the lives of the people in Nkhotakota noting partners like NBS bank are a blessing.
NBS bank donated equipment to the tune of K8 million to the council.
Natural tree regeneration excites CS-EPWP participating communities in Machinga
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, October 9, Mana: Communities that are participating in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-PWP) in Machinga said natural tree regeneration is the sure way of restoring lost vegetative cover in most areas that suffered deforestation due to irresponsible human activities.
The communities said this during a tour this week organized by District Community Development Office and District Forestry Office to some of the catchment.
Natural regeneration takes place in many catchments in Machinga among them middle and lower Lingoni with five hotspots namely: Ntibidi, Mputeya, Namichimba, Mayera and Nzimaya where 876 people are engaged in catchment conservation.
Chanyungu Mposa Catchment is another area with 1,223 participating communities also under the CS-PWP.
A farmer from Chanyumgu Catchment, Nnani Hotspot at Traditional Authority (TA) Mposa, Lovemore Chingwaru, said land degradation is one of serious problems that needs to be addressed with community involvement to ensure sustainability.
Chingwaru who comes from Group Village Head Ntambalika, TA Mposa said running water from mountains caused a lot of soil erosion such that this resulted into low harvest among farmers down the mountains.
"We experienced low harvests in recent years because we had a lot of running water from the hill, which washed away top soils.
“Tree regeneration and other land resource activities will help us to save the remaining soil from erosion. By doing this, l’m sure we will have an increased percentage of harvests in the next rainy season,” he said.
Another farmer, Thokozani Mloka, who is also chairperson of middle and lower Lingoni catchment, said communities were able to understand the importance of participating in the CS-PWP, which mobilize communities to participate in tree regeneration to restoring the lost vegetative cover in most areas that had vast forests.
Mloka observed that trees reduce the impact of raindrops on soil as the soil is well protected under forest cover.
"We will not worry of run offs once we have good forest cover. Trees will reduce the speed of water," she said.
Extension Worker at Middle and Lower Lingoni Catchment in Ntibidi hotspot, Clifford Nkhomba was happy to see communities actively participating in CS-PWP activities.
He observed that the communities were able to understand and appreciate effects of climate change on livelihood in recent years.
“It is really convincing to see people actively participating in restoring their forests through tree regeneration. I think communities now understand relation between deforestation and land degradation following recent rainy season when we had a lot of running off," he said.
Nkhomba, therefore, advised communities to embrace tree regeneration and other sustainable land resource management activities on their own even if CS-PWP phases out.
District Community Development Officer for Machinga, Thokozani Supayo, appealed to communities in the district’s catchments to fully participate in restoring the forests.
He, therefore, encouraged CS-PWP participating communities to adopt climate smart land resources management activities and other best environmental conservation practices to improve soil fertility for improved food production.
Apart from tree regeneration, CS-PWP participating communities in various catchments also participate in other interventions such as stone bands construction, digging swales and manure making to control water flow and improve soil fertility.
The CS-PWP interventions are funded by the World Bank and Multi-donor Trust Fund.
The CS-PWP is under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Projects.
Minister of Tourism refutes allegations on the sale of Likoma Island
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, October 8, Mana: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has refuted allegations making rounds in various communication forums that government has put on sale Likoma Island.
Speaking on Tuesday in Likoma when she addressed a stakeholders’ meeting on the allegation sale of land in Likoma, Kamtukule said that government has never had any plan of selling the island to an investor.
“Rumors alleging proposed sale of this island have recently been published through several communication forums and I am here to categorically put it to the community that at no point did government discus and make a decision of selling Likoma and relocate its people to the main land.
This can never happen with this government and any other government,” said Kamtukule.
She was then quick to say that government has developed a 20-years Tourism Master Plan which has identified 103 projects, including integrated projects in Likoma.
“These projects include the construction of the jetty, reconstruction and extension of the run way, construction of a hotel among others on this island,” she said.
The minister assured people in the district that her ministry is not selling the island but actively looking for both local and international investors who can enhance tourism development at Likoma and the country as a whole.
Senior Chief Mkumpha III said that the minister‘s message was a relief to the islanders as they have correct information surrounding the issue from the right stakeholder.
“This has cleared the rumor and the fear which it created amongst the people on this island. Her coming to meet us personally is an indication that government has passion and love for all of us, otherwise she would have cleared the mist through writing,” said Mkumpha.
One of the residents on the island, Patrick Chikoti said government have good development plans for Likoma with special focus on tourism.
“Now, we know that government has no plans of selling the island. It was a worthwhile meeting and everyone is satisfied with the clarification on the allegations,” said Chikoti.
Delivery lab addresses critical challenges affecting the energy sector
By Lily Kampani
Lilongwe, October 8, Mana: The Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno has called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, development partners and government agencies to find sustainable solutions to the issues impeding the energy sector if Malawi is to achieve its goal of generating 1,000 megawatts of power by 2025 and attain universal access to electricity by 2030.
Chang’anamuno made the remarks on Tuesday in Lilongwe during a delivery lab organized by the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) to discuss an integrated resource plan and power sector coordination to improve the energy sector.
“The energy sector is central to the attainment of Malawi 2063 aspirations, therefore without a robust energy sector we cannot build the industries that will create jobs, we cannot power the hospitals and schools that will uplift our communities, and we cannot attract the investments that will drive our economy.
“Achieving the energy sector goals demands our commitment, unity and relentless action to ensure that every home, school, hospital and business in this country has access to reliable and affordable electricity,” Chang’anamuno stated.
The minister explained that various obstacles such as financial constraints, forex issues and procurement challenges have impeded the achievement of the goals that were set by the energy sector.
“We need to expedite the completion of key frameworks and streamline our processes to ensure that investors and developers are not let down by bureaucracy,” she said.
She also called on the delivery lab to develop a well-coordinated approach to advancing the energy sector delivery through clear and transparent systems those priorities the interest of Malawi and ensure efficient collaboration between the public and private sectors and other stakeholders.
Head of PDU, Dr. Janet Banda said they recognize that energy generation and supply as a core focus area under Enabler 6 of the Malawi 2063 requires innovative and sustainable solutions.
“One of our principal goals is to diversify our sources of energy, particularly by increasing the number of independent Power Producers (IPP) off grid and expanding our investment in renewable energy, which will help us reduce our overreliance on hydro-generated power from the Shire River,” said Banda.
Deputy Director for generation and independent power producers in the Ministry of Energy, Lucius Mawanga also highlighted financing as the biggest challenge affecting the sector but expressed hope that they will still achieve the goal of generating 1,000 megawatts of power by 2025.
The delivery labs are being supported by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) with an overall aim to increase electricity access and improve energy security and reliability in Malawi.
