MANAonline
Chimwendo advocates for ceasing political violence
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, September 30, Mana: The Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged supporters of the party to refrain from retaliating against the actions of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
Addressing the media during a press briefing on Monday at the MCP Headquarters in Lilongwe, Chimwendo emphasized the party's commitment to peace over violence.
He highlighted that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and the entire Malawi Congress Party prohibits any form of violence by party members.
"If I receive reports of any party member engaging in inappropriate language, I will take immediate action without waiting for the party's intervention," he asserted.
Chimwendo has also emphasized that the Malawi Congress Party embraces unity, as demonstrated in the recent rally in the Northern region, which was free of violence.
He has called on President of the DPP, Peter Muthalika, to publicly denounce the statements made by members of the Democratic Progressive Party regarding their malicious intentions towards MCP supporters.
In addressing the incident at Mbowe filling station, Chimwendo referenced the unfortunate events involving Honorable Brown Mpinganjira at Crown Hotel, stating that the Mbowe saga was an internal conflict between two factions within the DPP.
He also underscored the importance of all Malawians embracing unity and refraining from political violence, emphasizing the significant role such initiatives play in the country's development.
Nkhata Bay registers increased unsafe abortion cases
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 30, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Hospital Nursing Officer, Khumbo Nyasulu, on Monday said the district has registered 91 unsafe abortion cases from January to August 2024.
Nyasulu who is also Sexual Health Reproductive Services provider added that they recorded 79 cases during similar period in 2023 and the current figures indicate that there has been 15 percent increase, a development which she said is worrisome.
He was speaking during a meeting on addressing post abortion challenges which was organized by Hope for Relief Malawi through My Future My Rights Project which focuses on informing girls and young women the dangers of unsafe abortion.
“Increased number of young girls seeking post abortion care services is due to unplanned pregnancies signifying unprotected sexual activities,” said Nyasulu.
He then said that her office is working with various stakeholders in enhancing sexual reproductive health and family planning services awareness campaigns to address the challenge.
Program Manager for Hope for Relief Malawi, Glory Nyasulu said her organization works with some civil society organizations, young girls and female sex workers and called for well-coordinated efforts in addressing the life threatening development.
"My Future my Rights Project commenced in the district in July 2024 and is expected to wind up in July 2025.
Community in Balaka embrace ES-GEAR
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, September 30, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Program SCTP beneficiaries in Balaka have hailed government for the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilient (SP-GEAR) component.
In the component, SCTP beneficiaries are taken through financial literacy trainings with formation of Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups to instill beneficiaries’ saving culture for better livelihood.
The beneficiaries are also taken through the Early Childhood Development (ECD) component with child corners that are meant to provide safe space to play, relax, have fun and socialize.
A 52 years old beneficiary, Raphael Maselema from Ndoya village, Sub Traditio9bnal Authority, Kapalamula told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday that VSL groups have helped beneficiaries to improve their household income, adding that they were into small scale businesses courtesy of the savings.
“Apart from the financial part, we are also encouraged to refrain from any form of gender based violence (GBV). We used to have cases of men that could spend cash on beer at the expense of family welfare.
“We always meet on Monday afternoon and we are encouraged to plan and budget together (as a family) on important things that should help our family grow. We are further encouraged to prioritise on buying food, sending our children to school if we have any,” added Maselema
Another SCTP beneficiary from the same area, Benson Kakhome, 48, said that beneficiaries were advised to refrain from GBV and that they should report any form of GVB to relevant authorities.
“We are aware that we are supposed to give feedback on corruption, GBV or anything to do with the programme to a special committee that has been instituted in our area on the harmonized grievance redress mechanism,” explained Kakhome who has been in the programme since 2022.
On his part, District Community Development Officer (DCDO) for Balaka, McDonald Nyaka disclosed that his office registered more VSL groups since the onset of SP-GEAR.
“So far, we have mobilized 464 VSL groups out of SCTP beneficiaries and others that are not SCTP beneficiaries. Out of 9,341 beneficiaries, 8,819 are those from the SCTP which is encouraging and my office is hopping to enroll more as the registration is continuous,” he said.
Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP, Mphatso Chisepa said her office has the duty to monitor SP-GEAR activities.
“SP-GEAR activities are complimentary to SCTP. We will be monitoring number of GBV cases reported. This will help us to measure if people really grasped the concept and in the same way by the end of this year, we will also know if all SCTP beneficiaries have registered in VSL groups,” she added.
Church given ultimatum to observe children’s right to education
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 30, Mana: Stakeholders in Nkhata Bay have given members of Seventh Day Adventist Country Living Church in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Zilakoma an ultimatum until October 10, 2024 to start sending their children to school and allowing them access medical services or else they will face eviction from the area.
TA Zilakoma said much as there is freedom of religion, communities should ensure that child rights are protected at all cost.
He was speaking on Sunday at Chingathole during an interface meeting with community members and members of the church which was organized by Livingstonia Synod Aids Program (LISAP) through Help a Child Project,
He added that infringing children of their right is uncalled for as it would lead to unproductive future generation that will result in limiting development of the area and the country as a whole.
“It is shocking to see the church’s members denying their children access to social services as we agreed during similar engagement meetings.
"We cannot be playing a hide and seek game on child rights to education and access to health services. Our decision is final and come October 10, we will take action if you will not abide to this," warned Zilakoma.
One of the church members, Andrea Chinyama, argued that he teaches his children God's school which recognizes that man was created by God unlike the content of public school curriculum which says man came from a monkey.
On a contrary note, another church member, Everson Kayira said that he has sent back his children to school after understanding the bible well and takes them to hospital when they fall sick, hence calling fellow church followers to follow suit.
District Social Welfare Officer for Nkhata Bay, McSencie Chagomerana said that he was concerned over lack of commitment by some community members in observing child rights, adding that such malpractices do not align with country's Malawi 2063 goals.
Chagomerana however pledged that the council will strive in making sure that children access education and medical services as enshrined in the Constitution of Malawi.
"Section 23 of the Constitution states that parents should be in the forefront in safeguarding children rights in which rights to education and medical services are among them," said Chagomerana.
Executive Director for LISAP, Jonathan Vumu commended local authorities and the council for engaging each other in addressing the problem.
Members of Seventh Day Adventist Country Living Church deny their children from accessing education and medical services basing on their religious beliefs.
Emmanuel TV Partners donates to Chiradzulu District Hospital
By Yanjanani Mendulo
Chiradzulu, September 30, Mana: A local chapter of a religious grouping, Emmanuel TV Partners, on Saturday, took a walk from Blantyre to Chiradzulu District Hospital to donate assorted food items to patients to ease some of the challenges they face at the facility.
Among others the Emmanuel TV partners donated salt, sugar, soap and bags of maize flour.
The group’s chairperson, Fyness Njobvu told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that Emmanuel TV partners believe in; ‘Let love lead’ adding that their donations will positively change people’s lives.
“Prophet TB Joshua used to say let love lead just like the Bible says that you should love your neighbor as you love yourself. This is why we decided to show love to our neighbors who are sick at the hospital,” said Njobvu.
Secretary for the group, Leah Salima, said the group walked from Blantyre to Chiradzulu to raise MK5 million to help the needy elsewhere.
“I would like to encourage people that, helping is not about giving money only. Helping is also about sacrificing time and this is why we managed this long walk,” she said.
On his part, Chiradzulu District Hospital Nurse and Midwifery Technician, Charles Tembani, acknowledged the donation saying the food items will keep the patients going for some time.
“We are very thankful for this donation as it will fill the food gap here. We have a lot of patients that really lack this kind of support,” he said.
Emmanuel TV Partnership falls under Synagogue Church of all Nation under the leadership of Mama Evelyn Joshua, wife to the late Prophet TB Joshua in Nigeria.
GORIM to hold mega Christian service in Chirimba
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, September 30, MANA: Glory of Revelation International Ministries (GORIM) will on 4th October host a mega Christian service at Chirimba CDSS Hall in Blantyre under the theme ‘Raising of Judges and Councilors’.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday one of the organizers, Apostle James Sekeya said the service is aimed at planting heaven on earth through uplifting spiritual life and showing the need for God’s grace.
“The event brings nourishment, healing, miracles, deliverance, and power to overcome sin and evil in the world. There are many physical and emotional challenges which we encounter every passing day. As such the service will enable us to rest our burdens into God’s hands,” said Sekeya.
According to Sekeya, the privilege of repenting is made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ and therefore the event allows repentance and makes a straight path for people through the power of the Holy Spirit.
A member of the church, John Banda expressed gratitude for the service saying he is expecting to be freed from immoralities which slows his spiritual progression.
“I expect spiritual healing and the Lord's spirit to fill our houses. The event is a must-attend service for all believers because worshipping God together encourages spiritual growth,” said Banda.
The service will start at noon up to 04:30 PM, spiced by the Glory of Revelation International Ministries praise team and Pastor Saulos Howa will grace it.
Nkhotakota Agricultural Office appeals for Value Addition Agriculture
By Damiano Thengo
Nkhotakota, September 30, Mana: Nkhotakota District Agricultural Office has appealed to farmers in the district to add value to their farm produce to attract buyers from both local and international markets to make profits.
District Principal Agricultural Officer for Nkhotakota, Prince Shaibu said this during the 5th Agriculture Fair held at the District Fisheries Office in the district over the weekend. He said the fair was aimed at linking farmers and agricultural cooperatives with service providers and potential buyers.
Shaibu revealed that farmers in the district need to seriously consider adding value to their farm produce which will eventually lead to improved performance across the entire agricultural value chain and benefit smallholder farmers.
"We have seen that as a district we are not doing much value addition in most of the value chain, so we plan to train mass agricultural cooperatives to engage in value addition seriously as a matter of urgency,” said Shaibu.
Nkhotakota district council chairperson, Charles Chimzukuzuku praised the Agriculture Office for organizing the activity which would encourage farmers to share knowledge and practice modern ways of farming. He asked people in the district to venture into farming to assist in producing enough food to feed the district and the whole country.
Chimzukuzuku however encouraged smallholder farmers to get loans from government financial institutions like the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to have enough capital that can help boost their farming business activities.
"We are far behind in value addition, one thing that is a challenge is lack of economic empowerment, that's why I have encouraged all farmers to visit our district offices to understand how they can access loans from government financial institutions like NEEF," said Chimzukuzuku.
This year's Agriculture Fair was conducted under the theme ‘Agriculture Productivity Diversification and Value addition in the face of adverse climate conditions’.
Blantyre District Council commemorates Day of the African Child
By Agatha kadzinje
Blantyre, September 28, Mana: Blantyre District Council on Friday commemorated the Day of the African Child, with emphasis on the need for inclusive education for all children, both with and without disabilities.
During the celebration at Chilaweni Primary School in Lunzu, Chairperson of Blantyre District Council, Elson Dumuka, said that children must be encouraged by their parents and guardians to go to school, as every child has a right to education.
He said that children living with disabilities in Malawi should be enrolled in school as most schools are trying to achieve disability- friendly environment so it must be easier for them to access quality education.
“So today, as Blantyre District Council, we are happy to celebrate the African child as it reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and opportunity to thrive,” he said.
Director of Education, Alfred Mphandamkoko, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that this year’s commemoration is very colorful as it has allowed children living with disabilities to also showcase what they are being taught in their classes.
Mphandamkoko added that it is in the ministry’s plans to include the disability-friendly infrastructure and specialized teachers in every primary school in Malawi, so that all children living with disabilities can access education easily.
“Currently, only 40% schools have disability friendly infrastructures, but in few years, as a ministry we believe the percentage will increase through a program called Malawi Education Reform Program (MERP), which is supporting the government in building school infrastructure in selected schools across the country,” he said.
Wezi Mkandawire, Director at Hope Communication College, said that during the ceremony the children voiced out challenges they face in their daily lives as children living with disabilities which has given stakeholders insights into learning conditions in schools.
“Our college offers training to teaching instructors on how to recognize and integrate children living with disabilities for them to learn with less difficulty,” Mkandawire said.
A member of Chilaweni Special Needs Club, Jonathan kapito, said as children living with disabilities, they face many problems that affect their school attendance.
“We receive a lot of hate speech from the community and guardians as well. We do not have enough equipment to help us such as wheels’ chairs and disability friendly classrooms,” he said.
This year’s theme for Day of the African Child is ‘Promoting equality and inclusive education for all, act now’. Its emphasis is on the need for inclusive education for children with and without disability in education.
NOCMA clarifies on fuel procurement, refutes shady deals
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, September 29, Mana: The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) has assured stable fuel supply in the country, clarifying that so far, no financial transactions have taken place between the two proposed fuel deals with G.E.T Global and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi of the UAE.
This was said during a press briefing held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Sunday to clarify how fuel is procured in the country.
NOCMA Chief Executive Officer Clement Kanyama said since covid 19, the country has not been able to generate forex for critical imports including fuel.
Kanyama said as a country coming out of covid 19, the country is failing to generate adequate forex to pay for the critical imports.
“We are benefiting from a situation where all the four suppliers have agreed to waive a contractual requirement. In this, we are required to establish letters of credit with these suppliers, when they supply on open credit and the amounts are due, we are also not able to pay the amounts on the due dates.
“As a result of that, there have been times when the volumes of fuel in the strategic fuel reserves have been depleted, and there have been some instances where we've run out of stocks in the retail outright,” said Kanyama.
Kanyama said with such a scenario, NOCMA examined the situation and concluded that in addition to engaging local banks to secure increased Forex, they also decided, such as one, where the suppliers are paid in Malawi Kwacha.
However, he said to do that, there is a need to follow the processes, such as open tender, restricted tender and single sourcing.
“Now allow me to indicate that Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi who then came up with an offer that they are willing to be paid in Malawi Kwacha. Now, this Malawi kwacha will not be taken to UAE, but shall be used by this office of the sheik in implementing the activities which they intend to implement in Malawi under the MOU.
“So, I can assure you, and I can assure the country that, as NOCMA, we have not seen anything which is suspicious to us. This is a single sourcing of a supplier because there is an advantage, where they are going to pay in Malawi Kwacha,” he said.
Concerning the contract between the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and G.E.T Global which is on concessionary terms, NOCMA CEO said the Ministry of Transport and Public Works is yet to be issued a license by Mera and a hospitality agreement is yet to be signed.
He said this includes verification work with entities storing the product, which he said has also not been carried out by NOCMA, which among others is to obtain confirmation on the bank accounts that will receive payments for onward processing to the supplier.
CSJ for enactment of termination pregnancy bill
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, September 29, Mana: Centre for Solutions Journalism (CSJ) has appealed to government to expedite the enactment of the Termination of Pregnancy Bill.
The Chairpersons for CSJ, Josephine Chinele made the appealed Saturday in a statement in Blantyre where Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion on September 28 every year.
She said the National Assembly need to allocate adequate resources to support the prevention of unsafe abortion by scaling up the provision of contraceptives and to continue scaling up post abortion care services.
“The Executive, the Judiciary, the National Assembly, state human rights institutions and civil society organizations to use their power and mandate to protect the realization of sexual and reproductive health rights,” Chinele added.
Board member of CJS, Rev. Martin Kalimbe said religious and community leaders to vigorously promote abstinence among their members and subjects so that unwanted pregnancies, some of which result in unsafe abortions are reduced.
“All the citizens to remain steadfast in claiming their sexual and reproductive health rights,” he said.
This year’s International Safe Abortion Day, statistics from medical facilities regarding the number of women and girls experiencing complications from unsafe abortions show that the nation's abortion law, which was passed in the colonial era in 1930, is not only out of date but has utterly failed to lower the number of unsafe abortions.
As seen by the rising number of women seeking post-abortion care in government health facilities, the current law has only succeeded in pushing over 141,000 women and girls seeking abortions in the country to herbalists, witchdoctors, and certain traditional birth attendants where they suffer grave complications.
The Statistics for the first half of this year show a persistently high number of women and girls experiencing complications from unsafe abortions. In Lilongwe, from January to June, 1,041 women and girls required treatment for complications related to unsafe abortions.
In Dedza, 830 women and girls sought post-abortion care during the same period, while health facilities in Dowa provided services to 381 women and girls.
This alarming trend of women sustaining injuries from clandestine abortions and subsequently arriving at hospitals in critical condition, some with ruptured uteruses, is evident across all districts and cities in the country.
The issue of unsafe abortion remains significant, and the establishment of Post Abortion Care Units in every government district hospital is one of the testimonies of this problem.
