MANAonline
Technical and vocational skills key to achieving MW 2063 vision
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, September 9, Mana: For Malawi 2063 vision to be achieved, it requires a human resource that is driven by skills development processes in the formal and informal sector, this is according to the Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA).
The institution’s board chairperson, Pyoka Tembo said the major purpose of TEVETA is to contribute to human resource development through sustainable skills training and development.
“It is a regulatory body which was established in 1999 by an Act of Parliament.
“TEVETA's informal sector programme is aimed at equipping youth and disadvantaged groups in local communities with skills to enable them to become employable through wage or self-employment,” said Tembo.
Senzani Community Development Centre in Ntcheu is one such centre where informal apprentice skills are acquired.
The centre’s chairperson Elizabeth Zimpondera said various trades like carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, tailoring and fashion designing are offered to the youths in the community.
She disclosed that 138 girls and 117 boys have been products of the centre since 2015.
"The skills centre structure started with carpentry then tailoring and bakery. It is improving people's livelihoods in the rural areas and it is our wish to see this centre becoming a technical college," said Zimpondera and thanked TEVETA for refurbishing the facility after it got damaged due to cyclone Freddy induced floods in 2023.
Group Village Head Senzani hailed Tevet for refurbishing Senzani Community Skills Development Center and for offering various skills training to the people from his area.
He described the programme as part of capital for his people which can economically improve people's livelihoods in his area.
"We are a proud people, TEVETA has in fact given a form of capital to the students, the capital comes in different forms including skills acquisition," highlighted GVH Senzani.
Councilor Godfrey Chinkhota of Likudzi Ward said the centre has reduced travelling distances for people to acquire technical and vocational skills at Ntonda Technical College.
"TEVETA has brought technical and vocational training to the rural communities. In the past our youths had to travel a long way to Ntonda to acquire the skills and we do not take this for granted," said Chinkhota.
He has however asked TEVETA to have electricity connection and bring in electrical equipment for welding lessons and other trainings.
Patrick Benford and Triza Mluta who are graduates of the centre said life has become smoother with the tailoring and designing skills acquired from the place.
Ntcheu district Director of Education and Sports Dorothy Banda Masudi said the need for skills training to achieve the 2063 vision of self-reliance is very high.
"There are some youth who have not gone to colleges but have skills, so this is the way to go," said Masudi and commended TEVETA for the programme.
She observed that communities also need other training such as computers for more development in all the communities.
Mozambican national arrested for Pangolin possession
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, 9 September, Mana- Kawale Police have arrested Felix Matiyasi, a 29-year-old Mozambican national, for possessing a live pangolin without permit.
According to Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri, detectives received a tip-off from well-wishers about Matiyasi's intentions to sell the endangered species.
Acting swiftly, police apprehended Matiyasi and seized the pangolin.
Matiyasi, from John village, Traditional Authority Makanja, Chizolowondo district, Mozambique, faces charges of possessing a listed species without permit.
He is expected to appear in court on Monday, September 9, 2024.
The pangolin has been handed over to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
"This arrest demonstrates our commitment to combating wildlife crime," said Sub-Inspector Phiri.
The public is urged to report any wildlife-related crimes to the authorities.
Market shed earns Zikhale Ng’oma praise
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, September 9, Mana: Traditional Authority (T/A) Zilakoma in Nkhata Bay has praised Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay South Constituency Ken Zikhale Ng'oma (Malawi Congress Party - MCP) for constructing a market shed at Kalowa.
The chief said the MK23 million market shed will improve businesses and livelihoods in his area.
Speaking on Sunday at Kalowa Primary School ground during a development rally after commissioning the market shed, T/A Zilakoma said the construction of the market shed is an answer to vendors’ outcry for a proper market structure.
“Today being a market day, you have all witnessed how vendors struggle to sell their things. Some sell their commodities along the road which is not safe. Hygiene of food items is a problem and things are worse during rainy season as business is not as usual.
“All this will be history with the commissioning of the market shed today,” he said.
The chief therefore commended the legislator for a number of people-oriented projects happening in the area and urged community members to take good care of them for continued support.
Hawa Manda, one of the vendors at the market, said they will now be able to sell even during odd hours thanks to the electricity in the market shed.
In a separate interview, Nkhata Bay Director of Planning and Development, Edgar Chihana said the market shed will greatly improve service delivery of the council.
"Apart from providing conducive environment for traders to operate, the shed will ease our work in revenue collection which will in return improve service delivery and this is a true reflection of effective use of Constituency Development Fund (CDF)," Chihana said.
In his remarks, Zikhale N’goma emphasized his commitment to using CDF to address the needs of his constituents.
“I am dedicated to ensuring that the funds are used to make a positive impact in our community. Shortly, I will embark on piped water project to make sure that people have safe and clean water on top of various ongoing projects happening in this area", he said.
Minister of Defence, Harry MKandawire who was the guest speaker at the development rally urged people of Nkhata Bay to vote for MCP leader President Lazarus Chakwera in next year's general elections for continued developments in the district.
MEC, NICE in election awareness campaign
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, September 9, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Zomba have intensified election awareness campaign with the aim of keeping communities informed about elections.
Among others, the campaign focuses on new election laws, voter registration, campaign period and the need for the citizenry to make right choices.
Speaking on Monday in the area of Traditional Authority Nkagula, NICE District Civic Education Officer, Kondwani Neba said as the country heads towards elections, it was important that communities are empowered with the right information.
Neba said election is a critical exercise and in democracy where people are free to choose who they want, the right and access to information is key.
"We have just started but awareness campaigns will continue until we reach out to every corner of the district. It is our expectation that people will be well informed and make informed decisions when voting," said Neba.
District Elections Clerk fo Zomba District Council, Lionel Chikopa said apart from community meetings, there will be outreach meetings in markets and other key points.
"We will also have the mobile van which will go around. In addition, we have planned for radio programmes," said Chikopa.
Group Village Head Kumbwana hailed the two institutions for the awareness campaign, saying the awareness will enable voters to choose candidates of their choice wisely.
Kumbwana said many people are not aware of the new changes and appealed for more meetings.
Apart from election issues, the meetings also discussed the need for the citizenry to participate in development programmes.
Exorcising poverty through social cash transfer
By Manasse Nyirenda
When suffering knocked on Rodgers Msiska's door, to quote Nigeria's literally icon, Chinua Achebe, it settled in his house for many years as he struggled to feed his family till he became a beneficiary of Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
Many Malawians, both in rural areas and cities, share this sense of hopelessness, however, when their circumstances improve, the resulting smiles can be seen and felt from miles away.
A 2023 World Bank Malawi Poverty Outlook shows that the proportion of people living on less than $2.15 per day increased to 71.7 percent in 2023. This is expected to increase to 72 percent in 2024.
To this effect, the Government of Malawi in partnership with Multidonor Trust Fund (MDTF) through the World Bank are pooling resources together to cushion the ultra-poor in Malawi through SCTP.
Rodgers Msiska, 62, is one of at least 3,600 beneficiaries in Rumphi district who have been given a lifeline through the SCTP. He comes from Thenda village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwahenga.
After receiving the money, the beneficiaries are encouraged to join Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups to grow their income and have access to loans which they may use to build more profitable and sustainable businesses and assets.
"I joined a VSL group and was able to access a loan with which I bought some goats. When they started multiplying, I sold some of them and bought fertilisers for my tobacco field.
“I made some money, though I cannot remember the exact amount. I replaced the grass roof of my house with iron sheets and the wooden window frames with steel frames. I also floored it with cement," Msiska says.
He further says 2024 has been the most profitable year since he started benefiting from the programme. He has made over MK3 million from this year’s tobacco sales.
His face brightens as he explains that he now owns a satellite television set and is able to watch several channels right in his village house.
"If you work for a television station or radio I will be able to watch my story on my home television. I also own a radio now. My life is no longer the same. I am able to take care of my wife, two sons and a grandson," he proudly says.
Msiska adds that he is now dreaming of owning a motorcycle because he is tired of walking and wants to use it for transportation around his town, Chivungulu.
His story isn't one of rags to riches, but more like that of a marathon runner finally being given shoes to give him a fair shot at winning the race. Now, with a solid capital base, he has the foundation to pursue his dreams.
Another Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiary from Sub Traditional Authority Chisovya, Boniface Chirambo, says he was struggling to provide for his family before he got enrolled into the programme.
He says after completing his welding training he struggled to find clients because he did not have a welding machine. He adds that since he bought his own machine in instalments from the programme’s receipts, his welding business is doing well and he is able to meet most of his family's needs.
"I struggled to provide for my family. I struggled to find food and clothes for my children, but all that has changed. I am now able to take care of my family.
"I repair wheelbarrows, oxcarts, make hoes and many others. On a very good day I earn at least MK20, 000 while on a bad day I take home at least MK5000," explains the father of three daughters.
On her Part, Lucy Nyasulu, 31, from Madumura village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said her family was trapped in deep poverty before being selected to be one of the SCTP beneficiaries.
"At the time I became a beneficiary, we were living in a shack and struggling to find food for our family. But once we got enrolled, we worked very hard to transform our lives for the better by venturing into farming using Social Cash Transfer money," she said.
She said she joined village loans and savings groups which made her earn interests on her savings which she later invested in farming.
She has since earned over MK5 million from tobacco farming and has built a house and also owns a hair salon business.
The mother of three is now focusing on growing more tobacco to earn more money and transform her home’s well-being.
District Social Welfare Officer for Rumphi, Zindaba Lungu, says the programme has brought relief from the burden of poverty in beneficiary households.
“Many beneficiaries have built decent houses, bought livestock and own thriving businesses which have helped lessen the burden of poverty in the communities,” Lungu says.
Farmers in Balaka applaud CS-PWP for speedy restoration of degraded land
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, September 9, Mana: Farmers in Balaka district have hailed Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CS-PWP) for speeding up the restoration of degraded land in the targeted 20 catchment areas.
The observation was made on Monday when the district council conducted media tour to some of the catchment areas such as Traditional Authorities (TA) Kachenga, Nsamala and Nkaya.
One of the farmers from Kumtumbwe catchment area in T/A Kachenga, Frank Zagwa, said the initiative apart from empowering over 28,000 households financially, has enabled farmers to adopt modern farming practices which he described as a game changer in farming.
"Before this programme, I was failing to harvest more yields because my land is located in the steep area, all the rain water could just pass down to the stream leaving no proper infiltration," said Zagwa.
Chairperson for Dzalimwe Catchment Management Committee (CMC) in TA Nkaya, Alinafe Dingaliro, also shared similar sentiments saying through collective effort, farmers are able to conserve the forests and restore fertility in their fields.
"Apart from farmers constructing Swales, Check dams, stone bands in their fields and restoring the forests, they also get MK38, 000 per cycle of this programme as part of motivating them to embrace the programme’s values," she said.
In his remarks, Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Balaka District Council, Chris Nawata said, the initiative is aimed at empowering communities in the district to embrace climate resilience and modern farming practices considering the dry spells that occur in the district.
"Currently we have just finished the second cycle of this programme and we have witnessed high level of ownership among the communities," he said.
In Balaka, CS-PWP was implemented in 2021 by the government of Malawi with funding from World Bank.
Government for durable and high quality projects-Gotani Hara
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, September 9, Mana: Catherine Gotani Hara, First Vice President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), stated that the government remains committed to prioritizing durable, high-quality projects across the country.
Hara, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly was speaking recently during a rally at Misuku Primary School Ground in Chitipa.
Hara said that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is interested in promoting prudent resource utilization so that structures reflect value of invested resources.
“Rumphi-Bolero Road which had tarmac but now it is in tatters likewise Karonga- Chitipa Road is now infested with potholes. This only shows that quality was compromised during its construction.
“You might think that we are delaying in implementing some projects, however this is so because we want to have structures of high quality and standard,” said Hara.
She then sited M1 Road that is under rehabilitation, saying thus the standard quality that government is promoting in all roads construction projects.
"If we can achieve that level of road quality even in rural areas like Misuku, it means the government won’t need to waste development partners' resources on repairs before the roads reach the end of their lifespan," she said.
Member of Parliament for Chitipa East, Kezzie Msukwa urge government to hasten the construction of Kapoka - Kalenge Road which becomes impassable during rainy season.
Senior Chief Mwenemisuku applauded government for developmental projects taking place in the district citing among others, the construction of Tchuwa Secondary School which he said has changed the face of the area besides improving access to education.
He then asked Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi to consider connecting electricity at the newly built school as one way of promoting quality and inclusive education in the district.
Chakwera commissions MAREP phase 9 in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, September 9, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has commissioned the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP) phase 9 on Monday in the area of Group Village Nguluwe under Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje District.
Nsanje district has 13 sites under MAREP phase 9.
Speaking during a whistle stop at Sorjin Trading Centre, Chakwera assured communities of government's commitment towards promoting development in the country.
"There are so many development projects taking place including a huge development project in Lower Shire, called Shire Valley Transformation Project," Chakwera said.
Commenting on the issue of food security, Chakwera assured people in Nsanje that maize will be available in all Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) depots starting this week.
President Chakwera said he has also directed the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) to continue providing food assistance to those that cannot afford to buy.
He, therefore, challenged communities that everyone is entitled to access business loans at the National Economic Empowerment Fund.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsanje Lalanje, Gladys Ganda hailed the president for implementing developments projects across the country regardless of people's political affiliation in specific areas.
"You gave us electricity in two sites without regard to my political inclination as an opposition MP. There is a lot that your government is doing in my constituency. You are a president of the nation," said Ganda.
Senior Chief Chimombo said the current administration has implemented development activities that will change the face of the district.
"You have implemented a lot of developments during your term. And we are very grateful. Some people will appreciate your dedication towards development when you leave office in 2030," said Chimombo.
Senior Chief Chimombo also appealed to government to swiftly provide food assistance to households that are food insecure.
Oxfam hails nutrition partners
By Tione Andsen
Dowa, September 9, Mana: Oxfam has acknowledged the support and collaboration from various stakeholders saying they have assisted towards successful Implementation of phase I & II of Food and Nutrition Security Programme (FNSP) with funding from Germany Cooperation through GIZ.
Livelihoods Resilience Programme Manager for Oxfam, Steve Kuliyazi said this Monday during the planning meeting for the ‘Increasing Resource Allocation and Prioritization of Nutrition in Malawi Phase III Project at Chikho Hotel at Mponela in Dowa.
He said the implementation of this initiative started in June 2020 and it began with Phase I, which was implemented from June 2020 to October 2021, followed by Phase II from January 2022 to December 2023.
Kuliyazi stated that the two phases focused on strengthening the capacity of national and district councils to advocate for increased resource allocation and accountability in the nutrition sector.
“I am happy to report that through these efforts, the project successfully contributed towards several achievements in the nutrition sector.
“For instance, the devolution of the Nutrition budget line, which we are all celebrating, is benefiting all 28 districts, which is beyond the three targeted districts of Dowa, Salima and Dedza,” he explained.
The Manager said this has strengthened the movement in advancing nutrition, comprising various stakeholders including CSOs, private sector, local communities, technocrats and the media.
Kuliyazi said the initiative contributed to positioning of nutrition onto the national agenda as demonstrated by the pronouncements of strategic commitments by high profile stakeholders during the launch of the SUN 3.0 in September 2021
He added that the project also strengthened integration of nutrition in district planning frameworks such as District Socio Economic Profiles (SEPs) and District Development Plans (DDPs) of many districts.
“The capacity of DNCCs in the three districts of Dowa, Salima and Dedza in policy engagement of the nutrition sector, led to the development of district-specific advocacy plans and costed district nutrition Implementation Plans to guide the district-level nutrition response,” the Manager added.
He said the project supported media houses in documenting, airing and publishing stories on nutrition which helped to amplify local voices, drawing the attention of district and national-level decision-makers of the nutrition sector.
Kuliyazi observed that despite this progress, significant nutrition-related problems persist, including the triple burden of malnutrition, low dietary diversity, high prevalence of stunting, low resource allocation to the nutrition sector, the absence of nutrition indicators in the programme-based budget at the district council level and limited foothold of food system transformation narrative in the country.
He said phase III project was developed to build on the achievements of Phase I & II, and continue to leverage on the opportunities presented by these two phases.
Kuliyazi said they would promote the Food System Transformation Approach among district councils, policymakers, and decision-makers.
He said phase III has been planned to be implemented from July 2024 to Jan 2025, targeting Salima and Dedza districts for local level action whose evidence will be used to engage nutrition and food system policy at national level.
Budget Analysis at National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), Jonathan Banda said the first budget 2023/24 financial year with an amount provided for within the financial year K109 million which was 100 percent funding for that year.
“For 2024/25, the annual provision for council has risen to K250.7 million averaging K 8 million per council. As at July 2024, 37 percent of annual budget was funded,’’ he noted.
President Chakwera, First Lady Tour A.R. Issa cattle ranch
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, September 9, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera have on Monday toured A.R. Issa's Private Cattle Ranch in the Lower Shire district of Chikwawa.
President Chakwera praised the role of private sector investments in enhancing the country's socio-economic growth.
As a gesture of appreciation, Rashid Issa, the owner of the ranch, which has about 5,000 cattle, presented a gift of a cow to the President for taking time to visit the livestock farm.
After the tour of the ranch, President Chakwera proceeded to Nguluwe village in Nsanje district, where he is expected to power on the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP).
Later in the day, the Malawian leader will also have a discussion with primary education advisors from Chikwawa and Nsanje before interacting with the business community from Chikwawa district at Nchalo Sports Club.
