By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, February 15, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has urged Malawians to take an active role in shaping ethical leaders by nurturing individuals with strong moral values from within their communities.

Speaking on Saturday at the burial of veteran broadcaster Lucius Chikuni in Thyolo, Usi emphasised that leadership begins at home, stating that “bad leaders come from bad people, and good leaders come from good people.”

“A lot of things are going wrong because we look up to politicians as role models. Yet, politicians come from within our communities, and their behaviour is shaped from there,” Usi said.

He further called on society to cultivate integrity and compassion in individuals from an early stage so that they become responsible and ethical leaders in various spheres, including politics, the church, and their professional careers.

“If we fail to do this, we will continue having bad politicians because we neglected to mould them from the start,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi, Golden Matonga, hailed Chikuni as a pillar of Malawi’s media industry.

“Chikuni played a huge role in shaping the media landscape. He established The Inquiry newspaper, which provided a platform for critical discussions on how multiparty democracy could work.

“His influence extended to the establishment of Zodiak Radio and his appointment to an ambassadorial role,” Matonga said.

He described Chikuni as a professional with umunthu whose integrity was recognized across different administrations.

“In this election year, we should emulate his character by fostering unity rather than division and avoiding unnecessary tensions,” Matonga urged.

He also called on politicians in attendance to honour Chikuni’s legacy by respecting journalists and upholding their rights as they cover political rallies.

Veteran politician Ziliro Chibambo also paid tribute to Chikuni, describing him as a remarkable leader who contributed significantly to the fight for multiparty democracy in Malawi.

He said his contributions to the media and democracy remain a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to uphold professionalism and ethical leadership.

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, February 15, Mana: Blantyre District Council has approved a K44.6 billion budget to be implemented in the 2025/2026 financial year, mainly through projects, personal emoluments, and social protection programmes.

Presenting the budget at a full council meeting on Friday, Chairperson for the Finance and Audit Committee, Councilor Jeremia Jumbe, said personal emoluments have been allocated K35.1 billion, a 10 percent increase from the 2024/2025 budget, which was pegged at K31.8 billion.

He added that the development budget has jumped from K1.6 billion to K3.4 billion due to the introduction of the Regional Climate Resilience Programme 2.

Jumbe further said that under the Social Protection, the council had earmarked K7.2 billion for the Social Cash Transfer Programme and activities under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programmes.

Blantyre District Council, Director of Finance, Martha Kabambe said, that through locally generated revenue, the council planned to collect K483.7 million from its various local sources, such as market fees, rentals from shops, development fees, licenses, and permits, among others.

She emphasised that locally generated revenue for the council has been increasing with each passing financial year, citing that in the 2022/2023 FY, the council collected revenue amounting to K429.8 million, while in the 2023/2024 FY, it collected K459 million.

“In 2024/2025, by January, the council had collected K493.7 million,” she added.

Councillor for Linjidzi Ward, Akima Chipwatali welcomed the budget, saying it speaks to the needs of local people.

“We welcome the budget, but we urge the government to provide the required funding in time so that the council expedites the implementation of various developmental projects among others, to fulfil its mandate,” she said.

Recently, during the review of draft budgets by local authorities in Blantyre, National Local Government Finance Committee, Executive Director, Kondwani Santhe applauded Blantyre District Council for performing well in revenue collection

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, February 15, Mana: Blantyre District Council, through the Community Environmental Conservation Fund (CECF) under the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP), has disbursed US$57,318 (approximately K99.2 million) to communities participating in environmental conservation in the district.

The cash presentations were made on Friday to 37 Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) in the micro-catchment areas of Namitondo, Nkajidi, Nkaladzi, and Mulanga where MWASIP is implementing its interventions.

District Project Coordinator, Owen Malimba told Malawi News agency (Mana) that the funds are meant to help communities participating in environmental restoration uplift their livelihood through small-scale business.

“This is the revolving fund used to provide micro-credit to community members involved in the VLAP activities under MWASIP while they are implementing the project activities.

“The funds are given upon successful implementation of sustainable land management (SLM) activities in their catchment areas as an incentive to communities that have done well in sustainable land management activities,” said Malimba.

He added that each VLAP received an annual grant of US$2,500 (approximately K4.3 million) upon reaching the targets in sustainable land management and forest management activities.

Masautso Lodson from the Mkaladzi micro-catchment, Traditional Authority Kunthembwe’s area whose club has received K4 million, hailed MWASIP for the grant, saying the money will be used for the intended purpose of improving their livelihood through small-scale business.

Senior Chief Kunthembwe of Blantyre thanked Blantyre District Council for implementing MWASIP interventions in the area, saying his area had registered a great impact regarding watershed management and improved livelihoods of his subjects.

The Traditional leader then described the provision of funds as timely and that it would motivate communities to put more effort into conserving the environment.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, February 15, Mana: The Headteacher for Gwengere Primary School in Dedza, Sandram Nachiola highlighted the importance of coming into the Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) programme at their school saying it will contribute to an educated community as learners at the school will have strong educational foundational skills contributing to their success throughout their academic journey.

Speaking at the end of a two-day teacher training on the BEFIT programme, Nachiola expressed optimism that once rolled out, table-based learning will enable Standard 1-4 learners to acquire literacy and numeracy skills.

“With this programme, we are expecting to witness retention of those who dropped out of school since they will get attracted by the tablets, cases of absenteeism will also be dealt with as learners will not want to miss the tablets. I will ensure that technology-based learning is fully embraced by all teachers” he said.

Nachiola Commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the BEFIT programme for training all the teachers at the school, arguing if a designated teacher is absent, any teacher will be able to handle the lessons for that day.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera said government remains committed to reducing learning poverty hence the rolling out of BEFIT programme throughout the country with a target of reaching all 6000 public schools by 2029.

“In schools where BEFIT is running, cases of absenteeism have reduced and there is an improvement in literacy and numeracy levels among learners who are now used to interactive tablet-based learning” he stated.

The BEFIT programme will continue to roll out to new schools each year and is expected to reach full scale serving all 6,000 Malawi primary schools by 2029

By Gift Wahuta

Blantyre, February 11, Mana: At least 2,000 households in Blantyre have been affected by heavy rains since the onset of rains last year.

Blantyre District Council, Disaster Risk Management Officer, Faith Khamula told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Saturday that the hardest-hit areas include Traditional Authorities Lundu, Kapeni, and Chigaru.

“We recorded cases of crop fields being washed away, houses and schools destroyed, among others,” she said.

Khamula said government, through Blantyre District Council and non-governmental organisations, supported affected households with food and non-food items such as maize, beans, soap, blankets, and plastic buckets.

“Organisations like the Malawi Red Cross Society and development partners, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are also assisting, particularly in areas where people were affected by Cyclone Chido,” she added and stated that no major displacements had been reported.

Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) Spokesperson Yobu Kachiwanda noted significant differences in rainfall patterns this year compared to the last rainfall season.

“Last year’s rainy season was generally dry in the south and centre, but this year, many areas have experienced consistent heavy rains, especially from January onwards,” he added.

Kachiwanda cautioned the general public, including Blantyre residents, to brace for more heavy rains, storms, and potential flash floods in the coming weeks, saying there is a need to take precautional measures to avoid rains-related accidents.

“People should follow weather updates closely, ensure their homes are secure, and avoid living in disaster-prone areas,” he advised.

Blantyre Disaster Risk Management Office therefore stressed the importance of integrating disaster risk management into community projects to build resilience and reduce vulnerability

By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, February 15, Mana: Electoral stakeholders in Nsanje hailed Women’s Legal Resources Center (WORLEC) and Oxfam for their commitment towards violent free 2025 general election.

Traditional Authority Nyachikadza noted on Friday that the two organisations have been on the ground in the district to ensure Nsanje attain violence-free elections.

“Traditional leaders sometimes stop candidates from holding political meetings. This also fuels violence,

“From WORLEC and Oxfam, we learnt that traditional leaders need to give equal opportunity to all candidates wishing to hold political meetings," said Nyachikadza.

Nyachikadza said was happy to see all political party representatives in the district interacting and sharing ideas during the stakeholder's meeting.

Malawi Congress Party, District Chairperson, Steven Kamanga said the meeting with WOLREC and Oxfam came up with better ideas for conducting primary elections to avoid political violence.

“We are going to use a secret ballot so that people should choose freely the candidate of their choice. This will help to reduce political violence during primary elections,” he added.

WORLEC Project Officer, Ireen Ntonga said the organization is advocating for free and fair elections by encouraging women youth and persons with disabilities to participate in politics.

“Political parties will soon hold primary elections and we want to encourage them to open for the youth, women and people with disability to compete,” she added.

She therefore appealed all political parties to mobilise their followers to embrace multi-party multiparty democracy and think of a violent free electoral process.

Apart from traditional leaders, UTM, Alliance for Democracy (Aford), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF) representatives, and civil society organisations attended the meeting.

WORLEC and Oxfarm are currently implementing; the Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy project in Malawi with support from the European Union.

The project seeks to increase the participation of women, youth and marginalised groups in decision-making positions and political processes ahead of the 2025 general election.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, February 15, Mana: Malawi Kickboxing Association (MAKBA) has organised a training programme for kickboxing trainers on May 24, 2025, at Blantyre Sports Arena to equip trainers with knowledge and skills in the sport and mixed martial arts.

MAKBA General Secretary, Bright Limani told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that the programme will promote Kickboxing across Malawi.

“It will not take part in another district due to budgetary constraints but people from other districts who can manage can come to Blantyre for training,” he said.

Limani added that Malawi can benefit from the sport, saying that kickboxers have the potential to bring glory to Malawi on the international stage.

“We have participated in five international tournaments, so far and we got over 22 medals and two trophies from these outings,” he added.

One of the Kickboxer trainers, Arthur Bello, commended MAKBA for arranging the training session, saying the training has come at the right time as the country is in the process of developing the game.

“We are excited about the training programme for coaches because we will do a refresher in Kickboxing techniques and rules. The training will have a direct impact on the performance of our players,” he said.

He therefore encouraged practising and inspiring coaches to attend the training, citing that it would be beneficial to their careers.

MAKBA will conduct a coaches training programme concurrently with the training of female kickboxers.

By Alex Chitwere

Mulanje, February 15, Mana:  Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) on Friday partnered Mulanje District Council in a tree planting exercise at Muloza Primary School, Traditional Authority Njema in the district.

MRA Station Manager for Muloza Border, Adjison Maziwire said the revenue authority felt compelled to take part in a tree planting season by supporting the exercise with 1,000 tree seedlings as MRA operates within the community.

He said MRA is committed to ensure that the environment is protected to stop the reoccurrence of natural disasters such as Cyclone Freddy.

“Just to plant a tree is not the end of it all, we have to take care of it. We are thinking of going further than this to cover the whole area and the whole district planting more trees,” he said.

Maziwire further called on the community to assist them in their efforts and pointed out that they need help in curbing the smuggling of goods.

“Smuggling is the greatest factor that is affecting revenue collection, we are in a community where the border is so wide such that there are a lot of uncharted routes and to manage all this is not easy," he added.

Mulanje District Forestry Officer, Newton Sodala said despite several efforts on the ground to protect the forest like planting trees, there are a lot of illegal activities happening.

He then said a partnership with MRA will get them closer to their target of planting 2500 trees in the 2024/2025 forestry season.

The Forestry Officer also said his office will focus on block management which gives communities a chance to manage part of the forest as a way of instilling ownership.

The tax body took a similar exercise to Nanchidwa Primary School, an area that was heavily affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

In Mulanje, MRA is operating at Muloza Border as well as at the Boma for domestic taxes.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, February 15, Mana: Mother care groups in Blantyre are lobbying for more support from the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) to enable the groups adequately sensitise mothers to vaccinate under five children for effective child immunisation.

The appeal came on Friday during monitoring and mentorship training to members of Mtondoko and   Chimembe Mother Care Group (MCG) at Makata and Chimembe health centres in Blantyre where Malawi Equity Health Network (MEHN) met the mother groups to discuss challenges in advocacy and community mobilisation on child immunisation.

Chairperson for Mtondoko MCG, Sarah James said there was a need for frequent MCG trainings to discuss more on under-five vaccinations, citing limited equipment for vaccination, lack of infrastructure for under-five clinics, lack of transport to reach out to communities especially in had to reach areas. 

“Community mobilisation by mother care groups has helped a lot mothers to understand the importance of child vaccination. MEHN continue to provide mother care groups with refresher training,” added James.

Chimembe MCG, Chairperson, Joyce Harry said limited community engagement and difficulties in tracking vaccine schedules and follow-ups are some of the setbacks in child immunisation.

“MEHN support to mother care groups is bearing fruits if we compare the time mother care groups were not introduced," said Harry.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for MHEN, Florence Khonyongwa encouraged MCGs to put effort mobilising communities on child immunization.

She acknowledged the challenges MCGs are facing in the course of advocacy and community mobilisation on child immunisation, saying MHEN will discuss with them to seek solutions for the challenges.

"There is a need for improvement in vaccine coverage. The groups need to find other alternative means to ensure effective advocacy and community mobilization for better results," added Khonyongwa.

MHEN support MCG on advocacy and community mobilisation on child immunisation and other health-related issues in nine districts, namely; Blantyre, Mchinji, Ntchisi, Kasungu, Dowa, Mzimba South, Mzimba North, Chitipa and Lilongwe with financial support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).

By Patience Harawa

Karonga, February 15, Mana: Community Energy Malawi (CEM) has planted 5,000 trees in Group Village Head (GVH) Walamba in Karonga district, a development which aims at promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing deforestation,

Speaking during the tree planting exercise on Friday at Gumi in the area of Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe, CEM Country Director Edgar Kabiza Bayani said the organization is committed to promote clean energy and sustainable development in Malawi.

Bayani said; "The tree-planting exercise is part of the initiatives to support Nkhongono Kuwanthu Cooperative which works with Community Energy Malawi to reduce its over-reliance on firewood and adopt sustainable energy practices as the cooperative runs its bakery business.

“We believe that by working together with local communities and organization, we can make a significant impact and create a better future for ourselves and future generations."

The country director said besides the tree planting exercise, his organization will also provide a solar-powered oven to Nkhongono Kuwanthu Cooperative which would help reduce cases of deforestation in search of firewood.

“This initiative will not only promote sustainable energy practices but also help reduce deforestation and careless cutting down of trees,” he explained.

In his remarks, Chairperson for Karonga District Council Councillor Belliam Msukwa commended Community Energy Malawi for their tree planting initiative in Malawi, citing its importance in addressing deforestation and climate change.

“I am so pleased with the efforts the organization is making in restoring our environment. The 5000 trees we are planting today will go a long way in restoring our environment and promoting sustainable development in the district,” Msukwa said.

Echoing the Chairperson's sentiments, Secretary for Nkhongono Kuwanthu Harriet Mwenendeka expressed her heartfelt gratitude to CEM for providing the trees to the cooperative; a gesture she said will have a profound impact on the community’s environment and livelihood.

“We are extremely thankful to Community Energy Malawi for the 5,000 trees they have provided to us. The trees will greatly benefit our cooperative, providing us with a sustainable source of energy and reducing our reliance on firewood," Mwenendekha said.