By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, August 21, Mana: Member of Parliament for Nsanje South West, Eurita Mtiza challenged Women Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) and Oxfam to address barriers that hinder marginalized groups from participating in politics if Malawi wishes to achieve the 50-50 aspirations

Mtiza made the statement on Wednesday after an engagement meeting with political aspirants in Nsanje organized by WORLEC and Oxfam.

“There is a need to also engage political structures and traditional leaders as sometimes they do not level the playing field. This destroys the political ambitions of marginalized groups like women, “she added.

Mtiza said engagement meetings were critical, as they would encourage women, youth and people with disability to go into politics.

“We have a lot of women, youths as well as people with disability that can contribute positively to the social economic development of our nation but they are blocked by political structures, “she added.

One of the participants, Mphamvu Kalima who is vying for the position of ward councilor said the engagement meeting was fruitful as it encouraged women, the youth and people with disability, to participate in politics actively.

“We want such kind of engagement to be taken to chiefs and political parties so that they should understand that people with disability like me should be given an equal platform to compete in key political positions,” she added.

The District Gender Officer in Nsanje, Edson Njembe praised Oxfam and WORLEC for the timely engagement adding that the engagements will encourage more marginalized groups to actively participate in politics.

“As a district, we need to promote this campaign so that we can contribute to the 50-50 campaign to see good representation of women both in parliament and in the full council,” he added.

Oxfam and WOLREC are implementing a project called Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusion Democracy in Malawi which rolled out in 2023 and is expected to end in 2027.

The project is implemented in seven districts of Salima, Dedza, Mulanje, Nsanje, Machinga, Rumphi and Mzimba with support from the European Union.

By Tione Andsen

Lilongwe, August 21, Mana: FDH Defending Champions, Nyasa Big Bullets Wednesday night marched into the first 2024 Cup final after beating Moyale Barracks 3-1 in a thrilling semi final encounter played at Bingu National Stadium in Area 48 in Lilongwe before a capacity crowd.

What a send-off for the people’s team as they are expected to leave the country Thursday for their second league match of the CAF Champions league preliminary against Red Arrows in Lusaka, Zambia as they are carrying a 2-1 lead.

Bullets will now face Premier Division side, Blue Eagles in the finals of FDH cup after they had sent off Karonga United packing with a 2-0 win during the first semi-final match played at Civo Stadium in Area 9 in Lilongwe.

Bullets’ prodigal son, Babatunde Adepoju stunned Bingu stadium fans which his solemn effort goal to finish off the games and it was a marvel to watch.  

It was balanced affair with both trams creating scoring chances but the physically play of Moyale played to their disadvantage.

With three minutes into the game, Babatunde went into the danger but his shot was blocked by Victor Mwale and four minutes later, Moyale’s Luke Chima had his goal bound shot blocked for a corner.   

Moyale’s Chima had another opportunity of taking his side into the lead after 14 minutes but he shot wide and six minutes later was brilliant exchanges by the Kaning’ina boys which involved Charles Nkhoma, Clifford Chimulambe and Boniface Chuma.

Bullets took the lead 1-0 after 21 minutes when Ephraim Kondowe slotted home a Babatunde pass after he had played the ball between tow Moyale defenders, Mwale and Jere.

Five minutes later, prodigal Babatunde had his name on the scoresheet when his cannonball like shot kissed the back of the net leaving Moyale keeper, Olyce Nkhwazi helpless.

At half hour mark, sensing danger, Moyale Barracks pulled out of form midfielder for Chifundo Damba to strengthen their heart of the pack in which Bullets was dominating.

Moyale’s Allan could have reduced the arrears after 45+1 when he shot was craftily blocked with keeper Richard Chimbamba beaten.   

The two teams went into break at 2-0.

The second half saw Bullets’ left back was exposed and Moyale capitalized on and it only took seven minutes for Allan to pull one back to make the scores 1-2.

Babatunde has his long range effort flying wide at goal to the excitement of the Bullets faithful’s.

Bullets made tactical change when the chips were down in the midfield and they rested Ronald Chitiyo for Lloyd Aaron and the game turned into a balanced affair.

What a goal! At 71 minutes when Babatunde dribbled past Mwale and Jere before providing a dummy over keeper, Nkhwazi before planting home his second and third for his team to make it 3-1.

To consolidate the lead Bullets rested Stanley Billiat for veteran left back, Previous Sambani after 72 minutes and two minutes later they introduced Sean McBrams for Kondowe.

McBrams showed that he has potential to operate right deep inside the central pack where he gave Moyale Barracks defence terrible times.

Four minutes were added but no goal was scored and it ended 3-1 in favour of Bullets.

“Babatunde is back and he is so flexible on the ball and his third goal was a real art of a striker,” Soccer fan, John Jere said.

He said Bullets’s hope is now restored in him and the scoring drought days are being reduced by every game.

By Lisa Lamya

Blantyre, August 21, Mana: Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda Wednesday said Malawi is alert on the Mpox disease, which was recently declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Kandondo made the sentiments in Blantyre on the sidelines of a supervision visit at QECH to monitor the progress of the work on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) at the microbiology lab.

"We have already engaged WHO and Africa Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC) to ensure that Malawi receives Mpox vaccine so that people are protected from the disease,” said Chiponda.

Currently, Malawi has two suspected cases of Mpox in Blantyre, a 31-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy respectively. 

According to Chiponda, the two cases are being closely monitored, one at the hospital and one at home.

"These suspected cases are under control, and we are working with Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme to ensure we test the samples, “Kandodo stated.

She also urged the public to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of Mpox.

Meanwhile, QECH Director Dr Kelvin Monad said QECH is being vigilant on Mpox and expects results for the first suspected case, today.

"Once the results are out, we will share them with the ministry and they will be able to communicate with the general public," Monad said.

MOH has assembled health experts to develop Malawi-specific guidelines for managing MPOX.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, August 21, Mana: Renowned afro-dancehall artist Jay Jay Cee is geared up to amuse people on Saturday 24^th August at Namacha Village Complex in Bangwe Township at a music show dubbed August Shut Down.

This music banquet has been organized by a Blantyre-based music band called All in One Entertainment intending to bring entertainment to people and source funds for their suicide awareness campaign.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, All in One Entertainment Band Leader, Felix Samala, said that they have organized the show as one way of entertaining people and raising funds for their awareness campaign.

“As a country, we are passing through a lot so we want people to refresh their minds with music and also we want to raise money to support us in organizing a free music show to sensitize people about mental health,” he said.

Samala disclosed that the event is going to be unique citing the use of a live band and the lineup of artists which is a mixture of well-known and upcoming artists.

“We are going to include upcoming artists to give people a new taste of music and there will be a live band performance,” he said.

He therefore urged music lovers from Bangwe and surrounding areas to patronize the event, assuring them of maximum entertainment.

“They should expect a good time because the performing artists are not sleeping, they are practicing day and night,” he added.

In a separate interview, one of the artists set to perform at the show, Jay Jay Cee told Mana that he is set for the event and he is looking forward to a great experience.

“I am ready to entertain as I always do, and I’m excited because this will be my first time to perform that side,” he said.

The Jangiriya heat maker therefore promised a mesmerizing performance citing that feeling will be different.

“I am going to perform with a live band which will give a different vibe,” he explained.

Speaking with one of the upcoming artists from Bangwe, King Cosh said that this will allow him to be known by many people.

“This will help to expose my talent and sharing the stage with big artists will help to shape my career because I will learn from them,” he said.

Patronage at this event will be served with energetic performances from Jay Jay Cee, Nep Man, Zonke and Mellz Kumpanje.

Supporting artists include Mbuka Man, Twinz Mission, El Genesys, One Pr, King Cosh, Sim Kay, Hycave, Audio Wave, Akamwire Jr, Punja, Kyte Fly, Foxy Mw and Ace Kid.

By Hastings Yobe

Lilongwe, 21 August, mana: A 32-year-old man, Masautso Chigwetsa, has been arrested by Mitundu Police for allegedly murdering his brother, Chokonoka Chigwetsa, 34, in a dispute over a debt.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on August 17, 2024, at around 22:00 hours, when Chokonoka, who was intoxicated, visited Masautso's residence to collect a debt. The encounter turned violent, resulting in Masautso assaulting Chokonoka with a wooden stick, causing him to fall unconscious.

Relatives rushed Chokonoka to Mlale Mission Hospital, where doctors referred him to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) for further treatment. Unfortunately, Chokonoka was pronounced dead on August 19, 2024, at around 20:00 hours, before being transferred to KCH.

A post-mortem examination conducted by medical personnel from Mitundu Rural Hospital revealed that Chokonoka died from internal bleeding caused by the assault.

Masautso, who hails from Mbofana Village, Traditional Authority Masula in Lilongwe District, will face murder charges.

According to the police, this tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of unresolved disputes and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

By Kondwani Banda

Lilongwe, August 21, Mana: The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) is set to celebrate its centenary anniversary from August 23rd to 25^th in Lilongwe, with the climax of the celebrations expected to take place at Civo Stadium on the final day of the event.

Secretary General of the CCAP General Assembly Reverend Dr Mwawi Chilongozgi, , announced this during a press briefing at the Central Office of Information in Lilongwe, revealing the theme of the centenary celebrations as "The Lord has done great things for us" (Psalm 126:3).

“We have enough reasons to celebrate because CCAP has made an impact on evangelism, education, health, and development,” she added.

According to the Moderator of the CCAP General Assembly, Reverend Biswick Nkhoma, the celebrations mark the union of individual Presbyterian Missions in 1924.

“In 1924 the name CCAP was born as a name for Presbyterian family for the three Synods of Blantyre, Nkhoma and Livingstonia t,” Nkhoma stated. 

The celebrations will feature a book launch and dinner at Bingu International Convention Centre on 23^rd August, the laying of the foundation stone at the General Assembly office in area 18 on August 24^th followed by a march to Civo Stadium, and a worship service at Civo Stadium on 25^th August.

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is expected to attend the celebrations on Sunday 25^th August.

The celebrations will also bring together partner churches from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States, as well as CCAP members from the synods in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, who will attend the event.