By Martha Simchimba

Lilongwe, July 15, Mana: Ministry of Education has said through Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), it would recruit 4,200 Auxiliary Teachers on a one-year academic contract.

According to the Press release dated July 15, 2024, signed by Secretary for Education Dr. Mangani Katundu, which Malawi News Agency (Mana) has seen, the Auxiliary Teachers would be drawn from the Initial Primary Teacher Education (IPTE) Cohorts of 14, 15 and 16.

Confirming the development, Ministry of Education, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mphatso Nkuonera said IPTE 14, 15 and 16 teachers who are willing to take up the temporary teaching positions are expected to report in respective workstations on September 1, 2024 for 2024-25 academic calendar.

"The Ministry has adjusted the honoraria for auxiliary teacher posts by 50 percent from K80, 000 to K120, 000 per month. A list of eligible schools for auxiliary teachers has been sent to all district education offices," he stated.

Nkuonera said the engagement of Auxiliary Teachers forms part of the efforts by the government to reduce the pupil-qualified-teacher ratio across the country.

An Education expert from Mzuzu University, Douglas Nyirenda applauded the government for the initiative saying it would reduce the teacher-pupil ratio, which was very high in the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) countries including Malawi.

He said it was sad that the teacher-pupil ratio was currently at about 120 pupils per teacher, which was not favorable and conducive to effective learning.

"The initiative by the government to recruit additional teachers will help teachers to have a sizeable number of pupils and have more attention that a teacher can give to learners. It will increase more time for remedial support that a teacher can give to learners," Nyirenda noted.

He added that the increase in the honorarium by 50 percent would motivate auxiliary teachers.

The engagement of Auxiliary Teachers is one of the components of MERP project is constructing 10,900 classrooms and 1,000 sanitary blocks across the country, training school leadership for effective school management, engaging learner mentors as well as disbursing School Improvement Grants for day-to-day school operations.

Malawi Government, World Bank As Well As Global Partnership Fund MERP for Education.

By Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, July 15, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu opened Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Open Week with the first open day being held at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

During the open day, the regulatory authority interacted with ministry officials, current licensees, prospective licensees, consumers and other players in the digital and telecommunication industry to highlight MACRA’s mandate and key development projects.

Speaking on Monday, Kunkuyu said MACRA’s Open Week was dedicated to the players in the digital and telecommunication sector to create interactive space and share ideas that should contribute to development of the industry.

Within the Open Week, MACRA will hold similar open days in Lilongwe and Mzuzu and pledged to roll it down to communities to get feedback from the consumers who use digital and communication services from other providers, which are regulated by MACRA.

Kunkuyu, therefore, said the open week was crucial, as it will help in fostering vibrant ICT to drive Malawi socio-economic development.

He encouraged those that patronized the open day to share with MACRA areas requiring improvement for the sake of effective collaboration in the telecommunication sector.

“In line with Malawi 2063, MACRA is doing a lot in the rural areas such as the introduction of Connect-A-School Project in various public education institutions,” he said adding that a number of ICT labs are being constructed in community day secondary schools to promote use of ICT services and the provision of Wi-Fi internet connectivity.

“Under the Universal Service Fund, MACRA will enhance access to broadband and ICT in public education institutions and this will eventually address internet connectivity gaps,” he added. 

During the event, MACRA and players in the telecommunication sector discussed a number of areas including currier service in Malawi, Malawi Postal Service’s recent retrenchment and suspension of coach services, update in Connect-A-School Project, issues to do with Electronic Transaction and Cyber Security Act and Data Protection Act.

Kunkuyu disclosed that MACRA is also looking forward to the other Bill of which when it becomes a law will help to create stable legal framework in the digital and telecommunication sector observing that sanity in the digital and telecommunication sector will only come if there will be regulations.

MACRA Director General, Daudi Suleman said MACRA will continue with the open days to enhance interaction with players in the digital and telecommunication sector and consumers so that they should understand the regulator’s mandate and laws that govern MACRA.

“MACRA works within the laws. There are some pieces of legislation that also need a lot of awareness and knowledge. MACRA will continue to engage a wide range of stakeholders to sensitize them on a number of Acts so that they should understand better the regulatory authority,” Daudi said.

By Lekereni Chinkhota

Salima, July 15, Mana: Director of Agriculture Services for Salima District Council, Enford Kanyimbo, has urged farmers in the district to practice smart modern ways of agriculture in order to achieve resilience, as the country is experiencing climate change that is affecting crop production.

Kanyimbo made the remarks over the weekend after touring different sites with support from African Development Bank to appreciate the impact of El Nino, which has resulted in low crop production for most farmers in the district.

“El Nino affected all sectors of production in the district and farmers of all categories were affected. We urge these farmers to rely and improve their irrigation system so that they should build resilience," he said.

He said, through irrigation, farmers can be able to cultivate twice or three times a year which can greatly improve food security.

Kanyimbo hailed the support African Development Bank (ADB) is rendering to the citizens of the district and the fisheries service which has led to the construction of Chilambula landing site.

“The site will provide drying and cleaning environment for fish and storage rooms. It has created employment and achieved nutrition security through fish products that provide over 70 percent of body proteins we use in the country. This will help us, as a district, to export fisheries products and create employment for our people,” he said.

Director of Transition States Coordination Officer for ADB, Yero Baldeh, appreciated efforts farmers are taking to cope up with climate change.

“I appreciate the farmers’ steadfastness, eagerness and commitment to achieving resilience. Our services as ADB are for the people, we hear their point of view, challenges they are facing and what is happening in order to bring services needed to them,” he said.

ADB has assured citizens from Salima of its commitment to continue rendering support through Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management (SFAD-WM) project being implemented in the district.

Esther Manja, a farmer at Mafuka Scheme, from Ngoma Village of Traditional Authority Kambalame in the district hailed the visit as encouraging because farmers were able to voice out their problems to both government and its partners.

“Rain fed agriculture did not benefit us much because we experienced dry spells before our crops started producing. The crops withered that left us with nothing in our homes. Irrigation is our only way of survival,” she said.

ADB entourage toured Malawi Mangoes Farm, Mafuka Irrigation Scheme and Chilambula landing site to appreciate various activities being undertaken to empower farmers to achieve resilience.

By Evance Chisiano

Zomba, July 15, Mana: Chinamwali Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) of the Zomba City Presbytery on Sunday graduated eight men into the congregation’s men’s ministry amidst concerns of low enrollment of members to the ministry.

The 6^th cohort of Lazarus Kamwana, Dr. Adrian Mhango, Patrick Chirwa, James Nkhoma, Amos Konyani, Lawrence Msiska, Steven Banda and Lionel Chikopa graduated into the ministry after more than six weeks of training under the slogan ‘iron sharpens an iron’.

Chinamwali CCAP Men’s Ministry Chairperson, Patrick Kaudzu, expressed concern over low men enrollment into the ministry observing that most of them shun the ministry for unspecific reasons.

“We were expecting that every deacon and church elder should be in the men’s ministry by virtue of being in those positions,” he said.

Moderator for Chinamwali CCAP, Rev. James Mingu, prayed for the newly graduated men to serve the church with total dedication and undivided devotion.

He thanked the eight for enrolling into the ministry and for completing their training that prepared them to serve the church better.

Representative of the newly graduated cohort, Lionel Chikopa, thanked Chinamwali CCAP for enrolling and training them to become irons, which he said, are expected to be instrumental in church affairs.

“Expect more from us. We have been trained to serve the church better and we pledge to serve with dedication,” he said.

Cohort one started in April 2012 with an enrollment 19 that graduated in August the same year while cohorts two to five graduated between 2022 and 2024.

Men’s Ministry at Chinamwali CCAP was introduced in 2021 and has 48 registered members.

By Beatrice Bangula 

Blantyre, July 14, Mana: Music Union of Malawi (MUM) will on August 29, 2024 join the rest of the world to commemorate World Music Day in Lilongwe.

MUM General Secretary, Tonney Chitimatima told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Blantyre Sunday that the celebrations were supposed to take place on June 21,2024 but rescheduled to August 29,2024 as a mark of respect and solidarity during the 21 days mourning period for the departed Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and the eight others.

“The postponement was necessary, in line with honouring the memory of those we have lost and to allow the nation to grieve appropriately,” he said.

Chitimatima added that, “This is the day for all musicians and all music fans; therefore, all of them are welcome to this event and are requested to support us both financially, technically or through guidance,” he said.

MUM President, Vita Chirwa disclosed that the commemoration would commence with a vibrant and colorful parade in the streets of the Capital City celebrating the influence of music to bring people together.

“The parade will be followed by a big free outdoor concert featuring a variety of exciting musical performances,” he stated.

A Seasoned music promoter, Jai Banda said celebrating World Music Day was a step in the right direction by recognizing the contribution of music to people’s lives.

“I wish this could’ve started way back. The power of music to human beings cannot be underestimated since it impacts in every aspect of life, be it in times of sorrow or joy,” he wished.

World Music Day is a global event and is celebrated on June 21 annually.

However, this will be the first time for Malawi to celebrate this day under the theme: “Harmony in diversity: celebrating the unifying power of music.”

By Joseph Ligowe

Blantyre, July 14, Mana: Saturday evening was a great night at Scallas Cafe in Blantyre where South African Amapiano Star, Young Stunna was performing at Beerland festival.

The Event which featured some local artists like Kell Kay, Eli Njuchi, Zeze Kingstone, Crispy Malawi, Tuno and Fada Moti brought together music lovers on the spot to enjoy music and appreciate great talents while creating memories.

One of organizers of Beerland Festival, DJ Ken said the event was successful despite facing some challenges during its preparatory stages.

"This is an unforgettable night; we made history and we are happy because it is our job in the entertainment world to make people happy and create unforgettable moments in lifetime,” he said.

One of the fans who follows the South African Amapiano Star, Tiko Nkhonjera said it was like a dream come true when she saw Stunna on stage performing her favorite song ‘Adiwele’

"I came to enjoy Stunna’s vibe and I am happy to see him performing live on stage one of my favourite songs ‘adiwele’," she said.

By Linda Likomwa

Phalombe, July 14, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths in Phalombe Saturday celebrated the life of late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others who died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024 in Chikangawa Forest.

The youth lit candles and they celebrated through singing and dancing Catholic hymns some of which were late Chilima's favourite. 

Speaking during the memorial service, representative of UTM General Secretary, Patricia Kaliati, Fraizer Chilewani said the service has to be disassociated from politics because they are paying homage to the departed souls of Malawian citizens.

He said that, "We have to be in the forefront in developing the country and not to have negative thoughts for the leaders of this country, but we should remain united and wait for general election in 2025 to cast our votes."

Representative of Member of Parliament for Phalombe South, Mary Mpanga who sought not to be named said that as the nation needed to remember the life of private practice lawyer, Ralph Kasambara who was buried the same day of the plane accident.

Leading the prayer service, Fr. Preciano Muyakha of St. Paul Catholic Church in Phalombe said all Christians are one despite belonging to different denominations, saying their presence at the service showed the spirit of oneness among Malawians.

He said the memorial services are also conducted abroad to demonstrate showing the love people had towards the departed souls.

Apart from praying for Chilima and the eight others who were killed in the plane crash, the youths celebrated the life of Soldier Lucius Banda who died on June 30,2024 while receiving of a kidney failure at a clinic in South Africa.

By Tione Andsen

Lilongwe, July 14, Mana: Second half display by TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Sunday engineered them to forced 2-2 draw against Kamuzu Barracks before a sizeable crowd at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe.

The Bankers have recorded their third draw after 1-1 against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos away in Dedza, and last minute 2-2 draw at the hands of Mighty Kau-Kau Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

With the draw, the Bwandilo giants are now 30 points from 12 games, have created a nine-point gap and are yet to test a defeat this season while Kamuzu Barracks have 21 points from the same number of games.

The first half the Chiwoko Brigade amounted a very road block near the offices of the Central in City and their five-star display was marvel to watch which saw them managed to plant two quick goals through Gregory Nachipo 20 minutes and Hope Namadzunda 22 minutes.

The second half substations brought life line to the out of form Bankers, they brought in Stain Davie and Atusaye Nyondo for Mark Fodya and Duncan Nyoni.

They pulled one back after two minutes through a flick on header by Davie before Chimwemwe Idana’s magic touches outside the penalty box saw his volley flying into the roof of the net beating Kamuzu Barracks keeper, Hastings Banda to make it 2-2 after 73 minutes.

In Blantyre, the football gods are still not smiling to TNM Defending Champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets when they too had to come from behind to hold Civil Service United to a 1-1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium.

It tough going for the reigning champions as they are still failing to put their acts together and have recorded their eighth defeat of the season.

The Visitors opened the flood gates after 53miutes through Blessings Malinda and two minutes later, Bullets leveled the scores through Ernest Petro.  

Civil Service United stood firm and managed to contain Bullets and they managed to secure a point and now have 15 points on position 11.

Bullets are now on sixth positon with 17 points and have a 13-point gap to leaders, Silver and their poor run form continues for both home and away games

Experienced is the best teacher states one the idioms, is what Chitipa United has used to injure Baka City 4-1 at Karonga Stadium and the win they have nine points moved to position 14 from 16 and Baka have been pushed back to anchor the log with seven points.

Baka City took a lead after 15 minutes from Nelson Sikaona and Chitipa United leveled the scores after 42 minutes through Rajab Nyirenda.

Chitipa increase the score line to 2-1 when Francis Nyirenda scored before claiming his brace 11 minutes later while Rajab got his second got after 70 minutes to make it 4-1.

Mzuzu City Hammers leave it late to collected maximum points after edging Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium and make them to have 21 points and are number four on the log table.

Dedza were first to knock the door through Promise Kamwendo after 35 minutes and the Hammers equalizer at the stock of half time through their captain, Isaac Msiska.

Hammers, Wongani Lungu got the winner four minutes to time to the disbelief of the travelling side.