MANAonline
VP’s Deputy Chief of Protocol laid to rest
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, June 12, Mana: Deputy Chief of Protocol for the Office of the Vice President, Adbdul Lapuken, who was one of the victims of the tragic plane crash which occurred on Monday in Chikangawa Forest Reserve in Mzimba District has been laid to rest at Chapola Village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimwala in Mangochi District.
Lapuken was killed in a plane crash which also claimed lives of State Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight other citizens on June 10, 2024.
Representing President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo said the President is in deep sorrow for the loss of nine great lives that government had invested in to help in transforming Malawi into a better nation.
“The President sends his heartfelt condolences to the Lapuken family and all traditional leaders in Mangochi. We are all sorry for the loss of Lapuken, the Vice President and all citizens who were on board a plane which tragically crashed on Monday,” Tembo said.
She described Lapuken as a patriotic citizen who served the nation wholeheartedly, noting that he was always available for government services whenever called to duty.
“We have lost an important person whom the late Vice President trusted; hence, a decorated citizen,” she said.
Member of parliament for Mangochi-Nkungulu, where the burial took place, who is also Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Aisha Adam, said she is saddened by the sudden death of a humble ‘brother’ who contributed to the development of the area.
“He was the one who was reminding me what our area was lacking and contributed to the electrification of the Chapola Village and surrounding areas. I am speechless,” she said.
Jiwayi Ladu, a representative of the bereaved family hailed government for the moral, physical as well as financial support to the family during the difficult moment.
Amongst the notable faces to the burial ceremony included Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud; Vice President of Democratic Progress Party (DPP) in the Eastern Region, Bright Msaka; Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Secretary General, Twaibu Lawe; MAM Publicity Secretary, Sheikh Dinala Chabulika, Advisor to the President on Religious Affairs, Hashim Abbasi, senior chiefs Chowe and Chimwala.
Lapuken, born on March 8, I968 is survived by a wife and six children.
NRB registration officers advised to uphold professionalism
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, June 12, Mana: Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Chiradzulu District Council, Henderson Kaumi has urged National Registration Bureau (NRB) registration officers to maintain professionalism and integrity during the National Identification Mop-Up exercise, which will begin in the district on Thursday.
NRB is scheduled to carry out a countrywide National Identification Mop-Up exercise from June to August to complement the 2023/2024 National ID outreach registration exercise, which registered about 82 percent of the targeted 1.5 million new registrants.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of a day-long orientation of registration officers, Kaumi told the officers to conduct themselves appropriately and work in close relationship with community members to ensure that the goal of the exercise is achieved.
“During such exercises we hear a lot of negative things from the communities when it comes to the conduct of our officers. Make sure you behave yourselves as this is the last attempt by government to ensure that all eligible citizens have national identification cards,” he said.
Chiradzulu District Council Director of Administration, Grey Mkwanda advised the officers to dedicate themselves to the exercise as it will contribute to the success of the 2025 general elections.
Mkwanda said rumors have already started making rounds that some individuals are registering people from Mozambique and under-aged children with plans to manipulate the upcoming elections; hence, cautioned the registration officers to follow protocols to dismiss the rumor mill.
“Let me also advise you to take care for and protect the equipment you will be given. The country continues to rely on development partners because of carelessness and issues of theft,” Mkwanda added.
On his part, Chiradzulu District Council Principal Registration Officer, Neil Kalonga said the exercise will be carried out in nine phases and will target citizens aged 16 and above who do not have or lost their national IDs.
“We will also take advantage of this exercise to issue death certificates and distribute previously printed IDs,” Kalonga added.
During the orientation, all the 20 registration officers for Chiradzulu pledged to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Six die in Rumphi road accident
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi June 12, Mana: Six people have died in a road accident involving a Toyota Hiace minibus registration number MN 146 at Chiweta in Rumphi on Tuesday.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Rumphi Police Publicist, Noel Kamchenga said the minibus was traveling from Karonga heading towards Mzuzu.
"Upon arrival at Kesha area, the driver, Charles Mwafulirwa failed to control the vehicle as it ascended the Chiweta Hills. Henceforth, it started rolling backwards and went to the far nearside where it overturned several times before falling into a gorge,” he said.
He said due to the impact, a female passenger and three male passengers including Kumwenda died on the spot.
“Another passenger was pronounced dead upon arrival at Rumphi District Hospital while the other one died while receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.
One passenger was admitted at the district hospital while the conductor and nine other passengers were treated as outpatients at Jalawe Health Centre and Rumphi District Hospital respectively, according to Chirwa.
He said full particulars of the victims were not yet established.
MACODESO condemns HIV and AIDS stigmatization
By Jacob Nthozi
Nkhata Bay, June 12, Mana: Programmes Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Chirwa has condemned stigma towards people living with HIV and AIDS in Nkhata Bay District.
Chirwa was speaking in an interview on Tuesday after an awareness campaign named ‘Ndife Amodzi, Know Your Rights,’ in the area of Senior Chief Malanda.
He said the campaign is aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV and AIDS in rural communities.
"We are advocating for mindset change so that in the end, people are able to live together in harmony and that those living with HIV and AIDS are able come to facilities without fear of being discriminated," he said.
"We have noted that women and children under the age of 14 are the common victims of stigma and discrimination in rural communities. We are encouraging local leaders to sensitize their subjects on the dangers of stigma," he added.
Chintheche Rural Hospital's coordinator for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTC), Maria Gondwe lauded MACODESO for the initiative that has among others allowed people living with HIV and AIDS know their rights.
She also said the campaign has encouraged communities to go for HIV testing, so that they know their status and follow recommended procedures accordingly.
The campaign was organized under the “Kids’ health, kids’ rights: enhancing HIV testing, treatment and adherence among kids, lactating and pregnant mothers living with HIV” a project which MACODESO is currently implementing with funding from Aidsfunds Foundation from Netherlands through COWLHA.
Council removes garbage from Karonga Main Market
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 12, Mana: Chairperson for Karonga Main Market, Godwin Ghambi has applauded the district council for removing heaps of garbage which were accumulating at the market premises.
Speaking in an interview after a monthly clean up exercise on Tuesday, Ghambi said the garbage which was compromising market users’ health had been removed over the weeked by the council authorities.
"We are now breathing fresh air and the presence of flies, dogs and even cattle which used to feed on the refuse has reduced. This is the kind of service delivery on waste management which we as market users who pay revenue expect to be receiving throughout the year," said Ghambi.
He added: "The council should not give us excuses that they lack transporation because they collect money on a daily basis from the market and we expect them to channel these funds towards solving the problem of lack of a refuse collection vehicle."
On his part, District Environmental Officer for Karonga Council Khumbo Mbeye pledged that the council will continue to make sure that the market and all surroundings in the district are clean.
"Market users in the district should keep participating in the clean-up campaign and also enforce the waste management regulations instituted in order to keep our district clean," Mbeye said.
He however lamented problems the council is facing especially in transporting waste to landfills.
"We are using old and borrowed vehicles which breakdown almost every week. However, we are working towards overcoming this challenge. This task cannot be done overnight and we are calling upon well-wishers and other stakeholders to bail us out.
"Keeping the district clean and litter free is our main priority. We apologise to residents and businesses want to assure them that we are doing our best to maintain quality garbage collection services throughout,' he said.
NYCOM to shape the future for youth development
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, June 12, Mana: Executive Director of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Rex Chapota has stressed the importance of shaping a future where every young person in the country has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting in Lilongwe, he emphasized NYCOM's mission to empower young people and encourage their effective participation in community development and governance.
Chapota commended the government demonstrating remarkable political would in recent months.
"I am pleased to let you know that the government has shown incredible political will in the last few months by putting in place a full executive management team that is supposed to steer the council into the future," he said.
Board Chairperson of NYCOM, Duncan Chiyani expressed the importance of the strategic plans in shaping the council's operations for the next five years.
"We are set for a new executive management, for instance, the position of the director of programmes has been on paper at the national youth council for many years but it was never filled at any point, this is the first time the NYCOM is filling the position," he explained.
Chiyani has since noted the significant step of filling the long-vacant position of the director of programmes, signaling a new era for NYCOM.
NYCOM facilities and encourage cooperation among registered youth organizations in the country.
President establishes committee for funeral arrangements
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: The Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has disclosed that President Lazarus Chakwera has established a special committee to oversee the funeral arrangements of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.
The announcement came during a press briefing at the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in Lilongwe, aimed at updating the nation on the funeral proceedings.
He reported that the remains of late Dr. Chilima, along with those of his entourage and the flight crew, have been returned to their respective residences in Lilongwe, where vigils are being held.
"We previously assured the nation that we would provide continuous updates on the funeral arrangements for the Vice President and the other eight individuals. The bodies have now arrived in Lilongwe and are at their homes for the vigils," Kunkuyu stated.
President Chakwera has declared that the Vice President's funeral would be conducted with full state honours and has declared a 21-day mourning period, during which national flags will be flown at half-mast.
The Vigil for the Vice President will take place at his official residence in Area 12, Lilongwe. Additionally, the Minister noted that the late Abdul Lapken, who served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be interred in Mangochi on Wednesday, June 12,2024, in observance of his Islamic faith.
Kunkuyu emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources for information regarding the funeral to prevent misinformation.
The committee appointed by President Chakwera, includes cabinet members; Titus Mvalo (Chairperson), Harry Mkandawire, Simplex Chithyola Banda, Michael Usi, Vera Kamtukule, Nancy Tembo, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, Moses Kunkuyu, and Jacob Hara. Additionally, Patricia Kaliati, Secretary General for UTM, and Eisenhower Mkaka, Secretary for MCP, have been included.
The Nation will be informed of the committee members' specific roles as preparations progress.
Meanwhile, the technical committee is actively working on the logistics, and a detailed funeral programme will be shared following their meeting on June 12,2024.
MACRA to continue supporting media industry
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has said it would continue supporting media industry in the country
MACRA held a celebration for the completion of its frequency Refarming initiative, signaling a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector and the event took place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
MACRA Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana said the importance of the frequency refarming initiative has helped more radio station in the country to be allocated space within the frequency spectrum.
“This project is not about optimizing our frequency spectrum; it’s about laying the foundation for a more efficient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications landscape in the country,” she said.
Chibwana emphasized that the reframing process would enhance the quality of services provided to consumers, facilitate the introduction of new technologies, and improve overall network performance.
Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu underscored government’s support for the media and telecommunications sectors.
“Government is committed to creating an environment where our media can flourish and innovate. The Frequency Refarming initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and we commend MACRA for its efforts,” he said.
The Minister added that with improved infrastructure and regulatory support, our media would come to grow and contribute to the development of our nation and government was in full support of the initiative.
The event was marked by a series of presentations and discussions focusing on the impact this development will bring to the media industry and Malawians in general.
Experts detailed how the reallocation of frequencies would create opportunities for the expansion of broadband services, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing the delivery of digital content.
The ceremony included a showcase of new websites where viewers can access their radio station of choice with ease.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience first-hand the potential of advanced communication services, such as enhanced mobile broadband and next generation broadcasting technologies.
It was clear that the re-allocation of the frequencies was not just a reflection on past achievements, but a forward-looking event aimed at positioning the country’s media industry at great heights.
With the government’s pledge to support, the industry is poised to enter a new era of growth and innovation.
Political issues frustrate young people
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre June 11, Mana: Young people from the southern region of the country met in Blantyre on Monday during National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) organized National Youth Conversation said they have not given up in participating in electoral processes but they only get frustrated and fed up with adults that exploit them to gain their political mileage.
NYCOM in collaboration with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) called for a youth meeting at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre under the topic; ‘Have the Youth Given Up?: Unleashing the Power of Youth Participation and Leadership in Electoral Processes’
According to the NYCOM the meeting was meant to allow young people to voice up their concern, discuss matters that matter and ask question that should provide answers for them to open up to start participating in electoral processes and in some cases start preparing to contest for various elective positions ahead of 2025 general election.
NYCOM, Executive Director, Rex Chapota said that, “We are to strengthen how the youth can participate in matter of national importance in these regards elections,”
He observed and was sure that the youth have power to transform the nation if they fully and actively participate in the electoral processes other than being passive on matters to do with politics and elections.
At a public lecture at the University of Malawi (UNIMA in Zomba, MEC Chairperson, Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale disclosed that research findings in the Sub-Saharan Africa revealed that youth’s participation in electoral processes (mainly during voting) was very minimal compared to adults in the same region.
The NYCOM and MEC jointly organized the Amaryllis meeting to encourage youth representatives drawn from district level youth networks, youth led organizations, university colleges political youth wings and youth’s aspirants for elective positions to mobilize their fellow youths to get registered and vote in the 2025 general election.
Foundation for Civic Education and Social Empowerment (FOCESE), Christie Banda said young people have not in any way given up their participation in matters of national importance such as elections.
“Young people are only frustrated with how they are being exploited by politicians who only need us during elections campaigns so that they should gain their political gains,” she added.
Banda noted that once voted into elected positions, politicians only make policies that directly benefit them while ignoring issues that affects young people whose population was in majority.
During discussions at the Blantyre, National Youth Conversation (Second series), the young people expressed concerns over politicians that only need young people to patronize their campaign meetings, dance and paint their faces to decorate their meetings and further observed that in some instances politicians use the young people to disrupt opponents’ meetings.
MEC Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Harris Potani called on the young people to start regaining their position in the society by being responsible and strong against all factors that’s can tarnish their image.
He said young people are in majority and can fully and meaningfully participate in electoral processes, adding that this was the reason why MEC decided to collaborate with the NYCOM to call the National Youth Conversation to interact with the young people.
“This is why we are meeting you here. Our approach should depart from one size fits all. MEC has arranged a series of meeting to reach out to young people through various approaches and means,” Potani added.
Several speakers that included Prof. Boniface Dulani of the Afrobarometer, Prof, Happy Kayuni from UNIMA School of Law and Action Aid Malawi, Executive Director, Yandura Chipeta made their inspirational remarks to the young people to see them participating in the electoral processes.
Search of missing aircraft still in progress
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has said nothing has yet been identified concerning the missing of the Aircraft carrying the State Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima and search was still continuing in the area of Chikangawa
Speaking during press briefing on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Army Commander for MDF, General, Paul Valentino Phiri said they have engaged other personels to assist them in rescuing mission
He emphasized that the rescue operation was a collaborative effort, hence MDF have been engaged Malawi Police Service and Chikangawa Forestry officers.
Phiri pointed out that the operation encounters numerous hindrances, he cited bad weather and thickness of forest.
"This is hindering our search to locate the place, because it reruces the visibility of the place" he said.
The Army Commander urged people to prevent from disseminating maliscious information concerning the missing of the aircraft.
"Another challenge that is occuring is the huge force volume of interferences from other people that are not in the area and they have no information, they want to be on top on what is occuring. We want to discourage this.
"We have coordinating points at MDF headquarters in Lilongwe, at Kamuzu International Airport and on the ground Chikangawa. This arrangement is to enable information to come from one source so that we don't bring information that is false," he said.
According to Valentino the assets such as helicopters, other imagery gadgets are assisting the process of searching. Some of the assets have been supported by First Capital Bank and Malawi University of Science and Technology team.
He said they have deployed 200 soldiers to search the plane.
Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kumkuyu urged everyone to prevent from disseminating false information.
"This time around, no amount of sensationalization of reporting can make one a better reporter. This time around, no amount of prayers will make one a smarter man of God. When we are reporting let us report as concerned person," he said
Kumkuyu said the update of information concerning the progress would be shared in every two hours.
