MANAonline
South Lunzu Alumni motivates Standard 8 candidates
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 20, Mana: South Lunzu Primary School Alumni Association on Saturday visited their former school in Machinjiri with an aim of motivating and encouraging Standard 8 learners ahead of Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (PSLCE) which starts on May 22, 2024.
The Association's Publicity Secretary, Ernest Kuleti, told Malawi News Agency that since the examination dates are approaching they thought it wise to visit their former school and speak with candidates to encourage them to come up with good grades.
"We went there to have motivational talks with candidates and encourage them ahead of the examinations, we told them that they have to be focused,” Kuleti said.
After giving the word of encouragement to the candidates, the group provided writing materials including pens, lead pencils and a mathematical ruler to each candidate to be used during examinations.
In a separate interview, Hendrina Mphenzi, Head teacher for South Lunzu Primary School commended the alumni's visit saying the initiative will give confidence to the learners because they will know that in the past others performed well in their PSLCE from the same school and now is their time and can do the same.
"It was an important visit because learners will be confident that they can also perform well during examinations after hearing how the former candidates performed,” she said.
South Lunzu Alumni Association was formed in 2023. This is the second time they have visited the school.
In February, 2024 the alumni conducted a tree planting programme. In the meantime, they have plans to assist the school with teaching materials and award top performing students.
UTM welcomes UDF Eastern Region Vice President
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, May 20, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party on Sunday welcomed former United Democratic Front (UDF) Vice President for the Eastern Region, Hasheem Banda, and other UDF and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members into the party.
UTM Secretary General, Patricia Kaliati, welcomed Banda during a party meeting held at Chinamwali Ground in Zomba City where she claimed that other 50 UDF members also defected to UTM.
Kaliati said the party will continue receiving members from other parties to ensure that all interested members are given chance in the party.
“Apart from Hasheen and 50 members from the UDF, we have also received 17 members from DPP,” Kaliati said.
She said the party is set to form the next government in the 2025 general elections and called on young people above 18 to apply for National Identification and get registered once voter registration starts.
“We will distribute campaign materials (wrappers and t-shirts) to those that will get register for the general elections,” Kaliati added.
Banda announced his resignation from the UDF recently through a presser but declined to say the party he intended to join.
He said this was his memorable time in his political career having joined the UTM.
“This is my greatest moment in my political career. I have joined the UTM,” he said, adding that there are many UDF supporters that have followed him to UTM.
Banda contested for a Zomba Central parliamentary seat in 2019 and lost to DPP’s Bester Awali.
He said he will also contest in the 2025 parliamentary race on a UTM ticket.
Finance Minister urges all NEEF loan defaulters to pay back
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, May 20, Mana: Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has urged all people owing National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to pay back their loans for others to benefit from the same.
Chithyola made the remarks in Balaka on Sunday during the official handover of 10 boreholes which NEEF has drilled in the district as a corporate social responsibility for emerging the best loan repayment district.
He said it was encouraging that even though others are defaulting, a lot more are coming forward to repay their loans.
He, therefore, emphasized on the importance of the boreholes to the community saying NEEF has complimented government efforts in as far as providing clean and potable water to the people is concerned.
Said Chithyola: “Having clean and potable water is a milestone to the development of the country as people will prevent waterborne diseases and no country can develop if its people are sick and not health.
"We are happy with the initiative that NEEF has done to Balaka community members; this is what we call corporate social responsibility.”
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Liana Chapota-Munthali, concurred with Chithyola commending NEEF for the boreholes saying it has given back to the people of Balaka what they need as the district is a dry land.
Board Chairperson for NEEF, Jephta Mtema, said Balaka has done well in loan repayment with 85 percent registered.
“At national level, we managed to give out K109 billion and in terms of loan repayment we are at 75 percent. In Balaka, out of K109 billion, we disbursed K1.2 billion and 85 percent of the people have already given back their loans which is very encouraging.
He added: “In the 2024- 2025 financial year, we are geared to give over K70 billion to our clients, let me urge all Malawians especially the youth to come forward, get the loans and uplift their businesses and lives.”
Balaka District Commissioner, Tamanya Harawa, disclosed that the district has very low access to potable clean water, and with the donation, things will greatly change for the better.
“Reports shows that only 79 percent of people in Balaka have access to potable drinking water which means 21 percent are drinking from other non-conducive sources, with such donations, the 21 percent remainder will further be reduced,” he said.
Harawa further disclosed that the distribution of the donated borehole, have been drilled in cholera hotspots, markets, schools, as these are crucial as far as access to potable, good drinking water is concerned.
STA Kwanjana laid to rest
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, May 20, Mana: People from different walks of life led by Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika, on Sunday attended burial of Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Kwanjana, born James Damiani, who succumbed to stroke on Friday at Thyolo District Hospital where he was receiving medical treatment.
In his eulogy at Sambankhunda headquarters, Chomanika said government is saddened by the death of STA Kwanjana considering that Thyolo District has lost four Traditional Authority leaders within a short period of time.
"The STA has been a person of service and his departure has created a gap. His loss is a blow to the government as chiefs are responsible for the development, peace, unity and the enhancement of culture in their areas," said Chomanika.
He urged the bereaved family to unite and choose a person who will take over from the departed chief.
He said the family has a responsibility to the community of bringing up a new leader to the area, district and the country at large.
“Choose a person who will work with other chiefs, government and the council. A person who will look into the needs of the people in this area," he said.
Councilor for Nchima Ward, Hudson Ovila, representing Thyolo Central Constituency Member of Parliament Dr Ben Phiri, said the death of the STA is a heavy blow to the constituency and ward since he was a person where people were getting advice and knowledge.
He asked the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture to continue promoting the welfare of the chiefs citing that some chiefs are corrupt because they do not get enough to look after their everyday lives.
Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Listen Banda, expressed gratitude to the ministry for its efforts in looking into the welfare of chiefs in the district.
Senior Chief Khwethemule was saddened by the death of the STA saying the chief has served the position for a short period of time since his installation.
However, Khwethemule was happy that the bereaved family has already chosen someone to take over from the departed chief.
He said this will reduce chieftaincy wrangles which puts national resources at pressure to solve since at times people drag each other to courts.
Born April 12, 1943, the late James Damiani was installed as STA on November 16, 2019 and he is survived by a wife, 14 children and 51 grandchildren.
Silver consolidates intent for title
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 19, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers showed their intent to challenge for the title after 11 years of absence when they beat Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-0 at jam packed Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
Silvers scored through Chikondi Kamanga in the 56’ and Zebron Kalima in the 2’ and the win has inflicted the first defeat of the season for the visiting Wanderers while dropping to fourth position from third with their defensive record being spoiled.
The teacher- student battle has been won by evergreen, Peter Mponda whose team demonstrated total football worth watching in the league.
The Central Bankers are now six points clear of their nearest challengers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mzuzu City Hammers and have 19 points from seven games.
Wanderers played second fiddle in both halves which saw Silver dominating play in the midfield where Uchizi Vunga, Chimwemwe Idana and Chikondi Kamanga had a field day over Felix Zulu, Isaac Kaliati, Blessings Singini and Wisdom Mpinganjira.
Silver’s Charles Chipala has proved himself that he can do things and was a thorn for Wanderers central defence of Peter Cholopi and Ahamadu Kang’unde as they were exposed with his crafty runs at times.
Wanderers President, Dr. Thom Mpinganjira watched the game from the VIP but his presence could not make players to the billing of the game as they gave away in the game in the second half.
Struggling Mafco posted their first win of the season away after beating Bangwe All Stars 0-1 through Yohane Malunga’s goal after 55 minutes.
With the defeat, Bangwe All Stars are still stuck in the mud of relegation zone on the same position 15 that they have occupied for the past four weeks.
Mafco have moved out of the relegation zone and have moved to position 13 from 15 after four weeks.
They have six points from seven games and Chitipa has been pushed back to relegation zone after a goalless draw against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos in Dedza.
They have five points from seven games and are number 14 on the log.
Karonga United gave away their 42nd minute lead to allow Civil Service United to pull level after 72 minutes to end the game at 1-1 in Karonga.
Bullets have moved to second position from fifth with 13 points from seven games after silencing Mzuzu City Hammers 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
Kamuzu Barracks failed to utilize their home advantage as they were forced to a 0-0 draw against visitors, Moyale Barracks at Aubrey Dimba Stadium.
They dropped on the ladder from fourth to fifth with 12 points and are a point a head of Mighty Waka Tigers who on Thursday collected maximum points after beating Baka City 4-1 at Kamuzu Stadium.
The Tigers poured more pressure on the newcomers, Baka City who are still anchoring the log with two points from seven games.
Creck Sporting collected maximum points after beat FOMO 1-0 at Civo Stadium to move to position eight from 11.
This was a sweet win for Creck Sporting after suffering a 3-1 defeat at the hands of League leaders, Silver Strikers.
The following are results for week seven.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 2 Mzuzu City Hammers 0
Kamuzu Barracks 0 Moyale Barracks 0
Creck Sporting 1 FOMO 0
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Silver Strikers 2 Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 0
Karonga United 1 Civil Service United 1
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 0 Chitipa United 0
Bangwe All Stars 0 Mafco 1
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Mighty Waka Tigers 4 Baka City 1
Iceland Prime minister jets in
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, May 19, Mana: Iceland Prime Minister, Bjarni Benediktsson on Sunday landed in the country for a five days working visit.
Upon his arrival at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) Benediktsson was welcomed by the Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima, Minister of Water and sanitation Abida Mia among other government officials.
During the visit, the Prime Minister will pay a courtesy call on President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in which the two Leaders will hold bilateral discussions on various areas of cooperation.
On Monday President Chakwera will host the visiting Prime Minister to a state Banquet to celebrate the 35 anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Malawi and Iceland.
The Prime Minister will further have engagements with other senior government officials and conduct a tour of development projects funded by the government of Iceland in the country.
Five injured in Likoma fire accident
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, May 19, Mana; Fire ignited by petrol, razed down a house belonging to Necksan Matekenya at Kabuthu Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mkumpha in Likoma District on Friday, injuring five members of his family.
Public Relations Officer for Likoma Police, Enala Kalua confirmed the incident in an interview on Saturday.
She said household properties worth millions of Kwacha were also destroyed in the inferno which started at around 18:00 hours.
“According to Matekenya’s account, his boys were siphoning petrol from a large container into small bottles ready to go to the lake for fishing and one bottle fell down igniting fire from a charcoal stove.
“Responding to the report, police along with members of the community rushed to the scene and found all property in the house worth millions of Kwachas were already burnt to ashes” said Kalua.
She said the five family members were rushed to St Mary’s Mission Hospital where one of them was referred to St Peters Hospital in the same district for further treatment.
Meanwhile, police in the district are appealing to members of the community to refrain from keeping flammable substances in houses to avoid similar incidents.
Hostel block construction to boost girl’s education
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, May 18, Mana: Learners at Chowo Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chitekwere in Lilongwe have expressed excitement over the construction of a girl’s hostel at the school, saying it will boost their education performance.
Holliness Chanudza, a form four student who is also a Head-girl at the school said girls have been facing challenges on their way to and from the school.
She said men have been coaxing the girls into marriage, taking advantage that some of them used to walk long distance to get to school.
Said Chanudza: “We are so happy to have such a facility at our school. This will boost our performance during examinations and this will also increase enrolment of girls since many of them have been dropping out of school due to early marriage and pregnancies.
“Our colleagues before us have been getting poor results because they were coming to class tired with household chores and walking long distances, but for us, we will be going out with flying colours because we will have enough time for study.”
Lophina Banda who was doing self-boarding near the school said the girl’s hostel will provide security to the girls as they will now be monitored by their teachers.
“Self-boarding is not safe to girls as some men and boys were coming during night hours to disturb us and it was difficult to concentrate on our studies, but now we are safe and we can see our bright future and fully focus on what we want to be,” she said.
Grem Majamanda, a Head teacher at the school said teachers are ready to look after the girls at the hostel and will not allow intruders to disturb them.
“It has been difficult for us to monitor our girls in their rented homes and this has contributed to school drop-outs, but with the coming in of this hostel, our girls are now safe,” he said.
According to Majamanda, the school has an enrolment of over 300 leaners, many of them girls.
The MK96 million Chowo CDSS hostel construction with its beds and mattresses has been funded by the World Bank, through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
Minister concerned with identification irregularities
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, May 18, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza has expressed concern over some irregularities which affect identification process of beneficiaries of safety net programmes.
She was speaking Saturday at Kawuwa Primary School in Mzuzu City when she interfaced with some beneficiaries of Shock Emergency Cash Transfer Programme.
Sendeza said that it was shocking to receive reports that beneficiary identification procedures were marred with a lot of irregularities, leading to missing out of eligible individuals who were supposed to benefit from the initiative.
“For instance, I received a complaint that one of the eligible individuals with disability, Grace Mhango, from Luwinga in Mzuzu was missed from the beneficiary list. This is one of the indications that the process was not conducted in a just manner,” the Minister explained.
She said government initiated the programme to reduce the impact of economic shocks on the elderly, people with disabilities, female and orphan headed households among other vulnerable individuals.
“Government noted that city residents are equally in need of such safety net interventions as those living in rural areas.
“The country’s economic status was affected by several factors which include, natural disasters such Cyclone Freddy, El-Nino, Covid -19 and peace instability in some countries. These have affected both city residents and rural masses, hence the intervention,” Sendeza said.
The Minister appealed local authorities to ensure that lower structures which facilitate beneficiary identification of various interventions are of high integrity to avoid same beneficiaries from benefiting from various safety net programs.
“No individual should benefit from both Agricultural Input Programme, free food distribution and Social Cash Transfer Programme among others,” she advised.
Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) or Mzuzu City Council, Dr. Lilian Chirwa said the council delayed in implementing the programme due to coordination issues amongst various structures and players who are involved in the programme.
“We received several complaints from eligible beneficiaries but left out by the structures which were mandated to carry out the identification process, as such we appeal to government to consider extending the support to such people,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Pauline Gondwe of Masasa, thanked government for the programme through which each beneficiary is given K150,000.00 saying she would use part of the money to pay schools fees for her child and invest the remaining amount into village saving and loan group of her area.
“I have today with my naked eyes seen God walking through this programme. I do not know how I can thank the government for this,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Nkhambule Kamanga from Masasa, said she would contribute some of the money to 30-member Community Savings and Investment Promotion group which interns to embark on piggery business.
The initiative has distributed K1.8 Billion to 12,000 beneficiaries in Mzuzu City.
New Land laws to solve encroachment of park
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe May 18, Mana: Kasungu District Council has said the council with the support from government of Flanders through Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is in the initial stages of implementing new land laws to prevent communities from encroaching into protected areas.
District Commissioner (DC) for Kasungu, James Kanyangalazi disclosed this Friday that the initiative would ensure communities surrounding the protected areas register their land parcels.
"Amongst the laws that we are implementing is the customary land act, 2016, as amended in 2022. One of such ambitions is the customary land registration.
"This is the initiative that will make sure that communities surrounding the protected areas such as Kasungu National Park, register their land parcels. This will make communities aware of their land parcels boundaries, hence reduction in encroachment onto the protected areas," he said.
Kanyangalazi said so far, they have already sensitized all communities residing along the boundaries of the protected areas about this initiative and consequences for law breakers.
"During the sensitization meetings, communities are also informed of the adverse consequences unlawful use or cultivation in these protected areas," he said.
The DC said the communities around the Park have been advised to grow crops along the park boundaries that don't attract elephants like tobacco, sunflower and paprika.
Park Manager for Kasungu National Park, Ndaona Kumanga said encroachment was a big challenge that has greatly affected Kasungu National Park.
"Encroachment is one of the issues that we are addressing. In both sides of Zambia and Malawi, people are extending their farms into a protected area. This is a very big challenge in the park," he pointed out.
Kumanga said Chisinga side in the northern tip of the park as greatly affected side where they managed to arrest some people two years ago.
He said community members of Chulu area protruded inside the park, the thing which caused conflict with the park department.
"Apart from Chisinga we had Chulu community. When we were trying to put up the fence that side, it happened that community members protruded inside the park, so when we tried to put the fence line people started making some noise to say the fence is taking their part," the Manager said.
Kumanga said he believes that the fence that is being constructed would assist in solving challenges of encroachment.
Director of Forestry, Titus Zulu said the challenge of encroachment was not limited to parks but forests have been greatly affected in the country.
"Several forests in the country have been affected by encroachment challenges. This includes significant area within Dzalanyama Forest Reserve, among others. The exact number of affected forests is continuously monitored through our National Monitoring Unit," he added.
According to Zulu, 88 forests in the country have been affected with encroachment challenges.
