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NICE Trust appeals for women to participate in 2025 elections
By: Shyra Nselema
Chiradzulu, April 5, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged women in Chiradzulu district to actively participate in the upcoming general election scheduled for September 2025.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency during District Advisory Forum (DAF) meeting held on Thursday, NICE Programmes Officer for Chiradzulu, Moses Kaunda said women's participation in elections is essential for inclusivity and development.
"As members of DAF you have a crucial role to play in sensitizing women to take part in general elections by not only voting but also contesting in various positions so that women concerns are represented," he said.
Chiradzulu has five constituencies with no female member of parliament in the current national assembly and has 10 wards with only one female councilor
He then reassured the DAF and the public that NICE Trust was prepared to work with various stakeholders to ensure that the 2025 elections are free, fair, and peaceful.
Kaunda also expressed concern over youth’s involvement in disrupting political campaigns, saying this is against principles of democracy and good governance
In his remarks, Group Village Head Mbalame applauded NICE Trust for organizing the DAF meeting, saying the meeting was ideal and relevant for members’ understanding on electoral processes.
Mbalame therefore expressed hope that Chiradzulu DAF will disseminate right information regarding elections to communities.
"Let me commend NICE for inviting us to this meeting because sometimes we just see organizations and stakeholders coming in our villages without engaging us. We will be able to sensitize our people on voter registration and the voting process," he said.
DAF comprises of representatives from district council, faith and traditional leaders, business community, civil society organizations, youths, Area Civic Education Coordinators among others.
DAF which meets quarterly works in close collaboration with the District Civic Education Officer to ensure successful implementation of NICE Trust’s programmes including electoral matters.
FAO to Introduce Fish product in Home-Grown School feeding programme
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, 4 April, MANA: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has emphasised the importance of having fish powder in Home -Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Programme as a way of improving health life for the learners.
Speaking in Lilongwe, Thursday during a dissemination workshop for the Microbial assessment results and Consumer acceptability trial tests of fish powders. FAO Representative Jogeir Toope said they had to assess the fish powder to see how significant the product is to the learners.
“Aquatic foods are good as they are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins so if they are consumed in schools it means learners are going to have all these nutrients.
As FAO we had to do research to determine whether learners are going to accept the new product and the results of the findings are successful as many learners in lake shore areas like Monkey -Bay have welcomed the project”, said Toope.
He further said there is need to look much in the product before bringing in the audience to make sure that the food is safe to the consumers.
Associate Professor for food Microbiology at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in the Department of Food Science and Technology Tinna Manani said they did a scoping study to scale up the animal source protein particularly small fish if it would be an ideal food in the school feeding programme.
“We did the Microbial study to look at the cost of the fish so there are some small fish which are high in protein and so we had to use that for the fish powder and when we gave porridge to the learners aged 6- 13 -they liked it.
As researchers we know that there are a lot of potential to enhance the mineral and protein composition in schools, only that we need to do research again to those learners who do not live in the lake shore areas to see how they are going to react to the fish powder before proceeding with the project”, said Manani.
Deputy Director (Community Outreach and Services) for the Department of Fisheries Sabstone Benson Unyolo said the fisheries sector plays an important role in food and nutrition security.
He said with an annual production of 186,000 metric tonnes, it constitutes over 70 percent of the dietary animal protein intake of Malawians and 40 percent of the total protein supply.
“The fish powders in school feeding programme to our department is a welcome development and we are committed to achieving the global Sustainable Development Goal number 2: to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture and also Malawi’s Agenda 2063 which aims to transform Malawi into a wealthy and self-reliant industrialised 'upper- middle-income country”, said Unyolo
Construction works of Mangochi feeder tarmac road excites RFA
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, April 5, Mana: Roads Fund Administration (RFA) has expressed satisfaction over the progress of construction of a K1 billion feeder tarmac Soko to bus depot road in the Mangochi Municipality under the Special Roads Rehabilitation Project.
The road project which will cover a distance of 850 meters, started in October last year and is expected to be completed in May this year.
NRA directors inspected the project on Thursday and RFA board chairperson, Mathews Chikankheni said the Special Roads Rehabilitation Project will bring impact to both cities and municipals.
The RFA board chairperson assured the local authorities which are implementing the roads projects that they will be consistently receiving funding every year.
‘‘As Roads Fund Administration, we are very excited to note that the Soko via bus depot tarmac road at Mangochi Municipal is taking shape at an expected timeframe and we are also happy to see that the issue of quality has been taken into account.’’
‘‘In the 2023/2024 financial year, we allocated K1 billion each to Mangochi, Kasungu as well as Karonga municipalities. But we also funded city councils of Zomba and Mzuzu with K 2 billion each, while Lilongwe and Blantyre got K 4 billion each. If the councils are consistently funded every year, we feel there will be greater impact on feeder roads come four years also,’’ added Chikankheni.
The Special Roads Rehabilitation Project is being implemented across all cities, as well as municipal councils in the country to improve road infrastructure.
In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer, for Mangochi Municipality Council, Ernest Kadzokoya said that amongst challenges that affected the project include close availability of Water Board pipes, Electricity poles, as well as vendors along the road.
Kadzokoya however said that they are working hand in hand with relevant stakeholders in order to address the problem.
‘‘This has given us a lesson to start discussing with all our clients who are within our alignment, to see how best they can move away from our road alignment,’’ said Kadzokoya.
Minister urges councilors to popularize new Land Act
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, April 4, Mana: Minister of Lands Deus Gumba has urged ward councilors in the country to help in raising awareness for the new Land Act and other land related legislation.
Speaking on Thursday during a sensitization meeting with councilors and management of Zomba City Council at Sunbird Ku Chawe, Gumba said despite the passing of various pieces of land legislation, there was still huge information gap.
He therefore said councilors, as leaders in various communities, have the role of ensuring that the masses understand the new Acts and all amendments made on land issues in the country.
“The purpose of the meeting with councilors and city management is basically for them to fully understand key issues on all land related laws and assist in raising public awareness. We believe that this engagement will help in reducing land disputes and petitions on various Acts,” Gumba explained.
Apart from meeting councilors, he said his ministry already engaged all traditional chiefs on their roles and what the new Act stipulates in full.
“Just some key points on the Land Act: sale of land to non-Malawians has been prohibited unless it is for investment purposes; no person is allowed to sell vacant or undeveloped leasehold or freehold land; and no sale of customary land estates,” Gumba explained.
In addition, the new Land Act removed payment of application fees when registering customary estates unless it is an organization or body corporate.
Mayor for Zomba City, Councilor Davie Maunde, said the sensitization meeting was an eye opener and promised to assist the ministry in passing the message far and beyond.
“Issues of land are sensitive and crucial in our society and we thank the Ministry of Lands for organizing this meeting. This sensitization has equipped us with relevant information and in return, address the information gap,” he said.
The new Land Act and other amended Acts were passed in Parliament in March 2022 after protest of the first generated laws in 2016.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Lands continues to engage various stakeholders to ensure the correct information on land issues is passed to masses for proper understanding and practices.
23 Zomba groups get K58.8 million MWASIP performance grants
By Solister Mogha
Zomba April 4, Mana: Zomba District Council on Wednesday awarded 23 Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) performance-based grants amounting to K58.8 million through the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).
The VNRMCs get grants as part of appreciating their commitment in land and forest management along the Shire River basin.
Speaking during the grant awarding ceremony at Chinseu in Traditional Authority Nkapita’s area, MWASIP District Coordinator Mackenley Dupu said the grants were meant to motivate village groups to seriously implement land and natural resources activities under the project.
“Apart from motivating the groups, the grants are also given to improve the livelihood of people working in the project so that they should establish small scale businesses. This is not something free, the grants are given after a vigorous assessment of the groups impact made in their respective catchments.” he added.
While congratulating the groups for receiving the money, Dupu encouraged them to work extra hard to attract more grants and further asked the recipients to use the grants for the intended purpose.
“What I can assure you of is that the project has more grants to offer and all what is required is your dedication,” he said.
The performance grants were given based on activities each group implemented irrespective of its membership.
Patrick Gonani of Mgonanyani VNRMC, which got K4.2 million, hailed MWASIP for honouring its promise of awarding best performing committees, saying the grants will enable members in the group to open businesses that will improve households’ income.
“The grants have come at the right time and we promise to use the money for its intended purpose. You should expect that groups will seriously implement activities in line with project objectives,” Gonani assured.
Traditional Authority Nkapita also commended MWASIP for the grants which he described as a huge investment in his area.
“Through the small scale businesses, the whole community stands a chance to benefit from the grants. I therefore commend MWASIP for the huge investment and also assure the council of my total support to the project,” the chief said.
Depending on implementation of the project, some groups were awarded K4 million while other got K1 million.
MRCS gives out K98 million to hunger stricken families in Zomba
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, April 4, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) this week launched its Lean Season Response Programme by distributing K98 million cash to 650 hunger affected families in Zomba in response to government's appeal for humanitarian assistance in the face of current food situation.
The support which follows the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report compliments to government's effort in assisting families that have no food.
Speaking during the launch at Traditional Authority Ngwelero, MRCS Emergency Operations Coordinator Lous Solomon said the distribution of cash was a response to government's call to support food insecure households.
“After the MVAC report, government made a call for development partners to support families deemed to be food insecure, As Malawi Red Cross Society, we mobilized resources that will support 650 families in Zomba for three months,” Solomon said.
He said each of the selected households will get an equal total support of K150,000 covering a period of three months.
“It is our expectation that these families will buy food and be able to take care of their families, especially addressing their food need,” Solomon explained.
Apart from cash distribution, the MRCS will also support all farming households with sweet potato vines and vegetable seeds for winter cropping.
Dyna Taulo, 86, hailed the MRCS for the support, saying she will use the money to buy maize to feed her family which was in difficult food situation.
“I have five grandchildren and for the past three days we relied on okra. This support is a big relief to me,” she said.
According to MVAC report, over 49,000 households are likely to face hunger, thus calling for huge support.
Flooding affects livelihood in Mangochi
By Lyte Ali and Shaffie Bakali
Mangochi, April 4, Mana: Despite rainfall inconsistence in Mangochi this year, families in the district living along Shire River, Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe have been displaced, following flooding of the three water bodies with crocodiles wandering all over and posing threats to lives of people.
A spot check by Malawi News Agency in selected areas under Traditional Authority Mapira shows that the floods have filled most of the houses plus some lodges, disturbing the hospitality industry.
Heavy rains have persisted in the northern region of the country as well as from the neighboring Republic of Tanzania, causing the water levels of major water bodies to rise.
Speaking in an Interview on Wednesday, one of the affected people from Ngalamu Village, Aliate Chikausa, said that the development has brought panic and burden to most families in the area.
“The floods have made our village an island, making access to markets, workplaces, schools and maize mills a problem.
“The only way to travel from our village to access these places is through the boat which is costing us a lot. We usually travel four to six times a day, which is sucking our financial muscle but we have no other options,” said Chikausa, adding that life is in imminent danger as increased number of crocodiles are seen wandering around villages.
Another displaced person, Ellias Chikoko, said floods have negatively impacted people's marital life as the displacement has caused temporary separation of many couples.
"We were living in our own house which, as of now, is in water. My relatives offered us a temporary shelter to settle but it cannot accommodate the whole family and resorted to send my wife and children away to the village, waiting for the situation to stabilize" said Chikoko.
In an interview, T/A Mapira said that the floods were a setback to development in his area and the whole district, adding that economic activities that could improve household incomes have stopped.
"Many people constructed modern infrastructures that added beauty to this area. Floods have destroyed such infrastructures, a thing which is worrisome," said Mapira.
While pleading with government and other organizations to come and help the affected people, Mapira asked those that have been affected by the flooding to relocate to safer places.
Millions for empty ballot boxes: where are voters?
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, April 4, Mana: A districting exercise by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), in the run up to the September 16, 2025 general elections, has resulted in the number of constituencies increasing from 193 to 229 and that of wards from 462 to 509.
This increase is expected to heighten the inevitability of having many by-elections after September 16, 2025 to fill the vacancies likely to be created in the post general elections period – translating to more millions of money being spent.
Despite the huge investments being made into the by-elections by government and partners, there are concerning trends regarding voter participation in the polls both at local and constituency levels.
Voter turnout in all recent by-elections has hovered between 17 percent and 40 percent out of 30 recent by-elections between 2015 and 2024.
The turnout was above 50 percent only in six by-elections.
“The problem dates back to the time that we did not seem, as a nation, to value the work of councilors,” says Gray Kalindekafe, Executive Director for National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust, a public body entrusted with the provision of voter and civic education.
“We have moved at an embarrassing speed in embracing the spirit of the local authorities and their appropriate structures, including councilors who are so pivotal to local government operations,” he says.
In the most recent by-elections in Karonga District for example, at least 70 percent of the eligible voters in Kaporo and Chilanga Wards did not turn out to vote while in Rukuru Ward, whose catchment is largely Karonga Town, 76 percent of the eligible voters shunned the polls.
Similarly, in the Mtiya Ward by-elections in Zomba last year, a record 82.8 percent did not vote whereas in Dedza Central Constituency, turnout was at 33.3 percent.
Kalindekafe says while the Local Government Act came into effect in 1998 followed by all the supporting guidelines paving way for the local government elections in 2000, participation in local by-elections has been all worrying.
“It quickly became clear that decentralization faced many challenges, including a lack of state legitimacy and serious financial constraints. Due to poor public awareness on the importance of councilors, the voter turnout in 2000 was a miserable 14 percent.
“Then there was a gap between 2005 and 2014 which further watered down the importance of councilors,” he observes.
Kalindekafe also attributes voter apathy in by-elections to allegations of handouts, unfulfilled campaign promises by candidates, candidates moving away from rural areas after winning elections and undemocratic intra-party politics.
He adds: “Other reasons could be electoral violence and uninspiring campaigns. The perception that the electoral process is susceptible to violence contributes to voter disengagement.
“But we should be mindful that legitimacy of elected officials depends on active participation of the electorate. Low voter turnout undermines the representative nature of democracy.”
Governance experts agree that low voter turnout weakens the mandate of the elected leaders who then lack the broad-based support needed to make informed decisions on behalf of their constituents.
Mzuzu University governance expert Chrispin Mphande says that despite that people shun by-elections, there is no alternative to holding the polls as they are a constitutional requirement.
“It’s a constitutional requirement that the people must be represented at council level so it’s necessary to have the councilors. That people shun the elections could be that they are frustrated with what is happening on the ground such that they feel there is no benefit in voting.
“Both MEC and political parties should understand the people’s feelings about governance structures on the ground. They should ensure that people are prepared through intensive voter awareness,” said Mphande.
Mphande says political players must also depart from just making promises but must provide evidence based campaign on how they will improve the voters’ wellbeing.
“If we want many voters to participate in an election, those seeking office must be clear enough on how they will change people's lives. The formulas must be clear to get people’s interest. It is not enough just to make a promise of change,” he says.
Political analyst Wonderful Mkhuche says by-elections must be taken seriously because they are the only legitimate means to put people in positions and make public affairs move.
“We do not have any other alternative than having the elections. But it seems politics is no longer answering people’s problems. Some people who are put in the positions abuse power to their gain, leaving the masses helpless.
“In such circumstances, it is hard for people to see any sense in an election as nothing changes in their lives,” he says.
Mkhuche says there must be huge investments made in civic education on the importance of voting and that public servants must make sure they use their positions to uplift people’s lives.
“Our voting procedures also have to change. Sometimes people cannot afford to leave their business or work places to go and vote.
“We need to explore options like online and mobile phone voting to make sure people can vote from the comfort of their places. Through this, we will increase the number of people who participate in an election,” he argues.
Findings of a 2006 study by Centre for Multiparty Democracy established strong links between voter apathy and failure of successful candidates to deliver campaign promises.
However, as MEC Chairperson Justice Chifundo Kachale pointed out in March 2021, there is need for a fresh study to help understand why people shun by-elections.
Said Kachale then: “This [voter apathy] has been common during by-elections but we are of the view that something can be done to stop and reverse this trend.
“At the moment the Commission will not speculate the reasons but we believe a thorough study involving the voters would help to identify interventions that can help to address and reverse this trend.”
MEC’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa, says it is the responsibility of all electoral stakeholders to join hands in mobilizing registered voters to go and vote because that is the ultimate goal of registering as a voter.
“Voting is voluntary in Malawi unlike in other countries like Australia where it is compulsory. Therefore, it means more work for the electoral stakeholders to educate and mobilize the registered voters to show up for voting.
“The Commission wants everyone who registered to come for voting. That is why it plans for everyone. If voters do not show up, it means loss of resources and money spent on printing ballot papers that are not used,” he says.
Mwafulirwa says MEC also hires adequate staff commensurate with the number of registered voters, but this too, becomes a ‘waste’ when people shun polls.
He adds: “The Commission does its best to mobilize the public. Meetings are held with various stakeholders and the public with the aim of reaching out to everyone. There are also messages placed on the radio and television stations mobilizing people to turn out in large numbers.
“Political parties need votes and it is their responsibility also to mobilize their members and everyone to vote. It is sometimes a paradox that campaign rallies ahead of a by-election are well patronized but come polling day, few people show up.”
He says as much as parties want to sell their candidates and manifestos, they should also remember that it is the votes that count.
“Therefore they should not just be gratified that people showed up at their campaign rallies. They should also go a step further too vividly mobilize them to vote.
“The ultimate love a member can have for a political party or a candidate is to vote for their candidate. If people do not show up for voting, political parties should start demanding explanations and accountability from their supporters,” he says.
Lilongwe District Council approves new GESD and DDF projects
By Andrew Mkonda & Eranivey Temani
Lilongwe, April 4, Mana: Lilongwe District Council has approved the new Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and District Development Fund (DDF) projects which will be implemented in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Speaking Wednesday during full council meeting, Lilongwe District Council Vice Chairperson Dominic Banda said the projects that have been approved will priorities the 11 constituencies that did not benefit from the two previous funds.
However, Banda said despite prioritizing the 11 constituencies, the council will also be able to allocate at least one project to all constituencies from the funded money.
“After the funds was reduced by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) from K3.5 billion to K1.5 billion, it was a very difficult situation for us, and we agreed that only 11 constituencies which did not benefit in the previous year will be allocated the funds.
“However, considering that both the previous and current financial year projects will be implemented at the same time, we will be able to allocate at least one project to each constituency,” he said.
Banda then asked Members of Parliament, councilors and traditional leaders to take a leading role in supervising the progress and quality of the projects, saying the quality of the projects should tally with the funds allocated.
“I am happy that this financial year, once we start our projects, we will achieve our goals as funds will be readily available. We don’t want to see classroom blocks without toilets. Let us be vigilant and love our country,” he said.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Kalumbu of Lilongwe thanked the council for sharing the projects equally so that all the people in the district benefit from the cake.
Kalumbu then assured the council that he and his subjects will be ready to contribute any material that may be needed towards the projects for its timely completion.
GESD projects are implemented through the NLGFC, with funding from the World Bank.
Dedza women for a possible Malawi 2063
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, April 4, Mana: Women in Dedza District have been urged to join associations where they could be economically empowered and have their skills enhanced for improved livelihoods in order to make the Malawi 2063 Agenda possible.
The remarks were made on Wednesday at Kwathu Boutique in Dedza when the district council, through the gender office, held its International Women's Day commemoration where over 100 women gathered to interact and share issues that affect them.
Mphatso Banda, one of the participants under Dedza Business Women Association, said women in the district are uniting and working to uplift their lives towards achieving the Malawi 2063 Agenda hence a call for others to follow suit.
“This is where we learn and share issues, especially small business ideas. We call upon other women to come forth. They should be able to differentiate their yesterday, today and tomorrow," she said.
According to Banda, their grouping has more initiatives towards transforming Dedza and developing Malawi as a country.
"We are sure that through this, we are building on strong foundations towards achieving the Malawi 2063 Agenda where our children will lean on," she said.
District Gender Officer Lisnet Dauya expressed satisfaction, saying the event, among others, helped women to showcase what they do in their respective communities.
She added that the event was very important, as it empowered women to speak out and also work together in development initiatives.
On her part, Presidential Advisor on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Martha Kwataine, who was the guest of honour at the event, asked various stakeholders to invest in women by empowering them to accomplish their plans.
She said women needed to be empowered economically so that they can stop depending on men in everything.
“Let me commend NGOs that are implementing projects with the objectives of supporting women in the district.
“We all know that the root cause of Gender Based Violence is poverty and if we empower women to join cooperatives, it can help them live a good life,” said Kwataine.
The event was commemorated under the theme: “Invest in women, accelerate progress.”
