MANAonline
Kuchene Women Forum tips women to demand their rights
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, October,3 Mana: Executive Director for Kuchene Women Forum in Nsanje Mary Namalomba has challenged women in the district to demand their social, political and economic rights to ensure they actively contribute to national development.
The Director challenged the women on Wednesday at Nyamadzere Teachers Development Centre at the end of a day-long Women’s Manifest meeting organized by Women Legal Resource Center (WORLEC) and Oxfam Malawi to discuss women’s political aspirations.
Namalomba added that women need to understand their rights and demand their rights and to be heard and explained further that once women's rights are respected, they will positively and actively contribute to Malawi’s socio-economic development.
The meeting provided a platform that allowed women to discuss issues that affect their political aspirations which Kuchene Women Forum said will present to the district authority for actions that should address the challenges that deny them opportunities to fulfill their aspirations.
“This meeting helped women to bring out all issues that affect their political aspirations. The concerns will be presented to those in authority,” added Namalomba.
She said the meeting also helped other women to think of contesting in key political positions in the 2025 tripartite elections.
“The meeting empowered women so much and we want women to understand that they too have potential in political spheres," Kuchene Women Forum Director added.
Nsanje District Council, Chief Administrative Officer, Rotina Mlombwa said the women's meeting was crucial as it will inspire more women to aspire for key elective positions in the 2025 general election
"As a district we are not doing good in terms of women's participation in various interventions for example we only have one female ward councilor out of 10. We have two women parliamentarians out of five,” she added.
Mlombwa therefore applauded WOLREC and Oxfarm Malawi for organizing the meeting and expressed hope that the meeting will produce good results in women's participation in governance structures
The Women's Manifesto in Malawi is a collective agenda and advocacy document created by Malawian women to highlight their key demands and priorities related to gender equality, women’s rights, and political participation.
The Women’s Manifesto reflects women's vision for social, economic, and political reforms aimed at promoting gender equality.
MAIIC renovates and donates health items to Bwaila Hospital
By Martha Simchimba
Lilongwe, October 3, Mana: Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC), has renovated three under-five clinic rooms at Bwaila district hospital.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the facility on Wednesday at Bwaila, Deputy Mayor for Lilongwe City Ruth Chingwalu Njirayafa thanked MAIIC for taking up the initiative of renovating the hospital, which she said, was not conducive for under-five services.
"It is an honour to stand before you as we officially hand over the renovated and refurbished under-five outpatient clinic at Bwaila Hospital and this moment marks a significant milestone in the collective effort to improve health care services for the youngest members of the community," she said.
She added that children are future leaders and their health is the most valuable asset saying the improved clinic will ensure that children have access to quality medical care in a clean, modern, and well-equipped environment.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer for MAIIC Lloyd Banda said issues of good quality health delivery services in the country need a collaborated effort, hence the initiative.
"MAIIC as a company that is operating in Malawi, has the responsibility of supporting the community that we are working in. We asked the hospital about their need and they told us that the under-five clinic was in a dilapidated state, so we decided to come in,” he said.
Director of Health for Lilongwe district council Dr. Wilson Ching'ani expressed his gratitude to MAIIC for renovating three under-five clinic rooms which were in bad shape.
"The renovation of this facility means that we will be able to provide primary and secondary care to all the children seeking health services here.
Apart from renovating the three rooms, MAIIC has also donated furniture such as chairs, office desks, beds, mattresses, drip stands and drug storage equipment to the tune of K10 million.
Bwaila Hospital has a catchment area of 38,000 children and per day 500 to 600 children seek medical services from the facility.
Chitipa United assistant coach dies
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, October 3, Mana: Assistant Coach for Chitipa United Football Club, Gift Mkamanga died suddenly on Thursday during a CAF B Coaching Course in Blantyre.
In an interview, Chitipa United FC General Secretary, Watson Kabaghe confirmed the death of Mkamanga who until his death was assisting Chitipa United Coach, Christopher Nyambose.
He said the club has lost a dedicated Assistant Coach who led the team from SIMSO Northern Region league to promotion into the elite TNM Super League.
“It is with profound sadness that we inform the football fraternity of the sudden passing of our beloved assistant coach, Gift Nathaniel Mkamanga, who tragically collapsed this morning at an ongoing CAF B Coaching Course at Chiwembe in Blantyre,” Kabaghe added.
He said that Mkamanga’s body is currently at the College of Medicine for a postmortem, adding that further details would be shared in due course.
Chitipa District Sports Officer, Rowland Harawa, has described the death of Mkamanga as a blow to the football fraternity in Chitipa and the country as a whole.
“Mkamanga was a great coach who promoted football in Chitipa district by nurturing young talent,” he said.
Gwengwe tours Pharmavova Malawi Limited in Blantyre
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 3, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe on Thursday toured pharmaceuticals, Pharmavova Malawi Limited in Blantyre where he said government is committed to support local manufacturers amidst economic situations where only a few pharmaceutical companies are remaining.
Gwengwe said for government to move forward, there is a need to pay more attention to local manufacturers in line with the Malawi Vision 2063 agenda.
“We should stop thinking that Malawi needs to be importing Aspirin or Panado. We need to build our pharmaceutical industry so that once we capacitate it with the local market it should grow big,
“One day we should be talking of Malawi producing a vaccine for viruses and in this regard, we cannot ignore the pharmaceutical industry,” he added.
The Minister said government, medical stores and other stakeholders need to work together to ensure that the Buy Malawi Strategy (MBS) becomes a reality and doing so could encourage local medicine producers to do more and satisfy the market.
“We have the Buy Malawi Strategy and within it, there is also the Buy Malawi Pharmaceutical chapter and there is a whole section that deals with how to procure locally.
“We used to have six vibrant producers in this sector but we are now remaining with two or three medicine producers,” he added.
He therefore called on government institutions to look into ways of promoting the pharmaceutical industry in line with development aspirations outlined in the Malawi Vision 2063.
“We really should pay attention because we do not want a situation where we have nobody producing even aspirin in a country of 20 plus million Malawians. This will not be a good situation for our country,” Gwengwe said.
Pharmanova Malawi Limited, Quality Assurance Manager, Tawanda Musasa said is impressed with government’s commitment towards local pharmaceuticals, adding that local manufacturers look forward to the government’s support.
He said government support in the pharmaceutical industry will help to create more job opportunities as the industry grows.
" We can produce 4.4 billion tablets, 207 million capsules, 27 million sachets of dry powder, 11 million units of liquid orals for non-beta lactam products,’ he added.
Musasa said Pharmavova Malawi Limited can do more to satisfy the market.
Communities intensify land restorations interventions
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, October 3, Mana: Communities in Mzimba are hoping for a better agricultural season in the 2024/2025 farming season as they have intensified works to restore degraded lands through the enhanced public works interventions taking place in 19 catchment areas of the district.
A farmer, Grace Nyirenda from Msipazi Catchment Area in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande said land degradation has made her realise low yields in recent years.
‘‘The major problem was run off water but we have created swales in the gardens and contour ridges. We hope this will help hold both water and soil’’, she said.
Another farmer, Laston Nkunika from the same area said soil erosion was a challenge in the area, leading to loss of soil fertility.
‘‘Last growing season we planted vetiva grass. We also planted trees as part of reclaiming back the land. In addition to that, we have been working on gullies; patching them up and also creating trenches. We hope this will do the trick and enable us harvest more in the coming year,’’ he said.
M’mbelwa District Council Land Resources Conservation and Desk Officer for the Programme, Olive Nyalira said enrolled farmers and community members are coming out to take part in the works that aim at restoring fertility to the lands through climate-smart interventions.
‘‘The second phase started over three weeks ago and is progressing well. We are delighted that farmers have also contributed to the community works that precede the paid work interventions. This is phase two of the program and all is on track,’’ she said.
The Community members are participating in making stone bands and contour ridges, digging deep trenches, installing check dams, and making swales to control runoff.
According to one of the extension workers for Msipazi Catchment Area in TA Kampingo Sibande, Joseph Chawinga, community members have embraced the public works program as a means of solving perennial problems of land degradation.
He cited poor crop yields registered by the farmers due to runoff water which erodes soil fertility as some of the problems the programme is trying to solve.
‘‘For the farmers that know the consequences of runoff water, they know the importance of coming to take part in these works. Since we started these works have been overwhelming and by the end of 24 working days a lot will be done,’’ Chawinga said.
Assistant Extension Development Officer for Vibangalala Extension Planning Area (EPA) which oversees Chiputa catchment in TA Mzukuzuku Kennedy Malumbi expressed hope that farmers would have improved crop yields.
Over 12 000 people are taking part in the climate-smart interventions funded by the World Bank and multi-donor trust fund.
The programme is under the social support for resilient livelihood projects.
Dwasco Sacco commissions office building
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, October 3, Mana: Dwasco Savings and Credit Cooperative (Sacco) has emerged as one of the top 10 best-performing Saccos in the country, according to the Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (MUSCCO).
MUSCCO Executive Director, Ezekiel Thindwa said this in Dwangwa on Wednesday when Dwasco Sacco commissioned their Newly built Main Office at the Dwangwa Illovo Estate.
“Dwasco Sacco’s success can be attributed to its robust governance and effective management of the Sacco because good governance and management discipline are what propel organizations to the top in this business,” he said.
Thindwa added that Dwasco Sacco continues to thrive well in the business adding that owning assets like the office building is a sign of positive growth for the Sacco.
Dwasco Sacco's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Abel Musopole expressed optimism about the expansion of their Sacco saying they were exploring new markets and increasing the presence of the Sacco in other districts.
“We have extended reach and opened offices in Salima, as well as Nkhatabay, and have invested K130 million Kwacha in our main office building here at dwangwa to make sure our money is safe and we intend to grow our presence in the industry,” he said.
Managing Director of Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc, Lekani Katandula encouraged individuals to join thriving Saccos like Dwasco noting that Supporting well-performing Saccos contributes to countyr’s economic growth.
President Chakwera leaves for Malawi
By Arkangel Tembo in Washington DC
Washington DC, October 3, Mana: President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera has left Washington DC in the United States of America after attending the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He was seen off at Dulles International Airport by Malawi's Ambassador to the United States of America, Justice Esme Chombo, Brigadier General Nyamali and other government officials from both Malawi and USA government.
While in New York, the President attended several meetings that included, the Summit of the Future and the high-level meeting on the Miombo Forest Declaration.
The Malawi leader delivered a national statement during the UNGA and general debate to mobilize global support for Malawi's developmental priorities.
During his address at UN General Assembly, Chakwera called for a collective approach in dealing with many challenges facing Malawi and other developing countries.
The President while in USA held bilateral discussions with other heads of states and governments, leaders of International organizations and investors among others to continue advancing Malawi's diplomatic relations and economic partnerships.
Some of the Heads of State that the President met, include the President of Lativia, Ireland and the Secretary General for the United Nations, Antonio Gutteries at the UN headquarters.
The President hosted the second Malawi Partners Conference 2024 which brought together prominent global figures and investors who discussed the future and long lasting food security in Malawi.
The Conference was attended by among others Mozambican President, Felipe Nyusi and African Development Bank (AFDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, who announced the grant of K95 billion to Malawi of which K1 billion is meant for the purchase of food for those affected by hunger through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA).
In Washington DC, the President met the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and USAID heads at their respective headquarters where he appreciated their unwavering support to Malawi.
The 79th session of UNGA was being held under the theme: Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.
SCT beneficiaries urged to join savings and loan groups
By Salome Gangire
Neno, October 3, Mana: Social Cash Transfer (SCT) beneficiaries in Neno District have been urged to join Savings and Loans (VSLs) as it is a springboard to economic empowerment and wealth creation.
Neno District Community Development Officer (DCDO) Rabton Dyeratu appealed Wednesday at Lusingwi in the area of Traditional Authority Symon during sensitization of Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilient (SP-Gear) project.
He said the project would like to inculcate a culture of savings among the communities, especially those on SCT so that they should be self-reliant when the time for graduation comes.
“No money is too small to save and one by one makes a bundle. Therefore, we are encouraging you to join VSLs and start saving some of the money you receive so that you start the journey to economic independence,” Dyeratu said.
He said one of the strategic objectives of SP-GEAR project is to enhance resilience and livelihoods of women and girls from vulnerable households through economic empowerment hence the need for them to join VSLs.
Dyeratu said they are impressed with the positive response the SCTP beneficiaries have shown as they have so far managed to mobilize 109 SLGs against their target of 163 SLGs of SCT beneficiaries and the exercise is ongoing.
District Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Amos Chandilanga said the programme is designed to provide targeted support that not only enhances their economic status but also strengthens their resilience to crises, shocks and disasters.
Chandilanga said beneficiaries will therefore be trained in business management and other skills so that they can add value to the social cash transfer money they receive by joining VSLs so that they can multiply what they receive.
“The program is targeting 163 savings and loans groups across the district, that is 3493 beneficiary households,” Chandilanga said.
He said the formulated groups have been trained in SLG methodology, finance, literacy and group dynamics so that they can manage their groups.
“We are also trying to empower them socially so that they should be able to know the journey of life and community-based social protection workers have been trained in the journey of life so that they can train the community beneficiaries,” he said.
A SCT beneficiary from Sarafosi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Symon said she has joined VSL because of the numerous benefits she has witnessed in the lives of those involved and she would also like her life to be transformed.
The SP-Gear project is being implemented in Mzimba, Ntcheu, Balaka, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje and Zomba Districts with funding from the European Union (EU) and the Government of Ireland, in partnership with UNICEF.
Over 100 VSL groups formed in newly established catchments in Thyolo
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo. October 03 Mana: In a major milestone for financial inclusion and community development, close to 100 Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups have been formed in the newly established catchments of Namileme and Mkudzi Mpenda in Thyolo District.
Speaking on Wednesday at Namileme Catchment where COMSIP is training community facilitators from the groups, District Community Development Officer for Thyolo, Joseph Banda said the groups comprising of participants of the Climate Smart Public Works Program (CSPWP), aim to promote a culture of saving and investing.
“It is hard for local people to borrow money from banks, but by joining these groups, they will have easier access to funds when emergencies arise,” said Banda.
Banda said that the training aligns with Malawi’s Agenda 2063 pillar number one, fostering a shift in mindset toward group collaboration and saving money earned from the CSPWP.
COMSIP Officer for Namileme Catchment Fedda Jusa said they want participants of the climate-smart programme to understand that even small savings can grow significantly over time.
"By fostering a savings culture, we show them the possibilities that open up when they take control of their finances," said Jussa.
Jusa added that the training is designed to empower participants by giving them practical tools for financial independence.
“The training is not just about saving money, but also about learning how to invest it wisely. This will help the participants grow their savings, meet basic needs, and even plan for their children's future by affording school fees,” added Jusa.
The Climate Smart Public Works Programme Desk Officer Francis Yohane said the training has long term benefits to both the participants and the project as a whole.
“These catchments have potential to thrive under the VSL model. The participants will not only gain financial literacy but also practical skills, such as making manure, which will boost agricultural productivity.
"By empowering them in this way, we ensure sustainability beyond the lifespan of CSPWP projects.” said Yohane.
One of the facilitators Ethel Balani described the training as very significant as it will help them manage the groups that have been established.
“We have learned a lot about how to manage savings groups effectively. This training has equipped me to empower others in my community to save and invest for the future,” she said.
Another facilitator, Lasmo Mangani said apart from saving money, the groups will also be able to impart knowledge on manure making which will result in improved food security.
"This is more than just savings; it’s about improving livelihoods across the board,” he added.
COMSIP is conducting the training under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Support (SSRLP), a five-year Government of Malawi project funded by the World Bank where they build the capacity of beneficiaries of Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Climate Smart Public Works Program (CSPWP) to instill in them the culture of saving and investment, and effect mindset change.
FHS to promote sexual reproductive health in Balaka
By Albert Mulizakamba
Balaka, October 03, Mana: Family Health Services (FHS) through Umoyo Wathu Project has called for collaborative effort among all parties in Balaka to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promote Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Services (SRHRS) for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).
FHS Chief of Party for Umoyo Wathu Program, John Munthali, made the sentiments Wednesday in Balaka when presenting the project to District Executive Committee (DEC) members, stressing the innovative approaches adopted in the program would enhance healthcare delivery and address GBV in the district.
He said: “Our main objective is to raise awareness about sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) and family planning services among youths and marginalized groups, including people living with disabilities."
Munthali further revealed that many girls under the age of 18 face various forms of GBV due to limited access to SRHRS in their areas.
"The program aims at assisting Balaka District by providing various health services, particularly in family planning and SRHR, especially in remote areas," he stated.
He added that the program will involve training of health workers in 19 health centres to deliver long-term family planning services, educating communities about SRHR and family planning, and providing cervical cancer screening services through outreach clinics.
Director of Planning and Development for Balaka District Council, Chris Nawata, commended the program as timely.
“The district will adopt a concerted effort among various parties, including the District Health Office to transcend the aim of this programme,” he said.
Nawata therefore called for local authorities to welcome the development with a positive mindset, adding that such initiatives complement government efforts to fulfill universal health coverage.
The Umoyo Wathu program will also equip the youth with economic skills and train mother groups to disseminate Family Planning Services (FPS).
The project is funded by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the British Government and will be implemented for four years in nine districts including Balaka.
