MANAonline
NEEF is a developmental tool- Vice President Usi
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 1, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Bizwick Usi has described the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) as a poverty-alleviating tool that needs to be disassociated with politics.
Dr Usi said this on Tuesday during a consultative meeting organized by NEEF for community leaders in Blantyre.
"Let us all support NEEF for the sake of our people. NEEF is there to deal away with poverty by enabling citizens to generate income and wealth regardless of their political status," he said.
The Vice President said nobody should associate the loan facility with politics adding anyone should benefit from it.
"Politics can be intense but for the sake of dealing away with poverty in Malawi, let us leave politics aside and concentrate on how to fight the poverty among our people, " he said.
Dr Usi therefore called on NEEF to be considerate when demanding collateral in dispensing the loans so that everyone should have access.
"These loans should be accessed by all Malawians including those in great poverty. Some people are in dire poverty and if we are too strict with collateral we are not helping them,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyetseni said to accommodate the poor, they have introduced a package called ‘Vuukani’ loan which is for those who do not have assets for getting a loan.
“It’s a product for people who lack assets like houses, farms or household items to use as collateral but are business-minded. These have to be in groups and get a loan as a group,” he said.
Councillor for Soche Ward, Jeremiah Jumbe commended NEEF for its work saying their operations are non-partisan as witnessed by so many people getting loans.
“I would like to testify that NEEF is not selective in its operations. I am a councilor of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) but I got a K10 million loan together with my group of Mpemba Vendors,” he said.
Stakeholders ask for safer homes for GBV survivors in Chitipa
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, October 1, Mana: Stakeholders in Chitipa District have asked the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare to consider construction of safer homes for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors in the district.
YouthNet and Counselling (YONECO) District Manager for Chitipa, Dunreck Pande, made the call Tuesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting organized to disseminate the National Male Engagement Strategy (NMES), which is funded by UNAIDS.
Pande said that GBV survivors are subjected to other abuses in the absence of district safer homes.
“As a district we need safer homes for GBV survivors so that they can be in a safer place,” Pande appealed.
Director responsible for Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Alice Mkandawire, pointed out that safer homes are important not only in Chitipa District but the country as a whole.
Mkandawire said safer homes are a big issue in every district of the country and the government alone cannot afford to construct them in every district.
“As stakeholders you can mobilise support from community, partners, and even district councils to come up with safer homes for Gender Based Violence survivors,” Mkandawire said.
She then appealed to the stakeholders to unite and do something for the GBV survivors in Chitipa district.
The government of Malawi formulated the strategy aimed at promoting involvement of men and boys in ending GBV and reducing HIV/AIDS, increasing uptake of sexual reproductive health rights services and promoting gender equality among women, men, girls and boys.
Deputy SPC calls for collective efforts to achieve Malawi 2063
By Elia Chibwe and Sellah Chunda
Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet who is also head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Dr. Janet Banda has emphasized on the need for enhanced collaboration in the implementation of Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP)-1 to achieve Malawi 2063 goals.
Speaking during the official opening of the Pillar and Enabler Coordination Groups (PECG) meetings, Tuesday in Lilongwe, Banda assured the gathering that Malawi's vision is within reach but it only needs commitment and collective efforts to make it into reality.
"I want to remind all of us that the Malawi we envision is within reach, but needs our collective efforts, commitment and collaboration to make it reality. Let us fully embrace the platform that PECGs offer, break away from siloed approaches, and work together toward the successful implementation of the MIP-1.
"This is where the PECG framework comes in. By bringing together stakeholders with shared interests. Working together to break the siloes ensures that we can support one another where weaknesses exist. Our mission is collective; we include the government and private sector, non-government organizations, academia among others," she said.
The deputy SPC also hailed the European Union, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for their technical and financial support in the efforts.
Director General of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Thomas Munthali, said the collective efforts have played a great role in progressing despite that the country has passed through various challenges.
"2063 was subsequently launched in November 2021 to graduate the country to a low middle economy by 2030 and meet most of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Implementation of the one to date has been a mixture of challenges and progress amidst of challenges.
"The 2023/2024 annual progress report highlights the achievement made so far and also outlines areas for improvement under the agricultural productivity and commercialization pillar the country has registered progress in irrigation, mechanization and livestock production," Munthali said.
Director of Administration in the department of Economic Planning and Development, under the Ministry of Finance, Malango Botomani, acknowledged the strides made towards the agenda but also highlighted areas needing improvement.
“We have made significant progress in certain areas, though we are aware that some pillars are lagging behind. Our progress is slower in those areas, but overall, we are making notable strides in achieving the MIP-1 agenda,” Botomani said.
She further emphasized that the meeting with key stakeholders, including the Public Engagement for Comprehensive Governance Systems (PECGS), aimed to ensure that all pillars and enablers of the MIP-1 are successfully implemented.
Chief of Party for USAID, Dr. Francis Oggo Okelb expressed optimism about the progress.
"The data presented today highlights areas of hope, but it also assists to identify areas that require more attention. The commitment from the National Planning Commission to raise awareness and improve access to information is essential for driving better change,” Okelb said
The Malawi 2063 is Malawi's long-term development vision, launched to guide the country towards becoming an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation by 2063.
The MIP-1 represents the first 10-year plan aimed at realizing the vision through strategic investments and initiatives in key sectors like agriculture, industrialization, and urbanization.
Chakwera assures IMF and World Bank of sound fiscal policies
By Arkangel Tembo, Washington DC, USA
Washington DC, October 1, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank that Malawi will remain on track to ensure that it's economy is flourishing.
President Chakwera was speaking during a high-level meeting with Managing Director of IMF Ms. Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank Managing Director for Operations Ms. Anna Bjerde, in Washington DC United States of America.
"It was imperative for President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to meet leaders of the two banks to assure them of his commitment to turn around Malawi's economy for the betterment of its citizenry." Minister of Finance Chithyola Banda said.
After attending the United Nations General Assembly-UNGA, President Chakwera arrived in Washington DC to have a one on one talk with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
According to Chithyola Banda who accompanied the President among other government officials, high on the agenda was to brief the IMF on the progress of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) as well as what Malawi is doing on the issue of debt restructuring.
He said the President has hailed the IMF for its support to Malawi when it was needed most.
Chithyola Banda said the President also held a meeting with World Bank Managing Director for Operations Ms. Anna Bjerde, at World Bank Headquarters solely to appreciate the bank's support to Malawi in many areas of Development.
He cited the support towards Social Cash Transfer and the energy sector to which the bank is implementing in Malawi through the JCM solar power.
Chithyola Banda said the World Bank has also commended Dr Chakwera for being the Champion of mobilizing financial support to many African countries.
President Chakwera is in Washington DC after attending the United Nations General Assembly -UNGA in New York a few days ago where he addressed the Assembly on many issues affecting Malawi and other developing countries, which include climate change and debt.
Karonga commemorates World Rabies Day
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 1, Mana: Karonga District Council Agriculture Office on Monday commemorated World Rabies Day with a call to work jointly and eliminate the disease.
Speaking during the commemoration ceremony, which was supported by the Centre for Community Empowerment Initiative at Kasoba Primary School in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu, Chief Agriculture Officer for Karonga District Council, Jessie Mwambongo said her office targets to vaccinate about 46,000 pets against rabies in the current financial year.
She said Rabies is a deadly disease, which has no cure, hence encouraging people to have their pets vaccinated because prevention is better than cure.
“We therefore appeal well-wishers to support us with logistics and vaccines so that we reach out to all areas and make the district rabies-free," Mwambongo said.
Director of Health Services for Karonga District Council, David Sibale said the district registered 49 dog bites with two deaths of victims in 2023.
"Rabies is a problem here in Karonga and it is a worrisome challenge. Late treatment-seeking behaviour is common among dog bite victims and I advise that such victims should report to the nearest veterinary offices and, thereafter to health facilities with urgency.
“Rabies Vaccine is expensive, hence we promote prevention measures other than treatment to minimise the cost of this burden," said Sibale.
Executive Director for Centre for Community Empowerment Initiative, Gilbert Banda said there is a need for enhanced Rabies awareness to prevent rabies-related deaths in the district.
The ceremony was held under the theme ‘Breaking Rabies Boundaries.’
Ethanol Malawi calls for support for education
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, October 1, Mana: Chief Executive Officer for Ethanol Malawi in Dwangwa, Lusubilo Chakaza, has called on the corporate sector to support the country's education sector for improved education delivery.
Chakaza said this at Majiga primary school in Dwangwa on Monday when the company presented a cheque, of the sum of K9.4 million towards the construction of toilets and purchase of books at Mlala and Majija primary schools respectively.
“We received a request for help from these schools, and upon aligning the issues with our shared value program, we committed to help and be part of offering solutions to the community we serve. Majiga school required school books while toilets were needed at Mulala primary school,” said Chakaza.
Chakaza further said the response is in line with the company’s safety and sanitation shared value program, expressing hope that these donations would go a long way to assist these schools.
Chief Education Officer for Nkhotakota district, Godfrey Kubwense saluted the gesture by ethanol and called for continued support for the education sector, to keep improving the quality of education delivery in the country.
In her remarks, Senior Group Village Nkhongo, applauded companies working in the area for always supporting her area, saying this brings joy to the members of her community.
Deputy Minister challenges district councils to strengthen health systems
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, October 1, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud on Monday engaged district health management teams to discuss issues that can strengthen the health system in the country.
Speaking during an engagement meeting at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi, Daud said through decentralization, councils have the mandate to effect interventions that should promote the welfare of citizens through quality health care.
The Deputy Minister added that senior management at the Ministry of Health and district-level management teams should collaborate to provide quality health care which every Malawian deserves.
‘‘By improving communication, and ensuring a clear and coordinated approach, we can streamline the implementation of programmes and initiatives that will have a direct impact on health outcomes across all our district councils,
‘‘Every person who walks into a health facility deserves the highest standard of care and we must make this a reality. Ministry of Health believes in strong collaboration among council staff in ensuring improved health service delivery,’’ she said.
Daud therefore said government is committed to strengthening the health care system by continuously engaging health management teams at the council level to provide quality health service for the good of Malawians.
Participants at the engagement meeting included directors and deputy directors at the Ministry of Health, District Commissioners as well as council level Directors of Health Services across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the councils, District Commissioner for Blantyre, Alex Mdooko commended Deputy Minister of Health for engaging health management teams at council level, saying this will help to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and district level management teams.
The health sector is one of the devolved sectors in councils. We however need to be in touch with the ministry for proper coordination,
‘‘This will help us to avoid duplication of work and this will also help us to bang heads on how best we can address some of our challenges’’ said Mdooko.
World Vision distributes bicycles and phones to volunteers
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, October 1, Mana: World Vision Malawi has distributed bicycles and phones to Village Saving and Loan (VSL) Promoters, Dream Save Promoters, and Building Secure Livelihood volunteers championing the Building Secure Livelihood model.
On Monday, World Vision District Programmes Manager for Lilongwe Harold Munthali said that the model aims to promote mindset change, build household economic development, and save culture.
“The Dream save is about digitizing all VSL activities, where we are shifting from manual record keeping to digital. The system has a built-in calculation where communities do not need to do any calculations during saving, sharing out loans, and even during share out.
“Members receive text messages through their phones once they have done all the VSL activities. It is a very safe system, reduces labour and saves time among other benefits,” he said.
Vice Chairperson for Lilongwe District Council Hardwell Jami thanked World Vision for the initiative saying as the world is going digital, no one should be left behind.
Jami said the initiative will go a long way in improving the livelihood of the people in the rural areas and at the same time promoting saving culture among the people.
In this initiative, one volunteer looks after three to five groups and so far over 145 groups have gone digital.
Blue Eagles Sister off to a flying start
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, October 1, Mana: Blue Eagles Sisters have started on the high noted when they claimed a double at the start of the second round of K 40 million Mpico Gateway Central Region Netball League over the weekend.
They beat Vanessa by 51 baskets to 27 and Young eagles by 34 baskets to 30 to keep their 100 percent winning recons since the start of the league two months ago.
Blue Eagles Sisters have 22 points from 11 games and are being followed by Civonets with 18 points.
Civonets registered their second defats of the season when they lost to Lioness by 37 baskets to 31 still they still maintain the second slot.
Both Young Eagles and Lioness are at 14 points from 10 games played and they are occupying third and fourth places respectively.
Dyna Sisters have moved to fifth position and dislodging Vanessa after they posted a win against Immigration 53 baskets to 24 and 41 baskets to 36 against Vanessa.
They have 12 points while Vanessa has dropped to sixth with nine points following their other defeat against Blue Eagles Sisters.
Bottom team at the end of the first round, Sharpshooters have posted their first win of the season when they claimed a win over fellow relegation threatened, Immigration.
According Chairperson of the Central Region Netball League, Fernando Ligola, the scheduled fixtures involving Mafco Sisters were postponed.
He said Mafco were supposed to play against Young Eagles and Lioness.
“Sadly, the games were postponed as one of the Mafco players had lost her father and members of the team joined her in mourning. They could not travel to Lilongwe to fulfill their fixtures,” Ligola said.
He said the postponed games would be fixed very soon so that the league games should flow together with the rest of the teams.
Blue Eagles Sister coach, Madano Tepetheya is yet to find a rivalry in the game as his team continue enjoying rich vein of wins in the league.
Arts Festival mesmerizes Mzuzu
By Patience Kapinda and Chrispin Kapindira
Lilongwe, September 30, Mana: Highly anticipated Mbumba Arts and Cultural Festival took over Mzuzu Stadium on September 28, 2024, showcasing a rich cultural heritage that left attendees in awe.
Organized by Plug Links Management, the festival themed "Visit Mzuzu" featured a diverse range of events, including traditional dances, clothing, food, and music, highlighting Malawian culture.
Renowned performing artist Henry Czar praised the Mzuzu audience for their energy and vibe.
"It's an honour to perform at the Mbumba Arts Festival stage," he said.
"The audience here is special; they challenge you to deliver your best, and that's what drives me."
Czar emphasized the festival's significance in promoting culture and teaching people about their heritage.
"That's the direction I'm taking, and I'm proud to be part of it."
Fellow performer Mzuzu Mafia commended the event's setup, calling it "colorful" and "energizing" for artists.
"The festival promotes culture, reminding people of their roots," they said. "Mzuzu's audience is unique; they demand the best, pushing us to excel."
Despite falling short of expected attendance numbers, the festival's success was undeniable.
Plug Links Management organizer, Sibongile Kumwenda reflected on the experience.
"Honestly speaking, we had big goals for the event, and the number of people we expected didn't show up," she said, hinting at a renewed focus on strategy and innovation for future events.
The festival successfully celebrated Malawian culture, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
With plans for future events already underway, Plug Links Management is poised to continue promoting cultural heritage and artistic expression in Malawi.
