By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, September 27, Mana: National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has urged Members of Parliament to lobby for the release of K70 billion to fund crucial farm input loans aimed at supporting medium-scale farmers across the country.

The appeal was made on Friday by NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, during a stakeholder consultative meeting with community leaders in Thyolo District, noting that there is increased demand for agricultural loans among farmers.

“The K70 billion is essential to meet the needs of approximately 400, 000 to 500, 000 farmers cultivating between five and more hectares of land,” he said.

“These farmers, according to government guidelines, do not qualify for the Affordable Input Programme which is reserved for smallholder farmers and have been directed towards NEEF for support.

“The K70 billion is based on our assessment of the demand for farm input loans,” Mdyetseni added.

He added that the legislators have a critical role in advocating for the fund recapitalization, which would provide farmers with the necessary inputs for the upcoming farming season.

“Given that this amount was not included in the approved national budget, we are appealing to parliamentarians to push for the approval of this request during the upcoming mid-year budget review meeting.

“We are calling on MPs, as part of the District Council, to champion this cause in Parliament and support the fund’s expansion to meet the needs of these farmers,” said Mdyetseni.

Member of Parliament for Thyolo North, Ephraim Nayeja echoed Mdyetseni’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of supporting agriculture, which is the backbone of Malawi’s economy.

Nayeja affirmed the legislature’s commitment to lobbying for the release of the K70 billion during budget deliberations.

“We are ready and willing to advocate for the funds. Enhancing productivity among these farmers is key to alleviating hunger and poverty in our communities,” Nayeja said.

He also stressed the need for lawmakers to raise awareness among their constituents about the importance of repaying their loans.

“This is a revolving fund. If loans are not repaid, others will miss out on the same support. Promoting a culture of repayment is essential for sustaining the programme,” added Nayeja.

By Arkangel Tembo, New York, United States of America

New York, September 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has urged global leaders to urgently address climate change which is currently impacting every corner of the world.

He made the remarks during the leaders dialogue on climate adaptation action in Africa on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA.

President Chakwera staid that Malawi acknowledges the struggle of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa, that are grappling with the severe aftermath of extreme weather events like floods which have disrupted agricultural cycles, jeopardising food and water security.

The President then called for increased support, commitments, and strengthened collaboration saying adaptation and resilience are urgent imperatives for Africa.

He expressed the significance of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) to achieving climate resilience stating that through the NAPs, Malawi has executed small scale projects addressing immediate adaptation needs and yielding promising results.

However, president Chakwera said NAPs provide a long-term framework for fostering comprehensive resilience across critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and water.

“Malawi has been fortunate to receive support from the Green Climate Fund for advancing NAP formulation.

We have completed our climate risk assessments and are now integrating adaptation strategies into vital sectors” said Chakwera. 

He said Malawi remains steadfast in its commitment to global climate action which has prompted the country to integrate climate goals into the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) and revised the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming for a 51 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

By Arnold Namanja

Blantyre, September 27, Mana: Chief Justice, Rizine Mzikamanda has said the launch of the Judicial Service charter later this year will enhance the delivery and administration of justice at all levels of society in the country.

Mzikamanda was speaking in Blantyre on Friday during the commencement of the 2024-2025 judicial calendar formerly known as Sherry Party.

“In our resolve to ensuring effective and efficient delivery of justice, the judiciary will later this year launch the Judicial Service charter,” he said, adding that the sector also launched a sexual harassment policy to ensure the work environment is free from sexual violence.

He said the judiciary has put in place deliberate measures aimed at enhancing performance of judicial staff as well legal practitioners which include continuous professional development programmes.

Mzikamanda added that the judiciary plans to establish e-courts which will comprise electronic filing system and e-portals to replace paper-based operations.

“From the e-justice conference that we attended in Rwanda, we drew a lot of lessons from our colleagues from Kenya and Zimbabwe who have completely gone paperless in their court system.

“It is our expectation that the legal fraternity will be enthusiastic about the digitalisation process because the judiciary cannot go it alone,” he said.

He also pointed out that the judiciary has established the Judicial Integrity Committee to effectively fight corruption in the sector, saying this committee builds on existing motto of ‘our people, their judiciary.’

“We just conducted an open day in Lilongwe earlier this week which aims at improving efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of justice. We also have an initiative called Court Lathu to facilitate speedy disposal of cases,” Mzikamanda explained.

He further disclosed that the judiciary will establish a Corporate Affairs Department in its attempt to bring courts closer to the people; thereby, improving administration of justice.

The chief justice said other existing programmes aimed at enhancing justice delivery would continue, citing court inspection visits to improve accountability, mobile courts, camp courts and the alternative dispute resolutions, among others. 

However, Mzikamanda observed that the judiciary has faced a number of challenges in the course administering justice. He singled out issues of funds, understaffing, backlog of cases and underutilization of the criminal justice committee.

Representative of the Attorney General, Counsel Chrispin Khunga said courts will continue to strive to provide justice to the vulnerable with integrity and fairness.

Khunga said rule of law remains important in preserving public trust to reduce the risk of corruption and mob justice.

“It is a fact that institutional legitimacy and integrity are key to sustenance of rule of law since it builds public trust and confidence in the courts. The bar and the bench should always work collectively to build public trust,” he said.

“A robust legal industry is essential to economic growth as it creates an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investors where the rule of law prevails,” he added. “In fact, successful administration of justice needs to be accessible, transparent and responsive.”

Speaking earlier, President of Malawi Law Society, Charles Mpaka thanked the chief justice for creating a very favourable environment for the legal fraternity to practice freely, noting that the judiciary has always been committed to holding the annual sherry party.

However, Mpaka advised lawyers to exercise restraint by focusing on section 9 of the constitution especially now in the run up to next year’s elections to avoid allowing emotions reign over professionalism.

“The courts as an important sector in the fight against corruption needs to provide its oversight role of protection, interpreting and enforcing the law. We also need to review the administration of the Attorney Consolidated Fund because there is generally a public outcry on this matter,” he said.

Earlier, the chief justice inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Police Bravo Unit. The police brass band also spiced up the event with a parade.

By: Martha Simchimba

Lilongwe; September 27, Mana. The Malawi Environmental Health Association (MEHA) has called on people in the country to use climate mitigation and adaptation methods such as planting more trees in order to prevent harsh conditions caused by climate change.

Lilongwe District Environment Health Officer (DEHO), Gloria Guzani, was speaking Thursday at Wakawaka Market in Lilongwe during the commemoration of World Environmental Health Day.

“Every year, millions of people across the globe including Malawi, face the devastating consequences of floods, droughts, hurricanes, and other disasters due to the effects of climate change.

“Ddisasters whether natural or human-made, have the potential to retard the progress of any development and poverty reduction, therefore, we must take a proactive approach by integrating disaster risk reduction into our daily lives," she said.

Guzani explained that it is not enough to be responding to disasters when they occur saying there is need to work collectively to prevent the occurrences for becoming humanitarian crises.

She said educating and empowering local communities to assess risks, prepare for emergencies, and build a culture of resilience to ensure sustainable development for future generations is of paramount importance.

On his part, President of Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS), Billy Kayange, who is also studying environmental health at Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) said there is need for youth to be in the forefront in conserving the environment to avoid the effects of climate change such as disasters.

“We say the youth are the future leaders, therefore, we should be in the forefront on civic educating the people to stop polluting the environment, avoid bush fires and instead they should plant more trees so that we conserve the environment," he said.

The event which was organized by MEHA was aimed at raising awareness on the impact of climate change and risks faced globally.

Health Surveillance Disease Control Assistants (HSDCA) workers and students pursuing Environmental Health from Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) were the main key participants.

World Environmental Health Day is commemorated every year on September 26 and this year it is commemorated under the theme "Creating Resilient Communities through Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation."

By: Brighton Thengoliweta Chimsinde   

Mchinji, September 26, Mana: Police in Mchinji have cautioned motorcycle and bicycle taxi operators in the district to desist from aiding and abetting human trafficking.

Crime Prevention Officer for Mchinji Police Station, Samuel Banda, made the remarks Thursday at public rallies held at Mchinji Boma and Kamwendo Trading Centre, where Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholder and Association (MACOKASA) was sensitising the operators on how to prevent avoidable accidents and other crimes.

Banda said their office has established that some kabaza operators were been enticed by human traffickers to transport innocent Malawians to Zambia and Mozambique using unchartered routes.

“Once trafficked to other countries they face serious problems, including, for instance, young girls have been forced into sex-work while others work in estates with little or no pay.

"Recently we had a case where a Malawian family of six was poisoned in Zambia and another 31 people from Lilongwe were trafficked to a certain Mozambique farm without payments and food for some months,” he said. 

He said as police they cannot tolerate that people should continue being abused in such a way.

In his remarks an official from Mchinji District Council Ferguson Kasonga, advised Kabaza operators to get registered with the council for them to be easily identified and recognised in their respective business sites.

“The registration will also help us to isolate you operators from crooks who disguise themselves as kabaza operators,” Kasonga advised. 

National Chairperson for MACOKASA Moses Mwalabu informed their members that the association is discussing with government and other relevant authorities to change other policies for their betterment.

“Our discussions are at an advanced stage, any time there will be changes in terms of registration and license fee among others,” Mwalabu said.

The chairperson also called on the operators to have crash helmets, reflectors, lights, and mirrors which he said are some of essential accessories that motorcycle operators need to have at all times.

In May 2024, MACOKASA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mchinji District Council in a bid to improve safety among Kabaza operators in the district.

By Yamikani Sabola

Chitipa, September 27, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi has commended Chitipa District Health Office (DHO) for measures it has put in place to contain the spread of cholera in the district.

Daudi was speaking Thursday in Chitipa when she visited the district to appreciate the situation on the ground following cholera outbreak which has since affected 40 people and claimed one life.

Daudi noted that no case was reported on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday which she said was testament that the battle against cholera was being won.

"When we heard that there is a cholera outbreak, we decided, together with the Presidential Task Force on Emergencies, to come and assess the situation. We hear that there are 40 cases which have been treated and one death but the good thing is that, as of today, there is no any other case reported in our health facilities.

"Let me commend health workers in the district because they are doing a lot in fighting the outbreak. As government, we are committed to achieving World Health Organisation's goal of eliminating cholera by 2030," Daudi said.

She said as the country heads to the rainfall season, there was need for health workers to intensify sensitisation to the communities on cholera preventive measures including treatment of water with chlorine, proper use of toilets and washing hands with soap after visiting the toilet and before handling food.

District Medical Officer for Chitipa, Dr. Victor Matumbo, said the cholera cases were registered at five health facilities including Kameme, Kapenda, Ifumbo, Kaseghe Health Centers and Chitipa District Hospital.

Matumbo said the disease could have broken out because boreholes in some areas of Chitipa yield salty water, which forces some community members to use water from Songwe River for domestic purposes,

"The cholera outbreak was first registered at Kapenda Health Center on 9 September and it started spreading to communities that are along Songwe River. So as DHO, we believe that the source of cholera could be water from Songwe River," he said.

He said the DHO had rolled out various measures against the outbreak including conducting community awareness and sensitisation campaigns on prevention and control of cholera.

Matumbo said other measures included distribution of chlorine, contact tracing of cholera cases and establishment of cholera treatment camps in the communities so that patients do not travel long distances to get treatment.

Senior Chief Mwabulambya commended government and other partners including Malawi Red Cross Society, Partners in Hope and Partners in Health, for responding promptly to the emergency.

By Prisca Mashushu

Lilongwe, 26th September, Mana – Botswana's High Commissioner to Malawi, Sarah Molosiwa has hailed existing bilateral ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe Thursday evening, during Botswana’s 58th Independence Day celebrations, Molosiwa highlighted the shared success and prosperity between the two nations.

“We are grateful to Malawi for its role in our development as we celebrate 58 years of independence. The friendship and mutual benefits between our countries have fostered significant growth,” she said.

The envoy also called for continued collaboration between Malawi and Botswana, particularly in areas of business and economic development, stating that Botswana is eager to welcome Malawian investors.

Molosiwa who is resident in Zimbabwe has meanwhile extended an invitation to Malawian individuals and companies to invest in Botswana.

 “Botswana will warmly welcome the Malawian business community to invest in various sectors, which will further strengthen our economic relationship. Malawi has played a pivotal role in Botswana’s economy, and we deeply appreciate the hospitality and kindness extended by the Malawian government during this visit,” Molosiwa added.

Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the cultural, economic, and political ties between the two countries. She pointed to the progress both nations have made in sectors like mining and trade, where Malawi has played a key role in Botswana's development.

“As we celebrate Botswana’s progress, we also acknowledge Malawi’s significant contributions in sectors like mining and trade over the past 58 years. We are committed to working closely with Botswana to develop both nations economically, through collaboration with our ministries of foreign affairs and tourism,” said Kamtukule.

Botswana’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 30th, marks the end of British colonial rule in 1966 and the beginning of a new era for the country.

By Arkangel Tembo

New York, September 27, Mana: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Malawi in developing clean energy solutions, electric vehicles and transitions to a green economy, which it says can be a game-changer for sustainable development in Malawi.

The remarks were made on Thursday by Achim Steiner, the Administrator of UNDP after holding an audience with the State President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.

"It was an honour for me on behalf of UNDP to meet with His Excellency the President of Malawi. l was pleased to hear the president commending UNDP for the work we do in support of the Malawi government," he said.

He said particularly, UNDP is helping in driving digital transformation, empowering women in government and supporting inclusive elections.

Steiner also highlighted the successful registration of over 9.2 million citizens in Malawi.

"The electronic Identity is paving the way for financial inclusion and a digital economy that empowers women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

"Together we are building a more inclusive and sustainable future," he said.

In Malawi, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports the government in using development resources effectively and accountably to achieve the objectives of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy and attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

UNDP Malawi works closely with partners to build the national capacity to combat Malawi's widespread and deep-rooted poverty.

More than two-thirds of the population lives below the national poverty line in Malawi.