By Joel Chirwa

Mzuzu, August 16, Mana: The youth in the country have been urged to take a leading role in efforts towards addressing climate change.

The remarks were made by District Youth Officer for Mzimba North, Misheck Msokwa on Wednesday in an interview on the sidelines of preparation for the commemoration of International Youth Day to be held from 17 to 18 August.

'As people who will take leading roles in future, the youths need to greatly involve themselves in efforts towards reversing impact of environmental degradation and climate change.

He said the event to be held at Mzuzu under the theme; 'Green Skills for Youths Towards a Sustainable World' will be presided over by Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima.

''We initially thought to hold the event on our own as a district but when we invited the Vice President through the National Youth Council they upgraded it into national event,'' said Msokwa.

Programmes Officer of National Youth Council, Felix Chiyenda said the youth need to be greatly involved in efforts geared towards climate smart, clean environmental management, vocational skills adoption and entrepreneurship programs.

''The youth constitute majority of the country’s population. Some of them will be in leadership position in future and they must be equipped with relevant information and skills,” he said.  

In his remarks, Programs Manager for Judith Foundation, Wisdom Nyirenda appealed to authorities and international partners to provide funding to local NGOs that work with the youths.

By Aliko Munde & Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, August 15, Mana: Chitipa District Council has asked the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) to reduce application fees and charges for water abstraction points for rural communities which is pegged at K80,000.

Director of Health and Social Services for Chitipa District Council, Dr Mwatikonda Mbendera made the sentiments Monday when NWRA briefed District Executive Committee (DEC) on the authority’s mandate and functions.

The NWRA has set November 24, 2023 as the deadline for individuals and institutions who own water abstraction points such as boreholes, to declare them to the authority or risk being punished by a fine which range from K4 million to K10 million.

Mbendera said the application fees and charges are highly exorbitant for communities who mostly use water for domestic use.

"It is unfair to charge fees for communal abstraction water points the same as institutions. This is overcharging rural people. You have to go back and ammend the application fees and charges,” Mbendera appealed.

Director of Administration for the council, Clement Gonthi said the authority should categorise the fees based on the use and purpose of the water abstraction points.

“For instance, water that is used for domestic purposes should have lower fees compared to the water that is used for commercial purposes.

“This would help rural masses to access good and quality water through legal boreholes,” said Gonthi.

Spokesperson for NWRA, Masozi Kasambara said the authority will present the concerns to its board.

He advised the council to take up the responsibility to civic educate people of Chitipa on the mandate of the authority and duty of people in the district.

“Let them declare their water abstraction points and have legal licenses by paying the fee when they want to construct the water sources such as boreholes, wells and dams.

"All people and institutions who have water abstraction points such as boreholes, irrigation schemes, fish ponds and dams that were constructed without the certification from NWRA must declare them to the NWRA by November 24, 2023,” he said.

Kasambara said the data will assist the authority to make a thorough assessment and decision on whether the points should be legalized or closed down.

Recently, NWRA conducted the borehole spot check inspection and test in four major cities of Mzuzu, Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe.

The assessment found out that 75 percent of the 44 boreholes contain water which is biologically contaminated and unfit for human consumption.

By Mark Phiri

Mangochi, August 10, Mana: Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit in the Department of Fisheries has confiscated 75 illegal fishing gears between November 2022 and July, 2023 in Mangochi.

In an interview, Inspectorate Officer for Mangochi, Allan Katola said fishermen in the district modify fishing gears with the aim of making them efficient turning them into illegal fishing gears.

He added the most common misuse and modifications are meshed netting materials, monofilaments, usage of mosquito nets, as well as fishing during closed season and fishing in restricted areas.

The Inspectorate Officer described the development as worrisome saying the continued usage of illegal fishing gears in the district was contributing to habitat degradation, depletion of fish stocks and extinction for some fish species.

He said his office has embarked on establishment of a multi-sectoral taskforce to deal with the vice.

“Apart from conducting lake patrols, our office has intensified community engagement through strengthening of community based structures such as Beach Village Committees and Fisheries Associations.

“We are orienting our partner agencies such as police officers and magistrates for us to work collaboratively in handling fish-related cases brought before them,” Katola added.

Chairperson for Makumba Beach Village Committee, Hussein Sukali said they are enforcing by-laws that govern fishing industry in ensuring that no fisherman was using illegal fishing gears.

“Last month, Fisheries officials and Senior Chief Chowe came and oriented us on these by-laws. Since then, we make sure that any fisherman plying his or her business within our jurisdiction is complying to the set by-laws.

“So far, we have evicted two mosquito net and kandwindwi users for catching juvenile fish,” he explained.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, August 28, Mana. A renowned dancehall musician Jay Jay Cee, real name Juma James Chisonga, will on Saturday launch his third album titled ‘Pamodzi’ at Robins Park in Blantyre.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Sunday, Jay Jay Cee said the new album features a number of artists, including his long-time friend, Afro-pop musician ‘Saint’, in a song titled ‘Tetezeni’

“Music is the greatest communication in the world. It has been a while since I released a compilation, so I want to bless my fans with this coming album which contains life-changing songs,” said Jay Jay Cee.

He added that everything is set for the album launch and promised dancehall music lovers full-packed music entertainment from the brand new album.

The launch will be supported by Eli Njuchi, Driemo, Sangie, Wikise, Waxy Kay, and Nepman, among other artists.

In a separate interview, one of the artists to be featured during the launch, Gibo Pearson, said he is prepared for the show.

“I promise good performance and l encourage my fans to come in large numbers to enjoy and feel the vibe,” said Pearson.

Jay Jay Cee top fan, Philip Damiano, said he wants to hear revolutionary music that should try to change things for the better, as well as music that will bring joy.

“It has been a long time since Jay Jay Cee released an album; l guess this album will give us music that will bring us joy,” said Damiano.

Jay Jay Cee started his music career at a tender age and released his first mix-tape titled ‘Kupanga Zina’, which was recorded and mastered by Gaffar in 2014 and has since worked with various artists like Saint, Sangie and Piksy.

The dancehall artist did his first album ‘Dzina Langa’ with hits like ‘Sanyada’, featuring Hilco and ‘Sindimakusowa’, featuring Sir. Patrick’s and later produced second album ‘Mulingo Wina’, which included popular hits ‘Jangiliya’ and ‘Aneba’.       

By Maryam Mtengulah

Blantyre, August 22, MANA: All is set for the ‘Ndatola Male’ Ladies Day Out show slated for this Friday, August 25 at Chilomoni Township in Blantyre.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, one of the organizers of the event, Linda Sekeni encouraged ladies in Blantyre to come in large numbers to patronize the show.

She said the show was meant to allow ladies to interact and share ideas on how they should advance in business, improve family welfare, excel at work and succeed in other spheres of life.

Sekeni assured ladies in town that there will be a lot of dancing and drinking, adding the ‘Ndatola Male’ Ladies Day Out will also include dressing competitions and a raffle draw besides   motivational talks on mental health, finance, and business from professional speakers.

“Ladies also need relaxation. A lot of ladies suffer in silence on several issues because they don’t have the time to share what is going on in their lives. This is one of those rare moments when ladies will share notes on several issues that matter in women circles.

“The show will start from 7 pm till late at a fee of K10,000. People can also buy tickets in advance at a fee of K8,000.,” she said, adding Shoppers Market, Studio 24 in Chilomoni are selling tickets.

One of the artists lined up for the show, Wikise who said was well-prepared and looking forward to performing at the event.

The show has also attracted some of the best DJs in town such as MBC’s DJ Fraternal, DJ Trigga,

Mana/ana/mm/ewc/sbn

By George Bulombola

Mzuzu, August 22, Mana: Grand Palace Hotel, Tuesday donated K5 million to Duncan Zgambo alias Gwamba who is scheduled to hold Gwamba Unlimited Concert on August 26 at Mzuzu Stadium.

Speaking after the presentation ceremony of a dummy cheque to Gwamba, Sales and Marketing Manager for Grand Palace Hotel, Gregory Maulana said that it was the wish of the hotel’s management to see young and upcoming artists developing hence the donation.

“We want through Gwamba Unlimited Concert to uplift talents of young and upcoming artists from the northern region.

Gwamba has a large following of people from all walks of life across the country who love his music and come Friday, most of them would like to have services such as accommodation and food and we are ready to provide such needs,” said Maulana.

He added that the hotel and Gwamba are in long partnership and pledged that the hotel will continue supporting Gwamba for young and upcoming artists to achieve their potential.

Receiving the dummy cheque, Gwamba said that he was privileged and humble to get financial assistance from the hotel.

“Not many Malawian business operators are interested in supporting Malawian artists, but Grand Palace Hotel is an exception. This is not the first time that the hotel has assisted me and this demonstrates that they have a passion in the development of artists,” said Gwamba.

He said that he will use the money to prepare for the concert adding that such events are expensive and need huge investment, hence commended the hotel for the donation.

Commenting on the concert, Gwamba said that it will be more than a show but an experience and he will perform with almost 30 artists drawn from the north.

“In the past, I used to get young and upcoming artists from Blantyre and Lilongwe but this time is for those from the north,” he said.

By George Mponda

Mzuzu, August 21, Mana: Organisers of the Gwamba Unlimited Concert have confirmed that the show will still take place on 26 August at Mzuzu Stadium despite Football Association of Malawi (FAM) ordering its closure for renovations.

Recently, FAM released a statement saying Mzuzu Stadium has been banned from hosting elite matches.

FAM ordered Mzuzu City Council (MCC) officials to commence renovations at the venue saying the pitch is in poor state and has a bad perimeter fence, among others.

In an interview, organiser of the show, Duncan Zgambo popularly known as Gwamba confirmed that the venue for the concert remains Mzuzu Stadium.

 “FAM announced that Mzuzu Stadium has been banned from hosting elite football matches but this is an entertainment show hence we are still going to the same venue as earlier advertised.

“We intend, through this concert, to identify and nurture music talent in the northern region. We have lined up 30 upcoming artists who are going to showcase their skills and this is going to be an unforgettable event for music lovers, said Gwamba.  

MCC Spokesperson, Macdonald Gondwe confirmed that there is no change as regards to the venue of the Gwamba Unlimited Concert.

“Of course, we received communication from FAM banning Mzuzu Stadium from hosting elite football matches under the organization. As a council, we are yet to sit down and see the way forward but at the moment, the stadium is still open to other activities,” Gondwe said.

Reacting to this, James Luhanga a music lover from Mchengautuba in Mzuzu was excited that the concert will take place as scheduled.

“A lot of us have been anticipating this show which has been advertised on several billboards around the city since May this year. It would have been a shame to hear that the show has been postponed due to the closure of the stadium,” said Luhanga.

Some of the upcoming artists who are expected to perform at the concert include; Zephy, Maninja Clan, Anisha, Yang Kissah, Nekire, Jibah, Diego, Mr. Zexy, M grinder, Merlam, Tremone, Black Ziphu, Vino Africa and Fly P.

By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, August 17, Mana: A Photojournalist from Malawi News Agency (MANA), Lisa Kadango Malango has won the Sothern Africa Development Community (SADC) Media award after emerging the runner-up in the photography category of SADC Regional Competition Awards.

The winners have been announced at the 43^rd Ordinary Summit of the SADC Heads of State and Government which is currently underway in Luanda, Angola in which President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is in attendance.

Her pictorial focus entry in the awards was published in the Nation Newspaper and depicted the official launch of Mwami One Stop Border Post which was graced by the President Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema.

The facility which is in Mchinji, among others, was constructed to improve the efficiency of border operations and contribute towards improving economies of both Zambia and Malawi. 

In an interview, Kadango Malango was thankful for the award saying it is a great motivation in as far as her career is concerned.

“The award goes to my country and MANA as a whole. It is a great motivation and milestone to my life career. I would also like to thank National Newspaper and Times for always featuring my work,” said Malango.

SADC National Media Coordinator for Malawi, and Director of Information, Chikumbutso Mtumodzi said the aim of the competition is to promote integration among SADC countries.

“We are proud because Malawi has still emerged second in the photography category and this fits well with the vision of the President Chakwera of putting Malawi on the map. I encourage more journalists to participate in the competition,” said Mtumodzi.

The first prize winner in each category of photography, print, radio and television receives US$2,500and a certificate and runner up receives US$1,000 and a certificate.  

Thomson Keobatswe of Botswana emerged first winner in the photo category.

The SADC Media awards were established in 1996 to recognize best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional corporation and integration in the region.

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Blantyre, August 14, Mana: Players in entertainment sector have all reasons to smile as Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has announced the return of Entertainers of the Year awards 18 years after it was discontinued.

Making the official announcement in Blantyre on Monday, MBC Director General, George Kasakula said the awards event will take place on 15 December, 2023 at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

“We have decided to re-introduce the awards in fulfilment of our mandate of entertaining as a public broadcaster.

“We want to take this further by rewarding talent from all sectors in Malawi, as long as it is entertainment,” said Kasakula.

Kasakula said they have hired an independent auditing Firm, Graham Car to oversee the selection of nominees and winners to ensure transparency, accountability and credibility of the awards.

He said Graham Carr will be getting Short Message Service (SMS) through a platform provided by Airtel Malawi which will be used to identify the winners.

“It is not completely full proof. There could be one problem or two but we have time on our side. We know people are already talking about how we will ensure that it is one vote one person in the digital age where one can have several sim cards and use them.

“That is something that we are going to crack our heads but the idea is it should be one vote,” said Kasakula.

He, therefore, called upon companies to come out and support the initiative.

Close to K80 million is needed to finance the awards.

“MBC does not have that money that is why we are appealing to the public, private sector and businesses to come and partner with us on this noble assignment. Even media houses can come on board,” he said.

Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Zilanie Phiri said the red carpet event will recognize outstanding achievements across various entertainment categories including, but not limited to, broadcast, music, drama, film, stage theatre and sports.

“The Entertainers of the Year Awards will be open to all individuals of Malawian origin practicing their trade in the proposed categories. Legal foreign nationals currently plying their trade in the country are also eligible.

Voting will open on from October 1 to 22 and all members of the public are eligible to vote.

By Tamala Kamanga

Dowa, September 1, Mana: Let’s Build, an organisation that works to improve education in the country, says it will construct three classroom blocks in three community day secondary schools in Dowa in a bid to increase student enrollment in secondary schools.

Speaking on Thursday during a District Executive Committee meeting, the organisation’s project manager, Tisaiwale Chimphamba, said the organisation would come to the district to contribute in bridging the gap of selection from primary to secondary schools.

"In our review, most projects target primary schools. However, we understand that only a few number of learners are enrolled in secondary schools due to space. That is why we are coming with the project.

"We expect to construct three modern classroom blocks complete with furniture, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) facilities, and with disability-friendly features in three community day secondary schools (CDSSs).

“This, we believe, will at least play a part in improving education standards in the district,” said Chimphamba.

The organisation will also construct classroom blocks at Mdika, Chimwetsero and Simbi community day secondary schools.

On her part, one of the DEC members, Stellah Tsiga Mvalo, said the project would help learners to work hard and create chances for more learners to be selected in secondary schools in the district.

"However, I ask the organisation to reach and consider more remote areas with such development projects," she said.

In his remarks, Dowa Complementary Basic Education Coordinator, Elemoni Mordecai commended the Let’s Build organisation for the project, saying it would increase enrollment in secondary schools and reduce school dropout of pupils in rural areas.

"As we all know that some learners are not selected in secondary schools not because they have failed, but because of space. So, an increase in blocks will see an increase in enrollment," he said.