By George Mponda

Mzuzu, March 19, Mana: The Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has drilled Area Development Committee (ADC) members in Karonga on anti-corruption and social accountability in a bid to promote transparency and accountability in local governance.

The training, which was conducted on Tuesday, was done in conjunction with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

According to EAM Advocacy Officer for Karonga, Fumbanani Mwale, the training was aimed at equipping ADC members with knowledge and skills to prevent and combat corruption in their respective areas.

He said participants have been taken through various topics, including the definition and forms of corruption, consequences of corruption, and the role of ADC members in preventing corruption.

The training also covered procedures for reporting corruption cases to ACB.

"ADC members play a critical role in ensuring that development projects are implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. They are the eyes and ears of communities and they have the responsibility to ensure that resources meant for development projects are used for their intended purpose," he said.

ACB Principal Public Education Officer, Edward Kamvabingu, noted that corruption is a major obstacle to development in Malawi.

He said corruption undermines the delivery of public services, increases inequality, and erodes trust in public institutions.

"It is always important that people should have knowledge on how to deal with corruption which is crucial in social accountability. This is important because they will be able to track projects which government is implementing through their structures," he said.

Kamvabingu, therefore, advised ADC members to closely monitor projects for them to be able to know where things are not going well and make timely collective measures.

Chairperson for Mbande ADC, Chancy Mlelemba, hailed the training saying it has equipped them with knowledge on how to hold duty bearers responsible.

"The training will also promote a culture of transparency and accountability among ADC members which is essential for promoting good governance and development in Malawi," said Mlelemba.

By Bishop Witmos

Mangochi, March 19, Mana: CARE Malawi is implementing a Multi-purpose Cash Transfer initiative under the ECHO-funded drought response project that will see about 2,420 households in three Traditional Authorities (TAs) of Chowe, Chiunda and Namabvi in Mangochi receiving immediate relief for three consecutive months.

Speaking during the distribution exercise of the first delivery of K92, 500 per household on Tuesday, Humanitarian Assistant Programs Manager for Care Malawi, Burnet Khulumbo, said the exercise is targeting households that were affected by EL Nino induced drought last year, in order to cushion them from hunger.

Khulumbo said apart from the EL Nino affected households, they will also assist those that were recently affected by Cyclone Jude with a cash cushion of K70, 000 per household and other non-food items in order to ease their suffering.

“The drought response project which will be implemented with a consortium of eight organizations in multipurpose cash transfers to households that were affected by EL Nino-induced drought, supporting them with cash assistance in three phases so that they are able to buy food,” said Khulumbo.

A total of 339 households in TA Chowe, and Sub TA Moto in Mangochi were affected by Cyclone Jude in March.

One of the affected people, Patricia Ishmaila, from Nalikolo Village, TA Chowe commended the organization for the assistance saying it will go a long way in supporting her family to make ends meet.

“The support is timely as my family had no food to eat because we harvested little last year. Apart from that, Cyclone Jude has this year affected us heavily as most of our crop fields are washed away. It is my appeal to stakeholders for more food assistance,” said Ishmaila.

By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, March 19, Mana: Mikalati, Mpeni and Naminyanga junior primary schools in Thyolo district will soon be upgraded to full primary schools following the completion of new classrooms that government, through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), has constructed.

Authorities have described the development as a positive stride as far as access to education is concerned.

Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Tuesday, at Mikalati Junior Primary School, Flocy Kapyola, Primary Education Advisor (PEA), for Luchenza, said the construction of the new classes is timely as learners were travelling long distances to access standard 7 and 8 after standard 6 at the school.

Kapyola said the development will also reduce congestion in the nearest schools such as Luchenza Primary School, which mostly was used as a referral school.

“Even learner to teacher ratio will be reduced. The construction of these classes will also end double-shift system of learning that was happening due to the shortage of classes.

“We commend government for the provision of these classes because schools like Mikalati have been operating as junior for so long and deserve the promotion. It is my wish that this should be extended to other primary schools,” she said.

Concurring with Kapyola, Fancy Ngulo, PEA for Mpinji Zone said Mpeni and Naminyanga in his area will also soon be upgraded to full primary schools due to the completion of classes constructed under MERP.

Ngulo said the development has also reduced congestion and shortened the distance learners were travelling to access further education after standard 6 in these schools.

“Thyolo has poor topography as such many travel long distances, crossing rivers, forests as well as hills to access education. The new classes are a game changer for our children in this zone. Children will no longer be learning under trees,” he said.

On his part, Director of Education, Youths and Sports in the district, Rabson Kawalala, said Thyolo has benefited a lot with MERP as the district has received 254 classes from government of which many have been completed.

Kawalala said the construction is being done in 58 primary schools across the district making the learning environment more conducive for learners.

“MERP has brought huge changes in the district. I applaud government for considering us here in Thyolo and this is no mean achievement. We are looking forward to more developments and ready to work,” he said.

MERP is a project undertaken by the Government of Malawi, aimed at enhancing the learning environment within public primary schools with a budget of USD $210 million and is being executed from 2021 to 2025, supported by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) across all 34 educational districts in Malawi. 

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, March 18, mana: A local non-governmental organization, Sprodeta, has emphasized the crucial role of women in the country’s development.

Speaking on Tuesday during the International Women's Day (IWD) commemoration at Chisenga Primary School Ground in Chitipa, Sprodeta Executive Director Allen Kumwenda highlighted the significance of the event in providing women with a platform to interact and discuss issues affecting them.

He also added that the day offers a platform for people in all sectors of society to appreciate the role women play in accelerating development at various levels.

“Today, we have brought female role models from the Malawi Police Service, health, and education sectors to inspire young girls still in school. Our aim is to encourage them to excel in education and grow into future drivers of the country’s development,” Kumwenda said.

Kumwenda then urged other NGOs to be transparent and accountable in all their activities, ensuring that such initiatives make a meaningful impact and improve people's well-being.

District Commissioner for Chitipa, MacMillan Magomero, commended Sprodeta for being a true partner in development in the district.

Magomero said Sprodeta plays a pivotal role in promoting women's rights amongst other interventions.

“Let me urge women to be in the forefront in promoting and protecting each other. In doing so, we will empower and love one another,” Magomero said.

One of the members of Women Action Group, Getrude Ng’ambi observed that child neglect is a major challenge in Chisenga area adding that her grouping has managed to bring to book men who refrain from caring for their children.

The IWD is celebrated on March 18 annually commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation along with the women's rights movements.

The day was commemorated under the theme: ‘Accelerate Action: For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.’

By Patience Longwe and Lesnat Kenan

Lilongwe, March 16, Mana: Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Collins Kajawa, has appealed to the Ministry of Lands to allocate 300 hectares of prime land to Malawians living in the diaspora.

The move aims to encourage investment in Malawi, particularly in rural and suburban areas, and contribute to the country's industrialization effort in line with the MW2063 agenda.

Speaking during a supplementary question in parliament, Kajawa said the allocation of prime land is expected to empower Malawians living abroad to invest in their home country, fostering economic growth and development.

"This initiative also aligns with the Ministry of Land’s mission to create an enabling environment for efficient, effective, and sustainable provision of land and housing management services," he said.

Kajawa added that the continental development blueprint emphasizes the importance of industrialization and economic transformation in Africa. By allocating prime land to diaspora investors, Malawi can leverage the expertise and resources of its citizens living abroad to drive growth and development in the country.

In his response Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba said the government has acquired 200 hectares of prime land in Area 54, earmarked for allocation to Malawians living in the country.

"This initiative is part of the government's efforts to achieve Malawi 2063 agenda, which aims to transform the country into a prosperous and self- reliant nation," he said.

He added that government has set aside nine billion kwachas for compensation to facilitate the allocation of land in Lilongwe, Dunduzu, and Blantyre.

"In Dunduzu, 50 hectares of land are available, requiring three billion kwachas in compensation. Additionally, land in secondary cities like Bangula and Salima will be allocated to investors," he said.

He therefore encouraged Malawians living in the diaspora to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their home country, assuring that the allocation process will be transparent and efficient.

"By investing in Malawi, diaspora investors can contribute to the country's development and growth while also exploring lucrative business opportunities," he said.

By Abubakar Kanjoka

Kasungu, March 18, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society has distributed various items and money to 673 families who were affected by Cyclone Chido in Kasungu District.

The items included blankets, solar lamps, pots, mat, tarpaulins, hygiene packs for women and money amounting to K180, 000 per household.

In December last year, heavy winds and rains induced by Chido tore off roofs from houses and institutions, uprooted trees and billboards, and caused widespread destruction, leaving at least 980 households destitute, primarily in Kasungu townships.

Speaking during the distribution of the relief items at Chankhanga in Kasungu on Monday, Head of Disaster Management for Malawi Red Cross Society, Patrick Phiri, said lives for the victims has been hard following the destruction of their houses and property.

He said the charity organization managed to mobilize aid to lessen the life pressures that have been there since the disaster struck.

“We are not here to please anyone but to give some relief to the disaster victims who are going through very tough moments.

“I urge each one of you to use the relief aid for the intended purpose. Whatever is given out should be used for the best interest of the family,” Phiri said.

He said he expects the benefiting households to use the donations as a starter pack for rebuilding their lives.

Chief Planning Officer for Kasungu District Council, George Mtengowadula, hailed the society for the assistance saying it has come at the right time when many of the victims had lost hope that they would be assisted.

“Almost 70 percent of affected families are now relieved that they have received something as a starting point in the reconstruction of their homes.

“As council we will still engage our implementing partners in the district for help to make sure that all the affected families have been supported in one way or the other,” Mtengowadula said.

Chifundo Chalema, a beneficiary from Juma Township said life has been tough since the disaster occurred.

She expressed gratitude to Malawi Red Cross Society, saying that the money received will help to roof her house which she already started renovating.

Apart from destroying infrastructure, Cyclone Chido also killed seven people and affected at least 34, 741 in 20 councils.

With financial support of about K304 Million from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), Malawi Red Cross in Partnership with the Government of Malawi is implementing the Cyclone Chido relief aid response in four districts of Phalombe, Blantyre, Zomba and Kasungu.

By Charlie Ligomeka           

Machinga, March 18, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo has urged traditional leaders in Machinga to promote peace and unity and avoid acts that can ignite violence and divisions as Malawi prepares for general elections in September.

Chitsulo made the call on Monday during installation of Dailesi Allan as Senior Chief Liwonde and Kapinda Dailesi as Traditional Authority Sitola at Machinga Community Council Ground in Liwonde Township.

“Machinga is a hub of various organizations and activities. This can easily tempt chiefs to favor certain families over others.

“As a result, there is higher risk of corruption among chiefs. This should not happen,” the Deputy Minister added.

She also said there was need to promote girls’ education in Machinga, observing that girls tend to perform poorly compared to boys.

“We expect more girls to complete their education. As chiefs, you are key to their future,

“Reject any activities that hinder their education. Promoting girls’ education benefits not only the country but also your communities,” Chitsulo added.

Paramount Chief Kawinga of the Yao, also called on the chiefs to advocate for peace other than tolerating acts that could spark political violence.

He said that chiefs should remain impartial and provide equal opportunities to all political parties to hold political meetings.

“We shouldn’t deny any political party a venue for their campaigns or gatherings, by being open to all parties, we can prevent violence and ensure peaceful elections,” the Paramount Chief added.

He thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for promoting traditional leaders in Machinga.

Council Chairperson for Machinga District, Simplex Diwa, pledged to work closely with the newly installed chiefs, saying collaboration is key to community development.

Dailesi Allan who was once Traditional Authority Sitola moved to Liwonde Headquarters to take up Liwonde chieftaincy.

Allan’s installation as Senior Chief Liwonde is part of a succession system in the Liwonde Clan, which necessitated him to step in after the death of Buluhani Kanyenga who until his death in 2023 was Senior Traditional Authority Liwonde.

Before moving to Liwonde Headquarters Kanyenga also served as Traditional Authority Sitola before Allan came in.