MANAonline
Man dies in Dowa road accident
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, November 5, Mana: A man in Dowa on Monday died after being hit by a minibus along Dzaleka - Dowa turn off road, police have confirmed.
Dowa police Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima has identified the deceased as Jackson Banda, an adult male whose age has not yet been confirmed.
"The incident involved a Mazda Bongo (registration CK 8664) traveling from Dzaleka towards Dowa Turn-off which hit Banda, who was walking in the opposite direction at an area near Cilcon.
"Banda sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Dowa District Hospital," said Sitima.
She said the driver whose identity currently remains unknown, sustained head injuries and as we went to press remained unconscious and admitted at the hospital.
Police in Dowa have since urged the public to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents.
Nkhotakota battles malaria with mass net distribution
By Damiano Thengo
Nkhotakota, November 5, Mana: Nkhotakota district health office says over 80% of Nkhotakota District's population is hit by Malaria, prompting urgent action to curb the spread of the disease.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of a mass net distribution campaign, District Health and Social Services Director Dr. Jacob Kafulafula said they have initiated a mass distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs). This move is part of a broader effort to implement the national malaria prevention and treatment policy.
“Malaria remains a significant health challenge in Nkhotakota where for every thousand people, 823 are affected and this underscores the urgent need for effective interventions.
“The district has previously employed indoor residual spraying as a preventive measure, however, the distribution of ITNs is seen as a crucial additional step in the fight against Malaria,” said Kafulafula.
Principal Education Officer in the district Willard Magunda, speaking on behalf of the district commissioner, expressed optimism about the impact of the ITN distribution. He urged the community to use the nets correctly and avoid misusing them for other purposes like fishing.
“It’s disheartening to see that people misuse these nets, we need everyone’s cooperation to ensure the success of this initiative,” pleaded Magunda.
Madalitso Kafelemu, a resident and beneficiary, welcomed the distribution of the ITNs saying the nets will undoubtedly help reduce Malaria cases in their community.
The ITN campaign, funded by the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI/USAID), is being implemented across five districts in Malawi namely; Balaka, Mangochi, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay, and Salima.
Popularize contingency plan -DC
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 4, Mana: District Commissioner for Zomba, Reighngard Chavula has appealed to the disaster office to disseminate the district’s contingency plan for proper coordination with stakeholders that take part in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
The District Commissioner made the call Monday at Liwonde in Machinga during a contingency plan review meeting and said having a plan is one thing and disseminating what is in the plan is another.
“After developing our plan, let's make sure that we popularize it so that everyone is involved and take part.
“Sometimes we don't get the necessary support during disasters because people are not aware of what they are supposed to do, where to report and how to effectively coordinate to address issues at hand,” Chavula added.
The District Commissioner described the contingency plan as proper and guiding tool in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
“Let us avoid shelving the plans developed because that is our main challenge. I am sure that this time around we will coordinate properly because we have a plan,
“It is always sad to see people doing things the way they want despite the availability of the plan,” she added.
Contingency plan is reviewed annually depending on the seasonal weather forecast.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Zomba, Violet Jimu said her office already started engaging stakeholders and community members on the seasonal forecast.
She added that series of awareness will be conducted to popularize the plan to ensure members of the community understand it.
“Of course, we involve community leaders when developing our contingency plan. However deliberate efforts will be made to ensure community members are aware of the plan,” Jimu said.
According to the seasonal forecast released by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Malawi is expected to receive normal to above normal rainfall and Zomba is one of the districts that will receive normal to below normal rainfall.
First Lady officially opens Jalira Girls National Secondary School
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 4, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has officially opened Jalira Girls National Secondary School at a ceremony held at the school premises at Jalira in Rumphi.
In her remarks, the First Lady has praised the founder of the school Sister Ruth Baek for her unwavering desire to serve other people.
She added that the opening also indicates the commitment to empower girls through education for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
"You could have chosen to enjoy your money in retirement, but you have chosen to continue serving others by constructing this magnificent school.
"This institution will be a stepping stone for so many girls in the years to come who will go on to develop this country," said Chakwera.
The First Lady also presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the school construction in June 2022 and has also broken ground for construction of a Women College at the school.
Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima said the school will increase the number of girls attending secondary school since it is an all girls secondary.
She added that the school will also give the girls even in the rural communities a chance to access high quality education.
"When we talk about equitable access to education this is what we mean. It means students in the rural communities should also have access to high quality education from infrastructure to learning materials.
"This also means that we are bridging the gap between girls and boys in terms of access to education," said Wirima.
The opening of the school has now increased the number of all girl’s government run secondary schools to eight in the country.
In his remarks, Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe said the school has transformed the face of the district and increased access to high quality education for girls.
The school's head girl, Grace Mwandira said the school has given the girls at the school an opportunity to achieve their dreams through access to well-equipped laboratories and other learning aids.
She added that she will work very hard to achieve her dreams.
Member of Parliament for the area, Yona Mkandawire thanked the First Lady for linking up with Ruth Baek and her friends to construct the school.
He also urged business people in the area to keep their liquor shops away from the school so that the girls at the school should concentrate on their studies.
The construction was funded by SEEDS Missionaries from Korea and the United States led by Sister Ruth Baek.
Millennium University to host Youth Mental Festival
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 4, Mana: Millennium University has organized a Youth Mental Festival, which will be held from November 9 to 10 at the Blantyre Youth Centre.
The festival is essentially a vibrant gathering for young people, their friends and families to converge and celebrate life, community, connection and positive change through good mental health.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, Dr. Sandra Jumbe a senior lecturer and lead researcher in mental health said on the day there shall be different activities that will spice up the day and make the day unforgettable.
“We have a dynamic programme featuring activities like football and netball tournaments, music, dance and theatre. Alongside that we have inspirational talks, interactive workshops and panel discussions with mental health experts, our stakeholders and other local celebrities,” Jumbe who is also a health psychologist said.
Jumbe added that the festival is part of a bigger research project that she is leading called ARISE, which focuses on improving mental health literacy among the youth using education settings.
“The bigger goal is to work with ministries of education and health to roll this out across the country and create a national framework that embeds mental health into our education system. We also want to reach young people that are not in college or university so they can also learn about mental health,” she said.
She added that this festival is very important to the youth because it gives a chance to educate the youth in masses about what mental health is, how to manage it and also for them to help others.
“As a psychologist, I have always wanted to remove the taboo around mental illness and encourage people to open up when facing challenges. I see this festival as a great way to reduce stigma surrounding mental health,” she said.
In a separate interview, Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi, Nelson Zakeyu who will be the guest of honour during the event, said this is a very important event especially to the youth because it will help them receive advice from experts on how to desist from drug and substance abuse.
“Drug and substance abuse is very dangerous among the youth as it leads to delinquency; therefore, I’m asking all the youth to take care of their health by doing physical exercises. I also urge all the youth to come in large numbers so that they can receive advice from the experts,” Zakeyu said.
This is the second festival. The first one was held last year at the same venue during World Mental Health Month in October. On the day, there will be other celebrities such as Piksy, Patrick Mabedi, Mary Waya, Hazel Mak and Nicole Kamwendo, among others. This year’s theme is: healthy mind, healthy body.
Feature: Chibungo CDSS – GESD’s answer to longstanding gap
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, November 04, Mana: Fourteen-year-old Tadala James, from Nkhata Village, Group Village Head (GVH) Chibungo, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalolo in Lilongwe, is among scores of learners that are proud to be part of the genesis of their school.
The learners are the pioneers of Chibungo Community Day Secondary School, located in TA Kalolo, Mapuyu North Constituency.
The school just opened its doors for the first time on September 16, 2024, at the onset of the 2024/25 academic year, upon the completion of the second phase of the construction of the infrastructure, sending the entire community delirious with excitement.
"I'm very excited to be among the first learners to be enrolled at this new school: this will go down in the history of the school, and my education!" Exclaims the teen student, beaming with pride.
The feeling is common among more than 60 learners in Tadala's Form One class - the only class, so far, at the new institution.
The construction and opening of the new school has muted the long-standing cries of the community of Chibungo, and surrounding villages.
For ages, long distance to available public secondary institution, Katsuma CDSS, had always been a challenge with no solution in site, leading to high dropout rates among learners.
But a glimmer of hope came in 2017 when Lilongwe District Council embarked on the first phase of construction, whereby a block of two classes was erected using Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The second phase of construction of Chibungo Community Day Secondary School came in 2019, and it saw the construction of another 2-classroom block and VVIP toilets, using Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project funds.
The year 2024 saw the construction of administration block, water system aided by solar pump – all completed, and teacher's house, which was still under construction at the time of compiling this article.
Thus, with two complete classroom blocks, working water system, VVIP toilets and administration block ready for use, Chibungo CDSS became ready to admit the first intake of learners to start form one as the 2024/25 Academic Year rolled out.
The opening of the new CDSS has also ignited interest in those boys and girls who dropped out of school due to other reasons, including long distance to Katsuma, the 'nearest' CDSS then.
The returning of the dropouts is plainly evident at a glance as one can easily spot a number of 'older' learners in the pioneer class.
Among the back-to-school lot are Goodwill Kadeluka, Ganizani William, Mateyu Chipiliro, Hassan Chiwambo, and Denis Phiri, aged 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, respectively, who dropped out and stayed for 1 - 2 years before enrolling at the new school.
"We were all at Kachiswe Primary School and we dropped out due to either lack of fees, or long distance to Katsuma CDSS," explains 20-year-old Denis Phiri.
"The coming of the school within walkable distance has enabled not only those who dropped out due to long distance to Katsuma CDSS to return to school, but it has also stimulated the parents and guardians of those learners who dropped out because of financial challenges to strive and source funds to send their wards back to school," adds Phiri.
It’s the ease with which the ‘older’ and ‘younger’ students mingle and accommodate each other that leaves a bystander in awe.
This is what they have been taught – to respect and treat each other equally, according to Willard Chirwa, one of the teachers at the new school.
"As a teacher, nothing excites me more than seeing learners who dropped out returning to school," Chirwa explains, and he adds: "So, other than being happy for being one of the pioneer teachers of Chibungo CDSS, seeing the dropouts back in class is so ecstatic for me."
Chirwa describes the enthusiasm among the pioneer Form One students at Chibungo CDSS as so encouraging that he is hopeful that a solid foundation for the school, regarding performance, is successfully being laid.
The new CDSS was long overdue in the area and its coming has made the community heave a sigh of relief as students from the surrounding areas will no longer have to travel long distances to Katsuma CDSS, as it was the case before.
This is why the community rose to the occasion when the Lilongwe District Council sought land for the construction of the new school.
“A total of 13 hectares of land was allocated to the school – enough for all needed infrastructure, including staff houses, and other facilities, such as school ground and wood lot,” explains Goodwin Chithengo, Chairperson for the School’s Committee.
Chithengo adds that members of the community treasure the new school very much and they stand united, and ready with any required support to ensure that the institution's operations run smoothly.
Such is how GESD project is changing people's lives through Performance Based Grants (PBG) that councils get from the National Local Government Financing Committee (NLGFC), the constitutional body that is mandated to mobilize, distribute and ensure efficient and effective utilization of financial resources among local authorities.
NLGFC provides councils in the country with additional financial resources for public investments based on individual council’s achievement of results.
Lilongwe District Council has had GESD PBG for three phases, with the funding of MK527 million; MK1.4 billion; and MK2.7 billion, respectively, according to the council’s Director of Public Works, Sydney Chiphaka.
The funding for the three phases has enabled the council to implement over 50 projects, among them, school blocks, health facilities, bridges and market shelters, across the district.
“We implemented 16 projects in Phase 1 with MK527 million funding; 20 projects in Phase 2 with MK1.4 billion funding; and 17 projects in Phase 3 with MK2.7 billion funding, explains Chiphaka.
He continues: “With the completion of these GESD projects, we have seen an increase in pupils’ enrolment in schools where we have constructed classroom blocks; reduced distances to the nearest health facility, following new health infrastructure; and increased revenue collection due to the market shelters that we have constructed.”
The 50-plus projects that the Lilongwe Council has implemented include bridges which, according to Chiphaka, have seen farmers transporting their produce to markets with ease.
The Director of Public Works further observes that, other than bringing the needed development to the community, GESD projects have created jobs for many in the rural areas where most projects are implemented.
But that’s not all: GESD’s PBG has stimulated the councils to compete in service delivery in pursuit of highest score, for yet highest funds and this, in turn, is helping the public get quality services.
Digital financial services to reduce theft in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, November 4, Mana: Communities in Nsanje District have hailed digital financing services, noting that such services will help to reduce incidents of theft.
Speaking on Sunday during a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) sensitization meetings on digital financing services, Eliza Ken from Ndenguma Village in Traditional Authority Malemia said the digital financing will help to protect money from armed robbers.
Ken said the digital financing services will also help to secure money for VSL groups.
“Nsanje borders Mozambique and the issue of theft is on the rise and it has been a threat for me to keep huge sums of money in my house,” she added.
Daniel Chabuka from the same village also praised the digital financing services, adding that it is instant and convenient.
"You can withdraw money at your own convenient time," he said.
Chabuka said the digital financing service is very crucial to Nsanje communities considering that the district has one commercial bank only and during month end, the bank gets congested.
"Through digital financing there is no more queuing at the bank. You can do the transaction at your own pace," he added.
The digital financing campaign in Nsanje is implemented by AC Consulting with support from the Reserve Bank of Malawi and Ministry of Finance.
AC Consulting Nsanje District Team Leader, Bridget Mhango said they are conducting road shows, meetings with area development committees and VSLs with an aim of encouraging communities to embrace digital financing services.
Mhango said the exercise is aimed at encouraging communities to make payments and sales through mobile money, online, ATM transfers and mobile banking.
“The digital financing services are cheaper and efficient. The services are also easy, faster and are available any time of the day," she added.
Mhango, therefore, encouraged communities to embrace digital financing services as the world is going digital.
Over 30,000 households targeted for lean season response in Mchinji
By Gloria Asante Mvula
Mchinji, November 4, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) is distributing maize to communities in Mchinji District to help them through the lean season period.
The efforts are aimed at combating food insecurity for households in the district and each household will be receiving a bag of maize each month for the next four months, as part of the 2024/25 National Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), the Mchinji District Disaster Risk Management Officer (DDRMO), Jonathan Kapatsa, said the aid targets ultra-poor households, especially homes that cannot afford food starting with those on the social cash transfer programme (SCTP).
“A total of 30,523 households are being targeted for this year’s lean season response in Mchinji. Out of that, 14,875 are those under the SCTP and 15,648 households are to be targeted using Joint Emergency Food Assistance Programme (JEFAP) guidelines,
"I am asking the beneficiaries to use this maize for the intended purposes only and not for sale," Kapatsa said.
Elisy Masulani from Saili Village Traditional Authority (T/A) Nyoka, commended DoDMA for the food aid saying her home will now manage to have three meals per day.
“I look after my grandchildren, whose parents died and I only manage to provide for them by doing small piece works. This food aid will go a long way, at least we will have three meals per day,” Masulani explained.
Alick Makiyi, a committee member from the Masegwe cluster, in the same area of T/A Nyoka, expressed his gratitude to DoDMA for the relief food items, and called the distribution as a success because all identified 136 households from his T/A received the relief food items.
"The aid has come at the right time because our community is battling with food insecurity, we did not receive enough rains last year, affecting almost every household in my area,” said Makiyi.
Kayelekera Uranium Mine to reopen in 2025
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, November 4, Mana: General Manager for Kayelekera Uuranium Mine owned by Lotus Africa Limited (LAL), Theo Keyter, has revealed that production at the mine will begin in the second half of 2025.
Speaking during the press conference in Karonga Sunday, Keyter said at the moment, Government of Malawi owns 15% of the shares while LAL owns 85% of the shares and there are plans to float some shares on the Malawi Stock Exchange also.
“We will start exploration of minerals mid-2025, and we have not restricted any one nor any local company from investing in our shares. Those who want to are most welcome,” Keyter explained.
Keyter also said that, not only will business people benefit but also local people in Karonga will have a share of the cake.
"The company will undertake sustainable development that will continue even if mining stops.
“0.45% gross revenue will go back to the community every year through an account which we are going to open for them. The money will be used for the development works of which the communities will choose to be done.
“This will start the first 12 months of our sales. Lotus believes that the community must be better off because we are there,” he explained.
On her part, acting Director of Planning and Development for Karonga District council Khumbo Mkandawire praised the company for adhering to government laws and following a humanitarian approach.
“Following the bottom-up approach on development of communities is very good. Unlike the previous miners, Lotus goes to the community so that the community can choose the development they want.
“We will also make sure that the Community Development Agreement which they will sign with the communities is done accordingly,” Mkandawire said.
Ministry takes digital financial education to rural masses
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, November 4, Mana: Communities in Traditional Authorities Mtwalo, Jaravikuwa and Kampingo Sibande have applauded the Ministry of Finance for taking digital finance services education to their door steps.
The seven-day exercise which began on 29th October has seen ministry representatives in partnership with Mzimba North District Information Office conducting interactive road shows in the district’s main trading centers.
In separate interviews, business people and individuals have expressed gratitude for the exercise, which they say, has helped reaffirm their trust towards use of modern digital financial service tools.
Mary Msachi, from Madang’ombe village in the area of Traditional Authority Mtwalo who plies her trade at Chambo Market, said even though she had heard on radio about use of modern digital tools to keep her money, she never had the confidence to do so.
“I have learnt that keeping money in my phone is safer. For example, we get our goods in Mzuzu. Traveling with cash that far is risky, rather, I will travel with my phone and cash out right there where I am ordering the goods,” said Msachi who is a second hand clothes seller.
Kenneth Msime a trader at Enyezini Trading Center in the area of Traditional Authority Kampingo Sibande said the coming of the civic education message to the area is an answered prayer because in most villages people keep money in their homes.
“Enyezini is one of the areas where people are still keeping money in their homes. Like this time when farming season is beginning, many farmers get robbed of cash as they travel to the city to purchase fertilizer and other farm inputs.
Memory Chiwowa, a trader at Area 1B market in Mzuzu City said use of modern digital financial tools has eased challenges faced by people living with disabilities because instead of traveling long distances to access services, they are able to get the services through phones.
“Through mobile services, I am able to pay bills and send money wherever I want without traveling long distance,” said Chiwowa who is leg amputee.
Esther Mbalame, Digital Finance Education Field Supervisor for Mzuzu City said the program came about after noticing some gaps in use of modern digital financial services.
“The main purpose of coming up with the campaign was to encourage masses to embrace digital financial tools that are available and ably use them to their advantage.
“We believe that after the exercise more people will see the importance of using these tools to access digital financial services,” said Mbalame.
Amongst other areas, the campaign was also done at Nkhorongo, Zolozolo, Chiputula, Mchengautuwa, Chiwavi and Masasa in Mzuzu City, and Bwengu, Enukweni, Ekwendeni, Jombo in Mzimba district.
