MANAonline
Prophet Magaya arrives in Malawi
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, July 5, Mana: Prophet Walter Magaya of Zimbabwe called on Malawians to seek God's intervention in the face of challenges, including the recent plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
He said this Friday when on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe where he will conduct a two-day conference at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) from July 6 to 7, 2024.
The conference, organized by Prophet Patson Gondwe of Good News Ministries, aims to provide leadership teachings, mentorship, and spiritual guidance to attendees.
"Challenges which Malawi is facing require strong prayers to contain them. I urge Malawians to seek God's intervention and guidance during this difficult time," Prophet Magaya said.
The Conference will focus on one-on-one meetings, and attendees will learn how to run successful ministries and avoid common mistakes.
Businesspeople will benefit from knowledge and skills imparted during the conference to help them succeed in their respective businesses.
The Conference is expected to draw a large crowd, and attendees are eager to receive spiritual guidance and leadership teachings from the renowned prophet.
City struggles with rampant wrong parking
By Chisomo Sumani,
Lilongwe July 5, Mana: A common yet critical act of significant concern continues to be rampant in Lilongwe City where drivers wrongly park vehicles all around the city.
This prevalent practice not only causes inconvenience to other drivers and pedestrians but poses serious safety hazards like road accidents, delayed ambulance due to traffic congestion and reduced traffic.
In response, the City Council embarked on the act of clamping wrongly parked vehicles in July 2019 which came into operation on August five the same year in their efforts to clamp down on improperly parked cars, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility among drivers and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.
In an article published by Nyasatimes, the City Council Public Relations Officer, Tamara Chafunya was quoted to have said, “We observed chaos in terms of the way people park their vehicles within the city. For example, we have seen people parking their vehicles in pedestrian pave ways and office complexes which are not designated as public parking areas.”
She continued to say, they thought it wise to include a by-law on traffic which gives powers to the council to enforce proper parking of vehicles having observed chaos in terms of the way people park their vehicles within the city, as the Road Traffic Act gives powers to the local authority to manage traffic in the city.”
It is however to a continuation that since it was said and implemented in 2019 wrong parking hasn't yet been mitigated.
Clamping has by far been done on wrongly parked cars as well as cars with lots of parking debt to the city council.
Drivers often justify their actions by citing limited parking space and the urgency of their tasks.
They argue that they need to park quickly to complete errands, enter shops, or pick up and drop off customers, such finding it challenging to drive their way through until they find a parking space that is however limited.
Many find it challenging to find a parking space, leading them to park wherever they can, even if it is illegal. They complain of having their cars clamped even when they are just getting things for their customers from a shop to the car, parking space is said to be limited.
Most drivers claim to park their vehicles where they believe and feel that safety is assured a place where they can be and still manage to watch over their cars at a distance.
One driver, Peter Phiri acknowledged the significance of the clamping efforts but emphasized the need for more parking spaces.
"They are not wrong to clamp our cars when they are wrongly parked, but we still need more space for parking to avoid driving in circles looking for a spot," he said.
Another driver, Trywell Kagona urged his fellow drivers to adhere to parking regulations.
"If you find a good parking spot, park your car there. Most people know where the parking areas are but still end up parking anywhere," he advised.
Kagona stressed the importance of following the rules to maintain order and safety on the roads.
The Road Traffic Act Chapter 69:01 states that, no person shall park a vehicle on any portion of the roadway, excluding the shoulders, of a public road outside an urban area or with any part of such vehicle within one metre of the edge of such roadway except in a parking place demarcated by an appropriate road traffic sign.
Perpetrators of wrong parking are fined.
Despite these enforcement efforts, the issue of wrong parking persists, highlighting a need for a more comprehensive solution.
The struggle against rampant wrong parking in Lilongwe is ongoing, but with continued enforcement, infrastructural improvements, and community cooperation, there is hope for a more orderly and safer city environment.
Music show against suicide
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, July 5, Mana: All in One Entertainment has organized a free music show dubbed Bangwe Music Festival on Monday July 8, 2024 as part of the country’s Independence Day.
The Event is scheduled to be conducted at Dessert Ground in Bangwe Township to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
All in One Entertainment is a Bangwe Township based music outfit that performs in different events and they are well known for performing with celebrated Phalombe Music Star, Giboh Pearson.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday in Blantyre, All in One Vice Band Leader, Alex Samala said they have organized the show as one way of bringing people together to address the issue of suicide cases in their area.
“In the past months, we registered more suicide cases in our area; we, therefore, thought of organizing this show for people to be entertained and get counseling on the matter,” he said.
Samala disclosed that they have reached out to other organizations and individuals to partner with them and provide counseling about suicide at the event.
He added that the campaign does not target the youths only, saying since it was a free event everyone was at liberty to attend.
“Our main target is the youth but since it is a public activity, everyone is invited,” Band leader hinted.
Samala appealed to people from Bangwe Township and surrounding areas to patronize the event, on account that it would be entertaining as well as educative.
One of the Artists expected to perform on the day, Mellz confirmed about his availability during the show, saying he was ready for the show and expecting a great show.
“I am going to be there, just know that I was born ready and I was born for this,” he boasted.
Mellz who is known as the Zipweteko Star among his fans, appealed to those that would attend the show to observe peace, noting that the event would attract people with diverse backgrounds being in an open ground.
“Those that will come should avoid violence so that we will have a great show,” he said.
People at the show will enjoy music performances from the Chinafuna M’bale hit makers Lucky Stars and Abiti Najere, among others who have already confirmed their presence.
Supporting artists include Elgenesys, Punja, Twins Mission, One Pr, King Cosh, M’buka Man, Ably, Paipa Squid, Rain C, Di Music, K Selebouy and 18 Chopper.
Ministry of lands strives for professionalism
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, July 5, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba, has underscored the need for district land registrars, who have completed a month-long training on land administration, to carry out their duties professionally and avoid corruption for the Ministry to win public confidence.
Gumba made the remarks on Friday during the graduation of 34 district land registrars held at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Natural Resources College (NRC) campus.
The district land registrars were recruited by government and deployed to district councils as one way of decentralizing land administration functions in the country.
Gumba emphasised that this development is a crucial milestone considering that this is the first time in history that all district councils in Malawi will now have district land registrars in place.
"After completing their studies, the registrars will be assigned to their respective district councils. I urge you to refrain from corruption and always adhere to professional ethics for you to win trust from the people you will be serving," stated Gumba.
He highlighted that the training will equip the officers with practical, job-relevant skills, providing opportunities to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and competencies.
Gumba commended Ministry of Lands and the college leadership for their commendable work in organizing and conducting the training which, he said, has come at the right time when government is implementing the new land laws.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Agnes Mangwela, expressed excitement for the training stating that the initiative will provide land registry services which will enhance land management service in the country.
She stated that LUANAR will continue to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Lands in providing capacity building programmes in issues related to land management and administration.
One of the participants, Kobe Benjamin Kabango, said the training has given them the requisite skills to discharge the functions of district land registrars professionally and serve the public in a transparent and accountable manner.
Drug Fight Malawi hails new guidelines for quitting smoking
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, July 5, Mana: Executive Director for Drug Fight Malawi, Nelson Zakeyu, has applauded the World Health Organization (WHO) for the new guidelines on quitting smoking, saying it has come at a right time when other tobacco manufacturers are deceiving people with fake methods of quitting tobacco use.
Zakeyu made the sentiments following the release of the first-ever clinical treatment guideline for adults who wish to quit smoking.
“There is substantial evidence through studies conducted worldwide that six million people die annually from tobacco smoking and Malawi is not spared. These guidelines will help alleviate problems as a result of smoking if domesticated in our land and when they’re implemented effectively,” Zakeyu said.
The guideline focuses on helping more than 750 million tobacco consumers who want to quit all forms of tobacco.
In the guidelines, WHO has recommended a comprehensive set of tobacco quitting interventions, including behavioral support delivered by health care providers, digital interventions and pharmacological treatments.
WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the guidelines as a crucial milestone in the global battle against the dangerous products.
“It empowers countries with essential tools to effectively support individuals in quitting tobacco and alleviate the global burden of tobacco related diseases,” he said.
WHO Director of Health Promotion, Dr. Rudiger Krech, said the immense struggle that people face when trying to quit smoking cannot be overemphasized and that there is need to deeply appreciate the strength it takes to overcome the addiction.
“These guidelines are designed to help communities and governments provide the best possible support and assistance to those on this challenging journey,” Krech added.
Chikwawa District Council geared to combat El-Nino induced hunger
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, July 5, Mana: Chikwawa has been named as one of the districts in Malawi which has been highly affected by effects of dry spells due to El Nino weather patterns.
This was disclosed Thursday during an agriculture field day at Group Village Head Chinjala in Traditional Authority (TA) Chapananga in the district.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Chikwawa Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Jackson Mvula, said over 60 percent of cereal farmers have been affected, representing over 60 percent of households affected by hunger in the district.
Mvula disclosed some of the interventions the district is undertaking to mitigate effects of dry spells.
He said agriculture extension workers are encouraging farmers to practice irrigation and integrated farming.
“With irrigation, farmers are able to grow crops in winter and have bumper harvest and through integrated farming farmers also harvest much because there is interdependence of crops,” said Mvula.
Chikwawa District Council Chairperson, Wyson Bush, commended farmers who are practicing irrigation farming, saying it is the only effective way to avert hunger.
“We can keep hunger away from our homes only if we desist from laziness. Let's be productive by emulating the life of others who are already doing well with farming,” said Bush.
Bush, therefore, urged different development partners to help farmers with resources as one way of empowerment.
One of the lead farmers from Chandile Village, Mary Kambeya, commended government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for rendering continued support to farmers with resources and extension services.
Kambeya, who is now able to provide for her family from irrigation proceeds, said farmers are able to produce more because of the support from NGOs.
Apart from irrigation and integrated farming, Chikwawa District Council is also encouraging farmers to construct check dams, practice livestock farming, backyard gardens and tree planting.
Malawi set to reap benefits from world Bank’s IDEA programme
By Chisomo Sumani & Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, July 5, Mana: World Bank has approved funding for the implementation of phase 2 of the Digital Malawi Project, the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project, through the Inclusive Digitalization in Eastern and Southern Africa (IDEA) Programme.
The IDEA programme, which is poised to accelerate digital inclusion for 180 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa, will see the implementation of the Digital Malawi Acceleration Project which aims to leverage improved connectivity and public digital service delivery capacity to accelerate digital services growth across sectors.
Secretary for Information and Digitalization, Baldwin Chiyamwaka, said through Malawi Digital project government will increase access to and inclusive use of the internet and improve its capacity to deliver digitally enabled services.
He disclosed that through the first phase of the project government has achieved significant milestones.
“The project enhanced and increased access to affordable, high-quality internet services for government, businesses and citizens and improved government's capacity to deliver digital public services. There is still a lot to be done but it is not the same as it was five years ago,” he stated.
Director for E-Government in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Paul Katema, said: “Government is actively promoting digital inclusion through several initiatives which include, free internet zones, school connectivity, capacity building as well as support for women and girls.”
Katema said specific programmes are aimed at increasing digital literacy and skills among women and girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy.
“Government is actively promoting digital inclusion connecting 2,000 secondary schools to the internet, providing students and teachers with the necessary tools for digital education
“The construction of the primary data Centre in Lilongwe is nearing completion. This will also enhance data management and storage capabilities,” Katema added.
Other programmes include connecting 500 government institutions to the internet, establishing free Wi-Fi zones in Malawi, with over 39 sites currently operational, increasing public access to the internet and developing legislative frameworks to safeguard data privacy and security.
In a press release Vice President for the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa region, Victoria Kwakwa, said IDEA is a holistic programme that will unleash opportunities for hundreds of millions of Africans to actively participate in and contribute to the advancement of the region’s digital economies.
This she underscored the critical importance of public and private sector partnerships in driving sustainable economic growth.
Kawale hails rice planters’ innovation
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, July 5, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, says improving farming through mechanisation has the potential to increase agricultural productivity.
Kawale was speaking Thursday at Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme in Zomba during a demonstration of a rice planter by Mahindra Company.
Mahindra Company brought two rice planters, the ‘Walk Behind’ planter which can plant rice on approximately two hectares per day and the ‘Ride On’ planter that can cover over three hectares per day.
Kawale said time has come for Malawian farmers to adopt mechanization farming for improved crop production.
“By using the rice planter, more hectares can be covered hence the need for our farmers to have access to the machines,” he said.
Kawale said it is government’s wish to ensure that the country moves from traditional ways of farming and seriously invest in modern and mechanized farming.
He disclosed plans to expand Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme which has a perennial water source to benefit more farmers.
“Government has invested a lot of money in mega farms for farmers to boost their productivity and prevent hunger. I am personally impressed with Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme and plans are underway to increase the hectare for massive rice production,” said Kawale.
Kawale, therefore, applauded Mahindra Company for the support of the planter, saying the machinery would ease labour and save time.
Sales and Marketing Officer for Mahindra Company, George Livuwo, said the demonstration was aimed at familiarizing farmers with the machines and for them to realise benefits of the planters.
“We need to be productive as a country by adopting new farming technologies which can directly boost our harvest. We would like to encourage cooperatives to try these machines which can boost their production,” said Livuwo.
Chairperson for Zomba District Council, Bester Chirwa, urged farmers at the scheme to utilize the opportunity for their benefit.
Chirwa thanked government for its effective coordination with Mahindra Company saying the initiative will not only benefit Zomba but the nation as a whole.
Construction of Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme, which is currently being utilized by farmers in Chingale, started in December 2022.
The scheme is located in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita and pumps water using solar power from the Shire River.
Kaonga dangles K6 million to top six MSCE performers
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, July 5, Mana: President for Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM), Ernest Kaonga, has pledged a whooping K6 million to six best performing students sitting for the 2023/2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations as one way of motivating them.
Kaonga, who is also Director for Maranatha Private Academy, said they believe that motivation is one factor that inspires students to work hard.
The offer, which will see three boys and three girls getting K1 million each, goes to students in both private and public schools.
“We need to motivate these students. Our aim is to see them scoring highly in exams. As PRISAM President, l have set aside K6 million to six students who will emerge top performers during these examinations,” said Kaonga.
He said the offer is for the love of education and to complement government’s efforts in promoting education standards.
Kaonga has been decorating MSCE, Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) top performers by offering scholarships to such excellence from the marginalized.
This year he has promised to also splash out cash to top students who sat for the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examinations.
In a separate interview, Chifundo Mawindo, one of the students who are currently sitting for MSCE examinations, expressed gratitude with the offer saying it has come at the right time.
He said, as a candidate, he will fight very hard to claim the prize.
“I will be writing with much effort in order to dominate and qualify for the award. I know there are other fellows who are writing these exams as such I am encouraging them to push hard and fight for success because this will be a starter-pack for our tertiary education,” said Mawindo.
In 2022/2023 academic year, Kaonga awarded Esnart Chiwala, Don Chikopa and Joseph Mathias who obtained six points from St. Mary’s and Dedza Secondary Schools with K1 million each.
He also offered a job to Mathias as a student teacher at their Lilongwe campus after noticing that he struggles financially. The arrangement was meant to assist him raise money for his tuition in college.
Government commits in supporting refugees and asylum seekers
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, July 5, Mana: Government has committed to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the country while at the same time urged refugees to continue to honor the laws of the country.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security, Erica Maganga, made the remarks Thursday at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa when Malawi observed World Refugee Day.
Maganga said Malawi continues to be a nation that has opened her doors to people fleeing conflict and persecution from their countries, offering them sanctuary, dignity and hope.
"Today we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of compassion, generosity and solidarity that defines us as a people. We stand as a beacon of hope in a world too often marked by division and discord, demonstrating that when we come together in cohesion, there is no challenge too great for us to overcome," she said.
However, she urged refugees and asylum seekers to respect the laws of Malawi.
"I wish to emphasize that such a collective action comes with responsibility on refugees and asylum seekers to respect and uphold the laws of Malawi," said Maganga.
She said as the country observes the day, it is imperative to recognize the immense challenges faced by refugees across the world, too hard to imagine.
Maganga said refugees demonstrate extraordinary resilience, courage, strength and determination for a better tomorrow.
She further said government and partners should rekindle that hope by offering support for them to rebuild their lives.
"As we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable world, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that refugees are not only protected but also empowered to thrive.
"This requires us to invest in education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and psychosocial support for refugees and host communities alike," she said.
Government has identified a new refugee camp site in Chitipa where it will ensure that there are improved services, facilities and land for agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Malawi Law Society has started review of the 1989 Refugees Act in order to create a favorable legal environment for refugees.
Commissioner for Refugees General Ignacio Maulana said there is work to be done to see an improved management of refugees and asylum seekers in the country.
"Unfortunately we cannot do this alone; we need assistance of the whole society so that together we build solutions that are sustainable and in the interests of all the persons of concern and the nation at large," he said.
He called for peace at the camp and for partners to understand the needs of refugees in order to provide the right support.
Dzaleeka Refugee Camp Manager, Elton Phulusa, commended partners for their help towards the camp.
He said congestion is a big challenge as there are daily arrivals of refugees at the camp which, currently, hosts over 54,000, way beyond the initial 12,000 recommendation.
"This has brought challenges in terms of provision of shelter, security, education, food and health services. So, the establishment of a new camp in Chitipa will help ease some of the challenges here," said Phulusa.
Abdikarim Taashir Ismael, who spoke on behalf of the refugee community applauded stakeholders in ensuring dignity for asylum seekers.
He bemoaned that some articles in the country create restrictions for refugees to access some fundamental rights and opportunities, hence hindering the development and quest for their self-sufficient lives.
"By lifting these restrictions, we can empower refugees to work, move freely and integrate into society. It would allow refugees to support themselves and their families, reducing the financial burden on partners.
"Furthermore, fostering an environment where refugees can thrive and contribute benefits not only the refugees but also the broader community. Refugees bring with them diverse skills, experiences and perspectives that can enrich the cultural and economic fabric of Malawi," he said.
Group Village Head Chimtengo of Traditional Authority Mkukula asked for a vehicle for police officers saying it becomes a challenge to respond to emergencies during the night.
Instituted in 2001, the day is annually cerebrated on June 20 to honor the plight and bravery of refugees. This year Malawi observed the day on July 4 due to the recent 21 days mourning period the country was in following the death of the immediate past Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima.
