MANAonline
Taxi operators in Zomba cry foul over closed bridge
By Thoko Banda
Zomba, January 16, Mana: Taxis drivers operating on Mpondabwino to Sadzi, Mpunga roads in Zomba City have expressed concerns over temporary closure of Mpondabwino bridge at Likangala River saying it has negatively affected their business,
Last week, the Zomba City Council issued a notice of closure of the road to Sadzi and Mpunga through Mpondabwino due to a crack on the Llikangala Bridge.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, one of the taxi drivers, Abdulaziz Katema said most of the drivers fail to operate, as most of their passengers prefer hiring motorcycles that pass through the remaining part of the bridge though at owner’s risk.
“With the closure of the road, passengers cannot accept to use the longer route. They rather choose to travel by motorcycle on the closed road passing on the cracked bridge,
“Our life is no longer the same, we wish the council fast-tracked the rehabilitation works at the bridge,” Katema said.
Another taxi operator, Willard Pensulo said he is able to make MK10, 000 per day in the current situations as compared to Mk30, 000 he used to make before the road was closed.
“Since the closure of the road, there has been nothing from the council and this is worrying as we don’t know how long it will take to have the bridge fixed,” Pensulo said.
Meanwhile, the city council authorities have assured road users that they are looking into the issue such that an assessment of the bridge shall determine when to start fixing the problem,
Zomba City Council, Public Relations Officer, Sylivia Thawani said preparations were underway for the maintenance works, adding that the council was waiting for a report from the assessment.
“The council is pretty well aware of the challenges but people should not lose hope, as all will be fine shortly” she said.
RBM urges people in Zomba to Adopt the use of Digital Financial Services
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, January 15, Mana: Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has urged people at Sub-Traditional Authority (TA) Nkapita in Chingale, Zomba to adopt Digital Financial Services (DFS) to minimize issues of theft and financial mismanagement.
Zomba DFS Team Leader, Ella Kangaude made the plea during a DTS awareness at Chingale Trading Centre where she emphasized on the importance of embracing DTS.
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“Among others, the DFS campaign intends to encourage people to adopt usage of Airtel money, TNM Mpamba and banks for business transactions, as the world is going digital,” She said.
Kangaude said, once adopted the DFS will reduce the cost of money replacement and printing by government while also allowing those in Village Loan and Savings (VLS) groups have easy access to loans from banks.
Chairperson of M’mango VLS group, Elita Sabelo welcomed the development, saying her group was ready to start using DFS as an efficient way of transaction.
The DFS awareness campaign will run for 20 days and target rural population among them, women, people with disabilities, youths and VLS groups as RBM team intends to visit all T/As, trading centers and schools across Zomba.
Chitipa farmers urged to utilise irrigation schemes
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, January 15, Mana: Chitipa District Council has appealed to farmers under Mafinga and Marko Irrigation schemes in Senior Chiefs Mwenewenya and Mwabulambya respectively to utilize the facilities in order to help fight food insecurity in the district.
Chitipa District Council Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Smith Mnenula made the call on Wednesday after touring the two irrigation schemes to appreciate what farmers are doing.
Mnenula observed that the two schemes are big but were being underutilized.
“Mafinga irrigation scheme has a hectarage of 131 but only 49.5 hectares is being utilised while Marko irrigation scheme is 98 hectares big with only 38.8 hectares under utilisation which is very little.
“To achieve the 10-year Malawi Implementation Plan under Malawi 2063, we need to start utilising these capital investments so that we are food secure and have income at household level,” Mnenula said.
He challenged frontline workers in the two senior chiefs to mobilise farmers and sensitise them on the importance of irrigation farming.
“We want to make sure that this season more farmers start utilising the irrigation schemes. There is also a need for farmers to increase their farming area so that they have food at home and sell the surplus,” he said.
Mafinga Water Users Association secretary, Alice Mbale assured the council that the association will mobilize farmers to ensure that they start irrigation farming in the next irrigation season.
"We will ensure that we sensitise the farmers on the need to utilise the facilities to help avert hunger in the district," she said.
Marko Irrigation Scheme Secretary, Abdala Milanzi said he is hopeful that more farmers will start irrigation farming to utilise the idle scheme land.
“Most farmers were hesitant to do irrigation farming but after seeing the benefits coming from the scheme, many have registered to join the farming this season,” Milanzi said.
The Mafinga and Marko Irrigation schemes were constructed by Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) project with funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), The Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) and the Malawi Government.
Government vows to boost SME's, cooperatives
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 14, Mana: Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe has said government is committed to support cooperatives and small and medium enterprises in value addition which will help in the transformation of Malawi's economy by increasing revenue generation.
Gwengwe was speaking on Tuesday in Karonga where he visited Rukulu Rice Women Cooperative, a beneficiary of the Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) Project where he pledged to help cooperatives in adding value to their produce for exportation.
"As a country, we are importing more products than we are exporting and we need to reverse this trend in order for us to be creating wealth for our country through locally made products that are exported,” he said.
"Government will continue to introduce initiatives which will expose local cooperatives to the international market and we are in the process of constructing a COMESA market in Mchinji which will soon open doors for Malawian products to the international market," the minister added.
Gwengwe then pledged to simplify cross-border trade and exports as part of government's plan to boost Malawian businesses and take advantage of various export windows for economic growth.
Chairperson for Rukulu Rice Women Cooperative, Elizabeth Mwamukangama, said their cooperative, which was established in 2019, produces high quality and properly graded rice.
"We got K38,600,000 from AGCOM which we used to install a grader and an automated rice color sorter which are being used to grade rice in sizes and then we pack it in a properly branded paper," said Mwamukangama.
"For a year now, we have been supplying rice to Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe and we have recently started supplying rice to the cafeteria at Kayelekera Uranium Mine here in Karonga," she added.
She said from 2023 to 2024, the cooperative achieved a total income of K154,866,875.00.
However, Mwamukangama bemoaned the flooding of cheap and fake Kilombero rice products on the local markets believed to be from neighbouring Tanzania, which she said is destroying the reputation of their original Kilombero rice and affecting sales.
National Coordinator for AGCOM Ted Nakhumwa said their purpose is to commercialize farming since a majority of smaller holder farmers in Malawi are subsistent.
According to Nakhumwa, AGCOM has since disbursed $95 million, reaching to 265 productive cooperatives in various value chains, major ones being soya production, fisheries, dairy farming, beef and honey production.
Dedza Kabaza operators told to get licenses
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, January 15, Mana: President for Kabaza Association of Malawi (KAMA), Joseph Petro, has advised motorbike taxi (Kabaza) operators in Dedza to acquire a driver’s license and register their motorbikes under a subsidized arrangement through government and Road Safety Alert Foundation (RoSAF).
Petro made the remarks Tuesday during a meeting with Kabaza operators, the Police and RoSAF.
He said the Association engaged government to be lenient with Kabaza operators when registering their motorbikes.
The association engaged government to consider subsidizing motorbike registration fee from K170, 000 to K56, 000 for smaller motorbike between February and May, 2025.
“Besides, RoSAF has engaged different driving schools to train Kabaza operators to get a license at K100, 000 from about K400, 000,” he said.
Petro anticipates a reduction in road accidents through the initiative saying Kabaza operators are contributing to the country’s development by, among others, ferrying people to hospitals, schools, bushiness places and also offering courier services.
Station Traffic Officer for Dedza Police Station, Finai Mwaighogha, commended RoSAF and KAMA for the initiative saying it is critical in saving lives.
“The knowledge they will gain will help reduce accidents as operators will be conversant with the Highway Code and other requirements as road users,” he said.
Chairperson for Dedza Kabaza Association, Vincent Kapiye, hailed the meeting saying the awareness is critical to operators.
“We will take this message to all operators in the district because, as Dedza, we are eager to meet these requirements,” he said.
RoSAF Operations Director, Rev. Noel Mhango, said the organization is concerned with increase of accidents associated with Kabaza operators, which use a lot of public resources through medical treatment.
“These accidents have also led to suffering among households especially where a bread winner loses life,” he said.
KAMA has a membership of over 3,000,000 across the country.
Bullets signs two players
By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, January 15, Mana: Former Mzuzu City Hummers Chikumbutso Henderson and former Chitipa United, Blessings Joseph on Monday signed a three-year contract with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
Newly appointed Big Bullets Head Coach, Peter Mponda, expressed confidence in the teams’ new signings saying the two will improve the team’s performance.
Mponda recommended the acquisition of defenders Henderson and Joseph describing the decision as good.
“The two have ability to play any role assigned in the field of play. The team is not done with new signings; I will try to add more new players to bring out a promise and a changed strong team,” said Mponda.
Joseph said it has been his goal in football to play FCB Nyasa Big Bullets as such the contract with the club means his dreams have come true and promised a brilliant performance to the club management.
“It is a dream for everyone to play for a big team. I have been playing under Mponda before but I thank him for remembering me and God should bless him for that,” said Joseph.
Henderson said he will work hard for the betterment of his football career and he appreciated the club management for his recruitment.
“I’m grateful to join Bullets. I promise to work hard and surpass my previous performance,” he said.
Joseph becomes the second signing for the January 2025 transfer window while Henderson was the first.
Chakwera vouches for peaceful leadership
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, January 15, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday led Malawians in commemorating this year's John Chilembwe Day held at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu District.
Speaking during a service of worship which was held under the theme: "Come to me and I will give you rest," drawn from Matthew 11: 29-30, Chakwera said it was crucial for Malawians to reflect on the type of leadership which would bring peace as the country is going through hard times.
The Malawi leader said most of the problems the country is facing are similar and could be dealt with if the country considers a leader who can champion unity of purpose and promote peaceful co-existence.
Chakwera called upon people in the country to progressively work towards developing the nation, noting that for the country to make meaningful progress there is need for collaborative efforts saying the president alone cannot address all problems in the country.
"By choosing the word Providence, Chilembwe wanted us to know that we are blessed as a country. If our vision is to bring nepotism or violence, then we are not towing Chilembwe's line of thinking.
"Rev. Chilembwe also wanted us to know that we are blessed with natural resources and our rest will come from our responsible use of these resources," he said.
The President observed that this is why three years ago he embarked on a project to build schools of excellence by looking at Chilembwe as a pioneer of excellence, considering that Chilembwe believed that the country can only develop with quality education.
"By using "industrial" Chilembwe wanted us to know that we can produce our own products which we can export to finance development projects in the country," Chakwera emphasized.
He, therefore, encouraged Malawians to pull in one direction as Chilembwe envisioned and to embrace the spirit of hard work for the country to develop.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, said Chilembwe promoted the spirit of togetherness and education by constructing schools.
Chimwendo Banda commended the President for spearheading various developmental projects across the country, citing the construction of 11,000 school blocks, supporting at least 30,000 university students with educational loans, restoring the railway network and buying farm produce from farmers at a good price.
He also hailed Chakwera for the introduction of Umodzi Day, which, he said, is meant to promote peace and unity in the country.
Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Central, McTimes Malowa, said many people in the district are facing hunger.
"Here in Chiradzulu Central Constituency, we have two AIP depots; this is January but only few farmers have redeemed their farm inputs," Malowa lamented.
PIM African Baptist Assembly President, Rev. Dr Wilson Mitambo, thanked President Chakwera for his servant leadership style and offering a helping hand to the church in times of need.
"These people fought and sacrificed their lives for our freedom. That is why it is important for us to be patriotic and hard working so that we can move forward together in developing this country," he said.
Rev. John Chilembwe (1871-1915) was a Baptist pastor, educator and revolutionary who is remembered on January 15 annually for his role in leading the uprising against the British rule during the colonial era in 1915.
This year's event began with laying of wreaths followed by intercessory prayers on good leadership, wisdom and guidance for better Malawi; economic prosperity and development; national peace, unity and reconciliation; good 2024/2025 agricultural season; free and fair 2025 general elections and the spirit of patriotism among Malawians.
Some notable faces at the event were Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara; Chief Justice, Rizine Mzikamanda; Commander of the Malawi Defence Force, General Valentino Phiri; Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba; paramount chiefs Lundu, Kawinga and Chikulamayembe.
Joseph Mwanamveka, representing leader of opposition in Parliament; PDP President, Kondwani Nankhumwa, UTM President, Dalitso Kabambe and Inkosi Gomani Maseko and Inkosi Yamakosi Mbelwa V also graced the event.
Minister advise farmers to farm throughout the year
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, January 15, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has advised farmers in the country to take farming seriously and grow crops throughout the year to ensure sufficient food production for the country to achieve food security.
Kawale made the appeal on Tuesday at Chinamwali in Zomba during the fertilizer distribution by National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
He said the goal of the current government is to transform the agriculture sector by making sure that farmers move from subsistence to commercial farming to end hunger completely.
However, Kawale, said this goal can be achieved only when farmers engage in farming all year round.
“As government, we will make sure that we support farmers by providing them with agriculture inputs. Our appeal is that farmers should cultivate the culture of growing crops all year round,” said Kawale.
He said government will continue exploring various interventions and implement reforms that would enhance agriculture in the country.
“Many of the things we tried didn't work and we expect that through fertilizer loans by NEEF, the country should be able to produce sufficient food,” he said.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, said it is his organization's intention to support almost all farmers in the country.
NEEF has already reached out to over 400,000 farmers with fertilizer loan programme.
Senior Chief Malemia said through the programme, the country stands a chance to achieve food security.
One of the beneficiaries, Francis Misomali, described the programme as a game changer and viable solution to ending hunger in Malawi.
NEEF has embarked on countrywide fertilizer loan programme to enable farmer’s access fertilizer through loan for food crop production.
Education commentator ask government to abolish examination fees
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, January 15, Mana: A education commentator, Limbani Nsapato, has asked government to consider abolishing examination fees saying it is one of the contributing factors to high dropout rate among learners, especially girls, in the country.
Nsapato made the call recently during 2025/2026 pre-budget consultative meeting in Lilongwe.
Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, is conducting the meeting in the country ahead of the budget meeting of parliament.
Nsapato cited failure by over 5,000 students to pay for the examination fee by the due date set by the Malawi Examination Board (MANEB) last year as a clear indication that examination fees is a big burden to students from poor families.
“Student are asked to pay examination fees in order to seat for MANEB examinations. We have noted that many are not able to do that; as a result they are restricted from writing examinations.
“Government should either cater for the fees or abolish it completely,” he said.
He asked government to consider abolishing Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) and Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examinations completely because these certificates don’t have value anymore.
“As a country, we spend a lot of money for these examinations just to provide certificates with less value thereby straining our budget. I think we should just remain with Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) and use the continuous assessment to monitor performance of primary learners.
“The system could use decentralization allowing authorities at district level to do aptitude tests to select students to secondary school,” he said.
Alex Mandaliza, a parent with three children in school, welcomed the proposal to have examination fees abolished.
“The cost of examination can be stressful especially to those from low income background. Eliminating the fees would be a significant step towards promoting quality and accessibility in education as it will enable all students regardless of their financial background to pursue their academic goals,” he said.
In 2015, Malawi government abolished JCE and stopped printing of PSLCE to save cost as part of Public Service Reforms.
NGO bails out Kasungu communities with water pumps
By Martin Banda
Kasungu, January 15, Mana: Kasungu based Non-Governmental Organization, Hoho Action Plus, on Tuesday handed over three hand water pumps to Nkanalumbo, Mdyaudzu and Nkhalapadzuwa villages in the area of Senior Chief Kaomba in the district.
Group Village Head Mdyaudzu expressed gratitude to the organization for bailing out the communities with clean water, which he said, has been a long-standing challenge.
"Access to clean water has been a big challenge for us as there are no boreholes in this area.
"For a long time, we have been using water from the nearby stream sharing it with livestock. Obviously this water is unsafe for human use especially during rainy season like now; as such we are excited and thankful at the same time,” said the chief.
He, therefore, asked the community to take care of the facilities so that they last long.
Programmes Manager for the organization, Maurine Mshani, said the response follows a survey Hoho Action Plus conducted which revealed serious challenges in access to clean water for communities in the area.
"Access to clean water is a human right and by not having clean water, there was a breach of rights for this community.
"So, we quickly came in to provide three hand water pumps which we believe will go a long way to lessen the burden of lack of access to clean water," Mshani said.
Mshani emphasized on the need to join forces and confront water challenges in the district to prevent waterborne diseases such as Cholera, which spreads fast in unhygienic conditions.
Kasungu District Council Water Monitoring Assistant, John Bob, thanked Hoho Action Plus for the water facilities pointing out that government also relies on partners to provide social services to its citizens.
The organization drilled the water facilities at a cost of K2.1 million which was sourced from Friends of Malawi Association.
