MANAonline
Nkhata Bay ward councillor dies
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, May, 13, Mana: Councillor for Sanga Ward in Nkhata Bay South East Constituency, Agness Chembezi, has died.
District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa, confirmed the death.
"I confirm the death of one of our female councillors, Agness Chembezi, who died in the evening of Monday April 12, 2025 at Nkhata Bay District Hospital after a short illness.
"This is a great loss to the council as the late Chembezi was always active during full council meetings and other development activities in the district and had the needs of her people at heart," Newa said.
According to Newa, burial details will be communicated after consultation with the family.
Fellow councillors, including Patricia Longwe from Kavuzi Ward have expressed shock and described Chembezi as peaceful, calm, and hardworking.
"I'm really shocked by the loss. We were only two female councillors in the district, and we were encouraging and advising each other in our course of work. Her death is regrettable," Longwe said.
Chembezi was voted on a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) ticket and later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Until her death, she was the party's Director of Women in the Northern Region.
Mangochi communities hail SCTP
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, May 13, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries at Senior Chief Chimwala in Mangochi have commend Malawi Government and a German Cooperation, KFW, for bailing vulnerable households out of the 2024/2025 lean season when households received cash and relief maize to keep them going.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude over the prrogramme during a media tour organised by Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare to appreciate impact of the social protection programme in the district.
Government with support from KFW provided K70,000 per household in the lean period for a period of three months apart from continuing supporting 28,000 households across Mangochi through SCTP.
One of the beneficiaries, Margret Anderson, from Kausi Village said the financial support helped her purchase food during the lean season.
Anderson said she could not make ends meet for her seven children as they would go to school without food.
“The cash assisted me a lot. I bought maize, and other home necessities. Without this money I would not survive the situation,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Ester Uladi, said she could not afford nutritious food as the situation pushed her family into malnutrition.
“My children missed classes due to illnesses. Health workers said they were malnourished and bound to illness.
“Soon after receiving cash through SCTP, I bought maize and other food stuffs and life came back to normal into our family. All my five children started attending classes,” she added.
Uladi, therefore, asked government to continue with the programme, saying many households in her area have no food due to poor harvest from prolonged drought.
Social Welfare Officer for Mangochi District Council, Michael Ndimbo, said 28,000 ultra-poor households are expected to benefit from the programme in the district.
He, therefore, advised beneficiaries to develop a culture of saving by forming savings and loans groups to ensure financial independent for sustainable livelihood.
“‘We would wish beneficiaries to invest what they receive into small businesses so that they graduate to stand on their own,” he said.
SCTP aims at reducing poverty, hunger and improve children’s development by providing regular cash payments to vulnerable households.
The programme’s key goals include; increasing school enrollment, improving health and nutrition, and providing a safety net during lean seasons.
Sim card registration to curb online fraud
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, May 13, Mana: The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says sim card registration will track culprits behind online frauds in Malawi.
MACRA Director of Legal and Consumer Protection, Kelious Mlenga, said this Tuesday during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in Mzuzu.
According to Mlenga, currently, the digital landscape in Malawi is saturated with fraudulent individuals who are duping innocent Malawians of their financial resources without being traced hence formulation of regulations for sim registration to address the problem.
He said the new sim registration regulations will help law enforcers track criminals, enhance accuracy and improve service delivery of telecommunication companies among other benefits.
“It is paramount that the process is in line with the Communications Act. This process requires that individuals must be honest with the information they provide and keep their personal information security by not sharing with others,” he said.
Mlenga said the new regulations have put limitations on the number of sim cards an individual can register.
Individuals can register up to 10 sim cards and up to 30 for companies.
“These regulations have outlined offences and penalties such as fines of up to K50,000 on a daily basis for individuals and K150,000 per day for companies,” he stated, adding that these are meant to deter criminal conducts.
On matters of security, Mlenga said the regulations have put in place a biometric registration procedure which will help trace those perpetrating the crimes who mostly use other people’s identity cards to register their sim cards.
The process is scheduled to take place between July and September 2025 with a grace period provided.
Mayor for Mzuzu City, Kondwani Brian Nyasulu, supports the move taken by MACRA saying it will help bring sanity and protect people from falling victims to online fraud.
Said Nyasulu: “If we join hands and work together, it is possible to have a safer digital landscape in Malawi.”
Participants to the meeting included religious leaders, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, social media influencers, university students, police, Malawi Defence Force, immigration, councilors and the media, among others.
Malawi registers success in scaling up access to energy
By Eunice Disi Lole
Lilongwe, May 13, Mana: Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, has applauded Global Energy Access for People and Planet (GEAPP), in collaboration with the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) for the successful implementation of the scaling up access to energy projects.
Matola made the remarks Tuesday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during the celebration of the success of the project.
The project, which is coming to a close, has been implemented for two years with funding of over K2 billion.
It has connected cooperatives to the grid, powered irrigation schemes, launched the special agriculture tariff, connected more Malawians through MAREP, enhanced collaboration in the energy sector and also advanced mini grid projects.
“I am happy to have heard testimonies from agricultural cooperatives such as sugarcane growers and irrigation schemes, who have benefited from the project. It is a clear indication that the country is moving towards Malawi 2063 on affordable energy,” he said.
Head of PDU, Dr Janet Banda, said the Unit is impressed with the progress made whih has exceeded their expectation under the objectives set up on the grant.
She said the Unit will continue to do its work focusing on energy and agri-energy, making sure that farmers are able to do irrigation farming at affordable cost.
In an interview GEAPP Country Delivery Lead, Collen Zalengela, said as the project is concluding, they will continue to partner with government in other areas for increased energy access among Malawians.
Currently, 25 percent of Malawians have access to electricity with 11.3 percent connected to the grid.
Malawi seeks to increase electricity access to 100 percent by 2030 with 30 percent connected to the grid and 70 percent off-grid.
Chakwera arrives in Mzuzu for official engagements
By Dhumisan Khumalo
Mzuzu, May 13, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera arrived in Mzuzu on Wednesday for a series of official engagements in the northern region.
Upon arrival at Shoprite Roundabout in the city, the President was welcomed by top Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials including MCP Vice President Catherine Gotani Hara; Secretary General, Richard Chimwendo Banda, and Regional Governor for the North, Joseph Chavula.
Chakwera briefly greeted the crowd that gathered to welcome him before proceeding to Mzuzu State Lodge.
Among some engagements in the region, Chakwera will preside over commemoration of Kamuzu Day at Mzuzu Stadium on Wednesday and a graduation ceremony at Mzuzu University on Thursday.
11 arrested over robbery
By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, May 13, Mana: Police in Lilongwe have arrested 11 men suspected of robbing ZZTH Wealth company at Nathenje in Lilongwe on April 25, 2025.
The gang of thieves run off with an iPhone valued at K3.5 million and K250,000 in cash after a failed money safe robbery.
According to Lilongwe Police Public Relations officer, Hastings Chigalu, the suspects have been identified as Daniel Kudzala, 33; Reuben Kankhuni, 32; Ranken Msakambewa, 38; Steven Mpakati, 57; Emmanuel Smart, 37; James Amadu, 38; Robert Kaiwalika, 32; Davie Kalipinde, 40; Emmanuel Phiri, 32; Esau Phiri, 48, and William Lodistala, 32.
On the said date at around 18:00 hours, a total of 16 criminals armed with panga knives invaded the quarry stone compound where they attacked the daughter of the company owner, assaulted and handcuffed her before robbing her of the iPhone, and cash in the cashier’s office.
“The criminals were using a minibus registration number LA 7229 that belonged to the first suspect and targeted a money safe which they believed had accumulated a huge sum of cash after a tip-off from the second suspect who is a mechanic at the company.
“However, they failed to succeed in the targeted robbery after a mother to the victim who witnessed the incident from her hiding place, fired several gunshots that forced the criminals to run away.” Chigalu explained.
The first suspect (Kudzala) organized three criminal syndicates from Area 23, Mgona and Lilongwe Town, and planned to invade the quarry stone company.
Prior to the robbery, the criminals held two meetings at Lilongwe Teachers College football ground, and a third one at Naere ground before spending a night at Nathenje Trading Centre on the eve of the attack.
“During interrogation, the suspects disclosed that Kankhuni had shared information with his accomplices about the company’s practice of storing large sums of cash in its safe. This plan was allegedly based on observations that the company had not deposited money into the bank for an extended period despite generating substantial revenue from quarry sales,” Chigalu said.
Meanwhile detectives have intensified a manhunt to apprehend the five runaway culprits.
The suspects will appear in court soon to answer a case of robbery.
Kudzala hails from Juma Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Chiwalo, Amadu is from Salima Village, TA Sitola both in Machinga; Kankhuni comes from Chidaya Village, TA Makwangwala, Ntcheu; Msakambewa is from Nkhuni Village, TA Mwansambo, Nkhotakota; Mpakati hails from Muluso Village, TA Mulumbe, Zomba; Kalipinde comes from Kalungwe Village, TA Likoswe, Chiradzulu.
Smart comes from Chipojola Village, TA Malili; Kaiwalika hails from Kuliyani Village; Emmanuel Phiri is from Chisale Village, Esau Phiri comes from Sibande Village all in TA Chitukula; Lodistala hails from Nyozwe Village, TA Kalolo, all in Lilongwe District.
Leprosy remains a concern in Mchinji despite Malawi’s elimination status
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, May 13, Mana: Despite Malawi attaining elimination status for leprosy, Mchinji district still registers more than one case per 10,000 populations, a situation described as a cause for concern.
National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme (NTLEP) Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Dickens Chimatiro, said in an interview that the continued detection of cases signals a persistent burden.
“It is a cause for worry. Even though we reached elimination level in 1994, we still have districts reporting more than one leprosy case per 10,000 populations. This means the burden of leprosy remains in these districts. It calls for a concerted effort to reduce it,” said Chimatiro.
According to Chimatiro, Malawi has more than 600 people undergoing treatment for leprosy, currently.
“In terms of new cases, as of 2024, we have registered 367,” he said.
Apart from Mchinji, other districts such as Nkhotakota and Balaka are also registering more than one case per 10,000 populations.
Mchinji District Health Office Public Relations Officer, Owen Chataika, cited several challenges contributing to the situation.
“Some patients travel long distances to access health services at the district hospital. We also face inadequate funding for conducting contact tracing, mobile clinics, and community sensitisation following the cut in USAID aid. Additionally, few health workers have been trained in leprosy management, and the majority of communities are unaware of the disease," said Chataika.
He said as way forward, the district plans to decentralize leprosy clinics and also lobby for more funds for mobile clinics, contact tracing and community sensitization.
Although Malawi achieved elimination of leprosy in 1994, recent statistics show the disease is resurfacing with over 600 people currently on treatment and more than 300 new cases recorded this year.
DCCMS warns of Mwera winds over the lakes
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, May 13, Mana: Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has announced Chiperoni weather characterized by chilly and windy conditions associated with rain drizzle that will be locally heavy from 12 to 15 May and strong Mwera winds expected in the same period over Lake Malawi and other lakes.
Fishers and lake users are, therefore, asked to take extra precautions.
According to a DCCMS statement issued on Monday and signed by its Director, Dr Lucy Mtilatila, strong Mwera winds are likely to reach up to a maximum speed of 50km/h, potentially resulting in the formation of water waves over Lake Malawi and other lakes.
The statement says from Friday May 16 to Sunday May 18, the public should expect partly cloudy and warm conditions due to the influence of cool and moist south easterly air mass.
As such, DCCMS has issued several safety advisories.
“As we are in winter season, stay warm and avoid using charcoal burner in poorly ventilated houses. When strong winds occur, fishers and all other lake users should take extra precaution.
“During foggy conditions, drivers should exercise caution due to reduced visibility," reads the statement in part.
In the month of May, normal minimum temperatures are expected over many areas such as Rumphi, Lilongwe, Nkhata Bay and Likoma, as Mzimba is expected to be warmer than normal.
The statement has also indicated minimum temperatures within the range of 11.6 - 18.9 degrees celsius.
Executive Director for Managing Rainwater Association of Malawi (MRAM), Edmond Kwasula, said people should examine their infrastructure to ensure they withstand strong Mwera winds apart from ensuring no obstruction on their drainage and waterways.
"People should stay away from rivers and streams as they may rise rapidly and become dangerous. Avoid travelling and driving during stormy weather and strong winds as this can result into property and livelihood destruction," Kwasula said.
Last week, Malawi experienced Chiperoni weather conditions with isolated light to moderate rains over many areas.
The lowest minimum temperature anomaly of 2.8 degrees celsius below average was observed at Ntaja Meteorological Office in Machinga on May 7, and the maximum water wave of 3.99 meters was observed in Nkhata Bay on May 4, 2025.
The highest reported rainfall in the past week was 79.5mm reported from Lunyangwa in Mzuzu on May 5.
Wages up by 40 percent
By Eunice Disi Lole
Lilongwe, 13 May, Mana: Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, has announced the adjustment of minimum wage of various categories by 40 percent effective immediately.
Dimba made the announcement during a press briefing at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
He said the increase has, among others, taken into account the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha against the United States dollar, high inflation rates, rising cost of basic needs, level of economic growth and industrial productivity, base bank lending rates, shortage of foreign currency and avoidance of wage push inflation.
Following the revision, the general minimum wage has increased from K90,000 to K126,000 per month; domestic workers minimum wage has increased from K52,000 to K72,800 per month; micro-enterprise minimum wage from K75,000 to K105,000 per month.
Government has also revised the minimum wage for truck drivers.
International truck drivers driving 30 tonne trucks and above, the minimum wage has been increased from K234,500 to K328,300 per month while for local truck drivers it has been revised from K167,500 to K234,500 per month.
For trucks below 30 tonnes the minimum wage has been increased from K100,500 to K140,700 per month.
“In addition to that, government has also introduced a category for shop workers. For shops with annual turnover of K500 million per year, the minimum wage for workers in such shops has been set at K150,000,” he said.
Dimba has, therefore, pleaded with the public to abide by this law, failing which is punishable by law.
In an interview, President for Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU), Charles Kumchenga, said they had proposed a 100 percent increment.
He said the Union is looking forward to discuss more with the government on the issue.
SCTP expansion in Salima transforms lives of newly enrolled beneficiaries
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 13, Mana: Newly re-targeted beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Salima have expressed optimism of improved livelihood, after the programme expanded its reach from 8,352 in 2024 to 11,814 beneficiaries now.
Salima has registered a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries under the Malawi Government’s Social Cash Transfer Programme, a social protection programme funded by the German Government through KFW.
Sharing her excitement with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, a newly re-targeted beneficiary, Rabecca Rafael, 69, of Ngolowindo Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Maganga, said she received K120,000 in the month of March inclusive of a K70,000 meant to cushion her family after an El Niño hit Salima district.
"I bought a bag of maize, a goat, and essential household goods. This is my first year on the programme, but already my life is changing,” she said.
At least 8,365 beneficiaries received K70,000 each on top of the monthly transfers they get in response to food shortages caused by El Niño weather which affected crop output.
Another beneficiary, Steria Kandiusiwa, also from Ngolowindo, who supports four household members, used her transfer to buy food items, educational materials for her children and chickens.
“This has given me new hope about life. Before I enrolled on this programme I used to struggle to support my family because I am a widow,” she shared.
Similarly, in Dzaone cluster, Osteni Bwanali, a 60-year-old visually impaired man with a household of seven, received K170,000.
“We bought food and chickens, and I’ve even managed to construct a good house,” he said.
According to Salima Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer, Thumbiko Mbale, the increase in beneficiary numbers is part of a broader effort to reach more vulnerable citizens.
“The district has expanded coverage to ensure we reach the poor, the elderly, and those who cannot work,” said Mbale.
The cash-based assistance, targets ultra-poor and labour-constrained households, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and child-headed homes.
