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Budget Consultation Meeting crucial for development- Chithyola
by Gift Chiponde and Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, January 23, Mana: Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Simplex Chithyola Banda has described the 2025-2026 Pre-Budget Consultation Meetings as crucial for fostering economic stability and growth, especially when the economy faces significant challenges.
He made the remarks on Monday at the opening of the 2025-2026 Pre-Budget Consultation meeting at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Chithyola emphasized that, given the current economic climate, it is essential for Malawians to collaborate in identifying key areas for the budget to focus on, promoting sustainable economic growth and resilience for the betterment of the people.
He noted that the past year has seen both notable progress and significant challenges, saying domestically, the country has worked tirelessly to stabilize inflation, strengthen its currency, and improve public service delivery.
“However, we continue to face persistent economic hurdles. Globally, the world is navigating the adverse impacts of geopolitical tensions, fluctuating commodity prices, and the negative effects of climate change," he added.
He stated that such consultative meetings will provide a platform for all stakeholders, including the business community, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, youth representatives, academia, and the public, to present their views and proposals on the 2025/26 National Budget.
"Government has laid out a framework for the 2025/26 budget which aims to drive the economy towards stability. The preliminary framework is designed to enhance fiscal consolidation while positively supporting the financial sector. My Ministry is still in discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the possibility of disbursing resources through the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)," Chithyola said.
He highlighted that Government plans to implement the upcoming budget using revenue generated from taxes and other sources, rather than relying on borrowing.
Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Heatherwick Njati encouraged the participants to constructively contribute to the consultation process.
“The budget can only produce the desired and needed results if we get our National priorities right and identify clear and impactful attainable goals on the onset.
The budget can only produce results if it is prepared and implemented collaboratively.
Among those in attendance are the Director General for the National Planning Committee Dr Thomas Munthali, the Commissioner General of Malawi Revenue Authority, Daniel Dominic Daka and representatives from various Civil Society Organizations.
The meeting is the first in a series of national consultative meetings planned across all regions of the country. Similar meetings will be held in Mzuzu on Tuesday, January 14, and Friday, January 17, 2025, in Blantyre.
CCAP Blantyre Synod to launch 2025 youth theme on boldness and light
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, January 12, Mana: The Blantyre CCAP Synod Youth will hold a youth conference on Saturday, January 18, at Zomba CCAP which is expected to bring together over 500 youths and feature the unveiling of the 2025 youth guiding theme, which emphasizes boldness in addressing spiritual and social challenges that threaten their Christian and social lives.
The Synod Youth Chairperson, Tipson Mchenga disclosed this on Sunday at Chinamwali CCAP in Zomba where synod level youth delegation led the Sunday services.
Mchenga said the 2025 guiding theme is titled; Bold youth that shine on Christ light, taken from Mathews Chapter 5 verse 16.
Apart from the theme launch, the youths will hold thanks giving Jesus celebration in form of a march from Zomba District Commissioner’s officer to Zomba CCAP popularly known as Zomba Zero church.
“More than 500 youths across the Blantyre Synod are expected to attend the event in Zomba on Saturday; they will come all the way from Ntcheu, Mangochi, Mulanje, Neno down to Nsanje.
“Out of the theme, the youths are expected to be bold in God’s work. Youths should withstand all social and other pressures in the year 2025 such that they should know their stance in Christ,” Mchenga added.
Singer, Joshua Makawa of “Sindigwedezeka” fame and Zomba based Zionist will be among those that will perform at Zomba CCAP Hall on Saturday, according to Mchenga.
During the Chichewa Sunday service, Mchenga extended special invitation to Chinamwali CCAP Choir after a moving classical choral performance that took visiting Blantyre Synod Youth delegation to another level of spiritual revival.
“I could not help it but to invite the choir. This is another level of singing,” Blantyre Synod Youth Chairperson added.
Skinner Msiska of Machinga CCAP, Domasi Presbytery, said was ready to attend the youth conference at Zomba CCAP, adding that he was looking forward to a renewed boldness in the year 2025.
“I will be among the youths that will make it to Zomba for the Blantyre CCAP Synod youth gathering,” he added.
Msiska said this will be a rare opportunity for a renewed commitment to youth ministry for the growth of the church.
Karonga Diocese empowers community based paralegal officers with legal education
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, January 12, Mana. Karonga Catholic Diocese has sponsored 15 community based paralegal officers from its parishes to undergo comprehensive four-month - legal education training at Mpemba in Blantyre under the Malawi School of Government.
Speaking on Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Karonga, Obert Mkandawire, the Desk Officer for the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, stated that the group of 15 individuals, consisting of 14 males and one female, were selected from parishes within the Rumphi, Karonga, and Chitipa districts.
“Most people in these districts struggle to understand complexities of the country’s laws, hence the introduction of this initiative aims to address the challenge.
"We expect that the four-month training program will equip these paralegal personnel with knowledge and skills necessary in addressing issues such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), mob justice and witchcraft accusations,” said Mkandawire.
One of the people who are expected to undergo the legal education program hailed the initiative, describing it as a game-changer in his community.
"This training is a game-changer for us, and we are eager to apply knowledge which we will acquire to make a meaningful difference in our communities," Kaonga said.
The only woman amongst the 15 people, Kate Kondowe pledged to work hard in class for the initiative to be meaningful to her community.
This initiative is supported by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN INTERNATION).
CS-EPWP local structures trained on case management protocols
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, January 11, Mana: Local structures under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) in Dowa have been urged to familiarize themselves with how they can handle participant’s grievances so as to facilitate smooth implementation of the project.
District Project Facilitator, Kingster Kathumba made the call, Friday during a training on Case Management Protocols at Kaphirisiwa catchment in Traditional Authority Nkukula, which targeted Catchment Management Committees, Foremen and Extension Workers under the CS-EPWP.
Kathumba said one of the important aspects for the success is how to ensure that participant`s grievances are thoroughly addressed.
"We want all participants in the project to be happy and comfortable while doing their work. However, there are always some issues, which may arise and needs to be addressed. This is where these structures come in.
"We wanted to equip them with appropriate knowledge on how they can address challenges at catchment level, whether queries on payments, issues to do with SIM cards, transfers or deceased participants, amongst others. This will help them better serve the participants hence improving the quality of work done at catchment level and overall success of the project," he said.
He urged the participants to remain vibrant saying they are at the core of the programme`s success.
The training focused on how to handle, address and record issues, which arise, and major topics covered included case Management for Continuous Implementation, enrollment and replacement protocols, claim protocols and roll out of Case management protocols.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Chairperson for Kaphirisiwa catchment, Harold Baziwelo said the training was an eye opener.
"Sometimes we did not know how to handle some issues and we could depend on upper structures which somehow affected project implementation.
"But now it is my belief that we will be able to resolve most of the issues right at the catchment level," he said.
In a similar training held Thursday for District Environmental Sub Committee (DESC) and Designated Desk Officers (DDOs), Capacity Development Specialist for the National Local Government Finance Committee, Robins Gausi said capacitating the local structures will help minimize cases coming to the council.
"If we capacittate our local structures, we are going to reduce cases because local structures will be able to deal and solve most of the cases. And therefore, DESC and other upper structures would also only be focusing on major issues.
"But the important thing is that we work together as a team and remain committed," he said.
District Commissioner for Dowa Stallichi Mwambiwa said the training came at a good time when some participants needed some clarity on some issues.
Kaonga to continue supporting entertainers of the year awards
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, January 11, Mana: Managing Director of Maranatha Private Schools, Ernest Kaonga, says he will continue partnering with the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in recognizing and awarding exceptional talent through MBC’s annual Entertainers of the Year Awards Ceremony.
In an interview monitored at MBC Digital, Kaonga pledged to continue supporting the awards saying it is the most effective way of celebrating talent across various disciplines in Malawi.
“We are committed to the cause. MBC should be applauded for reviving this initiative, which appeals to the entire nation. As Maranatha, we have been supporting the awards since they returned to the BICC after an 18-year break.
“We will be there again this year for our talented and creative people. We believe in motivation because it leads to excellence, and that’s what we stand for,” said Kaonga.
Kaonga further explained that the partnership reflects Maranatha’s appreciation for local talent, adding, “This is our token of appreciation to our innovators. We love them and encourage them to continue their good work.”
During the 2024 event, Maranatha sponsored the awards by contributing over K5 million.
As part of the sponsorship, the Entertainer of Entertainers (male and female) each received K1 million, while winners in 61 other categories were awarded K50, 000 each.
On Friday, MBC handed over prizes to gospel music artist, Miracle Chinga and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers forward Isaac “Chair” Kaliati, who were crowned Entertainer of Entertainers.
They each received K1 million from Maranatha Private Schools along with other prizes.
Over 100 trucks carrying fuel arrive in Malawi through Songwe border
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 11, Mana: Motorists in Malawi can now breathe a sigh of relief as more than 100 trucks each carrying 35,000 litres of Diesel and Petrol have arrived in the country from Tanga in Tanzania through Songwe Border in Karonga.
Speaking Saturday at Songwe Border, Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola said following a policy shift in fuel importation by President Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera, the Government of the Republic of Malawi and its appointed agent, the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), has procured 40,000 Metric Tons (about 51.5 million litres) of Diesel and Petrol from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
"This emergency fuel procurement aims at supplementing the normal fuel imports by NOCMA, Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) and other licensed importers which have faced challenges in accessing fuel import financing leading to the current fuel shortages," said Matola.
"We planned to have 1409 trucks to haul the fuel from Tanga in Tanzania and Nocma has since put out adverts requesting eligible transporters to express their interest," he added.
The Minister has since urged Malawians to stand together in the face of challenges and work towards finding solutions, rather than taking pleasure in others' misfortunes, emphasizing that energy is the backbone of the economy.
On his part, Malawi Revenue Authority Deputy Station Manager at Songwe Border, Gibson Mzoma said to make sure that the trucks are processed in a speedy manner, they have been provided with five computers for the job.
"We have assigned an officer to be working on the documentation for the fuel, other two are working on payments like toll fees and we have another computer which has been put at the bank to make sure that when all documents are processed, drivers should not be queuing," said Mzoma
"The immigration department has also been appproached so that when fuel truck drivers arrive at the border, they have to be given a special priority. Likewise, we also talked with our colleagues from the Malawi Bureau of Standards who collect samples from each and every truck to measure the quality," he added.
The consignment of the fuel has been procured under the Kenya bilateral arrangement between the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the Government of the Republic of Malawi using Kenya's existing Government-to-Government arrangement with Abu Dhabi while Malawi works to put in place its own Government-to-Government fuel supply framework with Gulf countries.
Malawi wins vice chairmanship in Anti-Doping body
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, January 11, Mana: Malawi Anti-Doping Organization (Mado) Board chairperson James Mwenda has been elected Vice-Chairperson for the Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organization (Rado), giving the country an upper hand in lobbying for support.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Mwenda said the organization held a virtual election in which 10 countries unanimously voted him for the position.
"My term of office is four years from 2025 to 2029. Before this election, I served as Chairperson of the finance and audit committee for eight years," he said.
He expressed joy over the victory and said will be representing the country at the highest regional level, therefore enabling the government to continue intensifying the fight against doping.
“It will be easy to lobby for more support for the country, in addition, this position allows me to interact with senior officials from other international groupings such as the World Anti-Doping Organization (WADA) as well as other Regional organizations in Africa,” he said.
Mwenda said at the moment the country is doing well because there have not been major doping cases reported.
"Despite not having cases, we continue to intensify education programmes with the athletes as well as their officials on the dangers of using performance-enhancing substances in sports," he said.
The newly elected Chairperson for the Regional Anti-Doping Organization V is Fahmy Galant from South Africa who was a vice chair to former Chairperson Dr, Nicholas Musonya from Zimbabwe.
Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs) are organizations designated by member countries to coordinate and manage delegated areas of their national anti-doping programmes.
The 10 countries in the RADO V are Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola and Ghana
Social cash transfer programme disburses K3 billion in Rumphi
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, January 11, Mana: Rumphi District Council has disbursed at least K3 billion to at least 3600 beneficiaries under Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) since 2018 which has helped in improving the welfare of targeted group.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Coordinator of the Programme for Rumphi, Abel Ndlovu says a number of beneficiaries who have now been weaned off the programme have managed to build decent houses and established small scale businesses to support themselves.
He added that the economy of the district has also benefited as a majority of beneficiaries are farmers and are able to sell the surplus to others within and beyond which brings more money into the district.
"As a council we are happy with the transformation the programme has brought to a number of households in the district for the last cohort which has now graduated from the programme.
"We have currently enrolled at least 5600 new beneficiaries for the next phase and we hope they will also use the money productively to improve the welfare of their households," said Ndlovu.
One of the beneficiaries, Marry Kumwenda from Chikalamba Village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says the SCTP money has helped her establish a vegetable business which supports her children's school needs.
She has also managed to bring tap water to her house giving her access to clean and portable water for her household.
She added that business management training she received through her villages savings group also helps her to run her business profitably.
Another beneficiary, Flyness Mhone from Chuzu Village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says the programme has enabled her to take care of her elderly mother, who is also mentally ill, through a small scale farming business.
Mhone grows maize and groundnuts which she sells to meet other needs of the house such as soap and other groceries in addition to fertilizers for her farm.
SCTP is Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP) which is funded by World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
The programme targets the utra poor that are labour constrained including child headed families, elderly and people with physical disabilities, among others.
Magistrate court refers cop`s case to High Court for sentencing
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, January 11, Mana: The Zomba Magistrate Court on Friday referred to the High Court a case in which Twaliki Mpaweni, a Police Officer, was convicted for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.
Principal Resident Magistrate, Martin Chipofya referred the case to the High Court for sentencing after his conviction.
According to the Magistrate, he looked at the nature of the crime, aggravating and mitigating factors before referring the matter to the High Court for sentencing and ruled that the convict should remaining in custody as he awaits the sentence.
Chipofya however acquitted Mpaweni on a charge of aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody.
Vitumbiko Mbizi who represented the state in the case said he was looking forward to a stiffer penalty in the High Court, arguing that Mpaweni committed a serious crime that deserve a life sentence.
“Instead of taking care of the girl, he engaged into sexual activity, thereby aggravating the crime,” she added.
In mitigation, the defense through Principal Advocate, Hanleck Davie Ching'anda from the Legal Aid Bureau said Mpaweni was a first offender, has a family of three children and a wife apart from taking care of a 57-year-old mother.
He therefore asked the court to grant Mpaweni a lighter sentence.
Mpaweni was arrested in August 2023 for having sexual intercourse with a minor and was also accused of aiding her to escape from a police cell at Kachulu Police Post in Zomba where she was locked after being accused of stealing her friend’s clothes.
CSQ to walk from Blantyre to Thyolo
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, January 10, Mana: Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ) will on February 2, 2025, conduct a 40 kilometres World Cancer Day walkathon from Blantyre Old Town Hall to Thyolo under the theme ‘United by Unique’ to raise cancer awareness.
CSQ Executive Director, Chikhulupiliro Ng’ombe told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday that apart from raising cancer awareness, the walk to Thyolo n is meant to encourage cancer survivors and the general population to engage in physical exercises.
“We are holding the walkathon as a way of trying to raise funds to support cancer patients. In this year’s awareness, we have decided that the funds should go to the patient support programme,
“Through this big walk, we want people to see us, interact with us and share cancer messages to increase the desire for physical activity to the masses,” added Ng’ombe.
He disclosed that CSQ will also raise funds through a series of awareness to reach out to cancer patients considering that every year the organization supports five cancer patients.
Established in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day is commemorated every year on February 4 to mobilize global action towards cancer prevention and to address the global cancer epidemic.
One of the World Cancer Day walkathon participants, Isaac Naluso commended the CSQ for organizing the cancer awareness saying there was a need for wider awareness to mobilize support for cancer support.
“I am well prepared to walk this long distance because it is part of support towards those that are suffering from cancer.” added Naluso.
According to CSO, the theme; United by Unique; focuses on the fact that people have unique stories, needs, perspectives and situations that need to be taken into consideration when shaping care and the health system.
