MANAonline
Usi reiterates govt development plans for Mwanza
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, December 2, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has said government is committed to initiating various development projects in Mwanza West Constituency for people in the area to benefit.
Usi was speaking on Monday at Thambani Community Ground when he wound up a whistle stop tour in the constituency where he visited various development projects underway in the areas of senior chiefs Nthache and Govati, respectively.
“Over the past years, false promises have been made by previous governments that they would bring various development activities to this area but never fulfilled,” said Usi.
He cited inadequate health facilities, lack of safe and potable water, poor learning facilities and Mwanza Thambani Road, which is in bad shape as some of the challenges which government is committed to address in the area.
The Vice President, therefore, urged people in the area to register in the ongoing voter registration underway in the district so that they are able to vote during next year’s elections.
Before touring various projects including Senior Chief Nthache's house under construction by government, Usi was met traditional leaders in the area and asked them to encourage their subjects to register to vote in the upcoming general elections.
Earlier, the Veep inspected Kayera Health Post before appreciating Senior Chief Govati's house constructed by government.
Usi, therefore, assured people in Mwanza that government has good plans for people in the district including improving their health status by upgrading Thambani Health Centre to a rural hospital as requested by Member of Parliament for Mwanza West, Joyce Chitsulo.
In an interview, Chitsulo hailed the VP’s visit to her constituency, saying it shows government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people in the area.
“We are assured that the government will take into consideration issues raised here that need immediate action such as hunger and inadequate number of Affordable Inputs Programme beneficiaries so that people should harvest enough next year,” she said.
Usi also donated solar torches to learners from various schools, bags of maize to some households and a motorcycle to Kalanga Police Unit to address mobility challenge at the institution.
Maxwell Yambani, a learner thanked the vice president for the donation of torches, saying he will be able to do school work even at night.
Visual artist finds inspiration from his mother’s death
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, December 2, Mana: A visual artist, Cris Taulo says he drew his painting inspiration from the death of his mother who died in 2012.
Christopher Taulo, also known by his brand name Cris Taulo, revealed that the loss of his mother ignited his passion for art. He explained that his journey into painting was driven by grief, using it as a way to cope and find solace in his sorrow.
However, he said at first he did not start painting to build a career out of it.
“During that time, I saw that there was a possibility that I could make it into a career as people started approaching me and recommending my work,” said Taulo.
“My family was also going through a hard time financially, so I saw it fit that this could be a source of income for me to help the family; then I ventured into art as a career,” he added.
Taulo, who is also an art educator, began researching ways to bring his artwork to market. In 2018, he met veteran visual artist Peter Masina, a sculptor at the Museum of Malawi, who took on the role of his mentor.
The art educator, who is also hosting Cris Taulo's Crimson Solo Art exhibition from December 7 to December 14 at Kaliso Art Gallery in Lilongwe, said he came up with the “Crimson” theme because red colour symbolizes power, love, strength and has great impact to society.
Taulo, a Next Level Malawi 2024 certified graffiti artist is calling out for the corporate world and people with goodwill to support visual artists, saying this will inspire more visual artists in the country who think they cannot build a career out of it.
Speaking in a separate interview, Director of Kaliso Art Gallery, Evelyn Chisambiro said talented artists like Cris Taulo deserve the space to showcase their work for people to appreciate what they do.
“People can only know about artists when they put themselves out there, showcasing what they do and providing a platform like the Art Gallery is one way of promoting visual artists as well as arts in the country and even beyond for the development of Malawi,” said Chisambiro.
Chisambiro added that the exhibition will help the art industry in Malawi because this will be one way of promoting art on a global market and inspire Malawian talented visual artists to be confident enough so as to come out and sell out their works.
The event activities will include the opening night; whereby, he will showcase a short animation; workshops on painting; Sip and Paint; and on the other days he will be meeting with people who are inspired and interested to learn about art.
Call for Malawi to address women's SRH rights issues
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 30 Mana: Chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Health, Dr. Matthews Ngwale has emphasized the often-overlooked human rights abuses faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth at a regional sensitization workshop on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (ASRHR) legal frameworks held in Lilongwe on Monday.
He was speaking at a workshop organized by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), which aimed to enhance awareness and implementation of legal protections for women and adolescents.
“Some practices that we consider normal during pregnancy and delivery are, in fact, human rights violations. Forcing a woman to carry a pregnancy against her will is a violation of her rights. Similarly, the use of force during childbirth, such as coercively pushing a baby out, constitutes abuse,” Dr. Ngwale stated.
He further highlighted that neighboring countries like Zambia allow women access to safe abortion services, a right that remains restricted in Malawi, effectively undermining women’s reproductive rights.
Programme Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at NANHRI, Robert Afewa, underscored the significance of protecting women’s rights under the Maputo Protocol, a key African treaty addressing violence against women.
“We are currently observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The Maputo Protocol, which Malawi has signed and ratified, advocates for safe abortion, comprehensive sexuality education, and measures to combat violence against women. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the provisions of this protocol are implemented effectively,” Afewa said.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting access to sexual and reproductive health services as integral to achieving broader human rights and health goals.
By fostering collaboration and advocacy, NANHRI and its member institutions aim to create a more equitable legal and social environment for women and adolescents across Africa.
Where Do We Go from Here?
By Charles Nkhoma.
Lilongwe, December 2, MANA: Stepping into university is one of the greatest feelings for any secondary school student in Malawi. In a country where educational achievement is hard won, acceptance to university is seen as a true milestone.
Every year, students work tirelessly in secondary school, fueled by a dream of advancing to higher education and transforming their lives. For these young people, university symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future.
No student works hard in secondary school just to stay at home afterward. The sacrifices made by families, the long hours of study, and the dedication of teachers all center on the belief that education will lead to opportunities.
Growing up, many students look up to professionals in their communities—doctors, nurses, teachers, and journalists—as symbols of success and aspiration. These careers are not just jobs; they represent dignity, stability, and respect within society.
Mzuzu University, one of the prominent public universities in Malawi, offers a wide range of programmes that are vital for the country’s development. From education to environmental science, agriculture to information technology, the programs at Mzuzu University are designed to equip students with the skills they need to contribute to Malawi’s growth.
For every student who steps through the university’s gates, life seems to be full of possibility. They imagine careers that not only bring personal satisfaction but also contribute to the well-being of their communities and country.
However, upon graduation, many young people encounter a different reality than the one they envisioned. After leaving university, they face a job market that is challenging, often disheartening, and marked by limited opportunities.
The promise of employment that motivated them throughout their studies is not easily fulfilled. The reality on the ground is difficult to accept, and for many, it brings a feeling of disillusionment and uncertainty about the future.
Christopher Mzumara, a graduate from the Malawi University of Science and Technology, has been caught in a two-year struggle to find employment since finishing his studies. Armed with a degree and high hopes, Christopher entered the job market only to face relentless rejection and scarce opportunities.
Despite applying for countless positions and attending numerous interviews, he found himself repeatedly turned down. "I thought my education would be my ticket to success, but I didn’t expect it to be this difficult," he shared, reflecting the harsh reality many young Malawians encounter after graduation.
The lack of opportunities in his field forced Christopher to explore alternatives, such as temporary or unrelated work, but even those options were limited.
His daily routine became dominated by scanning job postings, refining his applications, and writing cover letters tailored to each prospective employer, yet the silence from recruiters was deafening. Financial pressures mounted, leaving him to rely on family support and odd gigs to make ends meet.
"It’s disheartening to see friends with connections get ahead while I’m stuck sending out CVs to no avail," Christopher lamented, highlighting the challenges of networking in a competitive job market.
Christopher’s struggles have taken a toll not only on his finances but also on his mental well-being. The initial optimism he carried after graduation has been eroded by two years of rejection, leaving him uncertain about his future.
He has begun to consider up skilling through online courses or even venturing into entrepreneurship, but both require resources he currently lacks. "I’m at a crossroads," Christopher admitted.
"I want to contribute to my community and use my education meaningfully, but I don’t know where to start." His story underscores the urgent need for systemic solutions to improve youth employment opportunities in Malawi.
Unemployment rates in Malawi remain high, and many graduates struggle to find work that matches their qualifications. While they are prepared with knowledge and skills, the job market has limited positions, especially in specialized fields.
Graduates are often forced to consider jobs outside their area of study, or even jobs that require no degree at all. For some, the frustration leads them to question the value of their education. They wonder whether the sacrifices they made and those made by their families were worthwhile if there are no opportunities waiting for them at the end.
Despite these struggles, the government has recognized the need to support its youth and help them transition from education to employment or self-employment. In recent years, various initiatives have been introduced to give young people a fighting chance in the difficult job market.
One such programme is the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), which provides loans to young people across the country.
These loans are intended to help young people start small businesses, pursue agricultural projects, and find innovative ways to create sustainable livelihoods.
Through NEEF, the government aims to empower youth to become economically self-sufficient, encouraging them to think beyond traditional employment and consider entrepreneurship as a viable path forward.
Business and agriculture have become key areas of focus in Malawi’s youth empowerment efforts. Farming, in particular, holds vast potential, as Malawi is an agricultural country with rich, fertile land. For many young people, agriculture can be a gateway to financial stability and independence. By turning to farming, they not only support themselves but also contribute to the country’s food security and economy.
Small businesses are another area where young people can make a difference. With the skills they gained in university and the support of programs like NEEF, young graduates have the opportunity to explore various forms of entrepreneurship, from agribusiness to technology and retail.
Small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and provide services that improve the quality of life within communities. These businesses are not just economic ventures; they are a means of uplifting families and fostering resilience.
Communication Specialist at NEEF, Elizabeth Hara emphasized the role of youth in driving change.
“Malawi’s future lies in the hands of its young people,” she said. “We need to encourage them to look beyond the traditional job market and see themselves as creators of opportunity. Programs like NEEF are here to support them, but the initiative, vision, and determination must come from within.”
Several young graduates have already begun to find success through entrepreneurship, thanks to the support of NEEF and similar initiatives. These stories serve as powerful examples of what is possible when young people are given the tools they need to create their own paths.
For instance, Chawanangwa Mbalo, a recent Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources graduate, used a NEEF loan to start a small poultry business. Initially, Chawanangwa was skeptical about the viability of farming as a career, but after facing months of unemployment, he decided to take a chance. Today, his business is not only sustaining him but is also creating jobs in his community.
The question "Where do we go from here?" is one that every graduate in Malawi faces as they step into the world beyond university. While the journey may be challenging, there is hope and opportunity for those willing to embrace change, learn new skills, and think outside the traditional paths. Programmes like NEEF and the stories of young entrepreneurs serve as beacons of possibility, showing that even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to rise and thrive.
Black Missionaries celebrates 2024 annual memorial ceremony of Evison Matafale
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, December 1, MANA: As the year draws close to an end, Black Missionaries Band organized its annual memorial ceremony of late Evison Matafale, a talented musician who passed away in 2001.
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of his untimely death, and the Black Missionaries has continued their cherished tradition of holding a memorial ceremony to celebrate a life well lived of their fallen hero.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, Black Missionaries group leader Anjiru Fumulani, said every year they come together to remember late Evison Matafale who is the founder of the black Missionaries group, not just for the music he created, but for the joy he brought into their lives.
“This ceremony is a way for us to keep his spirit alive and to share his love for music with others,” said Anjiru Fumulani.
This event is celebrated on 27 November which is the day that late Evison Matafale died but the memorial ceremony has been shifted to 1 December, so that a lot of people attend as it is a weekend.
"As we are celebrating the life of Evison Matafale, we also remembered our family members who were also part of The Black Missionaries, late Musamude Fumulani and late Gift Fumulani.
“We always feel loved and supported by our fans for many people travel from far to participate in the event, which has become a poignant reminder of the impact late Evison Matafale had on their lives and the Malawi music industry.
On his part, Chizondi Fumulani, who is also a member of the famous Black Missionaries Band, thanked the Malawi nation for the love the band receives since the demise of their father and founder.
“This event is not a small event to us like the show events we always have; it’s about celebrating the life he lived and the music he shared and we will ensure that his legacy continues to inspire others, just as it inspires us,” he said.
The ceremony took place in Blantyre Chileka at Civil ground where well-known artists like Black Missionaries, Antony Makondetsa, Phyzix and Malinga celebrated with them and sang as part of the celebration.
VP Usi donates fertilizer, maize seed to elderly in Phalombe
By Linda likomwa
Phalombe December 1, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Machael Usi has donated fertilizer and maize seed to the elderly in Phalombe district.
Speaking during the donation at Paramount Chief Kaduya Headquarters on Sunday, Usi said he wanted to share the seed and fertilizer with the elderly in their fields, but since some of them cannot work in their fields that was why they gathered at the headquarters to do the donation and encouraged others to do the same to the less privileged.
Usi said he was doing all this in the spirit of promoting a culture of sharing and contributing to the country’s efforts to realize food security at the household level.
"I think if all of us can share whatever little with others, we can make a huge difference. This approach would also go a long way in contributing to national food security," Usi added.
On her part, Paramount Chief Kaduya thanked Usi for the donation, saying the farm inputs would assist the elderly to harvest and be food sufficient in their homes.
“Not all elderly people are on social cash transfer, so the seed and fertilizer would help them to produce more and have enough food to feed themselves'" she said, urging more well-wishers to come and assist those in need to end hunger in the district.
One of the beneficiaries, Fibbe Yona from Matephwe Village expressed joy with the donation, saying the elderly are most often excluded from various social protection programmes.
She, however, thanked the government through the office of the Vice President for considering the elderly.
Yona appealed Usi to extend the donation to other elderly persons in the country.
The Vice President later interacted with vendors at Migowi Market.
Malawi's Wildlife conservation efforts earn foreign recognition
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, December 1, Mana: Chairperson for the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change, Werani Chilenga has disclosed that Malawi is ranking among the top ten countries in the world that are doing well in wildlife conservation.
Chilenga attributed the development to the revision of the Wildlife Act of 2015, which stipulates strong penalties for people found guilty of wildlife crimes in the country.
He was speaking on Saturday in Chikwawa when the committee visited Majete Game Reserve, which is being run by Africa Parks on behalf of the government.
Chilenga said: "Parliament played an instrumental role in ensuring that we removed all the fines and made all the offences custodial. This means that once one is caught trafficking wildlife animals or products, in most cases, the sentences are as high as 30 years of imprisonment.
"So this has made Malawi to be among the top ten countries in the world that have won the battle against wildlife trafficking and we are very proud of that."
Chilenga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Chitipa South, commended Africa Parks for restoring the former glory of Majete Game Reserve, which was marred by poaching of wild animals by surrounding communities.
He therefore advised the Ministry of Tourism to fully utilize the conservation efforts being made in various game reserves, including Majete, to propel the country's economy through tourism.
Chilenga also urged government to continue entering into Memorandum of Understanding with more organizations like African Parks to conserve other game reserves such as Kasungu, Lengwe and Nyika.
In his remarks, Field Operations Manager for Majete, Martin Gibson Awazi, hailed the parliamentary committee for visiting the park, adding that great strides have been made in conserving Majete Game Reserve.
Awazi also disclosed that African Parks installed cameras in strategic places in the game reserve to monitor animal activities and their populations.
Majete has close to 100 lions, 30 giraffes, 13 wild dogs, 10 cheetahs and elephants, among others.
Apart from Majete, African Parks also manages Liwonde, Nkhotakota and Mangochi Forest Reserve.
Destiny College of Leadership and Development graduates 196 students
By Mary Makhiringa
Balak, December 1, Mana: Destiny College of Leadership and Development in Balaka on Saturday awarded 196 students with Degrees, Diploma and Certificates in various fields such as Leadership and Development Studies, Community Studies, Social Work and Advanced Community Leadership.
Speaking during the awards, Principal of Destiny College of Leadership and Development, Bishop Andrew Mankhanamba said the graduation fulfilled the mission of equipping people with knowledge and skills that should contribute to national socio-economic development.
He therefore appealed to the graduates to utilize knowledge and skills from the college in the society while maintaining moral values, saying no country can develop if its citizens lose moral values.
“We are crying of corruption, bribery and various abuses simply because of moral decadency and we are excluding the social wellbeing of the people. We need to bring back our lost glory,” Bishop, Mankhanamba said, adding that the college is planning to introduce local education courses to push the agenda.
Regional Director for International Christian Youths-Africa and Chief Executive Officer at Africa for Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Joe Bonga described the graduates as problem solvers and encouraged them to make use of the gained knowledge and skills.
“Today’s graduation is a demonstration of a progressive engagement that we have been holding, and it is encouraging to see more people coming forward to enrol.
“Transformative development begins from the mindset and this is achieved once a person is empowered and is given the right knowledge and skills. This is what the Destiny College of Leadership and Development is trying to do so that the youths are the drivers of change,” he said.
Swittan Wemba, who graduated with a Diploma in Leadership and Development, said is looking forward to make good use of the knowledge and skills he learnt from the college.
“We have been taken through a long way, and in the process, we gained several skills that also made us entrepreneurs. I am geared to go out with full force,” he said.
Traditional leader warns community to stop vandalism
By Milton Sukasuka and John Witness
Balaka, December 1, Mana: Group Village Head Lupanga of Traditional Authority Chanthunya in Balaka district has warned people to stop stealing and damaging the railway line that has passed through his area.
Lupanga made the warning on Saturday, during a meeting organized by Balaka Police Station and Nacala Logistics to raise awareness following increased cases of vandalism and theft of property along the rail line.
He referred to the theft of metals at Lupanga Bridge saying this was counterproductive to development.
The incident therefore prompted Balaka Police Station to do a joint meeting with Nacala Logistics to condemn and address the malpractice.
“I strongly condemn the malpractice. The rail line is key to the country’s transport infrastructural development,
“As a traditional leader for this area, I will hold meetings to strongly condemn this and in the course of it, l will sensitize my subjects to desist from this bad behavior,” he said.
On his part, Assistant Superintendent, Victor Malunga from Balaka Police Station also condemned vandalism and theft of railway property.
He therefore urged community members to protect railway property against vandalism and theft, saying responsibility to look after the railway property is collective as opposed to leave the responsibility solely to Nacala Logistics or the police.
To prevent rail accidents, Malunga also advised people to avoid walking, sleeping, or playing near the railway tracks.
Nacala Logistics, Senior Security Officer, Lawrence Phiri concurred with Malunga saying stealing or damaging railway property is a crime.
He said the company will continue working with local communities to stop vandalism and theft of rail property.
Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church Celebrates 2024 Annual Big Sabbath
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, December 1, Mana: Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday celebrated its Annual Big Sabbath with a call to strengthen unity and embrace hard-working spirit.
The annual event, which took place at Balaka Primary School ground, brought together various sub-congregations within the Seventh-day Church in Balaka District such that spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and other joyful activities were part of the day’s activities.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) after the event, Balaka Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastor Masauko Joster Samudeni, said the event was meant to create room for church members to discuss ways of promoting unity apart from encouraging them to fulfil church activities and personal endeavours.
“We believe that faith is not just about worshipping on the Sabbath, but is also about living out our beliefs through service.
“The Big Sabbath is therefore a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our faith, and make a positive impact in our lives both bodily and spiritually,” Pastor Samudeni added.
He therefore encouraged all churches in the district to utilize the time and give offerings that can help the church build prayer houses among others.
“People cannot worship God in a bare place; we need to respect a place where people gather to worship God. In this gathering, Churches also share all developmental activities and what they have accomplished this year,
“This helps leaders to know if the churches have managed to fulfil their targets,” Pastor Samudeni added.
A member of the Seventh–day Adventist Church that attended the Big Sabbath, Mayamiko Mputeni appreciated biblical teachings, saying this provided an opportunity for members to do soul-searching on their role in the church as the year-ends.
Balaka Seventh-day Adventist main church in Balaka has 54 sub denominations and on the Big Sabbath, families bring food to share with other families to show love and unity
