MANAonline
ICT equipment essential tool to empower DPP digital operations
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Ministry of Justice, Masauko Chamkakala, has pledged total commitment to ensure the recipient of assorted Information Communication Technology (ICT) from United Nations Development Programme (UNPD) are used for the best use noting that the development will significantly enhance the DPP`s operations.
Chamkakala made the remarks on Friday during the handover ceremony of ICT equipment to the DPP at Capitol Hill, Ministry of Justice Forecourt in Lilongwe.
He emphasized the need for ICT equipment to support the effective functioning of the case management system, further stating that the equipment received will greatly assist the DPP’s transition to a fully electronic system.
Chamkakala further said that the assorted ITC equipment which among others includes tablets, all-in-one computers, printers, servers, firewalls, and network essentials, will facilitate the underway existing transition process from hard copy systems embracing the 21st century`s digital approach of capturing statistics, which will be crucial for making informed decisions as well as simplify business operations at the DPP.
“Last record indicated that we have registered about 2,500 cases for the system, but we do still have work to do to digitize the remaining old files which are still live with us. Part of that exercise will be done using this equipment, but the caseload is too much that we may need some separate assistance just to put into everything on the system,” Ckamkakala explained.
In her speech, Nanise Saune-Qaloewai UNDP Officer In-Charge resident representative expressed that the handover signifies a testament to the strong partnership between UNDP and the Government of Malawi and a shared commitment to strengthening the rule of law, enhancing access to justice, and promoting sustainable development.
“In today's digital age, ICT is no longer a luxury but a necessity. For institutions like the DPP, ICT is critical in improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the administration of justice. We recognize the critical role of the DPP in ensuring that justice is served, and we are committed to supporting your efforts through technical assistance, capacity building, and the provision of essential resources,” she said.
In June 2024, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested support from the UNDP for ICT equipment to enhance its Electronic Case Management System. The UNDP responded positively and procured ICT equipment worth one hundred and eight thousand US dollars ($108,000) for the DPP office.
PIH awards scholarships to six healthcare workers in Neno District
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, May 9, Mana: Partners In Health (PIH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health this week awarded scholarships to six nurses in Neno District to upgrade their qualifications in various healthcare fields with a condition that all beneficiary return to Neno upon completion of their studies to improve on human resource.
Speaking during the scholarship award ceremony, PIH Medical Director, Dr. Christopher Banda said through Takeda Grant, the scholarships are intended to equip healthcare workers with advanced knowledge and skills required in delivering high-quality care, aligned with Malawi Vision 2063 enabler 5, which focuses on human capital development.
“The programme was developed in response to staffing gaps and the need for enhanced competencies among healthcare providers in Neno,” he added.
He said PIH received 50 applications, shortlisted 14 and selected six candidates based on criteria including proven nursing experience, qualifications and a commitment to serve in Neno for at least two years.
Banda added that the scholarships will support three nurses pursuing master’s degrees and three others pursuing bachelor’s degrees with fields of study including; Midwifery, Community Health Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Mental Health Nursing and Nursing and Midwifery.
He said the programme will run until 2027, with a condition that all beneficiaries return to Neno upon completion of their studies, adding that PIH will provide tuition, accommodation, and food allowances throughout the training period.
“Even beyond 2027, we are committed to mobilise additional resources to continue supporting healthcare workers.
“We expect awardees to complete their studies on time and return to serve their communities with enhanced skills,” added Banda.
Neno District Medical Officer Dr. Albert Chafunya applauded the initiative, describing it as a major boost to the district's healthcare delivery.
“This programme targets both general nurses and specialists, which will significantly improve the quality of healthcare in Neno and the country,” he added.
One of the recipients, Pilirani Iddih, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying; “This scholarship is life-changing as it allows us to pursue further education that was previously out of reach. We are committed to returning and serving the people of Neno,” he stated.
Mitsidi Police introduces complaints and suggestions box at school
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, May 9, Mana: In a bid to enhance communication and promote a culture of openness in schools, Mitsidi Police Unit on Thursday donated a complaints and suggestions box to Chigwaja Primary School at Traditional Authority Kuntaja Blantyre, to give learners opportunity to freely express their concerns and suggestion.
Community Policing Coordinator for Mitsidi Police Unit, Sergeant Ausborne Moses said the complaints and suggestions box with support from UNICEF will provide opportunity to learners especially girls to voice out their concerns regarding gender-based violence.
“We want to help learners to speak out about any form of violence they encounter at home, in school, or elsewhere. We have noticed that many learners suffer in silence when abused by relatives or guardians such as stepfathers or uncles.
“This silence affects learners performance as well as their wellbeing,” Moses added and emphasized the need for learners to report any form of abuse whether at home, from teachers or fellow students.
He said that concerns should be reported in writing and placed in the suggestions box. The Community Policing Coordinator assured the learners that only police officers would open the box and address the concerns.
Moses further warned learners against theft, vandalism, cybercrimes, and any involvement in mob justice, observing that some criminals entice minors to commit crimes.
Chigwaja School Deputy Headteacher, Pauline Bisoni commended the police for introducing the initiative, describing it as timely and essential.
She also thanked the police for informing learners on how and where to report gender based violence.
“We thank Mitsidi Police Unit for introducing the complaints and suggestions box, learners will benefit a lot from the initiative. Many learners experience violence at their homes but don't know where to report it,
“This box will help them report freely without fear and this will help to create a conducive learning environment,” Bisoni added and urged the police to roll out the initiative to other schools.
Angella Banda, a Standard 7 learner at Chigwaja School welcomed the initiative saying it will help her and other learners to report sensitive issues without fear.
Learners further expressed optimism that the complaints and suggestions box will help stakeholders to find possible solutions to home and school based violence and other forms of abuse elsewhere.
Pope Leo XIV unveiled
By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, May 9, Mana: On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, a significant moment in the Catholic Church unfolded at the Vatican as 15,000 people gathered at St. Peter's Basilica to witness the unveiling of the new Pope.
The eager crowd waited for the white smoke to emerge from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the two-day Papal Conclave. Not long after the smoke filled the sky, the doors of the balcony opened to reveal the new head of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now to be known as Pope Leo XIV. This moment marked the beginning of his papacy.
In his first speech Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need to build bridges with dialogue.
He said: " We have to look together how to be a missionary Church, building bridges, dialogue, always open to receiving with open arms for everyone, like this square, open to all, to all who need our charity, our presence, dialogue, love."
He also thanked his fellow cardinals for electing him into the Papacy.
Pope Leo XIV also paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who served the Catholic Church for 12 years until his passing on April 21, 2025.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, the 69-year-old new pontiff makes history as the first American to hold the position. With this appointment, he will now lead a global Catholic community of approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide.
DODMA distributes maize in Chiradzulu
By Yanjanani Mendulo
Chiradzulu, May 9, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), on Thursday, distributed 1,800 50kg bags of maize to vulnerable beneficiaries in Lupanga Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Likoswe, in Chiradzulu.
The distribution exercise, which took place at Chisombezi Admarc aimed to provide crucial food assistance to households facing food insecurity in the area.
Disaster Risk Management Officer for Chiradzulu District Council, Patrick Mulinga said the initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of crop failure and economic hardship on vulnerable populations across the country.
"The government is committed to ensure that no Malawian goes to bed hungry. This maize distribution in Lupanga Village is a testament to that commitment because this is their third time to receive this help and we will continue to work tirelessly to reach all those in need," said Mulinga.
Chairperson for Lupanga Area Civil Protection Committee, Doris Matamanda warned the beneficiaries not to sell the maize but to use as it is intended.
"The bags have been distributed to two groups of people; the first group is the ones who were receiving Ntukula pakhomo money and the second group are the local people from the village," added Matamanda.
One of the beneficiaries from the village, Eliza Matope, expressed gratitude for the timely assistance.
"We are very thankful for this maize. It will help us feed our families during this difficult time," she said.
Traditional leaders urged to encourage people to go for voter verification
By Monica Banda
Mchinji, Thursday 9, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson, Annabel Mtalimanja, has urged traditional leaders to disseminate messages concerning voter verification exercises to their communities and maintain peace and stability during the time of elections.
Mtalimanja made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with different stakeholders at Pinda Primary School in Traditional Authority (TA) Pinda in Mchinji.
"It is imperative for registered voters to come forward and verify their records and to make them aware of the coming activity. They can also use the live SMS platform to verify their records which started on May 5 and will continue until the poling day this year," Mtalimanja said.
TA Pinda encouraged his fellow leaders and all stakeholders to promote peace and avoid favouring political leaders in their communities.
" As local leaders, we should avoid favouring particular candidates who are participating in the coming elections and we must disseminate true news. My fellow chiefs make sure that you take the message that you got here to your community members to ensure that everyone has verified his or her voting history as a valid voter," Pinda said.
He also urged people to feel free to go and ask MEC officials if they do not understand what MEC said to prevent people from spreading news that can lead to chaos in communities.
Voter inspection and verification exercises will be conducted in three phases, each of which will last three days.
Phase one will start from May 13 to 15, 2025 while phase two will start from May 21 to 23, 2025, and the final phase will start from May 29 to 31, 2025.
Child Care donates food and writing materials to needy learners in Machinga
By Alice Ndunya and Doricah Mkwapatira
Machinga, May 9, Mana: A non-governmental organization, Child Care through Malawi Children project, provided books and pens on top of 50 kilograms bags of relief maize to learners from targeted vulnerable households in Machinga District in an effort to address educational disparities among needy learners.
Apart from maize, Child Care distributed ten note books and two pens each to 32 learners from Liwonde and Naungu primary schools on Thursday.
Rebecca Thomas, a standard 5 learner at Liwonde Primary School hailed Child Care for providing educational materials and relief maize in the wake of food scarcity.
“My parents could not afford to buy me writing materials. I could only use three exercise books against nine subjects. This was challenging but I am glad that I am equal to my classmates that have adequate materials,” she added.
A parent, Malita Andiochi from Ntonda Village, Traditional Authority Sitola appreciated the support saying it will motivate her child to concentrate on education.
“My child is a hard worker and bright but lacks writing materials. This pulls him down. Scarcity of food at home is another challenge, this results into prolonged absenteeism,.
“The donated items will definitely help him attend classes each and every school day. I believe good health, leads to a healthy mind,” she added while commending Child Care for responding to plight of most needy learners.
Naungu School Head teacher, Watson Mmanga, lauds the organization's gesture, saying their donation was a timely intervention.
He added that the support will motivate learners to work hard in class, observing that financial challenges at household level affect child education
“Financial constraints triggers absenteeism and drop outs. Such donation is a sigh of relief and hope for learners and I am sure this will motivate them to remain in school,” the school head teacher added.
Team leader for Malawi Children project, Victor Julius said Child Care was obliged to support the needy learners in a bid to promote child education.
“Our primary focus is child protection against issues that hinder academic success, both in schools and at home. By providing the educational support, we aim to promote child education outcomes in Malawi, ultimately empowering children to thrive,
“To ensure that our goals are met, child protection workers conduct regular follow ups at households to monitor effective use of resources that we provide,” he added.
Machinga District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma, also applauded the organization for providing educational materials and food to needy learners, saying this will ease school related challenges among learners.
“I know these learners come from marginalized households that only rely on farming. With unfavourable weather in the district, most households did not harvest enough food and this brought a lot of challenges,
“The items will help to ease some of the problems," he said and urged other non-governmental organizations to collaborate with Machinga District council to champion quality and inclusive education for children from marginalized households.
The organization implements child focus project in various districts in the country including, Zomba and Chiradzulu with financial support from the Catholic Church.
In Machinga, the organization provides educational support to 60 learners in five primary schools with assistance worthy USD 20,000 per school term.
NICE, CHRR for peaceful public participation in Sept. 16 election
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe 8 May, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) has called for peaceful co-existence among Malawians, and the organization has urged all to refrain from political violence as the country is preparing for the general election slated for September 16, 2025.
NICE Programs Officer Daniel Malango’s made the call in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, saying as a democratic society, Malawi must raise the bar in order for the country to deliver credible election results.
Malango said people must understand that peaceful co-existence is one of the principles of democracy, which needs to be respected if peace and unity are to be achieved.
“For 2025 general elections to be credible, Malawians should participate peacefully; let us all exercise our democratic right responsibly. A credible election also depends on all of us playing our part with integrity,” he said, adding that people should desist from spreading misinformation.
Similarly, Director for Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Michael Kaiyatsa, hailed the existing partnership between his organization and different stakeholders, including NICE, Malawi Police Service, the District Elections Supervisory Teams, and civil society platforms, with an agenda to curb political violence.
“We recognize voter apathy as a serious challenge. That’s why our civic education includes targeted dialogues with youth, women, and marginalized communities, especially those who feel disillusioned,” explained Kaiyatsa.
He said CHRR and its partners are using relatable messages and local languages, emphasizing the power of each vote to bring about change, and that the stakeholders are also sharing success stories and practical ways in which citizens can influence governance through active participation.
“This election is not just about choosing leaders; it's about shaping Malawi’s future. We encourage voters to focus on issue-based politics, scrutinize candidates’ manifestos, and reject any form of bribery,” said Kaiyatsa in an interview.
He added: “I would also like to remind everyone that peaceful participation strengthens democracy: let us make this election a model for unity and national development.”
National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) and Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) are among organizations accredited by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to conduct voter education across the country in view of the 2025 general election.
Police arrest man for sexual intercourse with minor in Mzuzu
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, May 8, Mana: Police in Mzuzu have taken into custody 21 year old Promise Mwale for having sexual intercourse with a 15 year old girl within Chiputula Township in the city.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Police, Cecilia Mfune told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday that Mwale was arrested on May 8, 2025 after the law enforcers received a complaint from the girl’s mother.
Mfune said the girl got pregnant from her affair with the suspect which began in 2024.
“On May 6, 2025 at around 22:00 hours, the girl’s mother noticed that her daughter was not home and informed community policing members to help search for her,” Mfune said.
She said the search led to discovery of the girl while sleeping in the suspect’s house.
According to Mfune, the matter was reported at Zolozolo Police Unit and the girl was issued a referral letter to Mzuzu Central Hospital where medical findings revealed penetration had occurred and that she tested positive for pregnancy.
Said Mfune: “Mwale is expected to appear before court soon to answer a charge of having sexual intercourse with a female child which contravenes section 138 (1) of the Penal Code.”
Mwale hails from Maferanji Village, Traditional Authority Mwansambo in Nkhotakota.
Improved Cotton Hybrid Seeds Impress Farmers in Salima
By Yankho Kandio
Salima, May 8, MANA: Farmers in Salima have expressed satisfaction with the performance of improved cotton hybrid seeds introduced by Seedworks, a plant science company that has recently expanded its operations in Malawi.
The feedback was shared during a cotton field day held on Thursday at Matenje Extension Planning Area (EPA) in the area of Senior Chief Khombedza, where Seedworks showcased the performance of five newly introduced cotton hybrids.
Speaking at the event, Seedworks Africa Business Head, Jagadeshwar Nareddy, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to revitalizing Malawi’s cotton sector by offering farmers improved, high-yielding, and pest-resistant seed varieties.
These varieties were recently approved for commercial cultivation after three years of trials conducted in partnership with the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS).
“This demonstration plot is like my baby I know it’s good, but it matters more when others, especially the farmers, appreciate it," said Nareddy. "These seeds are not only genetically superior, but they also carry BG2 technology, which offers strong resistance to bollworms and sucking pests.”
Nareddys said the sharp decline in Malawi’s cotton cultivation from 200,000 hectares to as low as 20,000 hectares has been largely due to the absence of improved genetics and persistent pest challenges.
He urged Government and stakeholders to support initiatives that promote the adoption of modern seed technologies to help revive the industry.
Local farmer Saiford Tayimu, who received hybrid seeds from Seedworks, said he was impressed with the results.
“I have never seen cotton grow this well with such little pest pressure. The yield looks promising, and the planarets strong and green. I will definitely encourage other farmers to try these seeds,” he said.
Development and Research Manager for the Cotton Council, Justin Chimimba, noted that farmer's feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Our role is to support technologies that enhance cotton production, and from what we’ve heard today, the hybrid seeds are clearly performing well in the field,” Chimimba said.
He added that providing farmers with multiple seed options is key to increasing productivity, as different hybrids may perform better in different regions.
Despite challenges such as erratic rainfall and dry spells caused by climate change, Seedworks reported that its hybrids have demonstrated strong adaptability across diverse agro-ecological zones.
These same varieties are already performing successfully in India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. These hybrids were recently approved for commercial cultivation after three years of trials conducted in partnership with the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS).
