MANAonline
Chilomoni Assemblies of God celebrates Young Adults Day
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, August 26, Mana: Chilomoni Assemblies of God Pentecostal Revival Centre under the leadership of Rev. Maxton Chipungu celebrated Young Adults Day on Sunday in Chilomoni Blantyre where the young adults took charge of the Sunday service.
Director of Young Adults Ministry, Mercy Mwase explained to Malawi News Agency in an interview on Sunday that this year’s Young Adults Day focused on: Fishing Souls for Jesus Christ, which according to Mwase means, young people engaging in personal evangelism to save lives.
“This day is celebrated once every year and mostly on Sundays whereby all church activities are led by Young Adults Ministry including preaching, church announcements, welcoming of visitors and convening.
“Young Adults Ministry is a ministry of the church, and it is a ministry of young people aged from 18 years old to the time of marriage. After marriage, females join Otumikira Mwa Chikondi (OMC) Ministry which is a women's ministry and males join men’s ministry, a ministry for men within the church, she added.
The day’s preacher Doreen Mkwamba focused on Christians being the salt and light of the world and in her preaching explained she that young adults as young people should not always wait for older people to preach the gospel and win souls to Christ.
She added that young people should be at the forefront of preaching the gospel and take an active role in church activities.
Leader of Chilomoni Assemblies of God, Rev Chipungu hailed Young Adults Ministry and encouraged parents to encourage their children to join the ministry, saying young adults learn the word of God and walk in the way of the Lord.
“As parents and pastors, we say it is a great thing to see a young lady preaching the word. It was also interesting to listen to great testimonies from Young Adults Ministry,” he added.
He said when children are raised in the way of God, they are guided by His power and remain in God
NYNCC decries animal welfare in the country
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, August 26, Mana: The National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) has stressed the need for members of the media to be committed on reporting issues of animal welfare and rights that are deteriorating in the country.
NYNCC National Coordinator Dominic Nyasulu made the call on Saturday in Lilongwe during a day-long media training on animal welfare and cage-free farming.
Nyasulu noted that the caged farming system in the country is one area that needs to be looked into, since it is not only hampering the welfare of the animals such as chickens, but also affecting the environment.
He said it is pathetic that many poultry companies in the country are still using charcoal as a source of energy which is contributing to degradation of the environment.
“There is a huge gap in terms of our registrations and policies. If you look at what is governing the industry now, it is an outdated policy that was formulated in the 70s and if you compare it with what is happening on the ground, it is bad,” he said.
Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Head of Animal Science Department Jonathan Tanganyika, attributed the issue of animal welfare to ignorance, lack of information and law enforcement as some of the factors contributing to the deteriorating in the country.
“Animals have freedom just like human beings. They have freedom from hunger, thirsty, discomfort, pain, injury or fear and distress. But many people do not observe these things, which is bad,” he said.
Tanganyika said as LUANAR, they will keep on doing research and share the results with the relevant authorities for proper dissemination of the information to the masses.
Speaking in a separate interview, one of the journalists Mercy Lwanja of Radio Alinafe thanked NYNCC for engaging members of the media on animal welfare and cage-free farming, saying it has been an eye-opener.
“We are happy that some of the information we have gained here, will go a long way in improving the welfare of animals and the environment in the country,” she said.
Catholic Church registers milestone of faith as 174 Catholic Christians get confirmation sacrament in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 25, Mana: St Joseph Catholic Parish in Nkhata administered Confirmation Sacrament to 174 Christians marking a significant development in their spiritual journey.
This is a sacrament that seals a baptized person with the Holy Spirit and strengthens them for the task of serving Christ and His Church.
Among the confirmands, 87 were newly baptized Christians after attending the church’s teachings for two years as per Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) guidelines.
Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Zughzo Yohane Nyirenda who was the main celebrant, laid hands and anointed the confirmands with Chrism Oil marking the descending of the Holy Spirit and sealing their commitment to Christ and His Church.
In his homily, Nyirenda drew inspiration from John 16 Verses 13 to 14 and advised the confirmands to go out as missionaries to preach the word of God and bring back the lost sheep to God.
"Go out and preach the word of God without fear for the Holy Spirit will always guide you.
Continue being faithful to the Catholic Church by participating in various activities in your zones because that is the only way the church can keep growing," said Nyirenda.
He then urged the Christian community to participate in all processes in preparing for the upcoming 2025 general elections by voting for leaders of their choice.
Parish Priest for St Joseph Catholic Fr Andrew Kamanga said that he was pleased to see the church growing every day.
"We are happy to witness another great development in the Catholic Church. We expect that you will practice whatever you have been learning about Catholicism throughout your life,” said Kamanga.
One of the Catechist from Kavuzi Zone, Bathlomeu Nkhonjera who was also one of the mentors lauded the confirmands for their endurance in undertaking the Catholic church teachings.
"Specially let me thank the clergy at this parish for providing guidance and direction in ensuring that the teachings are instilled in our brothers and sisters,” said Nkhonjera.
Rachel Kaliata, one of the confirmands said that she has been energized upon receiving the sacraments and ready to serve the Lord as a true Catholic Christian.
The confirmands were drawn from Likoma, Chintheche, Banga, Mpamba, Kavuzi, and Kande which are administrative zones of St Joseph Catholic Parish.
Malawi Red Cross Society uses sports to curb gender based violence in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, August 25, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) on Saturday used 'Tithetse Nkhaza' Football Bonanza to raise awareness and curb rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) among disaster survivors in Karonga District.
In an interview on the sidelines of the football bonanza at Kambwe, Malawi Red Cross District Coordinator for Karonga, Reuben Malema said they were alerted of rising cases of GBV cases especially in areas which were affected by floods.
"We are already implementing the Flood Response Project in these areas, so we decided to mobilize people from this area for dangers of GBV awareness so that we among others fight against early marriages which are on the rise.
“Sporting activities bring a lot of people of different age groups together, so we used this opportunity to relay messages on the dangers of GBV. The district’s statistics indicate that such cases are on the rise in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu which is always affected by flood annually," Malema said
District Gender Officer for Karonga, Ireen Mwenelupembe said that her office has GBV Information Management System (GBVIMS) which has indicated that cases are high in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu as compared all traditional authorities in the district.
"Using sports is one of the interventions to mobilise people but we also work with community structures such as community victim support units, mother groups and women forum groups to ensure that we curb GBV in this area,” said Mwenelupembe.
Chairperson for Mbande Area Development Committee, Chancy Mlelemba said that GBV affects the development of the area.
“We have since developed by-laws and we enforce them in curbing such a vice, besides that, people are urged to report anyone who marries off their children at an early age to relevant authorities,” said Mlelemba.
Kalaria Football Club emerged winners after beating Karonga United Reserves 1-0 and they walked away with three balls while their opponents received two balls from MRCS.
Hara calls for Malawians to vote for Chakwera’s second term
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, August 25, Mana: Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara has urged Malawians to vote for President Lazarus Chakwera during the 2025 general elections.
Speaking Saturday during a political rally at Rumphi Police Ground, Hara said Chakwera deserves a second term of office for working tirelessly to improve the welfare of Malawians.
Among other achievements by the government under the leadership of Chakwera, Hara cited among others, improved farm gate selling prices of various crops, road and rail infrastructure.
"As you are aware people have realized a tangible amount of money from sales of their farm produce such as tobacco, maize, and soybeans this year. The president has worked hard to lobby for better farm gate prices,” said Hara.
She added that currently government is mobilizing resources for the construction of Rumphi-Chitipa Road.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Youth, Steven Kamsiyano said Chakwera has championed reintroduction of Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations, removed quota system of selecting students to secondary schools and higher learning institutions among others.
"People of Rumphi are known for their love for education. Application of quota system deprived them of fair access to education and everyone across the country is enjoying fair selection in education processes," said Kamsiyano.
Board member for National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Alam Beza said that the board has removed collateral for loans not exceeding K1 million.
Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central, Macdowel Chidumba Mkandawire also urged people in the district to continue rallying behind Chakwera and vote for him come 2025.
North-North Regional Chairperson for MCP, Kezzie Msukwa and some MCP Members of Parliament were present at the rally.
Chakwera participates in CCAP Centenary celebration
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe August 25, MANA: Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) congregants, government officials, people from all corners of the country and Worldwide, gathered on Sunday morning to celebrate 100 years of its existence.
Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, Vice President Michael Biziwick Usi, Madame Ella Usi, Vice President of Zimbabwe Kembo Mohadi and former President Joyce Banda joined the celebrations to express their dedication to religious activities.
Speaking during the Centenary Celebration at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, Chakwera hailed the great contribution of the church to the country's development in various sectors of the government.
"The church has promoted oneness, as well as encouraged people to pray for one another. Today we are celebrating that God has answered your prayers in different ways.
"I urge you to continue to be faithful and dedicated in uplifting people's lives as you have contributed to education, health, and infrastructure sector by providing relief items and businesses among others," said Chakwera.
He urged the church to continue working hand in hand with the government in promoting the country's development and praying for the Nation
In his sermon, Moderator for Blantyre Synod, Rev. Reuben Msowoya quoted three chapters Psalms 126:1-6, Luke 4:14-22 and Ephesians 4:1-7, saying people should take up the spirit of the church founders who showed humility, faith and unity among others.
"The Lord changes seasons, Israelites stood strong on the faith that God will remove their slavery and wipe their faces. He transforms people from poor to rich, from uneducated to educated.
“Let's focus on humility, tolerance, love and peace among others by not allowing our mouths to speak evil of others. Let's show unity without discrimination because of tribes as we are all one. This is the spirit founders of this Church have shown" Msowoya said.
Vice Moderator for Western Cape, Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, Prof. Marius Nel hailed the strong leadership in the church, saying it has contributed to the growth of the church.
Nkhoma Moderator, CCAP General Assembly Biswick CK Nkhoma underscored the significant contribution that CCAP has made in elevating the economic development of the country.
"CCAP has made significant contributions to community development such as social justice, education and we are still dedicated to building universities," Nkhoma said.
The celebration was held under the theme "The Lord has done great things for us"
DODMA urges Nsanje District Council to prioritise agricultural productivity
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, August 24, Mana: Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba on Saturday toured Nsanje District’s Makhapa Irrigation Scheme, which is not in operation due to vandalism of equipment and disclosed that government will revive the scheme to improve food production.
The commissioner therefore appealed to Nsanje District Council to invest much in agriculture sector for improved food production citing irrigation farming as solution to food insecurity.
Kalemba expressed worry over the nonfunctional solar-powered facility, adding that Nsanje and some other districts fail to prioritise agricultural investments yet food insecurity remains a continuous challenge.
“Food insecurity is the common problem in most districts’ social-economic profiles. Surprisingly in their development plans, there is nothing to deal with hunger situation in their districts, food insecurity will remain if councils ignore investing in agricultural infrastructures such as irrigation schemes,” said Kalemba
The commissioner therefore disclosed plans to revive Makhapa Irrigation Scheme and said there was need to bring in a new committee to manage the scheme for sustainability.
“DODMA will support with the irrigation equipment to beef up the remaining equipment. I would like to see communities and the District Council jointly working together to rehabilitate canals,” he added.
He told people at Makhapa Irrigation Scheme that government will remove all the people in the scheme once the scheme gets vandalized again.
Senior Chief Mlolo hailed Kalemba for touring the scheme and said there was a need for members of the community to reconstitute the committee so that it should manage the scheme for sustainable food security.
“It is very disappointing that we failed to manage the scheme. We are glad that government has assured us that it will revive the scheme. We are going to protect the scheme from vandalism,” said Mlolo.
Member of Parliament for Nsanje North, Enock Chizuzu said reviving Makhapa Irrigation Scheme was a way to go as this was the only way to deal with hunger in the area.
“We have fertile land, and we're not supposed to suffer from hunger. This irrigation scheme will help to end hunger that mostly hit my constituency hard,” the legislator added.
The 150 hectares Makhapa Irrigation Scheme was revamped by DODMA in 2021 and was vandalized in 2023 forcing it to shut down for growing maize, rice and other crops
Blantyre Archdiocese ordains four priests
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 25, Mana: Blantyre Archdiocese of the Catholic Church on Saturday ordained four deacons to the priesthood at Limbe Cathedral where Archbishop Thomas Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese and Bishop Alfred Chaima of Zomba Diocese presided over the ordination, calling the new priests to remain celibate and obedient to the Catholic Church.
The four newly ordained priests are Father Crescensio Njerenga and Father Davidson Muyaya from Namulenga Parish, Father Lawrence Ganisyeje, and Father Lucius Mpita from Nguludi Parish.
One by one, all the four deacons vowed to respect and assist the bishop in his mission, preach the truth of the catholic faith, remain celibate, pray without ceasing, celebrate the liturgy reverently, and imitate Jesus Christ.
In his homily, Archbishop Msusa advised the newly ordained priests to resemble Jesus Christ by being good shepherds and lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve.
“You are taking the role of Jesus Christ who said that he is the gate, since you have taken the responsibility of being a gate; through you, people should be able to find Jesus Christ and should find God’s mercy and healing. Today God has sent you to look after his flock, you should be fully committed and you will see those sheep in good health,” he said.
The Archbishop emphasized the need for the newly ordained priests to be connected to Jesus Christ.
“You should be close to Jesus Christ, be close to him through the Sacrament of Eucharist every day, respect our holy Eucharistic Mass,” he said.
The archbishop further called on all Catholics to support the newly ordained priests to serve the church better.
“Let’s pray for our deacons so that they should love and use what they have requested, they have waited for many years to be priests now they need to enjoy their priesthood,” Msusa said.
Speaking on behalf of all parents, McDonald Patrick Ganisyeje (parent to Lawrence Ganisyeje) commended the Catholic Church for supporting the newly ordained priests to fulfill their dream.
“Thank you, Archbishop, Thomas Msusa for taking good care of our children during their studies and giving them the sacrament of holy orders. We are extending our gratitude to everyone who helped our sons reach where they are today,” he said.
Ganisyeje therefore appealed to the newly ordained priests to show good character in their new roles.
“As your parents, we are urging you to be reliable in your ministry and to obey your leaders,” he added.
Blantyre Archdiocese Laity Council Chairperson, Peter Nzolima, expressed excitement, assuring the newly ordained priests that they were welcome in the Archdiocese and encouraged fellow Christians to support the priests.
“On behalf of all Christians in the Archdiocese, I am welcoming you and pray that the Holy Spirit should guide you in your work. To my fellow Christians, let us support the newly ordained priests and all other priests that are already in our parishes in their spiritual and physical needs,” he added.
People from all walks of life attended the ordination which was full of celebrations as the Archdiocese of Blantyre Choir was celebrating 10 years anniversary on the same day.
These ordained priests have already been posted to various parishes where they will be ministering.
Father Njerenga has been posted to Mwanza Parish, Father Mpita to Kadikira Parish, Father Ganisyeje to Namulenga Parish while Father Muyaya will serve Pius XII Minor Seminar and will also be curate at Nguludi Parish.
A month old baby found abandoned in Thyolo
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, August 24, Mana: Police in Thyolo is appealing for public assistance to identify parents of a one-month-old baby girl who was abandoned at Thyolo District Hospital.
The baby, identified in a note as Glory was discovered under a motorcycle parking area near the Pediatric Ward on the morning of August 24, 2024.
According to Thyolo Police Station publicist, Rabecca Kashoti, a well-wisher on her way to visit a patient heard the baby's cry and found it alone under the parking area.
“The concerned citizen immediately handed over the baby to Benito Meja, an Expert Client at Macro and upon inspecting it, found a note tucked inside the blankets.
According to Kashoti, the note, written in Chichewa by the parents stated that: “We the parents of the baby cannot take care of the baby due to financial problems. Any person of good will can take care of the baby as her own. The baby’s name is Glory but whoever adopts it is free to give it another name,”
Responding to the situation, Kashoti said Thyolo Police involved the District Social Welfare Office to provide the baby’s immediate care and well-being.
Speaking on the matter, Thyolo District Principal Social Welfare Officer, Fedda Mbwana said that a temporary home has been identified for the baby while efforts are underway to locate the parents.
Meanwhile, police is urging anyone with information about Glory's parents or their whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.
MUM to fundraise for summit
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, August 24, Mana: Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) Southern Chapter Women Desk has organized a Meet and Greet Tea Party on September 6, 2024 at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre to raise money for MUM National Women Summit expected to take place in Salima this year.
Chairperson for MUM Southern Chapter Women Desk, Dr. Ethel Kamwendo Banda disclosed to Malawi News Agency that the event has been organized as a way of fundraising K2 million in preparation for MUM National Women Summit, which will take place from October 24h to 26 in Salima this year.
“We want to raise almost K2 million for the summit, The summit is crucial for female artists as this is where we are trained how to market our music and issues to do with promotion, among others.
“We will also teach each other about stage work and voice projections and many more. We therefore appeal to all our fans to come in large numbers,” she said.
Kamwendo said entry fee at amaryllis Hotel is K10,000 per head and promised that people who will attend the event will be allowed to interact with any musician of their choice and take tea together.
“We are very grateful because some two male musicians, Piksy and James Phiri have shown interest and have accepted to support us by making themselves available on this day to meet and interact with fans,
“We appeal to all people of good will to support us whether in cash or kind,” Banda added.
Piksy, one of the male artists who will perform at the event said he feel honoured to be invited to the event and looked forward to interact with female musicians and fans.
“Am looking forward to the event and I am sure it will be a good and memorable event to me and all my fans, I therefore invite people to come so we can support the female musicians,” he added.
Apart from Dr. Ethel Kamwendo Banda and male artists Piksy and James Phiri, other musicians to grace the event are: Favoured Martha, Princes Chitsulo, Miracle Chinga, Gloria Manong’a, Falles Mang’anda also known as daughter of Zion, Queen Fire, Mable the Warrior and Abiti Najere.
The Meet and Greet Tea Party will start from 6 to 8 pm, according to organizers.
