MANAonline
Northern region commemorates Remembrance Day
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, November 10, Mana: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale on Sunday joined people in the Northern region for Remembrance Day, a ceremony to remember soldiers who died in service to humanity in the two world wars and other armed conflicts.
The ceremony took place at Mzuzu Cenotaph.
Kawale who laid his wreath at 11:09 AM was followed by a representative of Malawi Defense Force Brigadier General Swithan Mchungula of Malawi Marine Forces and Commissioner Dennis Chipawo of Malawi Police Service.
Other notable figures who laid their wreaths were City Mayor Councillor Kondwani Brian Nyasulu, Member of Parliament for Rumphi West Yona Mkandawire who represented Speaker of the National Assembly, Justice Kishindo representing the judiciary amongst others.
Remembrance Day, also known as, Poppy Day falls every second Sunday of November and in Malawi, this day is also commemorated to honor militants who gave their lives in subsequent peacekeeping missions notably in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ivory Coast and Mozambique.
During the ceremony, members of the clergy from different faith groups shared prayers of hope and comfort for the survivors of the wars and conflicts and for protection upon militants still in service.
Chakwera leads Malawians in War Remembrance Day
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 10, Mana: President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera Sunday led Malawi nation in remembering fallen veterans of two world wars at the Zomba War Memorial Tower.
President Chakwera arrived at the Zomba Memorial Tower, Cobbe Barracks at exactly 10:58 two minutes before the hour of eleven o’clock, which is the hour that the Second World War ended in 1918.
The Malawi leader was welcomed by the Malawi Defence Force, Army Commander Dr. Paul Valentino Phiri and Deputy Inspector General of the Malawi Police service responsible for administration, Happy Mkandawire.
War Remembrance Day was also held in Lilongwe and Mzuzu where the nation paid homage to those that fought in two World Wars under British Colonial auxiliary forces and other peace keeping missions, according to Director of Events, Malawi Defence Force, Public Information Officer, Major Kelvin Mlalemba.
He added that the day is also set aside to appreciate the role that the living and serving soldiers play in safeguarding their countries.
Mlelemba explained that the Remembrance Day is also meant to remember all the contributions that the departed as well as ex-service soldiers made in all the country’s major operations and different operations outside the country citing Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Remembrance Day is globally celebrated on November 11 to mark the very day that the Second World War ended. The day is also described as the 11,11.
President Dr Chakwera was the first to lay a wreath followed by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Madalitso Kazombo and Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Lovemore Chikopa.
Member of Parliament for Zomba Chisi, Mark Botomani laid a wreath representing opposition parties in parliament.
During the ceremony a living war veteran, Warrant Officer Class 1, Frank Masiano represented all war veterans who took part in wars by laying a wreath.
Tanzanian Ambassador to Malawi, Agness Kayola represented members of the Diplomatic Corps in laying wreath.
In Zomba, the ceremony also marked 100 years since the establishment of the war memorial Pillar.
Former FAM Second Vice President dies in a road accident
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, November 10, Mana: Former Second Vice President for Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Othaniel Hara died Saturday night in a road accident at Edundu along Mtwalo-Ekwendeni Road in Mzimba District at around 20:00hrs.
Mzuzu Police Public Relations Officer, Augustus Nkhwazi, has confirmed the death of Hara through a statement.
“He was driving a motor vehicle registration number BR 7252 Toyota Land Cruiser Station Wagon from Ezondweni heading Ekwendeni and was alone in the vehicle.
Upon arrival at Edundu, it is alleged he lost control of the vehicle due to speeding. As a result, the vehicle swerved off the lane and hit the road embankment before it overturned,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further said that following the impact, Hara sustained several head injury and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
One of the football fanatics, Augustin Harawa said that the soccer fraternity has lost a man who was passionate and dedicated to the sport.
Late Hara, born in 1968 hailed from Dunduzule Hara Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mtwalo in Mzimba.
Aside serving as FAM’s second Vice President for 8 years, he also served in various positions at district, regional and national level of the football governing body.
Children’s corner sparks hope for literacy in Thyolo
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, November 9, Mana: A brighter future for Thyolo’s children is unfolding with the launch of a new children’s corner at Luchenza Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), an initiative by the National Library Service (NLS) to promote reading culture among young learners.
Speaking at the launch on Friday in Luchenza, Acting Regional Librarian for the Southern Region, Martha Gada, emphasized the need to address low reading culture in Malawi.
“This corner is our effort to instill a lifelong love for reading among children and help break the barriers to ignorance,” she added.
Gada said that the NLS was equipping the children’s corners with age-appropriate materials to engage young minds and encourage consistent reading habits.
Assistant District School Health and Nutrition Coordinator for Thyolo, Francis Kunje, hailed the initiative, saying it has potential impact on both children and the broader community.
“A space like this not only promotes literacy but aligns to Malawi’s 2063 agenda. By encouraging a culture of reading, we are laying the foundation for an educated and informed generation,” she added.
NLS Luchenza Branch Supervisor, Deborah Nyirenda, said the corner provides a platform for children to learn beyond the classroom, develop critical thinking, and gain exposure to the world through books.
She further urged parents to support their children by encouraging regular visits to the library.
“Reading is not just about passing exams but nurturing a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning,” Nyirenda added.
Ten-year-old Favour Kossam, a learner at Luchenza Primary School, expressed excitement saying that the library helped her learn to read, write, spell and numerate better.
“I encourage my fellow learners to embrace this opportunity,” said Favour.
The project, funded by Book Aid International aims at dedicating space where children from nursery to primary school can access books and other reading materials, fostering literacy and knowledge acquisition.
Science for All Initiative to promote education in Malawi
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 9, Mana: Associate professor Kondwani Jambo has underscored the importance of the first Marcfarlen Mbewe National Science Quiz saying the idea is to generate interest in science among students.
Speaking on Saturday during the Marcfarlen Mbewe National Science Quiz at Bingu international Convention centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Jambo said it is very important to establish science skills in students to advance the MW2063 agenda.
“It could have been very difficult for us if we did not get the support from the Ministry of Education, the ministry is the one that selected the six schools we have here and they have been excellent partners, so we are so thankful to them. Going forward we will do this again,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary for Education, Dr. Golden Msilimba emphasised that the initiative has continuously set a benchmark for innovative approaches in science education, offering opportunities for students to engage deeply with scientific principles and explore how they can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“I encourage you to approach this competition with the mindset that every question answered and every challenge faced is a step toward personal growth and collective advancement. Regardless of the outcome today, each of you has already accomplished something noteworthy by being selected to engage, prepare, and showcase your abilities on this platform. Remember that your journey in science does not end here; it is only the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and impact,” said Msilimba.
Meanwhile a student from Providence Secondary School, Grace kachingwe, said the experience is amazing since they are being exposed to Science subject and also in a science world since the world now is dedicated to science.
"They have been a great help to me, as I am now inspired and confident that a girl can pursue sciences and achieve anything she aspires to in the field," she said.
Vice President to attend COP-29 in Baku
By Happy Milanzie
Lilongwe, November 9, Mana: Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi on Saturday departed at Kamuzu international airport to represent his Excellence President Lazarus Chakwera at the 29th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP-29) in Baku Azerbaijan.
The United Nations Conference that will be held from 11th to 22nd November will provide the platform for Malawi to lobby for timely and adequate climate financing for the country's initiatives to mitigate climate-induced impacts and foster resilience.
The Vice President will also represent the voice of 45 other member states in the least Local Developed countries (LDC) on climate change which Malawi chairs.
However, the VP will hold a number of bilateral discussions with the representatives of government intervention institutions including the United Kingdom, Scotland, African Climate Foundation (ACF) Green Climate Foundation (GCF) and OPEC Fund for International Development.
Dr. Usi is expected to return on 15th November at 13:35 hours, at the same airport.
Voter registration exercise kicks off on a good note in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, November 9, Mana: The second phase of the Malawi Electoral Commission's (MEC) voter registration exercise has begun in Nkhata Bay with a notabe turnout of potential voters for the 2025 General Elections eager to have their names in the electoral register.
According to MEC's District Elections Officer for Nkhata Bay, Peter Mukhula, this positive start sets a tone for a successful registration period expected to run up to November 22nd.
"All 186 centres were open at exactly 8:00 a.m. and so far, the turn up is impressive as you can see and we are hopeful that this will continue up to the last day," said Mukhula.
According to Mukhula, the awareness campaigns to woo people to register are still underway.
He added that adequate staff, with some on reserve, have been deployed to all centres and National Registration Bureau staff are available to help on national identity card issues to make sure that all eligible voters are registered.
One of the people who turned up for registration at Nkhata Bay Admarc Registration Centre, James Banda aged 18 said he is happy to have been registered and he is ready to cast his first vote in the next year's general election.
"Let me advise my fellow youths to come and register because the process is not taking long,” he added.
Another potential voter at St. Maria Gollet Registration Centre, Wilson Banda aged 74, said he understands that his vote counts in next year's general elections, hence the decision to get registered on the first day.
According to Registration Centre Supervisor at St. Maria Gorretti, Gladys Misomali, about 60 people had already registered in the first two hours after opening the centre, indicating a strong start of the voter registration process.
German organization commits to supporting education for children
By Mary Sichali
Karonga, November 9, Mana: Kindernothilfe (KNH) Malawi and Zimbabwe Programme Manager, Katharina Baumgarten has expressed her organisation's continued support for efforts to provide children with a good start in life through education.
Baumgarten said this on Friday in Karonga during an interface meeting to evaluate progress of different development projects funded by KNH and implemented by Future Planning for the Child (FPC) in four primary schools in the area of Senior Chief Kilupula.
"I have seen that in Karonga, FPC has done a great job improving the quality of education through gathering influential stakeholders in the sector to ensure effective results in the future of the children," Baumgarten said.
“Seeing government officials, local stakeholders, community leaders and parents sit down and offer a listening ear to the children airing out the challenges they face in their schools and provide feedback on the projects was very incredible,” she added.
She said it showed that FPC has done a great job in creating a space for the children and bringing all the stakeholders together to encourage and support the children to stand up for themselves and represent their fellow children.
On his part, Director of Administration at Karonga District Council Steve Chima hailed FPC for organising the meeting to allow stakeholders to hear from the children themselves and take action.
“We will use our own means to implement the projects like building toilets and girls changing rooms by writing project proposals to partners and well-wishers to assist in the endeavor," Chima said.
Executive Director for FPC, Amos Chindamba appreciated stakeholders for sparing their time to listen and suggest possible interventions to address the educational needs of children.
“Today we were looking at the reports from four primary schools and we have witnessed some progress. However, there are still gaps that need to be filled to improve the quality of education for our children. I believe through this meeting, action will be taken to address the gaps", Chindamba said.
Kindernothilfe (KNH) is a charity organization founded in 1959 by a group of Christians in Duisburg, Germany, in order to help needy children in India. Over time, it has become one of the largest Christian organizations in Europe for children's aid across the World.
DoDMA orients disaster risk management committees in likoma
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, November 9, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has oriented District Disaster Risk Management and Area Disaster Risk Management Committees from Likoma and Chizumulu Island on beneficiary targeting in 2024/2025 Lean Season Food Response Programme.
Speaking on Friday during the orientation in Likoma, Director of Preparedness and Response for DoDMA, Moses Chimphepo said the purpose of the meeting was to inform the committees on how best to select deserving beneficiaries.
“The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with the members on how best they can select the right beneficiaries during maize distribution exercise. There are some challenges that we have been experiencing throughout the country including selection of undeserving beneficiaries,” said Chimphepo.
He said the committees need to have the segregated data when registering inorder to know how many men or women, the elderly, orphans, people with disabilities are suppose to benefit from the program.
District Commissioner for Likoma, Abubakar Nkhoma advised the committees to put into practice whatever knowledge gained from the orientation.
“It is the government’s wish to reach out to the affected families with maize. As committee members, we need to play a vital role in the exercise. So let us take whatever we have been told here,” said Nkhoma.
Chairperson for Area Disaster Risk Management from Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Mwase, Stanley Jafu thanked DoDMA for the orientation saying it was an eye opener for everyone.
“This meeting is very crucial because last year we encountered some challenges. Things never went well during the maize distribution exercise as some people registered their relatives,” said Jafu.
Rumphi DC urges people to register
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 9, Mana: Rumphi District Commissioner, Emmanuel Bulukutu has urged the people of Rumphi to exercise their constitutional right by registering to be able to vote in 2025 tripartite elections.
Bulukutu made the remarks after registering at Rumphi Magistrate Court Centre on Saturday.
"If people do not register they will not be able to vote in 2025 tripartite elections. I am requesting all people of Rumphi to register so that they may choose a leader of their choice," said Bulukutu.
A supervisor at Saint Denis Primary School Centre, Nicolas Msukwa says since they opened the centre in the morning people have been coming to register.
"We have not gone for up to 10 minutes without someone coming to register. We are hoping that the numbers will improve in the coming days," said Msukwa.
Rumphi Prison Centre supervisor, Evans Phiri has said inmates and some officers at the centre have already started registering. There are at least 300 inmates at Rumphi Prison.
An inmate at the prison, Lebohang Banda says he will register to choose a leader who will improve their welfare such as equipping them with vocational in carpentry, mechanics and others for easy reintegration in the community after completing their sentences.
The registration excise will run from Saturday, November 9 to 22 November, 2024. There are 168 voter registration centres in the district.
