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Chinamwali CCAP graduates 6th cohort in men’s ministry
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, July 15, Mana: Chinamwali Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) of the Zomba City Presbytery on Sunday graduated eight men into the congregation’s men’s ministry amidst concerns of low enrollment of members to the ministry.
The 6th cohort of Lazarus Kamwana, Dr. Adrian Mhango, Patrick Chirwa, James Nkhoma, Amos Konyani, Lawrence Msiska, Steven Banda and Lionel Chikopa graduated into the ministry after more than six weeks of training under the slogan ‘iron sharpens an iron’.
Chinamwali CCAP Men’s Ministry Chairperson, Patrick Kaudzu, expressed concern over low men enrollment into the ministry observing that most of them shun the ministry for unspecific reasons.
“We were expecting that every deacon and church elder should be in the men’s ministry by virtue of being in those positions,” he said.
Moderator for Chinamwali CCAP, Rev. James Mingu, prayed for the newly graduated men to serve the church with total dedication and undivided devotion.
He thanked the eight for enrolling into the ministry and for completing their training that prepared them to serve the church better.
Representative of the newly graduated cohort, Lionel Chikopa, thanked Chinamwali CCAP for enrolling and training them to become irons, which he said, are expected to be instrumental in church affairs.
“Expect more from us. We have been trained to serve the church better and we pledge to serve with dedication,” he said.
Cohort one started in April 2012 with an enrollment 19 that graduated in August the same year while cohorts two to five graduated between 2022 and 2024.
Men’s Ministry at Chinamwali CCAP was introduced in 2021 and has 48 registered members.
MUM to celebrate World Music Day
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, July 14, Mana: Music Union of Malawi (MUM) will on August 29, 2024 join the rest of the world to commemorate World Music Day in Lilongwe.
MUM General Secretary, Tonney Chitimatima told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Blantyre Sunday that the celebrations were supposed to take place on June 21,2024 but rescheduled to August 29,2024 as a mark of respect and solidarity during the 21 days mourning period for the departed Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and the eight others.
“The postponement was necessary, in line with honouring the memory of those we have lost and to allow the nation to grieve appropriately,” he said.
Chitimatima added that, “This is the day for all musicians and all music fans; therefore, all of them are welcome to this event and are requested to support us both financially, technically or through guidance,” he said.
MUM President, Vita Chirwa disclosed that the commemoration would commence with a vibrant and colorful parade in the streets of the Capital City celebrating the influence of music to bring people together.
“The parade will be followed by a big free outdoor concert featuring a variety of exciting musical performances,” he stated.
A Seasoned music promoter, Jai Banda said celebrating World Music Day was a step in the right direction by recognizing the contribution of music to people’s lives.
“I wish this could’ve started way back. The power of music to human beings cannot be underestimated since it impacts in every aspect of life, be it in times of sorrow or joy,” he wished.
World Music Day is a global event and is celebrated on June 21 annually.
However, this will be the first time for Malawi to celebrate this day under the theme: “Harmony in diversity: celebrating the unifying power of music.”
Young Stunna featured Malawi’s Beerland Festival
By Joseph Ligowe
Blantyre, July 14, Mana: Saturday evening was a great night at Scallas Cafe in Blantyre where South African Amapiano Star, Young Stunna was performing at Beerland festival.
The Event which featured some local artists like Kell Kay, Eli Njuchi, Zeze Kingstone, Crispy Malawi, Tuno and Fada Moti brought together music lovers on the spot to enjoy music and appreciate great talents while creating memories.
One of organizers of Beerland Festival, DJ Ken said the event was successful despite facing some challenges during its preparatory stages.
"This is an unforgettable night; we made history and we are happy because it is our job in the entertainment world to make people happy and create unforgettable moments in lifetime,” he said.
One of the fans who follows the South African Amapiano Star, Tiko Nkhonjera said it was like a dream come true when she saw Stunna on stage performing her favorite song ‘Adiwele’
"I came to enjoy Stunna’s vibe and I am happy to see him performing live on stage one of my favourite songs ‘adiwele’," she said.
Communities hail PWP for economic empowerment
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, July 14, Mana: Communities in Chikwawa District are optimistic that the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) would improve their economic well-being.
This was disclosed on Saturday during a Media tour organized by Chikwawa District Council.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Foreman for Lamya Catchment, Gift Njobvu expressed satisfaction with the programme, saying most of the participants have benefitted economically from the programme.
He said through various sub projects in the programme, participants earn money in the form of wages (K1, 600 per day) paid after completing a cycle of 24 days and the money they receive is used to support their families in various ways.
“We are happy with the CS-EPWP. Through the wages, we are able to buy food, feed our families, buy clothes and also buy farm inputs like fertilizer,” Njobvu said.
Another participant, Felesia Chithumba from Group Village Head (GVH), Mwiza said from the wages of the CS-EPWP, she was able to support her family paying school fees for her children and use the money for buying food.
“I’m happy that while working to restore the environment, the CS-EPWP is helping us economically. From what we get after working, we are able to support our lives, families and friends,” she said.
Chikwawa District Council Desk Officer for the CS-EPWP, Ackim Dickson said Chikwawa has 27, 943 people participating in various interventions of the agroforestry, natural tree regeneration, contour ridging, swalley construction, dip trench construction and river bank conservation.
CS-EPWP is a component under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme funded by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Phalombe UTM youths pay tribute to late Chilima
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, July 14, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths in Phalombe Saturday celebrated the life of late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others who died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024 in Chikangawa Forest.
The youth lit candles and they celebrated through singing and dancing Catholic hymns some of which were late Chilima's favourite.
Speaking during the memorial service, representative of UTM General Secretary, Patricia Kaliati, Fraizer Chilewani said the service has to be disassociated from politics because they are paying homage to the departed souls of Malawian citizens.
He said that, "We have to be in the forefront in developing the country and not to have negative thoughts for the leaders of this country, but we should remain united and wait for general election in 2025 to cast our votes."
Representative of Member of Parliament for Phalombe South, Mary Mpanga who sought not to be named said that as the nation needed to remember the life of private practice lawyer, Ralph Kasambara who was buried the same day of the plane accident.
Leading the prayer service, Fr. Preciano Muyakha of St. Paul Catholic Church in Phalombe said all Christians are one despite belonging to different denominations, saying their presence at the service showed the spirit of oneness among Malawians.
He said the memorial services are also conducted abroad to demonstrate showing the love people had towards the departed souls.
Apart from praying for Chilima and the eight others who were killed in the plane crash, the youths celebrated the life of Soldier Lucius Banda who died on June 30,2024 while receiving of a kidney failure at a clinic in South Africa.
Defeat failing to elude Silver …. and are nine points clear on top
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, July 14, Mana: Second half display by TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Sunday engineered them to forced 2-2 draw against Kamuzu Barracks before a sizeable crowd at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe.
The Bankers have recorded their third draw after 1-1 against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos away in Dedza, and last minute 2-2 draw at the hands of Mighty Kau-Kau Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
With the draw, the Bwandilo giants are now 30 points from 12 games, have created a nine-point gap and are yet to test a defeat this season while Kamuzu Barracks have 21 points from the same number of games.
The first half the Chiwoko Brigade amounted a very road block near the offices of the Central in City and their five-star display was marvel to watch which saw them managed to plant two quick goals through Gregory Nachipo 20 minutes and Hope Namadzunda 22 minutes.
The second half substations brought life line to the out of form Bankers, they brought in Stain Davie and Atusaye Nyondo for Mark Fodya and Duncan Nyoni.
They pulled one back after two minutes through a flick on header by Davie before Chimwemwe Idana’s magic touches outside the penalty box saw his volley flying into the roof of the net beating Kamuzu Barracks keeper, Hastings Banda to make it 2-2 after 73 minutes.
In Blantyre, the football gods are still not smiling to TNM Defending Champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets when they too had to come from behind to hold Civil Service United to a 1-1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium.
It tough going for the reigning champions as they are still failing to put their acts together and have recorded their eighth defeat of the season.
The Visitors opened the flood gates after 53miutes through Blessings Malinda and two minutes later, Bullets leveled the scores through Ernest Petro.
Civil Service United stood firm and managed to contain Bullets and they managed to secure a point and now have 15 points on position 11.
Bullets are now on sixth positon with 17 points and have a 13-point gap to leaders, Silver and their poor run form continues for both home and away games
Experienced is the best teacher states one the idioms, is what Chitipa United has used to injure Baka City 4-1 at Karonga Stadium and the win they have nine points moved to position 14 from 16 and Baka have been pushed back to anchor the log with seven points.
Baka City took a lead after 15 minutes from Nelson Sikaona and Chitipa United leveled the scores after 42 minutes through Rajab Nyirenda.
Chitipa increase the score line to 2-1 when Francis Nyirenda scored before claiming his brace 11 minutes later while Rajab got his second got after 70 minutes to make it 4-1.
Mzuzu City Hammers leave it late to collected maximum points after edging Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 2-1 at Mzuzu Stadium and make them to have 21 points and are number four on the log table.
Dedza were first to knock the door through Promise Kamwendo after 35 minutes and the Hammers equalizer at the stock of half time through their captain, Isaac Msiska.
Hammers, Wongani Lungu got the winner four minutes to time to the disbelief of the travelling side.
Illiteracy hindering rural development projects, says ministry
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, July 14, Mana: Chief Community Development Officer responsible for Adult Literacy in the Ministry of Gender and Community Development, Samuel Ziba, has said high illiteracy levels in rural areas significantly affect the progress and implementation of development projects.
Speaking at a preparatory meeting for World Literacy Day in Salima on Saturday, Ziba emphasized the critical impact of illiteracy on various development interventions.
He said: “There is a huge knowledge gap in the communities, development projects fail to progress as some communities do not understand initiatives due to high illiteracy levels."
Ziba highlighted that illiteracy is also one of the major factors that is contributing to persistent poverty in rural areas saying it has the potential to derail progress if not taken care of.
“Most people remain trapped in poverty because they are illiterate. They struggle to adopt new farming technologies and fail to run businesses effectively because they cannot participate in the digital world,” he said.
He however called for increased collaboration between the government and stakeholders to address the issue at hand.
“There is a need for stakeholders to partner with the government in reducing illiteracy, especially by providing resources, as it seems to be a significant setback,” he added.
Chairperson of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Salima, Paul Duncan said tackling illiteracy issues will help to enhance project implementation in different communities.
“Reducing illiteracy levels will help make project implementation a success and will lead to significant improvements in many communities. As CSOs, we are committed to working with the government and ensure that our initiatives focus on reducing illiteracy levels,” he said.
On her part, District Coordinator for Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education (CYECE), Aggie Chang said reducing illiteracy in communities can help children to stay in school and their rights protected since education empowers people.
Revival of Presidential Initiative on Sports on course
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, July 14, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Isaac has hinted that the Ministry was intending to revive Presidential Initiative on Sports.
He disclosed his Saturday during the launch of K 40 million Gateway Central Region Netball League at Gateway Netball Court in Area 47, Lilongwe.
Katopola pointed out that the initiative was suspended some four years ago and many stakeholders have been with the Ministry to re-consider reviving for the development of sports in the country.
“We have not barred the ideas of the Presidential initiative on Sports and we are still working to see how we can bring back the tournament. The initiative was beneficial and was reaching out to many particularly in the rural areas,” he recalled.
Katopola said there was need to concentrate in grass root development of every sports code if the country was to be successful in national, regional and international competitions.
The Principal Secretary said that for this to be achieved there was need to invest more in the development of the sports code hence the call for more financial support and investments.
He thanked Mpico for showing interest to face-lift the Gateway netball court saying a proper playing surface would inspire more netball players.
“We need to have reliable courts so that our netball teams should be kept busy always. We are just hoping that the face-lifting will start soon,” Katopola added.
National Association of Malawi (NAM) Treasurer, Cecilia Mtukule Bondwe said the Presidential initiative on sports has been on break for four years and if the Ministry was considering reviving it would be a welcomed idea.
She said the initiative was providing netball space to all netball players and grass root netball was taking shape with such tournament in place.
“This would help to accelerate the rebuilding process of the national netball team; the Queens whose performance leaves much to be desired. Our standards have drastically done down in the past year taking into account that we dropped from position six to seven on world ranking and from second position from third of Africa region due to dismal performance,” Bondwe viewed.
MUBAS student seeks medical financial support
By Hope Mwandenga
Lilongwe, July 14, Mana: Fortune Milanzi, a 20-year-old student at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) has been temporarily withdrawn from the university on medical grounds. Milanzi studying Biomedical engineering (Honours) has been suffering from aplastic anaemia a serious blood disorder since 2023.
Milanzi requires frequent blood transfusions or either a bone marrow transplant or ATG + cyclosporine treatment which can be done in India or South Africa. A cost of close to 30 million Malawian kwacha is required for the treatment. His family is unable to bear the expenses alone such making an appeal to individuals and organizations for support.
Milanzi who is from Nkhotakota was enrolled at MUBAS in 2022, after passing his MSCE exams with 10 points in 2021 at Bishop Mtekateka secondary school and was in his second year at the university. A medical report by Dr. Faith Ellah Nyirongo, a senior media officer for hospital director at Kamuzu Central Hospital recommends that Fortune Milanzi need frequent medical checkups.
“Despite my best efforts, this has led to my temporally withdrawal from the university, as my health has taken a turn for the worse recently which has been challenging to keep up with my coursework and attend classes regularly,” said Milanzi.
However, Milanzi is still determined to continue his education and complete his degree. He believes that with the right support, he will overcome the standing obstacle as such reaching out for help.
Fortune’s family, friends and community are the ones currently supporting him and they are asking for help and prayers for his recovery.
For anyone willing to assist contact Fortune's father, Mr. Francis Milanzi, on +265 881 143 035.
Donald Trump injured in assassination attempt at Pennsylvania rally
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, July 14, Mana: Former President of United States of America (USA) Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
According to eyewitnesses, a gunman fired multiple rounds from an elevated position towards the stage, hitting Trump in the ear and killing one spectator. Two others were critically injured.
The Secret Service responded quickly, killing the attacker. Law enforcement sources have confirmed that the incident is being investigated as an assassination attempt.
Trump was taken to a local hospital and later released. In a statement, he thanked law enforcement and expressed shock and condolences for the victims.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with President Joe Biden and other political leaders denouncing the violence.
The FBI and Secret Service are leading the investigation, with the Department of Homeland Security also involved.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of political rallies and the potential for violence in the upcoming election season.
Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) predicted that rallies would become more controlled and indoor events in the future.
Source: BBC
