By Chisomo Sumani,

Lilongwe July 5, Mana: A common yet critical act of significant concern continues to be rampant in Lilongwe City where drivers wrongly park vehicles all around the city.

This prevalent practice not only causes inconvenience to other drivers and pedestrians but poses serious safety hazards like road accidents, delayed ambulance due to traffic congestion and reduced traffic.

 In response, the City Council embarked on the act of clamping wrongly parked vehicles in July 2019 which came into operation on August five the same year in their efforts to clamp down on improperly parked cars, aiming to instill a sense of responsibility among drivers and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

In an article published by Nyasatimes, the City Council Public Relations Officer, Tamara Chafunya was quoted to have said, “We observed chaos in terms of the way people park their vehicles within the city. For example, we have seen people parking their vehicles in pedestrian pave ways and office complexes which are not designated as public parking areas.”

She continued to say, they thought it wise to include a by-law on traffic which gives powers to the council to enforce proper parking of vehicles having observed chaos in terms of the way people park their vehicles within the city, as the Road Traffic Act gives powers to the local authority to manage traffic in the city.”

It is however to a continuation that since it was said and implemented in 2019 wrong parking hasn't yet been mitigated.

Clamping has by far been done on wrongly parked cars as well as cars with lots of parking debt to the city council.

Drivers often justify their actions by citing limited parking space and the urgency of their tasks.

They argue that they need to park quickly to complete errands, enter shops, or pick up and drop off customers, such finding it challenging to drive their way through until they find a parking space that is however limited.

Many find it challenging to find a parking space, leading them to park wherever they can, even if it is illegal. They complain of having their cars clamped even when they are just getting things for their customers from a shop to the car, parking space is said to be limited. 

Most drivers claim to park their vehicles where they believe and feel that safety is assured a place where they can be and still manage to watch over their cars at a distance.

One driver, Peter Phiri acknowledged the significance of the clamping efforts but emphasized the need for more parking spaces.

"They are not wrong to clamp our cars when they are wrongly parked, but we still need more space for parking to avoid driving in circles looking for a spot," he said.

Another driver, Trywell Kagona urged his fellow drivers to adhere to parking regulations.

"If you find a good parking spot, park your car there. Most people know where the parking areas are but still end up parking anywhere," he advised.

Kagona stressed the importance of following the rules to maintain order and safety on the roads.

The Road Traffic Act Chapter 69:01 states that, no person shall park a vehicle on any portion of the roadway, excluding the shoulders, of a public road outside an urban area or with any part of such vehicle within one metre of the edge of such roadway except in a parking place demarcated by an appropriate road traffic sign.

Perpetrators of wrong parking are fined.

Despite these enforcement efforts, the issue of wrong parking persists, highlighting a need for a more comprehensive solution.

The struggle against rampant wrong parking in Lilongwe is ongoing, but with continued enforcement, infrastructural improvements, and community cooperation, there is hope for a more orderly and safer city environment.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, July 5, Mana: All in One Entertainment has organized a free music show dubbed Bangwe Music Festival on Monday July 8, 2024 as part of the country’s Independence Day.

The Event is scheduled to be conducted at Dessert Ground in Bangwe Township to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

All in One Entertainment is a Bangwe Township based music outfit that performs in different events and they are well known for performing with celebrated Phalombe Music Star, Giboh Pearson.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday in Blantyre, All in One Vice Band Leader, Alex Samala said they have organized the show as one way of bringing people together to address the issue of suicide cases in their area.

“In the past months, we registered more suicide cases in our area; we, therefore, thought of organizing this show for people to be entertained and get counseling on the matter,” he said.

Samala disclosed that they have reached out to other organizations and individuals to partner with them and provide counseling about suicide at the event.

He added that the campaign does not target the youths only, saying since it was a free event everyone was at liberty to attend.

“Our main target is the youth but since it is a public activity, everyone is invited,” Band leader hinted.

Samala appealed to people from Bangwe Township and surrounding areas to patronize the event, on account that it would be entertaining as well as educative.

One of the Artists expected to perform on the day, Mellz confirmed about his availability during the show, saying he was ready for the show and expecting a great show.

“I am going to be there, just know that I was born ready and I was born for this,” he boasted.

Mellz who is known as the Zipweteko Star among his fans, appealed to those that would attend the show to observe peace, noting that the event would attract people with diverse backgrounds being in an open ground.

“Those that will come should avoid violence so that we will have a great show,” he said.

People at the show will enjoy music performances from the Chinafuna M’bale hit makers Lucky Stars and Abiti Najere, among others who have already confirmed their presence.

Supporting artists include Elgenesys, Punja, Twins Mission, One Pr, King Cosh, M’buka Man, Ably, Paipa Squid, Rain C, Di Music, K Selebouy and 18 Chopper.

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, July 5, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, says improving farming through mechanisation has the potential to increase agricultural productivity.

Kawale was speaking Thursday at Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme in Zomba during a demonstration of a rice planter by Mahindra Company.

Mahindra Company brought two rice planters, the ‘Walk Behind’ planter which can plant rice on approximately two hectares per day and the ‘Ride On’ planter that can cover over three hectares per day.

Kawale said time has come for Malawian farmers to adopt mechanization farming for improved crop production.

“By using the rice planter, more hectares can be covered hence the need for our farmers to have access to the machines,” he said.

Kawale said it is government’s wish to ensure that the country moves from traditional ways of farming and seriously invest in modern and mechanized farming.

He disclosed plans to expand Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme which has a perennial water source to benefit more farmers.

“Government has invested a lot of money in mega farms for farmers to boost their productivity and prevent hunger. I am personally impressed with Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme and plans are underway to increase the hectare for massive rice production,” said Kawale.

Kawale, therefore, applauded Mahindra Company for the support of the planter, saying the machinery would ease labour and save time.

Sales and Marketing Officer for Mahindra Company, George Livuwo, said the demonstration was aimed at familiarizing farmers with the machines and for them to realise benefits of the planters.

“We need to be productive as a country by adopting new farming technologies which can directly boost our harvest. We would like to encourage cooperatives to try these machines which can boost their production,” said Livuwo.

Chairperson for Zomba District Council, Bester Chirwa, urged farmers at the scheme to utilize the opportunity for their benefit.

Chirwa thanked government for its effective coordination with Mahindra Company saying the initiative will not only benefit Zomba but the nation as a whole.

Construction of Mlowoka Irrigation Scheme, which is currently being utilized by farmers in Chingale, started in December 2022.

The scheme is located in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita and pumps water using solar power from the Shire River. 

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, July 5, Mana: President for Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRISAM), Ernest Kaonga, has pledged a whooping K6 million to six best performing students sitting for the 2023/2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations as one way of motivating them.

Kaonga, who is also Director for Maranatha Private Academy, said they believe that motivation is one factor that inspires students to work hard.

The offer, which will see three boys and three girls getting K1 million each, goes to students in both private and public schools.

“We need to motivate these students. Our aim is to see them scoring highly in exams. As PRISAM President, l have set aside K6 million to six students who will emerge top performers during these examinations,” said Kaonga.

He said the offer is for the love of education and to complement government’s efforts in promoting education standards.

Kaonga has been decorating MSCE, Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) top performers by offering scholarships to such excellence from the marginalized.

This year he has promised to also splash out cash to top students who sat for the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examinations.

In a separate interview, Chifundo Mawindo, one of the students who are currently sitting for MSCE examinations, expressed gratitude with the offer saying it has come at the right time.

He said, as a candidate, he will fight very hard to claim the prize.

“I will be writing with much effort in order to dominate and qualify for the award. I know there are other fellows who are writing these exams as such I am encouraging them to push hard and fight for success because this will be a starter-pack for our tertiary education,” said Mawindo.

In 2022/2023 academic year, Kaonga awarded Esnart Chiwala, Don Chikopa and Joseph Mathias who obtained six points from St. Mary’s and Dedza Secondary Schools with K1 million each.

He also offered a job to Mathias as a student teacher at their Lilongwe campus after noticing that he struggles financially. The arrangement was meant to assist him raise money for his tuition in college.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, July 5, Mana: Government has committed to continue supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the country while at the same time urged refugees to continue to honor the laws of the country.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security, Erica Maganga, made the remarks Thursday at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa when Malawi observed World Refugee Day.

Maganga said Malawi continues to be a nation that has opened her doors to people fleeing conflict and persecution from their countries, offering them sanctuary, dignity and hope.

"Today we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of compassion, generosity and solidarity that defines us as a people. We stand as a beacon of hope in a world too often marked by division and discord, demonstrating that when we come together in cohesion, there is no challenge too great for us to overcome," she said.

However, she urged refugees and asylum seekers to respect the laws of Malawi.

"I wish to emphasize that such a collective action comes with responsibility on refugees and asylum seekers to respect and uphold the laws of Malawi," said Maganga.

She said as the country observes the day, it is imperative to recognize the immense challenges faced by refugees across the world, too hard to imagine.

Maganga said refugees demonstrate extraordinary resilience, courage, strength and determination for a better tomorrow.

She further said government and partners should rekindle that hope by offering support for them to rebuild their lives.

"As we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable world, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that refugees are not only protected but also empowered to thrive.

"This requires us to invest in education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and psychosocial support for refugees and host communities alike," she said.

Government has identified a new refugee camp site in Chitipa where it will ensure that there are improved services, facilities and land for agriculture.

Meanwhile, the Malawi Law Society has started review of the 1989 Refugees Act in order to create a favorable legal environment for refugees.

Commissioner for Refugees General Ignacio Maulana said there is work to be done to see an improved management of refugees and asylum seekers in the country.

"Unfortunately we cannot do this alone; we need assistance of the whole society so that together we build solutions that are sustainable and in the interests of all the persons of concern and the nation at large," he said.

He called for peace at the camp and for partners to understand the needs of refugees in order to provide the right support.

Dzaleeka Refugee Camp Manager, Elton Phulusa, commended partners for their help towards the camp.

He said congestion is a big challenge as there are daily arrivals of refugees at the camp which, currently, hosts over 54,000, way beyond the initial 12,000 recommendation.

"This has brought challenges in terms of provision of shelter, security, education, food and health services. So, the establishment of a new camp in Chitipa will help ease some of the challenges here," said Phulusa.

Abdikarim Taashir Ismael, who spoke on behalf of the refugee community applauded stakeholders in ensuring dignity for asylum seekers.

He bemoaned that some articles in the country create restrictions for refugees to access some fundamental rights and opportunities, hence hindering the development and quest for their self-sufficient lives.

"By lifting these restrictions, we can empower refugees to work, move freely and integrate into society. It would allow refugees to support themselves and their families, reducing the financial burden on partners.

"Furthermore, fostering an environment where refugees can thrive and contribute benefits not only the refugees but also the broader community. Refugees bring with them diverse skills, experiences and perspectives that can enrich the cultural and economic fabric of Malawi," he said.

Group Village Head Chimtengo of Traditional Authority Mkukula asked for a vehicle for police officers saying it becomes a challenge to respond to emergencies during the night.

Instituted in 2001, the day is annually cerebrated on June 20 to honor the plight and bravery of refugees. This year Malawi observed the day on July 4 due to the recent 21 days mourning period the country was in following the death of the immediate past Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima.

By Alex Kachingwe

Blantyre, July 4, Mana: Sports analyst and journalist, Frank Kandu, has expressed the need for Super League teams to start considering football as a business and seek to operate as companies as a major way of earning more profits.

Kandu told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday that when football teams operate as companies they start to see football as an entrepreneurship in such a way that they start looking for ways on how to generate profits like selling replica jerseys and getting into partnerships with various sponsors.

“In our elite league most of the teams rely on gate collections to boost their finances, but when they operate as companies they are encouraged to find means of generating revenue to survive in the league,” he said.

Kandu said taking football as business and operating as a company would create the possibility to promote football in Malawi as teams would be able to produce talented football players who are later exported to international clubs.

He cited an example of Nyasa Big Bullets, Mighty Ekhaya Wanderers and Silver Strikers who usually export more players.

Kandu observed that teams which operate as companies have higher opportunities to attract sponsors than those operating as mere football clubs.

Super League of Malawi (Sulom) General Secretary, Williams Banda, said when teams consider football as business and register as companies, they begin running in a professional way.

“In our elite TNM Super League, most of the teams are now operating as companies, strictly considering football as a serious business,” Banda said.