MANAonline
NICE Trust urges more investigative reporting on governance
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, June 28, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has asked journalists to write more investigative stories on governance issues particularly those brought in the public domain by social media influencers.
The organization’s District Program Manager for Rumphi and Mzimba North, Freency Mapanga made the remarks on Thursday in Mzuzu during an orientation workshop for journalists drawn from the city and surrounding areas.
Mapanga said it is the duty of trained journalists to investigate issues reported by social media influencers so that the general public gets verified information.
"Due to increased flow of information to the general public, more people are taking up the role of citizen journalists by reporting issues taking place in communicates on various platforms including social media.
"However it is only journalists that can verify that information and even investigate deeper into the issues, hence the refresher training organized to facilitate the same," said Mapanga.
One of the trainees and Chairperson for Nyika Media Club, an umbrella body for journalists in the northern region, Feston Malekezo commended NICE Trust for the training.
He acknowledged that, even though social influencers may be good whistle blowers, the information they share needs trained journalists to investigate.
"We know that with increased access to information, there is a flood of information being shared by citizens on various forums. However, journalists have a duty to follow up on such tips and investigate because a majority of Malawians rely on formal media institutions to confirm some claims," he said.
Amongst other things, the training involved discussion of ways in which citizen journalism and investigative journalism can work together to ensure proper information dissemination.
National Youth Council of Malawi Empowers Young Entrepreneurs in Agriculture
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, June 28, MANA: The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYC) says it is committed in empowering young entrepreneurs in agriculture through its Empowering Youth in Agriculture (EYA) programme.
Director of Programmes at NYC, Williot Lumbe said the organisation has helped over 500 youths by providing them with loans to expand their businesses and supporting them to export their products outside the country.
"We are not just giving them cash, but we are buying equipment equivalent to that money, Our goal is to empower them to become successful entrepreneurs and contribute to the country's economic growth." He said
NYC has partnered with various organizations, including the National Enterprise Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), Centenary Bank, and others, to provide loans and support to young entrepreneurs.
"We are ensuring that government is taking a big part in this initiative," Lumbe added.
The programme recently organized a business pitch competition where youths from various districts, including Mchinji, Mzimba, and Ntchisi, gathered to showcase their innovative ideas and products.
The competition aims at identifying and supporting talented young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, providing them with the necessary resources to grow their businesses.
The winners of the competition will receive equipment worth K3.5 million, which will be used to enhance their production capabilities.
Chairlady of the Chimwemwe Youth Club Mphatso Gondwe, one of the participating groups, expressed her gratitude to NYC for the support.
"NYC has taught us how to empower ourselves, We came up with soya milk and coffee products, which are unique and of high quality." she said.
Gondwe expressed her hope about the possibility of winning the competition, which would enable them to purchase a machine to increase their milk production to 5,000 liters per week and irrigation equipment to enhance their farming capabilities.
She said by providing them with the necessary resources and support, NYC is helping to create a new generation of successful entrepreneurs who will contribute to the country's economic growth and development.
Chilomoni Assemblies of God opens branch at Maliya
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, June 28, Mana: Chilomoni Assemblies of God church has opened a new branch at Maliya, Traditional Authority Kuntaja in Blantyre.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, newly appointed Pastor, Harold Sasani who has been assigned to pastor the new church said people at Maliya and surrounding areas should expect spiritual growth, healings and more blessings.
He said the congregation and other community members should also expect more community and social development activities, ranging from construction of a new prayer house to charity works for underprivileged, among others.
“As a pastor l like working with chiefs and the community besides preaching the word of God. Maliya Assemblies of God church has a vision of finding partners that will assist in fundraising to assist the needy,” he said.
Leader for Chilomoni Assemblies of God church, Rev. Maxton Chipungu said Malawi Assemblies of God is a mission oriented church which believes in reaching out to people and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
“We do door to door evangelism apart from crusades. Many people receive Christ while some get delivered and healed,” he added.
He said Malawi Assemblies of God was looking forward to see Maliya church growing and offering more to the community in body and spirit.
“We have a new pastor stationed at Maliya Assemblies of God church. This is a person who is approved by the Malawi Assemblies of God,” he said.
Chilomoni Assemblies of God led by Rev. Chipungu established Maliya church which currently has 27 members to continue evangelizing.
Stakeholders play crucial role in water resource management-NWRA
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, June 27, Mana: The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) Senior Civic Education and Public Relations Officer, Masozi Kasambala has said stakeholders in the water sector play a critical role in managing and conserving water resources.
Kasambala made the remarks in Mchinji on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting aimed at equipping them with the necessary technical knowledge so that they are empowered to properly conduct their role in water resource conservation.
"As you know, Malawi 2063 vision serves as our development blueprint; under the Agenda we must achieve urbanization, industrialization, commercialization, and agricultural productivity. Sustainable water resources are essential for attaining these pillars, which is why it is imperative for all stakeholders, including Area Development Committees (ADCs), to be well-versed in water resource management," said Kasambala.
Principal Community Development Officer for Mchinji, Joyce Mtukuso expressed gratitude to the NWRA for engaging the ADCs on water resource issues.
"As a council, we rely on ADCs for any development matters. I am pleased that they have been briefed on their responsibilities and expect them to implement what they have learned," said Mtukuso.
Chipiliro Phiri, chair of the ADC from Traditional Authority (TA) Zulu, thanked the NWRA for organizing the meeting.
"We were not aware that we needed to register if we need to use water resources. Now we have a better understanding of many aspects of water resource management, including where to obtain a license after registering to use government water resources," Phiri said.
The NWRA established in 2013, operates under the laws of the Malawi government, focusing on the sustainable management and conservation of the nation's water resources.
Council concerned with increase in GVB cases
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, June 27, Mana; The Lilongwe District Council has expressed concern over the increase in Gender Based Violence (GBC) cases in the district.
Speaking on Thursday during a stakeholders meeting, Lilongwe District Gender Officer, Gertrude Simwaka said the district recorded 6,859 GBV cases from April 2023 to April 2024.
Simwaka attributed the increase to poverty and lack of self-reliance, as some of the factors contributing to the high rate of GBV in the communities.
She said out of the 6,859 GBV cases recorded, 5,429 involved women while 1,430 were males.
"These figures are very worrisome, considering several intervetions government and Non-Govermental Organisations (NGOs) are implementing in the district.
“The cases recorded mainly include; physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse and 80 percent of the victims are women." she said.
Lilongwe Police Station Community Policing Coordinator, Sub Inspector Laudan Kaira called on the general public to report GBV cases on time.
“There is need for women empowerment, as many of the women falling victim have high reliance on men and have no choice but to go back to the same marriage and live with their abuser. There is need to encourage and link women to groups that will empower them financially,” said Kaira.
Speaking earlier, Coalition for the Empowerment of Women and Girls (CEWAG), Project Officer, John Kachere said his organization will continue to raise awareness to empower women and girls by introducing a revolving fund so that they venture into small scale businesses.
Capital City giants in a ‘do make or break battle’
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 28, Mana: Capital City football rivalry will be back in fold when traditional bragging rights are on play on Sunday during TNM Super League when Civil Service United will rock horns with current league leaders, Silver Strikers at Civo Stadium in Area 9, Lilongwe.
Could it be Civil’s year to use home advantage to contain the pressure and come out of shell to register the first defeat of the season to the Central Bankers?
Maybe it will be the usual fixture fulfilling but the visiting Bwandilo Boys have an advantage over their rivals looking at their rich form of vein.
Civil had travelled to Blantyre last Sunday where they were beaten 3-0 by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers with Christopher Kumwembe claiming a hat trick while Leaders were held to a painful 2-2 draw after leading the game twice and the last minute strike by the hosts was a killer punch.
Civil are lying on position seven with 14 points from 10 games while Bwandilo Boys are leading with 26 points from the same number of game and head to head record favours the Bankers but 90 minutes will tell.
Kamuzu Barracks will came face to face with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets at Civo Saturday on Saturday coming from a 0-0 draw against Baka City in Karonga.
Bullets displayed luckless football against Creck Sporting despite creating close chances to earn them maximum points.
From a draw, training boycott and snatching of team bus by sheriffs of the High court due to non-payment of court ruling characterized the people’s team’s week in short.
From the grapevine, there are indications that Bullets’ shameless performance for the past 10 weeks was that some players were involved in match fixing where they were receiving cash from some officials from their rival clubs.
The issue is with Bullets officials for further investigations and the said players are said on danger of having their contracts terminated or face no renewable.
Lifeless Bullets squad have largely depended on scoring prowess of young and promising winger Patrick Mwaungulu who had scored five goals this season while their main strikers are on goal drought.
His imminent departure to TP Mazembe of Democratic of Congo (DRC) alongside Lanjesi Nkhoma should be cause for worry for Bullets title defensive.
Third placed mighty Mukuru Wanderers, the only that will be looking for a winner over Mighty Waka Waka Tigers.
The Kanjedza Boys are reported to be playing a more attractive football under their coach, Leo Mpulula and they attack in numbers.
Count yourself as winners after 90 plus minutes because they are more danger especially in the dying minutes of the game as evidence when they stopped hot contenders, Silver Strikers at Mecca Stadium before faithful Ganyu fans.
Tigers have pulled two surprised draws against Bullets 1-1 and Silver 2-2 at Kamuzu Stadium while Nomads have a task to change the pattern.
However, Wanderers have maintaining their two winning streak against Premier Bet, Dedza Dynamos 3-1 and Civil Service United 3-0 with Meke Mwase at the helm.
The following are full fixtures for the weekend kicking off at 2:30 pm.
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Kamuzu barracks vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets @ Civo Stadium
FOMO vs Moyale Barracks @ Mulanje Park
Baka City vs Bangwe All Stars @ Karonga Stadium
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Mzuzu City Hammers vs Mafco @ Mzuzu Stadium
Chitipa United vs Creck Sporting @ Karonga Stadium
Mighty Waka Waka Tigers vs Mighty Mukuru Wanderers @ Kamuzu Stadium
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos vs Karonga United @ Dedza Stadium
Civil Service United vs Silver Strikers @ Civo Stadium
DRTSS warns operators of overloading
By Tione Andsen
Balaka, June 27, Mana: Department of Road Traffic and Safety Services (DRTSS) has warned truck owners and operators in the country not to over load their vehicles when transporting goods and services.
DRSS Chief Road Traffic Officer, Larry Chewere sounded the warning Thursday at Balaka Weighbridge during Media Tour on projects being implemented by Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) under Ministry of Transport and Public Works with funding from World Bank as part of the Nacala Corridor development.
He said most roads are being damaged because of overloading by operators hence they are being subjected to fines.
Chewere dismissed assertions that weighbridges are over charging operators saying they are not meant for income generating but are used for safety measures.
“Weighbridges are not meant for income generating but providing guidance to operators to comply with loading limits for their vehicles. Our fines generally are not small one,” the Chief Road Officer admitted.
“Weighbridges are placed at specific areas in order to check movements of loads. We normally monitor movements of the loads in order to protect our roads from being damaged as a result of overloading by operators,” he viewed.
He promised the Directorate would continue using weighbridges to ensure that right loads are being moved and the project would soon provide mobile weighbridges for spot checks.
Chewere added that they have been conducting workshops, awareness meetings with operators on the dangers of overloading their vehicles and its impact on the life span of the roads.
“Overloading will not only damage the roads but their vehicles are affected as a result of carry goods which are exceeding in weight capacity,” he explained.
The Chief said the fines are being calculated based on current market price and the Directorate usually uses NBS Bank rates for the day.
“If the Directorate will use weighbridges for revenue generation that means compliance is failing. Fines are on there for checks and balances to the operators not to exceed weight limits,” he clarified.
He said once operators adhere to carry recommended loads, they would help government to save funds for maintenance and they would save their vehicles from frequent maintenance.
“We are charge our fines in US$ because they cater for both local and international operators. We normally collect K 80 to 100 million per month. Last year, we collected over K 1.4 billion of the fines at Balaka Weighbridge,” Chewere added.
He disclosed that SATCP would provide funds for the constriction of weighbridge near Machinga Teachers’ Training College (TTC) in order to curb over loading of trucks passing through that road.
He believes that weight bridge at Liwonde would greatly help to curb overloading that operators using roads that have no weighbridges would be controlled
“we are expecting to have two more weighbridges in Nkhotakota and Mwanza inland in order to control follow of goods on the country’s roads,” headed.
Station Manager for Balaka Weighbridge, Richard Sochera said overloading vehicles cause damage to the environment because they produce a lot of fumes.
He said operators should view mobile and permanent weighbridges as a tool to protect the roads from being damaged as a results of carrying excess loads.
Katanda to launch a book
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, June 27, Mana: A Lilongwe based writer, Herbert Katanda, who is a well-known TV personality will on June 29, 2024 launch a new book titled ‘The Audacity of Depression’ under Grand Pen Africa Publication at Lark Cafe Area 43 in Lilongwe.
Katanda who started a writing career in 2010 told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Blantyre that The Audacity of Depression was his second book after another titled ‘Belly Button’ which was written and published in 2018.
The New Book which has been financially sponsored by Mzeru za Abambo Group of Companies and Sang Farms, consists of various short stories and poems which are tackling issues of mental health.
“The month of June is considered to be Men’s Mental Health Awareness month. We have organized a book launch dinner for The Audacity of Depression anthology, a book that tackles mental health issues to raise awareness on how people should heal from stress and depression,” he said.
Event Manager, Robert Edward from Zoom Media and Events, who are organizers of the Book launch, hailed Katanda for his tireless effort to write a book that has the possibilities to deal with suicide in the country.
He said the event was beyond Book launch as there would be a panel discussion involving individuals from different sectors to discuss depression and mental health issues.
“You might be aware that the country recorded more than 250 suicide cases last year and according to Police reports, most of the reasons for the suicide were relationship break ups and financial issues. We saw it as an opportunity being a mental awareness month, that the country should engage a panel discussion on how people should manage stress and depression,” Edward added.
He pointed out that statistical reports indicate a higher number of men committing suicide than women.
Edward said that profits generated from the book sale would help in campaign to raise awareness on mental health and depression through a mental health radio programme.
The Book launch will be aired live on Luntha Television 6 pm to 9pm and a panel discuss on mental health will involve experts in mental health, legal, business persons and those from faith community to be represented by Apostle, Clifford Kawinga of Salvation for All Ministries, who will be guest of honour.
Schools hail Camfed for supporting learners
By Luckia Akim
Zomba June 27, Mana: Teachers from various Primary Schools in Zomba have commended Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) for the support given to leaners which has among others improved attendance and performance among beneficiaries.
Camfed supports selected needy learners with school uniform and shoes, exercise books, sanitary pads to ensure menstrual hygiene among girls and provision of development funds among others.
A Teacher at Mpachika Primary School, Mary Bomasi said the Camfed’s support has been source of motivation to learners to work hard in class, adding that the support eventually reduced absenteeism.
She added that before the support, it was challenging for the students to attend classes as they lacked essential needs for education such as school uniforms and sanitary pads.
“The learners under Camfed Programme come from very poor families and it was hard for their parents and guardians to buy them uniform, shoes and many more. However, the support has ignited their urge for school,” Bomasi added.
Another Teacher from Milila Primary School, Wilson Chawaya observed that Camfed support brough good results in learner’s school performance.
“Apart from the material support, Camfed is implementing various activities such as study circles, home visits to check on leaners that dropped out of school. This has helped to improve leaners performance and bring back those that dropped out of school,” he said.
A Standard 7 student, Triza Likango said Camfed motivated her to remain in school after various support and expressed hoped that the package would help her to realize see her dream.
“Camfed has been providing me with exercise books, pens and school uniform. Before being a Camfed beneficiary, my parents struggled to provide me with all school materials and this affected my attendance and performance in class," she added.
Apart from supporting learners in Primary School, Camfed is assisting female students in Secondary and Universities across the country with school materials.
Adolescent girls to receive Iron-Folic Acid tablets
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, June 27, Mana: Over 100, 000 adolescent girls will from September, 2024 start receiving Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets under the Integrated IFA Supplementation programme by the Department of Nutrition and the Ministry of Health in Thyolo District.
Deputy Director for Nutrition in the Department of Nutrition, Kondwani Mpeniuwawa disclosed this Wednesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) Department held together with Evidence for Action to introduce the programme.
“The target is 117, 532 adolescent girls. 67, 438 in school and 50, 094 out of school adolescent girls aged 10 to 19.
“We are doing this to ensure that we reduce the prevalence of anemia which leads to impaired physical and cognitive development in children," he said.
Mpeniuwawa said school health and nutrition (SHN) teachers and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) would be administering the IFA to in school and out of school adolescent girls, respectively on a weekly basis for a three-year period.
“During school year, girls will consume tablets on a fixed day of the week under direct supervision of teachers. During vacation, HSAs will distribute tablets to adolescent girls in the community under their supervision.
“HSAs, on the other hand, will distribute IFA tablets on a weekly basis to out-of-school adolescent girls within their catchment area; HSAs will define a ‘fixed day’ based on what they choose is the best way to reach all out of school adolescent girls,” he added.
Thyolo District Council Principal Nutrition and HIV & Aids Officer, Kondwani Luwe hailed the programme, saying it was a significant step towards improving the nutritional status and overall well-being of the communities.
“Iron and folic acid deficiencies are prevalent and can lead to serious health issues such as anemia, particularly, among women and children.
“This programme will provide essential supplements to vulnerable groups, helping to reduce the incidence of anemia and related complications,” he said.
Luwe said the Council was committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the IFA programme through community outreach, education and regular monitoring.
“Our goal is to raise awareness about the importance of these nutrients and to encourage compliance with the supplementation regimen,” he said, adding: “By working together with healthcare providers and community leaders we aim to create a sustainable and impactful change in the health and well-being of our population.”
The integrated IFA supplementation programme will be implemented in seven districts of Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, Mzimba, Ntchisi and Mulanje for a period of three years with a possibility of increasing the number of districts in the future.
