MANAonline
Four arrested for motorcycle robbery
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe June 13, Mana: Police at Gateway Mall in Lilongwe have arrested four men for allegedly terrorizing and committing a series of motorcycle robberies in the city.
Lilongwe Police Public Relations Officer, Hastings Chigalu said the law enforcers have since recovered from the suspects, three stolen motorcycles.
The suspects have been identified as Maliko Ngaika, 43, Chisomo Njeulira, 19, Hassan Kalisto, 41, and Patrick Banda, 24.
"In one of the robbery incidents, on 28 May this year, at around 19:00 hours, the first suspect (Ngaika), approached a certain motorcycle taxi operator who was refueling his bike at Kafoteka Filling Station, asking for a ride to Area 9.
"Upon reaching Area 9, Ngaika told the motorcyclist to stop close to a certain unfinished house," explained Chigalu.
“However, immediately after making such a stop, Ngaika strangled the motorcyclist on the neck before two other criminals emerged from where they were hiding and joined in the assaulting of the motorcyclist,” he added.
Chigalu said the criminals later disappeared with the motorcycle while leaving the victim bleeding at the scene.
Law enforcers first arrested Ngaika, who later revealed the identities of his three accomplices and led the police to the location where the stolen motorcycles had been sold, resulting in their recovery.
Marko Ngaika comes from Emba Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Masumbankhunda, Lilongwe, Hassan Kalisto is from Ntonda Village, T/A Kalembo, and Chisomo Njeulira hails from Muwoja Village, T/A Kachenga, both in Balaka, while Patrick Banda comes from Gabriel Village, T/A Mulumbe in Zomba District.
The suspects will be taken to court soon to answer robbery charges.
Machinga pledges commitment to implement PSR
By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, June 13, Mana: Following public sector reform perfomance review meeting with the Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi in Blantyre on Friday, Machinga District Council says it will put more efforts to accelerate performance in implementing activities under the public sector reform guidelines.
The council made its commitment while presenting its progress report to the Vice President at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel, where the report received constructive feedback highlighting areas of underperformance.
While presenting the report, Machinga Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Noel Dakamau, highlighted several successes, including the organization of farmer clubs to promote the use of tractors for agricultural mechanisation aimed at ensuring sustainable food security and advancing agri-business. He also noted the introduction of paying wards at Machinga District Hospital to enhance access to health services and boost revenue generation.
“We came up with these initiatives to mobilise revenue from farmer clubs for purchase of tractors for agricultural mechanisation so that communities should fully utilise the tractors with true sense of ownership,” he added.
Dakamau however, expressed concern over lack of commitment and cooperation from some local leaders and communities in the district in advancing reform agenda.
“As a council, we at times face resistance from other communities and chiefs, which is worriesome considering that our interest is to serve them altogether,” he added.
In his remarks, Usi acknowledged the council’s commitment in utilising available resources to attain sustainable food production, saying Machinga’s commitment was a move in the right direction, towards successful execution of reform areas that were also in line with Malawi’s development aspirations outlined in Malawi Vision 2063.
He therefore bemoaned tendency of some local leaders that are reluctant to lead in line with government development agenda, saying this is retrogressive and unfortnunate.
“I appeal to leaders that they should learn to act in the best interest of the people they serve, other than doing things for personal interests,” added.
Taking his turn, Machinga District Commissioner, Rodrick Mateauma, attributed the council’s good performance to sector collaboration and team spirit among members of staff.
“We are highly committed to put efforts that should make us achieve our goals in line with public sector reforms,” the District Commissioner added and also pledged to address issues that contribute to low perfomance in achieving best results in public sector reform.
Overall performance of Machinga District Council in 2024/25 financial year, according to Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA) saw an outstanding improvement from position 28 previously to position five in the year under review.
Apart from Machinga District Council, Neno and Mangochi Municipal Council also presented progress reports.
Tewo parastatals, Malawi Posts Corporation and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation also presented their reform progress reports.
Youths urged to promote peace and security ahead of elections
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 13, Mana: The Department of Peace and National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, has called on the youths in Dedza district to be agents of peace as the country heads towards general elections.
Peace and Conflict Management Officer for the department, Florencia Mtingwi, told Malawi News Agency (MANA), in an interview on Thursday at the end of youth networks engagement meeting that they wanted to deliberate and discuss on the role of youths in peace and security especially on early warning and early response on conflict issues.
“You are aware that we are nearing the elections and youths are normally used as tools to initiate violence but with our 2063 Agenda on mindset change pillar, we are looking at youths as agents of peace,” she said.
Mtingwi expressed hope that through the engagement, young people will be empowered to report and respond early to prevent the escalation of violence in the district. She added that for decades, youth have been excluded from discussions on peace and security.
She further stated that her department plans to conduct more training sessions for the youth, so they can effectively advocate for peace and security in their communities.
“Youths have a significant role in ensuring that peace and security is promoted nationwide and we need to act now by rising up to promote peace and security agenda in the country.
“We call upon all youths as we are going closer to the elections to ensure they are not involved in any kind of violence instead they should be the agents of peace and ensure that the electoral processes are peaceful,” she emphasized.
Eleson Mwachande, Youth Network Chairperson from Senior Chief Kachindamoto, described the engagement as crucial saying since time immemorial, youths have been used to incite violence but hoped for the better as they will spread peace and unity among communities and their fellow youths.
On his part, Luka Chikaponya, Youth Network Chairperson from Inkosi Kamenyagwaza, said they will take lead in solving violence and also ensure equal participation not only in community issues but also in electoral processes.
Dedza District Council Youth Officer, Twesa Mwamlima, hailed officials from both the department of peace, unity and culture as well as the National Youth Council of Malawi for organizing the engagement meeting with youth networks from all the eight Traditional Authorities (T/As) in the district.
“As Dedza, we already do well in peace and unity which is our hope that these engagements will help us continue with the spirit.
“Knowing that violence does not only occur during elections, we expect our youths to spread the message across their areas to ensure peace and unity as we continue with our collaborative efforts for the same,” emphasized Mwamlima.
MBTS registers inadequate blood stocks
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, June 13, mana: The Malawi Blood Transfusion Service's (MBTS) Blood Donor Manager, Mervis Chirwa, has stated that the organization is experiencing low blood stocks due to a decline in blood donations across the country.
She made the remarks during a World Blood Donor Day public dialogue held at Lilongwe Teacher's Training College on Friday.
"Currently, the blood stocks in our blood banks are unstable because many people are not donating. That is why we are appealing to all Malawians to donate blood so we can improve our supply,” she said.
According to Chirwa, fear and cultural beliefs are some of the factors contributing to low turn out of blood donors.
She further explained that mostly men have high turn out in terms of blood donation as compared to women.
She therefore appealed to women between ages 16-25 to take a lead in donating blood saying in most cases women need blood in various health services.
She also added that 70 percent of blood donors are students between 16-25 years old.
In his remarks, Dan Kapombosola Banda, Head of Health and Social Services at the Malawi Red Cross Society, said the organization, in collaboration with MBTS and volunteers, is encouraging blood donation in various communities by providing training and essential information to help people understand the blood donation process. This initiative aims to ensure that the country has an adequate blood supply.
Meanwhile, Malawi will commemorate the World Blood Donor day on June 14th, 2025, which will be held under the theme ‘Give blood, give hope: together we can save lives’.
MCM urges journalists to uphold professionalism in election reporting
By Abubakar Kanjoka
Kasungu, June 13, Mana: Executive Director for Media Council of Malawi (MCM), Moses Kaufa, has called for professionalism among journalists in reporting electoral processes, saying their role is vital in helping citizens make informed choices and fostering a peaceful political environment ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Kaufa made the remarks on Thursday in Kasungu during a capacity-building workshop for reporters, which focused on election reporting, media ethics, and professional conduct.
He said that there are concerns that many media practitioners are not up to date with recent electoral developments, including newly enacted laws that govern their work during elections, a knowledge gap, he said poses a threat to the integrity of the whole electoral process.
“Citizens rely on media outlets for credible and accurate information to make informed decisions when electing leaders.
“With that in mind, journalists must maintain professionalism by disseminating truthful and accurate information to avoid misleading the public or triggering political unrest, and that is why today we thought of sharing some tips,” said Kaufa.
He also highlighted the importance of the training in promoting journalists’ safety during election coverage and in making them familiar with proper complaint-handling mechanisms in cases of professional infringement.
One of the participants, Topson Banda from Kasungu Community Radio Station, applauded MCM for the initiative, stating that the training will help reporters to prevent mistakes such as unbalanced reporting and misinformation.
“This is a turning point for us. It will give us an opportunity to improve and uphold ethical standards as we serve the public during this election period,” Banda said.
MCM organized the training with support from National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and UNESCO, under the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), which seeks to strengthen the capacity of community media houses and promote sustainable media operations.
Mlawi observes this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day
By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, June 13, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza has said Malawi will join the rest of the world in observing this year's Albinism Awareness Day as one of way of addressing the plight of people with albinism.
Sendeza made the disclosure on Friday during the press briefing that was held at Capital Hill in Lilongwe in respect of the 20125 International Albinism Awareness Day considering that June 13 is the International Albinism awareness day designated by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 2014 as an annual event aimed at promoting awareness about issues of albinism.
“I would like to announce that this year’s function to commemorate the International Albinism Awareness Day in Malawi will be held on Tuesday, the 17th of June 2025 in Machinga District at Michongwe Primary School ground in Ntaja,” she said.
The minister, therefore, commended the Association of People with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) for their advocacy work in the country, particularly in fighting for the rights of all people with albinism, whose voices are usually not heard.
“You have always remained vigilant and continuously worked closely with my Ministry so that we promote the well-being of all persons with albinism,” she added.
APAM President, Young Muhamba said the Malawi political landscape and political parties need the inclusion of people with albinism, noting that that political parties should not spread messages of violence as the September 16 general elections campaign period approaches.
“We would like to see people with albinism being protected, being secure and they should be allowed to participate in the election as voters as well as candidates,” Muhamba said.
Muhamba also commended the Malawi Government for putting different strategies to make people with albinism enjoy their human rights and have sustainable livelihoods.
However, he urged government to put more effort in putting strategies that will help people with albinism be protected, saying the National Action Plan should be well funded and well implemented, as the allocated K300 million is still negligible considering the activities lined up to be implemented in the action plan.
The localised theme for this year’s Albinism Awareness Day is: ‘United for peace and inclusion: strengthening the protection of persons with albinism during all times, including elections.”
Project to support youthful contestants in September 16 General Elections
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, June 13, Mana: Global Platform, a network of youth-led activism under Action Aid Malawi, in collaboration with Youth Forum for National Transformation (YOFONAT) is set to support young people who are aspiring to contest for variuos political leadership positions during the September 16 General Elections.
The remarks were made on Thursday in Mzuzu by Chifundo Roberts, Executive Director of YOFONAT, during the launch of the K35 million Youth Responsive Governance 2025 General Elections Project. The initiative was introduced to youth organizations and aspiring young candidates planning to contest in the 2025 general elections in Mzuzu City.
He said that the project seeks to support young aspirants with technical expertise on how they can participate in politics and achieve their political goals.
According to Roberts, the eight-month project seeks to train young aspiring candidates on how to sell their ideologies and manifestos, promote political coexistence among youths affiliated to various political parties and to attain violent free general elections.
"We want to encourage meaningful youth participation as we are heading towards the general electionss," Roberts said.
He added that experience has shown that young people who contest in elections fail due to inferiority complex which make them believe that politics is for the elite and older people forgetting that they are equally important in promoting good governance.
"I therefore urge the youth to contest for various political leadership positions so that they influence governance decisions and policies that affect young people in the country," he said.
Incumbent councillor for Masasa Ward, Manson Waya who is the youngest councillor in Malawi said that the project will assist youths to enhance their participation in the coming elections.
“However, I am concerned that most youths did not register to vote and this bear negative impact on their aspirations in the elections as they will not participate in polling come the elections day.
"If young people are elected as councillors and Members of Parliament, it will be to lobby for meaningful youth related policies as numbers matter in decision making at council and Parliament levels," said Waya.
Youth officer responsible for Mzuzu City and Mzimba North, Misheck Msokwa, commended the two organizations for the project which he said will go a long way in motivating youths in vying for political leadership positions.
"I am glad that most of those that attended this meeting already collected nomination papers in readness to contest in the elections," Msokwa said.
The project is to be implemented in Mzuzu and Lilongwe cities effective June this year.
Britain praises ATM strategy as a game changer to Malawi
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, June 12, Mana: The British High Commissioner, Fiona Ritchie, has said that the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining strategy (ATM) has potential to revolutionise Malawi’s economic development.
She expressed these sentiments during King Charles’ birthday celebration on Thursday, held at the commissioner’s residence in Area 10, Lilongwe.
The commissioner said that the British government will continue to work with the Malawi government in the future to restore economic stability for the private sector whether it’s through mining, agriculture or tourism in order to help the country grow and develop economically.
“Malawi is currently and will remain for sometime agricultural dominant economy hence for it to grow it needs to invest in more productive commercial agriculture and mining.
“There is still hope for Malawi to develop in all sectors while working with the British government at the same time promoting the long lasting relationship that begun along time ago among the two countries,” she explained.
She further added that a prosperous and peaceful Malawi is a prize worth striving for, no matter the challenges ahead, and that it is a source of joy for every Malawian, supported by friends and partners.
Minister of Basic Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, expressed gratitude over the British high commissioners commitment towards helping Malawi to develop in all sectors by providing support and resources.
“Britain has remained Malawi’s major development partner, increasing its official development assistance over the years in all sectors of our society which includes health, education, macro economic stability, climate change, governance and others.
“This support greatly compliments the government’s current initiative of promoting investments in critical sectors of agriculture, tourism and mining as well as other areas like manufacturing, energy and infrastructure development,” she said.
Among the dignitaries at the function were the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, George Chaponda; Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda; as well as ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from various countries.
NEEF challenges youths on loan acquisition
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, June 10, Mana: National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has challenged youths in Zomba District to take advantage of loan opportunities, which the fund provides to those that aspire to venture into enterprises for economic transformation.
NEEF Credit Analyst, Wytone Mweta made the appeal during awareness meeting with youth in the district this week, saying youths are the driving force and have a lot of potential to excel in business ventures for sustainable livelihood towards national economic growth.
“Realizing that the country's population is comprised of the youth, this is why NEEF is opening up loan opportunities so that the younger generation should participate in economic growth of the country,” he added.
Mweta said Malawi Government pumps in huge sums of money to allow more Malawians including the youths to have access to finances through loans provided by the NEEF.
“To date, NEEF has disbursed over MK236 million with over 75 percent of beneficiaries able to repay their loans,” he added and advised the youths to hold patience and be focused as they intend to venture into various enterprises that should turn positively things around.
One of the youths, Cossam Elemia, hailed NEEF for raising awareness on loan opportunities for the youths, saying the awareness was informative and source of inspirations for youths economic development.
“I am doing business and am interested in getting more money to expand the business. The best idea is to acquire NEEF loan,” he added.
The engagement meeting in Zomba was meant to stir youths into entrepreneurship.
NGO to construct changing rooms to promote menstrual hygiene in BT rural schools
By Nellie Nyirenda
Blantyre, June 12, Mana: Youth Coordinating Agency in Development (YOCADE) is from July this year set to construct changing rooms and toilets in order to improve menstrual hygiene among adolescents at Mapazi and Mpumbe schools in Mapazi Education Zone in Blantyre rural.
YOCADE Project Manager, Mervis Chitika, said close to 50 percent of girls had dropped out of school in the area due to lack of sanitary facilities.
Construction of the facilities is expect to benefit nearly 1,800 adolescents learners each year.
“Direct beneficiaries of this project are adolescent girls aged nine to 19 within the selected schools. The project aims at promoting girls’ education by improving access to menstrual hygiene facilities which the schools lack,” she said.
The project will also include training sessions on menstrual hygiene management for mother groups and other school structures at Mapazi and Mpumbe schools.
According to the Project Manager, YOCADE will additionally purchase two sewing machines to support local production of menstrual kits using readily available materials.
Mapazi Primary School Headteacher, Anne Malinga, expressed gratitude over the intervention saying construction of change rooms and toilets will be helpful especially to girls.
She, therefore, expressed hope that menstrual hygiene management will help keep learners in school thereby reducing dropout and absenteeism rates.
YOCADE, which was registered in 2010, operates under three thematic areas of education including early childhood development and girls' education, health with focus on sexual and reproductive health rights, mental health, and human rights on child and minority rights.
The local NGO, which will partner with other stakeholders, will implement the project with £10,000 support from Hilden, a United Kingdom charitable fund.
