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CHAKWERA SAYS MIOMBO FOREST VITAL FOR THE ECOSYSTEM
By Arkangel Tembo, New York, USA
New York, 25 September 2024, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has commended the efforts of the World Conservation Society, the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, and the Rain Forest Trust as partners in promoting the sustainable management and conservation of the Miombo Forests.
The president made the remarks on Wednesday during the high-level dialogue on the Miombo forest held at The River Club conference centre in New York, USA.
President Chakwera stated that The Miombo Forest is not just a natural wonder but is a vital ecosystem that defines the landscape of our beautiful continent and sustains the livelihoods of millions within the Southern African region.
“Stretching across more than 2.7 million square kilometers and spanning several countries, including Malawi, the Miombo woodlands are a bastion and central bank of natural treasures for our planet,” said President Chakwera
The president highlighted that the biodiversity of flora and fauna in Miombo forest is simply extraordinary, serving as an immune system of sorts that regulates the health and quality of the food, medicine, and materials that our communities depend on.
President Chakwera stressed that due to a lack of knowledge about the Miombo forest among people among most individuals, the forest has turned into perfect conditions of obscurity to allow criminal activities to place in the forest which has led to the loss of biodiversity.
“As I speak, there is lawless logging in Miombo Forests. There is dangerous deforestation in the Miombo Forests. There is careless charcoal production in the Miombo Forests.
“The net effect of all of this is the decimation of Miombo’s biodiversity, much to the detriment of the millions of people whose livelihood depends on it, and without which they have no natural defense against the blows of climate impacts,” said President Chakwera.
President Chakwera has reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to work collaboratively with Mozambique to reforest the parts that have been destroyed, creating programs to empower local communities to take ownership of its stewardship.
He also stressed that his administration would work closely with the President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi to implement and comply with the Maputo Declaration on Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests that was signed in 2022 and mobilize resources to be invested in research for the development of sustainable practices that enhance the resilience of our forests against climate change
Mwase’s targets are achievable - sports analysts
By Isaac Jim
Blantyre, September 25, Mana: Sports analysts in the country have said there are a lot of chances for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’s Coach, Meck Mwase with his team to win at least two trophies this season as the club’s target after he was officially announced as a head coach on Friday.
Commenting on the given target, sports analyst, Frank Kandu, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday that the chances of winning the TNM Super League are still there considering that there are more games to be played in the elite league.
“Chances for Mwase to achieve the given target are there since Wanderers are consistent now as they have played eight league games and won all of them. In addition, there are ten games to complete the season and among those games, Silver Strikers have to face Nyasa Big Bullets and Wanderers although Silver Strikers head coach said that the league is already gone,” he said.
Kandu, however, advised Mwase to use new tactics and approaches if he is to win cup games as they are tricky unlike Super League matches, and switch focus to cup titles if winning the league seems to be impossible.
“Sometimes league titles become easy to win because a coach can use home ground advantage and that many games are also played in league title unlike in cups.
“Therefore, the approach and the system of play have to be different and Mwase’s focus and concentration can also be shifted to an achievable title when he feels that his team can no longer fight for the league title after scrutinizing the team’s form and performance,” he added.
On his part, another analyst, Kim Kamau concurred with Kandu. However, Kamau is of the view that the target has not been given in good time as the league is underway and that competitions like Airtel Top 8 have already started.
“The league title race is not yet completed as the Bankers have to play away games same as Wanderers although I believe that it is good to give a coach targets before the season starts as that makes a coach have a good plan like what Silver Strikers did with Mponda.
“So, giving him targets this time I feel like they are late since other teams also have the same target which they started planning way ahead of the competitions,” he said.
Kamau said that Wanderers have a poor record when playing against big teams, emphasizing that they should defeat the opponents they struggle with to mount pressure on league leaders Silver Strikers.
“Wanderers should defeat teams that give them pressure such as Big Bullets, Mighty Wakawaka Tigers and league leaders themselves to tighten the league title race and if they want to win TNM Super League although Wanderers lacks confidence when playing against big teams and sometimes, they lose games that they are not expected to lose even when they are in top and good form,” he said.
“Therefore, Mwase needs to sit down with his backroom staff and have a good plan on how they can at least win one title if the target fails which the sponsor cannot be disappointed with unlike finishing the whole season with nothing to celebrate,” Kamau added.
Mwase who has been serving as an interim coach for almost four months was promoted to head coach following the club’s good performance as the Lali Lubani boys are placed in second position on the league table with 41 points from 20 matches, 7 points behind leaders Silver Strikers after trashing Baka City in the TNM Super League with 10 goals to nil on Saturday.
Nomads will play against Bangwe All-Stars in a second-leg match of Airtel Top 8 at Mpira Stadium on September 28 after the first-leg match at Kamuzu Stadium ended 1 - 0 in favor of the Lali Lubani boys.
Shortage of learning materials suffocating adult schools
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, September 25, Mana: Adult literacy supervisor for Santhe Zone, Augustino Tembo, says the lack of learning materials is affecting the smooth operations and effectiveness of adult schools in the area.
Tembo has since asked authorities to provide the necessary support to the schools which he said are important in the development of communities.
He said this Tuesday at Chigodi in Senior Chief Santhe’s area in Kasungu, during the presentation of certificates to 1 425 students who have completed their adult literacy sessions in the district.
“We last received books in 2017. Most centres do not have the necessary learning materials and this makes our work difficult and the lessons ineffective.
“Adult schools are very important in communities because, after completion of the sessions, the students become productive members of the society, taking important positions in community development structures,” Tembo said.
Kasungu District Council Director of Administration, Matias Blugama said Kasungu is one of the districts with high illiteracy levels in the country and that the council is doing its best to reverse the trend.
“We cannot achieve socioeconomic development if we have illiterate societies. This is why we take this day seriously as we reflect on the challenges that affect adult literacy programmes.
“We are trying our best to reduce illiteracy in the district through various programmes, including adult schools because we understand the importance of such initiatives in achieving socioeconomic development,” he said.
Receiving her certificate, one of the graduates Ella Banda said it was pleasing that she can now read, write and make calculations, skills she said are crucial in her life as a businessperson.
In her remarks, Senior Chief Santhe said it was her wish to see many women and men registering for the adult schools in her area.
The activity was part of the World Adult Literacy Day which falls on 8th September every year and this year’s theme is ‘Promoting multilingual education: literacy for mutual understanding and peace’.
Globally, at least 765 million people are illiterate and in Malawi, about 5 million people, mostly rural women cannot read, write and make mathematical calculations.
Two arrested for robbery in Balaka
By Albert Mulizakamba
BALAKA, September 25, MANA: Two men have been arrested for robbery with violence, Malawi News Agency (MANA) has established.
According to Balaka Police Publicist Gladson M’bumpha, the arrested are, Edward Paudala (30) and Kondwani Davie (29) who committed the offense on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Kapasule Village.
He said the suspects allegedly robbed Dyton Nasiyaya (42) of Gwaladi Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Nsamala, of a bicycle and two cell phones.
Said M’bumpha: “On this day, at around 15:00 hours, the victim left his home to go to Gwaladi Village to buy charcoal using his bicycle.
“As the victim was on his way back home and reached Kapasule area, he met the two suspects who ordered him to switch off his torch. The victim disobeyed the orders, and the suspects blocked the road, causing the victim to fall. The suspects then stabbed the victim in the head and robbed him of his bicycle and two cellphones.”
He added: “The victim shouted for help, and a passerby rescued him while the suspects fled with the stolen items. The incident was immediately reported to the police, who visited the crime scene and conducted investigations, leading to the arrest of the two suspects, and the stolen items were recovered.
According to M’bumpha, the victim is admitted to Balaka District Hospital as both of his eyes were damaged during the robbery and his condition is a bit fair.
The two suspects will appear before court soon to answer charges of robbery with violence.
Edward Paudala hails from Kwitanda Village and Kondwani Davie from Nayiluwa Village, both from Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka District.
NGO-GCN for 50/50 campaign in light of the 2025 general elections
By Agatha kadzinje
Blantyre, September 25, Mana: NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO-GCN) says political parties should embrace the 50/50 initiative in their selection of leaders in elective positions ahead of the 2025 general elections.
NGO-GCN Chairperson, Maggie Kathewera Banda, said in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, that that are still few women in leadership positions in political parties, despite the numerous initiatives by the NGO-GCN and other campaigners on the need to provide equal opportunities to both men and women to compete in elective positions.
Banda added that female aspirants in Malawi face several problems that affect their aspirations to compete in party and inter-party positions.
“Lack of funding is a major challenge for women during the election period as political parties fail to provide financial support to women. In addition, women get discouraged as they face insults and name-calling from opponents on top of negative societal attitudes,
“It only takes women with thick skin to contest despite the setbacks. Unfortunately, there are only a few of them that can withstand this,” she added.
Banda said the NGO-GCN will continue to monitor the 50/50 campaign by reviewing the political party’s constitutions and comparing them to the actual practices in the candidate's selection criteria.
She added that the network engages women aspirants in each political party to understand their experiences both within and outside their parties to assess how they would fare in the campaign stating that the success of the 50/50 campaign depends on the political parties’ willingness to accommodate women and voter’s attitudes towards women leadership.
“NGO-GCN advocates for a law that would designate certain constituencies exclusively for female candidates from different political parties. However, right now, it is a matter of survival of the fittest,” Banda said.
Banda observed that most parties that have held conventions recently have elected fewer women than men in key positions, saying this was a contributing factor to the likely defeat of the 50/50 initiative.
Political analyst, Ernest Thindwa stated in another interview with Mana, that the 50/50 campaign could be successful in the 2025 general election if the electoral system was addressed.
“Our system in Malawi is candidate-centered and not based on proportional representation which means that parties do not have incentives to support female aspirants. This greatly affects women's aspiration as they are often financially incapable of contesting,” he added.
Thindwa also observed that political parties tend to fund candidates they believe have a higher chance of winning elections.
He therefore said that the 50/50 campaign for the 2025 general election would be successful if political parties provided incentives to women aspirants to pursue their political ambitions.
Thindwa added that the 50/50 campaign was not just about increasing the number of women in elective positions but about the benefits and changes they will bring to the country.
WOFAD donates 160 goats to women in Blantyre
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, September 25, Mana: Women for Fair Development (WOFAD) through the Giving Machine Project has distributed 160 goats worth K9 Million to 80 families in Traditional Authority Kunthembwe in Blantyre District.
Speaking on Tuesday during the distribution at Kunthembwe Village, WOFAD Executive Director Apostle Lindiwe Matanya said the donation should symbolize the starting of a new life for the women as they were not looking at the goat itself instead their expectation was on business knowledge which they have impacted in them.
"When we financially empower women, we are automatically developing the country. Women are very important to the economy of the country as they make up over half the population of the country and are responsible for child nurturing. When we take into consideration laws of financial management, women need to be self-aware of the best business they can manage and which customers they can target," said Matanya.
She said the project decided to support women with two goats each because their research revealed that Gender Based Violence (GBV) was high because women are not financially empowered and hence do not leave abusive relationships because of the support men provide.
One of the beneficiaries, Lusungu Mkandawire expressed gratitude for the project, saying it will go a long way in addressing challenges that her family face and that through the training from WOFAD, she will be able to handle her daily income.
"WOFAD trainings are very significant to us as women in the sense that from what we have learned, we will become economically independent. This will help us to develop our families instead of spending time in other bad behavior,” she said.
Senior Chief Kunthembwe encouraged women not to sell the livestock and urged them to provide a regular feeding routine to harvest more goats.
"When women become economically empowered, they provide different sets of skills and imaginative perspectives in the community. Most of the women in our community have nothing to do so the donation will give them something to look for and in the long run, they will invest in small-scale businesses,” he said.
The Giving Machine Project aimed at empowering women in small-scale business is being implemented by WOFAD with funds from Mentors International amounting to K21 Million in Traditional Authorities Kunthembwe and Lundu in Blantyre.
Thyolo police hails Mchima Estate for constructing a waiting shelter
By Catherine Chikopa
Thyolo, September 25, Mana: Thyolo Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Francis Chisoti, has applauded Nchima Tchima Lujeri Tea Estate for constructing a new waiting shelter at its main office at the boma.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Chisoti noted that the shelter will provide a comfortable environment for the public, especially given Thyolo's unpredictable weather.
"The weather here in Thyolo is often rainy, and it’s not ideal to have people standing outside exposed to these conditions.
"The new shelter will ensure that those visiting their relatives and friends in custody, or seeking other police services, have a place where they can wait comfortably," said Chisoti.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration in modern policing noting that it requires partnerships.
"We, as the police, can’t do everything alone. It’s by working with the public, the business community, and stakeholders like the tea estates that we can create a safer and more secure environment for all," he said.
Human Resource Officer for Nchima Tchima Lujeri Tea Estate, Darlington Kawawa reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting the police, noting that the security of their properties depends on a strong relationship with law enforcement.
"As a company, we rely on the police to protect our assets. When they approached us about this initiative, we didn’t hesitate to assist. As the saying goes, 'A friend in need is a friend indeed,'" said Kawawa.
Kawawa also encouraged other stakeholders to support additional projects at the police station, highlighting the need for further improvements such as the construction of toilets and other essential facilities.
FOCCAD in adolescent and young women empowerment
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, September 25, Mana: As one way of ensuring the well-being of adolescent girls and young women, Foundation for Community and Capacity Development (FOCCAD) through its "Health Care Project" has embarked on an initiative of empowering them through friendly health services in Thyolo.
In an interview with MANA on Tuesday, District Project Coordinator Victoria Malenga said the project aims to reduce new infections among adolescent girls and women.
"We are motivating them to use various protection methods to avoid getting sexually transmitted Infections, and early pregnancies by using family planning methods like condoms and contraceptives," she said.
She said they are targeting those that are going to primary and secondary schools, sex workers as well as those who inject themselves with drugs.
"The targeted groups are reached out through peer leaders, in one-on-one sessions where they are invited and given advice.
"Through client community and clinic network, young girls now have access to health services whenever they feel they are not okay," she added.
Peer Educator for Bvumbwe, Alefa Chikotcha, said the coming in of FOCCAD has helped girls to know who they are in terms of their sexuality.
"They are now able to understand their roles when it comes to health services. They can now continue their education as they can easily access youth-friendly services," she said.
Health Officer Attendant at Chimvu Clinic, Andrew Kholomana said the project has helped adolescent girls to open up and request for services whenever they need family planning methods.
"Through this project, young girls are now able to open up when they come to the clinic to access different health services including contraceptives which was difficult for them in past years.
"They no longer queue on a line whenever they want any support from the clinic because there is space specifically catering for them," said Kholomana.
The FOCCAD is working hand in hand with five health facilities in the district namely: Bvumbwe , Chimvu, Chipho, Thukuta, and Thekerani.
VP urges transparency and accountability on NEEF loan disbursement
By Prisca Mashushu
Lilongwe September 25, MANA: Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Michael Usi has called for transparency and accountability when obtaining National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans to ensure that every citizen should benefit from it.
Speaking, on Thursday when visiting Ntandile market in Lilongwe where he inspected different businesses run by small-scale entrepreneurs, Usi said it was relevant to inspect the market, to uplift and encourage people in various businesses.
“The government will ensure that NEEF loans are obtained by the people so that they can be able to boost their small-scale businesses by promoting economic development and growth.
“I would like to encourage transparency and accountability when obtaining the loans without considering political parties or the tribe of the people but rather it should benefit every citizen of the nation," he said
He has reminded people who took loans to pay them back timely to help others desiring to also take the loans for boosting their business.
Lilongwe city west, member of parliament, George Dzulu hailed Usi for inspecting the Ntandile market as it is currently facing tremendous challenges.
“We are pleased for the presence of the Vice President of the nation here at Ntandile market as it will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges that the market is currently facing including shortage of public toilets, lack of access to NEEF loans that might help small scale businesses to be uplifted.
“Additionally, lack of capital has affected business people financially and the presence of the Vice president has given the people of Ntandile hope to boost their business,” he said.
NEEF has introduced loans without collateral as one way of helping people boost their businesses.
Mangochi communities applaud Social Cash Transfer Programme
Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, September 25, Mana: Communities in Mangochi have hailed the government’s Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), describing it as a game-changer for their livelihood, citing a shift from abject poverty to a better livelihood.
Mangochi District Council through the social welfare office this week distributed August cash to the SCTP beneficiaries in the district where the recipients praised the programme for bringing a positive impact on most households that are now economically empowered.
One beneficiary, 76-year-old Benard Chande from Traditional Authority Chowe, said he has something to show after enrolling as a beneficiary.
"Before enrolling into the programme I was struggling to make ends meet. I received cash monthly and I managed to buy goats and have multiplied to 10 such that l am earning a living out of livestock raising” Chande said, adding that the increased number of goats will also compel him to improve his livelihood further.
Jemier Daudi of Traditional Authority Chilipa also commended the government for introducing the programme in her area, saying the SCTP brought hope to her family who lived in abject poverty.
“I am very grateful to the government for this life-changing initiative. My household income has improved such that l am now able to purchase essential items such as food and clothes as well as paying school fees for my children,” she said.
Principal Social Welfare Officer for Mangochi, Patrick Cholopi said the number of beneficiary households in the district has increased following a recent retargeting exercise.
“After retargeting, the number of beneficiary households has increased to 28,366 from 18,894 in the previous cycles,
“These are ultra-poor and labour-constrained households, including the elderly, people with disabilities, as well as single-headed households," he said.
