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Be a source of hope, SDA evangelists told
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, December 11, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has challenged Literature Evangelists in the Southern Indian Ocean Division (SID) of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church to be a source of hope amongst people facing various challenges across the region.
He made the call Wednesday during the opening of the Fourth SID Literature Evangelist Congress held at Linde Hotel at Mponela in Dowa.
He said as evangelists spread the word of God, they must also be an inspiration for people facing various social economic problems within the areas they serve.
"As evangelists, you have been called on a mission to spread the good news, to heal the broken hearted and bring hope to those in despair, to those that are uncertain about tomorrow, those about to give up hope and are thinking about taking their own lives.
"Therefore this call is not limited to the pulpits of the church, it is a call to serve humanity, and to be the hand and feet of God in a world that desperately needs his love and redemption," he said.
Usi also reminded the evangelists of what he said was their critical role in shaping the moral fabric of the society.
He said they must also heed their role of transforming lives, bringing people together, and fostering social economic development amongst communities.
"As we try to build a more just and equitable society, your contribution is invaluable," he said.
He acknowledged that the evangelists face a lot of challenges in course of their work like skepticism and hostilities. But he urged them to remain strong to achieve their mission of redeeming mankind from evil and sin.
Usi then said he respected the calls for members of SDA fraternity to be considered for exemptions in undergoing interviews or exams during Saturdays.
Speaking earlier during the event, Pastor Tony Nyirenda, President of Malawi Union Conference bemoaned that many SDA faithful, whether working, seeking employment or students, both in the public and private spheres, face challenges in observing one of the fundamental pillars of the SDA, which is observing the Sabbath.
He said many are forced to attend interviews or exams on Saturdays, a thing which he said puts them at an inconvenience.
"We want to make this humble request that may you take this up, so that our students should be able to attend classes or write exams on any other days expect Sabbath.
"Similarly this should be accorded to the SDA members in attending interviews on Saturdays. I have made this request because Malawi is God fearing country which upholds freedom of worship," he said.
He however commended the Vice President for attending the event while describing him as a right standing member of the SDA.
Dr. Pastor Harrington Akombwa, President of Southern Indian Ocean Division said they decided to hold the conference in Malawi because the country has a large number of baptized SDA members hovering around 700, 000.
The conference has attracted leaderships from 23 countries from the SID.
SID is a sub-entity of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, which coordinates the Church’s activities in the southern portion of Africa, which include the Angola, Ascension Island, Botswana, Comoro Islands, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe; as well as St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha, territories of the United Kingdom, and the Kerguelen Islands, territory of France and is headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa.
CS-EPWP wages excite beneficiaries
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, December 11, Mana: Participants under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), who are currently receiving their wages in 24 catchment areas in Dedza District have expressed their excitement saying the money has come at the right time when they are struggling to meet certain basic needs.
Speaking in separate interviews at the start of the pay parade on Tuesday, some participants said they will now be able to purchase fertilizer while others said they will buy food for their households.
Nalifera Lackson from Jojo Village under Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachere in the district said she has three children who are depending on her.
“I currently do not have food. I will use part of the money to buy food that will help to push us in this lean season. I also plan to use a little money to start a small-scale business to sustain my family,” said Lackson.
Another woman, Masautso Stelaman from Mwangodzuma Village said she would use the money to buy affordable farm inputs.
“This money has come at the right time. I will use it properly by making sure that my crop field is taken care of. I will also buy some basic needs,” said Stelaman.
In her remarks, Dedza District Council Computer Analyst, Elites Majawa, said although there are some challenges such as missing some names of participants while others have no identity cards (IDs), the process of giving money is going well.
“Some lost their IDs and we previously advised them on what they can do. However, they have not followed the procedures. There are still options which we are doing as long as they provide additional information,” said Majawa.
Dedza District Project Facilitator for CS-EPWP, Jocaster Mnemba Khoriyo, said over 21, 000 participants are receiving their wages under cycle 2 across the 24 catchments in the district with each one of them receiving K48,000.
CS-EPWP is a social support for resilience programme being implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and a multi-donor trust fund.
Mental health retreat to bring together advocates
By Hope Chimwala
Blantyre, December 11, Mana: A Non-Governmental Organization called ‘Sorry I’m Not Sorry: We Are All Sick’ has for the first time organized a two-day mental health retreat that will be held in Zomba at Gymkhana hall from 20 to 21 December.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Wednesday, Founder and chairperson for Sorry, I’m Not Sorry: We Are All Sick, Joseph Daniel Sukali said the retreat aims to bring together all mental health advocates and youths from across the country and equip them with skills for enhancing mental health advocacy in their communities.
“This retreat will provide a safe and engaging space for all the participants to reflect, learn, and strategize on how to address mental health challenges effectively,” he said.
Sukali added that the retreat will provide the advocates with practical skills, knowledge, and emotional resilience to address mental health issues in order to minimize suicidal cases.
“Through collaboration, and creation of a network of support, we hope to strengthen the fight against stigma, promote awareness about mental health challenges and reduce cases of mental distress and suicide cases,” he said.
In a separate interview with a psychotherapist and mental health advocate, Catherine Thangalimodzi, said that the initiative is a good step as it demonstrates commitment to addressing the urgent need for mental health support in Malawi.
“By bringing together all mental health advocates from across the country and providing tools and resources, the retreat empowers participants to take action in their communities and create a more compassionate and understanding society through organizing awareness campaigns, providing peer support, and advocating for better mental health services,” she explained.
Thangalimodzi also highlighted that by empowering participants to combat stigma, the initiative is directly challenging the negative attitudes and misconception surrounding mental health.
They will also visit Zomba Mental Health Hospital to donate various items such as clothes, soap, and food worth MK300, 000.
The retreat has been organized with support from sponsors and partners such as Emmanuel Car rentals, Mango Lodge, Monnel Foundation, Ruyare Mental health organization, Empower Mind Counselling and Therapy, and Aerobics Arena and fitness Gym. Another retreat will be done next year in Lilongwe.
Salima District Council eyes a people-centred budget
Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, December 11, Mana: As the 2024/2025 financial year is drawing closer to an end; Salima District Council has commenced developing the 2025-2026 annual budget, which has been described as a people-centred budget.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2024/2025 annual budgeting development plan in Mangochi, the Council Chairperson for the district, Councilor Ephraim Manthepa called on sector heads to prioritize activities that directly target communities.
"Developing an annual work plan should not involve duplicating the previous year's budget, there is a need to go back to the drawing board, looking at what worked and what did not work, so that moving forward improvements are made," he said.
He cautioned heads of sectors not to focus on expenditures such as administrative costs in the form of allowances and unnecessary travelling.
He added: "We want this budget to dwell more on issues that affect communities such as road networks, quality health care provision, provision of clean water and all issues that will improve people's livelihoods."
Manthepa warned that poor planning of the budget will lead to failure and therefore urged officials to analyze and conduct a needs assessment to come up with a proper budget.
District Commissioner for Salima, James Mwenda, concurred with Manthepa saying the duty bearers are in their positions to serve communities.
"We will ensure that we develop a budget that will focus on people's needs, our goal is to selflessly serve the people of Salima by putting them first above anything, we will be held accountable for failing to deliver what we planned because failing to plan is planning to fail," he said.
On this point, Mwenda affirmed the council's commitment to develop the district hence the annual budgeting plan sessions will solely focus on developing sector budgets that are people-centred.
Earlier this year, National Local Government Finance Committee hailed the council for its plans and tipped the council to aim at investing more in projects that will help in local revenue collection.
Salima District Council approved a MK24.7 billion budget for 2024/2025 financial year.
The 2025/2026 budget will be projected after the consolidation of sector budgets.
Project rescues 16 children trafficked to Tanzania
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, December 10, Mana: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has reported that its Stop Gender-Based Violence Project, currently being implemented in Karonga, has successfully rescued 16 children who were trafficked to Tanzania.
Gender Officer for CCJP, Stella Zimba, made the remarks on Monday during a joint monitoring visit at Traditional Authorities Mwakaboko and Kilupula.
Zimba stated that through the efforts of zone implementation committees, in collaboration with mother groups, chiefs, male champions, religious leaders, and child protection workers, they are achieving significant progress in combating gender-based violence.
"The zone committees have managed to bring children back to school who were rescued from early marriage and child trafficking in Tanzania.
“16 children who were trafficked to Tanzania were rescued and eight girls ranging from 13 to 16 years have been rescued from marriages and some are back to school," said Zimba.
“We managed to bring mobile courts in these remote areas. We are happy justice is being served. There was a case where a husband left a woman with two kids for another woman but now through the intervention of the courts, the husband is paying child maintenance fee of K80,000 per month," she added.
Zimba further explained that through the project, they have also trained women who are survivors of GBV with vocation skills like tailoring so that they can be self-reliantt.
District Liaison Officer at Governance for Solutions, Christobel Munthali, commended CCJP for the successful implementation of the project but she expressed worry as the project is ending December 2024.
“For girls who have been returned from marriage and are not going to school, we need to find them something to do. If they are doing nothing they might go back to marriage,” Munthali said.
Gender based violence survivor Bertha Chikome from principal GVH Mwandambo thanked the CCJP for changing her life and asked them to reach out to others who are undergoing challenges.
“My husband left me with kids without help. The CCJP taught me vocational skills in tailoring and they gave me a sewing machine and now am able to feed my family and am living a happy life,” Chikome said.
The project which is being funded by Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid is aimed at enhancing effective protection and promotion of rights of women and girls from GBV through improved justice delivery, safe advocacy, and self-activism.
Ntchisi registers a 33.5 percent increase in reporting GBV cases
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, December 11, Mana: Ntchisi district has registered 4,975 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in 2024 compared to 3,309 cases they registered in 2023 representing a 33.5 percent reporting increase.
The development was brought to light on Tuesday at Ng’ombe Primary School ground, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumo during an Open Day event in commemoration of 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
In her speech, District’s Gender Officer, Chikondi Macheso attributed the reporting increase to increased awareness interventions by key players including the district council, chiefs’ forum and political leadership from legislators and ward councillors.
She however said it is worrisome that most victims are young girls.
“These children fall victim to GBV mostly due to negligence of their parents and guardian. Some parents could leave children without an adult guardian leaving children vulnerable to perpetrators of abuse,” she said.
She has since called on key stakeholders in the district to go a step further by taking GBV perpetrators to book while continuing with the intensified awareness campaigns.
It was announced during the event that T/A Kalumo has recorded over 1,000 reported cases topping all T/As in the district.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Nthondo, whose area has been amongst the best performing in reporting and addressing GBV cases, asked authorities to plan for a learning visit and appreciate how others are addressing GBV issues and learn from each other.
He said: “I have also noted that our people are cutting corners in following marriage procedures and this has proved to be one of the leading contributing factors for increased cases of Gender Based Violence.
“These marriages that cut procedural corners do not know where to seek proper advice or counselling when they experience gender-related violence and end up suffering in silence.”
Chairperson of the district’s council, Councillor Marko Mphenzi Nkango has since called for collective efforts from all key players in combating GBV.
He said: “This level of increase in figures is worrisome. Let us join hands towards ending this shameful practice.”
This year’s 16 Days of Activism has been nationally commemorated under the theme: “Time to Act Now” and Ntchisi commemorated under the theme: “Let’s hold hands; Together we can end Gender Based Violence”.
Development Partners Praise Implementation of Social Protection Programs
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, December 11, Mana: Malawi’s development partners have expressed satisfaction with the progress in assessing the impact of the social protection programs they are funding.
Programme Manager for Social Protection of the EU Delegation, Arnold Chikavanga, said this on Tuesday at Mulinde Catchment in the area of Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe District.
Donors from the EU, Iceland, Ireland and Norway visited to appreciate, the first-hand impact of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project as well as the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP).
“We are so much impressed with what we have seen. Beneficiaries are explaining what they are expected to do to improve their livelihood. This is quite encouraging,” he said.
Chikavanga then applauded government for the effective implementation of the programmes, which he said are making a positive impact on the targeted households by contributing to their sustainable economic development.
One of the beneficiaries, Samalani Chimsoko, applauded the government for introducing the Social Cash Transfer Programme saying it has assisted in transforming many lives of the people in rural areas.
“Before this program, I was failing to provide basic needs for my family such as food and school fees for my five children, but now I can pay school fees for my children and I also started keeping pigs as a source of my income,” he said.
Lilongwe District Principal Social Welfare Officer Responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme, Sarah Chimodzi said it is encouraging that many beneficiaries can invest in livestock, such as chickens, goats and pigs.
Chimodzi further said the programme has also assisted in reducing negative risks such as withdrawal of children from school and absenteeism among others.
Social Cash Transfer Programme in Lilongwe is being managed by the Malawi Government with support from the World Bank. It targets ultra-poor and labour-constrained households by providing them support in the form of cash.
The programme covers 22 Traditional Leaders and has a total number of 29, 512 beneficiaries.
MACOKASA warns against unauthorized Kabaza registration
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, December 11, Mana: Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholders and Associations (MACOKASA) has warned its members in the country to be cautious about unauthorized registration of Kabaza operators.
The warning comes after noticing that some people in Blantyre District are conducting registration for kabaza motorcycle operators without MACOKASA’s consent.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday, National Chairperson for MACOKASA, Moses Mwalabu said that individuals who are conducting the registrations are not affiliated with the coalition and are operating unlawfully.
“As the mother body for Kabaza we have not yet made the mandate to produce Identity Cards (ID) for our members, we will do that together with the registration of motorcycles which will start soon,” he said.
Mwalabu added that carrying out programs for Kabaza motorcycle operators without notifying MACOKASA, which is the mother body, is unlawful and it brings disorder.
“It is not right for individuals or associations to be doing projects for Kabaza without notifying us. They have to let us know about what they are doing and what is their aim because we are the ones who control everything about Kabaza across the country,” he added.
He therefore urged kabaza motorcycle operators to always verify with their leaders before participating in different activities and to continue adhering to road safety rules.
“They should first seek for clarification from their associations when someone approaches them with a project that is suspicious,” he said.
In a separate interview, Vice Chairperson for Blantyre Kabaza Association, Mussa Magombo denounced the registration saying that it is a way of stealing money from Kabaza operators.
“That registration is invalid. We do not know those people and what they are doing is bad because it will tarnish the reputation of MACOKASA,” he said.
In a related development, last month police in Blantyre arrested two men for posing as officials from Kabaza Union and demanding money from Kabaza operators claiming to be enforcing road regulations.
Silver Strikers Celebrate 2024 TNM Super League and U-19 Triumph with Trophy Parade
BY Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, November 11, Mana: The Lilongwe giants, Silver Strikers Football Club, invite fans from across the country to join them today, Wednesday, in celebrating their Senior Team's victory in the 2024 TNM Super League and their Youth Team's triumph in the 2024 Lilongwe Under-19 Katswiri FCB Championship. The celebrations will feature a trophy parade across Lilongwe City.
The Lilongwe giants, Silver Strikers, ended a 10-year drought without a TNM Super League title after securing 19 wins, 10 draws, and just one loss to Fomo United. Their impressive performance earned them the coveted championship, along with a prize of 100 million Malawi Kwacha for the first-place finish.
In an interview following Silver Strikers' 5-2 victory over Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos on Saturday, the final match of the season, midfielder Chimwemwe Idana expressed his gratitude and joy for securing the 2024 Super League title.
“I am delighted to be part of the winning team and most importantly I thank my teammates for not giving up from the beginning of the season till this end of the match which granted us this title,” said Idana.
In a separate interview with Man of the Moment, Uchizi Vunga also expressed his excitement for winning the first Super League title in his football career.
“I am very excited to win my first Super League title which I also dedicate to my teammates and mostly the Silver Strikers fans for trusting us and boosting our team`s morale which helped us to work extra hard and bring their long-awaited cup near them,” he said.
The proposed parade route which is beginning this morning at precisely 9:00 am will start from Silver Stadium then City Centre → Chidzanja Road → Mchesi → Area 36 → Old Town → Chinsapo → Gateway Mall → Mtandire → Area 49 → Area 25 → Kanengo → Area 18 → back to Silver Stadium.
The parade promises exciting performances and a chance for fans to join in the team's historic celebration whereby there will be a performance by Lulu & Mathumela Band and Malinga Mafia.
Be job creators and not job seekers
By Christina Mkutumula
Chiradzulu, December 10, MANA: Graduating students from DAPP Mikolongwe vocational training have been urged to be job creators and not job seekers.
The call was made by National Project Coordinator for the Global Program on Skills and ProAgro Youth Project Malawi, Patrick Makondetsa at DAPP Mikolongwe Vocational Training in Chiradzulu on Tuesday when he presided over a graduation for students who have completed their training in crop and animal production but also in re-cycle, re-use and repair trainings.
He said the International Labour Organization (ILO) looks at improving quality apprenticeship so that they promote creation of jobs among the young people in both wage and self-employment.
“Now that you have finished your internship training expect us to follow you up and see what you are doing in your various communities and how you are applying the skills and knowledge acquired here. Make sure you bring an impact and change in your communities and display the skills and knowledge gained here at the institution.
“I am encouraging you that you need to get organized in groups so that you can tap whatever resources is coming your way. Usually it is easy to be supported when you are in groups other than individuals,” said Makondetsa.
He further explained that his organization expectations from the graduating students is to ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired would help them start their own businesses so that they be self-employed and self-reliant.
“With this programme we have reached out to 1,400 youths and our target was to reach about 1,500 youths, this means that we have almost reached 90 percent of our intended target,” he said.
Makondetsa said the International Labour Organization, Malawi office, works with different partners and are currently running two programmes namely; Global Program on Skills and Lifelong learning which is being funded by NORAD and the ProAgro Youth, which is being funded by IFAD.
“What we are doing now is a pilot program, we are trying to understand how we can reach out to communities and also for people who cannot go through the normal TEVET training programs.
“The main purpose is to ensure that youth and young people are able to gain the skills that will result in worth creation through wage or self-supporting employment,” explained Makondetsa.
Speaking in an interview, Country Director for Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Malawi, Moses Chibwana said the trainings that the students undergo are vital for their communities and the country at large in as far as improving the country’s economy is concerned.
“The skills acquired here will not only accord the students wage employment or self-employment but also help in conserving the environment, looking at what they have gained from their Agriculture training. As DAPP we are honoured to be assisted with resources from ILO to train these youths. There are so many institutions who could have done this but we were chosen and do not take it for granted,” he said.
One of the students who was trained in crop and animal production, Brazio Manyamba, said the knowledge imparted to him in class was different from what he learnt at the farm. He said he has learnt a lot of skills on how to care for both crops and animals and that he will change and showcase his skills in his community.
“Before this training I used to help my parents in the farm and also run their business, but now once I get home I will concentrate on applying the skills I gained here. The good thing is that there is already land at home and will utilize it,” he said.
About 50 students graduated from the crop and animal production training and about 40 students graduated from the reuse, recycle and repair training. Youths from different districts of Nsanje, Phalombe, Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Dedza, Thyolo and Mulanje were trained.
