MANAonline
Macra appeals to communities not to vandalise street and house signs
By Salome Gangire
Neno, August 27, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has appealed to people in Neno district to welcome National Addressing System (NAS) project that will be implemented in the district as a comprehensive system of street and building naming and house numbering to facilitate an efficient service delivery system to recipients of service and goods.
MACRA Director of Postal and e-commerce, Kondwani Kachika made the call during stakeholders meeting in the district on Monday and further called on the people to avoid vandalising street signs that will be put in place as part of NAS project, which is set to commence soon.
Some of NAS benefits include; provision of verified proof of residence and increased service delivery due to enhanced address accuracy and increased accuracy in census information collection.
The Director of Postal and e-commerce therefore said vandalism of road signs and other physical infrastructure will be a draw back to the objectives of the NAS.
“The project has been marred by vandalism as people of ill intentions vandalise these signs and this is a huge draw back to the project,” Kachika said, adding that the street naming Malawi has adopted has many social economic benefits to communities.
He therefore appealed to the Neno District Council and community leadership to further sensitise people in the district of the social economic importance of NAS once it rolls out.
NAS Data Base Officer, Charles Sabola said NAS objective is to ensure that each and every physical location in Malawi has an address and is in line with Section 124 of the Communications Act of 2016.
Neno District Council Chairperson, Joseph Chiphaliwali hailed MACRA for introducing the project in the district saying NAS will facilitate an easy way of locating places unlike the current situation where residents use other features that make strangers fail to identify their accurate locations.
“The project will modernise villages as they will be well and orderly numbered for easy identification,” he added.
The project was piloted in Blantyre in December 2016 and later rolled out to the northern region and later to the rest of the districts.
NAS has six components namely; National Addressing Standards, National Postal System, National Address and Postcode Database, Physical Infrastructure, Geographic Information System (GIS) Support for the Addressing Database and Public Awareness.
Airtel Malawi forecasts widened loss for 2023
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: Airtel Malawi PLC has revised its financial outlook for the year ending December 31, 2023, predicting a significant increase in losses.
According to a trading statement issued by the company, Airtel Malawi expects to report a loss after tax of between MK15.1 billion and MK15.7 billion. This represents a 141% to 143% increase from the previous year's loss of MK36.9 billion.
The revised forecast is a significant departure from the company's initial trading statement issued on December 29, 2023, which predicted a profit/loss after tax of between MK1.75 billion and MK2.0 billion.
The company attributed the variation to a reassessment of the accounting treatment for US$ indexed tower lease contracts.
Airtel Malawi's auditors have not reviewed or reported on the information used to make this trading statement. The final results for the year ending December 31, 2023, are expected to be published by August 31, 2024, following review and approval by the Board of Directors.
The company is listed on the Malawi Stock Exchange Limited and is required to publish trading statements in accordance with listing requirements.
We tried to contact several economic experts to comment on the matter but non of them was available for the media.
Malawi signs 7th Cycle of Global Fund grant
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has underscored the government's commitment to nurturing collaboration with the Global Fund to enhance the well-being of Malawians.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during the official launch Global Fund Cycle 7 on HIV, TB and Malaria signing ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
President Chakwera highlighted that this grant signifies a huge commitment in the ongoing battle against various health challenges that have impeded the progress towards a healthier Malawian populace.
He commended the Global Fund for its unwavering support in combating HIV, TB, and Malaria, as well as its assistance in fortifying the healthcare systems in Malawi through diverse means.
"Through the previous grants, we have expanded access health services, increased the availability of life savings and improved health infrastructure.
“We have also procured ambulances and utility vehicles, gas plants and modern hospital equipment such as CT Scanners and the recruitment of thousands of health care workers,” said Chakwera.
The President emphasized that this initiative will not only strengthen the country's efforts in combating these diseases but also contribute to the overall resilience and sustainability of Malawi's healthcare infrastructure.
Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, described the auspicious occasion as a milestone, signifying a substantial financial commitment of 525 million dollars which is expected to run from 2024 to 2027 respectively.
He affirmed the government's dedication by allocating 12.5 percent of the national budget, aligning with the Abuja declaration to bolster resilience and sustainability in the healthcare sector.
"The grant is pivotal in advancing the sustainable goals set forth in the fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria within the country" said Chithyola.
He extended his appreciation to all sustainable partners and the Global Fund for their collaborative efforts in strengthening the healthcare systems, including the supply chain.
He also noted that the hosting of the Global Fund meeting underscores the donors' confidence in the current administration led by President Chakwera.
Head of Grant Management Unit, Mark Eldon Edighton, lauded the ongoing collaboration between Malawi government and the Global Fund aimed at fortifying the national healthcare systems.
He expressed satisfaction with Malawi's exceptional performance in implementing the Global Fund grants, describing it as remarkable. He provided a detailed progress report on the country's achievements in managing HIV, TB, and Malaria, resulting in a notable decrease in disease burden.
Edighton commended all proactive stakeholders for their steadfast commitment and support in reducing the prevalence of such diseases in Malawi.
In her address, the American Charge D'Affairs, Amy Diaz, highlighted the significant advancements made in HIV treatment through antiretroviral medication in 2022, emphasizing the substantial progress in combating the disease.
She reaffirmed the American Government's dedication to continued collaboration with the Malawian Government, particularly through the Global Fund, to ensure the effective allocation of resources towards HIV programs.
Diaz emphasized the importance of initiatives such as establishing health center posts and providing technical support to enhance the quality of life for individuals in Malawi.
She also disclosed that Malawi is poised to host a Global Fund meeting in November, underscoring the robust partnership between Malawi and the international community.
The Japanese Charge D'Affairs, Seiji Tashira, commended the Malawi Government for successfully securing grants for HIV, TB, and Malaria, highlighting the substantial progress made in disease prevention.
He stressed the necessity of sustained efforts in the fight against HIV to create a conducive environment, urging for continuous support to further advance Malawi's healthcare sector.
The British High Commissioner, Olympia Wereko Brobby, praised the Malawian Government for effectively fostering sustainable partnerships with the Global Fund, reflecting on the positive outcomes of their collaboration.
The Norwegian Ambassador, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen commended all partners for their ongoing collaborative endeavors in maintaining sustainable partnerships, underscoring Norway's significant contribution of 190 million euros towards strengthening healthcare systems in Malawi.
NGORA calls for accountability in the NGO sector
By Sellah Chunda
Lilongwe, August 27, Mana: The Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has emphasized the need for increased accountability within the NGO sector.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting in Lilongwe organized in preparation for NGO Day, NGORA CEO Edward Chileka Banda highlighted the importance of tracking foreign exchange (forex) provided to NGOs. He noted that while the Reserve Bank of Malawi has supervisory powers under the Banking Act, there are concerns about compliance with financial crime laws, particularly those related to money laundering.
"NGORA needs to delve deeper into the issue of forex management. Under the Banking Act, the Reserve Bank of Malawi has supervisory and monitoring powers, but financial crime laws prohibit activities related to money laundering. NGOs holding foreign-denominated accounts should be closely managed by banks, which are required by law to declare their financial positions monthly. Any gaps in this process must be addressed to ensure that all stakeholders operate within the law," Banda stated.
He further stressed the importance of the Reserve Bank working closely with other authorities, such as the Financial Crimes Authority, to address these issues effectively.
Deputy Director of Planning and Research in the Ministry of Gender, Geoffrey Chimwala, expressed concern over the misuse of NGO funds. He pointed out that some NGOs use the names of Malawians to secure funds, which ultimately do not benefit the intended recipients.
"NGOs are supposed to abide by the NGO Act, which was enacted in 2015 and amended in 2022. They operate in the name of Malawians, so it is crucial that they comply with our laws and regulations. NGOs should provide transparent information regarding the resources they generate, whether in Malawi Kwacha or foreign currency, so that the government can benefit," Chimwala said.
NGORA was established to oversee the operations of NGOs in Malawi, ensuring they operate within legal frameworks and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
Maranatha Academy lands scholarship with Shadah University
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, August 26, MANA: In an unprecedented collaboration, Maranatha Academy and Shadah University of India have unveiled a pioneering scholarship initiative, offering a substantial MK900 million to exceptional students from all corners of Malawi.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Maranatha Academy Managing Director, Enerst Kaonga, stated that this visionary program is designed to empower the brightest minds of the country to pursue advanced education in the bustling metropolis of Delhi, India.
While revealing that the initiative will commence from 2024 until 2027, kaonga said the project will see one male and one female student from both public and private education institutions benefiting. In addition to this, top-performing students from Maranatha Academy, will be granted a MK20 million scholarship to undertake their studies in Delhi.
Furthermore, Kaonga said the exceptional opportunity will grant Malawi's most gifted students access to top-tier education, unlocking their full potential and paving the way for a promising future.
"Maranatha Academy and Shadah University have pledged to evenly split the total scholarship fund, each contributing MK450 million.
“This extraordinary collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to investing in the human capital of Malawi and nurturing a culture of excellence" said Kaonga
He disclosed that the groundbreaking scholarship program signifies a significant milestone in Malawi's educational landscape, offering a ray of hope for students who may otherwise struggle to pursue their academic aspirations.
"As the future torchbearers of the nation, these scholarship beneficiaries will return home equipped with knowledge, skills, and expertise to instigate positive transformation and propel Malawi towards a brighter tomorrow," Kaonga said.
Nyokase Madise’s quest to revive Malawian music heritage
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, 26 August, Mana: Nyokase Madise, a former member of the Zathu band, is a talented artist who has music running through her veins.
Growing up in a family of passionate musicians, she was destined to make a name for herself in the industry.
"My grandmother was a DJ and journalist at MBC, and my father was into multimedia content and music distribution with the likes of the Blantyre duo Kapirintiya.
“My brothers grew up around studio equipment and would record tapes until they became music producers. I started recording with them, so I grew up in an artistic family, although nobody in my family can sing except my sister and I," Nyokase shared.
Her inspiration to make music came when she watched Ben Mankhamba's Chonde Musatelo video on Music Splash, a popular TV show on MBC.
"I was inspired to start making music when I was only nine years old. That song made me cry, and from that moment, I always wanted to make people feel connected with music," Nyokase added.
Nyokase's music journey began long ago. She started as a female rapper in 2020 under the stage name Young Jazmine, monitored by veteran producer and rapper Dominant 1 during her form four holiday.
"The first song I put out was ‘Glasses in the Air’ in 2010, produced by BFB, but the first one to get radio airplay was ‘Be Alright’, featuring VOR, produced by Skizzy," she said.
Although Nyokase hasn't been active in music recently, she has a competitive spirit and never gave up on her talent.
However, she has announced that she will be releasing an album, Katundu, meaning baggage, which will be released after some singles, Napolo 1 and Napolo 2 on August 30th this year.
"The album is very honest; I'm letting out all the baggage I've carried on my shoulders for so long. I'm getting it off my chest, and it's an album that the youth can relate to their experiences.
“I grew up on the adage 'katundu wa mu mtima tula,' so I get things off my chest through lenses of ancient storytelling and music," Nyokase explained.
The album promises to be a unique blend of modern soul music and ancient storytelling.
"Some songs are based on proverbs and legends, and for someone who has never had a chance to learn about local anthology, this is the opportunity to learn about our heritage through modern soul music," Nyokase further said.
Nyokase has assured her fans to expect the best from her new album.
"I want people to feel this album and not just hear it. They should expect to be shaken with a lot of honesty, and I'm hoping that people can listen to this album in their most secret times when they are scared to talk to themselves, and the music will talk to them," said Nyokase.
Among other songs in the album is Napolo, produced by That Guy and Black Eye, which tells the story of a woman going through heartbreak and seeking vengeance.
One of the artists she has collaborated with in the album is Hayze Engola, a hip-hop artist known for his poetic expressions.
"I have known Hayze for a very long time; we have worked together music-wise. He is very poetic in the way he writes his music and uses metaphors.
The first song is very melodic, so together with my co-executive producer, we thought of adding a hip-hop punch in part 2 from someone who understands the music, and he delivered beyond expectation," Nyokase added.
Hayze Engola one of the artists which she has collaborated with says the album is very natural, classy and traditional that the fans will enjoy.
“Nyokase is an amazing artist with a unique touch of music, for instance this new upcoming album is very natural, traditional and classy with stories that speak for themselves and it has deep messages with unique titles, catalogue and track list,” he said.
The album's executive producer, That Guy, praises Nyokase's unique talent, saying her music stands out from the crowd.
"Her music has that element of narrative and storytelling that is missing in most of the music that artists in today's world are producing. The album is actually a tribute to the fallen musical heroes; it celebrates Malawian culture, our folktales, et cetera.
“You can see this in songs such as Napolo, where she talks about a brief history of Napolo that came down the mountains, but she did it in an artistic narrative, which is impressive," That Guy said.
Although the production process was fun, the producer noted that they lacked equipment for the album to be fully functional as planned.
Kelly Chikoko, one of Nyokase's fans, expects the album to be exceptional, with a touch of storytelling and excellent vocals.
"Knowing Nyokase's vocal abilities and her pen brilliance, I am expecting a creation that is different and amazing. Her patience in music creation and the thorough research she has been doing, I believe, will produce an album one needs to listen to," Chikoko said.
Before the artist releases the album, she will host listening party sessions on dates which are to be communicated later.
Police urges compliance to curb road accidents
By Mwai Likhomo
Zomba, August 26, Mana: Deputy Public Relations Officer for the Malawi Police Service, Harry Namwaza has urged all road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations as the country continues to record high rates of road accidents.
According to Namwaza, non-compliance by drivers and motorcyclists is the leading cause of some of the accidents, with common violations including over-speeding, reckless overtaking, overloading, drunk driving and general disregard for road safety rules.
Namwaza disclosed that while the total number of road accidents has decreased slightly compared to last year, the situation remains worrisome.
He said of all the accidents, pparticularly alarming was the rise in motorcycle-related accidents, which also pose a significant threat to pedestrians.
“Last year, we recorded 2 627 road accidents in the first six months of which 466 involved motorcyclists. This year, from January to June, we’ve recorded 2 024 accidents, with 485 involving motorcyclists. Although the overall number of accidents has decreased, motorcycle accidents are on the rise, which is troubling,” Namwaza said.
He attributed the increase in motorcycle accidents to lack of proper training on the high way code among motorcyclists.
“The problem is that many motorcyclists are not adequately trained. They often just learn the basics, get on the road and pose a danger to themselves and other road users,” he added.
Namwaza, however, advised the public not to fear the law simply because of police enforcement but to view it as a protective measure for everyone’s safety.
“People tend to follow the rules only when they see a police officer nearby, instead of consistently observing the rules as a precaution to ensure their own safety and that of others, including pedestrians,” he stated.
He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that road accidents are a major cause of death in the country. Namwaza, therefore, called on all Malawians to join forces with the police to reduce road accidents figures.
“The laws are there for everyone’s protection, yet some people end up resenting the police when these laws are enforced. I urge everyone to cooperate with us so that we can end road accidents in Malawi,” he said.
Namwaza added that the police are actively engaging the public, enforcing traffic laws and using the media to educate citizens on road safety.
“These efforts will only be truly effective if we all work together to address this issue,” he said.
CorpsAfrica hailed for community support
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, August 26, Mana: Group Village Head (GVH) Huwa, under Senior Chief Kachindamoto in Dedza district, has hailed CorpsAfrica for providing facilities and services that he said will enhance the quality of life and well-being of his subjects.
He made the sentiments on Monday during an interview after the organization donated 14 water pumps on Saturday worth on K10.5 million.
The GVH told Malawi News Agency (Mana) in an interview that the socio-amenities, CorpsAfrica has been providing them with, has transformed his area.
“This water project is a landmark to our area but this is not the only development we have witnessed from CorpsAfrica. The organization has also constructed an under-5 Clinic, a bakery plant, a nursery school and a soap processing unit in the past four years that has improved our lives,” he stated
A Community Health Surveillance Assistant (HAS), from the area, Esther Mussah, described the water project as timely saying it will improve health status of the community.
"While the organization is doing its part, we will continue conducting sensitization meetings basically on water treatment strategies,” she added.
On his part, CorpsAfrica, Project Facilitator, Osman Moyo, said it is their wish to ensure that communities are getting things they need without travelling long distances.
He further said the handing over of the water pumps will reduce the challenges, community has been facing due to insufficient sources of potable water.
"Additionally, Huwa community has close to 8,000 people and has been relying on six boreholes. As a result, there has been pressure on the precious commodity and they have been struggling with sanitation issues resulting in waterborne diseases,” he said.
He however expressed hope that the project will be sustainable saying communities have been taking a lead in every stage from project identification, design as well and implementation based on CorpsAfrica's Community-Led Development approach.
"Among other sustainability strategies, we have trained 10 community members including a government community mechanic on how to repair the water pumps and we have built capacity of management committees of these facilities with good practices." Moyo added.
CorpsAfrica supports implementation of diverse projects identified by communities with the help of project facilitators who are recruited as volunteers every year.
Clergy urged to raise awareness on public health emergencies
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, August 26, Mana: Kasungu District Council health authorities, have appealed to religious leaders to take the lead in disseminating information about health emergencies, including the newly declared MPox viral disease.
The Kasungu health promotion committee has been engaging stakeholders in the district, including members of the clergy to raise awareness on various public health emergencies such as measles, Covid 19, cholera and recently MPox disease.
Speaking in an interview, the Health Promotion Officer for Kasungu District Health Office (DHO), Catherine Yoweli, said religious leaders are key stakeholders in health promotion.
“We targeted them, considering that they command respect and that they have a large following. That alone is an important aspect, which we need to ride on to take messages to people.
“The other issue is that; challenges we face in dealing with these health emergencies borders much on beliefs. Therefore, if we empower the religious leaders with correct information, we believe we will be able to deal with these challenges,” Yoweli said.
Kasungu registered five cases of measles between April and June this year, and the district has been on high alert over the threat of Marburg viral disease which was reported in Tanzania last year and cholera which devastated neighbouring Zambian districts.
Yoweli underscored the importance of preparation, saying despite the district not registering any MPox cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared it a public health emergency.
On his part, Sheikh Hamdan Umari said religious leaders have a big role to play in raising awareness of health issues.
“We have a responsibility, to take part in promoting the health status of our people,” Umari said.
Sheikh Umari, further condemned religious leaders who prohibit their followers from getting immunization, saying physical health and spirituality must go hand in hand.
Malawi has had health emergencies such as Covid-19 and Cholera and now faces the threat of MPox, an infectious disease caused by the monkey pox virus.
So far, Malawi has not recorded any MPox cases, but 13 other African countries have reported the disease, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the most affected.
Military officers called to uphold culture
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, August 26, Mana: Malawi Defense Force (MDF) Command and Staff College hosted a cultural day event on Saturday under the theme "Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Wisdom in Fostering Military Leadership."
The event that took place in Salima brought together military officers from over five African countries, including Mozambique, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa, to showcase their diverse cultures and traditions.
Colonel Enock Ntonya, Commandant of the MDF Command and Staff College, emphasized the importance of cultural understanding in every day’s military leadership.
Ntonya noted that for military leaders to operate effectively in any environment, it is crucial to understand and respect the cultural contexts of the communities they serve.
He said: "Without knowing the culture, it is going to be very difficult to win the hearts and minds of the people. Understanding culture allows for easier integration, respect, and support from the communities."
The cultural day highlighted the role of military culture, which, according to Colonel Mtonya, is unique, standardized, and promotes discipline while respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of military personnel.
He stressed that while military culture fosters unity, it also preserves the unique identities of soldiers from different tribes and nations.
This diversity, he argued, enriches military leadership by providing a broad spectrum of cultural perspectives.
Executive Dean of the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage at the Malawi University of Science and Technology Dr. Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi, also underscored the significance of cultural exchange in fostering unity across the continent.
She observed that, despite cultural differences, there are numerous similarities that bind African nations together.
"In the differences that we have, there is beauty. We must learn from each other to build a better continent," Mkochi said.
The event served as a platform for participating countries to share their cultural practices, including traditional dances, music, and culinary traditions.
Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Amoah from Ghana, who chaired the organizing committee, highlighted the importance of such events in promoting cohesion among military personnel from different countries.
He expressed concern over the loss of cultural identity due to globalization and emphasized the need to preserve African values through such cultural initiatives.
The cultural day not only celebrated the rich diversity of African cultures but also reinforced the idea that cultural awareness is integral to effective military leadership.
As African militaries continue to work together in peacekeeping and other joint operations, such cultural exchanges are vital in building the mutual respect and understanding necessary for successful collaboration.
