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Gotani Hara urges Chitipa residents to go for voter registration
By Andrew Gondwe
Chitipa, October 31, Mana: Vice president for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara has called on all eligible people in the district to go for voter registration exercise, which is taking place in the district.
Hara was speaking on Wednesday during a whistle-stop tour, which she organized in order to encourage people in various villages and trading centres in Chitipa district to participate in voter registration in readiness for the forthcoming 2025 general elections.
She said those who fail to register will be denied a chance to exercise their right to vote in the elections.
"As Vice President of MCP, I decided to take part in encouraging our party supporters to register and be ready to vote for the right candidates they want in various political positions, such as president, Members of Parliament and ward councilors," said Hara.
A Chitipa resident, Mphatso Kabaghe from Robert village in Senior Chief Mwabulambya, supported the move of sensitizing people in the district to go and register so that they can vote for the candidates of their choice.
Kabaghe said that if people get registered and vote for the right candidates, it will help the district to develop different areas, adding that failure to participate in electoral processes promotes poor governance.
Senior Chief Mwabulambya asked his fellow local leaders to encourage their subjects to register and vote next year in large numbers.
“Voting is a right of every citizen. As local leaders, we will continue to play a great role of sensitizing people to take part in all electoral processes. I have noted however that most opposition parties are not much interested in telling people to get registered yet they need to vote,” Senior Chief Mwabulambya said.
Karonga Chief bemoans lack of local mineral analysis laboratory
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 31, Mana: Senior Chief Kilipula of Karonga has said the lack of a mineral analysis laboratory in Malawi is leading to a loss of revenue and creating room for shady deals in the mining industry.
Speaking during a Karonga Council Meeting on Wednesday where the Ministry of Mining together with Lotus Africa Limited the operators of Kayelekera Uranium Mine were making a presentation on the Community Development Agreement, Kilipula said taking samples for testing outside the country is not ideal.
"In the past, we have seen truckloads of samples being taken outside the country saying they are going to run tests on them. However, this makes us question how come such large amounts of samples are being taken for testing and who accompanies the samples. Do they even return home after the tests?" Kilipula wondered.
Kilipula said most residents are not aware of the operations of an exploration license granted to companies because they still see samples being taken away the same as in a fully operational mine which is puzzling to them.
"Government needs to build our mineral analysis laboratory which will reduce the costs incurred by mining companies and this will also increase our trust in the mining industry which at the moment is very low," he added.
In her remarks, Principal Mining Engineer in the Ministry of Mining Regina Kakwela said large-scale mining companies that have been granted exploration licences conduct their work over a large area hence large amounts of samples.
"Indeed at the moment, Malawi does not have a mineral analysis laboratory which is why the samples are taken mostly to South Africa where they run tests. If we had this laboratory here in Malawi, a lot of costs could be cut," Kakwela said.
Council urges stakeholders to follow SLGs guidelines
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, October 31, Mana: Principal Community Development officer for M’mbelwa District Council Topsy Kachere has underscored the need for various stakeholders working in promoting Savings Loans Groups (SLGs) in the district to follow guidelines and work together to strengthen coordination, collaboration and service delivery.
Kachere made the remarks on Thursday in Mzimba during a meeting with various stakeholders organised with funding from the Financial Access for Rural Markets, Smallholders and Enterprises (FARMSE).
He said for a long-time stakeholders that promote savings and loans groups have been working without guidelines which made it haphazard on service delivery as every organisation was executing its work in isolation and without following established guidelines.
‘‘It’s like in reaching out to members of various savings and loans groups (SLGs) there were no guidelines among various stakeholders. So, with funding from FARMSE we organised this meeting for Mzimba based organisations to orient them on Savings and Loans groups terms of reference (TORs). The objective is to ensure harmony in how we work’’, he said.
African Fertiliser and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) regional coordinator for the North Hopkins Mwanza said the training was very important as it will enhance their knowledge in working in communities and promoting savings and loans groups.
Mwanza said most community members who join village savings groups such as bank Mkhonde lack knowledge in financial literacy, organisation management, good governance and agribusiness management to run the organisations they belong to successfully.
‘‘So this orientation will help members know which areas are in need of support among savings loans groups. By honing such skills through this training we will be able to impart the same and transform community savings and loans groups’’, said Mwanza.
A member of the Tikolelaneko community-based organization from Jenda, Maness Nkhoma hailed the training saying it equipped them with the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed for the successful operation of financial groups.
World Vision Malawi donates livestock to community
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, October 31, Mana: As a way of boosting economic status for the rural households in Kasungu district, World Vision Malawi, on Wednesday donated goats and chickens to households in Muntchenda community in the area of Senior Chief Chulu,
Speaking in an interview after handing over the livestock to the households, District Programmes Manager for World Vision Malawi in Kasungu and Dowa, Arnold Tsalayekha, said they decided to donate the goats to capacitate the households to pay school fees for their children and support the families economically.
"We decided to donate the goats and chickens to the rural households to make sure that the families can support education for their children by paying school fees for them. The families will be able to get the finances to pay for their children's school fees after selling the livestock.
"We are a children-focused organization and supporting children's education is our business, which is why we thought it wise to donate the livestock to rural households. People in this area already have the skills of domesticating such livestock and it will be a financial boost for them," Tsalayekha said.
Agriculture Development Committee’s (ADC) chairperson for Chulu area, Jacob Kawaza, applauded World Vision Malawi for what he called a timely donation and he urged those who received the livestock to take good care of them so that they multiply.
"This is a good move and indeed a timely donation. Let me applaud World Vision Malawi for donating the livestock to people in our area. Besides supporting households economically, the livestock will boost our agriculture in the sense that those who are into farming will be able to make compost manure from the droppings of the livestock.
"I urge those that have received the livestock to take good care of them by making sure that they are kept in good kraals and well fed so that they multiply," Kawaza said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mkosa Mvula, who received five goats expressed her excitement saying, the livestock will bring some change to her household and improve the well-being of her family members.
"I am super excited to have received these goats from World Vision Malawi and I know that life at home will never be the same again. I will take good care of these goats and as they multiply, I will be able to raise money after selling them.
"Besides boosting my economy, the livestock will give us meat which is good for our nutrition and this is a positive move," Mvula said.
World Vision Malawi donated 5125 goats to 125 households and 610 chickens worth 4 hundred million Kwacha. World Vision is implementing Animal Gift Catalogue Project in Muntchenda area in the area of Senior Chief Chulu in Kasungu district.
NWRA foretells higher water levels in next hydrological cycle
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 31, Mana: National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) has called on Chiefs to advise Malawians to prepare for the next hydrological cycle, which will see higher levels of water in the country’s water bodies.
Speaking while addressing Karonga Council Meeting on Wednesday, NWRA's Senior Civic Education and Public Relations Officer Masozi Kasambara said Chiefs need to warn people against construction or undertaking any activities along Lakes and Rivers.
Kasambara said; "With this projection, it means the area along the Lakes and Rivers is not safe for any development and it belongs to the state therefore, Chiefs need to help in warning people against settling and farming to avoid the risk of flooding which might lead to loss of lives."
He added that adhering to the best practices in preserving water resources is very crucial to achieving Malawi 2063 since water is a vital resource in industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural production.
"However, the fact that water levels will be higher is not bad news since this means that the country will have adequate water to be used for domestic and industrial purposes," he explained.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu urged the authority to clearly instruct Malawians on where the boundaries are between the water bodies and public land.
"Water is life, as chiefs we have a crucial role to sensitise people on the do's and dont's on sustainable water use. The problem is that most Malawians misunderstood democracy and they think they can do anything including wanton cutting of trees and cultivating along river banks," Kyungu said.
"I would like to urge the NWRA to properly instruct citizens on how best they can make use of this water which they say will be higher in the next hydrological cycle," he added.
Nkhata Bay DC cautions junior staff
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 31, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Commissioner (DC) Rodgers Newa has warned junior staff members across various sectors at the council to avoid getting exploited in their course of duty.
Newa gave the warning Wednesday when opening a two-day junior staff involvement meeting organized by the Institutional Integrity Committee (ICC) aiming at educating and empowering junior staff on the importance of institutional integrity and equipping them to contribute to a corruption-free work environment.
“You are the backbone of this district’s development because you are exposed to various information and government resources. Don’t allow anyone to exploit or use you for personal gains.
"At all costs, avoid any corrupt practices because once caught I will not defend you and remember it is your families that will suffer,” Newa said.
According to Newa, the council established the ICC to safeguard finances and materials and ensure transparency and accountability among others.
“Corruption issues affect everyone. If you suspect or witness suspicious activities blow the whistle to the committee that you are introduced to and confidentiality is guaranteed,” he added.
In his remarks, security guard at the education department Ken Chulu commended the council for the meeting, saying it enlightened them on several things that will ease their work.
“We feel valued and protected. The warning gives us confidence to report any misconduct and we wish such meetings to be happening at regular intervals,” he said.
Malawi Hosts AWFN 2024 Meeting to Tackle Wildlife Crime
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, October 30, Mana: Malawi is hosting the 9th Annual Meeting of the Africa Wildlife Forensics Network (AWFN), bringing together forensic experts from across Africa to strengthen scientific approaches to combat wildlife crime.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official opening ceremony in Salima, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Owen Chomanika highlighted the urgent need for wildlife forensics in fighting poaching and trafficking.
“This meeting is crucial because it brings together African specialists in wildlife crime forensics. Wildlife crimes remain rampant, yet our investigations often lack scientific evidence. Forensics will allow us to produce concrete and court-admissible evidence,” he said.
Chomanika noted that advances in forensic science can provide irrefutable proof of crimes, citing how forensic labs can now confirm the origin of illegal wildlife products, such as buffalo meat, which will aid in prosecuting offenders.
“Wildlife crime is a multi-billion-dollar industry, largely run by international cartels that exploit weak legal systems, Wildlife trade is now the fourth largest black market in the world, costing countries up to $23 billion,” he said.
Director of TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, Rob Ogden, a specialist in wildlife genetics, echoed Chomanika’s concerns, stressing the need for enhanced forensic capacity across Africa.
“One of the biggest threats to wildlife globally is illegal trade and poaching. As court standards rise, we need better forensic tools to prove crimes and identify perpetrators,” Ogden said.
According to Ogden, the AWFN is designed to help African countries share knowledge and resources to address wildlife crime collaboratively.
“Some African nations are biodiversity-rich source countries, while others are trans-shipment hubs. This network lets us share skills and build a sustainable, united response,” he said.
Head of the Genetics Services Unit at South Africa’s National Biodiversity Institute, Marlide Bruyn, said the meeting is very important to enhance continental collaborations.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this engagement where laboratories can network, share challenges, and enhance our forensic techniques, this will broaden our relationship against wildlife crime,” she said.
MACRA launches Cyber Security Awareness Month
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe 30 October, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched Cyber Security Awareness Month, aimed at enhancing public understanding awareness of cyber security issues.
The launch took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday and will run throughout the month of November with a series of events such as public outreach campaigns to educate and empower citizens on safe online practices.
Speaking during the launch, MACRA’s Board Director Malla Kawale said cyber security has become a critical concern in the digital age, as more Malawians engage with technology in their daily lives.
She said, the rise of internet use presents both opportunities and challenges and therefore it is necessary for individuals, businesses and organizations to understand how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
“As MACRA, we would like to emphasize the importance of this initiative. As we embrace the digital revolution, we must equip our citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the online landscape safely,
Cyber security is a shared responsibility and through awareness and education, we can foster a safer digital environment for all Malawians. We therefore encourage all citizens, businesses and organizations to participate actively in cyber security awareness month,” Kawale said.
MACRA’s Consumer Affairs Officer Brave Kaira said 27000 cases of mobile money fraud worth 180 million kwacha have been reported from January to August this year.
He said, 90 percent of the mobile money fraud cases emanate from prisons, especially Zomba Maximum Prison.
Kaira also said it is very important to empower consumers and mobile money agents in order to reduce the number of fraud cases.
“This is the reason the money fraud invasion task force was set up as one of the initiatives to combat mobile money fraud,” he said.
He added that MACRA is hoping to introduce National Identity cards from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to be the one single source of truth and should be linked to biometric data in order to avoid cases of people registering SIM cards using other people’s National IDs.
Kawale launches distribution of relief maize
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, October 30, Mana: Besides presiding over World Food and African Food Day commemoration, Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale also launched distribution of relief maize for the 2024/2025 lean period at Chimbiya Primary School ground at Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita in Zomba on Wednesday.
Speaking after symbolic presentation of maze to some beneficiaries, the minister said launch of food distribution was a fulfilment of President Chakwera's wish to ensure no one does of hunger in Malawi.
Due to erratic rains last year, many farming households did not harvest enough food that would take them to this current season, Kawale noted.
He said, considering the current food situatiin, government was implementing various interventions to reduce food insecurity.
“Apart from maize distribution there are several interventions such as Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, Social Cash Transfer Programme, all aimed at supporting Malawians to survive the food situation.
He therefore assured Malawians not to despair; as government will do, it's best to save the food situation.
“Malawians should not panic. Government will do all necessary interventions to ensure there is enough food such that no one will die of hunger,” he added.
Zomba District Disaster Management Officer, Violet Jimu said 75,344 households in the district were targeted to receive 50 kilograms of maize for the period of five months compared to 35,000 households targeted last year.
During the symbolic distribution, a recipient, Janet Nikisi from Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita's area in Zomba hailed government for launching food distribution.
“I really had nothing to eat. This maize is a big relief to me and my grandchildren,” she added
Nikisi expressed hope that the relief maize for the period of five months will keep his family going.
President Chakwera calls for patriotism in development projects
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, October 30, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called on authorities to foster patriotism and transparency in the delivery of developments across the country.
The President made the call on Wednesday at Chinthembwe Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Vuso in Ntchisi district during a whistle-stop tour.
President Chakwera was reacting to concerns by the district’s legislator for Ntchisi West Constituency, Ulemu Chilapondwa, that development projects in the district continue to stall due to lack of patriotism by contractors.
Chilapondwa alleged, during the first stopover of the whistle stop at Khuwi Trading Centre, that construction of the Malomo-Ntchisi-Dzaleka road project has stalled because the contractor was not committed.
He said: “I have investigated all this. But soon the project will resume with a more capable contractor.”
In reaction, President Chakwera said: “This is our Malawi and developing it requires our sense of ownership, transparency and patriotism.
“When we have been entrusted with a task, let us commit to its completion rather than rushing to enjoy the money before working for it.”
Speaking at Chinthembwe where the President made his second stop, Senior Chief Kasakula and legislator for Ntchisi East Constituency, Bernard Chitekwe, asked the President to intervene in the hunger situation the district is undergoing.
The Malawi leader said the government is aware of the hunger situation the district is experiencing and that relevant authorities are working to address the situation.
During the tour, President Chakwera is also expected to have a stopover at Ntchisi Trading Centre, Buzi Primary School ground and Malomo Trading Centre.
