MANAonline
St Charles Lwanga Catholic Choir to launch album
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 5, Mana: St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Choir under St Charles Lwanga Parish in Zomba Diocese will on Sunday launch an audio album titled Pitani Kalalikileni at Banja Loyera, Chilinde Parish in Lilongwe.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday, Edward Lino Kalemba, who is the choirmaster, said preparation are underway for the worship day.
“As a choir, we are preparing for this very important day because we want to make it unforgettable. We are happy because the guest choir on this day will be St Johns Msamba Choir 1,” he said.
Kalemba said they have decided to name the new album Pitani Kalalikileni to inform other gospel singers and all people to go in different parts of the country to preach the gospel of the Lord.
“There may still be other areas where people have not heard the gospel, that is why we are telling our fellow choristers and other gospel singers to continue preaching the word of God,” Kalemba said.
The album, which has 12 songs, will be available in CDs and flash discs with Ndikupembedza inu, Mulungu wathu wopatsa, tiimbire lero, Mkulu wa Ansembe onse, and Miphakati as some of the songs.
“Some of the songs are from our Catholic hymn and prayers book. We are hoping that these songs will lift up the hearts of listeners,” he said.
He said the choir is launching the album in Lilongwe because they wanted to engage people from the district and to open up new relationship.
Supporting choirs that will be present on the day are Chanco Alumni, Bunda CSO, all choirs from Mtima Woyera Deanery and others from Lilongwe Archdiocese.
Irrigation farmers urged to take farming as business
By Salome Gangire
Neno, October 19, Mana: Farmers from Nkhate irrigation Scheme in Chikwawa have tipped their colleagues from Tsenjerani Irrigation Scheme in Neno to consider farming as a business.
Speaking on Friday in Chikwawa during a learning visit, Nkhate Irrigation Scheme’s Board of Trustees Secretary, Timothy Manyiwa told the visiting farmers that the era of farming solely for consumption was over,
He urged the farmers to start focusing on “farming for profit” to boost income for improved livelihood, saying there was need to utilize the water in the scheme which is mostly available throughout the year.
Board of Trustees member for Tsenjerani Irrigation Scheme, Montfort Bwanali described the visit to Chikwawa as fruitful, observing that farmers from Neno learnt from their colleagues’ ways of managing a scheme for sustainable livelihood.
“We learnt that irrigation schemes improve food security, guarantees economic empowerment besides helping farmers generate income if well managed,” he said,
Bwanali observed that irrigation farming has many advantages over rain fed agriculture which is unpredictable in the wake of climate change,
He said farmers from Tsenjerani will use the knowledge gained from the learning tour to manage their scheme once in full operation.
Nkhate Irrigation Scheme was built by the Taiwanese Agricultural Mission between 1979 and 1980 under former Malawi leader Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s influence for sustainable food supply.
Neno District Irrigation Officer, Austin Ndengu said the learning tour accorded Neno farmers an opportunity to gain knowledge from their colleagues on scheme management and issues to do with marketing.
“The aim was to share knowledge on irrigation scheme management, organization, marketing, and irrigation development among other important aspects,” Ndengu added.
Nkhate Irrigation Scheme lies on a 243 hectares of irrigable land under Livunzu Extension Planning Area (EPA) where over 1,112 tonnes of rice is harvested, generating over K1.1 billion in a single harvest.
He therefore thanked Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP) for building capacity of farmers through Water Users Association (WUA) and for organizing the learning visit,
Neno District Council with financial support from MWASIP is constructing Tsenjerani Irrigation Scheme at Mkulumadzi EPA in Traditional Authority Dambe.
K35.7 billion Neno road construction starts
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, October 19, Mana: Construction works for Neno tarmac road are geared to start soon with scheduled completion set in 18 months’ time.
Neno District Council hailed commencement of the road works that are set at K35.7 billion road saying it will improve mobility of people and trade activities of people in the district.
Neno Council’s District Disaster Risk Management Officer, Brighton Mphinga expressed the council’s gratitude, Friday, at Ligowe Village Traditional Authority Mlauli in Neno at a ceremony marking commencement of upgrading of 20 Kilometers of the road from Ligowe Village up to Neno Stadium.
The 20 kilometers road is being constructed by CR-20, a construction firm who took over after government terminated China Geo’s contract.
Mphinga, who represented Neno District Commissioner at the ceremony, said the Council was looking forward to successful road upgrading, saying the commencement was a move in the right direction towards socio-economic development that shall benefit a number of sectors ranging from transport, agriculture, education, trade to health among others.
“In almost 50 years, Neno has been without a tarmac road. We are happy that a contractor has come to construct the road,” said Mphinga.
Patricia Kwada, who represented Senior Chief Mlauli, said the road project will help improve economic activities specifically highlighting the improved mobility of people and goods while at the same time expressing hope that it will be of high quality and calling on people to avoid vandalizing equipment and road signs.
“Commodities in Neno are more expensive to that end. This means commodities will be affordable once the road finishes.
“We have all the confidence that the road will be of high standard. The contractor assured us through consultants that government has already pumped in a lot of money to start the construction of this road,” Kwada added.
CR-20, Construction Manager, Towa Mzumala, assured the people of Neno that the company will construct a high quality road, disclosing that the road will be wide enough with extra space for motorcycles and pedestrians.
“We want to assure the community as well as all stakeholders involved in this construction that CR20 contractors will satisfy their needs by finishing the road within the specified period. We will put up a very top quality road,” he added.
Mzumala said CR20 was looking forward to continued good relations with Neno District Council and community members.
Indian President Murmu departs Malawi
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has departed Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on Saturday afternoon following her three-day working visit to the country.
Murmu was seen off at KIA by the Vice President Dr. Michael Usi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia, Secretary in the Office of Vice President Lucky Sikwese and other government officials.
Following her three -day visit, Murmu has reiterated that her government will continue to render support to Malawi that will enhance diplomatic cooperation in developmental projects and programmes.
While in the country, Murmu held bilateral talks with President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera where they witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Youth and sports, pharmacy and local governance.
The Indian President had a business round table with the Minister of Trade to discuss how the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy can be implemented.
She also donated cancer equipment to be installed at Kamuzu Central Hospital and 1,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Murmu further also visited the War Memorial tower and Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe as well as the Lake Malawi in Salima on Saturday.
India–Malawi diplomatic ties have lasted 60 years, and this is the first time in history that Malawi has hosted an Indian President.
Over 33,800 Thyolo Farmers to benefit from 2024/2025 AIP
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, October 19, Mana: Over 33,804 small-scale farmers in Thyolo are set to benefit from the 2024/2025 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), to improve food security at household level.
Speaking at a full Council meeting on Friday, Agriculture Service Committee, Chairperson, Councilor George Matiya, said the AIP will significantly boost productivity as small scale farmers will buy farm inputs at affordable prices.
“The programme will help farmers to buy fertilsers to increase yield. It is pleasing that the programme targets farmers with land capable of producing sufficient food crops,
“This was not the case in the past when even those without farm land received inputs only to sell them,” he said.
Matiya also assured farmers who are not included in the AIP beneficiary list that the government has alternative measures to assist them.
“National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) is offering loans to farmers to purchase farm inputs. Farmers that are not on AIP list should take advantage of this opportunity,” Matiya added.
The Agriculture Service Committee Chairperson observed that if the AIP in the district is properly implemented, it will benefit the intended recipients, saying this will address food and nutrition insecurity.
“If executed very well, it will reduce issues such as vendors dominating the market and manipulating the system by purchasing inputs meant for the beneficiaries,” he added.
Traditional Authority, Kapichi also expressed appreciation for the 2024/2025 AIP, noting that the programme will help reduce hunger at household level and entire district.
Chief Agricultural Officer for Thyolo District Council, Mphatso Mbulukwa Kafuwa, said there was need to adhere to the AIP implementation guidelines for best results.
“We were here to inform the full council about the importance of following AIP guidelines and procedures. We explained the number of beneficiaries per EPA, per Traditional Authority. Local leaders have a role to play to ensure success of this year’s AIP,” she said.
President Lazarus Chakwera launched 2024/2025 growing season AIP at Dzundu Primary School, at Zalewa in Neno District on October 14.
Registered small-scale farmers are expected to receive 50 kilogramme bags of UREA and CAN fertilidsers
Karonga communities commended for embracing Cholera prevention measures
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, October 19, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has commended communities in Karonga District for being proactive in responding to Cholera prevention measures.
MRCS Communications and International Humanitarian Law Coordinator, Felix Washoni, made the remarks Friday during a field visit to Mlare and Mpata communities in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu where he noted that 90 percent of households were adhering to health and hygiene guidelines provided by the MRCS.
Washoni said that concerted efforts by both government and MRCS aim at eradicating cholera in the district, engaging communities in sanitation and hygiene guidelines.
“Karonga District has this year registered 21 Cholera cases cumulatively with one death and communities are observing key preventive practices to contain the disease,” Washoni said.
Disease Control Surveillance Assistant Officer for Nthambo Clinic which serves people of Muchenjere, Alwin Chione commended MRCS for initiating Cholera prevention practices in the area which reported three cases last year with none since the introduction of the interventions in 2024.
Group Village Head Malema said that he was pleased with impact of MRCS initiative on the community especially in sanitation and hygiene related diseases such as Cholera.
“I with other stakeholders will continue civic educating people on the necessity of abiding to public health requirements for the area and the district to be Cholera free,” said Malema.
Malawi recorded its worst cholera outbreak in the 2022–2023 season leading to the declaration pf of cholera as a National Public Health Emergency in Malawi on 5th December 2022.
Blantyre NICE Trust in voter civic education for voter registration
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, October 19, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Blantyre has embarked on a district wide awareness campaign to mobiles eligible citizens to get registered for the 2025 general election.
NICE Trust, District Programme Officer for Blantyre, Glory Ngosi Maulidi, told the Malawi News Agency (Mana), this week that (during the awareness) the trust emphasizes on; citizens’ democratic right to vote, duties and responsibilities of president, members of parliament and ward council councilors in democracy and good governance.
“More civic education will centre on the negative effects of handouts so that voters are not manipulated by handouts. We will also make emphasis on peace building to prevent conflicts and violence during campaign period and elections and after elections results,” she added.
Maulidi said that NICE trust faces challenges during this campaign citing that some people were showing no interest to take part in elections.
“Some people still vow not to vote but we keep on encouraging them to vote because it is their democratic right. We also having mobility problem as NICE Zone Coordinators fail to conduct door-to-door mobilization because they have vast area to cover, “she added.
In a separate interview Political Analyst, Chimwemwe Tsitsi, commended NICE Trust for embarking on civic education, saying this was timely and necessary as this will contribute to high voter turnout for the registration.
“Civic education is crucial in attaining higher turnout. In every election there are new voters, those that have just reached 18 and probably new procedures in the voting process.
“With illiteracy levels in some areas, this justifies need for intensified voter civic education,” the political analyst said.
He observed that limited information on general election and related electoral procedures has potential to prevent people from voter registration.
“There is need for social media to be used vigorously alongside conventional media and traditional face-to-face initiatives as well as using text messages sent directly through the mobile service providers to ensure that as many people as possible are reached,” Tsitsi added.
Voter registration in Blantyre will run from November 9 to 22, which is phase two of the voter’s registration.
Love in the digital age: Malawi’s dating revolution
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: In the era of swipes and matches, Malawi's dating landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional courtship is giving way to dating apps, as young Malawians increasingly turn to these platforms to find love, connection, and companionship.
Most of these dating apps and sites have been created by young minds with entrepreneurship knowledge and ambition. Their goal is to help people find long-term love that can lead to marriage, while others seek short-term connections. One such brilliant creator is Sherif Muhammad, a graduate of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Technology.
Muhammad developed Soul Match, an app that enables people to find love, connection, or friendship without hassle. He cited high costs associated with most dating sites in Malawi as the motivation behind his app. "The prices charged by these platforms do not reflect the actual costs involved, which limits access to many people, particularly in Malawi," he explained.
Soul Match offers premium features for free, making it an attractive alternative. "Our platform focuses on genuine connections, bringing people together in a safe space without the financial burden typical of other dating platforms," Muhammad said.
Although dating apps have been welcomed by many, especially the young generation, some aspects of these platforms contradict Malawian norms and customs. For instance, a lady approaching a man is considered unconventional. However, Muhammad assures that Soul Match respects Malawian cultural norms and traditions.
"Our platform is designed as a meeting place, much like how people meet at a shop, at school, or in the workplace," he added. "We aim to foster relationships in a way that respects these values while acknowledging the evolving nature of how people connect in the digital age."
Another dating app, Ahava 121, prioritizes Christian values. Its developer, Samuel Chidothe, created the app to provide a safe space for single Christians. "Most singles are Christians but are afraid to find love on other dating apps due to negative experiences," Chidothe noted.
Chidothe says Ahava 121 will organize conferences with faith groups to promote safe online dating practices.
"We plan to conduct conferences with the help of churches, teaching people how to find the right partner online," Chidothe said.
He encouraged Christians to embrace dating apps, acknowledging that this is the modern way people find love. Apart from facilitating connections, Ahava offers a platform for clients to learn and engage with devotions rooted in love.
Chidothe emphasized the importance of responsible app development, considering the impact on society. Muhammad concurred, believing dating apps will play a significant role in connecting people in Malawi.
"However, it's essential to change the current narrative around online dating, often associated with negative behaviour," Muhammad said. "Let us aim to reshape the landscape by providing a safe, respectful space where meaningful relationships can form."
Other notable dating apps in Malawi include Pemphero Mphande's 265 Dates.
Balaka Women Police Network pays examination fees for needy students
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, October 19, Mana: A network of female police officers in Balaka Friday handed over cash to Maduwani Education Zone to pay examination fees for 45 standard eight needy leaners in nine schools to enable them sit for the 2025 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations as required by the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB).
Chairlady for the network, Inspector Brenda Bamusi, Friday led fellow women police officers to Utale 2 Primary School where they interacted with the learners to assure them of “a helping hand in time of need”.
She said the police women network wanted to see needy learners access education and to excel in the national examinations for the better future.
“From our salaries, we made some contributions for this gesture. We thought of motivating hard working learners that do not have the capability to pay for their examination.
“This is not the first time to reach out to the needy. We once donated to patients in the hospitals and going forward we would like to reach out to orphans to make good relationship with the community,” Bamusi added
Primary School Advisor (PEA) for Maduwani Zone Grace Mwalabu hailed the female police officers for the gesture saying, a lot of leaners fail to sit for the PSLCE examination due to monetary limitations in their families.
“This will encourage leaners the zone to put an extra gear in studying as there will no longer be pressure for examination fees,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Meria Harry 13, from Mafiso Primary School, said the gesture by the women police officers was timely as she had nowhere to get money to pay for the examination.
“I come from a poor background. To find all the necessary things for my education is always a challenge.
“I am happy to learn that my examination fee has been paid. I am geared to put extra energy in preparing for the examination so that I should pass with flying colors,” she said.
The cash will help support 20 boys and 25 girls from nine schools within Maduwani Zone.
In a press release dated September 16, 2024, MANEB announced registration of candidates for the 2025 national examinations thus; PSLCE examination, Junior Certificate of Education and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations and payment of examination fees
SPARC Systems committed to IT excellency, community development in Africa
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: SPARC Systems Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering exceptional information technology (IT) services, ensuring system security and maintaining operational continuity for its customers.
Spark Country Manager, Esnor Wasd, made the remarks Friday during a Media Cocktail held at SPARC ICT building in Lilongwe.
"SPARC is a multinational technology company providing IT solutions across Africa. Established in 2013, and proudly Malawian owned, we operate in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, employing over 1,000 people locally and globally," Wasd stated, emphasizing the company's dedication to supporting business enterprises in the ICT sector.
SPARC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Wisely Phiri, revealed plans for the official launch of their new building in City Centre, scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.
"We have a range of activities planned, including a formal launch in the morning, followed by a Business Captain Dinner in the evening. Thursday will feature a Tech Edu Day, and on Friday, we will host a Small Medium Enterprise (SME) and Entrepreneurs Day to share insights and strategies among business leaders in Malawi and beyond. The main celebration will take place on Saturday, featuring performances from various musicians," Phiri announced.
Looking ahead, Phiri shared that SPARC is data-driven and aims to expand its operations into five additional countries over the next five years, with plans to establish a presence in Tanzania and Mozambique.
In addition to its business initiatives, SPARC is committed to corporate social responsibility.
The company recently completed the construction of two classroom blocks and provided desks to Tikiwe Primary School in Karonga, demonstrating its dedication to community development.
