MANAonline
Ministry calls for collaborative efforts in reducing school dropout rates
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 18 Mana: The Ministry of Education has called on communities and local leaders to collaborate and lend a hand in promoting access to quality education and reducing school dropout rates among learners especially in rural areas of the country.
In an interview with the Malawi News (Agency (Mana), Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera, highlighted that it is the duty of community leaders to support children to go to school saying negligence has resulted in high school drop outs rate and poor performance of schools.
“As a ministry, it is worrisome that some communities do not support the children's education systems in their areas which negates government efforts to promote quality education and reduce drop out cases.
“One of our core mandates as a ministry is to educate the citizens at community level while taking a great role in promoting children's rights to education," said Nkuonera.
Concurring with Nkuonera’s sentiments, Child Rights Activist, Memory Ngosi, said children in Lakeshore districts such as Mangochi, Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay and Machinga among others drop out of school due to poverty and they resort to run small scale businesses which violate their right to education.
“In many areas, most people depend on fish businesses for survival and l children follow in the same path as their parents without acknowledging their right to education.
“As such, cultural beliefs, poverty and lack of mind set change towards promoting children’s rights to education has fueled high cases of school drop out despite efforts by government and other stakeholders to counter the practice, “said Ngosi.
Ngosi has however applauded the government for launching monitoring campaigns that trace and prohibit children doing any kind of business during school periods by providing stiff punishment to offenders and all people involved in the act.
One of the concerned people in Machinga district, Albert Gideon, blamed parents for not taking an initiative to promote children's education due to poverty reasons and they push the children to do business as a means of survival.
“Children’s goals should commence at an early stage for a better future, but most people depend on money for survival. In Machinga parents Introduce their children to businesses at a younger age," said Gideon.
He however commended the government’s initiative to promote children’s right to education by building quality schools and providing all resources needed for teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools as one way of promoting access to quality education in the country.
Malawi, Mozambique sign trade agreement
By Happy Milanzi
Lilongwe October 18 Mana: Malawi and Mozambique Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Simplified Trade Regime (STR) that aims at improving bilateral trade relations between two countries.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gengwe, who signed on behalf of the Malawi government at a ceremony held at Lilongwe Hotel, said the signing of the MoU is significant step as it will remove a number of bottlenecks that were chocking trade relations between the two neigbouring countries especially cross border traders.
"The simplified trade regime will play a pivotal role in transforming trade between two countries and will improve and speed up immigration and revenue processes on the borders," he said.
Gwengwe also said by implication, the MoU will help improve relations between ordinary people of the two nations.
"Malawi and Mozambique shares a conducive environment in trade all the time so the signing of memorandum of understanding will improve the lives of citizens," he said.
Gwengwe also added that said the government will monitor the Mou for around 90 days to check practical implementation and operations progress on the ground.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade of Mozambique, Silvino Augusto Jose Moreno, said he was happy with signing of the MoU as Mozambique believes that trade can change the economy of the two countries as well as creating job opportunities to the citizens.
"We know that small traders fear to trade with each other but with simplified trade regime the traders will keep in touch with one another, and also improve bilateral trade," he said.
Moreno highlighted that he was not satisfied with the trade that is already on the ground but was hopeful that with the coming in of MoU, things will change of the better.
Kunkuyu calls out opposition parties on electoral processes
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, October 18, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has refuted claims by opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (Aford) plus UTM that government intends to rig the 2025 General Elections through the awarding of a contract to an alleged dubious foreign firms with a checkered elections history.
Kunkuyu refuted the claims Friday afternoon during a press briefing held at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre where he responded to the allegations from the opposition parties which he described as baseless and wanting of facts.
He said it was surprising to hear the DPP and Aford question electoral procedures which their legislators passed in parliament to guide the country's electoral processes.
He said the it was also surprising that the opposition parties suspect Malawi Election Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice, Anabel Mtalimanja’s bias when the MEC Chairperson was duly proposed by the judiciary and appointed by the appointing authority as is always the case with such appointments.
“One would doubt whether the opposition has taken a new way of thinking,” Kunkuyu said adding that the MEC Chairperson is always appointed in a transparent and legally accepted procedure saying ‘Government is set to conduct credible elections.’
On the opposition party's intentions to hold national wide demonstrations, Kunkuyu said it was unfortunate that they have resolved to do this.
“Dialogue remains a preferable approach. Dialogue is necessary to avoid unnecessary confrontation and chaos,” said Kunkuyu while at the same time acknowledging that everyone has right to express feelings.
He however said Malawians cannot be deceived, as they are able to see truth behind “the opposition's noise”
The minister also an opportunity to encourage all eligible Malawians to go and get registered as per the voter registration schedule that will take places in three phases
Indian President Malawi visit to strengthen cooperation
By Tabbu Kitta Kauye
Lilongwe, October 18, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has described Indian President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu visit to Malawi, as a milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Malawi and India.
Speaking after bilateral talks between the two heads of state on Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo said President Chakwera was delighted that, Malawi is among the three African countries that President Murmu has visited.
"The president also acknowledges the assistance and support that the Indian government renders to the Malawi government. The collaborative efforts and support in the areas of education, health and agriculture attest to the cooperation that exists between the two governments,” said Tembo.
She disclosed that during the discussions President Chakwera also requested a reduction in tariffs for commodities and produce that Malawi exports to India.
Tembo said,” The call for reduction means that Malawi can export commodities and produce like macadamia nuts and pigeon peas, which will ultimately contribute to the bank forex.
During the bilateral talks, president Chakwera also shared the Malawi Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy by highlighting areas of potential investment.
The two leaders also signed a memorandum of Understanding on Youth and sports, pharmacy and local governance.
She also donated cancer equipment which will be installed at Kamuzu Central Hospital and donated 1,000 metric tonnes of rice.
President Murmu's visit will benefit Malawi in the sectors of trade, health, agriculture and education.
The Indian President is in Malawi for a three-day visit, where among other things she is expected to hold several official engagements.
Before holding the bilateral talks with President Chakwera, Murmu also visited the Memorial Tower in Lilongwe.
NICE urges youths to shun political violence
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, October 18, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged youths in Thyolo District to desist from political violence as Malawi prepares for the 2025 general elections.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Thyolo District NICE, Trust, Programmes Officer, Moses Kaunda, called the youths to promote peace and unity as the elections approach.
“As Malawians, peace and unity are essential. Through our sensitization meetings, we are encouraging the youth to avoid being misled by political leaders to engage in violence,” Kaunda said.
He therefore stressed that youths need be responsible considering that they are also Malawians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“The youth must understand that, despite differing political views, they share a common identity as Malawians,” he added and further urged unregistered youths to ensure they register with the National Registration Bureau (NRB) for them to vote in the 2025 elections.
Meanwhile, Group Village head Chibwana of Thyolo said traditional leaders are committed to educate youth on how to avoid political violence during the electoral process.
“We are meeting with them regularly to provide guidance on the best practices for the campaign period and voting day,” he said.
NICE Trust is conducting sensitization campaigns across the district on voter registration.
IPI lobby Mulanje stakeholders to advocate for voter registration
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, October 18, Mana; Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) Programme Officer, Praise Mwenegamba on Thursday appealed faith leaders, traditional leaders, political parties and other stakeholders in Mulanje district to mobilize their congregants, subjects and followers to get registered for the 2025 general election.
Speaking during stakeholders engagement meeting, Mwenegamba stressed that political parties should be in the forefront mobilizing their followers to get set for voter registration as faith and traditional leaders play their complementary role.
“Today's meeting is meant to lobby chiefs, sheiks, pastors, and political parties among others to mobilize citizens to fully participate in the voter registration that is commencing on Monday next week. We are also appealing people to desist from political violence,” he said.
Sheikh Ibrahim Iddi from Chisitu Main Mosque said sheikhs will be mobilizing their fellow Muslims to get registered for general elections.
“We will make sure to share what we have learnt with fellow Muslims in various mosques here in Mulanje. I am also asking my fellow Muslims and any other individuals to desist from political violence,” he added.
On the other hand, Pastor Miracle Mapanje from Mulanje Thornwood Living Waters Church said that every eligible citizen needs to get registered for the elections.
“It is important for our congregants to engage in country’s elections because there is a close relationship between elections and church. This simply means that members of the church are also same members that aspire for political positions," she said.
She also emphasized the need for people to desist from political violence to ensure peaceful electoral process.
WVM donates K14 million worth of wheelchairs
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 18, Mana: World Vision Malawi (WVM) on Thursday donated 33 wheelchairs worth K14 million to children with physical disabilities in Traditional Authority (TA) Chakhaza and Kayembe in Dowa, with an aim of easing mobility challenges the children face on a daily basis.
In an interview after donating 21 of the wheelchairs at Chikhobwe in T/A Chakhaza, Arnold Tsalayekha, WVM Programmes Manager for Kasungu and Dowa said the organization decided to make the donation as one way of easing mobility challenges the children face.
"As a child focused organization, it is our desire to see every child enjoying life in all its fullness and this includes children with disabilities. So we realized that there are a lot of children facing mobility challenges in the catchments we serve. It becomes difficult for parents to take the children to school, in accessing health care amongst others.
"With this support, we believe they will now be able to engage positively with their friends at school and in the community. Even the parents can also have ample time to engage in other activities which can improve their livelihoods," he said.
The donation has been made through a project called Able-To-Thrive which the organization is implementing.
The wheelchairs have been specifically designed according to the needs of the children.
In his remarks, Director of Health and Social Services for Dowa district council Dr Peter Makoza said the donation will help children to have a better social life.
"We are looking at children who have difficulties with mobility, not only to and from school but also in socializing with other children, because due to mobility challenges, they were sort of isolated.
"But now they will be able to interact with their peers, which will help them both socially and intellectually. We are thankful to WVM for the donation and we ask other organizations who can, to come in and help because we have many other children in the district with similar needs," he said.
Maria Dickson of Chikasauka village, mother to a 5-year-old boy with a physical challenge said the wheelchair will help her child going to school which she said was a challenge.
"With this wheelchair, I will be able to get my child to school where he can get an education. I will also be able to travel long distances with him, which was a challenge too," she said.
Madisi mission hospital donates to Mponela police
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 18, Mana: Madisi Mission hospital on Friday donated medical items worth around K4 million to Mponela police station with an aim of enhancing safety amongst police officers as they discharge their duties.
The items include 14 cartons of surgical face masks and 14 cartons of gloves in a ceremony that took place at Mponela police.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Pharmacist John Songa, representing the In-Charge of Madisi Mission hospital said the police officers are exposed to various health hazards as they work, and the donation, which comes due to a cordial relationship the two institutions share, aims at alleviating some of the challenges.
"Our officers face a lot of challenges including exposure to some elements which can affect their health well-being. So we decided to make the donation in order to protect our police officers from diseases as they discharge their noble and important duties.
"We also believe that this donation will boost their morale in course of their work. In the same vein, we also wanted to appreciate the good working relationship existing between Madisi Mission hospital and Mponela police," he said.
Songa then said the hospital will continue providing more support to Mponela police.
Receiving the donation, Officer-in-charge for Mponela Police Station Senior Superintendent Makalani M'bwana thanked management of Madisi Mission Hospital for the gesture and support.
"The donation has come at the right time. As we are all aware, Mponela trading centre is a busy area with a lot happening. Even in the catchments we serve, we encounter various issues which require items like these we have received.
"As such the donation will help us a lot in our work," said M'bwana.
He then asked other stake holders to emulate what Madisi Mission hospital has done.
Register to choose leaders of your choice-CHRR
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, October 18, Mana: Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), District Coordinator for Dedza, Lloyd Ndalama has urged people to go and register for them to choose leaders of their choice during the September 16th, 2025 General Elections.
Ndalama made the call on Thursday at Kanyenda area under Traditional Authority Kasumbu during awareness campaign to help people understand the importance of participating in the voter registration exercise as the country is slowly heading toward elections.
He said registration in Dedza starts from October 21 to November 3 and only those who will register will be eligible to vote.
“Good leaders of your choice will only be voted into power after you go through some electoral processes. First and foremost, go and register in some designated places.
“A good citizen is the one who participates in national issues including voting. I therefore call upon all of you who are 18 years above or those who will be 18 by next year September 16th to go and register,” said Ndalama.
One of the Community Based Educators, Holesi Chaguzika concurred with Ndalama adding that all those with physical disabilities will be assisted to take part in all electoral processes.
“Let me also appeal youths to avoid being used by some selfless politicians who ignites violence among the peaceful communities. As youths, listen to their manifestos and make informed decisions,” Said Chaguzika.
In her remarks, one of the young girls who is geared to vote for the first time next year, Maggie Samison from Nyama Village in the area said she is excited that for the first time in her life will be among people to cast vote.
“Previously, I didn’t vote because I was young. I am currently 21 years and I will definitely go to register on Monday, 21st October 2024,” said Samison.
The phase one of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) voter registration exercise which begins on October 21, 2024 includes; Dedza, Ntchisi, Salima, Chitipa, Karonga, Mzuzu, Balaka, Machinga, Chiradzulu, Neno Phalombe and Mulanje.
President of India visits Kamuzu Mausoleum
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, October 18, Mana: President of India, Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, Friday morning visited the War Memorial Tower at Area 18 and Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe as part of her three-day official visit to Malawi.
On arrival at the war memorial tower, she was welcomed by the Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Health Khumbidze Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, Deputy Secretary for the president and Cabinet, Dr. Janet Banda, and Councillor Esther Sagawa, Mayor of the city of Lilongwe.
President Murmu signed a visitors book at the site as part of her tour of the memorial tower.
After Visiting the war memorial tower, the Indian president, also visited the Kamuzu Mausoleum were she laid a wreath and paid her respects in honour of Malawi's founding president, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
The Indian President is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace among her other engagements while in the country.
