MANAonline
Blantyre Archdiocese ‘I am a Catholic & I am Proud’ group has new Chaplain
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 18, Mana: Newly appointed chaplain for ‘I am a catholic and I am Proud’ in the Archdiocese of Blantyre Fr. Anthony Chikampana has expressed gladness with his appointment by the Archbishop Thomas Msusa of the Archdiocese.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thursday, Fr. Chikampana, said he will take this opportunity to encourage the followers of the group about their faith and teachings of the Catholic Church.
“This is God’s plan for me to serve members of ‘I am a Catholic and I am Proud’ in the Archdiocese of Blantyre. This group has been there for the past 12 years. It started on social media and has been growing. It is doing a lot of charity work in the church which has makes Arch Episcope Bishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese to recognize it,” he said.
Fr. Chikampana said he will make sure that the group should be in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
“It is the wish of Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa that the group should be in all the parishes in the Archdiocese of Blantyre. Being a chaplain for the group, I will try to be in forefront so that the dream should come true,” he said.
John Andrew Phiri, National Chairperson for ‘I am a Catholic and I am Proud’ said the coming in of Fr. Chikampana to the group as a chaplain will deepen their faith as Christians.
“Being a group needs someone for guidance. We believe that the coming in of Fr Chikampana is a big blessing to the family, not only in Blantyre Archdiocese but also at National level,”
Phiri added that what Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa has done by appointing a Chaplain for ‘I am a Catholic and I am Proud’ should be considered by other dioceses.
“We are humbly hoping that Bishops from other dioceses will do the same by appointing chaplains for the group since it is now at national level,” he said.
‘I am a Catholic and I am Proud’ started in the Archdiocese of Blantyre 12 years ago, with the aim of coming together for church activities. So far, the group has 5 chapters which are Blantyre, Limbe, Mwanza, Thyolo and Mulanje.
MDBNL and Static Computers Inc. engage Content Service Providers in the south on Kanema on line.
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, October 17, Mana: Malawi Digital Broadcast Network Limited (MDBNL) and Static Computers Inc. on Thursday engaged Content Service Providers (CSP) in the broadcast industry to brief them on a mobile video streaming application, Kanema Online which is meant to give viewers more options to access TV programmes, events and videos on computers, tablets, smart TVs and phones on top of expanding viewership and improving on CSPs revenue generation
The MDBNL and Static Computers Inc. met with CSP namely Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Times TV, Mibawa, Balaka-based Luntha TV and Chanco TV of Zomba at Sun Bird Mount Soche where MDBNL Chief Executive Officer, Denis Chirwa assured the broadcasters that Kanema online has value to CSP as viewers access TV programmes on subscription fee.
“Content service providers will improve as their contents will be accessible to viewers while viewers will have easy access to various TV programmes.
“Broadcasters or content service providers will therefore get value for their content. This is also meant to improve broadcasting in Malawi,” the MDBNL Chief Executive Officer added.
The Blantyre meeting was a continuation of information sharing and consultation with CSPs after the MDBNL and Static Computers Inc. engaged CSPs in central region on Kanema online in September this year.
MDBNL is a public entity mandated to provide digital distribution services to all licensed content service distributors.
Static Computers Inc. Director, Letson Kamangeni said the meeting with the CSP was also meant to make them understand technical aspects of Kanema online, status of integration of local television channels on Kanema Online and how CSP can use the platform to expand content reach.
“You will retain full control of your content whether you want to offer live broadcast or upload an on-demand show. Kanema online gives you flexibility to manage your programme,” he added/
He, however, assured the CSPs and further clarified that Kanema online is not a competitor to broadcasters.
“We are not a TV Station. We want to compliment what you do,” Kamagira who is also Kanema online Operation Manager told the CSP
He disclosed that the video streaming application, Kanema online took four years to develop and once fully rolled up it will increase audience reach.
“Kanema online will be accessible to everyone, everywhere, every time and on every network” according to Kamagira.
Chanco TV Station Manager, Gracious Mulinga said the engagement meeting was ideal and relevant as it provided space for the CSPs to understand how CSPs can use the platform to expand content reach, understand Kanema online’s mission and vision top of appreciating Kanema online’s economic benefits.
“This is a good initiative. There will be good revenue generation once this comes into full swing,” he added.
The CSPs that attended the meeting were yet to brief their respective stations on the Kanema online before it was launched.
Nsanje Stadium to boost revenue
Kondwani Affonso
Nsanje, October 17, Mana: Nsanje District Council says Nsanje Stadium, once completed will help to boost revenue which should help to initiate projects in market places in the district.
On Thursday, Nsanje District Council, Spokesperson, Robert Nayeja told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that the stadium’s gate collections will also help the council to pay utility bills, pay direct staff and a part will go to constructing toilets and sheds in the marketplaces.
“The stadium will have a positive financial impact on the citizens of Nsanje. Some people are already employed at the construction site and can provide for their families,
“Once the stadium is completed teams that will be using the stadium will also be able to get something at the end of the match,” he added.
Willison William from Mbeta Village Traditional Authority Malemia who is working at the stadium construction as a bricklayer said his life and his family have been transformed out of wages he receives.
“Am glad that I have a job. I am working as a bricklayer and I can support my family with the money l earn,” he added
The stadium project, which is expected to finish in December this year (2024) received financial support from FIFA to promote football and other sporting activities in Nsanje.
The contractor, Blithe Construction Company, has engaged more than 50 people in the district working as unskilled to skilled labourers.
Minister of Sport, Uchizi Mkandawire presided over the groundbreaking of the K500 million stadium project in September 2024, accompanied by former Football Association of Malawi, President, Walter Nyamilandu.
Chakwera reaffirms government's commitment to address national challenges
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, October 17, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing people across the country, particularly food insecurity.
Chakwera was responding to a plea from Malawi Congress Party (MCP) official, Bab Khamisa, who called for food assistance for hunger-stricken households.
Speaking outside Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) on Thursday after presiding over the 5th Congregation of the University which saw 610 students graduating, Chakwera reiterated that his administration will not allow anyone to die of hunger.
“We are working tirelessly to tackle these challenges. Our administration is committed to ensuring that all constituencies experience development, regardless of political affiliations,” said Chakwera.
He also praised the peaceful co-existence of people from different tribes, stressing that nepotism has no place in his administration.
The President, however, urged Malawians to remain united to achieve self-sufficiency.
Speaking earlier, Khamisa appealed to the President to consider purchasing idle land owned by estates for distribution to people of Thyolo, who lack sufficient farmland.
“A significant number of people here have no land for cultivation because much of it is occupied by tea estates. This often results in food shortages as people cannot harvest enough to meet their household needs,” said Khamisa.
He also requested the establishment of additional fertilizer distribution centres to reduce the long distances farmers travel to access farm inputs under the affordable farm inputs progranmme.
India- Malawi geared to promote ATM strategy
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, October 17, Mana: President of India Shrimati Droupadi Murmu has called for increased cooperation between Malawi and India in the areas of Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) to achieve the Malawi 2063 vision.
Speaking during the India-Malawi business round table on Thursday in Lilongwe, Murmu said the bilateral trade between India and Malawi has been growing for the past years despite some challenges like COVID-19 19 which affected the economic growth of both countries.
“India is the fastest growing economy as it is currently the fourth largest trading partner of Malawi and one of the largest investors in Malawi with $500 million of investments in different sectors in the country,” said Murmu.
She further said her government is committed to investing heavily in education, health sector and Information communication technology (ICT) among other potential investment sectors.
The President urged the business community in both countries to continue to work in synergy and to better the economic relations between India and Malawi.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe said the India-Malawi relations have helped in fostering various developmental activities in the country.
He however said, Malawi is a beneficiary of the Duty-Free Preferential Trading Scheme India offered to the least-developed countries (LDCs).
“India gave us market access for pigeon peas, and we had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the same in 2020. But there are some challenges which exporters face because they use ports that are In Mozambique for their products”, said Gwengwe.
President of The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Wisely Phiri stated that the meeting was important as they are number of opportunities that they can get from India.
“The business segment in India is growing so we can invest in our country so that we should be exporting goods to India for a better economy,” he said.
India established diplomatic relations with Malawi immediately after its independence in 1964.
Almost 50 percent of Malawians are living in poverty
By Brenda Nkosi.
Blantyre, October 17, Mana: As the country today commemorates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 51.5% of Malawians are still living in poverty, with 20.5% living in extreme poverty.
CONGOMA and World Vision International-Malawi, in partnership with the National Civil Society Taskforce on SDGs, said this on Thursday in Blantyre during a press briefing.
Reading the media statement, World Vision International Advocacy and Communication Manager, Charles Gwengwe said they have united to raise awareness of the progress, challenges, and the need for collective action to fast-track the achievement of the SDGs, particularly as they reflect on the global theme for this year ‘Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting together for just, peaceful and inclusive societies.
"Malawi has made strides in some areas of development, but the overall progress toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals has been slow, and we face significant hurdles, particularly in eradicating poverty.
“The SDG 1 which makes sure we do away with poverty is lagging. 51.5% of Malawians are still living in poverty, with 20.5% living in extreme poverty. This high rate of poverty continues to limit access to essential services, including health, education, and nutrition,” he said.
Gwengwe said Malawi cannot afford to leave anyone behind in this race, especially the most vulnerable members of our society —children, women, and rural populations who are excessively affected by poverty.
Programmes Manager at CONGOMA, Simekinali Karuzi said with only six years left to achieve both the SDGs and the milestones set out in Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP)-1 of the Malawi 2063, there was a need to act with urgency and renewed determination.
“We are concerned with the rate at which we are implementing our development goals. We cannot wait for 2030 to find out that we have not done enough. We are calling on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to the SDG’s.
“We need to stop hiding behind natural disasters and Covid-19. Other countries experience natural disasters every year but their economy is not going down,” Karuzi stated.
Chakwera dares MUST graduates to master the art of conscientiousness
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, October 17, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has challenged the newly 610 graduates at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) to master the art of conscientiousness if they are to excel in life and their respective careers.
Chakwera made the remarks on Thursday at MUST during the 5th congregation, urging the graduates to pay meticulous attention to detail in both their actions and surroundings to avoid missing out on important developments.
“If there has been an important development in the country or the area, you do not want to miss it, because if you do, you won’t be able to see how that development will affect you.
“In this country, important developments are happening all the time that affect your life, but you have to pay attention to know about those developments and see how they will affect you,” said Chakwera, who is also the Chancellor of the University.
Chakwera also emphasized the need for graduates to pay attention to opportunities by training their minds to see one to avoid the risk of missing out on such occasions.
“If you do not train your mind to see opportunities where others only see problems, you are going to miss them.
“The irony about opportunities is that no one tells you that something is an opportunity. Very often you have to turn a situation into an opportunity by thinking outside the box, thinking quickly on your feet and thinking way ahead of everyone else.
“So, I encourage you to pay attention to important opportunities, because they are all around you if that’s what you train your mind to see and look for,” said Chakwera.
The President, therefore, dared the fresh graduates to pay attention to errors that need to be rectified.
“If you submit a paper without proofreading it, you will submit it with errors that will cost you and the same thing applies to all the work you will do for the rest of your life," he said.
Adding: “So, if you must develop any skill, develop the skill of conscientiousness because it is the mark of excellence in any career and it is what will set you apart from everyone else in any field”.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor of MUST, Professor Address Malata said MUST is poised to inspire an era of lasting impact by playing a critical role in the national development of the country and beyond.
Professor Malata said the institution will remain steadfast in the fulfillment of its pillars of education excellence, research excellence, technology, innovation and industry, people and society as well as creating an enabling environment.
“We commit to continue serving the society, leverage education and looking at the needs of the surrounding communities,” said Malata.
The 5th Congregation comprises graduates from various disciplines from the Malawi Institute of Technology, Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Bingu School of Culture and Heritage as well as the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Senior Group Village Headman arrested for defilement
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 17, Mana: Police in Dowa on Wednesday arrested Senior Group Village Headman Ngwere for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl at Chezi.
Dowa police station Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima said the suspect, real name Christopher Dyson, 39, of Ngwere Village, Traditional Authority Nkukula, in Dowa district, is suspected to have committed the offence in September this year.
She said the victim had reported to Chezi police that the suspect had some time ago, asked her if she had reached puberty and if she had ever had sex with a man, a thing she said made her uncomfortable.
"Then, on September 20, at around 1 pm, Dyson visited the victim's house and asked the girl if her father was around, to which she replied that her father was inside the house sleeping. But the suspect expressed disbelief arguing that there were no shoes on the doorstep.
"The chief then grabbed the victim, took her into her brother's bedroom, forcibly undressed her, and had unprotected sex with her," said Sitima.
She added saying the suspect offered the victim K5000 in K1000 banknotes, instructing her not to tell anyone of the issue. But having refused it, the suspect shoved the money inside her blouse and left.
Subsequently, the victim revealed of her ordeal on October 15, 2024.
"Police referred the victim to a hospital for medical examinations, whose results revealed an abnormal vaginal discharge and a ruptured hymen.
"The suspect is currently in custody, awaiting court proceedings," said Sitima.
By Prisca Promise Mashushu Lilongwe, October 17 Mana: Her Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of the Malawi leader, President D
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 17 Mana: Her Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of the Malawi leader, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera that aims at strengthening international relations with the Republic of Malawi while celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Malawi
The plane carrying the president touched down at exactly 8:40 on Thursday where she was welcomed by Vice President Michael Usi, Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Collen Zamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Minister of lands Deus Gumba, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia and other top government officials.
Upon arrival at KIA, the Indian leader inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Malawi Defence Force.
During the three-day visit, Murmu is expected to hold several official engagements which include bilateral talks with the state president Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, and a memorial visit at the Kamuzu mausoleum among other engagements.
Man arrested for illegally cultivating Indian hemp
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 16, Mana: Police in Dowa on Tuesday arrested a 25-year-old man at Lirambwe village for allegedly cultivating Indian hemp popularly known as Chamba without a license.
Dowa police Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima has identified the suspect as Timothy Banda of Lirambwe Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Nkukula in the district.
Sitima said police received a tip-off from concerned citizens that Banda was cultivating Indian hemp but did not have a license for that.
"Through the Criminal Investigation Department, police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect.
"Banda admitted to having cultivated Indian hemp on his quarter-acre farm, located approximately five kilometres from his village, along the Chaliwe Dambo River.
"During the time of arrest, he was on the verge of harvesting around 4000 plants which have since been destroyed by the police," said Sitima.
She said the suspect will soon appear in court to face a charge related to illegal cultivation of Indian hemp.
