MANAonline
Mwang'onga laid to rest
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, April 25, Mana: Manuel Mwang'onga Mkandawire, who served as Minister of Education after his appointment in 1978, has been laid to rest Thursday at his home, Mwang'onga Village in the area of Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Chisovya in Rumphi.
In his eurology, Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, who represented President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, said the President was saddened by the passing on of a very loyal Malawi Congress Party (MCP) member who contributed generously to the development of the country.
Speaker of Parliament, who is also MCP Deputy Secretary General, Catherine Gotani Hara, said Mkandawire, who was served as a Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central Constituency and Rumphi East Constituency respectively, lived a productive life worth learning from.
"He was very hardworking and made sure that he prioritised education and served his country with patriotism. He was a source of political wisdom,” said Gotani Hara.
Group Village Head Mwang'onga said Mkandawire was a patriotic Malawian and educated many in the country through his career as an educator.
Mwang’onga, who qualified as a teacher in 1947 and taught at many teacher training collages including Livingstonia in Rumphi and Loudon in Mzimba, died on Monday at Wezi Medical Centre in Mzuzu at the age of 97.
He is survived by two children.
President Chakwera condoled the bereaved family with K5 million besides providing a casket.
Chakwera emphasizes on selling Malawi to the world
By Tiyanjane Mambucha
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized on the need for Malawians, within and outside the country, to collectively help sell Malawi to others saying the country has a lot to offer to the world.
Chakwera made the call on Thursday at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe when he opened the 2024 Takulandirani Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE).
The President said, it is a collective responsibility to sell Malawi to others as people’s daily living and activities speaks more about a country.
''What do you do or say about your country as you live every day? Through what you do or say you represent your country. The responsibility to sell Malawi is of each one of us. Whatever we do we are selling this country,'' said Chakwera.
Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, said MITE has been yielding results since its inception in 2017.
She said the country is doing extremely well in tourism.
''The numbers in terms of traffic of those coming to Malawi is increasing. The waiving of visas for 79 countries has also helped. Our role now is to increase in product development so that people visiting Malawi should have things to see or experience,” said Kamtukule.
Through MITE unique tourism products and services are showcased to hosted international travel buyers, media and the general public, an initiative aiming at advocating for local support and foreign investment in the tourism industry.
The fifth edition of the expo, which will run from 25th to 27th April, 2024 is dedicated to exploring the importance of tourism as one of the Malawi’s key drivers to economic growth, under the theme '#ipatsemoto, everything tourism'.
Chairperson for Malawi Tourism Council, Justine Zinkambani, commended the Chakwera led administration for adding tourism as a priority within the economic sector of the national development.
''Identifying tourism as a priority within the ATM strategy, and the Malawi 2063, underscores the potential of tourism to drive the country's social economic development,” he said.
Malawi is working on an ATM strategy focusing on investing in Agriculture, Tourism and Mining which contributes significantly to the economic growth.
Tourism sector is Malawi’s third largest source of foreign exchange after tobacco and tea. This sector alone contributes about 6.7 percent to the Malawi’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Chilima leaves for Tanzania
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima, on Thursday left the country for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to attend the 60th anniversary celebration of the Union Day of the United Republic of Tanzania scheduled to take place Friday.
Chilima was seen off at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe by Secretary in the Office of Vice President, Luckie Sikwese and some government officials.
President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has delegated Chilima to represent him at the anniversary upon invitation by the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Chilima, who is accompanied by Minister of Local Government Richard Chimwendo Banda, is expected to return Saturday morning through KIA.
Tanzania Union Day commemorates the union of the two former states the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and the Republic of Tanganyika which was formed in 1964.
Cyclones, dry spell fuel malnutrition in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, April 25, Mana: Principal Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Officer for Nsanje, Noza Mpesi, has attributed the rising cases of malnutrition among children in the district to effects of tropical cyclones and dry spells that hit the district last year and this year respectively.
He was speaking at Group Village Head Mnembe in Traditional Authority (TA) Tengani in the district during the launch of a week to disseminate messages to promote good nutrition.
He said the number of malnutrition referrals at the district health facility has risen three times than previous years.
“We could register a single or three referrals a week in our wards at the district hospital but now we have more than 20 referrals in our admission rooms,” he said.
He said a lot of farmers in the district rely on rain fed agriculture but most people's crops were washed away during Tropical Cyclone Freddy which has ignited hunger in the district.
Mpesi said his office is working tirelessly with other partners to contain the current situation which he described as worrisome.
“We have strengthened nutrition community structures and we are encouraging communities to have backyard gardens and also to take six food groups.
“We would like to conduct nutrition assessment to 60,000 children in the district to come up with exact figures for planning purposes,” he said.
He said the Nsanje needs more interventions and investments to contain malnutrition among children as the cyclone devastated almost all nutrition investments like backyard gardens in schools and Community Based Child care Centre’s.
Patience Kazembe an official from FOCECE, an organization that works in civic education and social empowerment in Nsanje, said they are working closely with the District Nutrition Office to improve the nutrition status of people in the district.
She said FOCECE is promoting consumption of diversified foods by promoting backyard gardens in the community.
"We are also distributing sweet potato vines and fruit trees to promote food diversification. We are also promoting modern ways of farming such as climate smart agriculture as one way of building resilience among community members during natural disasters like cyclones and dry spells,” said Kazembe.
Nsanje District Council Chairperson, Mike Kafalachi, said his leadership will ensure continuous support to nutrition interventions as good nutrition status is fundamental to sustainable development.
“People that are malnourished cannot manage to contribute positively to the development of our district. Let us put in place interventions that should help to raise good nutrition levels in the district,” he said.
Emulate Tanzania’s story of unity – Kumwenda
By Sylvester Kumwenda in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, April 25, Mana: Malawi High Commissioner to Tanzania, Andrew Kumwenda, says Malawi can borrow a leaf from the United Republic of Tanzania’s story which saw the development of a successful nation based on unity, trust, respect and dedication.
He made the remarks in an interview in Dar es Salaam on Thursday ahead of Tanzania’s Union Day to be held Friday at Uhuru Kenyatta Stadium.
Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima is expected to join the celebrations.
He said Tanzania’s story is remarkable which Malawi and the rest of Africa can learn from.
"It is a story of peace, unity, understanding and overcoming differences where two totally different states agreed to become one. This is not an easy thing but proved that, with unity, anything is doable. This is something we can all emulate from in fostering unity and development in our countries.
"With Malawi joining the celebrations, it not only shows how much we value our bilateral relationship with Tanzania but also respect the values and history of our neighbour," said Kumwenda.
He said Tanzania has been an important neighbour who has bailed Malawi in numerous occasions including during the cyclone Freddy disaster.
He described the two countries as sisters who have always been there for each other during good and bad times.
"Cyclone Freddy was devastating to Malawi and Tanzania was one of the countries who gave a lot of assistance to Malawi, not that they have much, but because of their spirit. So, our relationship is deep. We are proud that we are part of the celebrations and we will continue to be there for each other," he said.
This is the 60th anniversary in the history of Union Day of Tanzania.
The day is held annually to commemorate the union of former states of the Republic of Tanzania and the Peoples Republic of Zanzibar which created the United Republic of Tanzania on April 26, 1964.
CSOs call for fair accreditation in voter civic education
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, April 25, Mana: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Mzuzu City have asked Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to be fair in accrediting CSOs which will be involved in voter civic education in preparation for the 2025 general elections.
The remarks were made Thursday by Peter Mumba of Apause Organisation in Mzuzu during a stakeholder engagement organised by MEC on revised electoral laws, constituency and ward boundaries and voter registration centres.
He said failure to observe fairness in accreditation procedures will cost some Malawians their right to participate in electoral process.
"The amendments have brought in a number of changes and there is need for enhanced proper civic education for the citizenry to able participate in the voting processes.
“For instance, polling time has been revised to 6am to 4pm yet in the past it was from 6am to 6pm. People should know these changes for the elections to be fair and free,” said Mumba.
He appealed to development partners to support MEC with resources so that hard to reach areas are reached with information.
MEC Commissioner, Calorine Mfune, said CSOs play crucial roles in information dissemination including that of electoral processes hence the engagement.
"CSOs and political parties are our important partners because they provide electoral related civic education to the citizenry,” said Mfune.
The meeting is one the meetings the MEC is holding countrywide in preparation for voter registration ahead of the 2025 general elections.
The meeting was attended by CSOs, Mzuzu City Multiparty Liaison Committee, registered political parties, traditional, faith and religious leaders.
Kanjuchi Police Unit construction gives hope to Khosolo, Mabilabo communities
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, April 25, Mana: People in Traditional Authorities (TA) Khosolo and Mabilabo in Mzimba District have commended M’mbelwa District Council for the construction of a K23 million Kanjuchi Police Unit with support from Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).
In an interview on Wednesday, Frank Magawa, of Sauti Banda Village in the area of TA Khosolo said people have, for a long-time, been grappling criminal acts as they did not have a police facility.
He expressed concern that due to absence of a police unit in the area, people take the law in their hands when dealing with suspected criminals
He, therefore, said this will be history once the project is completed.
“We spend between K3, 000 to K10, 000 on transport to take criminal suspects to Eswazini Police Unit and Jenda Police Station respectively.
“We hope that once functional, the facility will help address issues of security in our area and also assist in curbing crime and ease challenges associated with reporting crimes,” said Magawa.
TA Khosolo said the police unit has instilled hope in communities in terms of safety and security thereby enhancing peace in the area.
Spokesperson for Jenda Police Station, Mcfarlen Mseteka, concurred with the community on security challenges that people face in the area.
“There has been no police presence because we don’t have a unit here. Luckily, we have a new police office block which is at finishing level. We expect the council to fast track the remaining works so that it becomes functional soon,” said Mseteka.
Director of Planning and Development for M’mbelwa District Council, Walter Chikuni, said the Council plans to have most GESD supported projects operational within the year.
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, April 25, Mana: People in Traditional Authorities (TA) Khosolo and Mabilabo in Mzimba District have commended M’mbelwa District Council for the construction of a K23 million Kanjuchi Police Unit with support from Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).
In an interview on Wednesday, Frank Magawa, of Sauti Banda Village in the area of TA Khosolo said people have, for a long-time, been grappling criminal acts as they did not have a police facility.
He expressed concern that due to absence of a police unit in the area, people take the law in their hands when dealing with suspected criminals
He, therefore, said this will be history once the project is completed.
“We spend between K3, 000 to K10, 000 on transport to take criminal suspects to Eswazini Police Unit and Jenda Police Station respectively.
“We hope that once functional, the facility will help address issues of security in our area and also assist in curbing crime and ease challenges associated with reporting crimes,” said Magawa.
TA Khosolo said the police unit has instilled hope in communities in terms of safety and security thereby enhancing peace in the area.
Spokesperson for Jenda Police Station, Mcfarlen Mseteka, concurred with the community on security challenges that people face in the area.
“There has been no police presence because we don’t have a unit here. Luckily, we have a new police office block which is at finishing level. We expect the council to fast track the remaining works so that it becomes functional soon,” said Mseteka.
Director of Planning and Development for M’mbelwa District Council, Walter Chikuni, said the Council plans to have most GESD supported projects operational within the year.
GESD funded health clinic in Nkhata Bay now operational
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, April 25, Mana: People of Kamwala in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kabunduli in Nkhata Bay are pleased to see a K48 million Kamwala Health Clinic and staff house construction project completed.
The structures have been built under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Program with the goal of bringing child and expectant women health care services closer to the community.
Speaking Wednesday when media toured the facility, Leni Mwale, a mother of two from the area said under five children can now get required vaccines as the clinic is operational.
"As I am speaking, my baby has already been given one of the vaccines. We do not need to travel to Mapale Health Centre in Mzuzu for similar services including family planning methods,” said Mwale.
She appealed to authorities to consider bringing piped water to the facility and later upgrade it into a dispensary.
Health Surveillance Assistant in the area, McCloud Kaunda, said currently mothers and about 1,250 under five children get disease preventive, health promotive, curative and education services which contributes to a health community.
Councillor for Chitheka Ward in Nkhata Bay West Constituency, Patrick Manda, said the clinic is a sigh of relief to the community.
"With the topography of the area and Nkhata Bay in general, it was hard for expectant mothers to walk long distances to access health services in Mzuzu.
He, therefore, commended government for the development and assured community members that authorities will continue to lobby for funds to have piped water and solar power connected to the facility.
Nkhata Bay District Council Director of Planning and Development, Edgar Chihana, was impressed with the impact of GESD projects on communities in the district.
“These projects contribute to improved service delivery. I urge communities to have a sense of ownership over the structures for them to last long.
GESD is implemented through National Local Government Finance Committee.
Tikoliwe rejoices over drilling of borehole
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, April 24, Mana: Residents of about four Villages under Senior Group Tikoliwe in Traditional Authority (TA) Mlonyeni are now all smiles after a well-wisher has drilled a borehole them
The Dubai based well-wisher, Annie Makolera has drilled a borehole for them after a long time of struggling to have access to potable water.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chief Tikoliwe expressed his gratitude over the development stating that now his people would have access to potable water.
“Access to potable water has long been a challenge in this community which has affected a lot of areas both developmental and health. We really appreciate the donors for doing something so remarkable for us, their help will not be taken lightly,” he said.
Social Media Influencer, Gerald Kampanikiza who represented the well-wisher said the decision to provide a borehole to Tikoliwe came after noting that people in the area were walking a long distance to fetch water.
“People walked a long distance to fetch water which endangered their lives. Not only that, the water these people were consuming was not safe exposing them to water-borne diseases,” he explained.
Kampanikiza stated that three more areas in the country would benefit from the same project t is in all the remaining three regions.
“The well-wisher hopes to help more areas and has since asked the ones benefiting from these works to take care of the properties so that they last longer,” he added.
One community member, Mercy Mwale appreciated the well-wisher saying the intervention would assist in solving challenges such as divorces that centered around misunderstandings that came with fetching water from a long distance.
“Despite walking a long distance to fetch water, fights would break at the water source because the water was not enough for everyone and no one wanted to go back home without water,” she stated.
Mwale appealed to various key stakeholders to take care of the borehole.
A whistleblower, Ephraim Zulu provided the video to Kampanikiza and his team expressed his excitement over the intervention appreciating the well-wisher for choosing his village as one of the beneficiaries.
“This village has been sidelined mostly in developmental projects and seeing that one of the challenges has been handled, I am very grateful,” he noted.
Zulu explained that access to potable water has not been the only challenge, there was issues to do with early marriages among the youth, the increase in sexual transmitted diseases and problems in accessing health support since Mchinji District Hospital is far from their area.
The idea to drill a borehole came about when Kampanikiza and his team posted on their Facebook page stating that a well-wisher was ready to provide potable water to any community which prompted Zulu to provide the video to the team.
The project costed about K 8.2 million.
Malawi to observe world vaccine week
By Vincent Khonje
Mana, April 24, Mana: Malawi is observing World Immunization Week from Wednesday April 24 to 30, 2024.
The Commemoration this year is significant as it marks 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
During a Media tour to various health facilities across the country, Ministry of Health Spokesperson, Adrian Chikumbe expressed confidence in Malawi's readiness for the immunization week.
"We have prepared very well for this week, ensuring that vaccines are readily available to all those in need. Relevant stakeholders have also been consulted for community mobilization," he said.
At the Ntaja Health Centre in Machinga, there was an anticipation that the week would provide great results in as far as immunization is concerned.
EPI Focal person, William Palichina said all was well as important stakeholders have prepared well.
"We anticipate a good week of protecting people from different ailments. We have enough supply of vaccines and we hope to intensify administration of the vaccines in all health facilities," he explained.
A mother at Bereu Health Centre in Chikwawa, Joyce Nyirenda emphasized the importance of immunization, particularly for under five children.
"Vaccination is not just a medical procedure, it is a shield that protects our children from life-threatening diseases. So it is important that all the children are vaccinated by taking advantage of this week," she said.
Throughout the week, health workers in the country will come together to recognize their role in safeguarding the health and well-being of generations to come.
