MANAonline
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.
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.
