MANAonline
Rampant increase in defilement cases annoys Mchinji Police
By Majona Jabesi Mnjuzi
Mchinji, October 10, Mana: Mchinji Police has expressed dissatisfaction with the alarming increase in defilement cases in the district this year.
This has been revealed through in a recent report presented on Wednesday during the Station Executive Forum (SEF) meeting.
The report indicates a troubling spike in incidents with a 32.2 percent increase between January and September, 2024 compared to 22.2 percent within the same period year lastr year.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police who is also Officer in Charge for Mchinji Police Station, John Nkhoma, attributed the increase to the culture of silence where many cases remain unreported.
“We have a big problem of defilement, especially in villages. So, I advise chiefs and the community that these are police cases and are not supposed to be handled by traditional courts but reported to police,” he said.
Senior Chief Dambe, and other local leaders, echoed Nkhoma’s sentiments stressing the importance of mutual relationship and collaboration in addressing such crime in society.
“There is need for collective responsibility to safeguard the safety of our community. We need to foster an environment where safety and protection will be granted. So, we should be vigilant and play a watchdog role in our community for proper handling of various criminal cases in the district," said Senior Chief Dambe.
Mchinji District Council representative, Wilfred Gambatula, pledged to enhance collaboration with the police and all community stakeholders to ease the challenges.
While commending the police for their effort to reduce other crime rates in Mchinji, Gambatula urged the police to put an extra gear to address crimes.
Among other issues, the report revealed that from January to September 2024, Mchinji Police Station registered a decrease in reported criminal cases by 2.5 percent from 736 cases registered in 2023 to 717 cases registered in 2024.
Road accidents also decreased by 10.2 percent from 39 in 2023 to 35 in 2024 within the same period.
VP Usi Upbeat on Morocco/Malawi Agriculture Pact
By Emmanuel Munthali
Vice President Dr. Michael Bizwick Usi has hailed the memorandum of understanding between Malawi and Morocco on Agriculture as crucial in opening many avenues of cooperation between Lilongwe and Rabat.
The Vice President said this yesterday when he met Dr. Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests on the sidelines of the African Consultation meeting ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in June 2025. The conference has ended.
Malawi and Morocco signed the agreement recently to enable the two countries to cooperate on areas of agricultural development and modernization.
“It is pleasing to note that relations between the two countries continue to grow from strength to strength. We will take opportunity of this visit for our technical team to further discuss with your technical teams on our cooperation,” said the Vice President.
The Vice President lured Morocco for investment opportunities, saying the agriculture sector accounts for 80 percent of the country’s exports for Moroccan investors to explore.
Taking his turn, Dr. Sadik said Morocco was more than ready to cooperate with Malawi on a number of areas in the agriculture sector.
“Mr. Vice President, there are a lot of areas that Malawi and Morocco can work together. These areas include training, capacity building, research, and preservation of natural resources.” He said.
Forum commends Dowa on paediatric HIV response
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 10, Mana: HIV and AIDS Malawi Partnership Forum (MPF) has commended Dowa district for strides being made in paediatric HIV response and integration of HIV and AIDS related interventions.
National AIDS Commission (NAC) Director of HIV and AIDS Programmes, Chimwewe Mablekisi, made the remarks in an interview during a joint visit to Dowa District Hospital and Madisi Mission Hospital, ahead of the 2023/2024 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector and National Response to HIV and AIDS.
She said as a platform that annually reports, takes stock of progress and appreciates challenges and lessons learnt in the health sector including HIV Programming.
"We meet at the central level and only get reports. So, this visit was for the MPF to have a hands on feeling of what is happening on the ground on HIV response, particularly paediatric HIV response and integration of HIV and AIDS to other health services like Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and mental health.
"Dowa is one of the districts that is doing very well in pediatric HIV response, in case finding, initiating children on treatment and ensuring that viral load tests are taken and results are provided in good time," she said.
However, Mablekisi, noted the need to increase number of HTS counsellors and train more health workers to provide STI and HIV testing and related services in the district.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Dr Nertha Semphere Mgala, encouraged male involvement in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and also to fight the stigma surrounding Antiretroviral Therapy to improve drug adherence.
She called for pediatric HIV response for a multi-sectoral approach towards HIV and AIDS response.
"The fight against HIV and AIDS is not a one-sector fight; we cannot win like that. We need all sectors to be actively involved and collaborate if we are to make progress," she said.
Dowa District Hospital Senior Medical Officer, Dr Mallen Machika, said of the almost million people in the district, only two percent are living with HIV and AIDS.
She said the positivity yield after testing is also less than two percent.
Machika said this has been achieved because of interventions targeting the reduction of transmission.
"If we have undetectable levels, where the viral load of HIV positive patients is suppressed, we will minimize the chances of transmission.
"This is something we also thrive on in the prevention of mother to child transmission programme. An HIV positive pregnant woman adhering to drugs lowers her viral load, therefore the child to be born is less likely to get infected. This results in very few vertical transmissions," she said.
World Vision donates bicycles to savings groups
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, October 10, Mana: World Vision Malawi on Tuesday donated 60 bicycles to community volunteers who are supporting Village Savings and Loans (VSLs) groups in the area of Senior Chief Chulu in Kasungu District as a way of mitigating mobility challenges for them.
Speaking during the handover ceremony that took place at Chulu Trading Centre, World Vision’s Programme Manager for Kasungu, Arnold Tsalayekha, said they decided to provide the pushbikes to ensure that volunteers are serving all the VSLs with ease.
"Each volunteer is covering several groups and that means a large geographical area and with mobility problems, their work cannot be as effective as required.
"VSLs are self-sustainable but we decided to come in and assist people in the communities in terms of financial literacy and we are trying to equip the volunteers to be getting in touch with the groups quite often for us to achieve our goal," Tsalayekha said.
According to Tsalayekha, the organization has spent almost K20 million to purchase the bicycles but was optimistic that the outcomes will surpass the cost.
Chairperson for Chulu Area Development Committee, Jacob Kawaza expressed excitement for what he described as a timely donation from World Vision Malawi.
"We are extremely excited to have received these bicycles. It is something we have always wanted to have and will encourage us to work hard and make our VSLs grow," Kawaza said.
One of the volunteers, Peter Phiri said the bicycle he got would enable him get hard to reach places.
He appealed to men in the area to join the VSLs and change their mindset that these groups are meant for women.
World Vision Malawi is implementing a 15-year project called Mtchenda Livelihoods and Resilience in the area of Senior Chief Chulu in the district, which among other objectives seeks to promote an entrepreneurial culture that would help communities graduate from poverty.
The project which is funded by World Vision USA commenced in 2013 and is expected to phase out in 2028.
Chikwawa’s SP-GEAR project drives economic empowerment with strong male involvement
By Leah Malimbasa and Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, October 9, Mana: Social Protection for Gender Equality and Resilience (SP-GEAR) project, currently being implemented in Chikwawa District show promising results as both men and women actively participate in the project’s social-economic development interventions.
Chikwawa District Council, Gender Officer, Victoria Nkasala, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) Tuesday that SP-’GEAR project aims to economically empower the most vulnerable women and girls and that it has already begun showing significant impact through activities such as Village Saving and Loans (VSLs).
The interventions were designed to build economic resilience of women and girls while addressing existing gender inequalities in the district, according to the Gender Officer.
“Through the SP-GEAR project, we are not only empowering women but also encouraging men to participate actively in economic interventions such as VSLs, where they have traditionally faced resistance. This project is addressing those barriers,” Nkasala said.
She further explained that the project is tackling gender imbalances in decision-making at household level, division of labour, apart from access and control over resources.
“The SP-GEAR project emphasizes on issues of power imbalances within households, ensuring that both genders have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from economic activities, she added.
As part of the implementation, Chikwawa District Council has identified over 200 gender champions tasked to advocate for the economic empowerment of women and encouraging community-wide participation in the development processes.
Hastings Malenga, a gender champion from Group Village Head, Chikhambi in Traditional Authority Kasisi, said the champions’ efforts are focused on ensuring that women engage in small-scale businesses.
“We are also working closely with men to make sure they play their part in addressing gender inequalities that still exist in our communities,” he said.
The SP-GEAR project, also known as Amai Titukuke, is running for three years with a funding commitment of $26.5 million (about K46 billion) from UNICEF, the European Union, and the Governments of Ireland and Malawi.
Apart from Chikwawa, the project is being implemented in Mzimba, Ntcheu, Balaka, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, and Zomba.
Mangochi communities urged to observe closed fishing season
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, October 10, Mana: Mangochi District Fisheries Office has urged communities in the district to adhere to fishing rules and regulations as the district is observing closed fishing season in Upper Shire River and on Lake Malombe.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Assistant Fisheries Officer, Kelvin Mkwinda said closed fishing season in the Upper Shire River and on Lake Malombe started from October 1and will finish on December 31 this year.
He said the closed fishing season is crucial to the fisheries industry as it enables fish species to breed, for sustainable fisheries within the ecosystem.
“The closed fishing season is a process and not a one-time initiative. It enables fish to breed and thrive, contributing to sustainable biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities.
“The season was mainly instituted to protect the Chambo species but we also recognized the significance of the other species which helps in boosting the economic growth of the country and development of our communities, as such, we are urging communities in Mangochi to adhere to this,” he added..
Mkwinda said use of banned mono-filament nets and other illegal gear along the shores is also prohibited during the closed fishing season.
“Fishing activities done close to the beach or the shore is prohibited in the ecosystem. However, off shore type of fishing is allowed for example those that use Chilimira gears which catch fish like usipa and other small fish, hand line, mono and gill nets of good mesh," the Assistant Fisheries Officer added.
He therefore encouraged community leaders and structures such as Beach Village Committees (BVCs) Fisheries Associations (FA) and other stakeholders to be in the fore front sensitising people in the district on importance of managing fisheries resources.
Speaking in a separate interview, Chairperson for Malombe FA, Molson Thomas, said a lot of people fail to understand the reason behind the fishing closed season hence the need to for concerted efforts in order to enlighten communities on importance of sustainable management of fish species on Lake Malombe and Upper Shire. .
“"As Malombe FA, one of our tasks is to ensure that fishers and communities are aware of the rules and regulations that the department put in place. We also make sure that guidelines are being followed.
We however lack resources for effective enforcement such that we need collaboration with other stakeholders to protect fish in the lake," said Thomas.
Mangochi has three water bodies namely; Upper Shire River and Lake Malombe and Lake Malawi.
Closed fishing season on Lake Malawi is observed from November 1 to December 31st each year.
Chikulamayembe advocates for marginalized people to vie for political leadership positions
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, October 10, Mana: Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says empowering the youth, women and people with disabilities is critical towards the attainment of Malawi 2063.
Chikulamayembe was speaking Wednesday at his headquarters at Bolero in Rumphi when he interacted with representatives of Oxfam Malawi, Women Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC) and Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) who are lobbying for inclusive and participatory democracy.
He said women are more compassionate and just as thorough as men and can even do better when handling different tasks.
Chikulamayembe added that the organizations’ visit to him was in line with the 2024 Gonapamuhanya Cultural Ceremony’s theme which emphasized on empowering women and youth for development.
“Our theme for this year’s cultural ceremony was centred on a similar subject and its organizing chairperson was also a woman. Umthetho organising chairperson was also a woman (yourself Mrs Kaliya) and both of you performed excellently.
We need more women and youth in leadership positions for the country to transform. I will be sharing this message with my chiefs and others from outside Rumphi to support women, people with disabilities and young people in the upcoming General Elections,” said Chikulamayembe.
He also urged women to support each other for them to excel in politics at different levels.
Executive Director for Oxfam Malawi, Linga Mihowa said the organizations visited Chikulamayembe to request him help in lobbying for a conducive environment for women, youth and people with disabilities who are interested in running for various political offices during the elections.
She further said that the initiative is supported by European Union will also engage political parties to accommodate the interests of such groups during primary elections.
Mihowa said the organizations will provide cash transfer to support electoral monitoring, observation, mobilization of youth groups and other electoral related requirement, once such marginalised people are endorsed as candidates whether on independent or political tickets.
NGORA engages players in education sector
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 10, Mana: Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA) in collaboration with Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA) and the Ministry of Gender has organized sectoral workshops for NGOs aimed at laying the foundation for commemoration of 2024 NGOs Day.
The engagements focusing on three thematic areas of education, agriculture and health will take place from Wednesday October 9 – 11 in Blantyre. The NGO Day will be observed on October 16 at Sanjika Palace Mini Stadium.
Chief Executive Officer for NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda said the workshops have been organized so that NGOs and government should align with each other and look at policy gaps for a more elaborate service delivery.
“We need to look at outstanding issues that need to be addressed in education sector,” Chileka Banda said.
“NGOs are making enormous contributions towards improved access to education services in all communities in this country. However, the contributions are not properly captured or documented and sometimes there is lack of collaboration between NGOs and government. This poses a policy alignment challenge,” he added.
Chileka Banda said NGORA would like to bring all resources together and move forward for the development of the country.
“We are tired of having similar challenges year in, year out and we are looking at the contributions NGOs are making, it will be very important now to see NGOs working closely with government, “he said.
Presidential Advisor on NGOs, Martha Kwataine said the workshops were very crucial because President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera recognizes the work being carried out by NGOs in Malawi.
“From the perspective of President Chakwera, the workshops are very important; specifically today as we are looking at the education sector. Education is the only equalizer that we can have as a nation, so whether rich or poor, if one is educated is equalized and is on the same table of decision making.
“Even when you look at it from the office of the First Lady through her Shaping the Future Foundation, there is that passion from the President in the sense that scholarships have been provided to the girl child,” Kwataine said.
Senior Development Planning Specialist for the National Planning Commission (NPC), Ivy Chauya said the NPC has a keen interest in the various developmental programmes and their implementation strategies; hence, would always support initiatives which would contribute to national development.
“It is our wish to see different NGOs working with government in the fulfilment of the Malawi 2063 Vision. The NPC is mandated to coordinate and oversee the implementation of long term and medium term development plans; education being a key in that respect,” Chauya said.
The theme for this year's NGO Day is ‘strengthening partnerships and capacity in the NGO sector-panacea for achieving Malawi 2063 Agenda.’
SP GEAR project addressing social and economic challenges in Ntcheu
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, October 9, Mana: Principal Gender Officer for Ntcheu District Council Phaless Chizule has commended Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience (SP GEAR) also known as "Amai Titukuke" programme for removing social and economic challenges, which affect women in the district.
Chizule made the remarks on Monday during a sensitization meeting at Masitimale Village in the area of Senior Chief Kwataine in Ntcheu district.
"The programme is very relevant to communities as it is addressing the social and economic challenges which in most cases affect women who are the primary caregivers to their children," said Chizule.
She highlighted that the programme is expected to contribute towards livelihood resilience and poverty reduction.
Chizule further added that it is expected that once the household livelihood is enhanced, women will be able to participate fully on issues that affect them and their children.
Ntcheu District Social Welfare Officer who is also the district’s Desk Officer for Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) Catherine Ngoleka said SP Gear beneficiaries are the same people who are benefitting from SCTP who are currently totaling 14,354 in the district.
"Since Ntcheu is using E-payment mode of payment, beneficiaries receive the funds through FDH Bank," said Ngoleka.
One of the beneficiaries, Ivy Kanyemba who joined the SCTP in 2019 said she has managed to build an iron sheet house and is able to pay school fees for her two daughters at Ntcheu Secondary School and Ntcheu Community Day Secondary Schools.
"My life has improved, I can support myself and my children," said Kanyemba.
Meanwhile, district council officials are currently conducting sensitization meetings and beneficiary product training so that the beneficiaries can easily access their funds.
SP-GEAR is a three-year project which was officially launched in April 2024 with financial support from UNICEF, the European Union and Ireland.
CARD committed for sustainable Agriculture in Balaka
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, October 9, Mana: Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) has embarked on a new project; Resilience Enhancement for Anticipated Community Hazards (REACH) at Traditional Authority Nkaya in Balaka District to improve food availability and accessibility to households in the area.
CARD Project Assistant, Idah Ngwena, said on Tuesday during stakeholders meeting in Balaka that the project targets 400 households, 160 male headed and 240 female headed at Nkaya.
She added that the initiative came in response to challenges that people encountered in 2023 when the district was affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which led to loss of property and crops.
“All Traditional Authorities in Balaka were affected and it is against this background that CARD thought of responding this way to address some of the problems in Traditional Authority Nkaya,
“The project will provide bunches of sweet potato vines, cassava cuttings and 10 local chickens (one rooster, nine hens) to each household,” Ngwena said and further disclosed that REACH includes the distribution of high-quality seeds that are resilient to local climate condition.
She therefore advised farmers at Nkaya to grow the high quality seeds, saying such seeds will give best results in terms of yield.
“The organization is also providing drilling and lining materials for shallow wells which will enable farmers to access groundwater more efficiently, reducing their dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
“The mobile solar irrigation kits are a game-changer to many farmers, allowing them to irrigate their fields without relying on fossil fuels,” she added.
Among others, the REACH also incorporated training sessions to orient farmers on best farming practices, ensuring they maximize benefits of the project support.
CARD started implementing the project in September 2024 and will end in September 2025 at a cost of K20 million.
To ensure proper coordination in beneficiary selection, implementation and monitoring of the project, CARD will implement the project in partnership with the Department of Disaster Risk Management (DoDMA) as a key partner.
