MANAonline
IOE set to host Phyzix's Birthday Bash
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, December 18, Mana: It's Only Entertainment (IOE) is set to host a music show dubbed; Phyzix's Birthday Bash, on December 21 at Blues Bar and Restaurant in Blantyre to celebrate with Phyzix’s fans in the festive season.
IOE Chief Executive Director, Noel Chikoleka, popularly known by stage name, Phyzix, said December 21 will be a weekend of two events with the second one taking place on December 22 at Flamingo Lounge and Night Club in Lilongwe.
He said the event will bring out a series of interactions with fans, surprise performances and dancing performances.
He explained that some of the proceeds from the birthday bash will be channeled to a newly established Phyzix Cares Foundation (PCF).
In turn, PCF will cheer up children on Christmas Day at an orphanage in the spirit of sharing and giving.
“We recently launched the foundation. We are trying to lend a helping hand to orphans and the elderly. Our focus is also in the sectors of education, health, environment and youth development in general,” added Phyzix.
The Cholapitsa hit maker said he has released lots of songs this year such that he has not been able to perform of late.
“Fans will get the opportunity to listen and dance to new hits. This will be a good opportunity to see me performing,” he said.
Award winning lyricist and renowned hip-hop artist, Slessor Munthali, popularly known by his stage name, Slessor, said fans should expect a satisfying performance at the birthday bash.
“I intend to perform an exciting live show to bring out the real art behind the Hip-hop genre. I have recently released a project titled, ‘Did You Miss Me’? I intend to perform songs from this project,” said Slessor.
Phyzix is brand ambassador to a betting company, 888bets Malawi, which will give out prizes and other forms of giveaways to fans and best dressed male and female in Hip-hop street wear.
First 20 ladies at both events will enter free, according to the organisers.
Insurance Act to provide more opportunities for policy holders
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, December 17, Mana: The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola Banda has expressed satisfaction over the Parliamentarians positive nod of the Insurance Act of 2024, which aims to provide regulation of the insurance industry to promote safety and protection of the policy holders.
The minister said this on Tuesday during the Parliamentary session in Lilongwe.
He said the Act will help to bring sanity in the insurance industry and wipe tears of business people who have been crying for so long due to poor laws concerning the insurance policy.
“The Act will ensure transparency and accountability by providing opportunities for collaboration between policy holders and insurance company owners.
“The Act will also apply to insurers, insurance brokers , insurance agents, loss assessors, loss adjustors and claims settling agents as entities who do not comply with this risk having their licenses revoked,” said the minister.
The Act repeals and replaces the Insurance Act (Cap. 47:01) to address “emerging issues” in the insurance industry after having consultations with all key stakeholders prior to passing it in parliament.
“It will provide the Ministry with powers to criticise all properties that can be allowed under the insurance from the public,” he added.
Reacting to the passing of the Act, the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Shadreck Namalomba expressed concern that the Bill had several gaps that would ultimately benefit insurance agents at the expense of policy holders and Malawians.
NGO intensifies environmental conservation campaign
By Tisunge Mlenga
Chiradzulu, December 17, Mana: Energetizing Development Malawi (Endev MW), a non-governmental organization working to promote clean energy has touted the significance of using Chitetezo Mbaula in conserving the environment.
The organization’s Project Coordinator, Issa Bakili said apart from combating deforestation, it is cleaner, safer and portable to use.
Bakili made the remarks at Madidi Primary School in Chiradzulu District during a football bonanza aimed at encouraging people to use the stoves.
Bakili has since encouraged communities in the district to buy Chitetezo Mbaula, disclosing that they intend to sell 110, 000 stoves by June 2025.
“Let me encourage people who overlook the use of Chitetezo Mbaula because there are some benefits from these stoves. I can just highlight how important they are in saving money.
“Most households are fond of using charcoal that is currently very expensive, so with this use of stoves they just use less firewood in the process saving money and also conserving the environment,” Bakili said.
Speaking in an interview, one of the community members, Rose Benala of Phandaphanda Village in Traditional Authority Nkalo’s area in the district, commended the organization for introducing Chitetezo Mbaula.
“This Chitetezo Mbaula will be helping us in the rainy season because we can move with it from one place to another. And also these Chitetezo Mbaula serves energy since it uses less firewood,” she said.
A Chitetezo Mbaula was being sold at K1, 500 and lucky buyers were able to win prizes like a 2 kg of maize flour and 2 tablets of U-fresh soap.
The project, which is also being implemented in the districts of Blantyre, Balaka, Thyolo, Phalombe and Mulanje to the tune of K3.5 million with financial support from Self Help Africa.
Minister of Transport assures of district roads completion
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, December 17, Mana: The Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara, has assured Malawians that government is working hard to make sure district roads across the country are completed on time to ensure improved transport services.
Hara made the sentiments in Parliament on Tuesday when he was answering questions from Lilongwe central and Zomba Thondwe , Michael Gadama over the delay in construction of the Tsangano road in Ntcheu, Salima, Machinga, Mangochi , Mzimba and Dedza roads.
The Minister said the projects are still under consideration as the ministry aims to make the roads of high quality just like in cities in order to help people when it comes to transporting goods and services.
“I can assure the citizens that all protocols are in the process and some roads have been completed for example in Mangochi, Machinga and Kasungu and the last phase will tackle roads of Mzimba , Dedza, and Salima district.
The project in Tsangano road that is in Ntcheu has been delayed due to hiccups faced between us and the contractors but soon all documents will be completed in order to continue with the project at hand,” explained Hara.
He also pointed out that the project was stopped in the middle of construction due to the incapability of the contractors to finish the roads and also some minor disagreement that arose but all were resolved in time.
The minister has assured citizens to practice patience when it comes to road projects as it requires a lot of processes before it is implemented on the actual ground.
“We understand people are desperate for the completion of the roads as promised but our ministry is trying to normalise the problem by making sure that all proper protocols are being followed.
“As much as we prioritise the interest of the citizens, I can assure all people concerned that the project has been actualised on the ground,” said Hara.
Club 24/7 to host pre Xmas concert
By Ivy Yohane
Blantyre, December 17, Mana: As a way of heightening festive season mood, Phindu Promotions has organized a music event, dubbed Kabula pre-Christmas Concert which will take place on December 21, at Club 24/7 Kameza Roundabout in Blantyre.
Director for Phindu Promotions, Sibongile Kumwenda told Malawi News agency (Mana) that they decided to organize a music concert to bring together music enthusiasts into a festive mood as the year closes.
“People should expect a memorable concert with a lineup of legends and upcoming musicians in the country. There will be some fireworks as well.
“The concert is part of our 11th anniversary celebration and we decided to celebrate it people in Blantyre during this festive season,” she said and assured those that will attend the show of safety and security.
She said Phindu Promotions have engaged the Malawi Police Service to provide necessary security to guarantee the end of the year music entertainment.
Local reggae outfit Black Missionaries confirmed their performance at the Club 24/7 on December 21.
Band leader, Anjiru Fumulani said that the band has been preparing for the show and assured music entrainment lovers an astonishing performance.
“We are well prepared for the concert and our fans should expect fireworks because it will be a massive concert ever.” he added.
Another sensational artist, Jetu who has just released a hit song called Waimanya will also be at the Club 24/7 Kameza Roundabout to spice the show.
Other artists to perform on the day include; Alleluya Band, the Evergreen Band, Joe Gwaladi, Giddes Chalamanda, GIbbo Pearson, Mr. Cool, Fada Moti, Trappy Beats, Santy, Kommuniq, Paul Subili, and Sean among others.
Haiya clocks 1 year as FAM President
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, December 16, Mana: Sports analysts in the country have praised the President of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), Fleetwood Haiya, for his promising performance as he marks one year in office.
Sports analyst, Kimu Kamau told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that Haiya was performing exceptionally well, commending him for doing what he promised during his campaign for FAM presidency.
“There are a number of things he is doing to fulfill promises. We have seen Malawi hosting Four Nations Tournament for the first time when we saw Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Malawi participating in this tournament.
“Malawi also managed to compete in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite hardly achieving on a good note,” he added.
Kamau said that under Haiya’s leadership Malawi’s beach soccer team competed in Egypt while women football team and Malawi’s under 17 and under 20’s participated in Africa regional tournaments.
“We have seen other companies coming with sponsorship in our football and rising amount of money in the Super League,” he said citing this year’s TNM Super League’s K100,000 million for a winning team.
Another sports analyst, Anointed Kasampha said Haiya has proved to be an achiever since elected as FAM president, adding that Haiya’s leadership brought in remarkable changes in football.
“We have seen great changes, our football is taking shape though there are still more things to do. We still have issues with our national team,
“Flames’ performance is not good. We have failed to qualify for AFCON,” he said.
Haiya got 23 votes against Walter Nyamilandu who got 13 votes in last year’s FAM elections that took place at Mzuzu Hotel.
Political parties urged to support women aspirants for 2025 polls
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, December 17, Mana: Executive Director for Women Legal Resource Center (WOLREC), Maggie Kathewera Banda has asked political parties to support women aspiring to contest for various positions in the 2025 elections.
Banda was speaking on Tuesday during a meeting in Mzuzu where representatives for women groups in the northern region were convened to review a women manifesto document that was developed in 2019.
She said WOLREC, together with its partners, is working with women in a number of districts encouraging them to run as candidates for various positions in the forthcoming polls.
“In the districts that we have gone to there are women that have expressed interest to contest and more women are still expressing interest.
“At the end of it all, we will have more women that are contesting but what we need is the support of the political parties. Most of these women will be contesting under various political parties so we appeal to them to field the women as their candidates,” Banda said.
She said the organization is also interfacing with political parties so that they understand why it is important to field women as candidates and also analyzing what kind of support to give them.
She said apart from that, they are working with women that have expressed interest; discussing with them particular challenges they are facing and brainstorming on what to do together with them to sort out such challenges.
“We have received funding from European Union to support women that want to contest in the 2025 elections and not just women but even the youth and people with disabilities.
“Through that support, we are working with the women, youths and people with disabilities; encouraging them to contest in the 2025 elections. We are also planning to be interfacing with the voters to encourage them to vote for the women, youths and people with disabilities,” she said.
Chairperson for Mbawemi Women Organization, Dorothy Chiumia said women find it challenging to contest for positions due to economic challenges, which prevents them from mounting formidable political campaigns.
Chiumia urged political parties to value women and entrust them with political leadership roles.
Forests and trees crucial in food production system
By George Bulombola
Chitipa, December 17, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has said that trees and forests are pillars upon which food production systems are built.
He was speaking on Tuesday during the launching ceremony of 2024/25 National Tree Planting Season at Lufita Primary School Ground in Chitipa.
Usi said most of the natural disasters which affects the country in various forms emanate from environmental destruction especially through forestry mismanagement.
“Let us internalize forestry management into our culture so that we sustain efforts which are geared at preserving forests through promotion of either tree planting and natural regeneration.
“When the environment which we are destroying starts fighting us, we can fight back. Imagine Cyclone Freddy, which claimed a lot of lives of our loved ones. Such disasters pose a threat to our environment and food production system,” said Usi.
He added that the interplay between healthy forests and food security is a necessity for human survival and prosperity, hence the need to preserve forests.
“Therefore the forestry season is not only a call to action, it is a fundamental necessity for our country as it resonates with our aspirations for a greener future and holds profound significance for our ability to enhance food production,” he added.
Usi said that a thriving agricultural sector depends on health of natural eco-systems as trees enhance soil fertility and improve water retention.
Earlier on during the event, Senior Chief Mwaulambya, advised people across the country to be interested in preserving trees, other than just planting tree seedlings.
“We have been planting tree seedlings for long but we lack interest in caring for them,” said Mwaulambya.
He added that communities within his jurisdiction have agreed to have bylaws, which are aimed at preventing people from destroying forests.
“The bylaws are not there for the sake of their existence, they attract penalties to those who do not abide by them,” he said.
Paramount Chief Kyungu also alluded to the need to preserve trees so that tree-planting seasons are meaningful to the country.
In the 2024/25 National Forestry Season, the country targets to restore about 22,000 hectares of degraded land and forests national wide by planting almost 40 Million tree seedlings, and managing 4,000 hectares of natural regeneration
7 dead, leaving 16 injured by Chido Tropical Storms
BY Paul Madise
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has disclosed that so far 7,721 households (approximately 34,741 people) have been affected, with a death toil rising from two (as reported in its previous update dated 16th December 2024) to seven; with Salima registering three deaths whereas Kasungu, Machinga, Blantyre and Lilongwe Districts have each recorded one death and 16 injuries in total.
In a statement signed by Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, DoDMA has highlighted that the development follows fresh preliminary reports the department has received from councils on the damages caused by the moderate Tropical Storm Chido from 15th to 16th December 2024.
According to DoDMA, Balaka, Blantyre District, Blantyre City, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Kasungu, Lilongwe City, Lilongwe District, Machinga, Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Ntcheu, Phalombe, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba City and Zomba District are among other councils that have experienced mild to severe damages.
“Meanwhile, the department, in collaboration with various humanitarian partners and councils, is facilitating the provision of relief assistance to affected households,” the statement noted.
Additionally, following the declaration by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services that Moderate Tropical Storm Chido exited the country and posed no further threat, DoDMA has with immediate effect decommissioned all search and rescue (SAR) operations; having earlier deployed SAR teams in areas at risk.
Furthermore, DoDMA has also expressed appreciation to various humanitarian partners, non-governmental organizations, councils, government departments, ministries and agencies; the media and the general public for their vigilance and support towards preparatory and anticipatory actions when the cyclone loomed.
Through the statement, the department has further expressed its commitment to keep the general public well informed on any developments regarding the effects of Chido and any related developments.
Joyous Celebration Mega Concert On
By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe , December 17 , Mana; Spear-header for the Joyous Celebration Mega Gospel Concert , Psalm Celebrations founder, Godfrey Zulu has described the show as the first of its kind in Malawi .
He made these remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday at the Umodzi Park President Hotel in Lilongwe.
“We are having all 53 members of the choir on stage recording their 28th album live which has never happened before here in Malawi.
“We all know how great this choir is and we are assured they will bring Malawians joy this festive season,” said Zulu.
Zulu further highlighted that the show will be a safe and secure environment to ensure patrons of the event experience it worry free.
“We have hired private security to patrol the car parks and the event as well as made arrangements with health professionals to be present in the event one is to need medical assistance during the festivities,” he explained.
In his remarks Events organizer, Mphatso Kasakasa said the event is evidence that the Malawian Gospel Scene is still alive.
“This is going to be a historic event and we urge Malawians to come in large numbers as tickets are selling quickly. They can be purchased on the Mpamba app, from various churches and here at BICC,” noted Kasakasa.
The Gospel Concert is set for the 20th of December 2024 at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) from 5 p.m. The Great Angels Choir and Ndirande Anglican Voices are among those to share the stage with Joyous Celebration.
