MANAonline
Chimwendo Calls for an End to Violence and Political Insinuations by Opposition Parties
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, December 17, Mana: The Secretary General of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Richard Chimwendo Banda has called for the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Churches and leaders in the country to join hands to criticize together violence and refrain from retaliating against the actions of the Democratic Progressive party (DPP).
Speaking during a press briefing On Tuesday at the MCP Headquarters, Chimwendo emphasized the party's commitment to peace over violence.
"The message is condemning violence but also pointing out the lapses we are seeing with the leadership of DDP in failing to control their members, because this is now more or less like a policy in DPP to perpetuate violence and clearly targeting the Malawi Congress party," he said.
He emphasized that the DPP, as a party, must go back to the drawing board, as violence will neither help them nor bring them back to power.
WESM calls for strategic messages to promote tourism activities
By Damiano Thengo
Nkhotakota, December 17, Mana: Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) has called on media institutions and other stakeholders in Nkhotakota to spread effective and strategic messages that will assist to promote tourism activities across the district.
Speaking during a learning visit to appreciate Chia Lagoon Community Waterbird project at Traditional Authority Kalimanjira in the district on Monday, WESM Programmes Manager, Blessings Chingagwe said the project is improving the livelihoods of communities surrounding Chia Lagoon ranging from getting food, and money among other resources besides assisting in conserving wildlife like birds and fish.
Chingagwe asked the media and other partners like private companies to take a leading role in promoting tourism that can help the country get foreign currencies from guests who patronize.
"Media is very important to us as it promotes eco-tourism. So as we work with lodges and hotels in Nkhotakota, we encourage media to spread the messages that promote eco-tourism in the district," said Chingagwe.
Nkhotakota District Environmental Officer, Jane Kaira has hailed the relationship, which is there between WESM and communities surrounding Chia Lagoon saying this has helped to ease the work of conserving the environment in the district.
Meanwhile, Traditional Authority Kalimanjira of the district has commended WESM for implementing Chia Lagoon Community Waterbird project in his area saying the initiative has assisted to restore some of the endangered wildlife as compared to how the situation was in the past.
He asked organizations that are working to conserve wildlife to also consider improving the welfare of communities surrounding their catchment areas by providing them with loans to buy farm inputs saying this can help to reduce challenges of environmental destruction.
Solidaridad for enhanced cotton production
By Patricia Kapulula
Lilongwe, December 16, Mana: Solidaridad, an international civil society organization that works on developing solutions to make communities more resilient, has emphasized on the need for cotton farmers to use certified seeds in order for them to harvest more thereby improving their livelihoods through sales.
Recently, a Solidaridad supervisory board visited Malawi to learn some of the works the country is doing.
Solidaridad Global Executive Director, Andre de Freitas, hailed Malawi for its efforts in in innovation despite challenges farmers face.
He said the board discussed a global strategy for the next five years that would see farmers benefit in production and value chain.
“We talked to different actors in value chain to change supply chain to the benefit of farmers,” he said.
As one way of addressing availability of certified seed for farmers, de Freitas said they are assisting farmers by multiplying seed so that they have access and improve on production.
“What we have done is to have 160 tonnes of seed that is enough to support 50,000 farmers. With good seed they will be able to get better production and good income,” he said.
Solidaridad Malawi Projects Officer, Given Phiri, expressed concern that in Malawi cotton history is going down.
He said in recent years cotton production in Malawi has declined from 100, 000 to 10, 000 metric tonnes.
“This shows that we are not progressing in as far as cotton production is concerned. For us to realize profits in cotton, we are into collaborations with different stakeholders who can assist us to improve production,” he said.
Phiri cited the stakeholders as the Cotton Council of Malawi, Makoka Research Station.
Solidaridad Malawi has entered into an agreement with the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) to help in research for the country to have good variety that can make farmers harvest more.
“We want to reach out to about 20,000 farmers in cotton farming and for tea we want to reach out to not less that 20,000 farmers. We have reached out to soy bean farmers who are not less that 15,000. We want to see farmers harvesting more by assisting them have certified seed as most of them use recycled seed which lead them to harvesting less,” Phiri said.
Solidaridad operates across continents to support small-scale farmers, workers and miners while addressing global supply chain challenges. In Africa, it implements on the ground projects to foster sustainability.
Farmers urged to embrace value addition
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, December 17, Mana: Minister of Trade, Sosten Gwengwe has urged farmers under the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP) to prioritize value addition to their agricultural products to increase profitability and empower themselves economically through exports.
Speaking during an interaction with farmers on Monday, Gwengwe noted the potential for local farmers to compete internationally by processing their produce.
“We should only import things we cannot produce locally. Products like peanut butter, for instance, can easily be made here with the right expertise and machinery. Our farmers can and should take advantage of these opportunities,” said Gwengwe.
According to Agriculture Commercialization Specialist, Adrian Masebo, the initiative aimed at transforming farming practices through irrigation and commercialization.
“For construction, we have completed 36.5 kilometers of the planned 52 kilometers of the main canal, translating to 70% progress. The overall goal is to irrigate 43,370 hectares of land, with 10,656 hectares designated for the 13 cooperatives in Phase 1. By June 2025, three cooperatives are expected to start utilizing water from the canal,” Masebo said.
The programme has also established 15 cooperatives, 13 focused on crop production and two on livestock comprising 16,175 members. These cooperatives are registered with the Ministry of Trade.
Chairperson for Mwanaalirenji Cooperative, Robert Makion expressed optimism about the programme’s potential to transform the livelihoods of farmers.
“We are banking our hope on the SVTP to develop economically. We have received training on value addition and in the future, we plan to start processing our produce to fetch higher prices as advised by the minister,” said Makion.
Once fully operational, the SVTP is expected to benefit 48,400 farming households, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enabling farmers to access lucrative markets.
DFS awareness campaign promises good results in Mulanje
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, December 17, Mana: Team Leader for Digital Financial Services awareness raising campaign for Mulanje District, Rita Phiri has expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response they are receiving from the areas they have reached out to so far, saying people are eager to know more about the use of digital financing and platforms.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, Phiri said since the beginning of the awareness campaign, they have reached out to almost all market centres in Mulanje including hard-to-reach areas.
Phiri added that people are appreciating the initiative by the government, noting that this will enhance their businesses.
“We are certain that we have reached the objectives and project goals because we have reached to the targeted population which the project designed. For example, we have interacted with the elderly, business persons, the youth, women and village group savings and loan groups.
“Therefore, from all the mentioned categories the response and interaction was so good to us which is a success,” she said.
On the other hand. Community Development Assistant for Traditional Authority Chikumbu, Chancy Masubi, commended the initiative, as it will promote accountability and transparency to people who are involved in village bank groups, as they will be keeping their money in mobile phones or banks.
“With what we have learned through digital finance awareness campaign, it will add more advantages to those people who are involved in village savings and loan groups because there will be transparency and accountability on how the money is being managed since all members will be connected to that account.
“Any transactions made will be known to the members than the old system,” he added.
The campaign is being championed by the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of Malawi to promote digital finance platforms to reduce the cost of replacing damaged bank notes.
Salima district commissioner lauds smooth maize distribution
By Aisha Chiwaya
Salima, December 16. Mana: Salima District Commissioner James Mwenda has expressed satisfaction with maize distribution exercise currently underway in the district.
Mwenda made the remarks on Monday when he supervised some of the distribution centres in the district.
"As a council, we anticipated queries but so far the activity has not received many challenges as initially anticipated. We are warning the beneficiaries and the vendors not to trade the maize in order for the activity to achieve its intended purpose." he said.
He said anyone found selling distributed maize will be arrested saying the purpose is for people to have food after being affected by dry spells.
A beneficiary from Group Mtande, Aniya Kambulire, deemed the programme timely.
Kambulire also concurred with the district commissioner that selling the received maize will be detrimental.
“Lack of food remains a big challenge for people like us who live in rural areas in as far as having basic needs is concern. Therefore, selling the maize will only show that we are ungrateful people”.
Malawi government is implementing maize distribution through the Department of Disaster Management in all the districts of Malawi.
At least 37,753 households are expected to benefit from the programme for four months in Salima district.
Machinjiri Couple denied bail
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, December 16, Mana: Blantyre Central Senior Resident Magistrate, Euphrasia Nazombe Moyo has denied bail application to a 38-year-old Linda Chitala and her 48-year-old husband, McPherson Chitala.
The two are being accused of acts intended to cause bodily harm under Section 235 (a) of the Penal Code and the case has been adjourned to January 9, 2025 for further hearing.
In defence of the bail application made by the accused family, the state said that the two should not be given bail as they are staying together as a family; hence, they will be able to manipulate evidence before the court.
The state added that the child is not feeling well and is psychologically affected adding it is also in the interest of their security not to be given bail as they can be harmed by the angry mob.
Linda Chitala is being accused of abusing and harming her four-year-old stepdaughter, Tamandani Chitala while Macpherson Chitala has been accused of watching his four-year-old daughter being abused by his wife without taking any action.
Josephine Mitengo Gwaza from the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) said the state is amending the charge sheet to include the second suspect, McPherson Chitala in the case.
Gwaza who is also the Director of Criminal Litigation from the office of the DPP requested the court for an extension of 10 more days.
“We are just wrapping up with the investigation. We had an outstanding medical report from Radiology from Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) which is expected in a few days’ time, once we receive the report then we are good to go and we will be able to proceed,” said Gwaza.
Police arrested the woman after neighbours living next to the family in Machinjiri tipped them about the abuse the child was subjected to.
Political experts welcome plane crash inquiry report
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, December 16, Mana: Governance and Human Rights Advocate, Undule Mwakasungula, has underscored the importance of collectively acknowledging the recently released Inquiry report on the tragic airplane crash involved the Malawi Air Force Donier 228 and its contents emphasizing that the report's value extends beyond its findings, as it plays a crucial role in facilitating healing and closure of the chapter.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Mwakasungula noted that the report is thorough, encompassing all the essential areas outlined in the Commission's Terms of Reference.
"It offers a detailed analysis of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy that claimed the lives of the Vice President and eight other Malawians. While opinions on its findings may vary, it is indisputable that this report lays the groundwork for national progress," said Mwakasungula.
He highlighted that among its key conclusions, the report attributes the aircraft accident to a combination of environmental factors, such as adverse weather conditions, and human factors, including pilot errors saying the findings illuminate the tragic events and provide clarity on the accident's causes.
"The Commission has put forth several significant recommendations to address systemic deficiencies and prevent similar tragedies in the future. These recommendations entail the implementation of policies and procedures, as well as the enhancement of capacities within various government ministries and departments, including the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Army, Police, Civil Aviation, Health, among others.
“These lessons are vital for safeguarding the lives of Malawians and averting a recurrence of such an incident. We must ensure that the insights gained from this tragedy translate into swift and effective action to prevent history from repeating itself," urged Mwakasungula.
He called on individuals to refrain from politicizing the tragedy and instead utilize the report as a tool for national advancement.
In his assessment, Social and Political Analyst, Humphrey Mvula, mentioned that the report has addressed many pressing issues for most Malawians.
He said the inquiry engaged with all duty bearers and scrutinized the government administrative machinery and the events of that fateful day.
Mvula highlighted that the commission interviewed family members who shared their sentiments and perspectives on that day adding notably, Madame Mary Chilima provided a vivid account of the events and her decision not to board the plane.
"We lack the necessary procedures, equipment, and preparedness to handle such incidents. The absence of investments in equipment for intelligent rescue or accident prediction has left us vulnerable to tragedies," he said.
Bishop Stima encourages spiritual transformation
By Arnold Namanja
Blantyre, December 16, Mana: Bishop of Mangochi Diocese, Right Reverend Montfort Stima has encouraged Catholics to consider transforming their spiritual lives to be in line with other physical transformations taking place in different churches across the country.
Stima observed that while most institutions were undergoing various transformations in terms of infrastructural development such as the construction of state-of-the-art facilities including prayer houses and multi-purpose halls, the same was supposed to reflect on their spiritual life.
“Whenever I visit parishes in Mangochi Diocese and indeed in other dioceses, I see that most places have undergone complete transformation including here at Chilobwe Parish,” Stima said, adding that the same change should translate into people’s hearts.
The prelate was speaking on Sunday at Saints Peter and Paul (Chilobwe) Parish when he presided over an end-of-year thanksgiving Mass for Friends of Mangochi Diocese residing in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
In his homily drawn from Luke 3: 10 – 18, Stima said the third Sunday of Advent is regarded as the Joyful (Gaudete) Sunday because Jesus Christ shared his earthly life with humankind so that people can rejoice in him while awaiting his second coming.
However, Stima said the message of Luke was coming to Malawians at a time when there was anxiety about the impending Cyclone Chido when memories were still fresh of the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which left untold damage in its trail.
“That notwithstanding, we have other serious economic challenges; others only earning just enough to buy two bags of maize in a month yet we have large households to support.
“Yet we also have other challenges like hatred, anger and infidelity. However, we should find solace in the fact that amidst all the challenges, Christ is with us,” he added.
Bishop Stima also said despite the challenges, the Catholic faithful needed to turn to God in repentance, noting that in all circumstances, people were supposed to seek God to be their light and serve him without any hindrances.
“God has the potential to heal us from our spiritual blindness, deafness and leprosy. We need to ask God to unlock all the chains restraining us from making any progress,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Father Superior for Chilobwe Parish, Fr. Simon Moffat thanked Bishop Stima for gracing the thanksgiving Mass irrespective of his busy schedules, noting that he had just returned from Lilongwe where he fulfilled a number of engagements at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi.
Moffat said inter-diocesan interactions are crucial in deepening the faith of church members while at the same time strengthening unity of purpose.
He, therefore, encouraged all those from Mangochi to consider joining their colleagues.
Chairperson for Friends of Mangochi Diocese in the Archdiocese of Blantyre, Rose Kazombo Mwale said the thanksgiving Mass was meant to thank God for all the blessings bestowed upon the membership as the year draws to the end.
Mwale disclosed that the grouping was established in 1984 by someone from Utale Parish in Balaka following the death of a child at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital who needed the support of friends from the diocese
“It is pleasing that the association which traces its roots from Ndirande Parish has now clocked 40 years since it was established and still growing with its footprint in almost all parishes in the Archdiocese of Blantyre,” she said.
Chairperson for Chilobwe Parish Council, Harris Kachale said Bishop Stima was no stranger as he served at Chilobwe when it was an out church of St. Pius Parish sometime back before it was elevated to the status of a parish.
“We are proud that we have contributed to your success both as a priest and a bishop,” Kachale said, adding that the two dioceses of Mangochi and Blantyre enjoy a very cordial relationship on the basis that Bishop Stima hails from the Archdiocese of Blantyre while Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa comes from Mangochi.
Kachale, therefore, thanked Friends of Mangochi Diocese for their contributions to various church activities.
DC urges sector heads to make realistic budgets
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, December 16, Mana: Ntcheu District Commissioner George Ngaiyaye has urged directors and sector heads at Ntcheu District Council to make realistic budgets.
Ngaiyaye made the remarks on Monday at a budget preparation meeting in Liwonde, Machinga district.
"The budgets should be formulated to address the goals of the council, they should be able to have meaningful work plans and activities," said Ngaiyaye.
Ngaiyaye added that the budgets should look at what the council want to achieve in the 2025-2026 financial year.
"When you poorly plan, it means the budget will also be poor in terms of implementation, therefore we will not realize what we intend to achieve as a council," highlighted Ngaiyaye.
On his part, Chief Education Officer for the district Julius Kamwaza said the education sector has located more resources to the supervision of teachers.
"If teachers are constantly checked, education can improve in the district," said Kamwaza adding that they have put in some money meant to motivate teachers and strategies to increase time for teacher-learner interaction.
He further highlighted that the sector will have a curriculum tracking whereby all the educational zones will be planning together and provide standardized tests.
Ntcheu District Council Disaster Risk Management Officer Walusungu Mwafulirwa said his sector has lined up various activities including capacity building of disaster risk management committees at all levels.
"We are going to conduct participatory vulnerability assessment in all the traditional authorities across the district.
"We are going to conduct camp management as we know that during disasters people seek refugee in schools, churches and other places but they do not know what to do," said Mwafulirwa and added that the whole essence is to build resilience among the communities.
