MANAonline
First Lady named Global Girls Foundation ambassador
By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, February 18, Mana: First Lady, Monica Chakwera, has been appointed as the ambassador for Plan International's Global Girls Foundation (GGF).
The announcement was made Sunday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during a dedicated event at the 2025 African Union Heads of State and Government Summit.
As GGF Ambassador, Madame Chakwera will play a crucial role in advocating for girls' rights, education and leadership across Africa.
She aims to break down systemic barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
She, therefore, expressed her honour in taking this role.
"I am deeply honoured to take on the role as Ambassador for the Global Girls Foundation. Across Africa and around the world, girls continue to face significant challenges in accessing education, economic opportunities and protection from harmful practices.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every girl has an opportunity to thrive, lead and shape her own future,” she said.
Lea Bachmann, GGF Managing Director, welcomed Chakwera's appointment.
"Girls have the right to be heard and to lead change in their communities, and with the help of Her Excellency's leadership, girls are ensured to be at the centre of decision-making processes that shape their future,” she said.
Chakwera's commitment to advancing gender equality through education and leadership development for girls in Malawi and beyond is well established.
She has championed initiatives to enhance access to quality education, healthcare and economic empowerment opportunities for young women as an active member of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).
China committed to supporting Malawi’s development agenda
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, February 18, Mana: China has recommitted itself to continue supporting Malawi’s development goals particularly infrastructure, tourism and trade.
Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, Lu Xu, told the press after president her letters of credence to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
Xu said she will serve as a bridge between Malawi and China to foster mutual understanding towards industrialization and modernization.
“We have discussed a lot of developmental agendas with President Chakwera; for instance, building of economic relationships. I will encourage my people to come to Malawi and invest in different sectors,” she said.
Xu articulated the need for building political relations between the two countries so that they should have a solid foundation for each other.
She, therefore, said she will promote cultural exchange between China and Malawi so that they learn from each other .
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, said Malawi and China have strong diplomatic relations as China has been supporting the country in different sectors such as infrastructure, education and trade.
“We both have the same priority of industrialization and modernization. We hope that we are going to work together in achieving this goal,” Said Tembo.
The new ambassador replaces Long Zhou who has been in the country since 2023.
Malawi and China diplomatic relation date 2008. Through this relationship, Malawi has benefited from China in infrastructure development, education and agriculture.
Dowa police recover stolen cattle
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, February 18, Mana: Police in Dowa on Sunday night recovered two slaughtered bulls suspected to have been stolen by unknown criminals in the district who are currently at large.
Dowa Police Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, said on February 16, 2025, officers from Chibvala Police Unit mounted a roadblock along Kasungu - Lilongwe Road.
"During their operation, they intercepted a Toyota Nadia registration number MZ 9928, carrying four people. As the officers approached, the four exited the vehicle and fled into the bush in various directions effectively abandoning it.
"Upon searching the vehicle, the officers discovered two slaughtered bulls," said Sitima.
She said the owner of the stolen cattle, Moffat Wilesi, 54, from Chimungu Village, Traditional Authority Dzoole, positively identified the bulls after viewing photographs of the slaughtered animals.
The vehicle has currently been seized by the police.
According to Sitima investigations are currently underway to apprehend the suspects.
CCVEAs urged to uphold integrity
By Tamala Kamanga
Dowa, February 18, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has urged Constituency Civic Education Assistants (CCVEAs) to exercise integrity during voter transfer exercise in preparation for the September 16 general elections.
Speaking during the training of CCVEAs for central region constituencies at Mponela in Dowa on Monday MEC National Civic and Education Manager, King Norman Rudi, said the Commission expects the training to foster highest standards of professionalism and integrity ahead of the elections.
"The CCVEAs are MEC front desk. As such, they need to portray proper image and values MEC advocates for which, among other things, include impartiality, integrity and trust.
"Above all, CCVEAs are critical in dissemination of messages. So, we thought it necessary that we train all CCVEAS from the central region to have proper information concerning voter transfer," said Rudi.
One of the CCVEAS from Dowa West Constituency, Andrew Mdzumira, said they are ready to play their crucial role of civic educating people in their constituencies.
"We are ready and we will do our best for people in our constituencies to know more about the forthcoming elections,” said Mdzumira.
Phase one of voter transfer is expected to start on February 25.
Dausi hails President Chakwera's SONA
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, February 17, MANA: Member of Parliament for Mwanza Central, Nicolas Dausi, has applauded President Chakwera’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), describing it as a true reflection of his administration’s achievements.
Dausi made these remarks today at the Parliament building in Lilongwe, during his response to President Chakwera’s address at the 51st Parliamentary Session.
He emphasized that it is widely recognized that President Chakwera's administration has made significant progress in Mwanza Central and the district at large.
“Madam Speaker, it is well known that President Chakwera has demonstrated strong leadership and delivered for the people,” said Dausi. "The people of Mwanza Central are very happy with what the President has done for the district."
Dausi specifically commended the President for the construction of the Mwanza Stadium, a development that will significantly improve the district’s outlook stating that once completed, it will provide a modern facility for youth engagement.
"Currently, the stadium is 90% complete, and the contractor has assured me that it will be finished by March 2025, with the opening scheduled for April 2025," he said.
Additionally, Dausi highlighted President Chakwera's commitment to improving healthcare in Mwanza. This includes the upgrade of Thambani Health Centre to a Rural Hospital, the completion of Galafa and Kalanga Health Posts, and the establishment of three new health centers in the district.
He also cautioned other Members of Parliament against politicizing the SONA, urging focus on the tangible achievements of President Chakwera.
"I know some will attempt to politicize my speech, but I stand by the fact that President Chakwera has delivered for the people of Mwanza," Dausi said.
In the education sector, Dausi praised the President for the establishment of two secondary schools—Kawedza and Phete—that will contribute significantly to improving education in the district.
While acknowledging the government's efforts in development, Dausi also highlighted the impact of the recent dry spell, which has left many areas, including Mwanza, food insecure.
He has appealed to government to continue supporting the people of Mwanza, particularly in areas hardest hit by hunger.
In his closing remarks after the debate, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda who is also Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture commended Dausi for his insights and contribution, assuring the house that President Chakwera will ensure the continued transformation of the country through the Constituency Development Fund and the Chakwera agenda of transforming the country.
Government launches public engagement on national development updates
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, February 17, Mana: The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has announced that, following President Lazarus Chakwera’s fifth and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered in Parliament on February 14, 2025, Cabinet Ministers will engage the public to provide updates on completed and ongoing development projects in every district.
In a press statement, Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Collen Zamba, stated that Ministers will address concerns raised by stakeholders in the media regarding the status of certain projects, both inside and outside Parliament.
“The government reaffirms its commitment to fulfilling its promises and ensuring that the public remains well-informed about all programs, projects, and initiatives aimed at advancing national development,” reads the statement.
Voting for best winners of Dolo Amavotera Chakwera starts Monday midnight
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, February 17, Mana: Fifteen songs comprising of five music categories of hip-hop, reggae, amapiano, local and others have been shortlisted for the on-going Dolo Kwambiri Amavotera Chakwera music challenge.
Organizers of the competition made the announcement at Bingu Wa Muthalika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Monday during a press briefing.
One of the organizers, Yamikani Chinguwo said three songs will compete per each music category to find the best five winners.
“Amapiano has got three songs competing to find the best one, reggae three songs as well, hip-hop three songs, local three songs and others three songs making a total of 15 songs competing,” he said.
“The 15 songs will be uploaded on the Chakwera Challenge website (https://www.chakwerachallenge.com) today, Monday midnight so that people should vote for the best five winners. Voters will be given a chance to vote five times, one vote per music category,” he added.
In his remarks, Vitumbiko Mumba who is sponsoring the music challenge said, those who did not make it into the top 15 will be given something so that at least they can get something out of their sweat for participating in the music challenge.
He said, the top five will still walk away with 5 million Kwacha each per category.
"These artists invested their resources to produce these songs, and we cannot simply let their efforts go unrecognized," Mumba said.
“Having said that, looking at how good and nice the songs are right here, I have decided that, apart from the final day of announcing the five winners, we will have another day for a free event whereby these 15 artists can have a live performance of their songs, if they are willing to do so,” he added.
He therefore said, the whole idea of the music challenge is to have songs that are very familiar with time, technology and the current happenings in Malawi music industry that can hype the campaign for President Lazarus Chakwera.
“So, the whole idea behind this was to create some songs and music and increase the hype towards the campaign,” he said.
One of the judges of the competition, Sophie Mponda expressed her concern that few ladies participated in the music challenge.
“From my experience it is a very huge worry for me to the females, because when things like this arise, we tend to think it is only meant for males. So I therefore, urge the females to be confident and strong and participate in such activities,” she said.
The Dolo Kwambiri Amavotera Chakwera music challenge was introduced by Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba during last year’s youth concert held at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Government commits to health care access in Dedza
By Timothy Peter
Dedza, February 17, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, has assured the people of Dedza that the government remains committed to improving access to healthcare services in the district.
He said this on Sunday after he inspected Chimkombero Health Centre in the area of Inkosi Kamenyagwaza and Kanolo Health Post in the area of Senior Chief Kachere in the district.
Chimpeni said government will soon open the two health facilities so that communities can start accessing health care services within a walkable distance.
"Government is working tirelessly to construct health centers across the country and it is the wish of the president to help people get medical assistance easily.
The idea of the government is that district hospitals should handle real issues not as small issues as diarrhea. Such cases should be handled by these health centers," he said.
However, the deputy minister advised the communities to avoid vandalism and to have respect to all medical personnel’s working in the centers regardless of their age or size.
In his remarks, Inkosi Kamenyagwaza expressed satisfaction with government's efforts in finalizing construction works at Chimkombero Health Centre which started 29 years ago.
He said his subjects travel approximately 30 kilometers to have health care services at the district hospital.
"My subjects have been struggling to have access to health services due to the delays in completing this health facility.
Our hope is that, with the coming of the deputy minister here, this facility will be opened and my people will start using it very soon," he explained.
Meanwhile, speaking after inspection works at Kanolo Health Post, Senior Chief Kachere said the constructed health post in the area will ease the burden people bare as they access health care services to far places.
Speaking earlier, Member of Parliament for Dedza North West Constituency, Auzious Chidovu appreciated the Chakwera-led administration for its commitment to improving the well-being of the people.
WOLREC project gains cross party support in Dedza
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, February 15, Mana: Political parties in Dedza say they are promoting women, youth and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) aspiring for parliamentary and local-government seats in the September 16, 2025 General Election.
This follows their involvement in Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy project implemented by Women's Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) and Oxfam.
On Monday, Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Dedza District Secretary, Philimon Ngozo, told MANA that the party has three women contesting in the primary elections for Dedza Boma Constituency scheduled on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
“They will battle it out against three men. For Dedza Linthipe Constituency we have a female aspirant councilor, the youth and a person with disability. We took an initiative as a party to encourage them to contest,” he said.
Dedza Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) District Governor, Colonerio Mphonda said the party is still mobilizing women, youth and PWDs to represent it in the parliamentary and local-government elections.
“So far, we have a female aspirant for Dedza Mayani, Dedza Thete and Dedza Mulunduni constituencies respectively. We also have a male albino aspiring for Mphunzi Constituency,” he said.
United Democratic Front (UDF) aspirant for Dedza Mphunzi Constituency, Janet Gwaza, who is also the women secretary general for the party hailed WORLEC and Oxfarm for the project.
“They have uplifted women, youth and people with disabilities in the district. They should continue mentoring us and engage political parties and all stakeholders to promote us,” she said.
Group Village Head Kapalamula said traditional leaders are eager to collaborate with any development conscious politician regardless of their gender or socioeconomic status.
Dedza District Council Director of Administration Chris Salaniponi urged political parties to work together and develop a strategy on provision of security to PWDs and women for them to contest without fear.
The project is in seven districts including Dedza which as of today has two female councilors and no female parliamentarian.
The project runs from 1st November 2023 to 31st March 2027 with a goal of enhancing inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups to meaningfully participate in political and decision-making structures and processes.
TRIDEM distributes sewing machines to Chikwawa youths
By Priscilla Mwakifuna
Chikwawa, February 17, Mana: In a bid to empower youths in Chikwawa through vocational training and entrepreneurship, Apostle Arbert Mpende from Time of Repenting and Deliverance Ministries (TRIDEM) has distributed 36 sewing machines and other sewing equipment to youths.
The distribution was done on Sunday during the graduation of students who enrolled at TRIDEM vocational school at Domasi Trading Center in the district.
According to Mpende, the initiative is under a project called Community Health Evangelism.
“The goal is to equip the youths with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient and independent, thereby improving their livelihoods,” he said.
Mpende added that his ministry will utilize the existing committees in the community to act as surveillance mechanism to ensure proper use of the machines.
Speaking at the event Chikwawa District Youth Officer, Mcnell Shire said the development will have a remarkable impact on the youths’ livelihood.
"Youths who were previously hindered by their struggles to buy their own machines have now been empowered to generate their own income," said Shire.
One of the people who benefited from the initiative, Merifa Mkhwazi said she is happy that her dream of becoming a tailor has now been fulfilled and she has a sewing machine to start her business.
The beneficiaries will be required to pay for the sewing machines in installments for a period of six months.
