By Previous Mwakifuna

Nsanje, February 14, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza in the week visited Nyamithuthu camp in Nsanje to appreciate welfare of Mozambican asylum seekers and urged Nsanje District Council to speed up food distribution to asylum seekers to meet their food and nutritional needs.

The minister’s tour came after reports that the camps had a short supply of food to cater for the increasing number of asylum seekers coming in from Mozambique.

“The ministry is aware of the issues affecting the asylum seekers. The council needs to make their logistics faster to cut the needs of the camps especially food” Sendeza added.

Sendeza further commended Nsanje District Council and its various partners for providing support to the asylum seekers soon after they arrived in the district, saying, “Providing support to the asylum seekers is a national and humanitarian duty,”

Nsanje District Commissioner, Dominic Mwandira said the council will engage with relevant partners to speed up food distribution.

The district Commissioner therefore hailed all partners for their various support towards the Mozambican asylum seekers.

In his remarks, Nyamithuthu camp chairperson, Jasi Daster said the asylum seekers appreciate support from Nsanje Council and partners though there was a need to speed up food supply,

“We are grateful for what government and its partners are doing so far. Food is another issue that needs to be investigated,” he added.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) Representative to Malawi, Kwame Modeste also applauded the Malawi Government for being accommodative and supportive to the Mozambican asylum seekers.

“Our priority is to support Malawi to protect these asylum seekers until they return home,” Kwame added.

Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Refugees in Malawi, Ivy Chihana, hailed the UNHCR for supporting government and others partnering in caring for refugees and asylum in campos, citing the Malawi Red Cross Society and World Food Programme’s humanitarian support.

There are more than 7,000 asylum seekers in Nsanje District.

By Sellah Singini

Lilongwe, 14 February, Mana: Judges for the Dolo Kwambiri Amavotera Chakwera music challenge are set to select 15 songs out of 212 songs that were submitted for the competition from various artists in the music industry.

The judges include musician Graiton GD Pasanje of the Dare Devils music group, music producer Tapps Bandawe and Sophie Mponda.

Speaking in an interview, one of the judges for the competition, Tapps Bandawe, said the judges started their camping yesterday on Thursday in Lilongwe to select 15 songs for the next round of the competition and will finish their task on Sunday.

He said the judges are well prepared for the task as artists are putting their talents and dreams in the judges’ hands and that they will take the task very seriously because it is about pushing the talent forward.

“The criteria we are going to use is going to be based solely on an individual's talent. It is our first time meeting as a panel of judges, so when we meet later during the day, we are going to decide what categories we are going to choose. whether it's creativity 10 points, songwriting 10 points, vocal range, whatever it is. So, we will put together the right criteria,” Bandawe said.

In his remarks, one of the organizers of the challenge Yikamikani Chinguwo said the judges have been given four days to shortlist 15 songs that will be uploaded on the Dolo Amavotera Chakwera website so that the public can choose five winners out of the 15.

He said the public will start voting for the best five winners latest on Tuesday next week.

The competition, dubbed Dolo Kwambiri Amavotera Chakwera, will see winners walk away with K5 million each.

The music challenge was introduced by Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba during last year’s youth concert held at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, February 13, Mana: Director of Education and Sports in Nkhata Bay, Votie Mboweni has disclosed that 60 more public primary schools in Nkhata Bay will be benefiting from the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program in the next academic year.

In an interview Thursday during media engagement event organized by Nkhata Bay Gouncil and Organization for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development Initiative (OSSEDI), Mboweni said this is a plus to the district, as more learners will be exposed to the technology.

"I can confirm that an assessment of schools has been completed, and 60 additional schools will join the current 29 participating schools.

"This means more learners will benefit from the programme, which aims to improve foundational literacy and numeracy skills using innovative technology and teaching methods through the tablets," he said.

He therefore expressed optimism that by 2029 the program will be rolled out in all 202 schools in the district.

Project Manager for OSSEDI, Alick Makiyi noted that the programme has shown improved performance in mathematics and increased attendance of leaners in Nkhata Bay.

"Putting all programmes in Chichewa has not only helped learners understand all 4000 programmes easily but also helped them to understand the language easily," he added.

He therefore said that the involvement of the media will help publicize the programme to rural areas.

"Many people are unaware of the programme, and there are misconceptions that need to be cleared.

"We're confident that media platforms will help share correct information, contributing to the programme's sustainability," Makiyi said.

However, Makiyi expressed concerns about implementation challenges, including topography in Nkhata Bay, which makes weekly monitoring difficult and malfunctioning gadgets affecting school tasks.

BEFIT is a Malawi government's program being implemented by Ministry of Education across the country and through OSSEDI in Nkhotakota and Nkhata Bay aiming at improving the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of all primary school learners in standard 1-4 by use or tablets.

By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, February 13, Mana. In response to the recent floods that affected communities in Mangochi, CARE Malawi has donated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) items worthy k5 Million to Mangochi District Health Office, aimed at promoting hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases among flood survivors that are currently sheltering in camps.

Floods affected over 1500 households, and three people died while 48 others sustained injuries in Traditional Authorities (TAs) Chimwala, Mapira and Mponda.

Speaking during a symbolic handover ceremony of the items at Mangochi District Hospital on Wednesday, Care Malawi Project Manager, Chimwemwe Gremu said the organization thought it wise to support the survivors because of the floods, which has affected their livelihood.

Gremu said his organization is implementing a project called Malawi Drought Response project in Traditional Authorities Chiunda, Chowe, Namabvi and Makanjira, targeting 3000 households.

"We decided to make a donation of WASH items because of the floods which affected communities in T/As Chimwala, Mponda and Mapira, who are currently staying in camps. We have donated 1000kgs of chlorine powder, 100 H2S strips and 1200 tablets of soap to support the survivors," said Gremu.

District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO) for Mangochi District Health Office (DHO), Chimwemwe Jella described the donation as timely, observing it will go a long way in supporting the district to promote hygiene in the established camps.

Jella said the wash items are very important for the DHO to enhance safety and health status of the people in the communities.

"The chlorine will be used to treat the water that people are using on daily basis. The water testing kit is meant to monitor the quality of water and the soap for the people's normal hygiene routine," added Jella.

He therefore urged stakeholders in the district to continue supporting the DHO for it to be able to provide integrated health services and wash items in established camps.

Apart from WASH and nonfood items, care Malawi will also through the project distribute cash amounting to K92,500 for three months to selected survivors.

By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, February 13, Mana: Chairperson for M’mbelwa District Council, Morgan Tembo has heaped praise on councillors and Members of Parliament (MPs) in Mzimba for nodding to the council’s proposed 2025/2026 annual financial budget pegged at K67 billion.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday after passing the budget, Tembo said people living in Mzimba are looking to have various projects from the money in the budget.

‘‘There are schools and bridges that need to be constructed, dilapidated structures that need to be renovated and roads that need to be upgraded. All these will now be possible with the funding that has been approved’’, said Tembo.

The budget approval did not however pass easily as Member of Parliament for Mzimba South, Emmanuel Chambulanyina Jere expressed concerns on how developments funded by Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds are distributed in constituencies.

Jere observed that most GESD projects have been concentrated in Mzimba Solola and Mzimba East Constituencies leaving other constituencies with little developments from the GESD Funding, estimated at K1.6 billion.

‘‘There are some constituencies that are benefiting more from GESD funds than others. We need to distribute developments fairly without side-lining others,’’ said Chambulanyina Jere.

“If the GESD funds cannot be used to develop the areas fully, let authorities appeal to the donors if they could allow us to pool the funds and embark on one big development project that will benefit all people of Mzimba other than coming up with piecemeal funding that are not helping areas have impactful projects’’, said Chambulanyina.

He cited the state of most roads as being in a very bad state and if GESD funds can be pooled together and buy a grader it would be used to upgrade all roads in various constituencies to facilitate easy mobility.

‘‘Some of these developments such as school blocks, can be constructed using Constituency Developments Funds (CDF). Let us use GESD funds for big projects that an individual MP cannot manage to do using CDF funds’’, he said.

However, Tembo said the suggestion by Chambulanyina Jere to have one big project is untenable because every politician wants to have projects in their areas to impress his people and there is little chance that other MPs and councillors would settle for the one big-for-all project.

In his response, District Commissioner for Mzimba, Rodney Simwaka said projects are initiated and agreed by the members of development committees and there was need for the committee to scrutinize all projects by various constituencies before allocating them.

Among others, in the budget for 2025/2026, personal emoluments have been pegged at K45 billion, the development budget stands at K17 billion while the operational budget is pegged at K4.6 billion.

Among other proposed projects in the budget include the acquisition of land for residential and commercial plots at Euthini and the construction of access roads at Raiply Malawi Limited.

Others are construction of a staff house and VIP toilet at Chipho and the construction of two-span bridge at Emazwini.

The budget will be financed by three windows of government and donor transfers and locally generated revenue.

By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, February 13, Mana: To address the absence of a feeding programme at Courageous Kids Foundation in Mpemba, Blantyre, Ashraful Aid Humanitarian International has donated foodstuffs at the Foundation.  

Speaking after making the donation on Wednesday, Project Coordinator Dickson Laja encouraged the children that their current situation should serve as motivation to strive for a better future.

"You must work hard in everything you learn at school and here at your home. This will help you achieve your dreams and enable others to benefit from your success," he said.

He urged them to recognize and appreciate the efforts of their founder, so they, too, could develop a spirit of giving back as they grow.

Founder of Courageous Kids Community Foundation, Courageous Musasa, commended Ashraful Aid for their support, stating that it would help alleviate their food shortages, as they do not have regular donors.

She said some potential donors request that the number of children be reduced to seventy, which she finds impossible since most of them are orphans who lost their parents to Cyclone Freddy and are now homeless.

"I remember being a street kid myself, wishing that someone would rescue me. Rather the well-wishers should try to make their target reach the number we have here," she said.

She called on more donors to assist the foundation, as some of the children attend private secondary schools and public universities and struggle with tuition fees and daily upkeep.

Musasa also expressed gratitude to the Blantyre District Council Social Welfare Office for their frequent visits and supervision, saying that their support helps address challenges and improve the foundation's operations.

One of the children at the foundation, Lucky Musasa, thanked the donor an encouraged the organization to extend its generosity to others in need.

The organization donated 100 kg of maize flour, 50 kg of rice, five bales of soya pieces, and a bale of sugar to the foundation which has ninety-five kids who were previously living in the streets.

By Brighton Chimsinde

Mchinji, February 13, Mana: Members of Mchinji District Council have approved budget estimates for the district pegged at MK37 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The budget was approved on Wednesday during a full council meeting held in Mchinji District Council Hall.

Chairperson for the Finance Service Committee, Henry Nyamaulo, presented the proposed budget, describing it as "a budget for the people of Mchinji" with focus on critical needs across all parts of the district.

He said that the budget would fund service delivery and infrastructure development in health, education, and agriculture sectors adding that they would enhance monitoring and supervision of projects funded by the budget.

“In the 2025/2026 fiscal year, we are committed to strengthening monitoring and supervision. No contractor will receive payment without our supervision and certification of the project.

“If citizens observe any issues or lack of progress on development projects, they are encouraged to report them to relevant authorities for action,” he said.

He also noted that the budget includes a review of taxes and fees, such as market fees, ground rentals, and registration and estate licensing fees.

Mchinji District Council Chairperson, Dorothy Mussa, praised the council members for approving the budget.

“Last week, the house could not approve the budget due to some issues that required clarification from the Finance Service Committee. We are pleased that the house has now approved the budget, which remains a crucial tool for delivering social services across the district,” Mussa said.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 13, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu has challenged radio stations in the country to be responsible in their work by reporting on issues that could help build the nation.

Kunkuyu made the call on Thursday when he presided over the commemoration of World Radio Day activities which took place in Kasungu District under the theme ‘Radio and Climate Change’.

The minister said radios must give people hope and focus on life-changing messages that can help transform communities.

“Radio has been a reliable medium of communication in our society especially now when there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation on social media. However, we must ensure that we are responsible in our reporting

“We must therefore strive to ensure that our radio stations are managed professionally to take the huge responsibility of building the nation in the face of climate change which is real, and it’s a subject matter that no community can run away from,” Kunkuyu said.

He also challenged the radios to remain apolitical in their broadcasting, ensuring fairness and objectivity.

“The people we broadcast to are well knowledgeable to make their own decisions. We must not decide for them; our role is to give them information and they will make informed decisions based on that,” he said.

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) in partnership with Unesco supported the event which is observed every year on 13 of February.

Board Chairperson for MACRA, Bridget Chibwana, said climate change has had devastating effects in the country, destroying key economic infrastructure including radio towers hence the need to mount effective address mechanisms.

She said radio remains a powerful and reliable tool that could help to cascade information about changing climatic patterns and their effects to all communities with ease.

"We recognise the role that the radio plays in sensitising the masses on issues of climate change. So through this commemoration, we are raising awareness on the importance of radio in that regard,” she said.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary for UNESCO, David Mulela, said World Radio Day is an opportunity to celebrate an enduring, versatile and widely accessible means of communication that serves as a tool for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate disruption.

“At a time extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, we must recognise the critical and often life-saving role of radio.

“Radio can reach even the most remote locations and function even when electricity fails. This makes radio a unique medium in crisis situations by acting as an early warning system to reduce disaster risk and save countless lives,” Mulela said.

During the event which was also attended by Chairperson for Parliamentary Committee on Media Susan Dossi and chiefs, MACRA presented computers to selected community radios to help in their broadcasting.

In 2011, UNESCO designated 13th of February as World Radio Day recognising its importance in communicating to masses.