MANAonline
Karonga SCTP beneficiaries hail e-payment method
By George Mponda
Karonga November 6, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Karonga have praised the e-payment method for its convenience, ease of use, and accessibility.
During a spot check on Tuesday, beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the method after receiving funds for July to October in their TNM Mpamba accounts.
Seth Mwainyekule, a beneficiary from Group Village Head Mwangulukuru, highlighted the security and privacy features of the e-payment method.
"Previously, when we received cash, everyone in the village knew about it since we had to gather at one place. But now, I received my money at 9:00 pm in the comfort of my own home, and only my family knew about it after I informed them that I had received K60,000," said Mwenyekule.
Sikitu Mwaibasa, another beneficiary from Iponga, commended the use of TNM debit cards, saying they have made shopping easier.
"When I go shopping in town, I simply swipe my TNM debit card to make payments. I no longer need to carry cash, which could be stolen. Even if someone snatches my phone or debit card, they can't access my money without my PIN code," Mwaibasa said.
Principal Social Welfare Officer for Karonga District Council, Tionge Mbale said the e-payment method has lowered costs and saved the council money used during pay parades.
"We no longer travel with a lot of cash going around in communities disbursing money to beneficiaries which was also risky on our part because we could easily be targeted by thieves. These days, beneficiaries receive money in their phones and if there are some who are skipped, we have a grivance mechanism system which sorts out such issues" said Mbale.
The SCTP, locally known as Mtukula Pakhomo, aims to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and ultra-poor Malawians, helping them meet their basic needs and build resilience. The ultimate goal is to build human capital and move them out of poverty.
Sports Commentators not happy with current Malawi Queens performance
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 6, Mana: Sports commentators in the country have expressed dissatisfaction with Malawi Queens’s underperformance in the recent Spar Challenge International Netball Taste Series after losing all the three matches against South Africa.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, Josephy Anointed Kasampha, a sports analyst said Malawians were not expecting such performance by the Queens.
“This is very disappointing performance by our team. There must be other contributing factors that have led to such bad performance, but I understand that the coach is building a new team,” he said.
Kasampha said rebuilding of the team is not enough reason to lose all the games for a team that had so much glory.
“As a country we are supposed to look in future because our team is in transition time whereby new players are coming in. However, we are not expecting such results. It’s my hope that our Queens will be back to winning ways after correcting the mistakes that were done during the games,” he said.
Another Sports Commentator, Kimu Kamau, said it is sad that the Queens lost all the three games and therefore serious action needed to be taken.
“We have a good coach but in terms of coaching she has no experience. She was supposed to start coaching Under 20 or Under 23 before going to Queens for her to gain experience. There is also need to bring in other experienced people to the team so that they can build a good team,” he said.
Kamau agreed with Kasampha, saying that the unavailability of experienced players such as Laurene Ngwira, Takondwa Luwazi and Mwai kumwenda contributed a lot to the bad performance of the team.
The Malawi Queens went to South Africa on 28 October to take part in the Netball Taste Series where they lost against South Africa 68-31 on Thursday, 69-38 on Saturday and 69-24 on Sunday.
Storm damages property in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, November 6, Mana: Storm have destroyed un-estimated properties in the area of Traditional Authority Mlolo in Nsanje District on Tuesday afternoon.
District Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nsanje, Daniel Mandala confirmed that M’bwazi and Namiyala primary school’s structures roofs have been blown off due to the storm.
He said electricity poles have also been brought down by the heavy storm accompanied by rain.
“We are currently conducting an assessment to establish the extent of the damage,” said Mandala and added that people’s houses have also been affected some to the extent of damage.
District Commissioner for Nsanje Dominic Mwandira expressed worry that the damage of the two schools will affect child education at the two institutions.
“We are approaching rainy season so the blown off of the roofs at Namiyala and M’bwazi Primary School, may disrupt learning process during rainy season,” he said.
However, Mwandira called on all stakeholders to come together and find a solution to avoid further disruption of lessons at the two primary schools.
Nsanje is one the Districts in Malawi which are prone to natural disasters.
Food safety, a shared responsibility-health official
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, November 5, Mana: As one way of ensuring safety of food in the country, there is a call for strong collaboration between stakeholders to share responsibility in ensuring that food is free from harmful disease causing germs.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2024, World Food Safety Day, held in Salima district, Deputy Director for Community and Preventive Health in the Ministry of Health, Kondwani Mamba, highlighted that adherence of food safety standards should never be taken for granted.
He said practicing safe food handling and being mindful of where food is prepared can prevent diseases.
“Actions like handwashing with soap before handling food and after using the toilet, use of safe water in food preparation, practicing safe storage of food, can help prevent foodborne diseases” he said.
Mamba said practicing safe storage of food and sharing knowledge about food safety practices within the community can make a difference and urged collaboration among stakeholders.
He said on its part, the Ministry of Health and stakeholders have developed the National Food Safety Policy, to provide policy direction for addressing challenges faced in the delivery of safe food in Malawi aimed at contributing towards improved food safety standards along the food value chain.
World Health Organization Malawi, Health Promotions Officer, Hudson Kubwalo, emphasized on the need for continuous capacity building of relevant stakeholders in food handling, which should include regular training, updating safety protocols, and investing in technologies that enhance traceability.
"We need to be updated on emerging issues to track the journey of food products through the supply chain, making it easier to identify and address issues if a food safety problem arises. By preparing for unforeseen challenges, we can safeguard not just our products but the health of our consumers.
"We will continue to support the country in developing policies that will ensure standards and that monitoring systems are followed, we are also investing in research and improving collaborating across borders and sectors." He said.
Chairperson for Salima District Council, Ephraim Manthepa called for continuous awareness to the public on the importance of food safety and hygiene, to avoid food borne diseases.
"As Malawi, we join the world in commemorating this day to highlight the importance of practices that help prevent food borne disease illnesses, raise awareness among consumers, food producers, and policy makers about food safety risks and their mitigation measures.
"We commemorate this day at community level as one of the frontline defenders of food safety due to its proximity to significant food safety activities such as fishing and farming to keep the population safe and free from potential health risks," he said.
The World Food Safety Day 2024 is being commemorated under the theme: "Food Safety: Be prepared for the unexpected."
Government to promote education standards
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 4, Mana; Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has emphasized the need for a joint Sector Review Meeting saying they help to ensure collective efforts in the lives of children and youth and the architects of the nation’s future.
Speaking on Tuesday during the joint Sector Review Meeting at Bingu International Convention Centre ( BICC) in Lilongwe, Kambauwa said the 2023/2024 Malawi Education Statistics Report and the Education Sector Performance Report highlight key milestones, including increased enrolment across all education levels, improved teacher training and recruitment, and expanded access to digital learning platforms.
“These successes reflect our collective dedication and the invaluable support from our Development Partners and all stakeholders present today” She stated.
Kambauwa also added that the ministry is also enhancing the quality of education delivery to support the country’s industrialization objectives, particularly through increased manufacturing capacity and productive output.
“We will priorities technical and vocational education, strengthen teacher's capacity and promote collaborative research and innovation at the university level, “she said.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mangani Chilala Katundu has said it is exciting that the Joint Sector Review Meeting serves as the first strategic series of activities to more prominently showcase in their sector’s contributions to national development and growth during the recently declared National Education Month.
“. It is a call to action, urging us to move beyond “business as usual” and make decisions that directly benefit students, teachers and communities. As we gather here, we must remember that every intervention should lead to measurable improvements – whether in access, quality or inclusion – bringing us closer to the vision of a prosperous Malawi as outlined in MW2063” He said.
Meanwhile Education Specialist Grace Kaimila Kanjo Commented that education is emphasize more on academic side of learning which is knowledge but we need to move more into imparting skills, and hands-on skills where students we be able to do things on their own but also values.
“We need to have not just knowledge but the ability to adapt to the environment and to adapt to changing environments to be able to do things with our hands and to be able to be self-employed,” she said.
The Ministry of Education is hosting a 2-day joint Sector Review Meeting in Lilongwe at BICC.
Embrace irrigation farming -DC
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 5, Mana: District Commissioner for Zomba, Reinghard Chavula has emphasized on the need for farmers in the district to embrace irrigation farming to avert occurrences of hunger.
Chavula made the call Tuesday at Madevu Farm in Machinga during a quarterly review meeting for Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) project, which is supporting construction of two major irrigation schemes in the district.
The DC said, due to climate change which has heavily affected the rainfall pattern, it was good for farmers to take irrigation farming seriously.
“It's time our farmers started embracing irrigation farming because it is only through irrigation farming that we can be assured of constant and improved food security,” Chavula said.
While supporting the establishment of new irrigation schemes, the DC appealed for the resumption of some old but damaged schemes.
“Much as we talk of constructing new schemes, let's also impart knowledge to farmers on the need to sustain all programmes being implemented in the district and also promote ownership of all development projects,” the DC added.
District Irrigation Officer, Chikondi Mangulenje, said Zomba District has potential land for irrigation of about 11, 583ha.
Zomba ready for E-payment system
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 5, Mana: Zomba district council says it is ready to roll-out Epayment system for the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSE-PWP) during the next cycle.
Chimwemwe Chimbaza, Desk Officer for CSE-PWP) in Zomba said in an interview on Tuesday the new system would among others reduce risks and improve on efficiency.
Chimbaza said since the inception of the programme, wages were paid in a cash form, which was a high risk.
"Apart from reducing risk and improve on efficiency, the E-payment system would also minimize delays in the payment process," she said.
Zomba District Council is one of the districts in Malawi implementing Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme with 19,632 households participating.
A total of K 942,336, 000 will paid to families that participated in the programme.
Meanwhile, the district is set to start payment of wages for the last cycle next week.
DC urges voter registration supervisors to execute their work within legal framework.
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, November 5, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa has urged voter registration supervisors in the district to execute their work within legal framework to ensure integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
Newa was speaking Tuesday at Nkhata Bay Boma during monitoring of voter registration supervisors’ training in readiness for Malawi Electoral Commission's (MEC's)second phase voter registration exercise which is scheduled to commence on November 9th, 2024.
" Let me commend you for taking up this noble course of serving your country. As you go out to various centres after this training, please discharge your duties within the law because your work is supported by legal framework to ensure that the interests of every Malawian of having free and fair elections are met at the end of the day,” Newa said.
Newa also emphasized the need for the supervisors to be impartial and represent the interest of all political parties while observing all necessary procedures as stipulated by MEC.
One of the trainee supervisors, Andrew Sidila said he that is set for the task ahead adding that the training has equipped the trainees with the necessary skills for their better performance throughout the exercise. We are ready to serve the public with excellence,” said Sidila.
Meanwhile, MEC has intensified interface meetings with traditional and faith leaders across the district informing them about the registration process and mobilize their people to register for the September 16, 2025 General Election.
Government launches 2024 ITNS Distribution Campaign
By Andrew Phiri
BALAKA, November 5, Mana: As the country is approaching the rainy season, government has launched the 2024 Mosquito Nets Mass Distribution Campaign with a target of reaching to over 19 million people with 11.7 million insecticides treated mosquito nets to eradicate malaria.
Speaking during the launch on Monday in Balaka, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi said government is committed to eliminate malaria through initiatives such as distribution of mosquito nets and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS).
Daudi said malaria is a national and global health concern especially to children and pregnant women hence government intends to eliminate the disease by 2030.
"Government is making huge progress in fighting malaria and through the 2023-2030 malaria strategic plan, we are optimistic to eliminate the disease by 2030.
“We are also doing various initiatives such as going to the communities across the country to sensitize people so that they should be using the mosquito nets," she said.
She therefore bemoaned the tendency of some households who sell the nets and also use them for fishing and household gardens fences saying this forces government to lose a lot of money to procure additional nets.
United States President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) Residents Advisor, Dr. Janell Routh said through USAID, they are committed to work with government to eliminate the disease especially among children and pregnant women.
"Since 2006, USAID has spent almost 400 Million Dollars to help ending malaria in Malawi. We have dropped the malaria mortality rate by over 60 percent so this means children and women are living longer and healthier," she said.
Meanwhile, a Representative from World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Michael Kayange said annually over 250 million people suffer from Malaria globally and their organization is working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve a universal health coverage.
He pointed out that only 57 percent of people use nets in the country hence encouraging all communities to make full use of nets.
With funding from Global Fund Initiative, government has rolled out 2024 Mosquito Nets Distribution Campaign and the event held in Balaka also marked the commemoration of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) malaria week.
Islamic Relief, UK pumps in K 8.9 Billion for development projects in Mangochi
By Nephtali Kalumbi
Mangochi, November 5, Mana: Islamic Relief, a faith humanitarian and development organization has pumped in 4 million pounds, which is approximately K8.9 billion for the implementation of two projects to support various health facilities, communities and schools with infrastructure development, water supply as well as electricity.
The projects will be implemented in three traditional authorities namely; Nankumba, Katuli and Mponda for one year, with financial support from the Islamic Relief- UK
Speaking during presentation of the projects to the District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting over the week end, District Coordinator for Islamic Relief, Imran Kamwana said that the project was meant to complement government effort of improving wellbeing of the population in the targeted communities.
‘‘Through our first project, which is called Reinforcing Communities Access to Basic Services, we will upgrade two health centers of Kanyenga and Maleta, drill three boreholes and three water stand points, as well as constructing four standard classroom blocks at Chitete and Mkombe primary schools.
‘‘In the second project, we would like to improve learning environment at Senenje Primary School at Traditional Authority Mponda, where we want to construct two school blocks on top of providing basic learning materials to 600 learners,’’ Kamwana added.
He said the project was meant to improve healthcare services, increased access to clean water, apart complimenting communities’ initiatives in providing quality education in the targeted communities.
In his remarks, member for Mangochi DEC, who is also Principle for Mangochi Technical College, Mbasa Mwawembe applauded Islamic Relief for introducing the project in the district, anticipating that the project will compliment Mangochi District Council’s commitment in providing quality basic services to the rural population.
