MANAonline
Bwaila alumni bail out 25 needy students
By Kondwani Magombo
LILONGWE, January 1, Mana: Former students of Lilongwe’s Bwaila Secondary School have bailed out 25 students at the school who could not afford to pay Malawi National Examination Board (MANEB) examination fees for the 2024 Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
MANEB set Sunday, December 31 as deadline for receiving JCE and MSCE examination fees for the year 2024, but 11 MSCE students and 14 JCE students at Bwaila Secondary School had not yet paid the fees by Saturday, December 30, forcing the school's administration to send an SOS to the alumni for support.
The matter was brought to the attention of the former students through their WhatsApp platform called Bwaila Alumni Chat Group at exactly 14:15 Saturday, by the Treasurer, Innocent Njati, who shared the students’ individual details, including their individual MANEB invoice numbers.
"The total amount required is K582,070. Since we may not have sufficient funds in the Alumni Fund account, the executive would like to request for contributions from fellow alumni," wrote Njati, with an apology for the short notice.
One after another, the alumni chat group members responded by making contributions, ranging from MK6,000 to MK75,000 and, by 23:10 Saturday evening, all the 25 students had been paid for.
Publicity Secretary for Bwaila Alumni Chat Group, Nandi Mambucha, said members of her grouping felt duty-bound to respond to the call swiftly to bring happiness on the faces of the 25 stranded students who could have failed to sit for the MANEB exams.
“This is a very welcome development. It's part of our mandate to come in whenever need arises,” explained Mambucha.
“It’s not that those members who have contributed have excess money on them, no. The need and the urgency of the matter compelled them to contribute,” she added.
The head teacher for Bwaila Secondary School, Steve Banda, could not hide his excitement and relief when contacted to confirm the development.
“I was very heartbroken when I learned from the examination committee that 25 students had not yet paid their exam fees. So I quickly referred the matter to the Alumni group because they have always been there for us,” explained the head teacher.
“Now I'm very happy and relieved to hear that the students will now be able to write their exams. The parents, too, are very appreciative of the Alumni’s swift response,” he added.
Bwaila Alumni Chat Group has a membership of about 300, with some former students exit years dating back to as early as 1980s.
According to the alumni’s chairperson, Charlie Msusa, the grouping has carried out a number of activities before, aimed at improving the learning environment at their former school.
Some of the tasks include painting the roof of the administration block, painting the walls of some blocks and learning classes, donation of computers, and provision of prizes to outstanding students at graduation ceremonies.
Chimwendo Banda assures Kasungu communities of development
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 8, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured the people in Kasungu that government is doing its best to improve their living standards through provision of quality services and infrastructure.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday at Ndonda in Kasungu North East Constituency, Chimwendo Banda said the rehabilitation of M1 road from Lilongwe passing through the entire Kasungu stretch to Karonga is a loud statement by the government that it is committed to developing the country.
He said: “The M1 road passing through Kasungu is being rehabilitated. We have also seen the rehabilitation of Kasungu District Hospital and construction of bridges, roads and clinics here in the East Constituency. This signals government commitment to serving the people.
“On the other hand, we know Kasungu is a farming district. So we want to assure the farmers and everyone that there will be good prices for their produce. We saw good tobacco prices last year and this year it will be even better.”
The minister told the people to rally behind President Lazarus Chakwera, who he said prioritises farming as a way of unlocking the country’s economic fortunes.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Mines Monica Chang’anamuno asked the people to reject and report illegal mining activities taking place in the district, saying miners have to seek for licensing.
Member of Parliament for the area, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, urged the communities to refrain from politics of violence, telling them that conflicts derail development efforts.
“Our team must be talking development. We have no time for violence and politics of hate. All we want to see is that our youths are given something productive; we are busy building roads, bridges, clinics and schools to transform our communities,” she said.
While thanking government for elevating chiefs and providing subsidised farm inputs, Senior Chief Kapelula requested the authorities to open Admarc depots so that people can buy maize at affordable prices.
Other notable people who attended the rally include Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Deus Gumba of Ministry of Lands, Jean Sendeza of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and Malawi Congress Party regional chairperson for the centre, Zebron Chilondola.
Kasungu District on high cholera alert
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 7, Mana: Kasungu District Hospital authorities say although the district has not recorded any cholera case, they are on high alert and prepared to provide effective response in an event of an outbreak.
The hospital Public Relations Officer Catherine Yoweli said in an interview on Sunday that Kasungu is at risk of registering cholera cases because it shares boundary with Zambia which has been heavily hit by the outbreak.
On Friday, Zambia recorded 336 cases and 22 deaths in 24 hours as it took its tally of cumulative cases to 4, 433 and 172 deaths since October 2023 and has since banned street vending and delayed opening of schools.
Kasungu borders Zambia to the west, with many cross border trade activities taking place through Chinsinga, Kachinda and Nthunduwala.
Yoweli said: “As much as we have not registered any case, we are well prepared, also recognizing the fact that we share boundary with Zambia where they are registering many cholera cases. On the prevention side, we have been distributing chlorine in communities to ensure that people are drinking safe water.
“As a district, we have also been actively involved in the Tipewe Cholera campaign through which we have been disseminating messages on prevention and control, targeting local leaders and the community at large.”
Yoweli, who is also a health promotion officer, said they have also carried out house inspections in communities checking the availability of proper sanitary facilities.
“These activities are ongoing. And we have intensified surveillance of cases so that when found, they should be treated at the earliest opportunity.
“During a similar period last year, we had recorded 15 cumulative cases. So it is encouraging that we are at zero cases this year,” she said.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda told reporters on Friday that the country has already registered 47 cholera cases and two deaths since the beginning of the 2023/24 rainy season, raising fears for another outbreak.
She said it is worrying that despite the Ministry’s efforts to contain the surge, some people are not complying with preventive measures and ignore health guides.
She however expressed optimism that the country will win the battle against the disease with everyone pulling in the same direction.
Last year, Malawi was heavily hit by cholera registering close to 59, 000 cases with at least 1, 768 fatalities before it was declared “no longer an emergency” early August 2023.
Catholic Church holds Epiphany celebrations
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, January 7, Mana: Catholic Church parishes in Malawi, Sunday held Epiphany celebrations marking a missionary day for children running from November 2023 to November 2024 under the theme ‘Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet’ with a call for parents to send their children to school.
The national event of the celebrations took place at St Albert the Great Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu and all proceedings except Holy Mass Celebration were conducted by children.
In an interview, Auxiliary Bishop for Mzuzu Diocese, Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda said levels of education in the country are still low and advised parents and guardians to ensure that their children are educated
“We as a church would like to see all citizens that they are literate, they should be able to write and read but it is sad to note that even after the introduction of free primary school education, we still have many people who don’t know how to write. This is so because parents do not send their children to school,” said Nyirenda.
He added that that a good number of people can’t write their signatures and that instead they use their thumps whenever they are required to sign documents.
Nyirenda then appealed to government to ensure that it provides suitable learning and teaching conditions to encourage children to remain school.
Commenting on the essence of the day, Nyirenda said Epiphany which is also known as Theophany gears at encouraging children to persistently pray for their parents and fellow children.
“It also aims at motivating children to actively participate in church activities and charity initiatives towards the needy,” he said.
Delivering her homily, Virginia Longwe advised fellow children to love God, every one, respect their parents and carry out charity works in addressing the challenges being faced by the needy in their areas regardless of their religious affiliations.
She also advised parents against abusing children for them to grow into God fearing people and trust worthy citizens who can contribute to the development of the church and the country as a whole.
National Coordinator the Laity in Malawi, Virginia Mahata commended St Albert the Great Parish for hosting the event and expressed hope for continued success of similar events in future.
According to Fr. Joseph Sikwese who represented National Coordinator for Pontifical Mission Society in Malawi, if children are trained at tender age, it would not be difficult for them to serve the church and love others love and serve God.
“This event has been successful due to well-coordinated efforts amongst catechists, the laity, deaneries, dioceses and priests among others,” said Fr. Sikwese.
Government to ensure roads being constructed are durable
By Sarah Munthali
Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara says ministry will ensure that roads being constructed in the country are durable and have quality standards.
Hara made the remarks in Lilongwe on Wednesday when he officially opened for traffic, one section of the M1 road from the newly constructed Crossroads - Kanengo dual carriageway.
The minister said he is impressed with construction work on one section of the dual carriage way M1 road from Crossroads to Kanengo saying the contractors are constructing the roads using Grade a Chinese standard.
“These are type of roads that we shall be building from now onwards. We want contractors to construct roads like what the Chinese construction firm, Shandong Luqiao Group are doing. We want roads that will last up to 40 years,” he said.
Hara commended the contractors for the good pace at which they are constructing the road which will enable road users use the M1 road without challenges.
He said the road is strong and one of its kind in Malawi.
“I am happy today we have provided access to the other section of the road to pave way for contractors to finalize the other side.
“There are still more layers to be done and we hope by December, 2024 the whole road will be completed,” he said.
Speaking after he visited the Kenyatta drive/Sharaar Street and Mzimba Road construction work to appreciate progress, the minister was not impressed with the slow pace of the work.
The contractors gave excuses such as price escalation and Kwacha devaluation.
“We understand and we will see how best we can help to ensure they expedite the construction work.
“I have also given them instruction that we attain quality on this stretch. We want contractors to use pavers for laying base, but the contractors want to continue using graders, this is an old way of doing it. Times have changed; we want smoother roads,” he noted.
Consultant Paul Kulemeka said the delays are due to the devaluation of Kwacha, fuel and forex scarcity.
“At the beginning the contractors delayed due to electricity poles and water pipes then fuel scarcity; that affected progress. We have told the contractors to revisit how they planned the works so that they can finish by July, 2024,” he said.
Lilongwe City Mayor, Richard Banda said the construction of roads in the city will improve infrastructure development.
“There is congestion on the roads, but construction of the roads will ease traffic flow and congestion,” he said.
Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre, Alfred Jiya commended government for transforming the city of Lilongwe by rehabilitating roads.
“Infrastructure development is in line with Malawi 2063 and as city dwellers we look forward to the completion of these roads which will change the face of Lilongwe,” he said.
The construction works of the 10-kilometre dual carriageway from Crossroads to Kanengo is funded by Republic of China to the tune of K22 billion.
The 4.2 kilometre Kenyatta Drive and Sharrar Street will cost K19 billion and is funded by Malawi government.
The minister also visited Kamuzu International Airport junction to Kasungu road and the Dzaleka-Mwangala-Ntchisi-Malomo M7/U51 road.
Chief urges people to go for HIV testing
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, December 20, Mana: Senior Chief Tengani of Nsanje says polygamy in the district is fueling the spread of HIV and AIDS.
He was speaking Tuesday during the district Candlelight Memorial and World AIDS Day commemoration.
He said most men do not go for HIV testing when they engage new partner a development which is encouraging the spread of the virus.
“Much as we appreciate that our culture allows us to marry more than one woman, it is important to go for HIV testing before you take on board another partner to avoid spread of the virus,” Tengani said.
Member of Parliament for Nsanje Central Constituency, Kafandikhale Mandevana agreed with Tengani’s sentiments urging the community to exercise caution when they want to engage in sexual activities.
Mandevana also encouraged those on antiretroviral therapy treatment to do that faithfully so that they can contribute positively to the development of the area.
“Keep on following health advise to remain health so that we should continue developing this area together,” he said.
The legislator urged traditional leaders to discourage some cultural activities that promotes the spread of HIV.
Chairperson for Nsanje District Council, Mike Kafalachi urged communities to continue supporting people living with HIV.
“These are our brothers and sisters who have the rights just like anyone else. Let us respect them and accord them all necessary support,” he said.
The commemorations were held under the theme ‘Let Communities lead by spreading love and showing solidarity in ending AIDS.
Mzimba communities urged to restore degraded lands
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, December 20, Mana: Mzimba Land Resource Officer, Rodgers Nkhoma has urged communities in the district to take land restoration interventions under the second cycle of Enhanced Climate Smart Public Works Programme (ECSPWP) seriously as they have a direct bearing on their agricultural productivity.
Nkhoma was speaking Tuesday at Thundwe Catchment area in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande, which is one of the 16 catchment areas in Mzimba District taking part in second cycle of ECSPWP.
“The programme aims at restoring degraded escarpments; that is why participants plant trees, dig up swales and plant vetiver grass that help in bringing back lost fertility,” said Nkhoma.
He said poor management of natural resources, such as soil, has resulted in soil degradation such that farmers are failing to harvest to the optimum.
“There are many ways in which we can prevent further degradation of the environment. People should stop cutting down trees carelessly. They should instead use natural resources sustainably so that the natural resources should take care of them in return,” Nkhoma said.
A representative of Group Village Headman Mzondi under Thundwe Catchment Area said participants in the ECSPWP are ready to embrace climate smart agriculture technologies including planting trees and making swales.
TA Kapondo of Mchinji installed
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, December 20, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has called upon chiefs in the country to play a pivotal role in fostering harmony among their communities.
Addressing the audience during the installation of Traditional Authority (TA) Kapondo at Chankhanga Primary School Ground in Mchinji on Monday, Chimwendo Banda underscored the importance of Malawians coexisting peacefully, rising above differences.
“Malawians should strive to live in peace and unity, transcending tribal, political and socio-economic disparities. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we must learn to coexist as one unified Malawian nation, and it is the duty of our chiefs to facilitate this,” said Chimwendo Banda.
The minister urged the chiefs to actively engage in government's efforts to combat corruption, particularly within social protection programmes such as social cash transfers and Agriculture Input Programme (AIP).
He promised that more chiefs, especially the junior chiefs, will also be considered with promotions and honoraria from next year.
Speaking on behalf of chiefs, TA Pitala expressed gratitude to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the continued efforts in elevating and installing chiefs in Mchinji, emphasizing the role such leadership plays in driving development.
"President Chakwera has shown commitment to the growth of our communities by elevating and installing chiefs. This paves way for development in our area," said TA Pitala.
Highlighting the need for stable leadership in the area after the passing of the former chief, TA Pitala advised the newly installed chief to continue the legacy of her predecessor.
"We advise the newly installed chief to work in the footsteps of the late chief, ensuring the well-being and development of our community," added TA Pitala.
The chief also took the opportunity to appeal to President Chakwera to elevate more chiefs in Mchinji, emphasizing the positive impact such appointments have in fostering development.
Director of Chiefs, Charles Makanga, expressed gratitude to the family for promptly selecting a successor, a process that often takes time in other regions.
"We appreciate the family's swift action in choosing a successor. This ensures continuity in leadership and stability for the community," said Makanga.
Makanga reminded the assembled chiefs of their vital role in maintaining peace, harmony, and fostering development while preserving and enhancing local culture.
"Chiefs play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the people, promoting harmony, and driving development. It is also their responsibility to safeguard and enrich our cultural heritage," he said.
The installation of Mwadaine Chikondi Silasi as new TA Kapondo follows the death of former TA, real name Wickson Tebulo in June this year.
Kasungu chief promotes land conservation
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, December 20, Mana: Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Mdunga of Kasungu says he will ensure that every chief under his jurisdiction plants at least 50 trees per season and takes care of them to set an example for communities to conserve the environment amidst climate change.
Mdunga told reporters at Kapululu on Sunday during a media tour organised to appreciate the preparedness of the second cycle of the World Bank Funded Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) in some of the 20 catchment areas in Kasungu district.
Mdunga said cultivation of flue-cured tobacco in the area has resulted in massive clearing of forests leading to land degradation hence the need for reforestation.
He said: “We have cleared all the forests in this area because of tobacco farming. Even when tobacco companies give us tree seedlings, very few farmers plant them.
“This time I have taken it upon myself that all chiefs under my territory must be planting not less than 50 trees per season to complement CSPWP activities. If that happens, it will be easy for them to convince their subjects to follow suit.”
He said, through CSPWP, the area has managed to replant trees in the deforested Kaphirigwenje Hills and reclaimed gullies that came as a result of clearing of trees.
“We are taking care of the trees we planted during the first cycle of this project and now we have prepared about 30,000 seedlings as community contribution to the project to show that we own it.
“We are hopeful that in the next three years, our villages will be green with trees. We are serious and we will ensure that this starts with us chiefs going down to every household,” he said.
Senior Assistant Land Resource Conservation Officer for Kasungu, Patricia Kanyika, said it is pleasing that communities have shown ownership of the land conservation initiatives through preparing of tree seedlings and taking care of the already planted trees which gives hope for the project’s sustainability.
She said: “Kasungu is one of the districts that has been heavily affected by land degradation especially in Chamama, Mkanakhoti and Chulu Extension Planning Areas (EPAs).
“So, this project has assisted a lot and we hope that, as it continues, more areas will be restored thereby helping communities harvest more crops for both food and commercial purposes.”
One of the programme beneficiaries, John Chibisa, said apart from restoring the environment, the project has also helped empower communities economically through the wages they receive at the end of each project cycle.
He requested authorities to ensure that the programme participants get their wages timely.
MACRA donates ICT Equipment to Machinga TTC
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, December 20, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) says integration of information, communication and technology (ICT) in the education sector is crucial in line with the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) digitalization aspirations.
Khumbo Kasambala, Project Manager for Universal Service Fund, which is a MACRA unit, made the sentiments Tuesday when the Authority donated 10 computer sets to Machinga Teachers; Training College (TTC).
Kasambala observed that most teachers lack ICT skills, a gap which negatively affects their profession.
“We are happy to donate to Machinga TTC because the institution provides services that are in line with government’s vision of providing higher education. For the country to achieve its enablers in the MW2063, ICT integration in the education sector is crucial.
“It is against this background that MACRA partnered with Ministry of Education to ensure that its intuitions are provided with ICT materials to aid them have the skills,” he said.
Machinga TTC Acting Principal, Phillip Nashoni thanked MACRA for the donation, saying the support will help in addressing learning challenges and bridge the gap in ICT skills among teacher trainees.
“Training institutions like ours are supposed to use different methods of teaching like teacher-student contacts which on their own cannot address the current challenges that we have,” he said.
He said the donation will positively contribute to provision of higher tertiary education and assured MACRA that the College will take care of the computer sets to boost ICT knowledge and skills to teacher trainees.
