MANAonline
Aspirant parliamentarian commends President Chakwera vision
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, June 16, Mana: Aspirant Parliamentarian for Mchinji West John Paul, has commended President Chakwera for his efforts that has led to increasing access to National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans and fertilizer coupons in Mchinji district.
Speaking during a political rally at Bua Primary School ground in Mchinji, Paul said while the President has done his part, traditional leaders should ensure fair distribution of fertilizer coupons.
"We want to see a fair and transparent process that benefits all deserving farmers he said.
He then thanked the people of Mchinji for their support towards President Chakwera and urged them to continue doing so in the upcoming elections.
"Let's work together to build a brighter future for our district and our country," Paul said.
Meanwhile, Secretary General for the Malawi Congress Party who is also the minister of Local government unity and culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured farmers in Mchinji district that government is committed to support their farming plans.
"Government has allocated sufficient funds to buy maize, ensuring that people should receive food to combat hunger," he said.
Banda also highlighted the government's efforts in infrastructure development like roads and railway lines in Nsanje district.
"These projects will not only improve transportation but also boost economic growth and development in the country", he said.
Usi storms Zomba, urges Malawians to have faith in MEC
By Evace Chisiano
Zomba, June 16, Mana: Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party President, Dr Michael Usi has encouraged registered voters and all Malawians to have faith in the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as an electoral body with a mandate to administer September 2025 polls with credibility.
Usi who is also Vice President of Malawi made the assurance Sunday at Naisi Community Ground in Zomba during a political rally for his party.
He said registered voters should cast out fears of electoral maladministration as claimed by other quarters that question electoral systems and devices that will be used during the general election.
“All is in control to safeguard the integrity of MEC and the electoral system for the good of democracy in Malawi,” Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu President added.
Usi said his party is for all the people in Malawi such that the party’s ideologies are not that strange from other parties.
“Our party has what MCP, DPP, UTM, UDF and other parties have. We stand for all,” he said as he addressed a large gathering at Naisi ground.
Usi said he is grateful to serve as vice president under President Chakwera's administration and pledged to continue serving the people of Malawi better in his capacity as Vice president.
“I will continue to work with President Dr. Chakwera with loyalty for the good of the nation,” he added.
The party’s Secretary General, Happy Kondowe said Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu has come to empower Malawians economically and to turn other things around for the good of Malawians.
He thanked Usi for addressing the rally at Naisi in Zomba, saying this was part of taking the party closer to the people.
Kondowe described the president as accommodating and called on him to visit many parts of Malawi where people are eager to hear the party’s manifesto.
23 arrested for unlawful possession of firearms
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, June 15, Mana: Police in Lilongwe have arrested 23 people for illegally involved in firearms deal.
The suspects include three Malawi Defence Force officers, one British national, two Chinese nationals, and an Italian, arrested in multiple districts of Blantyre, Nsanje, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Lilongwe, Ntchisi and Dowa.
National Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Harry Namwaza, confirmed the development on Sunday saying the suspects are accused of unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.
He said 19 pistols, 415 live rounds of ammunition, three explosives devices and 325 blank cartridges have been recovered.
"Police conducted special intelligence-led operations following a tip-off from the general public regarding suspect Mike Minjale, who allegedly smuggled illegal firearms and supplied them to various individuals," said Namwaza.
He added that Police arrested Minjale on June 3, at a roadblock in Ngumbe, Blantyre. Later, another special team made arrests and recovered illegal firearms.
Namwaza said they discovered that Minjale smuggled 20 pistols into Malawi from South Africa and distributed them to various individuals.
Police investigations are working to locate the remaining pistol and apprehend the holder.
Mulanje Council to procure artificial leg for Senior Chief Chikumbu
By Alex Chitwere
Mulanje, June 15, Mana: Mulanje District Council will procure an artificial leg for Senior Chief Chikumbu whose left leg was amputated.
District Commissioner (DC) for Mulanje, MacMillan Magomero, disclosed that the Council will spend about K4.5 million to procure the leg.
Magomero held a meeting with chiefs over the weekend to introduce himself and this was where he noted Senior Chief Chikumbu’s mobility challenges.
He said government appreciates roles chiefs play in local governance such that they deserve attention once they are in dire need of support.
“Chiefs have long been part of local government and that is why it (government) gives them special consideration to up lift their welfare.
“Whenever you are faced with challenges let us know so that together we can look at ways of handling such issues,” he said.
Senior Chief Chikumbu said mobility had been her most challenge and believed that an artificial leg will make things better.
“Waiting for someone to do things for me had always been difficult. The artificial leg will help me move from one place to another on my own. The DC’s intervention is an answer to my prayer” she added.
Senior Chief Mthiramanja, who heads Mulanje Chiefs Council, expressed gratitude for the DC’s interface with chiefs.
Mthiramanja proposed that the new DC should visit chiefs at their headquarters to appreciate living conditions and other areas that need Mulanje District Council’s intervention.
Magomero was transferred to Mulanje from Chitipa where he he served as DC.
Illegal firearms threaten Malawi’s national security
By Dan Mhango
Lilongwe, June 15, Mana: Malawi is facing a growing threat from the illegal possession and circulation of firearms a trend that has led to multiple arrests involving both Malawian citizens and foreign nationals.
Social commentator, Latimu Matenje, has attributed the rise in illegal firearms to the influx of refugees, porous borders, and declining ethical standards among some members of the country’s security forces, among other factors.
“Possession of firearms creates a sense of fear and insecurity within society,” said Matenje.
Malawi Police Service (MPS) has confirmed that illegal firearms are being smuggled into the country by both Malawians and foreign nationals.
MPS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Harry Namwaza, said the Service is working closely with foreign governments to trace the origin of the weapons and prevent their continued spread.
“We are checking with our counterparts to find out how these firearms are getting out of their countries to ensure that the problem is dealt with,” he said.
He said illegal possession of firearms is a criminal offense punishable by law.
“Illegal possession of firearms threatens safety of communities. That is why police acts swiftly to confiscate such weapons,” he said.
He further urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving firearms to help ensure safe and secure neighborhoods.
“We want to encourage the public to refrain from possessing such weapons. If someone wishes to own a firearm, they should follow lawful procedures,” Namwaza added.
Ralph Mhone floored in MCP's Nkhata Bay Central Constituency primaries
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 15, Mana: Ian Changa Kaunda has emerged victorious in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primaries for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, garnering 184 votes against politician and lawyer, Ralph Mhone, who got three votes.
This follows the primary elections held at Luwinga Secondary School in Mzuzu on Saturday.
In his remarks, Kaunda expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him to represent the party in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
He promised to work hard to meet people’s expectations.
The primary elections also saw victories for Zebron Chirwa in the Thotu Ward with 67 votes, defeating Cyria Adamana Nyamwela who garnered two votes and Frank Chiumia who got four votes.
Bunguru Ward will be represented by Patricia Ng'oma, who won with 110 votes defeating Abraham Kamanga who got 27 votes.
MCP Deputy National Director of Elections, Mathias Mgomezulu, described the elections as free and fair.
He, therefore, urged the losers to support the winners.
The elections were previously held in Nkhata Bay on May 11, 2025 but ended prematurely due to misunderstandings over the voting process.
APAM monitors safety of persons with albinism in election period
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, June 15, Mana: Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) President, Young Muhamba, says the Association will keep on monitoring safety of persons with albinism as Malawi is heading towards general elections.
Muhamba said this ahead of the country’s commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).
He expressed concern that Malawi registered a lot of attacks and killings of persons with albinism in the previous election.
The global theme for this year is: Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives,
“However, this year, Malawi is guided by the theme; United for Peace and Inclusion: Strengthening Protection of Persons with Albinism During All Times, Including Elections,” he said.
According to Muhamba, APAM documented 223 cases and 62 percent of them were reported during the election period hence the localised theme for Malawi.
He said APAM has so far made various initiatives, including referring children with albinism to safer homes, lobbying non governmental organisations and various stakeholders to provide decent and secure houses and other devices that help provide safety to persons with albinism in their locations.
“Currently, 67 houses have been constructed by the Government of Malawi through Ministry of Lands,” he said.
IAAD is observed on June 13 globally but Malawi will commemorate the day on June 17 at Michongwe Primary School Ground in Machinga.
“Machinga is a hot spot district and our advocacy is to make sure that we reach rural communities where myths and misconceptions concerning persons with albinism are more frequent,” said Muhamba.
Disability Rights Advocate, Hilda Macheso, said every human being, including persons with albinism, deserve right to life, protection, and dignity.
She said government, partners and local leaders have the obligation to protect persons with albinism against attacks, killings and all forms violence.
On December 8, 2014 the United Nations General Assembly declared June 13 as IAAD with its first event held in 2015.
The day is held to celebrate human right of persons with albinism.
Chilobwe Parish to celebrate Golden Jubilee
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, June 15, Mana: Saints Peter and Paul Chilobwe Parish of the Blantyre Archdiocese of the Catholic Church will celebrate its Golden Jubilee on Sunday June 29, 2025 under the theme ‘50 years of the pilgrimage of faith’.
Chairperson for Chilobwe Parish Council, John Kauye, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) that the celebration symbolizes growth of the church and the parish’s self-reliance.
“We are appreciating and celebrating achievements that we have made despite challenges we have encountered throughout the years,” he said.
Kauye commended parishioners’ commitment saying over the years they have done various developmental projects including constructing a church building, hall, priests’ house, grotto, brick fence around the church premises among other facilities.
“We have plans of extending the church, build a convent, purchase a maize mill and construct a nursery school. We, therefore, appeal to well-wishers to support us in these projects,” he added.
Chairperson for the Golden Jubilee Taskforce, Lucius Kamoto, said all is set saying for the day.
According to Kamoto, the celebrations will start at 7 o’clock in the morning with a procession from the road near Stella Maris Secondary School through new Chilobwe Road to Chilobwe Catholic Parish.
“From 9:00am there will be Eucharist celebration to be presided over by His Grace Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese followed by lunch and other activities in the afternoon,” he said.
He, therefore, called upon all parishioners to attend the celebration saying it is a milestone celebration, a testament to the parish’s enduring faith and commitment to the community.
“We are inviting all priests and nuns that served the parish before, all people around Chilobwe Parish whether Catholics or members of other denominations to come and join us,” he said.
Other activities on the day will include music by choirs, traditional dances, drama and poems.
Saints Peter and Paul Chilobwe Catholic Church was established in 1975 as an out station of the Catholic Institute St Montfort Parish before it was handed over to St Pius Parish. It was later consecrated as a parish in September 2012 by the late Archbishop Tarcizius Ziyaye.
Health NGO organises blood drive event
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, June 14, Mana: Child Legacy International, a non-profit health organisation dedicated to transforming lives through sustainable healthcare services, hosted a blood drive event in Lilongwe, on June 14th aiming to raise 100 pints of blood.
The health organisation, founded by Dr. Jeff Rogers, aims to improve healthcare, education, and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
The blood drive, which was held at Land Lake Café in Area 3, offered free health screenings for diseases like cervical cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, promoting early detection and community health, according to Yolanda Geddes, the health organization’s Programme Manager and Administrator.
She emphasised the importance of serving rural communities with a goal to, at least, help people who are underserved, and people who cannot access good health facilities in town.
Blood donors echoed the need for blood in hospitals, particularly in maternity wards where postpartum haemorrhaging is a major concern.
"If you can spare the time, we would love to see you down here today... We're aiming to raise 100 pints today for Child Legacy International," said Jessica Pine, one of the blood donors under the organisation,
The event highlighted the critical need for blood donations in Malawi's hospitals.
By supporting this initiative, donors can contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in underserved communities.
Civil servants urged to acquaint themselves with PSR
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, June 14, Mana: District Commissioner (DC) for M’mbelwa District Council, Rodgers Newa, has urged civil servants working in Mzimba to familiarize themselves with Public Service Regulations (PSR) to avoid breaching public conditions of service.
Newa was speaking on Thursday in Mzimba during a meeting with head of departments under the district council.
“Every worker should read the government’s PSR to align with what is expected of him or her. You should always dress properly, report to work on time and diligently carry out your duties,” Newa said.
The DC also stressed the need for improved service delivery, which he said is the core mandate of the council.
“We are here to deliver quality services to the people and we must strive to achieve that. Teamwork and coordination are key: No one should slow down the execution of the council’s work,” he said.
Newa also warned staff against engaging in corrupt practices, warning that he would not protect anyone found involved in such activities.
District Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba, Bernald Nangwale, commended the DC for the interface meeting, saying it provided a valuable platform for engagement to enhance the council’s operations.
