MANAonline
NLGFC awards six districts for outstanding performance in social protection programmes
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, December 13, Mana: National Local Government Committee (NLGFC) has awarded six local authorities with certificates of recognition for outstanding performance under Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
The certificates presentation took place on Friday at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre where the six councils namely: Karonga, Mbelwa, Nkhata Bay, Lilongwe, Chiradzulu and Nsanje met to also review Social Support Resilience Livelihood Project (SSRLP) in their respective districts.
NLGFC Executive Director, Dr. Kondwani Santhe said the six districts deserved the recognition following their outstanding performances in various areas of interventions under the two social protection programmes that are meant to improve people’s livelihoods.
The six districts were recognized after success completion of re targeting in the SCTP, outstanding performance in grievance redress mechanism (GRM) reporting under SCTP, outstanding performance in processing wages in the SC-EPWP, outstanding performance in CS-EPWP phases, best performance in Know Your Customer processes under SCTP and outstanding performance in processing electronic payment (e-payment) under the CS-EPWP.
In the category of SCTP, Karonga District Council was awarded a certificate of recognition for an outstand performance in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes under the SCTP while Nsanje District Council emerged an outstanding performer after achieving 99 per cent completion on re targeting under the SCTP.
Chiradzulu also got recognition for being an outstanding performer in GRM reporting under the SCTP with effective community and district level structures in place.
Under CS-EPWP, Mbelwa District Council was awarded a certificate of recognition for outstanding performance in processing manual wages within stipulated time as Lilongwe District Council also got a certificate of recognition for being a star performer in processing electronic payment, proving efficiency within shortest time in paying CS-EPWP participants.
According to NLGFC, Lilongwe is one of the ten districts that have migrated from manual payment to e-payment in CS-EPWP while the rest of the districts are yet to migrate to the electronic mode of payment.
Nkhata Bay District Council came on top as best performer in implementing CS-EPWP phases with remarkable efficiency within agreed time of completion of phase 3.
Dr. Santhe stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that the best-performing district demonstrated strong coordination and a commitment to service delivery, prioritizing the effective implementation of the two social protection programs.
World Bank Mission Task Team Leader for SSRLP, Chipo Nsowoya said the World Bank and other Social Protection Multi Donor Trust Fund partners were impressed with implementation of the social support programmes in Malawi though there was need to improve in some areas.
“There is need to improve on delayed wage payment. We are ready to discuss with Government of Malawi to see how best we can address this problem,” he added.
Representing Nsanje District Council, Chief Education Officer, Mashades Dakamao said dedication to service delivery plus abiding by the guidelines of NLGFC were some of the contributing factors that brought the outstanding performance in the implementation of SCRP.
“The certificate of recognition we have received will motivate us to maintain the standards. We will maintain this,” he added.
CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Project supported by the Bank and the Social Protection Multi donor Trust Fund.
Marep phase nine electrifying 464 trading centers - Matola
By Pickson Chipeso
Lilongwe, December 13, Mana: Minister of energy Ibrahim Matola has told Parliament that phase nine of the Malawi Rural Electrification Project (Marep) 464 trading centers countrywide.
Answering questions from Members of Parliament (MPs), Friday, in Lilongwe, Matola said that though Marep phase nine had experienced some challenges, he assured the MPs that his ministry managed to bring all necessary equipment to deal with those problems.
"The Marep phase nine had some challenges. Among others the challenge was about forex, but we managed to bring all the necessary equipment in order to energise those trading centers.”
"Those sites that received compensation contractors, are on the ground. We will be there, and we are going to electrify all those 464 trading centres," he said.
Meanwhile Thyolo Central legislator, Ben Phiri asked the Minister to assure the house that indeed they are going to have this effected.
Matola assured the house that under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera all centres will be electrified as planned and promised hence members should not get worries.
Care Malawi donates 3 vehicles to DoDMA
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, December 13, Mana: In a major boost to disaster preparedness, CARE Malawi, Friday, through the USAID-funded Titukulane Project handed over three vehicles worth USD $90,000.00 (K155 million) to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).
Speaking at the handover ceremony, at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Commissioner, Charles Kalemba, said the vehicles will help strengthen the country's resilience efforts as it will help DoDMA easily reach disaster affected areas.
“This will enhance our capacity to reach out to different councils and facilitate movement of various clusters we work with to go to where the operations are needed," said Kalemba adding that with all the contingency plans that are already in place, will benefit from the donation of the vehicles.
In a separate interview, Country Director for Care Malawi, Pamela Kuwali, emphasized the need to coordinate and assist DoDMA as their Partner as it aligns with their resilient food security Project.
"We consider DoDMA a key partner because of their crucial role in the Resilient Food Security Project, which was implemented in Zomba and Mangochi and is now coming to a close,”
“This project aligns with the National Resilience Strategy, for which DODMA is the national policyholder hence we approached and partnered with DODMA as they represent the government in the project, and also you can see one of our officers is stationed at DODMA hence without their support, the success of this project would not have been possible," she said.
With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as cyclones and droughts, the partnership between DoDMA and CARE Malawi underscores an important commitment to protecting lives and property across the country therefore the new vehicles will enable faster, more efficient disaster response, ensuring that Malawi is better prepared to face future challenges.
Women in Nkhata Bay applaud SCTP
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, December 13, Mana: Women in Nkhata Bay have commended Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for being a beacon of hope by providing them with opportunities to embark on small scale businesses.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Friday, Laika Msumba, of Traditional Authority M’bwana in the Nkhata Bay District said that she has opened a hairdressing salon to serve her economic sustainability besides serving her community.
“When I was enrolled into the program in 2022, we were encouraged to save the money through our village bank, hence I used my shares to raise capital and open my dream salon business.
Its growing steadily and I am proud to be serving my community while earning a living,” said Msumba.
According to Msumba, on average she gets a profit of K20,000.00 per week from her salon and it is easy for me to fend for my household.
Another beneficiary, Monica Chirwa 30 from Makumbo of Traditional Authority Zilakoma said that she has acquired goats and chickens using her monthly stipends.
I am confident that by the end of the program, I will have established a thriving livestock business.
Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer for Nkhata Bay, Wisdom Mwafulirwa he was impressed to see beneficiaries being empowered economically.
"This is a step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all," said Mwafulirwa.
SCTP is being implemented by Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank and currently benefiting 6,475 households in Nkhata Bay.
Ekhaya FC stuns Red Lions with late winner
By Sukasuka Milton & Albert Mulizakamba
Balaka, December 13, Mana: Ekhaya Football Club stunned Red Lions with a 1-0 victory in a match played at Balaka Stadium.
The winning goal came in the 1st minute of added time, courtesy of Safton Chintokoma’s strike, sending Ekhaya FC fans into a frenzy.
In a post-match interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Ekhaya FC Coach, Moses Chavula, praised his team’s resilience and determination.
“Red Lions are a more experienced, but my players contained the pressure well in both periods," Chavula said.
He added that the hard-fought win earned his team crucial three points, propelling them to the summit of the Premier League table.
However, Chavula cautioned his charges against complacency, urging them to stay focused ahead of their next fixture on Sunday.
“I reminded them not to get too excited with the win as we need to concentrate on the upcoming game,” Chavula emphasized.
Chintokoma who rescued Ekhaya FC in the last minute, vowed to deliver more impressive performances in the future.
“Our supporters should expect another win on Sunday because we are here to win and make them happy,” he said.
This defeat has put pressure on Red Lions who are fighting to return to the elite TNM Super League where they were relegated from two seasons ago.
Ashraful Aid empowers a secondary school in Blantyre
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, December 13, Mana: Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organization donated foodstuffs to Focus Secondary School in Blantyre this week and called for the spirit of giving in a time of need.
Speaking when presenting the food items, Country Director for Ashraful Aid, Abbas Panjwani, said there is a need for Malawi to embrace the Ubuntu spirit and always be willing to intervene when challenges arise.
Panjwani urged organizations to take a proactive approach to address societal issues rather than waiting to be asked.
“As stakeholders, we must not isolate ourselves from society. We must be part of the community to better identify the challenges people are facing. If we are part of them, they can easily reach out to us,” he said.
Panjwani therefore highlighted the importance of supporting the education sector, describing it as the hope of a nation.
“As a relief aid organization, we understand various challenges faced by the education sector in Malawi, including insufficient food supplies due to economic difficulties. Therefore, we respond to specific requests and needs rather than creating new ones,” he said.
Panjwani added that the initiative aligns with the organization's mission to provide support and assistance to vulnerable individuals and communities.
The Country Director disclosed that the school approached them for food assistance following their struggle to maintain a diet.
“In response to their request, we have provided sugar, soya pieces, rice, and cooking flour to sustain their meals,” he said as he presented the food items to the girls' section.
Panjwani reiterated Ashraful Aid’s commitment to uplifting communities and being a meaningful organization involved in humanitarian initiatives.
Director of Focus Secondary School, Abdul Kathumba, commended Ashraful Aid for responding to the school's appeal during the challenging times.
Kathumba acknowledged that, like many Malawians, the school is struggling to make ends meet amid the hunger crisis.
“This donation will alleviate the problem of insufficient food for the students. Now, the learners will have adequate meals. We appeal to Ashraful Aid to continue assisting us in various areas,” he said.
Kathumba further called upon other organizations to support the school with other needs, such as learning materials, beds and mattresses.
“If there are well-wishers who can help us address these challenges, we welcome their support. Successful education requires sufficient resources,” said the school director.
Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organization has been providing aid to suffering communities around the world for over 27 years.
Government encourages MPs to invest in mega farms
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, December 13, Mana: Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to be in the forefront of combating food insecurity through commercial farming.
Speaking in parliamentary Thursday in Lilongwe, Kawale, outlined government’s commitment to closing gaps in the agricultural sector, with efforts focused on identifying high-capacity individuals and developing new technologies to support farmers nationwide.
“MPs are the very first who complain more about hunger in the country so it is important that they should also be in the forefront to implement programmes that will help end hunger in the counytry,” said Kawale.
He disclosed that that government has initiatives that give MPs opportunities to have mega farms in their constituencies.
“The mega farms can help us to generate more forex because of the crops and livestock which can be generated through the commercial farming,” he said.
Kawale said Malawi has started exporting soybeans to China, as one way toward strengthening both local and international agricultural markets.
In her remarks, MP for Thyolo Thava, Mary Navicha, said, it is important that people should be sensitised about the mega farms so that they should know more about irrigation schemes as other districts do not know more about it.
Improved Kangaroo department crucial in curbing infant mortality rate
By Majona Jabesi Mnjuzi
Mchinji, December 13, Mana: Ministry of Health says there is need to construct proper heath infrastructure expansion in Kangaroo departments to combat the country’s growing infant mortality rate.
Speaking during a commemoration of World Prematurity Day in Mchinji, Thursday, Dr. Julien Chunda, Chief of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, highlighted that many health centers have limited kangaroo infrastructures that can reduce preventable death of infants and new-born babies.
“As a country we did not think well when we were designing the maternity wing. Usually the way it was designed, it just had the woman in mind and not for the baby. Thus, it means if a baby comes out and have complications, we are unable to take care of the baby and are they usually taken to cardiac ward.
"But in a proper set-up, you need to have labour and neonatal wards because these are very specific problems and they need to be sorted at a very specific ward. So, moving forward as a country, we want to redesign the maternity wings across the country. We believe this will significantly improve survival rates and outcomes for preterm infants,” stated Chunda.
Meanwhile, NEST 360 Country Director in Malawi, Evelin Zimba, has applauded government for the partnership and urged swift funding allocation for sustainable project implementation across all healthy centres in Malawi.
“We believe if we are to save life of new baby, born prematurely and are sick, we need to have a package of services which includes the provision of services, training of health workers and quality of care. All these services require money.
“So when government come with the budget, they should put aside enough money for supporting this initiative in various health centers across the country,” Zimba said.
Jesse Kadango, mother of a six-year child who was born prematurely, witnessed the positive impact of Kangaroo for child care and growth.
“I gave birth to twin babies. One prematurely and another one was strong and mature enough. Unfortunately, the one who was mature enough passed away and leaving me with the premature baby. The doctor advised me to go through Kangaroo. After following the advice, my child was saved and now she is in standard one,” said Kadango.
The World Prematurity Day is commemorated on November 17th each year, but in Malawi, the day was commemorated on December 12 under the theme, “Over 13 million babies born prematurely every year. Access to quality care everywhere.”
The theme is a call for urgent action to close the gap, advocating for better maternal and neonatal care across the country.
Queens march into semifinals of Africa Netball Cup
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, December 13, Mana: The Malawi National Netball Team will face Uganda in the semifinals of the Africa Netball Cup in Namibia today
This follows the Queens’ success Thursday where they defeated Kenya 60-30 to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Africa Netball Cup.
In another semifinal, South Africa, will face Zimbabwe in what promises to be an exciting match also.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the match as Uganda has recently improved and caused problems for the Queens.
This win is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication. The Queens have been training tirelessly, and their efforts have paid off. They are now focused on taking down Uganda and advancing to the finals.
The Africa Netball Cup has been an exciting tournament so far, with teams from across the continent competing for the top spot.
The Queens are determined to bring home the trophy, and with their current momentum, they're definitely a team to watch.
Will the Queens bring the trophy home? Only time will tell.
Catholic Church in MK724 million-food response
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, December 11, Mana: The Catholic Church through its Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom) on Wednesday donated corn soy blend locally known as Likuni Phala and cash to residents of Nthunduwala Camp and the surrounding households in Kasungu District.
Making the donation, Deputy Secretary General for Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Father Joseph Sikwese bemoaned the dire conditions in which the camp residents live saying the church will do all it can to engage government to assist the people who have been left destitute for 13 years.
“We needed to reach out to the people at Nthunduwala Camp considering that they don’t have land where they can stay, cultivate crops and live a productive life.
“Here they are literally doing nothing hence they are suffering. They are not lazy people, only that they have no land and survive on piece works where they are also abused by not being paid their dues in some instances,” Father Sikwese said.
He said the church through its arms, has been following up with government to have the camp residents relocated and that it will continue to do so until the camp is decommissioned and its residents relocated to their own land.
“We will not get tired until these people are assisted. No person should be a refugee in their own country,” he said.
Nthunduwala Camp is home to close to 400 people who have lived at the place since 2012 after returning from Zambia where they had gone seeking jobs after being retrenched in tobacco estates in Kasungu District.
While expressing gratitude for the items received, chairperson for the camp, Stanley Nkhoma, said a permanent solution to their predicament is to give them land where they can cultivate.
“There is no dignity living a life of begging as is the case here at the camp where we usually survive on donated items and piece works.
“We want land. Give us land where we can be producing our own food, raise families and send children to school. That is the only permanent solution to our problems,” Nkhoma said.
With funding from Caritas International to the tune of MK724 million, the Catholic Church is responding to food deficits, targeting 3, 749 households with corn-soy blend and 3, 230 others with cash transfers amount to MK100, 000 each in 11 districts including Kasungu.
El Nino weather conditions during the last growing season has caused widespread hunger in the district where at least 43, 000 households have been earmarked to receive food relief coordinated by Department of Disaster Management Affairs.
