MANAonline
NGO donates food to Courageous Kids foundation
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.
Mchinji council passes K37 billion budget
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.
Kunkuyu challenges radios on professionalism
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.
BCC bans sale of green maize
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, February 13, Mana: Blantyre City Council (BCC) has banned selling of cooked and roasted green maize with immediate effect to control theft of the commodity in the city.
According to a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Chinseu, the council appealed to all vendors in the city to comply with the ban.
“BCC has restricted selling of fresh, roasted, or cooked green maize until harvesting season,” reads the statement.
BCC further appealed to all vendors selling green maize to comply with the directive, warning that any vendor found selling green maize will be prosecuted.
Reacting to the development, a vendor who sells green maize at Blantyre Flea Market, Lucy Peter, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that she is worried about the ban, as the green maize business is the only source of income for her family.
“I sell fresh maize whether in the dry or rainy season because this is the only business that I do to support my five children with basic necessities.
“I am worried with this ban. We appeal to the BCC to reconsider the decision,” said Peter.
However, Peter acknowledged the rampant theft of green maize in the fields in the district but said she purchases the green maize from the farmers.
BCC bans selling of green maize every year to combat theft of green maize in the city.
Save the children donates wheelchairs and medical equipment
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, February 13, 2025, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, has commended World Vision for its donation of wheelchairs for children with disabilities and medical equipment valued at $378 577 approximately MK643 million stating that this donation is to assist children with disabilities in various health centers and hospitals across the country.
Chimpeni made these remarks during a handover ceremony of the donation on Thursday held at the Health Education Unit offices in Lilongwe.
He said that the donation is timely and that the ministry recognizes World Vision as an international partnership of Christians dedicated to working with the poor, promoting health, fostering human transformation, seeking justice, and spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God.
He expressed gratitude that World Vision is committed to working with the poor and oppressed, and acknowledged the government's role as a partner in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, especially those with disabilities.
Chimpeni also said that government appreciates how World Vision’s priorities align with the government's Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Malawi National Disability Act.
“As a government, we are doing our best to ensure that children and people with disabilities have access to education, good health, well-being, water, sanitation, hygiene, and other social amenities without discrimination based on disability,” he said.
He commended World Vision and the Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) for their efforts in ensuring the success of the Able to Thrive project, which promotes the holistic development of children and communities in Mzimba North, Kasungu, Dowa, Ntchisi, and other districts.
"The government supports institutions with frameworks and policies that empower them to operate independently while helping to achieve its 2030 agenda.
“On behalf of my ministry and other government agencies, I am thankful that this implementing year of the Able to Thrive project will benefit 4,700 children with disabilities, along with their caregivers in the mentioned districts,” Chimpeni added.
He expressed appreciation for World Vision’s gesture in providing the 340 wheelchairs and other medical supplies, which will significantly improve health and care for the people saying that these items will greatly facilitate the implementation of projects and activities, enhancing the overall impact on the targeted beneficiaries.
“The wheelchairs will alleviate mobility challenges faced by children in the project areas, while the medical supplies will support our hospitals. As a government, we will continue collaborating with our partners to enhance the lives of people affected by disabilities,” he said.
Charles Chimombo, Director of Operations at World Vision, said that the organization is committed to promoting access to services for children with disabilities in the country.
“We are handing over 340 wheelchairs to MAP Bwaila, MAP Kachere, MAP Rumpi, and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Additionally, we are donating medical supplies to 20 district hospitals, 20 health centers, and two referral hospitals: Kamuzu and Mzuzu Central Hospitals” he said
He also commended the partnership with the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) and Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAP) for their dedication to disability inclusion, which has fostered a collaborative environment.
George Chiusiwa, Director General of the Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA), stated that this donation will ensure the wheelchairs reach their intended beneficiaries, thus reducing the mobility and accessibility challenges faced by many children with disabilities in the country.
Deputy minister urges responsible use of SCTP funds
By Tawina Kuluweya
Mzuzu, February 13, Mana: Deputy Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare, Halima Daudi has called upon beneficiaries of social cash transfer program (SCTP) to make good use of the funds.
Daudi made the remarks on Wednesday at Ekwaiweni in Mzimba when she interacted with (SCTP) beneficiaries from the area.
She expressed her appreciation for the positive impact the social cash transfer program has had on the lives of many beneficiaries and emphasized the need for the beneficiaries to invest the money rather than wasting it.
“You should make good use of the money that you receive from social cash transfer program so that It should benefit you and others at home," she said.
The deputy minister also announced government plans to expand the program by adding more beneficiaries in the near future.
"The number of the beneficiaries will be increased as it is the government’s wish to improve livelihood of vulnerable populations through different social protection initiatives including social cash transfer program," she said.
SCTP Advisor, Jane Mhango hailed the government for the program and highlighted tangible differences that the program has made in people's lives in the area
“The social cash transfer program has really improved people's livelihoods as now many people are living in good houses that they have built under this program. A lot of people are now able to buy farm inputs and some have purchased livestock,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Chissy Kumwenda said SCTP has helped her a lot as widow who lost her husband in 1998.
She said she started receiving social cash transfers in 2015 which she used to start a business and managed to build a house and buy live stocks from the proceeds.
The Deputy minister, distributed tree seedlings to the beneficiaries and advised them to develop a culture of planting more trees every year.
Chakwera attends SKC Foundation launch
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, February 12, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera Wednesday evening attended the launch of the Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) Foundation at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Speaking during the launch, Chairperson of the Foundation who is also spouse to the late Vice President Mary Chilima appreciated the support received towards the launch saying it is a sign of love which people have towards the late Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima.
She described late Chilima's life as short yet impactful, characterised by faith, service and patriotism for the country.
She said the Foundation will support education through scholarships, including assistance to children who lost a parent in the Chikangawa plane crash.
Madam Chilima added that the Foundation will establish a rapid response fund to help families affected by natural disasters and other calamities, as well as support disaster preparedness initiative.
“SKC was a believer in mindset change and this Foundation will reach out to institutions of higher learning to embrace innovation and come up with solutions to challenges affecting Malawi and Africa at large,” she said.
She emphasised that the Foundation will promote mindset change through excellence and innovation.
She made an assurance that the Foundation will be managed prudently, transparently, accountable and with integrity.
Chairperson of the organising committee, Boyd Luwe, said the Foundation is meant to celebrate the life of the late vice president.
Luwe described Chilima as a selfless man whose life was lived to serve humanity that is why it the Foundation is apolitical and non partisan.
CISONECC calls for increased budget allocation for disaster risk management
By Salome Gangire
Neno, February 12, Mana: Civil Society Organizations Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) has urged policymakers to advocate for increased budgetary allocation toward disaster risk management (DRM).
CISONECC Board Vice Chairperson, Melton Luhanga made the appeal on Tuesday at Mwanza Hotel during an engagement meeting with Members of Parliament, councilors, civil society organizations and community representatives in Neno aimed to push for greater financial support for DRM activities.
“With more funding, there is hope for better management of disaster aftermaths and building resilience in communities,” said Luhanga.
He noted that Malawi has recently experienced various disasters including droughts, prolonged dry spells, floods and cyclones, emphasizing the need for increased budgetary support.
“Currently, the budget for disaster risk management is less than one percent of the national budget. We are advocating for an increase to at least five percent,” he said.
Luhanga also stressed the importance of equipping various government departments with adequate resources as they play a key role in disaster response.
Neno District Council Chairperson, Councilor Joseph Chiphaliwali of Ligowe Ward, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to lobbying for increased DRM funding.
However, he pointed out that the council is constrained by budget ceilings set by the central government.
“Neno is prone to disasters. As we speak, the district has experienced prolonged dry spells, forcing farmers to replant maize three times this growing season, which will have devastating effects on food security,” said Chiphaliwali.
He noted that councils cannot allocate funds beyond the set limits, calling on non-governmental organizations to include infrastructure rehabilitation in their programming rather than focusing solely on community capacity building.
“The district still has damaged infrastructure, such as Matope Bridge in Traditional Authority Symon and a school block at Mankhamba in Traditional Authority Dambe, which were destroyed by Cyclone Ana and remain unrepaired due to a lack of funding,” he added.
Chiphaliwali further appealed to the government to ensure timely disbursement of funds, as councils often go two to three months without receiving funding, severely affecting service delivery.
According to Neno District Disaster Risk Management Officer Brighton Mphinga, out of the council’s approved K20.8 billion budget, only K33,728,934—representing 0.163 percent—has been allocated to DRM.
CISONECC, in partnership with the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) and with financial support from Christian Aid, is implementing the Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Energy in Malawi (CCASE) project in Neno.
The initiative aims to develop anticipatory, absorptive, adaptive, and transformative capacities while financing risk-reduction measures to prevent, minimize, and address loss and damage. Ultimately, the project seeks to strengthen national and local resilience to disasters and promote sustainable development.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi commends LWB for reform progress
By Rosalia Kapri
Lilongwe, February 12, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has praised the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) for its commitment to implementing reforms that enhance efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking during his visit to the board on Wednesday, Usi emphasized the importance of measurable progress and collaboration in reform implementation.
“We hope that the presentation you have made allows you to take a moment to commend yourselves for implementing reforms and being a model for excellence,” Usi said.
The Vice President highlighted the importance of evaluating the impact of reforms, stating that success should not be measured by the number of activities undertaken but by tangible outcomes.
“So the reforms compel you to look at what exactly you have achieved by doing all that you have been doing. It is very critical that activities are carefully selected, because activities mean resources. Whatever activity is being implemented should be questioned, what impact is it going to have?” noted the Vice President.
He called on the LWB to enhance public engagement and educate communities about the difficulties in water supply management.
“The public needs to understand the challenges associated with water supply. When they do, they will be more willing to report vandalism and work with you to protect water infrastructure,” he said.
Usi also addressed concerns about customer service, particularly regarding water disconnections. He urged LWB officials to handle such matters professionally and with empathy.
“When people have their water disconnected, what hurts them most is not just the disconnection but what is said to them. The approach matters. Let’s ensure that we educate people on the importance of paying their bills rather than just punishing them,” he advised.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability in public service. He warned against shielding underperforming or corrupt officials, stating that political connections should not protect anyone from consequences.
Usi commended the LWB for its initiatives in financial stability, renewable energy, and increased water supply coverage, urging the board to maintain its high standards.
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, highlighted LWB’s transformation into a modern and customer-focused institution, attributing its success to strategic thinking, innovation, and dedication.
“One of the most exciting milestones under the Reforms Programme is the Bottled Water Plant project. This initiative is a game-changer for the LWB, enhancing financial sustainability while ensuring high-quality drinking water,” she noted.
She also praised the board’s digital innovations, including a call center, a customer mobile app, and an automated sales system, all of which have improved service efficiency and revenue collection.
LWB CEO, Sili Mbewe, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to service excellence, financial sustainability, and innovation, emphasizing its remarkable progress under the ongoing reforms.
“Our vision is to be a financially viable water and sanitation utility in Africa, and we are proud to say we are making significant strides. Since 2019, our goal has been to enhance customer satisfaction, and we have exceeded our initial target, achieving an 80% satisfaction rating,” Mbewe stated.
Mbewe highlighted LWB’s recognition at the regional and national levels, including being ranked the second-best water utility by the Eastern and Southern Africa Water Regulators Association and the best-performing MDA in Malawi for the 2022-2023 financial year.
“Our water supply coverage now reaches 95% of Lilongwe’s population, with over 142,200 meter connections as of December 2024. We are also expanding our sewer network, currently at 150 kilometers, to improve sanitation,” he noted.
The CEO also outlined key infrastructure developments, including the recent rehabilitation and expansion of the Kamuzu Dam, which has increased storage capacity by an additional 7 meters.
He said LWB is working hard to address the challenges of urbanization, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for water.
“With Lilongwe’s population growing each year, we are constantly adapting to meet the demand. Our focus is on expanding infrastructure, improving efficiency, and ensuring that every Malawian has access to clean and reliable water,” he said.
The Vice President’s visit reinforced the government’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and service excellence. With continued reforms and collaboration, the Lilongwe Water Board aims to set a benchmark for water service delivery, not just in Malawi but across Africa.
K12 million Thyolo Police rehabilitation to improve service delivery
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, February 11, Mana: Thyolo Police Station, Officer-in-Charge, Francis Chisoti, has expressed gratitude to Eastern Produce Malawi Limited (EPM) for providing K12 million that was used to rehabilitate office and construct new toilets to improve service delivery at the facility.
Chisoti told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday that it is important for Thyolo Police Station as the new toilets will improve sanitation and address some of the hardships suspects have been enduring.
“The rehabilitated offices provide a more conducive working environment for our officers, enhancing efficiency in service delivery,” he said.
The Officer in Charge therefore commended EPM for fulfilling its corporate social responsibility and urged other stakeholders to do the same.
Thyolo Police, Station Executive Forum, Chairperson, Darlington Kawawa, also hailed EPM for the support, expressing hope that the rehabilitated office and construction of new toilets will address long-standing challenges at the station.
“We are extremely grateful to EPM for the maintenance works and the construction of modern toilets and shower rooms for both officers and suspects,
“This intervention directly responds to our plea for support and will greatly improve sanitation at the station," he said.
Kawawa further appealed to other partners to extend similar support to police units in Masenjere, Ntambanyama, Makwasa, and Goliati, which are facing challenges.
