MANAonline
MEC orients media on electoral matters
By Tikondane Vega
Salima, October 14, Mana: Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization Baldwin Chiyamwaka has called on journalists in the country to continue writing human interest elections-related stories, saying this has the potential to inspire people as the country is heading towards 2025 General Elections.
Chiyamwaka said this on Monday in Salima during the electoral orientation of editors from the Ministry of Information and other media houses.
He said as Malawi is fast approaching the elections, the media need to concentrate on positives to create long-lasting memories for themselves and the public at large.
“As media, we need to know that fake news has been monetized hence such trainings by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) are made to equip journalists with relevant information for them to be ahead of everyone and report accurately as well as responsibly.
“When writing news, go beyond to analysis and give people gratification to learn. By bringing news to the community you are enhancing transparency and accountability for the elections,” said Chiyamwaka.
The PS then promised MEC that Malawi News Agency and all media houses would continue to work with the commission while maintaining integrity and avoiding spreading fake news.
MEC Chief Elections Officer, Andrew Mpesi reminded the media that electoral processes are only regarded as transparent, fair and credible when the media reports responsibly on the processes.
Mpesi then urged journalists to counteract fake news by telling stories and giving people a voice to promote inclusivity.
He said,” It is no secret that fake news, misinformation and disinformation undermine elections, so MEC recognizes media as an important tool that shapes people’s perceptions, this is the reason we are here interacting with media today.
“We will keep fostering good relationships with the media by giving relevant information to avoid spreading of fake news,” said Mpesi.
He urged the media to avoid biased reporting by observing and maintaining its operations values.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially launched the 2025 General Election on Friday, 2nd July 2024, at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
The event, which marked the beginning of the election cycle, was held under the theme: “Promoting Democratic Leadership Through Your Vote.”
Malawi General elections are due to be held in September 2025.
Machinga based journalists reach out to Nayuchi mothers as part of Mother’s Day celebrations
By Mike Nambwale
Machinga, October 13, Mana: Journalists from different media houses in Machinga on Sunday donated assorted items to mothers that gave birth at Nayuchi Health Centre in the district as part of this year’s Mother’s Day celebrations, which falls on October 15.
One of the journalists, Eamon Piringu of Zodiak Broadcasting Station, said they felt obliged to donate to the mothers to appreciate their role right from the beginning of human life.
“Many people think that we only write news stories. We felt that we need to celebrate with our mothers,” he said.
The journalists donated maize flour, cooking oils, salt, soya pieces, laundry soap, baby powder and mother's day wrappers, among others, to four women that delivered and one still expectant at Nayuchi Health Centre.
“We did this as part of social responsibility," Piringu said and appealed fellow media practitioners and other professionals to also reach out to mothers as they celebrate their day.
Journalists that contributed towards purchase of the items were from Malawi News Agency (MANA), Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), Nation Publications, Times, 101 Power and Mibawa.
Speaking on behalf of the mothers that received the gifts, Esnart Kachepa, thanked the team for the gesture, saying the items came at the right time when most of them failed to make ends meet.
“We are very thankful for the gifts and we will use them accordingly. The soap will be used to wash clothes and linen for our children," she said.
Nurse and Midwifery Officer at Nayuchi Health Centre, John Msiska, was thankful for the donation.
He said the items will help mothers in their day to day life as most households in Nayuchi, and other surrounding areas, have no food.
"Machinga is also affected by hunger such that the donated items will help them and their new babies," Msiska said.
Blantyre District Council launches construction of Kadidi Health Post
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, October 13, Mana: Blantyre District Council has launched construction of Kadidi Health Post at Mtema Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kapeni in the district.
Blantyre District Council Director of Health Services, Dr. Gift Kawalazira, expressed gratitude over the facility saying it will improve health delivery services in the area.
Health services at Mtema Village are currently being offered from rented premises due to lack of proper facilities with recommended standards and people in the area to walk about 11 kilometres in search of better health services.
“The new health post will improve health delivery as it will lessen the burden of preventable diseases. The facility will serve over 65, 000 people which means that Blantyre District Council is moving in line with Malawi 2063 development aspirations,” he said.
According to Blantyre District Council, construction of the facility will cost K700 million.
Kawalazira said in any process of sustainable human development, people's health must be the first priority hence the new facility.
Senior Chief Kapeni called on his subjects that stay closer to the project site, to safeguard construction materials.
He said theft of project material will not be tolerated as it is a major hindrance to development and compromises quality of infrastructure meant to serve people better.
“The new health post is strategic and a significant milestone in as far as provision of health services is concerned in this community. I would like to encourage communities to participate in supervising the project,” said Kapeni.
Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Elson Dumuka, said people in the area have been aspiring for a health post since 2011.
“The launch of this project has impressed me. As a council, we have finished our preparations and am happy to announce that the contractor will be on site soon to start construction,” he said.
Construction of Kadidi Health Post, which will be done through the World Bank funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project, is expected to be completed in six months.
Government warns against corruption in lean season food distribution
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, October 12, Mana: Government has warned that it will not tolerate corruption in the lean season food distribution across the country.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, made the remarks Saturday at Nsanje Prison ground where he held a rally.
He said food distribution is meant for people affected by hunger in the country, including Nsanje District, as such government will not entertain any corrupt practice in the course of the programme.
“Government is committed to provide food to the affected households in Lower Shire and Malawi as whole regardless of political affiliation," he said.
The minister, therefore, urged communities to report any suspected corrupt practice during the distribution exercise and on all other government social protection programmes.
According to Chimwendo Banda, close to 40,000 people will start receiving maize for four months from next week.
He assured people of Nsanje that government has put resources to transform people’s lives in the Lower Shire districts.
“We are constructing the railway line from Marka to Bangula. Soon, we will start construction of Gwanda Chakuamba Highway,” he disclosed.
Minister of Information and Digitilisation, Moses Kunkuyu, urged people in Nsanje to support the Chakwera led administration saying it has the welfare of people at heart.
Senior Chief Chimombo appealed to government to reduce maize price in ADMARC markets, saying a lot of people are failing to buy the commodity due to high prices.
Chimombo, however, hailed government for proving relief maize to households affected by hunger in the district.
Over 36,000 households are expected to receive one bag of 50 kilogram maize, per month for four months.
Chakwera attends service of worship at RFP
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, October 13, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera joined Sunday worship service at Raised for a Purpose Ministries (RFP), KCA Dawn Auditorium near Robbins Park in Blantyre.
Addressing the congregation, Chakwera called upon believers to put God in everything they engage themselves in.
“Many people are taking their lives. Some are blaming others for their bad choices. We should know that there is someone bigger than everyone. Thus God; Our God reigns,” he said.
In his short address, Chakwera acknowledged people that always pray for the country and the leaders for prosperity and good life.
“Prayers are instrumental for a productive nation. Malawians need to know that God exists and is within us,” he said.
RFP Ministries Founder and President, Pastor Audrey Mwasinga, said Christianity should be an agent of positive change and Christians should always strive to succeed wherever they reside.
“Always believe you can succeed whether in Malawi or elsewhere. Moving out of Malawi does not guarantee success. It is important to recognize you can prosper. Plant the seed of hope and change your mind,” he said.
Mwasinga explained that RFP exists to contribute to national development with a belief that government cannot work on its own without the church.
He called upon faith based groups to work hand in hand with government for prosperity of the nation.
“Much of our preaching aims to encourage congregants to meaningfully participate and contribute to the country in a Godly manner,” he said.
Mwasinga based his preaching on Fundamental Principles of Faith and encouraged congregants to be aware of various weapons and tribulations that come to shake one’s faith during their Christian journey.
President Chakwera arrived in Blantyre on Friday for a number of official engagements. Among others, he will launch the 2024/2025 Affordable Input Programme at Zalewa in Neno on Monday.
Chakwera also participated in the Presidential Charity Golf tournament at Limbe Country Club on Saturday.
China Company resumes distribution of satellite TV sets to communities in Mangochi
By Nephtali Kalumbi
Mangochi, October 12, Mana. China’s Star Times Group has resumed distribution and installation of television satellite dishes and decoders to public places and rural households in Mangochi, to provide access to local and international channels via satellite TV.
The initiative which is called Malawi-China Satellite Television Connection Project saw thousands of communities in Mangochi in 2018 receiving free solar-powered digital TV sets with decoders as well as projectors.
Speaking on Friday during an assessment exercise of communities to receive the sets, Starsat Sales Manager for Malawi, Precious Banda said they will resume installing dishes and decoders in 10 villages across Mangochi, as well as in public hospitals and schools to provide rural communities with easy access to information through starSat Satellite TV.
“As a Star Times Group, we are happy to resume the installation and distribution of satellite dishes as well as decoders to community members and public institutions in Mangochi.
‘‘Through the project, we believe that we will help to promote access to information to 20 households in 10 villages in Mangochi,” he said.
Banda added that once the installation of the gadgets is done, beneficiaries will be provided with a two months’ free subscription and after the grace period expires, they will start paying for the service.
In his remarks, Group Village head Makwinja of Traditional Authority, Chowe welcomed the development and expressed gratitude saying the project will help community members to watch TV programmes.
"Am delighted that the project has finally come back, I hope that this time around my subjects will be part of the beneficiaries. In the past, we were admiring other villages that benefited from the initiative,” said Makwinja.
Initially, the project was launched in August 2018 as part of China-Africa Cooperation initiative to provide satellite TV reception to 10, 000 African villages.
Presidential Charity Golf Tournament raises K609 Million
By Pempho NKhoma and Petro Mkandawire.
Blantyre, October 12, Mana: The 2024 Presidential Charity Golf Tournament which was held at Limbe Country Club on Saturday has raised K609 Million through sponsorship and donations, surpassing its target with K9 Million.
This was disclosed during the prize presentation ceremony where Malawi`s President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera was in attendance.
The Presidential Charity Golf Tournament which was held under the theme 'Swing to Serve' aimed at supporting over 500 needy students in public universities with tuition fees and help Cyclone Freddy Survivors.
Speaking during the prize presentation, President Chakwera applauded different sponsors for supporting the initiative saying it's good to help citizens who have lost everything through disasters and building careers of student who are struggling to complete their college education.
"Am grateful to all of us for taking action to support our fellow Malawians by exceeding a half billion. I believe that next year we are going to make history by breaking the one billion record which will contribute a lot to the country," said Chakwera.
Chakwera said had it not been for people of good will, he would not have gotten educated to tertiary level.
“I went to University of Malawi from a rural family that could not afford the cost of education. It was the provisions of the government and citizens of goodwill that supported our education from which I was able to build a career that I have today.
“Let us who have been able to build our career through others do the same. Let us support education of those children who are struggling,” he said.
Chairperson for Presidential Charity Golf Initiative, Vizenge Kumwenda stressed the need for the tournament in the country saying it shows commitment to fellow citizens and it's a key to life improvements.
"The funds that have been raised through this initiative will change many lives. The preparations started in September but we have managed to hit our target which means a lot to us.
"This year's tournament was a great success, we thank all the golfers and companies for contributing towards the good cause," said Kumwenda.
He therefore expressed gratitude to the President for allowing the tournament to be hosted in Blantyre, saying it has received an overwhelming response and assured the sponsors that the funds will be dispensed to the intended beneficiaries.
Some of the sponsors who supported the events included NBS Bank with k155 Million, Coca-cola Malawi with 40 Million, Reserve Bank of Malawi with 40 Million, Standard Bank, SeedCo, Salima sugar companies, ADMAC, Old Mutual and MRA among others.
Catholic Health Commission donates a vehicle to LLDC
By Martha Simchimba
Lilongwe; October 12, Mana: Catholic Health Commission (CHC) under Lilongwe Diocese has donated a vehicle worth K26 million to Lilongwe District Council to ease mobility towards the development of the district.
Receiving the vehicle on Friday, District Commissioner (DC) for Lilongwe Dr. Lawford Palani expressed his gratitude to CHC for the kind gesture saying the vehicle will go a long way in assisting the council to achieve its goals.
"We are thrilled that CHC has given the vehicle to the council after they have finished implementing their work in the district. This is what we want,” he said,
Palani has since asked other organization working in the district to emulate what CHC has done.
“As the council, we still have challenges with vehicles, and several sectors do not have vehicles to use for their day-to-day activities. So if we get such donations, it simplifies our work,” he said.
Palani then urged the officers to use the vehicle for the intended purpose and not abusing it for personal gains.
Director of Social Services at Lilongwe CHC Brian Odhiambo, said they are happy that they have successfully complemented government efforts of taking care children living with HIV and children born from parents living with HIV.
Odhiambo said through their project called Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) they have been able to provide good care, protection and ensure the well-being of the children by providing necessary supplements to the children.
“We have been encouraging parents and guardians whose children are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to continue taking care of their children by among over things sending them to school like any other children,” he said.
Principal Social Welfare Officer for Lilongwe Derick Mwenda expressed satisfaction with the project’s goals which he said will go a long way in saving many lives of the children living with HIV.
Mwenda then disclosed that government through Government Lead HIV Sensitive Child Protection Case Management will continue with the initiative so that children living with HIV should continue being taken care of.
Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) project was a 5-year project that was implemented with direct funding from PEPFAR through USAID.
The project started in August 2019 and ended in August 2024 and was being implemented in high HIV burden sites targeting 22 health facilities in 13 Traditional Authorities in Lilongwe.
The health facilities include Khongoni, St. Gabriel, Chileka, Nthondo, Chitedze, Likuni, Chinsapo, Malingunde, Mlale, Mitundu, Nathenje, Mtenthera, Nkhoma, Kang’oma, Kawale, Bwaila, Area 18, Dzenza, Area 25, Daeyang, Lilongwe Airbase and Lumbadzi.
MPUC sensitize stallholders on peace and unity committees in Blantyre City
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, October 12, Mana: Malawi Peace and Unity Commission (MPUC) on Friday, called for a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at Blantyre City Council, Civic Offices to explain its new initiative of introducing peace and unity committees in Blantyre City to act as mediators when disputes arise.
During the meeting, MPUC Commissioner, Zack Kawalala said the committee will play a crucial role in promoting peace and preventing hatred and discord within cities and other local authorities.
“The committee will help to settle disputes that emerge within the city and enhance information among stakeholders” he said.
Kawalala explained that the committee will not take over roles and responsibilities of Ministry of Justice but collaborate with the ministry to ensure peace and order in the country.
He emphasized the importance of speedy formulation of the committee considering increased violence that often arise during election time.
MPUC Coordinator, Dyton Kang’oma said the committee will focus on changing mindset by departing from traditional conflict resolution methods.
“This committee will act as a mediator and advocate for the Peace and Unity Act of 2022," he said, adding committee members shall be independent, non-partisan, and impartial in their duties.
He said the selection process will consider gender balance and a good representation of age groups.
Kang’oma said the committee will work for four years and will be appointed by the State President, adding the Public Appointment Committee of Parliament will also be involved.
“The committee will consist of 11 members, including two ex-officio members from faith-based organisations, two traditional leaders, two representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), one member from the business community, one person with disabilities (PWD), one youth representative, City Council’s Chief Executive Officer or District Commissioner, and the Officer-in-Charge of Police as ex-officio members," he said.
He added that the committee will be funded by the Malawi Government and Malawi Peace and Unity Commission.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), faith based representative, Davie Mapemba Phiri said MPUC will help to promote peace among Blantyre City residence as the country heads to election period and will also be instrumental during post-election period.
He said he believed the initiative will be a success as it will involve various stakeholders that are already engaged with their communities.
“The commission has taken faith leaders on board because we are closely connected to the community and witness many cases of violence. We are in a better position than the commission or government to address these issues," Phiri said.
Malawi Peace and Unity Commission was established under Peace and Unity Act, 2022 with the goal of achieving political prosperity and sustainable socio-economic development.
Poet in mental health awareness campaign
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, October 11, Mana: Based on a report that 246 men and 35 women have died of suicide, one artist, Maxwell Mnjemu, is using his poetry to spread messages of hope to encourage people not to give up on life.
Mnjemu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Lino Security Services, told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that he wrote a poem to address mental health disorder.
Through his poem, Mnjemu hopes to reach those struggling with mental health issues, reminding them that life is worthy living no matter how difficult it may be.
“I wrote this poem to let people know that even in their darkest times, there is hope, I want people to realize that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how tough life might be,” he said.
In addition to poetry, Mnjemu develops messages on posters and stickers carrying the same message of hope.
Executive Director of the Mental Health Users and Carers Association (MeHUCA), Memory Bismarck commended Mnjemu’s efforts stressing the importance of using artistic platforms to raise mental health awareness.
“Poetry and other forms of art have a unique way of reaching people, while they are entertained, they also receive the message making it a very effective method of disseminating information about mental health,” she said.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme focuses on; mental health in the workplace,
Bismarck therefore emphasized that employers should priorities their employees’ mental well-being as stress and depression can severely impact productivity.
“Mental health must be taken seriously at work, many men don’t open up about their mental health issues, which leads to tragic consequences, that’s why we’re seeing more men taking their own lives,” she said.
Bismarck called on organizations to collaborate with MeHUCA to establish free, private counseling centers where individuals can seek help without fear of stigma.
Malawi joined the world to observe World Mental Day on October 10 under the theme: “It’s time to priorities mental health in the work place; health work force is the best workforce.
