MANAonline
World Vision Malawi calls for youth economic empowerment
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 8, Mana: Programme Manager for World Vision in Dowa and Kasungu, Arnold Tsalayekha has called for investment into the youth to realize Malawi's 2063 agenda of youth economic empowerment.
He made the remarks on Monday at Lipili in Traditional Authority Kayembe in Dowa, when World Vision Malawi handed over 45 sewing machines to youth who underwent a six-month training in tailoring, and 15 other machines to be used for training of other youth at Lipili.
He said one of the solutions to empower the youth in line with the Malawi 2064 agenda is to equip them with vocational skills for self-sustaining economic endeavors.
"If you look at the MW2063 agenda, the youths are supposed to be very productive and have a responsibility of contributing to the economic development of this country. But they need help.
"So by strengthening their different skills, we are not only empowering their productivity on an individual level but also on how they can partake in the national development and realization of our goals," he said.
Apart from tailoring skills, World Vision has also supported and trained other youths in motorcycle repair, welding, and fabrication.
The donation is worth MK22 million.
Currently, World Vision has partnered with the Technical, Entrepreneurial, Vocational, and Education Training Authority to continue training the youth as the organization plans to leave the area after 18 years of the programme’s intervention at Lipili, with support from World Vision New Zealand.
"As we are leaving, we leave an empowered community that is very productive, has a vision for their future, and a community that will be able to sustain the interventions in place.
"And even when other organizations come to this area to work, I think they will find it easy because they will find a community that is already prepared for development," he said.
19-year-old Winnie Custom of Yohane village in an interview said the donation will boost her vision of economic independence.
"We used to rent sewing machines which we were using, and that was expensive. But with my machine, I will be able to improve on my income generation, which I can use in taking care of myself, my parents, and help realise my dream of owning my shop," she said.
She then urged other young girls not to look down upon themselves but strive to achieve their dreams saying anything is possible with determination.
Another beneficiary, George Junior Banda of Lipili village thanked World Vision Malawi for the donation saying this will help the youth become better versions of themselves, rather than spending time engaging in self-destructive behaviors.
"In the future, I would also like to train other youths so that they can also be self-reliant," he said.
Friday Kalonga, Chairperson of Kayembe Area Development Committee in his remarks said they will make sure the donation is put to its intended purposes by making sure the beneficiaries sign a Memorandum of Understanding and that they abide by it.
SULOM waits for report on Bullets and MAFCO game.
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: Super League of Malawi (SULOM) says they are waiting for a report from the officials who officiated the football match in the TNM Super League between FCB Nyasa Bullets and MAFCO FC that played on Saturday 6 October 2024 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Deputy Secretary for SULOM Donex Chilunga said what happened at the stadium during the game between FCB Nyasa Bullets and MAFCO was out of football.
“We have seen a clip circulating on social media about what happened in the game and we are shocked by the scenario. This is unprofessional as far as football is concerned. This should not happen in our football, especially in our super league,” he said.
Chilunga therefore said that they are waiting for a report from those who officiated the football match for them to take further action.
“We are going to investigate on what happened but based on what we have seen in the video clip on social media, it is a thing which is not supposed to happen in our football. It is very shameful in our football as we are trying to rebrand, reform and revive. So we are going to sit down and discuss the issue after receiving the report,” said Chilunga.
In a separate interview, Chris Kalichero from Referee Association of Malawi said they are also waiting for a report from match assessor so that they can have a picture on what happened in the match.
“Referee works with match assessor therefore as of now I cannot say anything. Let me consult match assessor,” he said.
Kimu Kamau, sports analyst said what happened is bad for our football and that MAFCO should apologize to Football Association of Malawi and to Bullets.
“We need an apology from MAFCO. Three players for Mafco: Vitumbiko Phiri, Blessings Chandiyang’ana and Francis Black who were involved in this malpractice should receive punishment because what they have done is contrary to football,” he said.
Kamau advised that SULOM should act fast and make its decision to fine the three MAFCO players.
MAFCO Football club on its page through Captain Paul Ndhlovu has apologized to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Wongani Lungu for what happened in the match.
On the day, the match ended 1-0 in favor of Bullets as Maxwell Gasten Phodo scored in the 15 minutes of the first half.
Unleash Hack Malawi trains young innovators
By Joseph Mtendere Ligowe
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: The Unleash Hack Malawi over the weekend conducted a two-day hackathon at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), which was aimed at providing young Malawians with the knowledge to create innovative solutions through mentorship that can bring impactful changes within their society.
Speaking during the activity, the team leader for Unleash Hack Malawi, Joe Nkhula said that the youths are the solutions to the problems we are facing as a nation hence they need to be equipped with knowledge that will positively impact their community.
“We want youths to take charge of their community by identifying a problem in their community and be able to find a solution on how they can solve that problem for themselves. So we are part of it because if the solution needs money we can help them find the donor provided they can provide proof that they can do it,” said Nkhula.
One of the participants, a second-year student from MUBAS Eneless Martias said that the hackathon has been fruitful for her as a young star.
“This workshop has been an eye opener because we have realized that we as youths have the power to come up with the solutions to the problems that our communities are facing and also help in reducing the unemployment rate,” she said.
Unleash Hacks is a global initiative that aims at providing local talents with tools, knowledge, and support to address sustainability challenges in their society.
MPC Assures Malawians of Secure Service Delivery
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, October 7, Mana: In preparation for World Post Day, Malawi Postal Corporations (MPC) has affirmed its dedication to serving Malawians with integrity.
During a media tour organized ahead of World Post Day, which is celebrated annually on October 9th, MPC's International Mail Processing Manager for Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), Enala Jumpha, emphasized the importance of security in their operations.
"All mail and parcels that we receive and send here are scanned to ensure there are no illegal items, so you can see that security is a priority at MPC. We urge Malawians to trust us as they do business with us," said Jumpha.
She also mentioned that to embrace digitalization, the corporation has implemented an IPS system to scan all incoming and outgoing mail, thereby speeding up the tracking process for international mail.
"Currently, the only challenge we have is that we rely on one airline to ship our mail. Previously, we had South African Airways, which played a vital role in transporting our mail. But due to COVID-19, we switched to using Ethiopian Airlines (ET) for our business; however, the demand is there," elaborated Jumpha.
On Wednesday, Malawi Posts Corporation (MPC) will join the global postal community in celebrating 150 years of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) global postal service leadership.
Since its establishment in 2000, MPC, along with 191 other UPU members, has benefited from the union’s leadership in overcoming disasters and adapting to rapid technological changes, ensuring the best service provision to everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Chiradzulu District Council elects new council chairperson
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, October 07, Mana: Chiradzulu District Council on Monday elected Patrick Chimtengo from Chikowa Ward in Chiradzulu South Constituency as council chairperson, while Nelson Mwandama from Mombezi Ward in Chiradzulu West Constituency was elected Vice Chairperson.
Chintengo won the chairperson role with eight votes, defeating Chikondi Nkula of Ntayamwana Ward in Chiradzulu North Constituency, who garnered six votes out of 14 cast. In the vice-chair election, Mwandama secured nine votes against Douglas Mkweza of Mwanje Ward in Chiradzulu East, who received five.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) following his victory, Chimtengo pledged to strengthen collaboration between the council secretariate, local chiefs and elected council members to ensure efficient execution of development projects.
Chimtengo also acknowledged the challenges in local revenue generation, noting that inadequate sanitary infrastructure in key markets has hindered the council’s ability to maximize revenue collection.
“Before I was elected as chairperson, I served as chairperson for the Finance and Audit Service Committee, so I’m well aware of the council's financial challenges and we have already laid out measures to boost our revenue base.
“For example, we have constructed toilets and sheds in markets, we are just waiting to hand them over to the people so that they could start utilizing them. We are also taxing Kabanza operators and contractors,” Chimtengo said.
Chimtengo, however, called on councillors, members of Parliament, traditional leaders and the council secretariat to work together to enhance service delivery and improve the district's performance in the Local Authority Performance Assessment, saying this will guarantee additional grants for developmental projects.
On his part, Mwandama echoed Chimtengo’s sentiments, vowing to collaborate with the council leadership and secretariat to ensure quality service delivery for the benefit of the people of Chiradzulu.
“I will work tirelessly within the confines of the law to help in developing the district,” he said.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere congratulated the new leadership and assured them of the council’s support.
Youths key to Malawi’s environmental sustainability
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: Malawi's young people have been urged to take an active role in environmental conservation efforts to help achieve the country’s sustainability goals.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday, Chief Executive Officer for the Centre for Youths and Environment, Calvin Mataya said that the energy and potential of young people make them ideal for spearheading environmental activities such as cleaning cities, places they stay and tree planting.
“Youths are the ones that are still energetic. Even though older people can do some environmental activities, youths can do that work much better. They can involve themselves in cleaning our cities, planting trees and a lot to do with the environment for a better Malawi. We must invest in our youth and provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to lead environmental initiatives,” he said
In providing youths with necessary tools, Mataya said as the country there is a need to invest in young people because they influence their friends to do positive things in their communities.
“When youths are empowered, they can influence their peers and communities, creating a flow effect that can lead to significant positive change,” he added.
Environmental expert Mathews Malata also emphasized the importance of youth involvement, saying that Malawi is a country full of young people and there is a need to push them to act.
“Malawi is a country full of young people. Transformational leadership and development is when you can see how best to pass on knowledge from one generation to another, this is in the Malawi 2063 vision enabler 7, which emphasizes environmental sustainability,” he said.
Malata added that youths play a key role in driving innovation and change as they act as a bridge for knowledge transfer, innovative leaders and agents of change.
“We cannot win if we focus on the same people who brought us where we are now. We need to target young people, some of whom are in secondary schools and universities so that they can be at the center of our transformation,” he explained.
Eliza Mponya to perform at Blantyre Crusade
By petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, October 7, Mana: A renowned Blantyre-based award-winner gospel artist Eliza Mponya will on 12 October perform at a Blantyre Crusade at Mbayani Primary School ground under the invitation of Prophet Ezekiel and Ruth Angel.
Some artists to spice up the event include The Great Angels Choir, Neligo Women’s Choir, Francis Khembo and Cok Melodies whereby Prophet Daniel Moto and Pastor L Yadidi will grace the event.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Monday, Eliza Mponya said this Saturday’s crusade promises to be glorious as all church believers must repent and accept the mighty Lord as their savior.
“Let’s attend to renew our faith in God. The communities should come in large numbers to witness God's good gospel in consideration that my team is geared and well prepared for this crusade,” said Mponya.
According to one of the devoted worshippers Alick Lungu, Mbayani is one of the communities that hosts few gospel events, as such he expressed gratitude for the crusade.
“We have welcomed the crusade, we don’t take it for granted that the crusade will be hailed in our community,” said Lungu.
Christ our King Church event planner, Susan Mphatso Kumbambe said events like these provide an opportunity for people to follow God, improve their spirituality and be uplifted with the feel of the Holy Spirit.
“The crusade will be conducted under the theme of ‘Chipulumutso’ to win lost souls to Christ and make people understand the glory of God.
“I am urging people from different communities to come in large numbers to witness the flow of the Holy Spirit which will heal those who are sick, make people repent and relieve their problems to God,” said Kumbambe.
Christ our King Church is a deliverance and prophetic ministry founded by Prophet Ezekiel Angel in 2000 to spread the word of Jesus Christ.
Government Calls for Community Action in Maintaining Livelihoods through Clean Environments
By Sellah Chunda.
Lilongwe, October 07, Mana: The Government has called on citizens to take proactive steps in maintaining clean environments for improved livelihoods, as the country joins the global commemoration of World Habitat Day.
During a clean-up exercise at Chilima Mpunga ground in Mtandire, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Dr. Elizabeth Chindevu, emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in ensuring hygienic living conditions.
"As Malawians, we need to take care of our surroundings and communities because we are directly responsible for our livelihoods. Keeping our areas clean reduces the risk of diseases linked to poor sanitation," said Dr Chindevu.
The Ministry is aware of the challenges associated with waste management, as noted by Dr Chindevu, and is working with local councils to provide designated areas for waste collection and proper disposal.
Member of Parliament for the area, George Zulu, echoed this sentiment, expressing the community's readiness to keep the area clean but highlighting a shortage of cleaning materials. "We are committed to maintaining cleanliness, but we need support from city authorities, especially in providing adequate cleaning tools," Zulu stated.
Victor Mhango from Habitat for Humanity Malawi also weighed in, warning of the challenges ahead as the rainy season approaches.
"Malawi faces significant issues in cities and towns due to flooding and poor infrastructure. Blocked drainage systems during rain make maintaining hygiene even more difficult,” she said.
World Cities Day 2024 focuses on youth-led climate action, underscoring the role of young people in fostering sustainable urban living, enhancing sanitation, and addressing challenges for a livable future.
MACODA warns against mistreating persons with disabilities
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, October 7, Mana: The Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) has warned parents and guardians who have persons with disabilities not to prevent them from accessing schools, churches, and other public spaces saying this is against the law.
Speaking in Salima district when Action for Progress donated 24 tricycle wheelchairs to people with disabilities, Director General of MACODA, George Chiusiwa emphasized that it is against the Persons with Disability Act, to conceal or lock someone with a disability inside the house.
"The implications of hiding someone with a disability are very severe, especially to their rights and health. Persons with disabilities have the right to enjoy every right that everyone enjoys, it is a serious contradiction to the law," he said.
He said denying people with disabilities the enjoyment of their basic rights should be condemned and as MACODA they are continually raising awareness against such acts.
On the tricycle wheelchair donation, Chiusiwa said MACODA is legally obliged to ensure that persons with disabilities are enjoying their rights, especially the right to mobility, because for them to ensure that they access other amenities mobility is very important.
Chiusiwa said: "Assistive devices are very important to ease challenges that persons with disabilities face. Persons with disabilities must live an independent life, they must access education, health services and also participate in developmental activities in society”.
Chiusiwa further urged guardians and caretakers to ensure that the wheelchairs are maintained and repaired to serve longer periods.
On this point, he said persons with disabilities continue to face mobility challenges therefore assistance from different organizations is highly appreciated and he called for more support towards the donation of wheelchairs.
Administrative Officer at Action for Progress Grivin Kasalika, stated that the donation aims to alleviate mobility challenges being faced by persons with disabilities.
"We hope that the donation will assist these individuals to participate in community development, and for others, they will be going to school and become productive citizens, in the country, we will continue distributing the wheelchairs across the country," he said.
Chikondi Samson, a Form One student at Salima Secondary School, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting how it will assist him in his school activities.
"I was struggling to attend classes in the absence of a wheelchair, therefore this donation will go a long way to help me enjoy my right to education and access education without fail," he said.
Action for Progress has donated 120 wheelchairs in Salima and a total of 3,000 wheelchairs across the country, significantly impacting the lives of persons with disabilities.
Dedza women hail SCTP
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, October 7, Mana: Some beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), in Dedza district have hailed the intervention saying it has enabled them to move from poverty to better living conditions.
Speaking during a tour conducted to appreciate the progress of SCTP, beneficiaries in Chief Chilikumwendo said they have made strides since they started benefiting from the programme.
Edna Henderson from Mphizi Village said unlike in the past, her family can now breathe a sigh of relief as they can eat good food and that hunger is a thing of the past.
“From the money I received from the programme, I invested some through joining the Village Savings and Loans (VSL) group. With time, my money multiplied which saw us opening a grocery shop and venturing into the sale of farm produce mainly maize,” said Henderson.
She added that from the proceeds, her family has managed to purchase two pieces of land where they are doing their farming activities.
Another woman, Ida Moffat from Chimutu Village said the programme moved her family from a grass thatched house to a better house she constructed on top of having livestock.
“We have a cow, goats and local chickens. These are proceeds from the cash we received. My husband is a butcher man and all this is possible because we utilize the cash we received properly,” said Moffat.
Nyadei Julius, plying restaurant business at Kabwazi Trading Centre in the district said she started with tomato business and that she can support her children’s education.
“For example, when I put in K20,000 I would get K15,000 profit while during market days I can get up to K120,000 after investing K50,000. I can confidently say that I am better than before,” she said.
In his remarks, Emmanuel Khumba, Social Cash transfer officer at Dedza district Council who is also desk officer for the programme said several beneficiaries will be graduating from the initiative after achieving the intended purpose.
“The over-role objective of the programme is to get the vulnerable families out of poverty. We believe that by the end of four years, there will be a great change in their socioeconomic status. We thank the government through other initiatives that are being implemented by FARMSE and other partners who are championing the graduation models. We hope that by the end of 4 years, 1500 households will be officially assisted by government to get out of the programme,” he said.
19,555 household beneficiaries are on the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Dedza district.
The program is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) through the district council with funding from the Social Protection, Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.
