MANAonline
Encourage Malawians to access NEEF loans-Usi
By George Mponda
Karonga, September 19, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi has asked community leaders to encourage Malawians to obtain loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) which they can use to economically empower themselves.
Usi was speaking in Karonga during a consultative meeting with the district's community leaders which was organized by NEEF.
"What NEEF is doing is like worshipping God through service to mankind because most Malawians who got loans have experienced major changes in their lives and looking at the desired future for our country, which is a self-reliant nation, leaders should take leading roles encouraging Malawians to apply and repay the loans," Usi said.
"For a long time, Malawi has been grappling with man-made challenges and politics have been derailing us instead of helping us thrive. We need to rise above petty politics and avoid entertaining mediocrity by getting loans from NEEF an organization which is very relevant to the development agenda of our country," he added.
The Vice President noted that there is misinformation about NEEF loans among Malawians and yet there are many positive stories from beneficiaries of the fund who utilized it well.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa said it is high time Malawians parted ways with the dependency syndrome to be self-reliant citizens.
"As chiefs, we have a role to play of ensuring the economic empowerment of Malawians by ensuring that more citizens have access to this revolving fund which was established by government and also help make sure people are repaying the loans which they took from NEEF,” Kyungu said.
"This country has been politically independent since 1964 therefore we should strive to make sure that we are also economically independent. On this same note, let me warn politicians against advising people not to repay the loans thinking this is a government gift because that’s being unpatriotic,” he added.
At the meeting, Head of Operations at NEEF Kisa Kalolokesya said since NEEF was established, as of September 2024, they have disbursed K132.7 billion in loans benefitting over 182, 000 people throughout Malawi.
"Out of that, 22 percent was disbursed in the Northern Region with Karonga benefiting K 4 billion. However, we have been facing challenges in terms of late loan disbursements which we have since improved and now it takes not more than 30 days unless there are cash challenges,” said Kalolokesya.
He also bemoaned the tendency of some Malawians who continue to default loans thinking they are gifts from the government.
One of the beneficiaries of the NEEF loans from Karonga Maggie Kamchacha who is a farmer said she has been benefitting from the loans for a long time.
"This has increased my farm operations and as a woman my life has greatly been transformed. My advice to those who access the loans is to repay on time so that others should also tap into this life-changing money bag," said Kamchacha.
After meeting with Karonga leaders, Vice President Usi also visited Hara Irrigation Scheme where he inspected rice paddies and Hara Irrigation Scheme Cooperative's Rice Milling Factory.
All set for Southern Region Socials
BY Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, September 19, Mana: Nyasa Music Group in collaboration with Milly Entertainment has teamed up to host South African-based artist PCEE on September 28 at Malawi University of Business Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Ground in Blantyre under the theme: ‘Socialization for enhanced students’ holistic development.’
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Coordinator of the event, Holy Khobwe said the event aims to ensure social connection among university students as most of them think that they are rivals in nature and due to the delinked of universities the event brings mindset change by making them feel a sense of unity.
“The event will provide an opportunity for students from different universities like MUBAS, UNIMA, KUHES among other colleges to interact directly and share school survival tips, ideas and how to thrive by sharing resources.
“The show is relevant to the country at large as a source of entertainment by allowing different outsiders to learn to live as one. People should expect the best entertainment as this is just the beginning,” said Khobwe.
He added that they have involved international artists like PCEE to offer a lens by which entertainment lovers can view the world, interpret the experience of human beings in music and reach people who may not have been exposed to their work before.
PCEE is a well-known international artist with popular release tracks like Zotata, Kilimanjaro, Ngenze Ngama, Mama, among other songs and is expected to land in the country before the event together with Malawian-born South African record producer and singer, Gemin Major.
Some of the local artists who will spice up the stage include Namadingo, Zeze Kingston, Fada Moti, Kineo & Aidfest, Trappy Beats, Coodboy Cravity, Jay Zuli and Quotient alongside DJ Hype and DJ Flame on the deck.
One of the Amapiano artists who will perform on the day, Fada Moti said fans should expect a lot of energy from him, saying the hype of the audience will build up and determine a lot of morale, fireworks and energetic performances.
“Students, as well as people from all corners of Malawi, should make sure they attend the event as they will not go back the same due to well-cooked music which will relieve their stress making them have an amused life time,” said Moti.
In his remarks, UNIMA student, Charles Gwedeza, who is also a music top fan expressed gratitude with the international artist, citing that PCEE and Gemin Major music present emerging trends and thoughts through their vocal options which lead to mindset change.
“It’s time to experience the power and presence of outside country music, I am expecting the event to be far-reaching, inspired as their goal is to boost mindset change connection among students,” he said.
Stakeholders agree to protect Zomba and Malosa forest reserves
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, September 19, Mana: Different stakeholders in Zomba have agreed to take a decisive step towards protecting Zomba and Malosa forest reserves which are under threat from encroachment.
The two forest reserves are being encroached as well as being attacked through charcoal production and illegal harvesting.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting held at Malosa in Zomba, Assistant Forestry Manager for the Eastern Region, Blandina Manda said the rate at which people are encroaching on the two forest reserves and illegally harvesting pine trees posed a big threat to the district and the country at large.
Manda said despite efforts by the forestry department, the problem continues to grow and getting out of hand.
“People no longer worry about the effects of depleting the two forest reserves. However, our concern is that, due to climate change, we might face another calamity like that of Mulanje,” she said.
Manda, therefore, appealed for concerted efforts to arrest the problem.
First Grade Magistrate for Domasi Court, Eric Mchosa promised to give stiffer punishment to charcoal producers and everyone involved in the illegal harvesting of the forestry products in the two reserves.
Mchosa said having given a fine to some offenders, the practice continues and change seems inevitable.
“I am concerned as well and let me promise that from now onwards, I will not give lenient punishment,” Mchosa said.
On his part, Senior Chief Malemia pledged to deal with chiefs who are allowing people to settle in illegal and reserved places.
He said he would use his authority to evict all those who are farming and settling in reserved places.
“It is about time that we protected the two forest reserves,” he added.
During the meeting, stakeholders agreed to also work with cooperatives managing the forest and collectively deal with charcoal producers, encroachers and illegal forest timber producers.
Money-Men Club to host feasts of Flavours Food Festival
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, September 19, Mana: Money-Men Club in Blantyre is set to welcome the Feasts of Flavours Food Festival, an exciting event designed to celebrate food, culture and community.
The festival is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2024.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Co-organizer, Wilbes Kalima, said the festival aims to provide a unique platform for local vendors and entrepreneurs while creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
“This festival will feature a variety of local and international cuisines, live cooking demonstrations and vendor exhibitions, we also have live music performances and activities for children, along with photo booths and themed entertainment,” he said.
Kalima added that the festival promises a full day of engaging activities and culinary experiences, saying attendees should look forward to exploring a rich array of food options, enjoying live performances and participating in family-friendly activities.
“The event is designed not only to entertain but also to support local businesses and celebrate Malawi’s cultural heritage, festival-goers will have the opportunity to interact with local vendors and learn more about their products.
“The festival’s layout will ensure easy access to various attractions with clear signposts and accessible facilities,” he said.
One of the performers, Oath Chimphambano will be performing an acoustic set during the event.
“I have been preparing a great line-up of songs with my guitarist, attendees can expect a fantastic performance that will match the vibrant atmosphere of the festival,” Chimphambano said.
Entry fees are set at K4 000 for adults, K2 000 for children while kids under the age of three will walk in freely.
All set for MISA Fundraising Fun Run
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, September 19, Mana: in a significant way to raise awareness for the coming General Elections, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has organised a fundraising Fun Run on September 23 in Lilongwe.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Chairperson for MISA Malawi Golden Matonga said the aim of having the Fun Run is to promote peaceful coexistence between people of different political backgrounds.
“The public should know that as much as we can have different political opinions we are all Malawians and elections should not divide us,” said Matonga.
He added that, as MISA Malawi they hope that the election will be conducted in a free and fair.
“This Fun Run will mark the launch of the Chapter’s activities on elections that is why we have opened it to all politicians, journalists, communications and public relations practitioners, electoral stakeholders and ordinary citizens/voters so that we can come together and work for better elections,” he said.
Matonga further added that, MISA Malawi is currently constructing a training centre and through the Fun Run they want to raise funds to go towards the completion of the centre.
“We aim to raise K30 million so that it can help us to complete the training centre at Mtolankhani House in Lilongwe,” he stated.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba who is scheduled to be part of the event said, the Fun Run is important as it will help to disseminate information about the general election to the politicians and all citizens of the country.
“As we know media is the fourth arm of government and it plays a vital role in giving information, so coming in of this event it will help us as politicians from different parties to come together to ensure that the elections should be free and fair,” said Gumba.
The fun run will be held under the theme “Support media freedom: Claim your right to free speech and make the 2025 Elections free, fair and citizen-centred.
Umunthu drills Officers on Disaster Stores Management
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, September 19, Mana: Umunthu Plus, a non-governmental organization has conducted training on Strengthening the capacity of council officers and other stakeholders on store management of relief items, in preparation for emergency disasters in Nkhotakota District.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency on Wednesday after a three-day session, Umunthu Plus Organization Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Lumbani Mvula explained that they aim to impart skills and knowledge to officers at the district level so that they should be aware and know how to handle items properly when disaster strikes.
Mvula added that they will also conduct the same training in Nkhatabay and Karonga and have mainly targeted front-line officers from the secretariat council.
He said this has been done because they are the ones who are greatly involved in handling stores and distribution of items when an emergency comes.
“These officers at the council are more like the first responders to disaster scenarios and as such it is of utmost importance that they have proper technical knowledge of important aspects of stores and items management for smooth operations of relief materials,” said Mvula.
District Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Nkhotakota district George Zibophe said such training is important and is coming at the right time hence it is important to have members well equipped for smooth responses.
Umunthu Plus conducted the training with financial and technical support from the World Food Programme.
Feeding programme keeps learners in school
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, September 19, Mana: Quality Assurance Officer for Chankhanga Education Zone in Kasungu District, Kelvin Chima says school feeding programmes are crucial in ensuring high school enrollment and class attendance in the face of food insecurity amongst some households in rural communities.
Chima said this on Wednesday when Mary's Meals launched a school feeding programme at Kadula Primary School in the area of Senior Chief Mwase in Kasungu.
"I am glad that the feeding programme in Chankhanga Zone has been extended to Kadula and four other primary schools. This initiative is vital to schools like this one in that, some of the learners here come from poor families that cannot provide food for their children.
"We are aware that most learners prefer going far away schools that have feeding programme leaving behind schools that are close to them but do not have the programme," Chima said.
He appealed to the community members in the area to show ownership of the initiative by taking good care of the stuff that Mary's Meals brought and participating in the programme activities.
Group Village Head Chinkhobwe expressed excitement with the commencement of the programme at the school, describing it as a step towards achieving good education outcomes on the part of learners.
"We have been looking for a programme like this one at our school. We expect learners to perform to their best now that they will no longer complain about being hungry while in class," he said.
School Feeding Manager for Mary's Meals (Malawi), Jacob Khumalo said his organization is expanding the programme by adopting more schools to reach out to more learners.
"Currently in Malawi, we are reaching out to over 1 million learners but our aim for the expansion is to reach out to 1.4 million.
"In Kasungu we had 16 schools but now we have added six more. We aim to end hunger and promote education, especially in lower classes in primary schools," Khumalo said.
The school feeding programme by Mary's Meals in Malawi started in 2002 with 200 learners.
Minister impressed with progress of Lilongwe-Salima Water Project
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, September 19, Mana: Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia, on Wednesday, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far on Salima-Lilongwe Water project.
Mia made the remarks after touring Khato Civils Water Treatment Plant in Lifuwu in Salima, along with the project sites, to inspect and appreciate the commencement and progress of the project.
She said the project has started on a high note and soon, the public will witness significant progress.
Mia however acknowledged that the project has faced challenges, particularly supply chain disruptions that contributed to the delays over the years.
"The project will improve water supply to the people of Salima, Dowa and Lilongwe. It is a huge milestone in solving water challenges." She said.
Mia pointed out that fast tracking the project will ensure that beneficiaries should start enjoying the fruits of the project without further delays.
Chief Executive Officer for Salima-Lilongwe Water Project Valentine Kaupa echoed Mia sentiments saying the project is making headway because all the machinery needed for the smooth execution is on site.
"Specialized machinery designed specifically for the water project is being used this shows our commitment to the level of precision and innovation being employed to ensure efficient delivery of the work," he said.
Member of Parliament for Salima Central Constituency, Gerald Kapiseni Phiri said he is happy that the project has commenced, saying it has a huge economic impact on local communities.
"The start of this project will bring various employment opportunities to the people, and I urge Khato Civils to prioritize hiring locals to ensure they are among the first to benefit from this development," Phiri said.
The project is being implemented by Khato Civils and has been pegged at over 500 billion Malawi Kwacha (USD 315,000,000).
30 percent of the amount will be funded by the government of Malawi and 70 percent by private institutions.
MV Chambo to resume services on Lake Malawi
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, September 19, Mana: Public Relations Officer for Ministry of Transport Watson Maingo says MV Chambo will soon resume its services on Lake Malawi.
In an interview Wednesday, Maingo said MV Chambo which is a Mozambican registered vessel is expected to resume its services on September 26, 2024, to reduce water transport challenges being encountered on the Lake.
"The resumption of this service will ease passenger congestion on the Likoma Island - Nkhata Bay stretch. Malawi stand to benefit as most of the traffic is from the Malawi side but we do not have enough fleet to service the traffic," said Maingo.
He said MV Chambo used to provide passenger service sailing on the lake but stopped in 2019 due to Covid 19 when the country borders were closed adding that since its launch in 2013, the vessel was being operated by Malawi Shipping Company.
Area Development Committee Chairperson for Likoma North, Frank Mkali said the coming in of MV Chambo will be a relief to the passengers as it will reduce congestion and other problems being faced on the lake.
“It is pathetic that other people are unable to walk properly because they were injured in the process of boarding the ship due to congestion and others have been losing their goods,” said Mkali.
He added that some people have been rejecting offers to work in Likoma due to the challenges encountered on the water, the situation he said has been affecting the workforce on the island.
Recently there have been an outcry from various stakeholders asking government to intervene by adding additional vessels on Lake Malawi hence reducing water transport challenges.
Mchinji gears up for continuous public works programme
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, September 19, Mana: As the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) transitions into a continuous mode of implementation, participants have geared up for the implementation by doing community contribution activities.
Initially, CSEPWP was implemented in a partially planned three cycles of 24 days with breaks in between but now councils will continuously implement four phases of 30 days adding to 120 days.
A visit to some of the 25 catchments in the district, on Wednesday, revealed that participants have done community contribution activities which is a requirement in the programme before they work on the 30 paid days.
According to the designated Desk Officer for Katchato Catchment, Kephas Chakhumbula, people were enthusiastic to do the self-development works for free before starting paid activities under the programme.
“There are several activities under community contribution like road maintenance and rehabilitation and tree nursery establishment that they are doing here,” said Chakhumbula.
As part of community contribution, the participants can do road maintenance and rehabilitation, establish nurseries for tree or vetiver grass, and also make manure.
Mchinji CSEPWP Desk Officer Rhoda Njikho said CSEPWP has progressed well in the district with the catchments’ community contribution works being implemented.
“The participants worked for 10 days as community contribution and this will be preceded by paid 30 days.
“Participants will prioritise on construction of soil, water harvesting structures and tree planting during the continuous implementation of CSEPWP,” Njikho said.
CSEPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP Tidzidalire) a government programme implemented through NLGFC and supported by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
