MANAonline
Museum department installs weather station at Chongoni Art Rock in Dedza
By Zenak Matekenya
Dedza, September 13, Mana: The Department of Museums and Monuments has installed a K1.5 million weather station at Chongoni Rock World Heritage Site in Dedza District to preserve rock paintings by Akafula and the Chewa people dating back to 10- 12 AD.
Speaking Thursday, during a day-long disaster risk management training at the site Director of Museums and Monuments Lovemore Mazibuko said historical paintings and writings are among the popular tourism attractions worldwide adding Chongoni has received visitors from different parts of the world.
“The weather station will help us to monitor climatic condition of this area because weather has a direct impact on rock. Too much heat can cause rock participles to wear off especially when the heat is superseded by cooling within a short time,” he said.
He said the launch of the weather station and the training were part of the project called Community Involvement in the Management of Chongoni Rock Art supported by UNESCO, which enlisted Chongoni Rock as a world heritage site in 2006.
He said his department and communities will leave no stone unturned to preserve the 127 painting sites in Dedza and surrounding areas using a plantation of 2650 trees around the rock painting sites as an example.
Group village headman Chakachadza from the area of Senior Chief Kachere said the training will motivate people to appreciate the value of the sites and strive to preserve them.
He said he would sensitize fellow chiefs and communities to the importance of the sites citing job creation and trade among other benefits.
Headteacher for Chilamba Primary School Makaka Crifford Nkhoma hailed the initiative saying it plays a vital role in preserving the history of Akafula and Chewa people.
Other threats to the art rocks include deforestation, graffiti, birds dropping, animal grazing and smoke from fires made by communities in the curves.
The training focused on disaster preparedness, response, impact, recovery and mitigation.
People urged to embrace and support persons with albinism and the elderly
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, September 12, MANA: The Department of Civic Education has challenged people to embrace the importance of promoting the well-being of persons with albinism and the elderly citing that they are entitled to the same human rights like everyone else.
Speaking on Thursday during a public engagement at Chipoka Trading Centre, Principal Civic Education Officer in the Department of Civic Education Chrispin Kalaya echoed that persons with albinism and the elderly receive different forms of abuse from relatives, friends and other people instead of being protected.
"We noted reports from the media that Salima is registering cases of abuse of persons with albinism and the elderly. We felt the need to come here to engage people so that we raise awareness for the people to understand that even when people grow older they are still entitled to the very same rights that everyone enjoys”, he said.
Kalaya emphasized that their department aims to raise awareness for people to realize the need to respect and appreciate the presence of persons with albinism and the elderly instead of abusing or ill-treating them.
"We would like people to realize that even when someone grows old or if they have any sort of disability, in this case albinism, we are still entitled to the very same rights that every person enjoys so there is nothing special about them they are human beings, they are there to enjoy the very same rights that everyone enjoys," he added.
Kalaya further explained that when people are empowered with useful information cases of abuse against people with albinism and the elderly will be put to stop and things will be smooth for them just like anyone.
He said: "We want to empower people with this information so that they should act responsibly against potential victims of abuses.
On his part, an elderly man, Joshua Mwenye from Chilambula village in the area of Senior Chief Kambalame, said it is unfortunate and very sad that the elderly are neglected and abandoned by their children and relatives.
"We face many problems from our children, they always say we should help ourselves as they can't help us. For this reason, we lack support as you know we grow weak each day we can't work as we used to but instead of our relatives of children to help us some of them abandon us." He said.
Mwenye said it is sad to hear your child or relative calling you a witch because such allegations lead to abuses of the elderly in many ways that affect their lives.
"When we are called witches, it affects us in many ways. If we were witches, could we have managed to raise them to the levels they are today? I feel sorry for the mindset that young people have towards the elderly or persons with albinism because we are people who need their assistance more but instead, they torture or abuse us." He cried.
The Department of Civic Education is running a series of awareness campaigns across the country to mitigate abuse perpetrated against persons with albinism and the elderly.
Mangochi DHO Registers 52 Cases of Measles
By Prisca Mashushu
Lilongwe, September 13, Mana: Mangochi district has reportedly registered 52 cases of measles in just two days after suspected cases tested positive for the disease.
The District Health Surveillance and Response Coordinator, Stanley Rashid, confirmed that the cases are primarily among people below 20 years of age.
Rashid told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday that interventions are yet to roll out to prevent further spread of the disease and isolate affected communities.
“We are planning to have campaigns, but as of now, we are still conducting active research and implementing measures on the ground. So far, new cases are 23 compared to yesterday, where 29 cases were recorded, making it 52 in total,” he said.
Rashid cited low vaccine coverage as a factor fueling the rise of measles in the district, especially due to limited access to medical interventions in rural communities.
He encouraged people to participate in vaccination campaigns and to isolate themselves from those affected by the disease in their communities.
The Executive Director of Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), George Jobe, attributed the rise in measles cases to vaccine hesitancy among some people.
“Misinformation and conspiracy theories that arose around the COVID-19 vaccines have negatively impacted the acceptance of vaccines, including routine vaccines for children in certain areas. This is unfortunate, as vaccines are meant to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles.
“There is a need to continue educating people on the importance of vaccines. Chiefs, religious leaders, and other local leaders must join these efforts,” Jobe explained.
However, Malawi recorded 173 measles cases in 2023. So far this year, only Mangochi has been affected by the disease.
Mangochi Village head electrocuted on ESCOM powerlines on failed theft
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, September 13, Mana. A village head in Mangochi, identified as Stand Ayami has died after being electrocuted as he attempted to steal from an Escom powerline at Chipunga Estate at Senior Traditional Authority Bwananyambi’s area.
Mangochi Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the death of Ayami who was Village head Assani who died while climbing a pole and cutting a stay wire at the estate.
Daudi said the deceased, who was a well-known tinsmith, left his house on the night of September 12, 2024, to an undisclosed destination but did not return till he was discovered dead.
“His body was discovered under an Escom power line at Chipunga Estate, with severe burns covering his body.
“Police, medical personnel, and Escom officials arrived at the scene where they found Assani dead. He held a hacksaw in his right hand with a piece of ESCOM wire and fragments of the hacksaw scattered around him,” she added.
Meanwhile, Police in the district warned the public against tampering with Escom property and urged the public to report anyone found stealing Escom property and related crimes.
Chitipa police take crime fight head-on
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, September 12, Mana: Chitipa Police Station has launched a community neighborhood watch programme to help fight crime in the district.
Speaking during the programme launch on Thursday in Chitipa, Chitipa District Commissioner, MacMillan Magomero hailed the station for launching the programme saying it will help enhance community safety by fostering a strong partnership between law enforcers and the residents.
Magomero said the neighborhood watch programme is vital as it empowers communities to take part in protecting their areas.
"The initiative is important as it empowers residents to take an active role in protecting their neighborhoods. We will be excited to see the positive and fruitful impact the initiative will bring after this launch," Magomero said.
The station’s officer-in-charge, Senior Superintendent Joshua Mazengera said communities needed to be vigilant in helping curb crime in the district.
"This programme aims at fostering a sense of collective responsibility among neighbor’s, promoting the safety and security of the entire community and as such being vigilant and supportive, participants can help deter criminal activity and enhance the neighborhood’s overall objective," Mazengera said.
He also said working together and being vigilant would help create a conducive business environment which would eventually help spur development in the district.
On his part, Senior Chief Mwabulambya said a strong partnership between the community and law enforcers is key to maintaining a safe and secure district.
He then appealed to the selected neighborhood members to work professionally and be exemplary.
The neighborhood watch programme is a community-driven programme where residents work together to monitor and report any suspicious activities to the police.
About 60 neighbourhood watch members were selected in 20 villages with each village contributing three neighbourhood representatives under the area of GVH Mkombanyama in Senior Chief Mwabulambya.
Thyolo consulted on regulations to operationalize Disaster Risk Management Act
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, September 13, Mana: As one way of enhancing disaster preparedness and response in Malawi, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) held a consultation meeting on Thursday with the Thyolo District Disaster Risk Management Committee (DRMC) to gather input for developing regulations to operationalize the Disaster Risk Management Act.
Chief Disaster Resilience Officer Samuel Gama said the consultation aimed to gather views and recommendations from stakeholders on what should be included in the regulations, as the government moves towards operationalizing the Act to strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms across the country.
"We are here to ensure that the voices of local stakeholders are heard and reflected in the regulations. Their insights will help us create robust guidelines that address the realities on the ground," he said.
Gama noted that DoDMA intends to develop regulations starting with establishing a Disaster Risk Management Trust Fund (DRMTF) to ensure timely and efficient disbursement of resources to victims during emergencies.
“We want to make sure that when disasters strike, funds are available and reach those in need without unnecessary delays,” he explained.
He also mentioned that the department aims to create a code of conduct for assisting actors involved in disaster response to ensure accountability and coordination.
“Having a clear code of conduct will streamline operations and ensure all actors work together effectively”, added Gama.
Furthermore, Gama said DoDMA is focusing on managing high-risk areas by developing guidelines to prevent disasters and reduce vulnerability, along with setting clear regulations for the implementation of relocation and resettlement programs to ensure the safety and well-being of communities at risk.
"The views from stakeholders will provide crucial guidance to the department in drafting these regulations. By incorporating local insights and expertise, we can develop regulations that are not only comprehensive but also practical and tailored to the needs of our communities," said Gama.
One of the committee members Gerald Zgambo described the engagement as crucial because it ensures that local realities are considered.
"We are the ones on the ground, dealing with disasters firsthand, and our input is essential for creating practical and effective regulations," said Zgambo.
Zgambo added that involving district councils and communities ensures that the regulations will not only be comprehensive but also practical and adaptable to the specific needs of each district.
"It is not just about creating regulations; it is about making sure those regulations are grounded in the experiences and needs of our communities”, he added.
CSPWP is oriented on Environmental and Social Safeguards
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, September 13, Mana: Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources for Thyolo District Council Mirriam Yona said orienting participants of the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) on Environmental and Social Safeguards needs to be taken seriously, as it is a crucial step towards having an effective and sustainable project.
Yona said this on Thursday on the sidelines of orientation meetings taking place across the 18 catchments where the programme is being implemented in the district.
"The safeguards are essential to ensuring that the projects are not only effective but also sustainable and respectful of the communities and environments in which they are implemented”, said Yona.
Yona noted that adherence to environmental and social safeguards helps prevent unintended harm to natural ecosystems and local communities.
"We are dealing with climate-smart initiatives that aim to address issues such as soil erosion, deforestation, and water conservation. Without proper knowledge and application of safeguards, these projects could inadvertently cause environmental degradation or disrupt community livelihoods.
"The orientation equips participants with the necessary tools to identify potential risks and implement measures to mitigate them," Yona said.
She stressed that integrating these safeguards is not just a compliance measure but a commitment to sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders.
Furthermore, Yona pointed out that understanding environmental and social safeguards fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility among participants.
"Our goal is to empower communities to take charge of their own development in a way that is environmentally conscious and socially inclusive. By orienting participants on these safeguards, we are ensuring that they are well-prepared to make decisions that protect the environment and respect the social fabric of the communities they serve.
"This not only enhances the effectiveness of the Climate Smart Public Works Programme but also promotes resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change”, she concluded.
The Chairperson for Namileme Catchment Dickson Manyenje described the orientation as important based on past experiences.
“Last cycle, we had instances where people incurred injuries, especially when making stone bunds because they were not adequately prepared or aware of the risks involved.
“This early orientation on environmental and social safeguards is not just about protecting our surroundings, but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of the people involved in these projects," said Manyenje.
He said that by equipping participants with the right knowledge and safety measures from the start, such incidents can be minimised and ensure a smoother, safer implementation of the projects.
He underscored that early education and awareness are key to empowering communities to carry out their work responsibly and safely, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.
The CSPWP is being implemented in 18 Catchments in the district with funding from the World Bank benefiting close to 20,000 households.
Stereotypes fuel suicide cases
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, September 12, Mana: Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGEN) has stated that the alarming suicide cases among men in Malawi are due to the stereotypes that the society holds towards men’s mental health.
Gender Rights Activist at MEGEN, Marcel Chisi said in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, that women have more suicidal thoughts. Still, the actual people who commit suicide are men simply because there are no spaces and avenues to express themselves in society.
“Women have more forums or platforms where they can communicate their problems. As a result, they seek honest opinions from others. On the other hand, men's forums are not useful as they do not offer meaningful alternatives. Additionally, men are not supportive to each other, which leads to more suicidal thoughts among men as many of them opt to suffer in silence rather than sharing their problems with others,” he disclosed.
Chisi added that MEGEN together with Malawi Human Rights Commission is taking various initiatives to ensure men feel heard to improve their mental health.
He further explained that MEGEN has sections in different communities that provide psychosocial support and mental health therapy to assist people struggling with mental health issues, through teaching young men and grown men to cope with various shocks that they are facing in life.
Bamusi Matiki from Mpemba in Traditional Authority Nsomba in Blantyre also pointed out that it is only women who are heard when they report any case of abuse and not men.
“We do not disclose our problems to our mates or report anything to the police because we see that we will not be helped in any form. We would rather go to bawo places or a bar to forget everything,” he said.
According to a report released by the Malawi Police Service recently, 246 men and 35 women have taken their own lives from January to June this year, marking male domestic abuse, financial hardships, broken relationships, and drug abuse as contributing factors to rising cases of suicide in the country.
NCD Alliance Urges Proactive Measures for Healthcare Access During Natural Disasters
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, September 11, Mana: The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance has called on stakeholders to take proactive steps in supporting people living with NCDs, particularly during natural disasters like floods and cyclones.
Speaking during a stakeholders' meeting on Wednesday at Edge Water Court in Lilongwe, NCD Alliance Chairperson, Moda Mwakasungura highlighted challenges faced by NCD patients during Cyclone Freddy in 2023.
“We observed during Cyclone Freddy that many of our clients, especially those living with NCDs, struggled to access care and medication. Our discussion now focuses on how we can ensure these individuals receive care if such calamities happen again,” Mwakasungura stated.
Mwakasungura also emphasized the importance of raising awareness on road safety, particularly for kabaza (motorcycle taxi) riders, as accidents have been on the rise.
“By working with the Riders for Health Association, we aim to intensify safety awareness among kabaza riders to reduce accidents,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dingani Mithi of the NCD Alliance advocated for healthier lifestyles to combat rising NCD cases.
“As the NCD Alliance, we are pushing for lifestyle changes that reduce risk factors like unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity. However, progress has been slow since the introduction of the National Alcohol Policy, with unregulated alcohol brewing still prevalent,” Mithi said.
Cyclone Freddy left many displaced in 2023, with people suffering from severe health conditions unable to access proper medical care, which led to complications.
Increase Fairtrade export producers, Ministry of Trade says
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, September 12, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry Principle Secretary, Christina Zakeyo has emphasized the importance of increasing Fairtrade Africa (FTA) producers in Malawi to promote industrialization and boost the country's economy.
She spoke on Thursday during Malawi's Fairtrade Day celebration at the Capital Hotel in Lilongwe.
Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is a non-governmental organization championing the voice of all FTA certified producers across the continent.
Zakeyo noted that, as one of the 33 African countries registered with Fairtrade Africa, Malawi stands to gain significantly in terms of economic development, particularly through increased foreign exchange earnings.
"Fairtrade Africa has been an invaluable partner in supporting our agricultural sector, ensuring that our farmers and workers receive fair treatment and fair prices for their produce.
"We need to have more registered companies with Fairtrade. I am confident that the recently certified producers, NASFAM for groundnuts and HIMACUL for macadamia, will further diversify our Fairtrade product portfolio and open new market opportunities for our farmers," Zakeyo said.
Fairtrade Africa's Head of Southern Africa Network, Zinhle Ndlovu, commended Malawi's progress with Fairtrade.
"Previously, Malawi had five producers under Fairtrade; now there are eight. This shows improvement and indicates there is potential for further growth. Malawi can achieve even more," Ndlovu observed.
Currently, Malawian Fairtrade producers are exporting products such as tea, macadamia, sugar, and peanuts.
