MANAonline
Vice President assures Chirimba residents of government support
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, September 5, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has assured Chirimba residents of government support, saying it is committed to make them independent and self-reliant.
Usi made the remarks on Friday when he visited Maela, Namatete and Chirimba Zambezi Ground under M’dala and Suya villages in the area.
Addressing people at Maela in M’dala Village, Usi disclosed that his initial plan was to visit older people from the area to assess how they are living.
“I visited some households to know how they are living but because of time I was told to meet them at one place,” he said.
He assured the community of maize availability, saying that ADMARC depots in the area will resume operating soon.
“Our ADMARC depots will be reopened and I will make sure that maize should be available,” he said.
In response to the issue of hunger that was raised during the meeting, Usi promised to provide foodstuff.
“Tomorrow I will send maize flour and fish to share with the people that are affected by hunger, we should be sharing the little that we have,” he added.
He said people will soon start receiving loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) adding he has invited officials from NEEF to examine the progress and that he will give updates after the meeting.
“Other areas have started receiving loans, I will meet with NEEF officials tomorrow and I will give you updates. As ward councilor, it is your responsibility to update people about the progress of some projects,” Usi added.
Councilor for Michiru Ward, Uche Yesaya urged the government to fast track the reopening of Maela ADMARC depot, saying it was helping people in the area, now they cannot afford to buy maize from vendors.
He said many people in the area are left out on the list of beneficiaries of NEEF loans because they are given a small number against a large population.
“Only a few people received the loans, talk to them to raise the number because those loans will help uplift people's lives,” he said.
Yesaya, therefore, thanked the Vice President for negotiating with Centenary Bank, which is willing to provide loans without collateral.
Speaking earlier, Village Head Mdala expressed gratitude, saying his subjects have been neglected for so long.
“I must thank you for visiting us, you were the first to visit when we were affected by Cyclone Freddy,” he said.
Group Village Head, Suya concurred with Mdala, saying some of his subjects are heavily affected by hunger.
“Although we are near to Chirimba Market where many people conduct businesses, people here are starving because they don't have capital,” he said.
After the meeting at Maela, Usi distributed wrappers (zitenje) to older women who were present.
The Vice President thereafter visited Suya Village in Namatete, Chirimba Township, where he promised development projects like construction of a hospital and some bridges.
Ntcheu owes NEEF over MK655 million in arrears
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, September 5, Mana: Clients of the National Economic Empowerment Fund Limited (NEEF) in Ntcheu owes the institution MK655 million in arrears.
NEEF Head of Operations Kisa Kalolokesya disclosed the development during a local leaders' consultative meeting on Thursday in the district.
He said the institution disbursed MK2.5 billion to 4,109 clients in the district but the collection rate is a challenge.
"The collection rate for the district is at 68 percent which is below the average. Over MK655 million is yet to be collected from the beneficiaries," he said.
Area of Senior Chiefs Njolomole and Ganya are the biggest debtors in the district.
On his part, Senior Chief Njolomole said he was disappointed with the development and has assured stakeholders that he will embark on an awareness campaign in his area on the importance of paying back the loans.
"This is a revolving fund and needs to be honoured," said Njolomole.
Chairperson for Ntcheu District Council, Councilor Flaness Kampeni commended the meeting which will make all the stakeholders move together in addressing the challenges.
She highlighted that NEEF loans are not gifts as such people should pay back.
UN Women and UNFP court journalists on sexual exploitation and abuse reporting
By Peter Magawa
Mzuzu, September 5, Mana: UNFP Gender and Gender Based Violence Specialist, Beatrice Kumwenda on Thursday said that media has the responsibility to advocate for policy changes in where there are gaps in protection of survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) during and after disasters.
Kumwenda was speaking in Mzuzu during a training which was co-organized by UN women and United Nations Population Fund for northern region journalists under Nyika Media Club on best practices in reporting SEA during disasters.
She said that there has a been a gap on how journalists conduct themselves and report during disasters hence the need for the scribers to be oriented on basic SEA reporting.
"Malawi has been hit by various disasters during which women and girls were more vulnerable to abuse than others due to increased inequalities which are aggravated by such situations.
“It is during this time that the media has a crucial role not only to report on general challenges being experienced by survivors but to also identify the inequalities and highlight to the public the gaps that need to be addressed to reduce such vices,” said Kumwenda.
Deputy General Secretary for Association for Women in Media (AWOME), Towera Katswiri highlighted the importance of responsible journalism especially when reporting on issues of SEA.
“We have to be writing stories that can change lives and help curb issues such as rape and defilement and sexual exploitation among others.
We must go beyond reporting just to inform but to make reports that will inspire others to take action against norms and practices that fuel victimization of women and girls,” Katswiri said.
Katswiri then commended UNFP and UN Women for the training saying that the media has a huge role during and after disasters but lack expertise on how to better report on the same.
The training session is part of UN Women's broader efforts to combat SEA and promoting a culture of accountability and respect for human rights.
MRA Liwonde collects MK2bn monthly tax revenues
By Arnold Namanja
Machinga, September 5, Mana: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Liwonde Customs and Excise Station has registered a record increase in monthly revenue collection from MK500 million to MK2 billion, authorities have confirmed.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on the sidelines of Southern region editors’ tour of Liwonde station, MRA Marketing and Communications Manager, Wilma Chalulu attributed the increase to revival of the railway line from Nacala to Nayuchi.
Chalulu said the station, which also houses the Authority's Flexible Anti-Smuggling Team (FAST) for the Eastern region, has successfully collected the revenue as a result of the revival of the railway line which has led to importation of various commodities such as fertilizer, coal, clinker, among others.
“This record increase in revenue collection can be connected to the revival of railway transport which has seen increased volumes of goods being cleared at Liwonde Rail Station resulting in more revenue," she said.
According to Chalulu, MRA has been clearing commodities such as fertilizer in quantity of 10, 000 metric tonnes (MT), 12, 000 MT of wheat, 20, 000 MT of clinker, 1.5 MT of coal to 3 million litres of fuel monthly.
“We have had around 300 containers cleared through our inland stations.,” the marketing communications manager said.
However, Chalulu decried increasing cases of smuggling, saying the malpractice leads to crippling of government’s obligation to provide social services to the citizenry.
She said the authority is in the process of enhancing surveillance to curb smuggling by constructing road blocks in hotspots, engaging drones, enhancing taxpayer education to boost voluntary tax compliance as well as introduction of tax stamps.
“We have deployed several strategies to deal with the problem of smuggling which deprives government of the much needed revenue. We very much rely on the communities through their leadership in fighting smuggling,” Chalulu added.
She observed that sometimes smugglers become hostile to law enforcers and warned them that the law will always take its due course in such situations.
“We've had several cases where some culprits have wanted to intimidate our offices, but we don't bow down to such threats because we are protected by law. Our law enforcement partners have also been very crucial in this regard,” Chalulu said.
In a separate interview, Head of News at Capital FM Malawi, Wezzie Nyirongo Chamanza expressed satisfaction with MRA’s efforts in revenue collection, noting that revenue collected from goods transported on railway give hope that Malawi’s economy can grow significantly.
“These success stories are worth reporting about because the country depends on taxes for government operations such as procurement of drugs in hospitals,” Chamanza said.
MRA has taken editors from the Southern region on a tour to some of its establishments to appreciate its operations.
On Wednesday, the editors were taken on a tour of Marka-Nyathando Border Post in Nsanje and MRA Zomba Domestic Taxes Office.
EAM engages journalists on matters of electoral governance
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, September 5, Mana: Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has asked Mchinji-based journalists to help them in sensitizing the public on electoral governance and anti-corruption.
Speaking during the media interaction that took place in the district where the association was introducing its project on Electoral Governance and Advocacy, the Programme Coordinator for EAM, Frazer Chikhase said media plays an important role in disseminating information, especially on the issues that affect the nation.
"The media play a bigger role. As we are getting closer to campaigns and elections, we need the media to disseminate as much information as possible so that people are well equipped with electoral knowledge and their rights," said Chikhase.
He said Malawi has new roles enacted in the electoral governance, hence people need to be educated and media is a perfect weapon to help spread the message.
Chikhase said the project will not only focus on electoral governance but will also include acquiring information from people on public service delivery and how they can overcome corruption.
Speaking on behalf of Mchinji journalists, Francis Zulu appreciated EAM for including media practitioners in the project and said Mchinji media team will work with the association accordingly.
"The media understands its role when it comes to communicating with the people, so EAM will be able to achieve the purpose of the project easily," said Zulu.
EAM is working on a project called "Churches United for Peace, Justice and Electoral Governance in Malawi" in three districts namely Mchinji, Karonga and Lilongwe.
The project has funding of 315, 000 Euros and will run for three years from November 2024 to October 2026.
Government starts revision of labour laws
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, September 5, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Chikondano Mussa says government is committed to provide decent working conditions among Malawians in line with international standards.
Mussa was speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday during the opening of a two-day labour laws consultative meeting which will among others look at the Labour Relations Act of 1996, the Employment Act of 2000 as well as the prohibition of hazardous work for children order of 2012.
She said it is high time Malawi reviewed its labour laws and several emerging issues need to be incorporated to enhance service delivery and respect human rights.
“We need laws that cater for emerging challenges and at the same time should promote decent and productive work. So, government believe the only way to do that is to solicit views from relevant stakeholders.
“At the end of the day, we need labor laws that align with the international conventions Malawi has signed to foster economic development,” said Mussa.
She mentioned that some of the laws currently under review have created gaps in the working environment, as they do not address the current conditions.
She added,” At the end of everything we believe Malawi can have labour laws that can shape the relationship between employers and workers.
On his part, Secretary General of Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), Madalisto Njolomole said over 50 percent of Malawians work in the informal sector hence reviewing laws is a welcome development that can create a conducive working environment.
Njolomole noted that previous reviews of similar laws failed to address major challenges and has since urged participants to take the matter seriously saying matters related to labour laws are dynamic and diverse.
“We commend the government that has considered to review some labour laws in the country. The review is overdue and need to be speed up if people are to enjoy themselves in their working places. Malawi needs to domesticate all international conventions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi's past President, Emmanuel Banda feels the review of the laws will enhance best workplace practices that would contribute positively to the development of Malawi.
Banda said such gatherings create a platform to get diverse views from relevant stakeholders that are interested in the welfare of both workers and employers.
“We need to properly look at the laws and make necessary changes where possible with a clear mind,” he said.
Mangochi Police Traffic Officer dies in a motor cycle collision
By Lyte ali
Mangochi, September 5, Mana: Police Traffic Officer, Sub Inspector Cliff Kokha who was stationed at Namwera Police Post in Mangochi died on Wednesday in a motorcycle collision at Sumaili village along Bakili Muluzi highway in the district.
Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the accident, saying that Kokha aged 45 who was riding a Yamaha DT motorcycle, registration number BR 4783 collided with another motorcycle, ridden by 51 years old Meja Majidu from Mkambiri village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi.
“The other cyclist (Majidu) was ridding unregistered Lifo motorcycle from Chiponde direction towards Namwera and reaching Sumaili village he swerved onto the other side of road to a void rumble surface. He suddenly re-entered the main road without signaling Kokha who was travelling the same direction behind him,” she said.
Daudi added that the impact of the collision left Kokha with severe head injuries and fractured nose while Majidu also sustained head injuries and multiple fractures on his right arm.
Both were rushed to Namwera Health Center and later referred to Mangochi District Hospital where Kokha was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to the police publicist.
Kokha came from Chonde village, Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo.
Karonga district council borrows a leaf from Tanzanian counterparts
By George Mponda
Karonga, September 5, Mana: Karonga District Council (KDC) have said their exchange visit to the United Republic of Tanzania where they engaged Kyela District Council officials will improve service delivery.
Acting District Commisioner (DC) for Karonga, Frank Mkandawire said this Wednesday at Kyela district in Tanzania at the end of the exchange visit.
According to Mkandawire, one of the objectives of the exchange visit was to learn how their Tanzanian counterparts have managed to develop their district.
"Our mandate as a district council is to represent people within our jurisdiction and provide for their well being. We have been facing challenges in some of our service provisions this is why we requested to visit Kyela inorder to gain knowledge which will help us fulfill our mandate to the people of Karonga.
"In Karonga, we have challenges in controlling animals in the central business district (CBD), sanitation, under collection and pilferage of local revenue and formulation of bylaws. But with the knowledge we have gained here, we will go back and re-strategise inorder to overcome these challenges," he added.
On his part, Kyela District Vice Chairperson Adam Kapeta said knowledge sharing among the two districts which are neighbours is benefitial for people in both countries.
Kapeta said; "Among other things, this trip will foster cooperation between Karonga and Kyela business communities mind you there are several bottlenecks experienced by business people from both sides.
It will also unlock opportunities for the betterment of our districts since we have shared ideas on what we are doing in terms of revenue mobilisation, service provision to the citizenry, disaster management and town planning in general."
At the end of the exchange visit, KDC officials gave gifts of Malawian made products to the officials from Kyela District Council.
The team which travelled from Karonga comprised of all ward councillors, Senior Chief Makwaboko, a representative of interest groups in the district and officials from the council secretariat.
Parties to consider women in positions
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, September 5, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged political parties to put women in senior political party positions if the country was to develop.
Civic Education Programme Officer for NICE Trust, Derex Souza made the views on Wesdnesday in Karonga during the opening ceremony of a three day “Campaign School Training” for women aspirants in Karonga.
“Women face so many barriers within political parties to attain a position and to be voted for during elections, this is why we thought of giving them capacity and skills to navigate through political scenarios during campaign and how to manage communication and public speaking,” he noted.
Souza observed that women are not given platforms in political parties which has resulted in more women standing as independent candidates in elections.
“The skills which they will acquire will make them have better chances to overcome the difficulties they find within the political parties,” he explained.
An Aspiring Councillor for Nkhwawa Ward, Tamala Mhango said that the training would help them to have confidence in themselves during the forthcoming elections.
“Male candidates have financial muscle while we female candidates lack financial support and this makes us to fail to campaign properly,” she said.
Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) District Elections Officer for Karonga, Elias Nyirenda said MEC works within the legal framework of the country’s constitution which promotes women participation and it has deliberate policies to ensure women participate in politics.
“Usually the commission will lower the nomination fees for women and youth so as to have as many women as possible to leverage the playing field,” he said.
The training is being co-implemented by Nation Intiative for Civic Education (NICE) and the Centre for Civil Society Strengthning (CCSS) under the project “Transformative Political Empowerment” with funding from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Gada farm increases productivity
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, September 5, Mana: Malawi Defence Force (MDF) run, Gada Mega Farm in Mchinji has put in measures to increase its productivity in the agricultural sector in a quest to contribute to national food security.
Speaking during a media tour on Wednesday, Captain, Andrew Kalulu who represented the Director of Agriculture Production under the MDF's Malawi National Service said the farm was committed to bringing in change in agricultural productivity and hopes to liberate the country from economic glitches that the country is facing at the moment.
“Due to climate change, the agriculture sector is facing a number of challenges which are also affecting the country’s economy. This is why the farm through irrigation schemes has managed to increase its productivity and hopes to contribute a lot to national food security and economic growth,” he said.
Kalulu appreciated Zambia National Service for rendering support and expertise to the farm saying through such assistance, the farm has been able to function and was being easily sustained.
Zambia’s National Service Irrigation Specialist, Lieutenant Colonel, Misasa Phiri said Gada Farm was one mega farm that has a great potential to achieve food security and economic growth.
“We are hoping that the two nations will be able to grow together in terms of the economy and food security. That is why as Zambia National Service, we are happy to render our technical expertise on irrigation water management and agronomy issues,” he added.
Gada Farm Officer In-Charge, Deborah Nkulama said the farm plans to expand its productivity by cultivating a diverse of crops on the farm as well as increase animal production.
“We plan to have more crops on the farm including wheat which we can export to other countries and we plan to introduce dairy animal production to expand our market,” she pointed out.
Gada Mega Farm is a farm under the Malawi National Service of the MDF with 1, 654 hectares of which 30 hectares have been used for wheat cultivation.
The farm has provided job opportunities to about 51 and hopes to help many more.
