MANAonline
SOFF to continue supporting needy students
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, August 31, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has appreciated all donor partners who are supporting Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) in Malawi.
The First Lady made the remarks Friday during the Presidential Together for Tomorrow Appreciation Dinner at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
She said they thought it wise to organise the dinner as a way of celebrating the financial and material support which SOFF has been receiving from different organisations to enable them assist needy girls and boys in schools.
“Since 2020, SOFF has reached out to over 2,744 girls and boys in various primary, secondary and tertiary, supporting them with fees and various other educational needs.
“As SOFF we appreciate the support we receive from our partners which has helped us to improve livelihoods of needy children for them to have access to education,” she said
Madame Chakwera, therefore, urged all donor partners to continue working with SOFF so that they reach to as many vulnerable children’s possible in the country.
Director of Programs for Plan Malawi, Janet Chidothi, applauded SOFF for its efforts to improving education by supporting needy girls and boys in Malawi.
“As an organisations that advances children rights and equality of education for girls, we are committed to work with SOFF to ensure that children have access to education from primary, secondary and tertiary levels,” said Chidothi.
One of the beneficiaries, Winnie Kiombo, said SOFF has helped her acquire education as she has been selected to the university.
SOFF aims to promote the holistic development of rural girls and street children through education in Malawi.
Malawi in need of assistive devices for athletes
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Malawi Paralympic Committee (MPC) said it requires assistive technology to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in the Paralympics.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, President of the committee, James Chiutsi cited that prices of mobility devices such as wheelchairs are costly such that most persons with physical disabilities feel they cannot participate in sports, as they cannot afford them.
“We do not have a partner presently who can take up these expenses. At times we have failed to access simple walking sticks and when it comes to prosthesis equipment it is tough for us to purchase them,” Chiutsi stated.
He added that those who render support usually priorities persons with disabilities who already rely on assistive devices for their livelihood.
At the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games held from August 28 to September 8, Malawi is represented by visually impaired athletes.
“For visually impaired athletes at least they just need glasses and eye ointment among others which is not that costly as compared to other assistive equipment,” Chiutsi added.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have joined forces to highlight transformative impact of assistive technology on sports during the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
This initiative will be carried out under ‘Equipped for Equity’ campaign, emphasizing crucial role of assistive technology for Paralympic athletes to advocate for concerted global action to improve access to these essential health products.
In a joint statement released on August 28, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the role that assistive equipment plays in aiding Paralympic athletes.
“Around the world, many people still do not have access to crucial assistive technology, due to its high cost and low availability. We call on governments, donors, and civil society to prioritize these neglected but critical products, by integrating them in primary care programmes as part of their journey towards universal health coverage,” Ghebreyesus said in the statement.
Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, noted, "The Paralympic Games are one of the few global events that place persons with disabilities at the forefront, showcasing how assistive technology enables athletes to compete at the highest level. These technologies allow them to redefine what is possible in sports and inspire millions around the world.”
Locally, MPC has been working on a project known as Para-sport Against Stigma where they provide assistive technology such as eyeglasses and hand devices among others.
WHO estimates that access to assistive technology remains severely limited in many parts of the world, with more than 2.5 billion people in need of assistive technology across the world.
Illegal fuel and cannabis traders busted in Kawale
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe,30 June, Mana: Kawale Police have arrested six suspects and seized 350 liters of fuel in a targeted operation aimed at combating illegal petroleum and cannabis trade.
Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri revealed that the operation, conducted on August 30, 2024, was prompted by intelligence reports from construction companies regarding fuel theft and illegal sales.
Three suspects; Charles Pearson (35), Felix Kapito (24), and Winfred Njirayafa (35), will face charges of selling petroleum without a license. Meanwhile, Samuel Chikoja (44), Bashir Chalizeni (24), and Wezzie Mumba (24) have been charged with possession of cannabis sativa without a license.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court on September 2, 2024, pending completion of paperwork.
"This operation demonstrates our commitment to combating illicit trade and ensuring public safety,” Said Phiri.
MACRA launches Campus Radio project
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, August 30, Mana: The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched Campus Radio project highlighting that it will enable more local content and provide hands on experience to students.
Speaking during the launch at ShareWorld University Lilongwe Campus on Friday, MACRA Director General, Daudi Suleman underscored that the idea is to ensure that more local content is generated in the country and that many communities have access to content related to their environment and localities.
“Our expectations are that we should have more vibrant communities that are well-informed, aware of things happening within their localities. Most importantly, we can build more business linkages within under-served communities that will surround these campus radio stations,” Suleman stated.
Council Chairperson for ShareWorld University, Dr. Jerry Jana said this innovative initiative by MACRA marks a significant milestone in enhancing practical training for radio content production in Malawi for students.
“This project will help enhance the caliber of mass communication professionals we produce as we continue to offer quality education here at ShareWorld Open University,” said Jana.
The project is being established by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) in educational institutions of higher learning to enhance practical training for radio content production and the use of digital multimedia platforms in Malawi.
Malawi coach Patrick Mabedi names Flames squad
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Flames head coach, Patrick Mabedi on Friday named 28 players, a squad for 2026 African Cup of Nation (A FCON) qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso on September 5 and 10.
Innocent Nyasulu, George Chikooka, Brighton Munthali, Mark Lameck, Nickson Mwase, Maxwell Papillon, Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya, Nickson Nyasulu, Precious Sambani, Denis Chembezi, Llyod Aaron, Wongani Lungu, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Chimwemwe Idana, Uchizi Vunga, Patrick Macheso, Chikondi Kamanga, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Patrick Mwaungulu, John Banda, Yamikani Chester, Robert Saizi, Zeliat Nkhoma, Gaddie Chirwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga and Chifundo Mphasi are the players ready for the AFCOM 2026
Speaking during the briefing at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Mabedi said he believes in his competitive squad, which will make a significant impact on the continental stage of the 2026 AFCON qualifiers and urged football lovers to accept his decision as he has brought a winning squad.
“Let us all believe in the squad, I am assuring football lovers that these players will succeed and play according to my system,” said Mabedi.
He added that as a team they need to do things without other international players like Gabadinho Mhango citing that as a coach he focuses on players that will fit in his system.
In separate interview with sports expert, Frank Kandu said the squad lacks depth but there isn't much that the coach can do, adding that it lacks real hitman and stickers considering that every team needs goals.
“Every team needs goals and more goals but the squad have few strikers. There no real hitman there. Let's wait and see if the one entrusted will deliver on the match day", said Kandu, adding that the team needs a player like Gaba's calibre.
He said it was unfortunate that the coach did not pick him, adding Gaba is not too old to play.
President Chakwera says the appointment of SCs are not political
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, 30 August, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has said the conferment of Senior Counsel (SC) to Eight Justices of Appeal is not a political appointment and that he would never entertain the practice of giving positions as a political favour.
Dr Chakwera made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday, when he conferred the SC title to the newly appointed ones.
The eight Justices of Appeal who have received the honours of Senior Counsel are Justice Healey Potani, Justice John Nelson Katsala, Justice Ivy Chatha Kamanga, Justice Mankhambira Charles Ching’anyi Mkandawire, Justice Dingiswayo Madise, Justice Dolothy Nyakaunda Kamanga, Justice Silvester Augustino Kalembera and Justice Rowland Mvundula.
Speaking at Kamuzu palace, President Chakwera said, the appointment of those conferred followed all the recommended processes.
“I must therefore make it clear that any practice from the past that gave the title Senior Counsel as a political favour ends with me. For this is not a political appointment, but a fulfilment of what the law requires of the Honours Committee when it comes to those who have accomplishments and credentials in the legal profession,” he said.
“Today, we are designating senior counsel members of the legal profession who have been recommended to me by the honours committee chaired by the Chief Justice. I must therefore make it clear that any practice from the past that gave the title of SC as a political favour ends with me,” he added.
The President therefore, congratulated the SCs for the achievement and expected them to be impartial and objective.
Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo highlighted how crucial it is to recognize the efforts, integrity and abilities of the conferred Justices of appeal in the legal affairs of the country.
In an interview, Justice Ivy Chatha Kamanga said she feels honoured and privileged for the recognition.
She said the honour is giving them responsibility to deliver to the expectations of all the Malawians.
Dedza women embrace Digital Financing Services
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, August 30, Mana: Women who ply various small-scale businesses and those in Village Savings and Loans (VSLs), in Dedza district, have hailed awareness raising campaign being conducted by AC Consulting in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Malawi and the Ministry of Finance on Digital Financial Services (DFS).
The campaign which is being done with support from the African Development Bank (ADB) seeks to educate the communities on the need to embrace digital financial transactions through banks and mobile money companies describing them as safe and secure.
One of the women, Labina Samuel a tailor from Mthandizi area under Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachere in the district stated that she embraces the initiative as it simplifies her financial transactions.
Samuel said: “When I am doing my business, I recommend mobile money transactions because it simplifies my work. Customers do send exact money as agreed and I do not have to go about looking for change hence it saves my time.”
Another woman, Linda Chinyanga, from Katsekaminga under T/A Kamenyagwaza who sells bread and other food items said DFS is fast, easy and secure.
“I know more about Airtel money and Mpamba transactions. Some of the challenges experienced are network hitches. These affect our businesses sometimes particularly when we are receiving money from customers,” she stated.
On the other hand, a VSL member, Tereza Fountain from Mkwinda Village under T/A Chilikumwendo expressed satisfaction with the messages on DFS especially on mobile banking.
She said like many other community members, she could not fully understand the technologies and that there was a need for continued efforts in disseminating messages on DFS so that many communities understand the need to embrace the initiative.
On his part, Traditional Authority Chauma applauded government for enabling the initiative to happen and reach out to the communities with the DFS messages while appealing for continued updates on the same and also accommodating the less privileged like the elderly and those with disabilities.
Speaking in a separate interview one of the facilitators under AC Consulting, Margret Luis Mbwana said they are in Dedza for a month reaching out to people in markets, VSLs and Area Development Committees (ADCs) with DFS messages.
“The government realizes that VSLs, women and all those doing small-scale businesses are the ones that contribute to the development of the country. This is why we are encouraging them to know about mobile banking, TNM Mudziwathu, Mpamba ndikankhe, Airtel Kutchova and other services.
We are imparting them with messages on how they can transfer cash in their mobile phones without traveling long distances to the banks. We all need to embrace DFS because the government uses more resources in issuing paper monies,” she said.
Jetu finds love
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: It was all fun for Jetu (Christina Kholiyo) fans Thursday night when she participated in a Blind Date Show in search of love.
The 40-minute show was hosted by Kelvin Ngumuya popularly known as Jaa Kev of Madness Entertainment.
The show brought together seven eligible bachelors from across Malawi who were hoping to win the heart of Malawi’s Amapiano Queen.
Dressed in a white suit with rose flower patches on her jacket designed by award-winning fashion designer, Xandria, Jetu looked gorgeous; her killer outfit was complemented by Oxford shoes, a wig, and her signature white sunglasses.
The eligible bachelors were between the ages of 25 and 50, but they were all not fazed by Jetu’s age which is 71.
The men carried balloons and when Jetu was not pleased with some of the qualities of the men, she popped the balloon signifying that they stood no chance to win her over.
In the final round of the show, Jetu picked one luck one, 55 year old Ian Chitsekula and the decision to continue dating after the show is up to them.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Assistant Manager at Madness Entertainment, Review Wasema said some participants have found love through the show and they have no hand in what happens after the show.
“We sponsor the show, for instance, Jetu’s show cost us about K1 million and because people subscribe to watch the show we give the participants a share of the proceeds,” he stated.
The show is being accessed through Ulinzinga platform at a fee of K1,000.
Jetus’s fans supported her quest for a lover through her Facebook page such that Evans Namasiku wrote: “This is beautiful, big up to everyone taking part in our Jetu's life transformation,”.
Jetu is currently one of the biggest artists in Malawi, her songs “Simunatchene and “Chakwaza” have 779,000, and 2.4 million YouTube views respectively.
Silver Strikers drop points in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, August 30, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Football Club have dropped two points after playing to a one-all draw against relegation-threatened Chitipa United at Karonga Stadium Thursday.
Silver who are yet to taste defeat this season were stunned by Ramadan Ntafu's penalty 26 minutes after their defender Nickson Mwase handled the ball in the 18-yard box.
Immediately after Ntafu converted his penalty into a score, the Bankers’ Coach, Peter Mponda made two changes bringing in Charles Chipala and Gift Chunga whilst Zebron Kalima and Chinsisi Maonga were rested and the first half ended 1-0.
In the second half, Charles Chipala headed home a throw-in by McDonald Lameck at 51 minutes to level the scores and they held each other until the referee blew his whistle ending the game at 1-1.
Rajab Nyirenda of Chitipa United was voted Man of the Match at the end of the game.
In post-match interviews, Silver Strikers Coach, Peter Mponda hailed his boys for maintaining their unbeaten run in the league this season.
"Although we planned to collect all three points, we have salvaged a point which will still help us in our quest to win the league this season. Chitipa scored from a penalty and after that, they did nothing much, all the same, this result is not bad for us,"Mponda said.
On his part, Head Coach for Chitipa United Christopher Nyambose promised the team’s fans that the team will not be relegated this season.
"If our team is relegated then we will kill football in Chitipa so our plan in the second round is to collect points which will ensure our survival in the league,"Nyambose said.
At the moment, Silver Strikers are leading the league with 44 points from 18 games followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who have collected 38 points from 19 games.
Chitseka, a teen launches Jimbo Mart
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Blantyre-based teen, Prince Chitseka has launched Jimbo Mart, a company that connects sellers and buyers across the country to transact electronically in what is termed, e-commerce.
18-year-old, Chitseka who is the founder of Jimbo Mart told Malawi News Agency that he decided to establish the company after observing a gap in e-commerce.
He said a lot of businesses in Malawi fail to increase their visibility and market reach, adding that the gap prevents business people from selling their products.
“Jimbo Mart provides a platform where sellers can create an online store for their products and be able to reach a wider market and at the same time buyers can browse through different products, enabling them to purchase these products anywhere,” said Chitseka.
To prevent online fraud, he explained that every seller on the platform undergoes a verification process before uploading their products to ensure that the uploaded products are real and available in stock.
“The company has an additional security measure (escrow) which allows a buyer to make payment on the platform and the company holds the payment until the seller completely delivers the purchased product to a customer,” Chitseka added.
Commenting on the innovation, Blantyre-based business expert, Hope Jabes hailed Chitseka for being innovative saying this is the right innovation in the right direction in this modern digital era.
“We are living in a digital world where we cannot run away from the use of technology. Providing such business platforms means buyers can access a variety of products they want everywhere, every time,” he said.
Jabes said Chitseka’s marketing innovation adds more value to modernization which is in line with the Malawi 2063 agenda, adding that a cross section of Malawians including young men need to play significant roles to achieve the goal.
“We need to learn the good impact of modernized technology which can increase economic growth, business market and national development,” he added.
Chitseka launched Jimbo Mart this year and offers free services to its customers until the end of the year.
The e-commerce company currently has registered 150 sellers and about 200 buyers have created accounts with the company.
Chitseka is currently doing an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management at the International College of Business and Management.
