By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, April 2, Mana: Blantyre District Council has disbursed K20 million to 48 women's village savings and loan (VSL) groups in Blantyre North Constituency to enable the groups boost their income generating activities.

The groups include Matondo, Tagwirizana, Kamphikamtama, Tikondane, Chilipa, Lirangwe, Tuyanjana, Gwirizano, Chitsanzo, and Zayahwe.

Speaking during the symbolic presentation of a cheque on Tuesday at Traditional Authority (TA) Lundu, Blantyre District Council Principal Gender and Development Officer, Stephano Joseph, disclosed that the K20 million is part of the K200 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) meant for the implementation of development projects in the constituency.

“This is a good development because the money has been injected directly to the groups to either venture into income-generating activities or top up their business ventures.

“This money will be operating as a revolving fund, and the council will be responsible to monitor utilization of the funds so that it benefits many communities in the constituency,” he said.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Blantyre North, Francis Phiso, said each group received different loan amounts ranging from K400,000 to K500,000 depending on their membership, existence and type of business ventures, among others.

“This is the first cohort in this constituency to benefit from this initiative, which is solely coming from the government coffers. Next set of groups will be considered in the coming financial year,” he said.

He advised the group members to invest the money for intended purpose to scale up their businesses.

Umodzi Group Secretary, Dyna Bright, hailed Blantyre District Council and their legislator, Phiso, for empowering women groups, observing that the initiative will encourage women, who are mostly vulnerable in the society, to actively engage in various income generating activities to sustain their livelihoods.

Bright, whose 16 member group received K500,000, pledged to use the money to boost their business of selling farm produce, saying the funds came at the right time when farmers were about to harvest their produce.

In 2024, a similar ceremony was held in Blantyre North East Constituency, where the council, through MP, Fidson Chisesere, handed over K9 million to women and youth groups in the constituency.

By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, April 2, Mana: Police in Thyolo have arrested a 28-year-old man for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl on March 31, 2025.

Thyolo Police Station Publicist, Rabecca Kashoti, confirmed the development and identified the suspect as Philip Lipulo.

"The girl was returning home from smallholder market in the company of her friends when she encountered three men, including the suspect. Lipulo allegedly dragged the girl into a nearby bush," Kashoti said.

She said after hearing her cry for help, the victim’s friends attempted to intervene but the suspect threatened to kill them.

"He then took the girl to a nearby house, tore her clothes, and sexually assaulted her before releasing her," said Kashoti.

The incident was reported to Thyolo Police Station where the victim was referred to Thyolo District Hospital for examination and treatment.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers later raided the suspect’s residence leading to his arrest.

Lipulo, who hails from Nansanya Village, Traditional Authority Nchiramwera in Thyolo, is currently in police custody and will appear in court soon to answer charges of defilement.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, April 2, Mana: Group Village Headman Galang'anga from Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe in Rumphi has urged the youth in his area to be disciplined in the way they carry themselves in order to earn people’s trust for leadership positions.

He made the remarks during a community engagement meeting at Mwazisi in the district.

The meeting was organized by Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLERC) under European Union (EU) funded Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy Project.

He said many youths in his area portray themselves as people without purpose in life which makes it difficult for people to trust them with leadership positions in spite of their abilities.

He, therefore, urged them to utilize the project and prove to take up leadership roles.

"The youth are obviously more exposed than the elderly in a number of areas. A number of them have attained some level of education and can easily understand complex issues such as climate change hence making a difference in their communities.

"However, to achieve leadership roles there is need for discipline so that people in their communities trust them," said Galang'anda.

He called on the youths to prove themselves worthy of political and other leadership positions so that the elderly can take a backseat and let them lead. 

He also encouraged women and persons with disabilities in his area to compete for local and parliamentary positions in the September 16 general elections and take a lead in developing their communities.

Youthful aspirant for Hewe-Bembe Ward, Absalom Demwera, said he is ready to take up the position of councilor and urged chiefs and community members to support him.

A female aspirant for Hewe-Bembe Ward, Annie Chipofya, said is ready to lead in developing her area having served in various areas including area development committee (ADC) which has improved her understanding of development processes.

The project, among others, promotes importance of electing women, youths and persons with disabilities, inclusion and addressing violence against women during elections.

By Mercy Botha

Mzimba, 1 April, Mana: Social Welfare Officer for Mzimba, Bernard Nangwale, has applauded Foundation for Children’s Rights (FCR) for its interventions in child protection in Traditional Authority (TA) Kampingo Sibande in the district.

Nangwale was speaking Tuesday during a meeting to mark the end of an Addressing Sex and Gender Based Violence (GBV) Through Social Analysis and Action project which FCR was implementing.

He said, through the project, the organization managed to withdraw seven children from marriages and sent them back to school.

“The project’s focus on economic empowerment through village savings and loan groups has also been particularly effective in reducing vulnerability to GBV. We are grateful for this and we are looking forward to working with FCR again,” said Nangwale.

FCR Project Manager, Chimwemwe Singini, said the project focused on promoting children’s access to education, healthcare and protection from harm.

He said the organization worked closely with the communities, traditional leaders and health workers to ensure that children’s rights are respected and protected.

“We are proud of the progress made in combating sex and GBV in Mzimba. Our project has not only raised awareness about the issue but also provided community members with the skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to GBV,” he said.

Singini assured the council that the gains made will be sustained through community engagement and support.

“Our project will be sustained through various community structures like Kampingo Sibande Women’s forum, community gender technical working groups and traditional leaders.

“We have also given them the manual which will guide them to ensure sustainability of the initiative.” he said.

The project was funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, April 1, Mana: Motorhino Electric Motorcycles Malawi has donated 10 Kenyan Top Bar Beehives valued at K1 million, which the company pledged during the K20 million 2024 Misuku Motorhino Eco Rally competition in Chitipa District in 2024.

The organization’s country director, Barros Atupele Mweso said his company is proud to take the first step in supporting the conservation of Misuku Hills Forest by donating the beehives.

Mweso said this on Tuesday in Chitipa after delivering the beehives to the district council.

“This initiative aligns with our commitment to protect the forest while empowering local communities through sustainable economic activities. Beekeeping not only contributes to forest conservation by encouraging tree preservation but also provides a valuable source of income for the community through honey production,” he explained.

He said they will soon donate an additional 10 beehives, adding that the organization remains dedicated to implement more impactful projects that will ensure long-term protection of Misuku Hills while fostering economic resilience for the people.

Chitipa District Forest Officer, Daniel Mbeu, thanked Motorhino for the donation, saying as a district, they work with communities in the development of forest-based enterprises, and beekeeping is one of them.

“The donation will encourage more community members to venture into beekeeping. The communities will be benefiting from the forest through beekeeping, and eventually this will lead to forest conservation since they will be the direct beneficiaries of the beekeeping enterprise,” Mbeu said.

He further said the beehives will help the community through income generation and poverty reduction.

“We are going to form a cooperative for women, youths and other vulnerable people to start a beekeeping business. When the cooperative sells its honey, they can save their money in village savings loans groups,” he said.

Motorhino Electric Motorcycles Malawi are the sponsors of the K20 million Misuku Motorhino Eco Rally competition, which is part of the district council's reform agenda, and is meant to contribute to the realization of the Malawi 2063 agenda.

By Josephine Chipofya

Lilongwe, April 1, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry has emphasized the significance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) regulations in attracting investment and fostering industrialization.

Secretary for Trade and Industry Christina Zakeyo said developing regulations for SEZs is crucial in attracting investments and promoting economic growth.

She made the remarks in Lilongwe during the validation meeting of Special Economic Zones regulations attended by consultants and developers.

“The SEZs regulations will provide a clear and transparent framework for the establishment and operation of the SEZs, ensuring alignment with our national development goals under Malawi 2063 and the draft industry policy,” she said.

She further said SEZs will facilitate job creation, foreign investment flows, export growth and economic diversification.

In her remarks, Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office, Mickelle Hughes, said the success of SEZs depends on dedicated and specifically calibrated policy, legal frameworks and an effective implementation framework.

“With the enactment of the Special Economic Zones Act (2024), Malawi is well positioned to leverage SEZs as a catalyst for industrialization, economic diversification and regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“However, for SEZs to deliver their intended impact, clear and actionable policies and regulations are essential,” she said.

The Special Economic Zones Act assented in January 2024 and came into force in March 2024 to allow the provision of more liberal economic laws.

SEZs' aims include increasing trade balance, employment, increasing investment, job creation and effective administration

By Maston Kaiya

Ntcheu, 1 April, Mana: Government has set 30th June, 2025, as a deadline for Ntcheu Stadium to commence some of its operations.

Deputy Minister of Local Government and National Unity, Joyce Chitsulo, made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit to Ntcheu district council to appreciate some of the projects that are being undertaken in the district.

She said it is unfortunate that the project has stalled for three years now.

"At 95 percent completion, it should not be too much work to be done by the end of June 2025," said Chitsulo and added that it is President Chakwera’s wish to have Ntcheu Stadium operational.

Finance Service Committee Chairperson, Councilor Jumbe Mambo, said once opened, the stadium is more likely to boost revenue for the council.

Ntcheu District Sports Officer, Mathero Kambalame Sitima, said the facility will not only promote football in the district but also other sports disciplines.

"Besides football, there are so many sporting activities that the stadium will promote, such as netball, volleyball, among others," said Sitima.

Sitima said the delay in completing the stadium is forcing sporting activities to be conducted using school grounds, which sometimes would end up in a clash with school activities.

The stadium project, which is worth K4.6 billion, has various key elements such as the VVIP building, VIP covered stands, general uncovered stands, football pitch and running track, security metal fence around the football pitch, a screen wall perimeter fence and entrance gates, four ticketing offices and four ablution blocks.

The deputy minister also visited Gomani Chikuse Community Day Secondary School, which was constructed under the Constituency Development Fund and the District Development Fund.

By George Mponda

Karonga, April 1, Mana: Floods have affected 1017 households in Karonga forcing 161 from Senior Chief Kilupula's area to seek refuge in makeshift camps.

According to Disaster Risk Management Officer for Karonga District Council, Humphrey Magalasi, from 25th up to 30th March 2025, the district has been receiving heavy rains which led to the flooding of Kyungu River, North Rukuru River, Wovwe River, Songwe River and other small streams.

"So far from the preliminary report produced, 1017 households have been affected, and out of this, 161 households from Senior Chief Kilupula's area are in camps. Three people have been reported dead, one male after being hit by lightning and two children who drowned in the Kyungu River," said Magalasi.

"The affected Traditional Authorities are Mwakaboko, Kilupula, Kyungu, Mwilangombe and Wasambo, and we have established three camps all in Senior Chief Kilupula's area, namely Chimalabanthu Village Camp, Chakwera Village Camp, Yalero Village Camp," he added.

According to Magalasi, the affected population requires relief support such as shelter, blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, kitchen utensils and clothes.

"The devastating floods in Karonga have rendered some areas inaccessible, causing delays in report submissions for the affected regions. Inadequate resources for assessment and verification are also hindering efforts, while the continued heavy rains threaten to increase flooding incidents," he added.

On his part, Village Headman Chimalabanthu said people in camps require food and shelter.

"At the moment, women and men are putting up in the same room, which is not ideal. We need toilets, tents as well as food, because since they came here, they have only eaten once, and we would like government to assist quickly," said Chimalabanthu.

By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, April 1, Mana: Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities (HRWGD), says limited knowledge of the law and its implementation leaves women and girls with disabilities vulnerable to violence.

Stella Nkhonya, Executive Director for the organization, made the remarks on Monday in Dedza at a two-day trainer of trainers Pamodzi Kuthetsa Nkhanza (NPK) Consortium advocacy workshop, which is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the UK government.

Nkhonya said that although the law mandates inclusivity, participants reported facing barriers, including access to quality education, denial of employment and social protection benefits.

“Enlightenment on key legal provisions that protect the rights of women and girls with disabilities is crucial, for this helps us to advocate for our rights.

“From here we are expected to go back and promote awareness among fellow women and girls with disability for action,” said Nkhonya.

A member of Network for Girls and Women with Disabilities in Malawi, Scoder Louis said the workshop empowered participants to hold duty bearers accountable.

She said it is important for women and girls with disabilities to continue advocating for the implementation of the Persons with Disability Act.

“The Act is protecting us. The skills acquired here will help us to effectively advocate for its full implementation to realize our rights,” she said.

The workshop attracted at least 30 participants from across the country.

PKN Consortium comprises of Women’s Legal Resources Centre, Girls Empowerment Network, and Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities.

It aims to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities in the country through the identification of key areas of the Disability Act that require advancement to ensure effective implementation.