By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, August 1, Mana: First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera has challenged women in the country to take advantage of the available water bodies and land to make their homes food secure.

Chakwera said it is unacceptable to have perennial food insecurity when the country has abundant fresh water in lakes and rivers and plenty of fertile land.

She was speaking Wednesday during the opening of the 2024 National Women's Ministries Convention for Assemblies of God at Kamuzu Academy in Kasungu.

"As women, we must be the backbone of our country, leading it with light.

"No woman must be hungry in this country. We must not lack anything. We are blessed with fresh water and good soils but we always face hunger. We must ask God to open our eyes," Chakwera said.

The First Lady also asked the women to use the convention to learn new things that would help change their lives and families for the better.

"This convention should teach us new things which we can practice when we go back home and improve our living.

"You must also take time to read the Malawi 2063 so that you can identify something you can concentrate on as a family to move forward," Chakwera said.

Madame Chakwera, who also donated K10 million towards the convention which runs from Wednesday to Friday, said the Assemblies of God Church values women and prides to be the first church in the country to ordain women pastors.

Deputy Director for the Women's Ministry of Assemblies of God, Queen Nkhata, said the convention is a good opportunity for the women to learn life changing lessons.

She said the church is committed to ensuring that lives of women change for the better.

The church's president, Andrew Dube, is expected to minister at the event that has attracted women members from all the church's five divisions in the country, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The event has been organized under the theme 'Trailblazers, finishing strong'.

By Moses Nyirenda

Lilongwe, July 31, Mana: Airtel Malawi says it is committed to supporting Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) in addressing critical blood shortage affecting hospitals across the country.

This comes after the telecommunications company successfully conducted its annual blood donation exercise, which it organized in conjunction with MBTS on Wednesday in Lilongwe.

Speaking through a press statement, which Airtel Malawi released on Wednesday, Airtel Malawi’s Managing Director, Charles Kamoto, said his company is after the well-being of people hence its commitment to support in addressing the blood shortage in hospitals.

“We are deeply committed to the health and well-being of Malawians,” said Kamoto.

He added that the blood donation they conducted with MBTS recently portrays Airtel Malawi's dedication in improving people's welfare in the country.

In her comment MBTS Public Relations Officer, Upile Kaimvi hailed Airtel Malawi for its support towards addressing the blood shortage in the country's hospitals with annual blood donation drives.

“Airtel’s consistent support has been instrumental in addressing the blood shortage crisis in Malawi, their commitment to organizing this annual event for blood donation is an inspiration to other corporations,” said Kaimvi.

She also said that the country faces a persistent blood crisis, with many lives at risk due to insufficient blood supply and she said this year's Airtel Malawi blood donation drive was a crucial step towards mitigating this challenge.

According to her the blood units donated by Airtel Malawi will significantly bolster the nation's blood bank, ensuring timely and adequate supply of blood to patients in need.

By Edson Levison

Mzimba, July 25, Mana: A group of former students of Mzimba Secondary School calling themselves the “Mzimba Secondary School of 1970s” has urged people of good will and organizations to help the school with financial and material support.

A representative of the group led by its President, Joe Mtika, now based in American, expressed the concern on Wednesday during a handover ceremony of assorted learning and teaching materials worthy K8.6 million.

Mtika an alumnus of the school from 1977 to 1981 said over the years he and fellow alumni, have resorted to making contributions to the secondary school to make sure the current students are attaining quality education.

“I came to visit Mzimba Secondary School and saw the dilapidated buildings and lack of desks. It triggered our team to take action and start mobilizing resources to address such challenges.

“I thought seeing students writing their exams under a tree is history until I came to see it in this era. It is even heartbreaking to have students sleeping on the floor yet we can join hands with people of good will to make such a history,” said Mtika.

He therefore urged the school’s leadership, former students, stakeholders and other well-wishers to intervene in bringing back the beautiful image of the school in terms of infrastructure, saying such duties should never be left to government alone.

Parents Teachers Association chairperson, Pastor Thomson Chigomile Majawa praised the team for the materials offered.

“The materials that we have received are a great milestone in the development and implementation of a number of projects that the school’s management outlined. These materials will help our children to achieve their goals in a better way thereby uplifting the flag of Mzimba Secondary School,” he said.

Majawa said the school has been struggling with lack of desks, chairs, books, mattresses, beds and other learning materials.

Chief Quality Assurance Officer in the Northern Education Division, Vincent Kaunda applauded the Mzimba Secondary School alumni saying their donation has responded to the real challenges the school is facing.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, July 24, Mana: Chairperson for Kasungu District Council Heath Service Committee, Christopher Kamtambo has said the completion of six modern staff houses at Kasungu District Hospital should be a motivation for health workers to deliver quality services.

He said this on Tuesday when he led the Council’s Health Service Committee members inspecting various development initiatives in the district.

Kamtambo acknowledged that there was a shortage of staff houses in the Council’s health facilities saying the problem leads to shortage of staff especially in rural facilities.

“We know the need that is there regarding proper housing for health workers. It is this shortage of houses that is also largely contributing to shortage of staff in rural areas. 

“Let me assure everyone that government, through the Council, is committed to building as many houses but it cannot be at once. We have started and we have to keep the momentum,” the Chairperson said.

District Medical Officer for Kasungu, Ulemu Zulu hailed the Council for the project which would ease the challenges being faced by health workers.

He said that, “The housing challenges are not only here at the main facility but also across the district. It is one of the hindrances to quality service delivery.

“When sending our staff to various facilities, we know they will need good security and accommodation but this lack of houses prevents us to send adequate numbers.”

Zulu said for quality service delivery, more health workers must be housed within the facility premises so that even if one is off duty, they could be called to fill gaps that may arise in the course of service delivery especially at night.

Apart from the houses, there is construction of a maternal and child health block, maintenance of existing offices and construction of a pharmacy, all being done by Tabitha Development Construction Limited.

Operations Director for the Firm, Julius Kamanga, said it was pleasing that the project has been delivered within the prescribed contractual period.

The Houses are part of the K3 billion Health Infrastructure Rehabilitation Fund which has helped to complete a total of 18 health staff houses that were abandoned under the Umoyo Housing Project in 2012 at Kasungu District Hospital, Lodjwa, Kaluluma, Wimbe, Bua and Chamwavi Health Centres.

In the 2023/24 financial year, Kasungu District was allocated K3 billion to pilot the health infrastructure rehabilitation project which was being piloted in Mzimba, Dowa, Balaka, Chitipa and Likoma.  

By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, July 24, Mana: Scores of people living surrounding the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), government officials among other stakeholders gathered to witness the inauguration of the first block train carrying 640,000 litres of fuel from Nacala Port to Lilongwe in Malawi.

The inauguration marks exactly 21 years after such services came to a halt in 2003.

However, the revamp of the train operated by Central East African Railways and Nacala Logistics has made history for the first time, traveling 988 kilometres from Nacala in Mozambique, carrying 640,000 litres of oil to Malawi.

Secretary to President and Cabinet, who is also NOCMA Board Chairperson, Colleen Zamba said the inauguration of the block train was a dream come true for the country after 21 years.

“We are very excited as government but as the Board. Today, we have witnessed the first block train carrying 16 tanks docking at the reserves in Lilongwe. This reduces costs and coincides well with the President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s transformation agenda.

“This calls for Malawians to take good care of the infrastructure, as it is for the good of the country,” she said.

Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola said the development would improve availability of fuel and reduce on costs.

“These are the fruits from Chakwera’s visits to Mozambique, which he undertook after taking over the government,” he added.

Speaking at the same function, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe said the development would improve on transportation access and boost industries in the country.

“Chakwera is a silent performer. He promised to revamp the rail transportation and today we are here to inaugurate. This is a big vision foe the National needs, aside the ATM strategy which talks of Agriculture, Tourism and Mining,” he pointed out.

NOCMA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Clement Kanyama said the restoration of the rail services would bring about efficiency in fuel transportation and ensure speedy delivery of goods in the country.

According to the General Manager for Nacala Logistics, Chandra Mohan Singh said in three months the train would bring 1 million to 4 million litres of fuel.

“We are happy to contribute to the growth of Malawi as Nacala logistics. We are planning electrify the rail as well as extending the rail services and connect with Zambia,” he said.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

NKhata Bay, July 19, Mana: Marine Police in NKhata Bay have arrested four fishermen for allegedly fishing in Lake Malawi using illegal fishing gears.

Spokesperson for Nkhata Bay Police, Sergeant Kondwani James said the suspects were arrested on Thursday July 18, 2024 by Nkhata Bay Marine Police who were on patrol together with fisheries officers.

James identified the suspects as William Kondowe, 26, from Mwale village, Pyson Mpauka 38 from Jumbo village, Madalitso Nyirenda 37 from Mphatso village and Brian Mphasi 23 fromTchulitchuli village all in the area of Traditional Authority Chapindika in Rumphi District who came to Nkhata Bay to do fishing.

"The suspects will appear in court soon to answer charges of using illegal fishing gears which is contrary to section 3 (1) of Fisheries Act," said James.

NKhata Bay District Fisheries Officer, Dellings Kamenya said the monofilament fishing nets are not allowed because they are so destructive to fish and at the same time none biodegradable once left in the water.

"At first we were just confiscating these gears without arrests but we have now taken an extra step to arrest those found using them because they are a threat to water bodies and the environment," Kamenya said.

By Tione Andsen

TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Thursday consolidated their lead after playing 13 games when they demolished Mzuzu City Hammers with a 5-0 win at Area 47’s Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.

The Area 47, Bwandilo outfit has maintained their unbeaten run for the season and have gripped to their nine-point gap to their close challenger, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who had recorded a win over Chitipa United 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Silver scored through their right back, McDonald Lameck, 5 minutes, Chinsinsi “Terminator” Maonga, 19 minutes, “rejected stone and inform’, Stain Davie 27 and 69 minutes and Paul Kansungwi, 46 minutes.

For the past three games against Mighty Waka Tigers, Civil Service United and Kamuzu Barracks, the Central Bankers performance was found wanting that they manage to protect the unbeaten record.

During Tigers encounter, they throw it away in the dying minutes to earn them a draw, while in Lilongwe derby they struggled in the first 45 minutes and come up with a magical display to ern them maximum points.

The biggest test was evidenced with defeat appeared imminent when Kamuzu Barracks miraculously were lead 2-0 at the break but the championship mentality lifted the spirits of Central Bankers to level the scores in the last half and collected a point,

With only two games to wind up the first round of the league, surely the Bankers should finish on the high in order to enhance their chances of claiming the league title of 11 drought years.  

The Lali Lubani Boys victory over bad travellers, Chitipa United have seen them increasing their points to 24 points after suffering a painfully last minute defeat against Moyale Barracks at home.

They had to quickly forgo the loss and their Cameroonian nicknamed “Predator’, announced his arrival when he pounced two goas and 19 and 58 minutes.

Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos were held to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling encounter at home against third placed, Kamuzu Barracks to share the spoils.

The Visitors had to dig deep and they come from behind twice through Olson Kanjira, 15 minutes and Zeliat Nkhoma, 73 minutes.

Dedza Dynamos went into lead after 10 minutes though Victor Lungu and they regained the lead after 64 minutes through Marko Chiwaya.

Dedza have 16 points and number 10 while Kamuzu Barracks have 22 points and are third on the log table.

Debutantes, Baka City have suffered another defeat within a six of five games as they failed to contain Moyale Barracks and they were beaten 1-2.

They are now confined in relegation zone as they are still anchoring the 16 team log and they are finding it hard to win at home.

Last game they lost to Chitipa United and they are failing to move their points tally as it is stuck on seven.

Baka City had their consolation goal in the 72 minutes through a penalty scored by Maxwell Magwere while Moyale’s Luke “Destroyer” Chima, 15 minutes and Khumbo Mhone, 64 minutes.

However, Defending TNM Super League Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have ended their winless run when they beat FOMO 3-0 on Wednesday.

Bullets had found the net through injured free, Gasten Phodo, 16 minutes, misfiring weapon, Babatunde Adepoju, 39 minutes and young and promising right winger, Stanley Billiat, 73 minutes.

Bullets have 20 points are number five while FOMO have 14 points and number 12.

Creck Sporting were unlucky at they failed to defend their lead after 30 minutes though George Chaomba against Civil Service United at Civo Stadium in Area 9 in Lilongwe.

They gave away in the last 15 minutes when Civil had to score twice through Muhammad Baision, 75 minutes and Chifundo Ngapengamba, 90 minutes.

With the defeat, Creck have suspended their coach, Mac Donald Mtetemera pending investigations due to poor performance and they have 19 points on position seven while Civil have 19 points on position nine.

Mafco were not merciful against Karonga United after they edged them 2-0 at Chitowe through Innocent Makawano, 26 minutes and Auspicious Kadzongola, 63 minutes.

Mafco have 19 points on number eight while Karonga have 15 points on position 11.

Bangwe All Stars and Tigers equal power as they settled for 0-0 draw at Mpira Stadium.

Bangwe are on number 15 with eight points still in relegation zone while Tigers are on position 13 with 13 points.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, July 18, Mana: Gap Connection crew has organized a street talent show to be held on Sunday July 28, at Nkolokoti Primary School ground in Machinjiri township in Blantyre to unearth and promote talent among youngsters ahead of Machinjiri Awards later this year.

Gap connection, an entertainment group consisting of musicians and dancers will award top performers in various entertainment categories sometime in the year.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, one of the organizers, Eliyas Chakuamba said the crew has organized the show to also inform the public about this year’s Machinjiri Awards.

“Every year before the award ceremony, we come with these free shows to inform people about the new changes on how we do things. We keep on bringing new things to satisfy entertainment lovers’ taste,” he said.

He added that the July 28 event will also provide an opportunity for upcoming artists to showcase their talent.

“Stars are born from these free events because we give chance to upcoming artists to perform,” Chakuamba added.

He disclosed that Gap Connection plans to introduce a new programmme called ‘Street Talent’, saying this show will help to identify talent in the township and help the young talents to get into the mainstream entertainment arena.

He therefore appealed to stakeholders for partnership and sponsorship to assist them in rewarding prize money to winners in the Machinjiri Awards.

“We fail to award winners deserving prizes because we don’t have enough resources. We only afford to give them trophies,” Chakuamba added.

In a separate interview, Lil mish a hip hop musician who was named best trap/ drill artist at previous Machinjiri Awards and is expected to perform at the event expressed excitement saying that the platform helped him to make a name in the music industry.

“Street bash helps upcoming artists to display talent,” said the rapper who just released a new track called ‘One and Only’ and has promised a mesmerizing performance on the day.

“I will give the audience a nice performance,” he said.

Other artists to perform at the bash include Ice Bleck, 6 July, Juxy, Shango, Jeromy, Kinta, Ravin Mafia, Mwale, M JizyBoy, Exacta, Funnix, Gaza Uno, K Fella, Papa Juxy, El Genesys and Kin Six.

At the event patronage will also be entertained by other activities like poetry and dancing.