MANAonline
Broadcasters urged to unite in information dissemination
By Wishes Matchaya
Lilongwe, December 9, Mana: Minister of Information, Moses Kunkuyu, has encouraged broadcasters in the country to work together and deliver credible information in the run up to the September 2025 general elections.
He said credible and accurate information is important in as far information dissemination is concerned.
He was speaking at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Monday during the opening of the Annual Broadcasters Conference 2024.
The two-day conference, organized by Malawi communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), is being held under the theme ‘Ethics in Action: Building trust in media ahead of Malawi’s 2025 electoral process.
Kunkuyu said broadcasters have a crucial role to play in the development of the country through dissemination of accurate information.
“The conference is important as we are going towards general elections. It is important that towards this crucial period, media houses should deliver reliable and necessary information to the people of Malawi,” he said.
MACRA Director General, Daud Sulaiman, argued broadcasters to be careful with the information they deliver to voters to avoid misinformation ahead the elections.
He appealed to reporters to avoid biased information, which may distract the electoral process.
“I argue you that your reports should be based on facts. Refrain from making choices for voters but let them make informed decisions through correct information,” he said.
Imposters posing as Kabaza Union Officials
By Hope Chimwala
Blantyre, November 9, Mana: Kabaza Motorcycle operators have complained that individuals have been posing as officials from Kabaza Union demanding money from them at roundabouts in Blantyre, claiming they were enforcing road regulations without proper documentation.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, Kabaza Chairperson for Blantyre, Kenneth Masamba confirmed the incident and said that these people were claiming to be working with the association and Police but they did not have any official documents from them and City Council.
“When we confronted them as to why they were stopping and collecting money from motorcycle operators without any Police officers or any document from the City Council, they failed to provide relevant answers and they were taken to Soche Police Station,” he said.
Masamba added that another thing that surprised them was that before the operation started, they were not warned as it has always been done in the past and after they have paid the demanded fine, the operators were not receiving any receipt from these impostors.
“When Police and City Council officials are to conduct such an operation, they notify us and give us time to have all the safety materials that qualify us to do our business but this was not done and no receipts were being issued after paying the fine,” he added.
Blantyre Police Officer-in-charge, Assistant Commissioner, Aubrey Kawale told MANA that two men were taken into custody at Soche Police Station on November 5, 2024 before being transferred to Chichiri Police Station on the allegations that they have been demanding money from Kabaza operators without official documents.
While the allegations that these people were stopping Kabaza operators without official documents are true, Kawale stated that claims of money being solicited could not be proved.
“We announced yesterday that anyone who has paid the money which is being claimed should come and report at the police station, from Thursday until now, not even a single person has shown up to provide evidence for the allegations being made,” he said.
One of the suspects was severely injured and was rushed to the hospital for treatment, the other person is still in custody because of other crimes he committed in Mulanje rather than the allegations which were being made.
Men in Mzimba to break silence on GBV
By Alexander Tchongwe
Mzimba, December 9, Mana: M’mbelwa District Council Gender Officer, Naomi Mwale has urged men in the district to report cases of injustice they face, emphasizing that breaking the silence was key to addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) against men.
She made the remarks on Friday during a mobile awareness campaign which targeted marketplaces and rural communities across Mzimba District.
Mwale highlighted that the campaign aimed to reach areas where GBV cases are most common.
“This year, we are taking the campaign to rural areas, directly engaging people in their communities. Men, as victims or witnesses, must come forward and speak up. Their silence only protects the perpetrators.
“We want everyone, especially men, to report cases and contribute to building safe and just communities,” she said at Luviri Trading Centre.
Programme Manager for Coalition for the Empowerment of women and girls (CEWAG), Priscilla Mkwapatila called on men to play a leading role in ending GBV, particularly in areas surrounding construction sites near Jenda Trading Centre where UNIK workers are rehabilitating the M1 Road.
“There have been incidents where some men use the money they earn to exploit young girls and married women. To address this, we have set up Grievance Redress Mechanism Committees in areas like Luviri, Mapanjira, Msegede, and Jenda.
“These committees will help people, including men, to report GBV cases. We also encourage workers on this project to be role models in the community by rejecting such behaviors and speaking out against them,” she said.
Speaking at Emfeni, Research Coordinator for Jenda Police Station Inspector, Adams Namtapa assured the public of the police's support and encouraged men to report GBV cases.
“Men often choose silence when they face violence or witness it. This silence only allows the problem to persist. We have Victim Support Units (VSU) ready to assist anyone, including men. Reporting such cases helps us address the issue and ensures the safety of the entire community,” he said.
Namtapa encouraged men to understand that reporting violence is a step toward justice and not a sign of weakness.
The Mobile awareness campaign, which ran from Monday to Friday, reached multiple markets in Mzimba, aiming to end GBV and empower men to speak out when their rights are violated.
Teachers and stakeholders for best academic outcomes
By George Mponda & Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, December 9, Mana: Acting District Commissioner for Karonga District, Frank Mkandawire has encouraged teachers, students, and other stakeholders to continue working hard to achieve better results in the districts education sector.
He made the remarks Saturday during an award presentation ceremony for best performers in the 2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate (PSLCE) in Karonga which was titled 'Teachers Dedication Is Key to Good Results'.
“There has been a huge improvement from position 11 national ranking last year to position four. This is great victory for the district, and it shows that there is good working relationship among teachers, stakeholders and students,” Mkandawire said.
He added that, it was very important to recognise excellence in terms of commitment, dedication, and hard work.
“It is very important to honour the hard-working spirit demonstrated by our teachers. In as much as we know there are so many challenges but they produce better results and as the council we are committed to improve the education sector,” the DC said.
District Director of Education, Mercy Mayuni called on the district council to improve the working standard of teachers.
“We have some schools where teachers are failing to go because there are no houses. I encourage teachers to look at the awards as a massage to be more committed than ever before,” she said.
Headteacher for Saint Joseph Primary School Ellen Mwafulilwa expressed her excitement after going away with three awards; Best science teacher, best headteacher and best performing school.
“The awards have fuelled us to work harder than ever before, so that next year it should be the same. Our secret is, as a school we are guided by our values to achieve our moto that is, 'Be the best,” she said.
The award ceremony was made possible after officers from Karonga District Council's various departments contributed money amounting K1.3 million.
The event which was spiced by different traditional dances, drama, poems, and other activities saw students, teachers, headteachers and schools being given awards in different categories with students receiving school bags and exercise books.
ACB donates to Salima District Hospital
By Aisha Chiwaya
Salima, December 8, Mana: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has donated mattresses and assorted food items valued at MK10 million to Salima District Hospital ahead of the International Anti-Corruption Day.
Speaking during the donation on Saturday, Acting Director General of ACB, Hillary Chilomba highlighted that the donation aims at complimenting government's efforts in improving service delivery at the hospital.
"The contribution aims at supporting government in providing quality healthcare services to patients and also part of giving back to the community as a body that fights against corruption," he said.
Chilomba cautioned health practitioners to desist from seeking payments from patients because access to health care in government hospitals is free.
"It is concerning to note the increase in corruption-related issues in the country’s hospitals, citing three reports received from Bwaila hospital a month ago," he said.
Speaking after receiving the donation, Acting Director of Natural Resources and Environment who represented the District Commissioner, Adam Jason, deemed the move as a greater milestone as far as helping the sick is concerned.
Jason highlighted the dilapidation of the buildings as a major challenge the hospital is facing.
“The condition of our hospital is not good and currently we are failing to accommodate patients where they can confidently access and receive health services. The other challenge is shortage of food items," he said.
The assorted hampers were donated in the maternity ward and some items to the rest of the hospital, and it included, 40 liters of cooking oil, 100 kilograms of rice and 20 mattresses.
The 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day will be observed on the 9th of December at Kaphatenga Primary Ground in Salima District.
This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day will be commemorated under the theme “reporting corruption a duty for all".
UK Minister for Development to visit Malawi
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, December 8, Mana: The United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Development, Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds is scheduled to visit Malawi from 9th to 11th December 2024.
During her visit, the minister will focus on driving economic growth, which is at the heart of the UK government’s new approach to development.
The minister will see fruits of the strong UK - Malawi partnership in spearheading education reform through a visit to a school in the outskirts of Lilongwe city.
She will also engage partners on addressing the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in Malawi. Additionally, she will assess how the UK's efforts are helping vulnerable communities combat deforestation and climate change in a cost-effective and practical manner, while providing critical support ahead of the rainy season.
British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, stated that the minister's visit to Malawi highlights the outcomes of the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
“During her visit the minister will highlight the UK government new approach to development working in partnership with Malawi to tackle global challenges and drive inclusive economic growth,” she said.
Minister Dodds will proceed to visit neighbouring country Zambia on 11 December 2024.
Phalombe District Council supports ECD services
By Juma Chagoma
Phalombe, December 8, Mana: Phalombe District Council is geared to improve early childhood development programmes in the district through provision of quality modern Community-Based Care Centre (CBCC).
Speaking at the handover ceremony of Tithandizane Mulapo CBCC, Director of Planning and Development, Kelvin Harawa said the project aims at improving quality of education for early childhood development.
“This project accords children with psychosocial support in the process of their growth; so, as council we are pleased that the project has been welcomed by the community which gives total ownership in the running of affairs of the CBCC," said Harawa.
On his part, Phalombe District Council Chairperson, Agason Sompho said in keeping with modern trends, such infrastructure projects must incorporate installation of electricity before handing over to the community.
Sompho asked the community to take full ownership of the project by seriously safeguarding it to last long.
Senior Chief Jenala thanked government for the project as it will offer children an opportunity to learn under a conducive environment and assured the council that they will properly manage and take care of the project to last long.
Jenala added that they have already formulated by-laws on how to protect and take care of the facility.
One of the caregivers at Tithandizane Mulapo CBCC, Agness Godoke said the project will address the challenge of disruption of classes during the rainy season.
Godoke, however, appealed to development partners to join hands and introduce a feeding programme at the CBCC to reduce cases of absenteeism that come as a result of food insecurity in the community.
Tithandizane Mulapo CBCC which is located at Kasongo Village in Traditional Authority Jenala started in 2008 and currently has an enrollment of 116 learners of whom 64 are girls and 52 are boys.
The project was funded by the World Bank to a tune of K111 million through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funded projects.
Communities in Chiradzulu encouraged to report GBV cases
By Promise Banda
Chiradzulu, December 8, Mana: Chairperson for Chiradzulu District Council, Patrick Chimtengo has urged people in the district to report cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) to relevant authorities to curb the malpractice.
Chintengo made the appeal over the weekend during the launch of 16 Days of Gender Activism which took place at Goleka Catholic Primary School ground under the theme: "Unite to end violence against women and girls in Malawi: Towards Beijing +30".
He said as the country and the rest of the world join hands in fighting against GBV, everyone must take the initiative to end all forms of violence within their localities.
Chimtengo, who was the Guest of honour at the event, expressed worry that this year alone Chiradzulu has recorded 1,907 cases of GBV, most of which were in form of rape and forced marriage.
"Victims of GBV cannot effectively contribute to the development of the country. That is why it is our duty to report all forms of violence to relevant authorities so that we end the trends of GBV once and for all,” he said.
Chiradzulu District Council Gender Officer, Joseph Maseya observed that the launch was vital for sensitizing the community on ending GBV in the district.
“Our role as the gender office is to make sure that we end all forms of violence in our district, and these include GBV, intimate partner violence and sexual exploitation and abuse,” he said.
Chiradzulu Police Station representative, Sub-Inspector Tabitha Chipeta, emphasized that they will work vigilantly to make sure that the perpetrators of GBV were punished accordingly.
“We will make sure we go round all areas in the district arresting people involved in perpetrating child marriages and other forms of GBV,” she said.
One of the Chiradzulu Youth Organization (CYO) pioneers Brenda Chimange admitted that it is the role of the youth to be in the forefront in civic educating their fellow youths on the effects of GBV towards community development.
The function was graced by traditional leaders, government officials, various non-governmental organizations and community members.
It begun with a solidarity walk from Yasin Police Roadblock to Goleka Catholic Primary School ground where the launch took place.
Police gears up for festive season
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, December 8, Mana: Malawi Police Service (MPS) has said they are ready to provide maximum security as well as traffic patrols with the aim of reducing crime and road accidents during the 2024/25 Christmas and New Year festivities.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) over the weekend, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Southwest Region, Beatrice Mikuwa, said they have put several measures to ensure that there is security for people as well as their property.
“We have put different strategies that we shall use to make sure that in our areas there is peace and order during the festive season. For example, we will deploy more officers in our townships and other places to provide security,” she said.
However, Mikuwa has urged people to take care of themselves especially by making sure that they have security in their homes when they are out of their homes.
“In time like this people usually go out to different places to enjoy themselves; like at the lake, they are supposed to make sure that there is someone to take care of their homes, we are also asking them not to post on social media their location; whereby others can take advantage to break their homes,” Mikuwa said.
She also advised motorists to avoid driving while drunk of which this has been contributing to the rise of accidents in the past festive seasons.
“Malawians should know that it is their responsibility to take care of themselves especially when they are driving, this time around we will not entertain drink and drive,” she said.
In the past years police and the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services has been conducting operations during festive season with the aim of reducing accidents.
The operations have been successful, contributing to a reduction in road accidents to 31, with nine fatalities during the 2023/24 festive period, compared to 56 accidents and 20 fatalities during the 2022/23 festive season.
Vice President Dr. Michael Usi attends daughter’s wedding
By Patience Longwe and Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, December 8, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi is today attending the wedding of his second-born daughter, Luthando Usi, who has tied the knot with Noel Kalonga in a colorful and spiritual ceremony at the Central Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.
The wedding ceremony was attended by family, friends, and several dignitaries. The bride and groom exchanged vows in a service that highlighted the values of love, commitment, and the role of faith in marriage.
The SDA Church choir provided uplifting hymns, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere. The officiating pastor delivered a sermon centered on the biblical principles of marriage, urging the couple to build their union on a foundation of mutual respect and trust in God.
After the church service, the celebration will continue at an elegant reception, at Edge Water Court gardens in area 47.
The occasion was marked by the Vice President's presence, celebrating a significant family milestone. The event reflected the importance of family values and the recognition of such milestones.
