By Innocent Chamtulo

Mulanje, March 28, Mana: Centre for Community Organization and Development (CCODE) is set to support 1,458 households in five traditional authorities in Mulanje as a response to Cyclone Jude.

Beneficiary households from traditional authorities Nkanda, Mthiramanja, Chikumbu, Ndanga and Sunganizeru are expected to receive K95,200 cash.

CCODE Programmes Manager, Wonderful Hunga, said the support is an unconditional Social Cash Transfer Programmme as beneficiaries will not be required to perform any work to receive the funds.

“We are appealing to beneficiaries to utilise the cash for its intended purpose. We expect them to support their families’ basic needs,” he said.

Director of Planning and Development for Mulanje District Council, Morson Magombo, said over 1,650 households in the district were impacted by Cyclone Jude.

He, therefore, expressed gratitude for CCODE’s response describing it ass timely support to alleviate suffering of those affected by the disaster.

“We appeal to recipients to spend the money on essential family needs rather than on luxuries,” he said.

Cash totaling to US$97,500 is expected to be disbursed within two weeks with funding from the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, in collaboration with Malawi Government

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, March 27, Mana: Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has appealed to local councils in the country to seriously uphold human rights if the country is to achieve Malawi 2063.

MHRC Deputy Director for Civil and Political Rights, Chance Kalolokesya made the appeal on Thursday during Zomba District Council staff orientation on rights and responsibility, saying councils play a crucial role in facilitating right based approach to development to citizens whose rights need to be respected and protected.

"As service providers, councils need to have knowledge and a good understanding of what human rights are, the standards and where and when to apply them. Councils should also make sure that no one is left behind especially the vulnerable to achieve development goals, "Kalolokesya added.

The deputy director has since urged Zomba District Council to collaborate to ensure rights of the most vulnerable are respected and protected.

Zomba District Commissioner, Reinghard Chavula hailed the commission for orienting council staff on rights and responsibilities saying this will deepen staff's understanding of human rights and its application.

“Human rights is one of the pillars in our development agenda. The orientation is therefore crucial as it will guide us in our day to day programming,” she added.

The District Commissioner stated that the orientation also serves as a reminder for council staff of their roles and responsibilities in integrating human rights issues into various project implementations.

Lilongwe, March 23, Mana:  Theatre for a Change (TFAC) Malawi has officially launched a regional training initiative aimed at equipping young leaders across 10 Southern and Eastern African countries with participatory approaches to Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) advocacy and behavior change.

The launch event, held at TFAC offices in Area 3, Lilongwe, brought together young leaders from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan and other African countries. Speaking during the event, TFAC Board Chair Robert Ngaiyaiye emphasized the importance of specialized training in addressing sensitive SRHR issues.

“Sexual reproductive issues are very sensitive and require special skills to effectively impart knowledge to young people,” Ngaiyaiye said. “Through this training, we have equipped participants with the necessary skills to advocate for SRHR and empower young people to make informed decisions.”

The training, conducted through TFAC’s unique participatory methodology, is designed to be interactive, engaging, and scalable. The approach has been tested and proven effective in driving social behavior change through theatre-based advocacy.

Hanadi Yusuf, a trainee from Ethiopia, praised the initiative, highlighting its impact on advocacy work.

“The training was amazing. As an advocate for girls in crisis, gender equality, youth participation, and mental health, I learned that true advocacy is not about imposing solutions but about empowering communities to become their own change-makers,” Yusuf said.

The initiative aims to build a network of young leaders who can lead SRHR advocacy efforts in their respective countries. Through a Training of Trainers model, participants will be equipped with the skills to train others, ensuring the sustainability of the program.

The launch event featured performances and engagement activities showcasing the power of theatre in storytelling and social behavior change. TFAC’s innovative approach highlights the role of participatory methods in making SRHR education more accessible and impactful.

With this initiative, Theatre for a Change Malawi hopes to strengthen youth-led advocacy efforts across Africa, ensuring young people are at the forefront of driving positive social transformation

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, March 27, Mana: Member of Parliament for Dowa East, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has warned people in the communities involved in recruitment of beneficiaries under the free food distribution program, against coercing beneficiaries into sharing maize with them.

He was speaking on Wednesday when he inspected some centers during a free maize distribution exercise conducted by Dowa district council.

Banda warned beneficiaries that some unscrupulous people may want to demand some of the maize from them.

"Some people would want to ask for a share of the maize from you arguing that they helped you to get enrolled on the beneficiaries list. You must not allow this to happen. This is your maize and only meant for you and your families.

"Be assured that government also has systems used in identifying participants for a program. Similarly, let me warn anyone who may think of doing this that once found, appropriate actions will follow," he said.

Banda, who is also the Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, stated that the government recognizes that many more people are in need of food assistance. He noted that the situation has worsened due to the current erratic rains, which have negatively impacted people's harvests.

"We will continue with the food distribution exercise, though we cannot reach out to each and every family, but the best we can do is to start preparing on how government will help those who will be affected," he said.

During the 2024 - 2025 lean season, ultra-poor households on the program were earmarked to receive three bags of maize per household to carter for them for three months.

In Dowa, beneficiaries had already received two of the bags and this was the third bag they had received.

In total, 2,063 bags were distributed on the day at five centers, namely; Maweru, Thonje, Kanyenge, Kaula and Mvera, all in Senior Chief Chiwere.

Speaking in an interview at Mvera, one of the beneficiaries, Malizani Levisoni, thanked government for the assistance.

"I am receiving the maize on behalf of 82-year-old Stelia Jelemane, who is currently sick and cannot manage to walk here.

"But this is a very good intervention because not everyone has the strength, opportunity to be food secure all year round. So we are very thankful," he said.

Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Dowa, Twambilire Ngosi, said the exercise went on well.

"There were no challenges, and people expressed appreciation saying the intervention was timely," she said.

Lilongwe, March 27, Mana:  President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has encouraged the country's youth to embrace a spirit of hard work, describing it as a blessing that helps keep them away from negative behaviors in society.

Speaking on Thursday in Lilongwe at the opening of the 2025 National Technical, Entrepreneurial, and Vocational Education and Training (TEVET) Conference, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera emphasized that acquiring various skills is the key to achieving economic independence in the country.

He praised TEVET for its programs, noting that they equip young people with valuable vocational skills, preventing them from remaining idle without meaningful opportunities in their lives.

“Many  people have ventured into vocational trainings at TEVET as they know that when one has skills it is easy for them  to be innovative in different areas ,” said Chakwera.

The Malawi leader highlighted that lawmakers have passed a K8.076 trillion budget, but the funds are not readily available. He emphasized that only through hard work can the necessary revenue be generated to support the country’s development.

Board Chairperson for TEVET, Pyoka Tembo, said Malawian youth hold the key to Malawi's economic transformation and people need to realize the importance of vocational trainings.

Tembo said Malawi is among a few countries in Africa that are yet to maximize the demographic dividend of the young generation.

He said, lack of modern infrastructure is one of the challenges affecting them to advance skills development in the country.

In his remarks, Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, stated that the conference provides an opportunity for participants to celebrate TEVET achievements and milestones, as they train young people and equip them with vocational skills.

“Our country cannot develop without skilled labor , the government is committed to ensure that many young people have the opportunity for vocational trainings; since 2019 the number of students having bursaries in technical schools has increased from 2, 500 to 7, 000,” he said.

The conference has been organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, technical colleges, the National Planning Commission (NPC), the Employers’ Consultative Association of Malawi (ECAMA), the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), and other stakeholders.

The two-day event is being held under the theme "Enhancing Skills Development for Economic Transformation Towards Malawi 2063."

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, March 26, Mana: In a commendable display of corporate social responsibility, Centenary Bank has taken a proactive step towards combating climate change.

The bank, in partnership with teachers from Mphunzi primary School in Malingunde Zone in Lilongwe, embarked on a massive tree-planting exercise, with over 3, 000 trees planted in a single day.

In his remarks made on Wednesday during the tree planting, Managing Director for Centenary Bank, Godfrey Byekwaso said the Bank's commitment to environment sustainability is a shining example for other corporate entities to follow.

“By investing in the future of the planet, the bank is demonstrating its dedication to the well- being of not just its customers but the entire community.

"Our goal with this initiative is more than just planting trees; we want to involve the community, especially students, pupils and the communities in raising awareness about the need to protect our environment.

“These trees will not only help the environment around the schools and the communities who are mostly affected when it comes to issues such as cyclones, when they hit, but also leave a legacy that will benefit future generations to come for environment conversation and sustainability" he said.

Byekwaso also encouraged everyone to take pride in what they were doing because the trees represent their shared responsibility to create a better future for themselves and for the generations that will come after them.

Senior Chief Samuel Masumbakhunda, highlighted the importance of the tree-planting program, saying its aim is to reduce the impact of climate change and promoting agriculture and ensuring food security.

He said, "The initiative also highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector, local communities and government institutions in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

“By working together, Malawians can make a significant impact in reducing the country's carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.”

Meanwhile the Primary Education Officer (PEA), Theodora Sakala, has acknowledged the bank's commitment saying the trees will help to create a good environment for learners and has also asked the Centenary Bank to extend the program to other schools in her zone.

Centenary Bank is planting 5,000 trees across different areas in Lilongwe and their initiative is to contribute to environment sustainability in Malawi through planting of trees in areas where there is deforestation or better yet no trees at all.

By Bishop Witmos

Mangochi, March 27, Mana: District Council officials from Chikwawa and Neno visited Mangochi to learn more about community-led land restoration efforts under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-PWP), aimed at addressing the devastating effects of climate change.

During the two-day learning visit, organized by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC), the officials toured Malekano and Namangandwe catchments in Traditional Authority Jalasi's area. There, they observed communities constructing climate-resilient assets such as stone bunds, swales, and deep trenches.

The visitors also appreciated tree regeneration that ensures vegetative cover in an effort to minimise water run-offs, retain water and also mitigate soil erosion.     

Speaking at the conclusion of the tour on Wednesday, Neno District’s Director of Agriculture Services, Upe Museko, said the visit to Mangochi provided a valuable opportunity for officials to witness the positive impact of community-led initiatives. He added that the visit also allowed the teams to identify strategies that could be replicated in their respective districts.

“From what we have seen in the field, it has shown that farmers in Mangochi have really taken ownership of the conservational structures they are constructing. They seem to know relevance of such structures in addressing disasters such as floods.

 “Through this visit, we have also learnt on what Mangochi is doing to address challenges such as mobility, coordination, as well as resources. We hope to improve on the same in our respective districts,” said Museko.

Mangochi District Council is implementing the CS-PWP in 22 catchments, with financial support from the World Bank, through NLGFC, in order to conserve environment and improve on food production through climate smart agriculture.

According to Malekano Catchment Chairperson, Noxy Chatha, communities in the area have already begun experiencing the positive impacts of the CS-EPWP through the assets they are creating in hotspot areas.

“After creating assets, we have seen communities returning to their old fields, where in the past they could not cultivate due to water run-off. We have seen others harvesting bumper yields,” added Chatha.

In his remarks, Acting District Commissioner (DC) for Mangochi, Davie Chigwenembe, commended NLGFC for the learning visit, saying such visits provide officials opportunities to share experiences as well as ideas for the progress of CS-EPWP.       

By Mercy Botha

Mzimba, March 27, Mana: M’mbelwa District Council has announced the ban of the sale of green maize in the district effective Monday, March 31st this year. The Council says the ban aims at controlling theft of maize.

According to M’mbelwa District Council’s Public Relations Officer, Joel Phiri, the ban has been issued due to complaints made by the farmers in the district saying that the business of selling fresh, cooked or roasted maize contributes to the increase of theft of maize in the fields.

“We hope the ban of green maize sales will help prevent the theft of maize in the district, which is often stolen when it still green,” said Phiri.

Phiri added that the move also aims at ensuring farmers have enough maize for food as he said some farmers have the tendency to sell all green maize which leaves them vulnerable to hunger.

A farmer based at the Boma, Vinkhumbo Nyirenda has commended the decision made by M’mbelwa District Council as he said it will help mitigate the issues of maize theft in the district.

“I’m happy with the maize ban as it has come at the right time, especially when the maize is in the process of drying and ready for harvest.  With the ban in place, it will give room to us farmers to harvest our maize at the right time, as it will be less vulnerable to theft,” he said.

Phiri says they have empowered community policing members to help in the enforcement of the by law and they have also written Malawi Police Service to be on alert regarding the ban.

By Yankho Kandio

Salima, March 27, Mana: The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has urged Salima District Council officials to integrate a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) into their service delivery to ensure that citizens’ rights are respected and upheld.

Speaking on Wednesday, during a one-day capacity-building workshop on HRBA, Deborah Tambulasi Banda, Deputy Director for MHRC, emphasized the importance of equipping duty-bearers with necessary knowledge and skills to mainstream human rights principles in governance and public service.

“This meeting was essentially aimed at building the capacity of District Council officials to incorporate human rights considerations into their interventions,” Banda stated.

“We expect that what they have learned here will not only be applied in their daily work but also be shared with others within their respective offices,” she said.

The training, which is part of a nationwide initiative by MHRC, seeks to strengthen the ability of local councils to provide equitable, rights-based services that align with human rights standards.

Banda noted that effective governance requires that duty-bearers understand and uphold the rights of the people they serve.

Director of Planning and Development for Salima District Council, Eric Kenamu, described the workshop as an eye-opener that would transform how the council approaches service delivery.

“This training has broadened our perspective on how human rights relate to our work,” Kenamu said.

He added: “We now understand that every decision we make has a direct impact on people’s rights, and we are committed to ensuring that we uphold these principles in all areas of service delivery."

The HRBA workshops are being conducted in all districts across Malawi, with MHRC officials emphasizing the need for councils to move beyond merely fulfilling their duties and actively promote a rights-centered approach in governance.

With similar engagements already held in other districts, MHRC continues to advocate for inclusive, people-centered development that respects fundamental human rights.