MANAonline
World Vision Malawi donates livestock to community
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, October 31, Mana: As a way of boosting economic status for the rural households in Kasungu district, World Vision Malawi, on Wednesday donated goats and chickens to households in Muntchenda community in the area of Senior Chief Chulu,
Speaking in an interview after handing over the livestock to the households, District Programmes Manager for World Vision Malawi in Kasungu and Dowa, Arnold Tsalayekha, said they decided to donate the goats to capacitate the households to pay school fees for their children and support the families economically.
"We decided to donate the goats and chickens to the rural households to make sure that the families can support education for their children by paying school fees for them. The families will be able to get the finances to pay for their children's school fees after selling the livestock.
"We are a children-focused organization and supporting children's education is our business, which is why we thought it wise to donate the livestock to rural households. People in this area already have the skills of domesticating such livestock and it will be a financial boost for them," Tsalayekha said.
Agriculture Development Committee’s (ADC) chairperson for Chulu area, Jacob Kawaza, applauded World Vision Malawi for what he called a timely donation and he urged those who received the livestock to take good care of them so that they multiply.
"This is a good move and indeed a timely donation. Let me applaud World Vision Malawi for donating the livestock to people in our area. Besides supporting households economically, the livestock will boost our agriculture in the sense that those who are into farming will be able to make compost manure from the droppings of the livestock.
"I urge those that have received the livestock to take good care of them by making sure that they are kept in good kraals and well fed so that they multiply," Kawaza said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mkosa Mvula, who received five goats expressed her excitement saying, the livestock will bring some change to her household and improve the well-being of her family members.
"I am super excited to have received these goats from World Vision Malawi and I know that life at home will never be the same again. I will take good care of these goats and as they multiply, I will be able to raise money after selling them.
"Besides boosting my economy, the livestock will give us meat which is good for our nutrition and this is a positive move," Mvula said.
World Vision Malawi donated 5125 goats to 125 households and 610 chickens worth 4 hundred million Kwacha. World Vision is implementing Animal Gift Catalogue Project in Muntchenda area in the area of Senior Chief Chulu in Kasungu district.
NWRA foretells higher water levels in next hydrological cycle
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 31, Mana: National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) has called on Chiefs to advise Malawians to prepare for the next hydrological cycle, which will see higher levels of water in the country’s water bodies.
Speaking while addressing Karonga Council Meeting on Wednesday, NWRA's Senior Civic Education and Public Relations Officer Masozi Kasambara said Chiefs need to warn people against construction or undertaking any activities along Lakes and Rivers.
Kasambara said; "With this projection, it means the area along the Lakes and Rivers is not safe for any development and it belongs to the state therefore, Chiefs need to help in warning people against settling and farming to avoid the risk of flooding which might lead to loss of lives."
He added that adhering to the best practices in preserving water resources is very crucial to achieving Malawi 2063 since water is a vital resource in industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural production.
"However, the fact that water levels will be higher is not bad news since this means that the country will have adequate water to be used for domestic and industrial purposes," he explained.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu urged the authority to clearly instruct Malawians on where the boundaries are between the water bodies and public land.
"Water is life, as chiefs we have a crucial role to sensitise people on the do's and dont's on sustainable water use. The problem is that most Malawians misunderstood democracy and they think they can do anything including wanton cutting of trees and cultivating along river banks," Kyungu said.
"I would like to urge the NWRA to properly instruct citizens on how best they can make use of this water which they say will be higher in the next hydrological cycle," he added.
Nkhata Bay DC cautions junior staff
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, October 31, Mana: Nkhata Bay District Commissioner (DC) Rodgers Newa has warned junior staff members across various sectors at the council to avoid getting exploited in their course of duty.
Newa gave the warning Wednesday when opening a two-day junior staff involvement meeting organized by the Institutional Integrity Committee (ICC) aiming at educating and empowering junior staff on the importance of institutional integrity and equipping them to contribute to a corruption-free work environment.
“You are the backbone of this district’s development because you are exposed to various information and government resources. Don’t allow anyone to exploit or use you for personal gains.
"At all costs, avoid any corrupt practices because once caught I will not defend you and remember it is your families that will suffer,” Newa said.
According to Newa, the council established the ICC to safeguard finances and materials and ensure transparency and accountability among others.
“Corruption issues affect everyone. If you suspect or witness suspicious activities blow the whistle to the committee that you are introduced to and confidentiality is guaranteed,” he added.
In his remarks, security guard at the education department Ken Chulu commended the council for the meeting, saying it enlightened them on several things that will ease their work.
“We feel valued and protected. The warning gives us confidence to report any misconduct and we wish such meetings to be happening at regular intervals,” he said.
Malawi Hosts AWFN 2024 Meeting to Tackle Wildlife Crime
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, October 30, Mana: Malawi is hosting the 9th Annual Meeting of the Africa Wildlife Forensics Network (AWFN), bringing together forensic experts from across Africa to strengthen scientific approaches to combat wildlife crime.
Speaking on Wednesday during the official opening ceremony in Salima, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Owen Chomanika highlighted the urgent need for wildlife forensics in fighting poaching and trafficking.
“This meeting is crucial because it brings together African specialists in wildlife crime forensics. Wildlife crimes remain rampant, yet our investigations often lack scientific evidence. Forensics will allow us to produce concrete and court-admissible evidence,” he said.
Chomanika noted that advances in forensic science can provide irrefutable proof of crimes, citing how forensic labs can now confirm the origin of illegal wildlife products, such as buffalo meat, which will aid in prosecuting offenders.
“Wildlife crime is a multi-billion-dollar industry, largely run by international cartels that exploit weak legal systems, Wildlife trade is now the fourth largest black market in the world, costing countries up to $23 billion,” he said.
Director of TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, Rob Ogden, a specialist in wildlife genetics, echoed Chomanika’s concerns, stressing the need for enhanced forensic capacity across Africa.
“One of the biggest threats to wildlife globally is illegal trade and poaching. As court standards rise, we need better forensic tools to prove crimes and identify perpetrators,” Ogden said.
According to Ogden, the AWFN is designed to help African countries share knowledge and resources to address wildlife crime collaboratively.
“Some African nations are biodiversity-rich source countries, while others are trans-shipment hubs. This network lets us share skills and build a sustainable, united response,” he said.
Head of the Genetics Services Unit at South Africa’s National Biodiversity Institute, Marlide Bruyn, said the meeting is very important to enhance continental collaborations.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this engagement where laboratories can network, share challenges, and enhance our forensic techniques, this will broaden our relationship against wildlife crime,” she said.
MACRA launches Cyber Security Awareness Month
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe 30 October, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched Cyber Security Awareness Month, aimed at enhancing public understanding awareness of cyber security issues.
The launch took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday and will run throughout the month of November with a series of events such as public outreach campaigns to educate and empower citizens on safe online practices.
Speaking during the launch, MACRA’s Board Director Malla Kawale said cyber security has become a critical concern in the digital age, as more Malawians engage with technology in their daily lives.
She said, the rise of internet use presents both opportunities and challenges and therefore it is necessary for individuals, businesses and organizations to understand how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
“As MACRA, we would like to emphasize the importance of this initiative. As we embrace the digital revolution, we must equip our citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the online landscape safely,
Cyber security is a shared responsibility and through awareness and education, we can foster a safer digital environment for all Malawians. We therefore encourage all citizens, businesses and organizations to participate actively in cyber security awareness month,” Kawale said.
MACRA’s Consumer Affairs Officer Brave Kaira said 27000 cases of mobile money fraud worth 180 million kwacha have been reported from January to August this year.
He said, 90 percent of the mobile money fraud cases emanate from prisons, especially Zomba Maximum Prison.
Kaira also said it is very important to empower consumers and mobile money agents in order to reduce the number of fraud cases.
“This is the reason the money fraud invasion task force was set up as one of the initiatives to combat mobile money fraud,” he said.
He added that MACRA is hoping to introduce National Identity cards from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to be the one single source of truth and should be linked to biometric data in order to avoid cases of people registering SIM cards using other people’s National IDs.
Kawale launches distribution of relief maize
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, October 30, Mana: Besides presiding over World Food and African Food Day commemoration, Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale also launched distribution of relief maize for the 2024/2025 lean period at Chimbiya Primary School ground at Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita in Zomba on Wednesday.
Speaking after symbolic presentation of maze to some beneficiaries, the minister said launch of food distribution was a fulfilment of President Chakwera's wish to ensure no one does of hunger in Malawi.
Due to erratic rains last year, many farming households did not harvest enough food that would take them to this current season, Kawale noted.
He said, considering the current food situatiin, government was implementing various interventions to reduce food insecurity.
“Apart from maize distribution there are several interventions such as Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, Social Cash Transfer Programme, all aimed at supporting Malawians to survive the food situation.
He therefore assured Malawians not to despair; as government will do, it's best to save the food situation.
“Malawians should not panic. Government will do all necessary interventions to ensure there is enough food such that no one will die of hunger,” he added.
Zomba District Disaster Management Officer, Violet Jimu said 75,344 households in the district were targeted to receive 50 kilograms of maize for the period of five months compared to 35,000 households targeted last year.
During the symbolic distribution, a recipient, Janet Nikisi from Sub Traditional Authority Nkapita's area in Zomba hailed government for launching food distribution.
“I really had nothing to eat. This maize is a big relief to me and my grandchildren,” she added
Nikisi expressed hope that the relief maize for the period of five months will keep his family going.
President Chakwera calls for patriotism in development projects
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, October 30, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has called on authorities to foster patriotism and transparency in the delivery of developments across the country.
The President made the call on Wednesday at Chinthembwe Trading Centre in the area of Senior Chief Vuso in Ntchisi district during a whistle-stop tour.
President Chakwera was reacting to concerns by the district’s legislator for Ntchisi West Constituency, Ulemu Chilapondwa, that development projects in the district continue to stall due to lack of patriotism by contractors.
Chilapondwa alleged, during the first stopover of the whistle stop at Khuwi Trading Centre, that construction of the Malomo-Ntchisi-Dzaleka road project has stalled because the contractor was not committed.
He said: “I have investigated all this. But soon the project will resume with a more capable contractor.”
In reaction, President Chakwera said: “This is our Malawi and developing it requires our sense of ownership, transparency and patriotism.
“When we have been entrusted with a task, let us commit to its completion rather than rushing to enjoy the money before working for it.”
Speaking at Chinthembwe where the President made his second stop, Senior Chief Kasakula and legislator for Ntchisi East Constituency, Bernard Chitekwe, asked the President to intervene in the hunger situation the district is undergoing.
The Malawi leader said the government is aware of the hunger situation the district is experiencing and that relevant authorities are working to address the situation.
During the tour, President Chakwera is also expected to have a stopover at Ntchisi Trading Centre, Buzi Primary School ground and Malomo Trading Centre.
Mangochi MP constructs a K43 million worth girls’ hostel using CDF
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, October 30, Mana: Using K43 million from Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Member of Parliament for Mangochi Nkungulu, Aisha Mambo Adams constructed girls hostel at Changali Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) to accommodate 50 girls as some of the girls travel more than 10 kilometres to attend classes.
The girls hostel was completed at the time of media tour and speaking during a media tour, Changali CDSS Deputy Head teacher, Maria Jackson told Malawi News Agency (Mana) this week that construction of the girls hostel will improve learners performance as some of the girls travel long distances to school.
She added that long distance to school was a prohibiting factor that prevents girls from proceeding with education at the expense of girls education.
‘‘Changali CDSS has learners that travel very long distances of over 10 kilometers from home to school, as a result this affects learners performance. Some learners performance, especially girls’ was not encouraging and most of the girls drop out of school.
"‘Construction of girls hostel here is a sigh of relief to learners, teachers as well as the community. This will help learners to concentrate as they will have ample time for studies,’’ said Jackson.
She therefore commended Adams as well as Mangochi District Council for constructing the hostel using the CDF.
Speaking in a separate interview, Adams, who is also Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, said she decided to construct the hostel using CDF after experiencing the same problem of long distance to school in her days in the same area.
‘‘As a woman who was born and raised in this area, I know what it means to walk a long distance to school,
‘‘Girls meet a number of challenges on their way to school. Again, unlike boys, whenever girls are back home from school, they are given a number of households chores and this prevent them from concentrating on their education,’’ said Adams.
The Mangochi Nkungulu legislator said was planning to construct another hostel at Chimwala CDSS in the constituency
Currently, Changali CDSS has an enrollment of 148 learners among them 77 girls.
Udolo Wanga Project addressing social issues
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, October 30, Mana: Youth Developers Collaboration Theater (YDC Theater) in partnership with HIVOS Foundation is implementing Udolo Wanga Project, which is a creative advocacy initiative aiming to address social issues impacting youths and marginalized communities in Malawi.
Key elements of the project include theater advocacy, school and youth festivals plus dialogue discussion.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Executive Director of YDC Theatre, Fumbani Innot Phiri said they introduced the project to empower young people to engage in critical topics like Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and mental health using arts and media.
“We are utilizing art as a platform for education and awareness in local communities and schools. We host festivals like the Udolo Wanga ghetto youth festival and the secondary school performing arts festival which encourages students and youth groups to showcase creative responses to issues such as SRHR and climate change,” he said.
He added that the project creates a safe space for young people in underrepresented areas to express themselves and advocate for change.
“Through the project we are engaging youths in discussions around topics like gender inclusion and environmental resilience,” he said.
Phiri therefore express satisfaction saying that they have reached their expected outcomes.
“We are using art-based approach, so in partnership with Blantyre District Health Office and six secondary schools within our catchment area of Bangwe and Nancholi Townships we have conducted mobile clinics, theatre advocacy, school and ghetto youth festivals, produced a music album and a cypher plus hosted a series of dialogue sessions,” he said.
In a separate interview, patron of drama club at Our Lady of Wisdom Secondary School, Fraser Mombe, commended the project saying it has created a platform for youths to contribute towards development.
“It is very important to involve the youths in dealing with social issues like climate change and GBV since they are part of the society. Since we say that youths are the future, they must help in shaping that future,” he said.
The Udolo Wanga project started in December 2023 and is expected to end in November 2024.
Lotus Africa Limited pledges to support Karonga communities
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 30, Mana: General Manager for Kayelekera Uranium Mine operated by Lotus Africa Limited (LAL) in Karonga Theo Keyter has pledged that the company will enhance the welfare and quality of life for residents in the district.
Keyter who was addressing a Council Meeting on Tuesday said the company will sign a Community Development Agreement (CDA) with communities within a 20 kilometre radius of the mine aimed at sustaining a good working relationship with the communities and government.
"The draft CDA has already been reviewed by the Ministry of Mining in September and in it, we will be spending no less than 0.45 percent of our annual gross sales revenues to support development projects formulated by the communities.
If the company will be doing something wrong, dialogue is very important to reach a resolution for the common good. We believe that the communities in Karonga should be better off because we are here if not then it means we are not supposed to be here,"Keyter said.
He added that LAL will offer employment and training opportunities to Karonga locals as well as safeguard the rights of women and girls against sexual harassment, ealry marriages and exploitation within the communities.
On his part, Paramount Chief Kyungu said custodians of the land where mining activities are taking place in Malawi should benefit from the resources being taken out of their land.
"There are so many mines here in Karonga but looking around in the communities people remain poor and the district is not developing at all. There is need for Government to conduct thorough consultations before mining agreements are given to companies for communities to be benefitting,"said Kyungu.
Principal Mining Engineer in the Ministry of Mining, Reggie Makwela said government is committed to ensuring communities which surround mines are benefiting.
"The Ministry is mandated to ensure the sustainable development and utilization of mineral and petroleum resources for socioeconomic growth and development of the country," she said.
Kayelekera is 85 percent owned by Australian company Lotus which acquired it from Paladin Energy in 2020 and the Government of Malawi has a 15 percent stake in the mine.
