MANAonline
Zomba DC cautions against tardiness
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, November 6, Mana: District Commissioner for Zomba, Reinghard Chavula has cautioned officers who fail to submit monthly activity reports after implementing their various activities of unspecified disciplinary action.
Chavula sounded the warning on Wednesday in Machinga during the second quarter review meeting for the Malawi Watershed Services Improvement Project (MWASIP).
She said she has noted with concern of a growing tendency of some officers delaying submission of their activity reports despite drawing funds for such activities.
"I feel it's high time we took some serious action over this growing behavior. It really doesn't make sense that months after implementing activities, officers should relax and fail to submit a report," she said.
Chavula said the immediate action would be to intensify performance appraisals and also change or transfer officers who are misbehaving.
"I have already started an appraisals exercise with directors and I expect them to do the same to their juniors. However, should I notice no change, I will be forced to do a reshuffle of activity managers," she said.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for Zomba District Council, Davie Sato concurred with the DC, saying it is always hard for officers to submit reports to the office.
"Seriously, it is getting out of hand, people have forgotten their responsibility of submitting reports and always wait for me to keep pushing them," Sato said.
Mwasip Programme Coordinator for Zomba, McKinley Dupu said delayed submission of reports was a big challenge at the council.
"I really don't understand why people take long to submit reports forgetting that it is only where activity reports are submitted when the council can request for more funds," Dupu said.
During the meeting, members agreed to offer their best for the betterment of the district and the nation at large.
NICE kick starts voter registration awareness in Zomba
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, November 6, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Zomba has embarked on an extensive voter registration awareness campaign as one way of encouraging Malawians to register for next year's elections in large numbers.
District Programmes Officer for NICE in Zomba, Kondwani Newa said as registration exercise commences this Saturday, it was important that people are given the right information and encouraged to register in large numbers.
"We intend to use a multispectral approach where we will spread out messages in prayer houses, markets, suburbs and everywhere to ensure that people register for the 2025 general elections," Newa said.
Newa said in addition, NICE has also deployed mobile vans to ensure messages reach out to every corner of the district.
He said the recent constituency demarcation exercise needs more information to flow among voters.
"It is our duty to pass on the information to the general public so that they make an informed decision," he said.
Newa expressed optimism that the campaign will achieve its intended goal and that more people will register once registration centres open this Saturday.
A prospective registrant from Senior Chief Mlumbe, Hamilton Kapito applauded NICE for coming up with the awareness campaigns on voter registration and constituency demarcation.
Kapito said through the messages people would be encouraged to go and register for the forthcoming general elections.
Second phase of voter registration targets Zomba district and city councils, among other coucils starts on November 9 to 23 this year.
Electoral Commission has already engaged traditional, religious and community leaders on the impending exercise.
Shemu Joyah set to release short film titled; Strike a Blow and Die
By Milcah Time Mathias
Blantyre, 6th November, Mana: A multi award winner of Seasons of a Life, the Last Fishing Boat and the Road to Sunrise, producer and director, Charles Shemu Joyah is set to release a 14 minutes’ short film on iPlus Play on November, 9, 2024 of a story about Rev. John Chilembwe titled; Strike a Blow and Die.
Joyah told Malawi News Agency (Mana) that the short film, is about John Chilembwe, a historical story in Malawi and Africa as a whole, adding that Chilembwe was an exceptional person who was courageous enough to fight against oppression in Malawi and Africa.
He observed that Chilembwe, the hero is not given enough credit such that people have very little understanding of his life and achievements, saying there is also a lot of ignorance to his life story to the extent that some say his uprising against the British colonial rule was a bad call for the development of Malawi.
“I think when we are just looking at the narrow part of Chilembwe’s story, we are being unfair to his legacy. He helped a lot of Malawians through his development works. As most Malawians lack a culture of reading, then visuals would help people understand him better,
“This is why I felt that producing this film would help people understand better about life of Chilembwe,” said the multi award winning artist.
He said Strike a Blow and Die is a burning story that will educate, entertain and inform Malawians and movie lovers of the better part of Chilembwe,
He therefore called on Malawians to see John Chilembwe as a hero and liberator who stood strong against colonial oppression and exploitation, saying he was also an advocator for hard work spirit as opposed to over dependence on external support.
“I think the film industry in Malawi can help a lot in the development aspect. I was in Nigeria last week, and you will be surprised that the film industry in Nigeria is the second largest employer after government,
“So if we are going to improve our film industry and encourage creativity, we can train our young graduates who can even create films and upload them on YouTube and generate money in an era where content creation is important,” added Joyah.
Joyah further observed that Malawi has few theatres specifically meant for cinema such that these are expensive to premier a 14 minutes Strike a Blow and Die.
“We thought the best option is to put it on an online platform where people will pay about K1, 000 and watch as much as they like. That is a better way at the moment but when we are going to produce another film for 1 hour or 2 hours we will justify going to the theatre,
“In 2007, I started researching on how to produce John Chilembwe’s film. I started writing proposals to people who could fund me on this project, but there was no funding. However, l knew that these people might not have a picture of what the movie will be like. This also happens even in America or Britain when one has an idea but doesn’t have funds, one just produces some scenes for people to appreciate of what one is talking about,” he added
Joyah said an idea for a short film came so that people should appreciate that he also has the ability to do something bigger that this, adding that this will not be the end of the story.
“This is just a promo that will help us to raise funds to produce a full movie and be able to use it on a big market,” he added.
Malawian renowned writer and social media influencer, Stanley Onjezani Kenani, on his Facebook page said that John Chilembwe is about to come alive on the screen.
“There are a few times in my life I have met someone as determined and focused as Mr. Charles Shemu Joyah. Twenty years ago, whenever he gave me a lift from Lilongwe to Blantyre, we would spend almost the entire journey talking about his dream to shoot a John Chilembwe movie,
“He employed a young graduate to undertake comprehensive research on the martyr, from the year of his birth to the day he was martyred for standing up for what is right,” added Kenani.
Produced by Joyah and Gift Sukez Sukali, the short film is about the life and death of John Chilembwe.
The short film was nominated in the Best Short Film category at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA 2024.
Strike a Blow and Die features; Abdul Latif Sani as young Morrison Chimpele, Valentino Molosen as soldier, Brian Chalamanda as young John Chilembwe, Ed Phillips as Captain Schlater and Robert Loughlin as Alfred Sharpe.
Citizen Alliance Project to strengthen rights of vulnerable populations
By Aisha Chiwaya
Salima, November 6, Mana: Citizen Alliance has embarked on a project aimed at improving access to complaint-handling mechanisms for vulnerable populations in Malawi, with a focus on raising awareness about available legal support services.
Speaking in an interview, Executive Director for citizen alliance, Baxston Nkhoma said the project involves training leaders from various networks and associations to evaluate and bolster mechanisms in institutions such as the police and health facilities.
“Our goal is to ensure that vulnerable groups know how to access services provided by the Malawi Legal Aid Bureau and paralegals, essential for their legal protection,” Nkhoma said.
He noted that discussions with duty bearers revealed significant gaps in support systems, underscoring the need for robust and reliable complaint mechanisms.
He stressed that improving these mechanisms would create an environment where marginalized people feel secure to raise their concerns.
“Accessible and harm-reducing mechanisms are crucial for ensuring safety and trust,” he added.
Yohane Kapalamula, one of the people with albinism, emphasized the training's importance as crucial in helping vulnerable populations in communities.
He said, “These sessions help us to identify issues and know when our rights are violated, making this project vital".
He However, highlighted barriers such as lack of awareness, limited access, mistrust, and interference from social and political structures which he said, reduce the effectiveness of current complaint-handling mechanisms.
The Citizen Alliance project aims to support survivors of human rights violations through better reporting systems and education and ensuring that their rights are upheld.
Salima DEC commends UCHI project
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, November 6, Mana: Salima District Executive Committee (DEC) has commended the Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe m'Malawi (UCHI) Project following a comprehensive briefing by the project’s steering committee.
The UCHI Project, which aims to foster sustainable economic growth and transformation within Malawi's food systems while prioritizing environmental conservation and resource management, is set to run from 2024 to 2030 with funding exceeding 50 million Euros and will be implemented across various districts, including Salima.
Briefing the committee on Tuesday, Madalitso Chatsika, an expert from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and a member of the project’s steering committee, highlighted key activities tailored for Salima district.
She noted the significant progress being made in enhancing food systems, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices within the communities.
“These initiatives include training programs for frontline agricultural workers and community-based learning support that promotes nutritional education and behavior change,” Chatsika said.
She added that establishing demonstration plots and organizing nutrition field days have increased community engagement and empowered local farmer organizations.
Salima District Council Director of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Natural Resources, Enford Kanyimbo praised the project’s integrated approach and emphasized its positive impact on vulnerable households, especially women and young children.
“The UCHI initiative, which builds on the past successes of the Kulima and Afikepo programs, will be instrumental in strengthening local food security and promoting environmentally conscious practices,” Kanyimbo said.
He underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders to maintain these gains.
The briefing emphasized the project's alignment with national efforts to improve nutritional outcomes and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
UCHI project which is supported by UNICEF and funded by the European Union, will be implemented in Salima, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, and Kalonga, among other districts.
Karonga SCTP beneficiaries hail e-payment method
By George Mponda
Karonga November 6, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Karonga have praised the e-payment method for its convenience, ease of use, and accessibility.
During a spot check on Tuesday, beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the method after receiving funds for July to October in their TNM Mpamba accounts.
Seth Mwainyekule, a beneficiary from Group Village Head Mwangulukuru, highlighted the security and privacy features of the e-payment method.
"Previously, when we received cash, everyone in the village knew about it since we had to gather at one place. But now, I received my money at 9:00 pm in the comfort of my own home, and only my family knew about it after I informed them that I had received K60,000," said Mwenyekule.
Sikitu Mwaibasa, another beneficiary from Iponga, commended the use of TNM debit cards, saying they have made shopping easier.
"When I go shopping in town, I simply swipe my TNM debit card to make payments. I no longer need to carry cash, which could be stolen. Even if someone snatches my phone or debit card, they can't access my money without my PIN code," Mwaibasa said.
Principal Social Welfare Officer for Karonga District Council, Tionge Mbale said the e-payment method has lowered costs and saved the council money used during pay parades.
"We no longer travel with a lot of cash going around in communities disbursing money to beneficiaries which was also risky on our part because we could easily be targeted by thieves. These days, beneficiaries receive money in their phones and if there are some who are skipped, we have a grivance mechanism system which sorts out such issues" said Mbale.
The SCTP, locally known as Mtukula Pakhomo, aims to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable and ultra-poor Malawians, helping them meet their basic needs and build resilience. The ultimate goal is to build human capital and move them out of poverty.
Sports Commentators not happy with current Malawi Queens performance
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, November 6, Mana: Sports commentators in the country have expressed dissatisfaction with Malawi Queens’s underperformance in the recent Spar Challenge International Netball Taste Series after losing all the three matches against South Africa.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday, Josephy Anointed Kasampha, a sports analyst said Malawians were not expecting such performance by the Queens.
“This is very disappointing performance by our team. There must be other contributing factors that have led to such bad performance, but I understand that the coach is building a new team,” he said.
Kasampha said rebuilding of the team is not enough reason to lose all the games for a team that had so much glory.
“As a country we are supposed to look in future because our team is in transition time whereby new players are coming in. However, we are not expecting such results. It’s my hope that our Queens will be back to winning ways after correcting the mistakes that were done during the games,” he said.
Another Sports Commentator, Kimu Kamau, said it is sad that the Queens lost all the three games and therefore serious action needed to be taken.
“We have a good coach but in terms of coaching she has no experience. She was supposed to start coaching Under 20 or Under 23 before going to Queens for her to gain experience. There is also need to bring in other experienced people to the team so that they can build a good team,” he said.
Kamau agreed with Kasampha, saying that the unavailability of experienced players such as Laurene Ngwira, Takondwa Luwazi and Mwai kumwenda contributed a lot to the bad performance of the team.
The Malawi Queens went to South Africa on 28 October to take part in the Netball Taste Series where they lost against South Africa 68-31 on Thursday, 69-38 on Saturday and 69-24 on Sunday.
Storm damages property in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, November 6, Mana: Storm have destroyed un-estimated properties in the area of Traditional Authority Mlolo in Nsanje District on Tuesday afternoon.
District Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nsanje, Daniel Mandala confirmed that M’bwazi and Namiyala primary school’s structures roofs have been blown off due to the storm.
He said electricity poles have also been brought down by the heavy storm accompanied by rain.
“We are currently conducting an assessment to establish the extent of the damage,” said Mandala and added that people’s houses have also been affected some to the extent of damage.
District Commissioner for Nsanje Dominic Mwandira expressed worry that the damage of the two schools will affect child education at the two institutions.
“We are approaching rainy season so the blown off of the roofs at Namiyala and M’bwazi Primary School, may disrupt learning process during rainy season,” he said.
However, Mwandira called on all stakeholders to come together and find a solution to avoid further disruption of lessons at the two primary schools.
Nsanje is one the Districts in Malawi which are prone to natural disasters.
Food safety, a shared responsibility-health official
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, November 5, Mana: As one way of ensuring safety of food in the country, there is a call for strong collaboration between stakeholders to share responsibility in ensuring that food is free from harmful disease causing germs.
Speaking on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2024, World Food Safety Day, held in Salima district, Deputy Director for Community and Preventive Health in the Ministry of Health, Kondwani Mamba, highlighted that adherence of food safety standards should never be taken for granted.
He said practicing safe food handling and being mindful of where food is prepared can prevent diseases.
“Actions like handwashing with soap before handling food and after using the toilet, use of safe water in food preparation, practicing safe storage of food, can help prevent foodborne diseases” he said.
Mamba said practicing safe storage of food and sharing knowledge about food safety practices within the community can make a difference and urged collaboration among stakeholders.
He said on its part, the Ministry of Health and stakeholders have developed the National Food Safety Policy, to provide policy direction for addressing challenges faced in the delivery of safe food in Malawi aimed at contributing towards improved food safety standards along the food value chain.
World Health Organization Malawi, Health Promotions Officer, Hudson Kubwalo, emphasized on the need for continuous capacity building of relevant stakeholders in food handling, which should include regular training, updating safety protocols, and investing in technologies that enhance traceability.
"We need to be updated on emerging issues to track the journey of food products through the supply chain, making it easier to identify and address issues if a food safety problem arises. By preparing for unforeseen challenges, we can safeguard not just our products but the health of our consumers.
"We will continue to support the country in developing policies that will ensure standards and that monitoring systems are followed, we are also investing in research and improving collaborating across borders and sectors." He said.
Chairperson for Salima District Council, Ephraim Manthepa called for continuous awareness to the public on the importance of food safety and hygiene, to avoid food borne diseases.
"As Malawi, we join the world in commemorating this day to highlight the importance of practices that help prevent food borne disease illnesses, raise awareness among consumers, food producers, and policy makers about food safety risks and their mitigation measures.
"We commemorate this day at community level as one of the frontline defenders of food safety due to its proximity to significant food safety activities such as fishing and farming to keep the population safe and free from potential health risks," he said.
The World Food Safety Day 2024 is being commemorated under the theme: "Food Safety: Be prepared for the unexpected."
Government to promote education standards
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 4, Mana; Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima has emphasized the need for a joint Sector Review Meeting saying they help to ensure collective efforts in the lives of children and youth and the architects of the nation’s future.
Speaking on Tuesday during the joint Sector Review Meeting at Bingu International Convention Centre ( BICC) in Lilongwe, Kambauwa said the 2023/2024 Malawi Education Statistics Report and the Education Sector Performance Report highlight key milestones, including increased enrolment across all education levels, improved teacher training and recruitment, and expanded access to digital learning platforms.
“These successes reflect our collective dedication and the invaluable support from our Development Partners and all stakeholders present today” She stated.
Kambauwa also added that the ministry is also enhancing the quality of education delivery to support the country’s industrialization objectives, particularly through increased manufacturing capacity and productive output.
“We will priorities technical and vocational education, strengthen teacher's capacity and promote collaborative research and innovation at the university level, “she said.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Education Mangani Chilala Katundu has said it is exciting that the Joint Sector Review Meeting serves as the first strategic series of activities to more prominently showcase in their sector’s contributions to national development and growth during the recently declared National Education Month.
“. It is a call to action, urging us to move beyond “business as usual” and make decisions that directly benefit students, teachers and communities. As we gather here, we must remember that every intervention should lead to measurable improvements – whether in access, quality or inclusion – bringing us closer to the vision of a prosperous Malawi as outlined in MW2063” He said.
Meanwhile Education Specialist Grace Kaimila Kanjo Commented that education is emphasize more on academic side of learning which is knowledge but we need to move more into imparting skills, and hands-on skills where students we be able to do things on their own but also values.
“We need to have not just knowledge but the ability to adapt to the environment and to adapt to changing environments to be able to do things with our hands and to be able to be self-employed,” she said.
The Ministry of Education is hosting a 2-day joint Sector Review Meeting in Lilongwe at BICC.
