MANAonline
Sports council mourns SKC
By Alex Banda Kachingwe
Blantyre, June 13, Mana: Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) has described the death of Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima as untimely and a heavy blow to different sporting codes in Malawi.
Chilima who died in a tragic plane crash on Monday, June 10, 2024 together with nine other officials on board in Chikangawa Forest Reserve in Mzimba District is viewed as a person who was dedicated to sports in Malawi.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), MNCS Public Relations and Communications Officer, Edgar Ntulumbwa said the council is shocked with Chilima’s untimely death and that it will have a big impact on sports in the country.
“As you are aware, many of the sporting codes have difficulties acquiring support from the corporate world and the late Chilima did not just only take part in sporting activities, but was also involved in fundraising activities that assisted many sporting disciplines,” said Ntulumbwa.
“The late Chilima was a complete player in basketball, volleyball, golf and cycling, just to mention a few sporting disciplines,” Ntulumbwa said, adding that the council will always cherish the contributions he made to develop sports.
Concurring with Ntulumbwa, a Lilongwe based ardent UTM follower, Shakira Beni said the death of Chilima, who was the party’s president was very shocking, such that the party has lost a visionary leader.
“This is not the loss to the party only, but also to the nation. Our social and political landscape has been greatly affected,” said Beni.
Meanwhile, President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has declared that the nation should observe a period of 21 days of mourning from June 11 to July 1, 2024 in honour of the late Chilima and nine others killed in the plane crash.
NICE drills Nkhotakota media practitioners on governance
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, June 13, Mana: Nkhotakota District Programs Officer for National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE), Queen Mataya, on Wednesday encouraged media practitioners in the district to systematically use investigative journalism skills to uncover truths, expose corruption and hold those in power accountable.
She made the call during a media engagement meeting, aimed at enhancing understanding of governance principles and their role in promoting informed citizenship and democratic engagement by equipping them with knowledge and skills.
Mataya said media practitioners are very good at informing and educating people in various areas including, corruption, democracy, accountability and transparency.
"We believe that the media has the power to disseminate information. We have engaged them to have good relationships with the citizenry, the council members, and politicians, to report and investigate more issues better in the district,” stressed Mataya.
Nkhotakota District Information Officer (DIO), Wongani Mkandawire, who is also the Spokesperson for Nkhotakota District Council, said the council has committed to working together with the media practitioners, considering that they play a crucial role in promoting good governance and democratic values, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry in the district.
"They have raised some challenges they face, including Access to Information (ATI) and intimidation when it comes to deep stories. NICE has assured us that they will conduct sensitization meetings on such matters including ATI to both media practitioners and local authorities to assist them in producing their stories daily," said Mkandawire.
Winstone Kaimira, a Zodiac Broadcasting Station (ZBS) reporter said the meeting is an eye-opener to media practitioners in the district and has since asked other organizations to emulate the same and engage and empower the media especially as we head towards elections.
NICE, has been contributing to Malawi's democracy and good governance as well as various areas for 12 years, with financial support from the European Union (EU).
VP’s Deputy Chief of Protocol laid to rest
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, June 12, Mana: Deputy Chief of Protocol for the Office of the Vice President, Adbdul Lapuken, who was one of the victims of the tragic plane crash which occurred on Monday in Chikangawa Forest Reserve in Mzimba District has been laid to rest at Chapola Village in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimwala in Mangochi District.
Lapuken was killed in a plane crash which also claimed lives of State Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight other citizens on June 10, 2024.
Representing President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo said the President is in deep sorrow for the loss of nine great lives that government had invested in to help in transforming Malawi into a better nation.
“The President sends his heartfelt condolences to the Lapuken family and all traditional leaders in Mangochi. We are all sorry for the loss of Lapuken, the Vice President and all citizens who were on board a plane which tragically crashed on Monday,” Tembo said.
She described Lapuken as a patriotic citizen who served the nation wholeheartedly, noting that he was always available for government services whenever called to duty.
“We have lost an important person whom the late Vice President trusted; hence, a decorated citizen,” she said.
Member of parliament for Mangochi-Nkungulu, where the burial took place, who is also Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Aisha Adam, said she is saddened by the sudden death of a humble ‘brother’ who contributed to the development of the area.
“He was the one who was reminding me what our area was lacking and contributed to the electrification of the Chapola Village and surrounding areas. I am speechless,” she said.
Jiwayi Ladu, a representative of the bereaved family hailed government for the moral, physical as well as financial support to the family during the difficult moment.
Amongst the notable faces to the burial ceremony included Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud; Vice President of Democratic Progress Party (DPP) in the Eastern Region, Bright Msaka; Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Secretary General, Twaibu Lawe; MAM Publicity Secretary, Sheikh Dinala Chabulika, Advisor to the President on Religious Affairs, Hashim Abbasi, senior chiefs Chowe and Chimwala.
Lapuken, born on March 8, I968 is survived by a wife and six children.
NRB registration officers advised to uphold professionalism
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, June 12, Mana: Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Chiradzulu District Council, Henderson Kaumi has urged National Registration Bureau (NRB) registration officers to maintain professionalism and integrity during the National Identification Mop-Up exercise, which will begin in the district on Thursday.
NRB is scheduled to carry out a countrywide National Identification Mop-Up exercise from June to August to complement the 2023/2024 National ID outreach registration exercise, which registered about 82 percent of the targeted 1.5 million new registrants.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of a day-long orientation of registration officers, Kaumi told the officers to conduct themselves appropriately and work in close relationship with community members to ensure that the goal of the exercise is achieved.
“During such exercises we hear a lot of negative things from the communities when it comes to the conduct of our officers. Make sure you behave yourselves as this is the last attempt by government to ensure that all eligible citizens have national identification cards,” he said.
Chiradzulu District Council Director of Administration, Grey Mkwanda advised the officers to dedicate themselves to the exercise as it will contribute to the success of the 2025 general elections.
Mkwanda said rumors have already started making rounds that some individuals are registering people from Mozambique and under-aged children with plans to manipulate the upcoming elections; hence, cautioned the registration officers to follow protocols to dismiss the rumor mill.
“Let me also advise you to take care for and protect the equipment you will be given. The country continues to rely on development partners because of carelessness and issues of theft,” Mkwanda added.
On his part, Chiradzulu District Council Principal Registration Officer, Neil Kalonga said the exercise will be carried out in nine phases and will target citizens aged 16 and above who do not have or lost their national IDs.
“We will also take advantage of this exercise to issue death certificates and distribute previously printed IDs,” Kalonga added.
During the orientation, all the 20 registration officers for Chiradzulu pledged to conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Six die in Rumphi road accident
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi June 12, Mana: Six people have died in a road accident involving a Toyota Hiace minibus registration number MN 146 at Chiweta in Rumphi on Tuesday.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Rumphi Police Publicist, Noel Kamchenga said the minibus was traveling from Karonga heading towards Mzuzu.
"Upon arrival at Kesha area, the driver, Charles Mwafulirwa failed to control the vehicle as it ascended the Chiweta Hills. Henceforth, it started rolling backwards and went to the far nearside where it overturned several times before falling into a gorge,” he said.
He said due to the impact, a female passenger and three male passengers including Kumwenda died on the spot.
“Another passenger was pronounced dead upon arrival at Rumphi District Hospital while the other one died while receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.
One passenger was admitted at the district hospital while the conductor and nine other passengers were treated as outpatients at Jalawe Health Centre and Rumphi District Hospital respectively, according to Chirwa.
He said full particulars of the victims were not yet established.
MACODESO condemns HIV and AIDS stigmatization
By Jacob Nthozi
Nkhata Bay, June 12, Mana: Programmes Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Chirwa has condemned stigma towards people living with HIV and AIDS in Nkhata Bay District.
Chirwa was speaking in an interview on Tuesday after an awareness campaign named ‘Ndife Amodzi, Know Your Rights,’ in the area of Senior Chief Malanda.
He said the campaign is aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV and AIDS in rural communities.
"We are advocating for mindset change so that in the end, people are able to live together in harmony and that those living with HIV and AIDS are able come to facilities without fear of being discriminated," he said.
"We have noted that women and children under the age of 14 are the common victims of stigma and discrimination in rural communities. We are encouraging local leaders to sensitize their subjects on the dangers of stigma," he added.
Chintheche Rural Hospital's coordinator for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTC), Maria Gondwe lauded MACODESO for the initiative that has among others allowed people living with HIV and AIDS know their rights.
She also said the campaign has encouraged communities to go for HIV testing, so that they know their status and follow recommended procedures accordingly.
The campaign was organized under the “Kids’ health, kids’ rights: enhancing HIV testing, treatment and adherence among kids, lactating and pregnant mothers living with HIV” a project which MACODESO is currently implementing with funding from Aidsfunds Foundation from Netherlands through COWLHA.
Council removes garbage from Karonga Main Market
By George Mponda
Karonga, June 12, Mana: Chairperson for Karonga Main Market, Godwin Ghambi has applauded the district council for removing heaps of garbage which were accumulating at the market premises.
Speaking in an interview after a monthly clean up exercise on Tuesday, Ghambi said the garbage which was compromising market users’ health had been removed over the weeked by the council authorities.
"We are now breathing fresh air and the presence of flies, dogs and even cattle which used to feed on the refuse has reduced. This is the kind of service delivery on waste management which we as market users who pay revenue expect to be receiving throughout the year," said Ghambi.
He added: "The council should not give us excuses that they lack transporation because they collect money on a daily basis from the market and we expect them to channel these funds towards solving the problem of lack of a refuse collection vehicle."
On his part, District Environmental Officer for Karonga Council Khumbo Mbeye pledged that the council will continue to make sure that the market and all surroundings in the district are clean.
"Market users in the district should keep participating in the clean-up campaign and also enforce the waste management regulations instituted in order to keep our district clean," Mbeye said.
He however lamented problems the council is facing especially in transporting waste to landfills.
"We are using old and borrowed vehicles which breakdown almost every week. However, we are working towards overcoming this challenge. This task cannot be done overnight and we are calling upon well-wishers and other stakeholders to bail us out.
"Keeping the district clean and litter free is our main priority. We apologise to residents and businesses want to assure them that we are doing our best to maintain quality garbage collection services throughout,' he said.
NYCOM to shape the future for youth development
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, June 12, Mana: Executive Director of the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), Rex Chapota has stressed the importance of shaping a future where every young person in the country has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting in Lilongwe, he emphasized NYCOM's mission to empower young people and encourage their effective participation in community development and governance.
Chapota commended the government demonstrating remarkable political would in recent months.
"I am pleased to let you know that the government has shown incredible political will in the last few months by putting in place a full executive management team that is supposed to steer the council into the future," he said.
Board Chairperson of NYCOM, Duncan Chiyani expressed the importance of the strategic plans in shaping the council's operations for the next five years.
"We are set for a new executive management, for instance, the position of the director of programmes has been on paper at the national youth council for many years but it was never filled at any point, this is the first time the NYCOM is filling the position," he explained.
Chiyani has since noted the significant step of filling the long-vacant position of the director of programmes, signaling a new era for NYCOM.
NYCOM facilities and encourage cooperation among registered youth organizations in the country.
President establishes committee for funeral arrangements
By Priscilla Phiri
Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: The Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has disclosed that President Lazarus Chakwera has established a special committee to oversee the funeral arrangements of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.
The announcement came during a press briefing at the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in Lilongwe, aimed at updating the nation on the funeral proceedings.
He reported that the remains of late Dr. Chilima, along with those of his entourage and the flight crew, have been returned to their respective residences in Lilongwe, where vigils are being held.
"We previously assured the nation that we would provide continuous updates on the funeral arrangements for the Vice President and the other eight individuals. The bodies have now arrived in Lilongwe and are at their homes for the vigils," Kunkuyu stated.
President Chakwera has declared that the Vice President's funeral would be conducted with full state honours and has declared a 21-day mourning period, during which national flags will be flown at half-mast.
The Vigil for the Vice President will take place at his official residence in Area 12, Lilongwe. Additionally, the Minister noted that the late Abdul Lapken, who served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be interred in Mangochi on Wednesday, June 12,2024, in observance of his Islamic faith.
Kunkuyu emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources for information regarding the funeral to prevent misinformation.
The committee appointed by President Chakwera, includes cabinet members; Titus Mvalo (Chairperson), Harry Mkandawire, Simplex Chithyola Banda, Michael Usi, Vera Kamtukule, Nancy Tembo, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, Moses Kunkuyu, and Jacob Hara. Additionally, Patricia Kaliati, Secretary General for UTM, and Eisenhower Mkaka, Secretary for MCP, have been included.
The Nation will be informed of the committee members' specific roles as preparations progress.
Meanwhile, the technical committee is actively working on the logistics, and a detailed funeral programme will be shared following their meeting on June 12,2024.
MACRA to continue supporting media industry
By Daniel Siame
Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has said it would continue supporting media industry in the country
MACRA held a celebration for the completion of its frequency Refarming initiative, signaling a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector and the event took place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
MACRA Board Chairperson, Bridget Chibwana said the importance of the frequency refarming initiative has helped more radio station in the country to be allocated space within the frequency spectrum.
“This project is not about optimizing our frequency spectrum; it’s about laying the foundation for a more efficient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications landscape in the country,” she said.
Chibwana emphasized that the reframing process would enhance the quality of services provided to consumers, facilitate the introduction of new technologies, and improve overall network performance.
Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu underscored government’s support for the media and telecommunications sectors.
“Government is committed to creating an environment where our media can flourish and innovate. The Frequency Refarming initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and we commend MACRA for its efforts,” he said.
The Minister added that with improved infrastructure and regulatory support, our media would come to grow and contribute to the development of our nation and government was in full support of the initiative.
The event was marked by a series of presentations and discussions focusing on the impact this development will bring to the media industry and Malawians in general.
Experts detailed how the reallocation of frequencies would create opportunities for the expansion of broadband services, thereby fostering economic growth and enhancing the delivery of digital content.
The ceremony included a showcase of new websites where viewers can access their radio station of choice with ease.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience first-hand the potential of advanced communication services, such as enhanced mobile broadband and next generation broadcasting technologies.
It was clear that the re-allocation of the frequencies was not just a reflection on past achievements, but a forward-looking event aimed at positioning the country’s media industry at great heights.
With the government’s pledge to support, the industry is poised to enter a new era of growth and innovation.
