MANAonline
NICE challenges Mangochi based Journalists on investigative journalism
By Ernest Mfunyam
Mangochi, May 27, Mana. National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust in Mangochi challenged journalists in the district to use investigative journalism skills to provide communities with credible information.
Speaking during a media training recently, NICE Trust, District Programmes Officer, and Joseph Chamambala said journalists in Mangochi have the responsibility to develop the country by practicing investigative journalism which should bring forth development activities taking shape across the district.
NICE Trust expects to implement a three years European Union (EU) funded Boma Lathu programme which will support the trust to sensitize communities on voter education, accountability, human rights and mobilization for citizen participation in decision-making and national development.
The Boma Lathu programme will on the other hand support media practitioners in the district on investigative journalism to encourage citizens to demand accountability from duty bearers.
Chamambala further noted a gap in women, youths and disadvantaged groups’ participation in democratic process hence the need for media to assist in bridging the gap by informing women, youth and disadvantaged groups on issues of democracy and good governance.
“NICE Trust will support civic education and increase participation of women, and youth to participate in democratic processes,
We believe that through public awareness in collaboration with the media this can help us to address the situation,” he added.
Chamambala therefore expressed hope that the media practitioners in Mangochi will discharge their duties professionally and ethically to inform communities with reliable information to give the communities power to demand accountability on various issues.
District Information Officer for Mangochi, Bishop Witmos, commended NICE Trust for organizing the training describing it as ideal and significant.
"This is an eye opener because we are now aware of core areas of reporting. A lot of development is currently taking shape across Mangochi which requires media to cover so that communities should be aware of what government is doing.
“We believe that this kind of engagement will enable us to do such assignments,” he said.
ShareWorld students encouraged to work hard
By Ireen Mseteka
Mzuzu, May 27, Mana: Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Agronomy Consultant, Olivia Sankhulani has advised ShareWorld Open University (SOUMA) students to be committed to their studies in order to achieve their goals.
Sankhulani said this Saturday at SOUMA Mzuzu Campus during the social weekend Luncheon program for the students which was aimed at bringing together all the students to socialize and interact.
“My advice to students is that they have to be focused in order to achieve their goals. Everyone has a goal and if you have a goal and you are working towards that goal, you will definitely achieve it. I was also one of the students at this University,” said Sankhulani.
Mzuzu Campus Registrar, Chester Nyirongo said the event which took place at the campus was vital as it helped the students take time off their studies to refresh and revitalize themselves.
“The event today is the first of its kind at our campus. It was a very important event as students had to interact and socialize. In fact, refreshing is one of the important aspects for them to excel in their academic journey,” said Nyirongo.
He said apart from reading books, the students need to develop socially and network with others to share experiences.
President for SOUMA, Mzuzu Campus Students, and Demeria Chalowelera said the social weekend was organized inorder to accord the students a chance to relax.
“As we are going towards exams, we want to prepare for them with a relaxed mind so that we can do well,” said Chalowelera.
Silver Strikers grip on title chase
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 27, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers have firmly gripped their chase for league title as they are now 22 points, six ahead of second placed Mzuzu City Hammers.
The Central Bankers are not dropping points and are utilizing home fixtures to collect maximum points.
After playing eight games, they have only drop two points when they came from behind to force a 1-1 all draw against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos away in Dedza.
They have played at home against Chitipa United 2-0, Mafco 5-1, Bangwe All Stars 3-1, Creck Sporting 3-1, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-0, Karonga United 4-2 and have won against Baka City 2-0 away.
The youthful looking Silver Strikers seems to play to the instructions of their mentor, Peter Mponda and their ability to keep on scoring goals makes them superior over the rest of the teams in the league.
Mzuzu City Hammers staged a five-star performance when they rose to the occasion for the first since joining the league to edge Mighty Mukuru Wanderers 2-0 at Mzuzu Stadium.
Coming from a 2-0 defeat against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in Blantyre, the Hammers had to quickly recover and took a bold step to stop the Nomads.
Hammers have inflected a second defeat of the season for Wanderers after they had suffered another defeat the previous weekend at the hands of the Central Bankers with the same scoring margins.
Wanderers players were not the party and they were given tough games although they missed several scoring chances.
Maybe, they will attribute the loss due to the absence of their several first eleven players who were reported to be on sick bed.
Just 24 hours later after the defeat, Wanderers Coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan resigned from his post after being in-charge of the team for only eight games.
Ramadhan’s departure makes him the fourth coach to resign from a super league team this season alone.
The first was the departure of coach, Oscar Kaunda from Baka City just seven days before the kick off of the season, Trevor Kajawa from Karonga United and Kadenge Mwafurliwa from Bangwe All Stars.
Third placed, Kamuzu Barracks had a wonderful travel to Blantyre where they silenced Mighty Waka Tigers with a 2-3 beating.
Kamuzu Barracks strikers, Zeliat Nkhoma scored twice to increase his goal scoring tally to seven and he is leading the chart.
Mzuzu City Hammers danger man, Isaac Msiska is second with six goals.
The win saw Kamuzu Barracks moved from position five in week seven to three with 15 points while Tigers has drop to position eight from six with 11 points.
Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos hammered Bangwe All Stars 3-0 IN Dedza to move to position six from 10 while Bangwe has dropped to position 16 and are anchoring the log table with three points.
Baka City have moved to position 15 from 16 after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Creck Sporting and the visitors have dropped to position nine from eight with 11 points.
Mafco have climbed the ladder to position 12 from 13 after beating FOMO 1-0 and have nine points while FOMO have drop to position 13 from 12 with seven points.
Civil Service United have moved to position seven from 11 with 11 points after claiming a 2-0 win over Chitipa United in Karonga on Friday.
Moyale Barracks on position 10 will play host to Bullets, fourth on the log table in a Monday fixture at Mzuzu Stadium.
Eastern region pool association elects new chairperson
By Evance Chisiano
Zomba, May 26, Mana: Malawi Pool Association (MAPA) in the Eastern Region has elected Moses Kambeleswa as chairperson during elections that took place on Saturday at Masuku Lodge in Zomba, where 36 representatives from 18 pool clubs cast their votes.
Kambeleswa won with 29 votes while his contender, Frank James Gwara, got nine votes and eventually, as the runner-up, became vice chairperson of MAPA in the east after none came forward to compete for the position of vice chairperson.
The meeting also elected Kayomdo Silumbu, who got 24 votes, as general secretary against Wales Timothy and Michael Ndewele who got eight and seven votes respectively.
With the eight votes, Timothy automatically came second to Silumbu as vice general secretary.
In addition, Steven Chithumba got elected as technical director after scooping 19 votes against Leonard Mussa and James Kapalamula who got 12 and six votes respectively.
The eastern region pool clubs also voted Limbikani Chikapa as treasurer general with 29 votes, and his contender Moses Chazara got eight votes.
Charity Symon was elected woman representative with 17 votes whereas Martha Magomero got 15 votes through the secret ballot.
Accepting his position, Kambeleswa pledged to promote the game of pool in the eastern region and called on other office bearers and pool clubs to unite for the good of the game.
“I am happy that l have won. I pledge that l will go as far as Monkey Bay to ensure that pool is competitive in all corners of the region,” the newly elected chairperson said.
MAPA President Saulos Thindwa described the elections as free and fair and congratulated new office bearers for winning the trust of pool clubs and pledged that his organization will work with all the regional structures as a way of promoting pool in Malawi to make it competitive.
Thindwa therefore called on the newly elected Eastern Region MAPA officials to maintain discipline in their undertakings so that pool standout above all the games.
“Pool is very popular such that one cannot travel a kilometre without seeing a pool table. The game is everywhere and we are here to make it more popular than ever,” Thindwa added.
Pool clubs from Balaka, Liwonde and Zomba took part in the polls.
NICE, MEC for free and fair by-elections in Chilaweni Ward
By Innocent Kachingwe
Blantyre, May 26, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust, in collaboration with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), on Friday held a community meeting in Chilaweni Ward to foster informed decision-making among voters.
The event was aimed at stimulating community members ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for July 2024 which will fill the vacant position of ward councilor, following the death of Councillor Carlo Mdala in March 2024.
The meeting, which drew a significant turnout from local residents, highlighted the importance of civic participation and the need for informed voting among people of the ward located in Blantyre Rural East Constituency.
In her address, NICE Trust Programme Officer for Blantyre Urban and Rural, Glory Ngosi Maulidi, elaborated on the people's rights to participate in elections and politics in general, especially women, youths and people with disabilities.
“Our mission is to ensure that every citizen is well informed and understands the significance of their role in taking part on development issues. We believe that informed citizens are the cornerstone of a strong democracy,” said Maulidi.
She added that it is the responsibility of the people to vote for the leaders they desire and that people should refrain from handouts from political leaders because this leads to corruption, as wrong leaders are put into power.
On his part, Blantyre District Elections Officer for MEC, McDonald Tanganyika, stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process and encouraged those that have the capacity of contesting for the councilor position to register in order for them to compete.
“Let us not forget that we are choosing a councilor that has to bring development in our area, so we need to register for us to vote for the right person for this role,” he said.
One of the participants, Elizabeth William, said the meeting has enlightening her as she now feels more prepared to choose a candidate who will truly represent their needs and drive positive change in Chilaweni Ward.
Chilaweni Ward has five Centre’s which include Army Secondary School, Mapazi Primary School, Chaweta, Mpumbe and Chilaweni Primary School.
Registration for the by-elections will commence on June 10.
African Ambassadors in China commemorates Africa Day
By Brenda Nkosi.
Beijing, 26 May 2024, Mana: To strengthen the bond of unity and the spirit of brotherhood among Africans, The Group of African Ambassadors to China on Saturday gathered in Beijing, China to commemorate the African Day under the theme "Educate and Skill Africa for the 21st Century".
Speaking at the gala night, the Chinese Government representative, Vice- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong said China will continue to work with African countries to further expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as science, education, culture, tourism and media.
“We will step up cooperation in technology transfer, education and training, and cultivate talent for the modernization of governance capacity, social and economic development, scientific and technological innovation and the improvement of people’s wellbeing,” he said.
He stressed that China will work with Africa to find African solutions to African problems.
Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors in China, Martin Mpana, Ambassador of Cameroon while expressing his appreciation to the Chinese government for their constant support in the education sector, pleaded for an increased sharing of China’s expertise and knowhow in advanced technology and engineering with the African continent.
“We wish to strengthen the partnership between China and Africa universities and high learning institutions within the framework of Belt and Road Initiatives.
“I equally plead with China to encourage state-owned and private enterprises to admit African students and trainees embarked in scientific and technological studies to undertake practical internships in their firms in order to complement the acquired theoretical knowledge,” he said.
Mpana said he strongly believes that the forthcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit would provide an excellent opportunity to discuss new avenues on capacity building and technological transfer as globalization, technological advancement, and climate change, investing in education and skill development has become a strategic priority for sustainable development.
Technology, a drive to high standard education
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, May 25, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has emphasized the importance of having computer laboratories in schools to enhance high quality education to students in an effort to equip the youth from rural areas with computer literacy skills and easy access to information.
Speaking during a ground breaking ceremony at Thavite Community Day Secondary School in Salima, Quality Assurance Manager at MACRA, Cossam Chingancheke highlighted the importance of having such institutions in rural areas to ease access to information that could help students excel well in their education.
“The laboratory is targeting these students as they need technology to get exposed and to align with the world because technology has taken over in all aspects of life worldwide. As a tool in education sector, the laboratory will enable these students to compete and share same knowledge and resources with urban and city counterparts,” he said.
Chingancheke said that the computer laboratory would be accessible by members of the community for them to gain various skills for their everyday purposes.
“Communities around the school campus will enjoy the same opportunities in using the laboratory just like the way students will be using in accessing information. The scope is taking care of the community, they have to benefit out of it as well since technology cuts across all service delivery of the country and our economy will be better placed if we use technology,” he added.
The Manager highlighted measures that have been put in place to safeguard abuses to the under aged in order to only access appropriate information that could be useful in their education.
Member of Parliament for Salima North, Kaphamtengo Yona said the laboratory would help in solving various problems rural people face due to lack of such infrastructures.
“We appreciate the construction of this laboratory because once completed our students will start learning computer subjects which will enhance their academic processes. These days’ employers are looking for computer literate people to work for them. Our students will be able to match those standards,” he said.
The MP assured the public that he would tirelessly work together with chiefs to have a high standard infrastructure far from corrupt activities that lead to embezzlement of any resources that are used for constriction.
“We want the project to be implemented according to plans. If someone is found involved in any malpractices here, when caught, the rule of law will take its course,” he said.
Senior Chief Mwanza appreciated the coming in of the computer laboratory citing that it would boost students’ commitment to their studies and that would reduce immoralities.
“Our area is lacking behind in many ways but I am so pleased to welcome this development at this an unexpected time. People will realize the importance of development and our girls will be committed to further their studies easily due to easy access to information. I am sure this will reduce the rising problems of unplanned pregnancies, early marriages and school dropouts that our girls are facing,” she said.
Mwanza added that it was a responsibility for both students and community members to embrace and make good use of the facility by taking care of it for their own benefit.
MACRA will provide three computer laboratories at Thavite in the north, Mkwero at the enteral and Lungumadzi in the south of Salima with the aim to make both students and community members exposed to the digital world.
Youths urged to remain in school
By Eranivey Temani
Lilongwe, May 25, Mana: Youth more especially girls in Traditional Authority(TA) Kabudula in Lilongwe have been urged to take their studies seriously in order for them to be productive citizens in the near future.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Lilongwe North, Monica Chang’anamuno made the call Friday during the ground breaking ceremony of the ICT lab construction at Mikundi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) which government through MACRA are constructing across the country.
Chang’anamuno who is Minister of Mining said it was only well educated people who could contribute positively towards the development of the country.
“This country needs a lot of educated people who can foster different developments. For example, our mining sector needs people who are professionally trained to work in mining sites which are expected to open very soon, so you must work hard,” she said.
Mikundi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) Head Teacher, Ernest Banda said it was sad that many girls in the area are dropping out of school due to early marriages and unplanned pregnancies.
He said that, “In 2023, only eight girls out of 33 wrote Malawi School Leaving Certificate Examinations (MSCE) due to early marriages and unplanned pregnancies and this is quite disappointing to us as teachers as well as parents.”
Banda asked church and traditional leaders to hold hands and come up with by-laws and stiff penalties that would deter girls to go for early marriages and remain in school.
Senior Group Village Head Guta thanked government for the ICT lab construction at the school saying it would assist learners to have access to more information on their studies.
Guta asked her subordinates and parents to make sure that all children more especially girls around their areas are going to school and not sending them at the market to sell merchandise.
She said that, “For several years I have been on earth, I never expected that this kind of project will ever reach to our community, but now a foundation has been laid, I am hopeful that our children will be in a digital world,”
A Form 4 student at the school, Sarah Ngulube encouraged her fellow students more especially girls to be very careful and avoid rushing into marriages.
Media key in developing National Environmental report
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, May 25, Mana: Media has been described as a key partner in the development of Malawi National State of the Environment Outlook Report (NSEOR), a report which will highlight drivers and pressures of environmental change and provide context for future national plans.
Acting Director General, of Malawi Environment Protection Authority, Tawonga Mbale made the remarks Friday during a media orientation aimed at informing journalists on the steps and activities put in place for the successful development of the NSEOR.
She said there has been preparatory activities towards the commencement of developing the NSEOR, therefore reporters have to be part of every step so that they could be developing well-articulated stories to raise awareness to the public.
"We noted a gap on environmental reporting therefore journalists need to be well capacitated with enough information for their work, we will further work hand in hand with journalists through Association of Environmental Journalists, to broaden their understanding on environmental reporting," Mbale said.
She expressed her appreciation to United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) for financially supporting the development of the NSEOR which has taken government over thirteen years to update, due to financial constraints.
Mbale said due to changing and emerging environmental issues the country needs to develop the report that will assist in developing new policies for environmental protection.
"Environmental changes continue affecting every aspect of the economy, there is an increase on the frequency and intensity of disasters, an increase in biodiversity loss, we need to document and see how we will respond to these environmental emerging issues," she said.
Head of Disasters and Conflicts Branch at UNEP's Ecosystem Division, Cecilia Aipira said that the country's social economic development was directly dependent on the environment therefore it was imperative to develop a report that would provide policy response.
She revealed that the report would be launched in September, 2025, adding that it was not just a document that could be finalized within a shortest period of time, therefore having everyone on board would facilitate and provide room for soliciting diverse views.
"We are calling for National Experts by June, 2024, as one way of enriching the type of people that we will have, therefore these people should be nominated by the public to join already identified experts who are on board," Aipira explained.
Board Member for the Association of Environmental Journalists, Moses Phiri highlighted how important engaging members of the media was when developing important documents such as the NSEOR.
"We are dedicated to collaborating closely with MEPA, UNEP, the Co-Chairs, and the authors. We believe there is much we can contribute, both during the development process and the implementation phase," he added.
Tea industry stakeholders told to implore value addition
By George Bulombola
Nkhata Bay, May 25, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry has advised stakeholders in Tea Industry in the country to enhance value addition to tea for the product to be competitive and fetch higher value on international markets.
The call was made Saturday at Kawalazi Tea Estate in Nkhata Bay by the responsible Minister, Sosten Gwengwe when he presided over International Tea Day Commemoration on the theme, ‘Honoring women from Crop to Cup.’
He said tea was amongst the four highest forex earners for the country and was a strategic crop as far as forex exchange was concern.
“We need to be increasing value to our tea so that we do better on international markets, besides that, we also have to progressive by establishing out grower tea schemes in place such as Nkhata Bay since we only have small scale growers in Thyolo and Mulanje and we are exploring of increasing growers at Kawalazi,” Gwengwe said.
The Minister added that the country exports raw tea in bulk which was reprocessed elsewhere and imported back as premium brands.
“We would like to process raw tea into our own Malawian Tea premium brands which can fetch higher value hence generating increased forex,” he pointed out.
On trade imbalances, Gwengwe said the country needs to term its imports and find import substitutions so that Malawian products are bought using Malawi Kwacha.
“For example, we continue importing more cement for no reason and using Control of Goods Act, the Ministry is trying to control importation of things which can locally be produced such as matches, tomatoes and sugar among others that can achieve us import substitution,
We should not be importing sugar because we a sugar sufficient country. If we achieve import substitution, then we can achieve trade balance due reduced imports. This can also be attained by increasing our exports,” he added.
Board Chairperson for Tea Association of Malawi, Sangwani Hara said the day’s theme was chosen Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) because women across the world tea across the world is mostly produced by women either as small holder farmers or workers
“For instance in Malawi alone. Sixty-five percent of the 23000 tea smallholder farmers are actually women so it’s a very befitting theme,” he said.
On issues of encroachment into Kawalazi Estate jurisdictions by surrounding communities, Hara said the estate was entitled to the land but it was unfortunate that watersheds and catchment areas are being encroached thereby breaching Malawi’s Land Rights and ecosystem which are violations of the estate’s requirement to export its tea.
“I would like to appeal to authorities including traditional leaders to see to it that these issues are addressed using win-win solutions,” Hara cited.
Chairperson for National Small Holder Tea Growers Association, Jones Muhilima appealed to government to consider linking small holder tea growers to markets as currently they sell their produce to tea estates.
He commended government for supporting about 8,500 small holder tea growers through Agriculture Commercialization Project as he asked for the assistance to be extended to more farmers.
Malawi produces about 45 to 50 million kilogrammes of tea out of which Kawalazi produces about 3.3 to 3.5 million kilogrammes.
International Tea Day is commemorated on May 21, annually but this year, Malawi celebrated the day on May 25.
