MANAonline
Two men to serve 12 years (IHL) for robbery in Nkhotakota.
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, May 14, Mana: Nkhunga First Grade Magistrate's court at Dwangwa in Nkhotakota, has convicted and sentenced 30-year-old Edwell Banda, and 20-year-old, Gift Banda to 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for robbery.
The Court through State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mecheas Chatsira heard that on May 6, 2024, the suspects hired a motorcycle to take them to Luwerezi on a business trip.
While on the way in Dwambazi forest, the convicts attacked the rider and assaulted him until he collapsed and robbed him a Red Gatoma motorcycle worth K1,950,000.
Later the two were arrested at a police roadblock in Luwerezi. Appearing in court, the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges.
In submission, State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Mecheas Chatsira pleaded with the court for a stiffer sentence stating that cases of this nature are on the rise in the district and country at large.
Passing his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Kingsley Buleya concurred with the state and slapped the convicts with 12 years’ imprisonment with hard labour each.
Both Edwell Banda and Gift Banda hail from Alamu Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kaluluma in Kasungu district.
Draught Sports Committee Urged to Support Female Players
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, May 14, Mana: Female International Master (FIM), Susan Kachepa, who won the top position in the African Draught Championship league in Zambia last year, has called on the Regional Draught Committee to support female players.
She believes this support is essential to improve skills and build interest in the sport among women.
In an interview on Tuesday, Kachepa criticized the lack of initiatives for female players, noting that district and regional levels primarily organize male tournaments.
"We rely only on the national tournament organized by the Association of Draught in Malawi (ADMA). If we play that tournament in one year, we wait for another tournament the next year.
"How can one play the game without training? We see males being sponsored by other stakeholders, but female players are left out. Even our committee bodies do not sponsor us to have tournaments at grassroots and regional levels," Kachepa said.
She emphasized that regular training is crucial for improving skills and uplifting talent in draught sports. Kachepa also urged the draught committees to avoid gender discrimination when organizing tournaments.
"It's my plea to draught committees that they should avoid discriminating against us when organizing tournaments. We usually see them sponsoring men to compete in regional tournaments every month," she said.
However, Regional Committee Secretary Abuba Iman said that their tournaments are open to all, regardless of gender.
"Since 2023, these tournaments have been open to everyone, regardless of skill or gender. District, regional and national qualifiers in the tournament include both males and females.
"We expect girls to participate in training groups like Lilongwe Giants and A, B, C groups. Their involvement in boys' competitions can help improve their performance," Iman said.
ADMA President, John Ngwenya acknowledged Kachepa's concerns but pointed to a lack of willingness among women as a significant factor deterring tournament organizers and sponsors from including women at the grassroots level.
“To ensure both men and women participate in the sport, we are organizing draught tournaments in schools, pending government funding.
"By next month, we will visit schools to identify young ladies who can be active in the sport. We have submitted our budget, and once funds are received; we will start these programs," Ngwenya said.
Draught is an emerging sport gaining popularity in Malawi, with the government committed to supporting all sports disciplines through funding.
Malawi Nutrition Policy renewal now at an advanced stage- Ministry
By Priscilla Phiri
May 14, Lilongwe, Mana: In a significant stride towards bolstering the country’s health, Principal Secretary (PS) responsible for administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera, has announced that the renewal process of the third Nutrition Policy for the country has reached an optimum stage.
Manyetera said this at the opening ceremony of GIZ’s third annual Global Programme for Food and Nutrition Security, Enhanced Resilience conference, which gathered over 40 international delegates and partners to share their experiences, achievements and future pathways in food and nutrition security, on May 14, in Lilongwe.
Speaking at the conference, Manyetera said the government of Malawi recognizes the importance of nutrition as an enabler for human growth and development of the country.
He said: “We have a development tool called Malawi Vision 2063 whose agenda indicates that optimum nutrition has an implication on human income development and health wellbeing with wider implications on a social economic growth of the nation.
“A country with poor nutrition aspects can never develop, and Malawi intends to move out of the aspect of malnutrition to an aspect where it is a nutritious rich nation through food diversification, hence this programme implemented by GIZ compliments government’s efforts in eradicating malnutrition.” He said.
Manyetera said government has taken strategic steps in ensuring that policy frameworks and government structures which create an enabling environment for nutrition are well versed.
He further observed that Malawi is at an advanced stage in reviewing the national multisectoral nutrition policy which will not only focus on multisectoral approach but a systematic approach, acknowledging the need to ensure health diet and nutrition.
“The policy is at an advanced stage such that it is awaiting cabinet’s approval and after this phase we will have a team that will disseminate all aspects of the policy for Malawians to be aware,” he said.
The PS commended the German government for its steadfast diplomatic relationship with Malawi for 60 years which has seen the development of many sectors in Malawi through its programmes implemented by GIZ.
On their part, Head of Global Programme Food and Nutrition Security, Enhance Resilience, Julia Kirya, said nutrition is a complex subject which requires partnerships to be addressed, hence, the conference plays a vital role in sharing information and experiences from the countries.
“What we have achieved in 10 years of this programme is exceedingly great as we have seen improvement in the nutrition of women and children in the districts which we have been working with in Malawi, but also men’s involvement in food and nutrition which was not the case in the early years,” she said.
Also present at the event was the country representative for GIZ Alan Walsch, delegates from seven countries. Meanwhile the conference is in progress and it is set to close on May 18, 2024.
The Malawi Nutrition Policy was launched in 2007 with the aim to facilitate improvement of the nutritional status of all Malawians with special emphasis on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below the age of 15 years.
Chitoliro Productions to Crown Miss UMP Beach Beauty Pageant
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, May 14, Mana: Spokesperson for Urban Music People (UMP), Marie Thom has announced plans to Crown Miss UMP to captivate blend of elegance at the upcoming Festival.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thom said to blend fashion and tourism, the highly anticipated UMP Festival aims to elevate its fashion quotient by coming up with the inaugural Miss UMP beach beauty pageant.
“This pageant is more than just a showcase of physical beauty, it’s a celebration of confidence, charisma and the vibrant spirit of our lakeshore communities”, Said Thom.
She further said, Miss UMP office will be active all year round to carry out the ongoing activities of the Festival in promoting tourism and elevating urban culture in lakeshore areas, as well as to contribute to the social economic development of the country and enhancing African positive narrative.
“The beauty pageant, will collaborate with major fashion stakeholders in Malawi and feature a diverse array of fashion-centric events, including fashion shows, pop-up boutiques, fashion markets and costume contests so that we should promote fashion in the country “, she said.
The Chitoliro production has also chosen former Miss Malawi and previous UMP Fashion Award icon recipient, Mabel Khonje as their Fashion Brand Ambassador.
In her remarks, Khonje said it’s an exciting news that she has been chosen to be the Ambassador of UMP and will deliver her best on this position.
“I am very excited, honored and humbled to be the face of such a festival. People should expect glam, fun and something Malawi has ever seen before." Said Khonje.
UMP festival is expected to hold this years’ celebration on 25 to 28 October at Cape Maclear in Mangochi.
Tertiary students urged to become upright leaders
By Henry Ngulinga
Zomba, May 14, Mana: Eastern Region, Universities and Colleges section of Students Christian Organization of Malawi (Eastern Region UCS-SCOM) on Tuesday, held a conference under the theme ‘Raising an upright generation’
The conference took place at Robbins Park in Zomba where speakers drilled the tertiary students on issues bordering on entrepreneurship, relationships and leadership.
Speaking during the conference, SCOM Trustee, Patrick Kaudzu, who talked on the topic ‘A generation of leaders’ observed that Malawi’s economic situation was basically as a result of increasing cases of corruption which have now become intrinsic in many sections of the society citing crookedness and untrustworthiness as some of the key issues triggering corruption in Malawi.
He therefore called on men and women who are upright and full of moral integrity to lead in preaching evils of corruption and its implication on national socio-economic development.
“We have lots of people craving for positions, but there are few people that are qualified to serve. Many of those who step out are seeking for opportunities for personal wealth, power, self-glorification, or settling scores with their perceived enemies”, added Kaudzu.
On entrepreneurship, SCOM National Executive Committee, Dr. Felix Lombe encouraged students to venture into entrepreneurship and further observed that there was high competition on white collar jobs as a lot of people are attaining academic qualifications in the higher learning institutions.
Lombe added that entrepreneurship was ideal as it also helps to reduce unemployment.
Speaking on a relationships topic, Professor Levison Chiwaula and wife Maggie, both from Zomba SCOM Associates Fellowship advised students to venture into a relationship with a sober mind and resist from starting a love relationship when they are not ready.
The outgoing Eastern Region UCS-SCOM Chairperson, Eric Dinga disclosed that the conference drew delegates from eight out of its 12 branches.
The conference also unveiled new Eastern Region UCS- SCOM-Executive which is now being headed by Emmanuel Luciano of Magomero Community Development College in Chiradzulu,
Mangochi Diocese launches ICT policy
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, May 14, Mana. The Catholic Diocese of Mangochi launched its first ever Information Communications Technology (ICT) policy which is meant to guide flow of information within the diocese.
Speaking at the launch recently at St. Augustine Cathedral, Bishop Montfort Stima said that it was significant for the diocese to have policy to avoid confusion when people disseminate information within the diocese.
Stima added that there was a gap on the flow of information, observing that anyone could make communication without authorization.
“The policy is just a guide to make sure that there is no confusion when people have to disseminate information about development or pastoral work. The policy will guide us as to who should communicate and what because not everything is required to be publicized,” he Said.
In his remarks, Diocesan Laity Chairperson, Daniel Bwanali described the launch of the policy as a step in the right direction, saying there was no sanity in the absence of the policy on issues of information and communication in the diocese.
He expressed hope that the policy will guide the dioceses on information flow to ensure order on how people should communicate.
“The coming in of the policy is a very good development because it will help us to move together,” said Bwanali.
Priests, sisters, church representatives and journalists from Mangochi who are members of the Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) attended the launch.
Kuhes’ CSO conducts holds fundraising activity
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, May 14 Mana: Catholic Students Organization (CSO) at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) on Tuesday provided blood pressure checks and health counseling to Catholics at Limbe Cathedral to fundraise for the organization’s activities.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Kuhes CSO’s Fundraising and Events Coordinator, Rosaria Nyondo said the students grouping has no sponsors and this was the reason for carrying out fundraising activities among them to help the needy.
“As catholic university students, we do charity work and after every two weeks we invite a priest to hold a holy mass at the campus and for this, we need finances.” said Nyondo.
She said they came to Limbe Cathedral to take blood pressure testing, provide health talks and offer counseling services closer to the people who became aware of their health status.
“This will help church members because they will know about healthy living and get advice without traveling,” Nyondo said.
One of the participants, Limbani Mataya commended the students for taking the right step in sourcing resources other than calling for help without taking initiatives.
“They chose a right way of doing things because they are giving a service to people,” he said.
Migowi Conference Centre to boost council’s revenue
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, May 13, Mana: Phalombe District Council has constructed Migowi Conference Centre to boost local revenue collection using Government to Enable Services Delivery (GESD) funds considering that the council has no such facility to conduct its meetings.
Director of Public Works for Phalombe District Council, Charles Chikhunda said there are a number of construction works that are underway in the district through GESD to make sure that the council is able to generate funds.
“We have done road rehabilitation so that communities are able to transport their farm produce to markets in Blantyre since we are one of the districts that feed Blantyre.
“We have also constructed Mpasa Youth Resource Centre which. Apart from providing services to the youth, it will also be generating funds through hall hiring and be able to support some of the operations at the Centre,” he said.
Chikhunda said the project cost for Migowi Conference Centre was pegged at K45, 024, 747.81, but due to devaluation and Tropical Cyclone Freddy that hit the district they failed to complete within the specified period of 120 days. Hence requested for additional funds to purchase furniture and installation of air-conditioner for it to be fully functioning.
Finance Committee Chairperson for Phalombe District Council, Bernard Komwa said since councils were required to generate funds for some of its operations there was need to have structures that would help to generate revenue.
Komwa added that the conference Centre would assist to save money for hall hiring during meetings and at the same time generate revenue as it would be hired out to organizations for their meetings.
Phalombe District Council has been one of the outstanding districts in receiving GESD funds because of its stellar performance during Local Authority Performance Appraisal.
Meanwhile, the council has plans to erect street lights at major trading Centre’s, construct market sheds and toilets to create a conducive environment for the business community at the market and also help to boost revenue collection at markets.
Mzinda Lifestyle to host a fashion event
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, May 14, Mana: As one way of promoting Art, Mzinda Lifestyle has organised a fashion event which will showcase fashion trends from different countries across the world.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) one of the organisers Chris Kunda Daka said, designers will showcase their outfits to appreciate their work and also market themselves as this is the opportunity to learn from each other.
“We want to bring talent which people have at international level, for Malawi to be a regional fashion capital it is important to be introducing such events as it paves way for the fashions to be creative in their designs”, Said Daka.
Daka further said in Malawi they are many creative people in the fashion industry only that they lack support, so with the coming in of this event it will help them to find markets in other countries.
“The fashion industry in the country is not broad enough so this will be a platform whereby talented designers will engage themselves with other designers”, he said.
He then called upon the government and corporate world to support them in their works as they are contributing to the economy and development of the country.
In his remarks one of the models in Malawi, Daniel Chikaipa said, the Fashion Show in Malawi will provide opportunities for Malawian models to showcase talent, gain exposure and network with industry professionals.
“By participating in the event, Malawian models will have the chance to collaborate with designers across Africa, potentially leading to future work opportunities both locally and internationally”, Said Chikaipa.
He further said, being part of such an event will help Malawian models build their portfolios, increase visibility and potentially attract attention from agencies looking to represent them. Overall, the fashion show shall serve as a platform to enhance their careers and establish connections.
“Let us embrace creativity, uniqueness and cultural heritage, we should use such platforms to showcase our talents and collaborate with African and western designers who can support and uplift our talents “, He said.
The Fashion event is expected to take place on June 2, 2024 at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) with participants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, USA, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Mali, Swaziland and Rwanda.
Ministry of Agriculture moves in to improve cotton production
By Moses Nyirenda
Salima, May 13, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, says his ministry is committed to supporting cotton farmers by, among other things, providing them with affordable inputs to improve cotton production in the country.
He made the remarks Monday at Mgoza Primary School Ground, Chinguluwe Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Salima during the opening of the 2023/2024 cotton marketing season.
Kawale said there in need for increased cotton production in the country to meet both local and international market demand.
“We need to produce large quantities to satisfy both domestic and export markets. On the domestic scene, over 50,000 metric tonnes is needed annually to meet local manufacturing and value addition demand.
“The demand on the export market, on the other hand, is in excess of 200,000 metric tonnes,” Kawale said.
He said government is working tirelessly to ensure that all cotton farmers have access to affordable and high quality seed at affordable prices to increase area and production in order to achieve some pillars in the Malawi 2063.
He said cotton has the capacity to contribute to pillar number one and two of the MW2063 which talks about agricultural productivity and commercialization and industrialization respectively.
Cotton Council of Malawi Executive Director, Cosmas Luwanda, said the Council is keen to help farmers with proper cotton farming techniques for them to reap more benefits.
Luwanda said they are lobbying government to come up with structured cotton markets to attract more investors in the sector.
“Around 2011, we had 12 ginneries supporting farmers to produce cotton. Over time, because of informalities such as; side buying and selling most ginneries closed shop. Currently, we are remaining with only four.
“Therefore, we would like to combine structures to aggregate cotton in the system to attract more investors because they will know that they have a platform to recover their money and has zero risks,” Luwanda said.
Cotton Association of Malawi Chief Executive Officer, Synoden Mbalafana, commended government for its commitment to promoting cotton farming.
He hailed cotton adjustment farm gate price from K580 to K900 per kilogram. However, he appealed for more adjustments to encourage farmers to start producing more cotton.
