MANAonline
MERP increases enrollment in Phalombe
By Tikondane Vega
Phalombe, March 17, Mana: Director of Education and Sports in Phalombe, Steve Charles Banda says the coming in of the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP) with new classrooms in the district has increased the number of learners in primary schools, which currently stands at 155,000.
Banda said with support from MERP the district is planning to construct 312 classroom blocks of which over 50 have already been completed while others are in different stages under different phases.
He was speaking on Monday during an interview with Malawi News Agency in the district saying class enrollment in primary schools continues to grow each passing day due to the construction of new classrooms.
“I have to admit that previously while some children were learning in the classrooms, their counterparts were being taught under trees. This made both the lives of learners and teachers difficult due to different weather patterns.
“When it’s rainy season classes were being suspended while when the sun is too much both learners and teachers were failing to concentrate due to heat. But the coming in of MERP has solved all these challenges,” said Banda.
He said MERP has also provided the district with 33 sanitation blocks, which has led to improved health and increased school attendance leading to better learning outcomes.
Banda added, “Interestingly, knowing that Phalombe is a disaster-prone area, all the infrastructure being constructed are those that can withstand disasters. We are talking of resilient buildings that have certain features that help them withstand natural and human-made disasters.”
Head Teacher for Migowi 1 Primary School, Jack Muhura said MERP Project has revolutionized the learning experience for learners at the school, especially those who were previously studying in open spaces and that the construction of sanitation rooms and change rooms has increased attendance at the school.
“We are very thankful to the government for providing us with one classroom block and one sanitation block. These are model buildings that have also beautified our place despite reducing overcrowding in classes and toilets,” said Muhura adding the school has close to 4, 000 learners now due to the availability of classes.
Meanwhile, Dyna Mapesi a standard 7 learner at the school said the coming in of the new classes has reduced congestion at the school while asking authorities to continue bringing such projects.
MERP has several components, which include a school leadership programme targeting school leaders across the country, the construction of sanitary rooms, hiring of auxiliary teachers, and supporting administration of the Common Zonal test, among others aimed at improving primary education.
Restriction of imported goods to foster Malawi’s sustainable economy
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, March 18, Mana: Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, has highlighted that restricting some imported and exported goods will foster the country's sustainable economy, as this will encourage local business and farmers to produce quality products.
Speaking at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe Monday evening, Mumba emphasized that the restriction order of some essential goods such as fresh milk, peanut butter, matches and bottled water among others is necessary for the nation's development.
He said selection of the items was done after thorough assessment of the supply capacity of local industries.
"By incentivizing local production, we are not only ensuring the availability of commodities but also creating jobs across the agricultural and manufacturing sectors,” he said.
He stated that the ministry will be engaging supermarkets such as Chipiku, Sana, Shoprite, Game Stores and KFC among other on corporate social responsibility to invest in the local agribusiness value chain by empowering existing indigenous farmers to produce to required standards.
Mumba assured Malawians that the Ministry will continue safeguarding the hard-earned foreign exchange by encouraging locally produced goods thereby building resilience of the country's economy as it aligns with the Malawi 2063.
The implementation of the order will be done through an administrative note, which will be issued by the Ministry as soon as possible. The order will expire in March, 2027.
Congolese and Malawian arrested for illegal possession of cannabis
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, March 16, Mana: Police in Dowa district Sunday arrested two people at Dzaleka Refugee Camp for illegal possession of cannabis sativa locally known as chamba.
Dowa police station Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima, identified the two as Remasi Mziiki, 22, a female Congolese refugee, and Gosta Mvula, 52, a male resident of Jeputala village under Traditional Authority Msakambewa in the district.
She said acting on a tip from an anonymous source, officers from Dzaleka police unit conducted a search at Mziiki’s residence in the camp, in a section called Lisungwi.
"The operation uncovered cannabis sativa concealed in food containers, a sack, and in a plastic bag. Mvula was also arrested near Mziiki's house, while in possession of cannabis sativa packed in a sack and concealed in laptop bag, which was meant for sale.
"When questioned, the suspects failed to produce valid licenses for possession or sale of cannabis and were immediately arrested. The substance was confiscated and taken for assessment," she said.
Sitima has since disclosed that Mziiki has a prior conviction for a similar offense.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to their offences.
Police arrest man for murder in Mzimba
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 17, Mana: Police in Mzuzu have arrested Mike Shonga 32, for allegedly stabbing to death Professor Soko at Chimodzimodzi Mapale Village in Mzimba.
According to Mzuzu Police Station deputy public relations officer, Cecilia Mfune, Shonga was arrested on March 16, 2025, at the said village.
Mfune said on the night of March 15, 2025 Soko (now deceased) and his friend, Frank Gondwe were returning from a drinking joint, heading to their home village and along the way, they saw the suspect removing bricks from the window of an unfinished house.
“When they confronted him, a fight erupted, and the suspect stabbed Soko in the chest and Gondwe in the head before fleeing the scene,” explained Mfune.
Mfune further said the two victims were taken to Ekwendeni Mission Hospital, where Soko was pronounced dead upon arrival due to excessive blood loss while Gondwe is currently admitted at Mzuzu Central Hospital.
“Following the incident, the matter was reported to Ekwendeni Police Post where detectives launched investigations leading to the arrest of Shonga,” she said.
Mfune said Shonga, who hails from Zulu Gondwe Village, Traditional Authority Mthwalo in Mzimba district will appear in court soon to answer charges of murder contrary to Section 209 and unlawful wounding contrary to Section 241 of the Penal Code respectively.
Ntchisi communities urge government to support irrigation, road development
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 17, Mana: Member of Parliament (MP) for Ntchisi East Constituency, Bernard Chitekwe, has highlighted his constituent’s appreciation for government’s effort in addressing issues such as hunger and uplifting development in the area.
Speaking Sunday during a rally at Kalambe Ground in Ntchisi, Chitekwe said part of Ntchisi has experienced drought, resulting in complete maize crop failure.
"This has led to concerns about ongoing hunger in the area with expectations that next year will be just as challenging," he said.
The rally-celebrated progress made on various development projects, including the long awaited Chafumba Health Centre, which has stalled since 2013.
Senior Chief Kasakula of Ntchisi urged government to support development of an irrigation scheme from Mbonekera to Mwasambo.
"The proposed scheme aims to provide reliable water source for crops, enabling farmers to cultivate the land throughout the year and increase agricultural productivity," he said.
He, therefore, said the irrigation scheme can help ensure a stable food supply and empower farmers to grow crops all year round, ultimately contributing to the area's economic growth and development.
Deputy Minister of Transport, Steven Malondera, said government is committed to addressing the poor state of road network in the area in order to improve connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
MP donates maize to 3,000 households
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, March 17, Mana: Member of Parliament for Kasungu South Constituency, Simplex Chithyola Banda, on Sunday donated 3,000 bags of maize, each weighing 25 kilogrammes, worth K21 million to communities in the constituency.
Making the donation at his Namuleri Farm at Linyangwa, Chithyola Banda said the donation is in response to the hunger crisis created by dry spells during last year's growing season.
El Nino weather phenomenon created prolonged dry spells resulting in poor harvest, a development that forced President Dr Lazarus Chakwera to declare a State of Disaster in 23 districts including Kasungu.
"This is the second time for us to distribute our proceeds from Namuleri Farm. We did the same on January 1 this year when we donated to 3,000 people," he said.
Chithyola Banda, who is also Minister of Finance, encouraged communities to adopt modern and sustainable methods of farming to counter the effects of climate change and become food secure.
"As leaders we need to lead by example that is why we have invested a lot in farming as a business.
"It is my plea to Malawians to embrace irrigation to ensure food security in the country," he said.
Senior Chiefs Santhe and Chizuma commended the Parliamentarian for the donation stating it will ease family pressures created by hunger among the area's households.
"We are grateful to our MP for timely responding to the hunger crisis affecting our people.
"On the other hand, I urge all the beneficiaries to use their presence here as a learning visit to appreciate modern agriculture," Santhe said.
One of the beneficiaries Patuma James from Chaima Village in the area of Senior Chief Santhe hailed the donation as timely.
Namuleri Farm produced at least 500 metric tonnes of maize in the last growing season.
MACODESO urges expectant women, youth to get HIV test
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, March 17, Mana: Programs Manager for Mtisunge AIDS and Community Development Support Organization (MACODESO), Michael Kameta, has urged expectant women and youths in Nkhata Bay to get an HIV test saying this will reduce HIV prevalence and help them access the needed support.
Kameta said this Sunday at Bandawe Primary School Ground in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Malengamzoma during "Ndife amodzi know your rights" awareness campaign aimed at strengthening community systems to prevent stigma and discrimination against women and children living with HIV.
According to Kameta 6.4 percent of Nkhata Bay's population lives with HIV and AIDS and to avoid further transmission it is essential that women and youths know their status.
"In the course of our work, we are still meeting resistance from certain groups to undergo HIV testing.
"There is also resistance from women who after testing positive do not initiate ARV treatment resulting to high rate of transmission hence the call for women and mostly youths who are sexually active to get tested to curb the transmission rate," he said.
Antiretroviral Therapy Nurse at Bandawe Health Centre, Mary Mkandawire, hinted on the importance of couples getting tested together.
"It is good for expectant women to go for HIV testing together with their husbands so that they can be advised on how best to protect unborn babies from the virus, “she said.
Chintheche Police Unit Officer Sergeant Rabecca N'deza linked the high HIV prevalence rate in the district to gender based violence.
"Our unit receives so many cases connected to gender-based violence.
"Women and young girls are being raped and some are left without support, which has contributed to the high prevalence rate of HIV," she said.
Group Village Head Nabayoti commended MACODESO for educating his community about HIV testing and treatment.
"We are grateful for this campaign as it has been an eye opener to many. I am optimistic that this will help change attitudes and behaviour especially among the youths," he said.
The campaign was conducted in partnership with COWLHA, Reach Trust and Y+, under the project called ‘Kids Health, Kids Rights: Enhancing HIV testing, treatment, and adherence among Kids, pregnant women and lactating mothers living with HIV’ with financial support from AIDSFONDS.
Dedza council takes IWD to female patients
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, March 17, Mana: Dedza District Council Gender and Development Officer, Lisnet Dauya, has disclosed that this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) commemoration for the district will be done through cheering patients in both female and antenatal wards at Dedza District Hospital.
Dauya disclosed the plans Monday during a Gender Technical Working Group, which met in preparation for the event scheduled for Thursday this week.
She said the idea comes about due to resource constraints, as this year’s plan was to bring together women aspirants for an engagement so as to enable them realize that they have the zeal to compete just like any other candidate.
“We, therefore, emphasize the importance of women’s participation in politics as a crucial aspect of achieving gender equality. We believe that increasing the number of women in leadership positions will accelerate progress towards gender equality and improve the lives of women and girls,” she said.
According to Dauya, the event on Thursday will see them cheering about 120 women at the district hospital.
“We plan to buy them sugar, flour as well as soap. We realize that sickness is something that one doesn’t plan and when such happens, a lot of problems come in hence the support,” she said.
According to Dauya, their initial budget was pegged at K4 million but they have been supported with about K600,000 as well as other material support from the Ministry of Gender, Self Help Africa (SHA), Gender Injustice and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP).
The global day celebrates women’s social economic, cultural and political achievements. It also recognizes women’s achievements and calls for action to accelerate progress towards gender parity.
In line with Malawi 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), this year’s theme: “Accelerate action, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action to achieve gender equality” aligns with the national and global commitments to achieving gender equality.
NBS Bank in football development drive
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, March 17, Mana: Northern Region Top 5 Supper League Teams Bonanza has been renamed ‘NBS Bank Northern Region Top 5 Supper League Teams Bonanza’ following a whopping K10 million sponsorship towards the bonanza by the Bank.
Speaking Sunday when the organizers of the bonanza unveiled the bank as the main sponsor Service Centre Manager for Mzuzu NBS Bank, Aron Gumbo said the bank is committed to the development of football in the country.
He said despite hard economic conditions, the Bank decided to sponsor the bonanza in demonstrating its commitment to social corporate responsibility by giving back to communities.
“To continue portraying this commitment we intend to hold NBS Bank Charity Shield on April 29 and NBS Bank League in May, 2025.
“As a Bank which is concerned with development of football we will continue providing more sponsorship for the development of football, especially in the northern region, so that we can produce the much needed players that feed into the national team,” said Gumbo.
He said the sponsorship is also part of the banks broader strategy towards youth development and empowerment by providing opportunities for them to showcase their talents.
Gumbo added that football is a popular sport, which brings together people of different backgrounds from different areas; hence, it plays a big role in fostering community engagement, keeping young people engaged in productive activities thereby keeping them away from negative influences.
Chairperson for NBS Bank Northern Region Top 5 Supper League Teams Bonanza, Alexander Ngwala, said the organizing committee of the bonanza and participating teams are excited with the sponsorship.
“This sponsorship addresses the practical theory of responding to our request for support towards the bonanza as we strive to grow football in the northern region and the country as a whole,” said Ngwala.
He pledged that the organizing committee will ensure that there is transparency and accountability in utilization of the sponsorship.
“Apart from NBS Bank, we have the Blue Fish Lodge that has pledged K500, 000 towards the bonanza. We also have Hon. Mike Bango who has provided us with K200, 000 and this amount is earmarked for the would be top goal scorer.
The winning team will go away with K1 million while the runners-up will get K 500,000 while those on positions three and four will pocket K250,000 and K200.000 respectively,” said Ngwala.
The ceremony was witnessed by representatives of Northern Region Football Association and NBS Bank Service Manager for Karonga and Chitipa.
The five teams participating in the bonanza are Songwe Border United Football Club, Moyale Football Club popularly dubbed as the Lions of Kaning’ina Forest, Karonga United Football Club also called Ingwina Syamwakaronga on field of play and Chitipa United and Mzuzu City Hammers.
The bonanza is scheduled to take place from March 21 to 23 at Rumphi Stadium.
DoDMA warns of Tropical Cyclone Jude
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, March 09, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has advised people in Southern Malawi to follow precautionary measures following an issued warning of Tropical Storm Jude by the Department of Meteorological Services (DCCMS).
In a statement signed by Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for DoDMA, Tropical Storm Jude is expected to develop into a cyclone and directly trigger heavy rains and strong winds in the country from Monday, 10th March 2025 leading to rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm in 24 hours, particularly in affected areas.
"Districts in southern Malawi are expected to receive rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm in 24 hours. Some of the districts that are likely to experience severe impact include Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Ntcheu, Phalombe, Thyolo and Zomba, districts along the lakeshore areas are also expected to experience high rainfall amounts,” reads the statement.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), is advising the general public to move to safer and higher areas as a matter of urgency, follow weather updates through various communication channels and platforms further avoid crossing flooded rivers and walking through running water among others
DoDMA is also advising the public to stay away from power lines and electrical wires and report fallen power lines to authorities.
The statement indicates that people are advised not to attempt to save personal property at the expense of lives, to move and store essential property in safe higher grounds as well as providing first aid treatment to the injured, those in shock and call for medical help.
In accordance with the statement, apart from alerting councils, DoDMA has activated all clusters (sector working groups) for swift preparatory and anticipatory actions. The national emergency operation centre has also been activated for coordinated preparedness and response.
"DoDMA has also made standby arrangements for the deployment of a search and rescue team comprising the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) the Marine Department and the Malawi Red Cross Society," the statement reads.
The department, through the Public Communication and Publicity Cluster, is also working with DCCMS and councils in disseminating early warning messages and raising awareness of the looming cyclone.
DoDMA has also appealed to Councils in disaster-prone areas to alert area and village disaster risk management committees to further alert and assist vulnerable communities to move to nearby evacuation centres.
