MANAonline
Wirima inspects kick-starting of MSCE exams
By Angella Salijeni
Mulanje, July 2, Mana: Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, says she is pleased with how the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations have started in different centres.
Wirima was speaking Tuesday when she inspected the beginning of this year’s MSCE examinations in some schools in Mulanje District.
“I am very pleased that examinations have started well. It is quiet and we have not heard anything unlike in the past when there were a lot of irregularities,” Wirima said.
Wirima, therefore, thanked various stakeholders including the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANAEB), Ministry of Education and security agents for the job well done which has contributed to the smooth running of the exams.
“I am also impressed that the number of students sitting for exams this year has increased with 19.5 percent from 13.2 percent last year implying that Malawians are showing interest in education,” she added.
During the visit, the minister also inspected EQUALS Project at Chambe Community Day Secondary School whose aim is to improve the teaching and learning of science in secondary schools.
Kambauwa Wirima visited two centres of Mulanje and Chambe Secondary Schools.
Karonga registers rise in non-communicable diseases
By Felix Katemula
Karonga, July 2, Mana: Karonga District is registering an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and high blood pressure due to lack of knowledge on prevention.
NCD Coordinator for Karonga District Hospital, Luckson Chiphiko made the revelation Monday on the sidelines of NCD screening and sports bonanza which was organized on Monday by NCD Alliance-Malawi in the district.
Chiphiko said 85% of NCD cases were recorded between 2022 and 2024.
"We have noted that lack of knowledge about NCDs is fueling the increase. People know more about Malaria, Cholera and others because there have been more campaigns as compared to NCDs,” he said.
He further said that most people visit the hospital only after developing complications such as heart failure and stroke.
Assistant Project Officer for NCD Alliance-Malawi Jonathan Munthali cited lifestyle and food as one of the main causes of NCDs in the district.
“People in Karonga consume a lot of meat in the form of soup. The food has high fat content which puts them at risk of developing non-communicable diseases. We therefore advise people to eat balanced diets to ensure they have a healthy life,” Munthali said.
Optimism on women participation in politics
By Golden Kang’oma
Salima, July 2, Mana: Oxfam Malawi has expressed optimism about increased participation of women and people living with disabilities in Salima district in the upcoming 2025 general elections.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with aspirants in Salima district, Oxfam Malawi’s Country Director, Lingalireni Mihowa said there is a surge in interest among the groups to contest for various positions.
Mihowa said through a project called Promoting Gender Transformative and Youth Inclusive Democracy project which is being implemented in partnership with Women Legal Resource Centre (WOLREC), they are trying to address challenges that women and persons with disabilities are facing to hold political positions.
She said: “We are very optimistic that a lot of women and ppersons with disabilities will contest for different positions in the coming elections as many have shown interest and are able to speak out, currently we are calling upon the public to support these candidates in their political endeavours.”
Mihowa said putting women and persons with disabilities in law making positions is very important as they will easily influence decision making and mind-set change among their fellows.
However, chairperson of persons with physical disabilities in Salima district, Alexander Saidi pointed out that lack of resources and information gaps hinder many potential candidates from entering the political arena.
“Lack of resources and information gap is limiting a lot of people to contest in different political positions, there is also societal attitudes as the society still regards women as house helpers, not leaders,” he said.
An aspiring Member of Parliament, Sakina Chingomanje noted that there is lack of support for women from stakeholders and the community, which undermines their roles in decision-making.
“Mostly women do not receive support from stakeholders and the community hence are not treated as decision-makers in the communities,” She said.
As Malawi gears up for the 2025 tripartite elections, there is an outcry for inclusivity and support for marginalized groups to ensure an equitable political landscape.
All set for MSCE examinations -MANEB
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, July 2, Mana: Malawi Nation Examinations Board (MANEB) says all is set for this year’s Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations.
Public Relations Officer for the board, Angela Kashitigu told Malawi News Agency on Monday that there are no challenges on the ground and that examination papers have been dispatched to all examination centers across the country.
“We can confirm that, as MANEB currently we do not have any issue. If there are any, then that should be between schools and their candidates but not us.
“This year, we have ensured that examination papers are transferred to all centers across the country in good time and as I speak all is set,” she added.
To control leakage and exams malpractice, the PRO said the board has tightened security in all schools by involving the Malawi Police Service as well as the Malawi Defense Force.
She warned that should anyone be found cheating during administration of exams, the law will be applied.
MSCE examinations are set to start Tuesday (July 2, 2024) and about 184, 978 students are sitting for this year’s examinations.
Out of the total, 97, 787 are males and 88,191 are girls
Natural tree regeneration, a way to go, says Machinga CS-EPWP participants
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, July 2, Mana: Machinga district Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works participants says they have realized that reforestation through planting of trees is expensive than natural regeneration which is affordable and can also bring back a forest, as it promotes the natural regrowth of trees and vegetation on degraded lands.
The participants made the observation known during an interview with Mana after visiting their micro catchment areas where among other things are doing natural trees regeneration.
Namad Chawanda who is chairperson of Nyenyezi catchment in the area of traditional authority Nyambi in the district said they have realized that it is easy to regenerate natural trees that planting the new ones.
Chawanda noted that more trees have been planted but the survival late has been a challenge as it has not been easy for them to survive with hard weather the district has always been facing.
“Reforestation through planting trees is expensive because of the cost of seedlings and how to take care of them. But we have realized through the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works that natural regeneration is affordable and can also bring back a forest, as it promotes the natural regrowth of trees and vegetation on degraded lands,” he said.
Chawanda also noted that natural tree regeneration is there to assist in rainfall patterns and purification of air which comes from the leaves.
“Natural trees are also important because they are climate resilient and act as windbreakers. Without trees, it does not rain much. And when it does, trees help to stop soil erosion. The leaves are important too as they fertilize the soil and keep it healthy. Therefore, we are doing everything possible as community through the initiative to regenerate more hectares,” added Chawanda.
Another participant, Emily Evance from Masanje micro catchment in the area of traditional authority Liwonde said the natural regeneration which is taking place in their area has already reduced soil erosion in their area.
Evance noted that the trees shade the soil and reduce soil evaporation, keeping the soil moist, which makes farms more resilient to extreme heat.
She adds: “The regenerated natural trees are helping us in many ways. Back then, we even had a firewood issue, but now that the forest is close by, we don’t have that challenge as we will most likely find firewood as we enter the woodland.
"Furthermore, we had cases of soil erosion before the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works was introduced in our area. Now, the soil erosion situation has drastically been controlled because of the trees we are regenerating as rain drops are not directly falling on the ground as tree leaves are shading the soil.”
Towens Gondwe, Extension Officer who is leading the natural tree regeneration said by regenerating forests, Machinga district can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming.
"Apart from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming, the regenerated natural trees roots help the soil to be compacted and make it harder for running water to wash it away. For the few years we have been regenerating the natural trees through the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works programme, things have changed for the better now.
“The participants are even encouraged to practice what they are doing here to their homes. They have started to regenerate their natural trees in their respective homes. This is a plus to the project but also to the district,” said Gondwe.
The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is funded by World Bank and is being implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
‘Sojah’s` burial, Thursday, as people continue pouring tribute
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, July 2, Mana: People around Balaka Town on Monday described the fallen musician Lucius Banda as a strong and patriotic son Balaka has ever produced.
Walking around Balaka Town, Monday, Malawi News Agency noted that most people plying business around the town, opted to playing the late Banda’s music with some singing along with the music.
“He was humble, and we loved him as through him we saw a lot of more musicians growing in Balaka, you cannot talk of development of the music industry in Balaka, without mentioning his name. We have really lost,” said one Moses Phekani a business person who owns a music selling outlet around town.
“He was one of the very first business tycoons in the district as he also contributed to the growth of the Balaka Town. He owned Zembani Lodge which accommodates prominent people when they come to Balaka,” said Wisdom Shaibu who claimed he interacted with the late Banda in various platforms.
Meanwhile the family of the late musician Lucius Banda has disclosed that the body of the departed music legend who died in South Africa while receiving treatment, will arrive Tuesday July 2 afternoon through Chileka Airport and be laid to rest on Thursday in Balaka.
Banda’s uncle Eliyasi Kamoto said, “Vigil will be at his Andiamo house and the funeral ceremony will be held at Balaka Stadium before departing to St. Louis Balaka Parish where a mass in honor of the departed soul will be conducted.”
Lucius Banda produced 20 albums during his music career.
DoDMA appeals for multi-sectoral interventions
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe July 1, Mana: Commissioner for Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), Charles Kalemba has applauded various humanitarian partners for the successful and effective implementation of various Lean Season Food Insecurity interventions.
He made the remarks Monday at Capital Hotel in Lilongwe during the 2023/2024 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme (LS-FIRP) after action meeting with councils where an appeal for more collaboration for the country to absorb climate change induced shocks.
He emphasized the need for mindset change as well as the need to embrace the strategies the country has developed to combat food insecurity citing mechanized agriculture, Mega Farms and the residual moisture irrigation for an inclusive agriculture.
"We have engaged partners, all government MDAs for interventions to move away from rain fed agriculture," Kalemba added.
WFP Deputy Country Director, Simion Denhere has applauded the government for its commitment and dedication to address disaster related issues.
He pledged WFP’s continued support and commitment supplementing government’s interventions and other humanitarian initiatives predominantly in southern parts of the country.
Denhere disclosed that as WFP it has set aside US$ 8 million appending to its integrated interventions.
Nkhotakota District Commissioner (DC) for Nkhotakota, Ben Tonho urged people living along water bodies to be opportunistic and seize irrigation agriculture for supplement and sustain food both at household and national level.
The meeting centered on sharing encountered experiences, successes and challenges that will shape subsequent programmes, the meeting follows the successful implementation of the 2023/ 2024 Lean Season Response which targeted 4.4 million people in the country.
Road construction excites Ntcheu communities
By Maston Kaiya & Bazilio Chingoli
Ntcheu, 1 July, Mana: The plans by the Government of Malawi to upgrade the 79 kilometres Chamtulo (off Monkey Bay Mangochi) road to Mkutumula near Balaka market in Ntcheu has brought much excitement among communities in the area.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) Monday in Ntcheu, Inkosi Makwangwala said the road project would help in different sectors in his area.
"We are very grateful; our area will benefit a lot to this project. Our farm produce will have easy access to good markets because of this road network, and even access to the health facilities will be easier than before," he said.
Makwangwala has since ensured good collaboration between his subjects and those who would be responsible for the construction of the road.
“We will jealously guard the construction materials to ensure that there are no malpractices that can lead to substandard project delivery,” he added.
Ntcheu District Council Director of Finance, Musandide Misinjo said the road project was useful as it would improve service delivery and enhance local revenue.
"The Construction works for the road project is timely considering the modern markets at Banda, Pengapenga and Bwanje. With this easy access, we believe our revenue collection will increase and the district’s developmental activities will improve," he said.
Misinjo added that plans are on the shelves for the upgrading of Chikande Trading Centre, which was along Nacala Corridor.
On his part, A Motorbike Operator at Chikande Trading Centre, Harry Chabwera alluded that the road project would ease their business as most customers are farmers, as they ferry farm produce to the nearby markets.
"This road is impassable during rainy season, this hinders our business operations, I believe that this project will address all the challenges we face when using this road," he said.
Chairperson for the Lower Makwangwala Area Development Committee (ADC), James Konzaufe said that the upgrading of the road from earth surface to bitumen was a blessing for the community of the area who have been facing mobility challenges for decades.
President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera announced the construction of Mkutumula-Chamtulo road, which is among other four roads that the government will construct under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact 2, known as Malawi Transport and Land Compact.
TikTok blogger nabbed over theft
By Gomezgani Msiska
Lilongwe, July 1, Mana: Lilongwe Police Unit has arrested a well-known TikTok content creator, known as iPhone Daddy, whose real name is Innocent Sengimana, 23.
Sengimana is allegedly accused of duping K5 million from people on the pretext that he would supply them with iPhone 13 gadgets, and for misusing cars he rented for his social media activities.
Lilongwe Police Spokesperson, Inspector, Hastings Chigalu said iPhone Daddy, was arrested on June 27, 2024 at Airwing location in the City.
“The suspect, whose TikTok page name is 'innocent jumajayi', is said to have collected the cash as upfront payments from his TikTok followers.
He is being accused of taking two iPhones valued at K3.5 million, from a certain client to sell on his behalf, but disappeared with the proceeds,” he said.
“It is reported that the suspect failed to pay fees for the cars he hired for his social media business. And instead of returning the cars to the owners after expiry of the agreed period, he used them as collateral to his debtors,” Chigalu added.
Police have since recovered the cars.
On the day of his arrest, the suspect, who was on the run for several days after winds of his arrest blew on him, had to be rescued by police from angry community members who bayed for his blood after a lengthy cat and mouse chase following his escape from the cops.
He is expected to appear in court soon to answer theft charges.
Alumni donates K 5 million to Seminary
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Lilongwe, July 1 Mana: Alumni Association of Saint Paul's Minor Seminary which is under Lilongwe Arch Diocese Sunday donated text books worth K5 million to the school.
Chairperson for the Alumni, Fredrick Kamwani said the donation was made in response to some of the challenges seminarians face at the school.
"We thought of buying the books as an immediate need for the school. We know that the school has a lot of challenges affecting boarding facilities and academics but we cannot address them all at once," he said.
According to Kamwani the books which are of languages, sciences and humanities were bought using money which was contributed by members of the alumni through 'Buy a Book Project ' and that alumni would continue striving to assist the institution.
"We wish to continue helping our mother institution Saint Paul's Minor Seminary with in her needs for it to continue being productive to the nation," he added.
Rector for the Seminary Fr. Benedict Kamdabweni commended the Alumni for the donation for it has bailed the institution out of some of the academic challenges.
"We are thankful for the donation. As an institution we benefit a lot from your continuous support and we pledge to make sure that the books taken care of to benefit even the future generation," he said.
Fr. Kamdabweni urged well-wishers who may wish to help the institution with any valuables that the institution would highly value such initiatives.
The School which is based at Mitundu was opened in 1963 as a preparatory seminary and was upgraded to Minor Seminary in 1994.
