MANAonline
Tikonze Apapa geared to transform lives of hearing impairment youth
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, June, 18 Mana: Blantyre based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Tikonze Apapa has it would continue building capacity of youth with hearing impairment by providing them with vocational trainings, secondary school scholarships for inclusivity and sign language training for interpreters for effective communication.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) Monday, Tikonze Apapa, Executive Director, Katiana Lafrance said in the beginning, the NGO only paid school fees for the youth with hearing impairment to proceed with their education but going further the organization went further to provide vocational trainings such as tailing and designing.
Tikonze Apapa, which became a registered non-governmental organization in 2023, main mission was to empower people with hearing impairment in the country through vocational trainings. Education, arts, employment to ensure economic transformation and self-reliance.
“What I have seen so far based on 2018 Malawi Population and Housing Census, is that there were 377,790 people with hearing impairment in the country, but the population has risen up since 2018. With the rise in population, we do not have adequate sign language interpreters for inclusivity and better communication with people with hearing impairment.” he said.
Lafrance added that Tikonze Apapa worked hard to raise awareness on the need to have more interpreters to resolve the communication gap thereby compelling the organization to train more sign language interpreters who are currently deployed in various schools like Chiradzulu Secondary School.
One of the students with hearing impairment, Emmanuel Jumbe said his life transformed after undergoing a vocational training organized by Tikonze Apapa.
He recalled that the hearing impairment came in after suffering from cerebral malaria adding that life became misery thereafter until Tikonze Apapa introduced him to tailoring and fashion designing.
“Life has been very hard to me, I tried to search for jobs in various locations in Blantyre but I could not find any until Tikonze Apapa offered an opportunity to join a vocational training and this was when I learnt tailoring,” Jumbe added.
Federation of Disability Organizations of Malawi (Fedoma), Executive Director, Symon Munde hailed Tikonze Apapa for offering vocational training and other opportunities for the youth with hearing impairment which he said are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Provision of vocational skills is one way of empowering persons with disabilities like people with hearing impairment. We expect that such kind of trainings will help them to become economically self-reliant,” he said.
A comprehensive inquiry on plane crash
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, June 18, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization Moses Kunkuyu has said government was committed to having independent investigators for the plane crash that killed the Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others.
He said as government they are discussing with international agencies to help on the investigation process.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC) on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Kunkuyu said there was need for Malawians to remain calm as they are working on the issue.
“We have consulted international agencies to come in and investigate as well as local experts because we know that many Malawians have questions about what really happened during the accident,” the Minister said.
He said the discussions with international agencies are at advanced stage so that they could start the process.
Kunkuyu appreciated for all the support which was rendered to the government during the trying times.
He expressed his gratitude to all religious groups especially the Catholic community, media, international partners and all Malawians for coming together.
Chitakale CCAP welcomes new moderator
By Angella Salijeni
Mulanje, June 18, Mana: Mulanje Presbytery of the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP on Sunday inducted Rev. Collins Maganga as new moderator of Chitakale Church following his posting from Nthemba CCAP in Limbe, Blantyre mid-March, 2024.
Vice Moderator of Mulanje Presbytery, Rev. Stella Kapanga said when a pastor moves to a new church it was procedural that the moderator should be inducted to give the moderator authority to perform all sacraments such as baptism, Holy communion and other activities that are supposed to be done by a moderator.
Welcoming the new moderator, Rev. Kapanga said God called Rev. Maganga to Chitakale to serve the congregation with dedication.
“God has a purpose for him to be at Chitakale. The congregants have the responsibility to look into the welfare of the new moderator so that he should perform his duties to meet congregants’ spiritual needs,” he said in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana).
Apart from serving Nthemba CCAP for three years, Rev. Maganga served Mlombwa CCAP in Blantyre, Domasi Mission CCAP in Zomba and Machinga CCAP among others.
Maganga said was ready to serve Chitakale CCAP with devotion and dedication to meet congregants’ spiritual needs.
Chitakale CCAP Session Clerk, Gift Phedulo advised members of the Church to give the new moderator support and create a conducive work environment for him to perform to the congregation’s expectations.
One of Chitakale CCAP congregants, Rosemary Majawa said the congregation look forward to support Rev. Maganga to fulfil his mission of evangelization.
“We are happy and hopeful that Rev. Maganga will help church to grow. We will work with him as we did with others,” she added.
Another congregant, George Chikawa said Chitakale CCAP was delighted to receive Rev. Maganga and expressed desire that the moderator would serve the congregants to his best ability to satisfy their spiritual needs.
Inkosi Gomani V acknowledges candle light
By Evance Chisiano
Ntcheu, June 17, Mana: Inkosi Yamakosi, Gomani V of the Maseko Ngoni of Ntcheu has acknowledged candle lights that were held in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Zomba in honour of late, Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.
He expressed his appreciation on the candle light in his eulogy at Nsipe School where a Funeral Mass Service was conducted in honour of late, Chilima who died alongside other eight people in a military plane crash at Chikangawa forest in Mzimba on June 10, 2024.
The Ngoni Chief said the candle light which was held in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Zomba were another honour to late, Chilima whom he addressed as Biyeni, a Ngoni clan name.
Gomani said late, Chilima deserved all the honour because of his dedication to national duties, his humility and his ties to Catholic Church and other social groups.
“Biyeni was an Impi and was always closer to my Father Inkosi Gomani IV and was always by my side,” he added.
Lilongwe had candle at Bingu International Conventional Centre (BICC) on June 15, 2024 and was led by UTM Director of Youth, Benjani Kalua also known as Fredokiss in the urban music circle.
Blantyre had candle light along Victoria Avenue on June 16, 2024 while Zomba held similar event on the day at Zomba Gymkhana Club where candles were lit in honour of late, Chilima.
Chilima was laid to rest at Nsipe, Traditional Authority (TA), Kwataine where President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, former Presidents were in attendance to pay their final respect to the country’s Vice President.
Youths called to take charge of environment Youths called to take charge of environment
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, June 17, Mana: Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) has called upon youths to be on the forefront in taking care of the environment as one way of showing responsibility and giving back to their communities.
The Call was made in Salima when CISONECC in collaboration with National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYCC) conducted training sessions on Climate Change Advocacy for Children, Youth, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
CISONECC's Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Manager, Chimwemwe Kapichi said the importance of empowering young people and CSOs in advancing climate action and to be agents of change in the community.
He said instilling values of environmental protection such as avoiding cutting down trees and avoiding littering at a young age is important because they would grow up to be responsible human beings who have great regard for the environment.
"We know that young people can be powerful advocates when there is need for change, they can mobilize one another and bring change to their society," the Manager said.
Kapichi said the youths are in majority in the country as a result bringing them on board on issues of climate change and environmental safeguarding would yield greater results.
"The project does not only educate participants about climate change but also empowers them to be proactive in their communities, fostering a bottom-up approach to environmental advocacy and action," he said.
District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) for Salima, Edgar Kasiyafumbi commended CISONECC for its initiative in raising awareness among children about their rights and responsibilities concerning climate change.
He said Salima is a disaster prone district and some of the disasters are human made through environmental degradation, therefore training youths about such issues is helpful.
"We need the youth to take responsibility of the environment, they need to spearhead issues of the environment and act as champions for other youths in their community," the DSWO said.
One of the youths at the training, Priscilla Majiga, 15 said the training was an eye opener in the sense that she has now been empowered to stand up for other youths to guard against environmental mismanagements.
She expressed optimism that she would inform other youths on climate change, hazardous practices that damage the environment and environmental advocacy.
The activity attracted 70 children and youth participants draw from Traditional Authorities (TAs) Pemba and Kambwiri in the district.
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through Save the Children International in Malawi is implementing a Capacity Strengthening Programme in the district.
Chilima rests
By Leonard Masauli & Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, June 17, Mana: Scores of people from Malawi and other international dignitaries on Monday converged at Nsipe Primary School ground in Ntcheu to witness the burial of late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima who died in a plane crash on Monday, June 11, 2024 along with eight others.
In eulogy, A represented the bereaved family, Elizabeth Mkandawire Mwanga said Late Vice President, Chilima was happy loving and charitable man, who was poised to come a global leader.
She thanked the international community, Malawi government and church community for honouring him.
“Allow me to thank United Transformation Movement (UTM) and for the support rendered during the mourning period and thanks to chiefs for the love. I would like to thank the people of Malawi for the gesture during the mourning period.
“I would like appeal to government to conduct the investigation to establish the truth and that such a tragedy should not happen again. Let me appeal to the Nation to keep the Chilima dream alive and not to give up hope so that his dreams become a reality. Osaopa, osatopa, osafooka,”Mwanga said.
In his in eulogy, Dr Ben Chilima thanked government and former Presidents and Chiefs for the support.
In paying his last respect, Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V said Late Vice President was the pride of the Ngoni people in Ntcheu.
He said Chilima was both a friend and advisor who was always there in times of need.
Gomani thanked the support from government and everyone else who have taken their hand to remember the late Vice President during the funeral.
“Chilima was peaceful, humble, and loving who always wanted to see Malawi developed and this is why he always put the country’s future first in his priorities. Let me ask the people of Malawi to continue wishing the country well just as he had hoped,” he added.
Among others who attended the burial include Former President, Dr Bakili Muluzi, Former President, Peter Mutharika, Former Vice President, Khumbo Kachali, UTM Secretary General Patricial Kaliati,
In his sermon when he conducted a funeral mass, Archbishop, Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Diocese said several Malawians are in mourning for the departed late Vice President and this was why all Roman Catholic faithfuls hold Mass in remembrance of him.
He encouraged the people to maintain peace just as how late Vice President had hoped for, and his death should not bring about confusion and disagreements among the people.
A devout Christian, the late Chilima was born on February 12, 1973, who together with his wife, Mary had two children.
The first to lay the wreaths was the wife of the late, Madame, Mary Chilima, President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera and Madame Monica Chakwera, Former President Dr Bakili Muluzi, Former President, Peter Mutharika and his wife, Gertrude Mutharika among others.
The late Chilima and eight others died in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba district.
Human rights key to people’s lives
By Lekereni Chinkhota
Salima, June 17, Mana: Senior Chief Makanjira has underscored the importance of having traditional leaders who are conversant with issues to do with human rights and gender related laws to promote development, inclusion, education and protection of people.
Speaking during a two-day training session of Traditional Leaders on Human Rights and Gender related laws in Salima district, he said knowledge in these rights and laws was essential to the promotion of good leadership skills, protection of people and leading them in various developments.
"I am excited by this initiative for it will transform my area to have people who know and respect issues of human rights. Being an area located along the lake, our children were not attending school because they were much interested in fishing," Makanjira said.
He added that, "At first we were not considering this as a problem until we have been told that these children have rights to education. We want our children to know their rights and how to respect them."
Makanjira said that the knowledge gap on human rights and gender related laws contributed to challenges that affected women and children.
"Knowledge on human rights promote development because people can be responsible on how best they can contribute or take care of different developments in our areas. If people do not know about their rights it is easy to misuse or misinterpret these rights and do what they want which will ruin development," he said.
Senior Chief Makanjira assured that the traditional leaders would take the information and tell their subjects on the importance of protecting the rights of women and children who are prone to human rights violations.
District Community Development Officer for Salima, Samuel Chimwaza said chiefs, being custodians of the people, they need to be equipped with information on human rights so that they could protect their people.
"We need to collaborate and coordinate with stakeholders so that no one is ignorant about their rights or in case of violations they should know where to seek justice," he said.
Chimwaza called upon traditional leaders not to disregard human rights as they are undertaking their different duties, so that they should be upholding human rights.
A Community member from Nyambalo Village, Stefano Malola said that knowledge in human rights makes implementation of developmental activities easier because people contribute willingly.
"Our area has been lacking behind in terms of knowing and respecting human rights. Many people were neglecting these rights that led to the violation of these rights particularly to children and women. But I am sure that from now on, everybody will be aware of what to do in order to exercise their rights to the maximum," he said.
The Training was facilitated by Women Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC) through a WE EFFECT funded project, under a theme: "promoting gender transformative approaches (CIVSAM) programme for the improvement of women's lives" being implemented in Senior Chief Makanjira.
Chakwera assures Malawians of an independent investigation on VP plane crash
By Sella Singini and Tabbu Kitta Kauye
Lilongwe, June 16, mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has assured Malawians that a thorough and transparent independent investigation will be conducted in order to establish the cause of the plane crash that claimed the life of Vice President (VP), Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others at Chikangawa forest in Mzimba district on Monday.
Chakwera made the assurance on Sunday during a funeral ceremony for the late VP that took place at Bing stadium in Lilongwe.
In his eulogy, the Malawi leader said he has already asked other countries to assist with the investigation.
“I understand that Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has its own protocols of conducting investigations, however that alone is not enough. Therefore, as of now it is necessary to involve independent investigators so that all Malawians including me should have solid answers on what really happened.
“I humbly implore all Malawians to remain calm and patient, as we will be waiting for the findings of the investigation. I also want to assure you that every Malawian will know the findings of the investigation once completed” he said.
The president noted that the four years he worked with Chilima, he has learnt the virtues of patience, forgiveness, peace and hard work.
In his eulogy, Chilima’s first-born son, Sean, described his late father as role model, leader and a great family man.
“My dad used to start his day with morning prayers at an altar in the house, then he would join the 6 o’clock mass at church, he would then exercise before starting his official work. This attest to how devoted my father was to his faith” he said.
The late VP`s son said the numerous tributes and stories that Malawians are sharing about his father, is a testimony of a great man, his late father was.
In his address president of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Archbishop George Tambala, said Chilima’s teachings will continue to inspire the young people to strive for the best.
Tambala said Chilima has taught the country to believe in the impossible.
He described Chilima, as a humble man, who served God with passion, and could do any church tasks, including mopping in the church regardless of his status in the society.
Late Chilima is expected to be laid to rest on Monday, 17th June 2024, in his home village in Nsipe, Ntcheu.
He was born on 12th February 1973 and is survived by a wife and two children.
SMEs and digital transactions key for FDH bank growth
By Tikondane Vega
Nassau, June 15, Mana: At the just ended three days 31st African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) meeting in Nassau, Bahamas, FDH Bank told the gathering that digital transactions and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been key to the bank's growth.
Deputy Managing Director, George Chitera Friday panel discussion titled “Unlocking the Opportunities to African Trade and Finance through Africa Trade Gateway (ATG) platform”.
The ATG is one portal that gives access to digital platforms such as customer due diligence platform, the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), a scheme that enables payment for intra-African trade in national currencies; the Tradar Club, a network for international businesses aimed at fostering growth in Africa; e-commerce platform the Africa trade exchange and ATG Connect, which provides freight and logistics connectivity solutions.
During the discussion, Chitera said SME banking continues to be a focal point for FDH Bank as a growth engine, evidenced by annual growth for the past years, Malawi Stock Exchange-listed Bank has been operating.
He said, “As pioneers of ATG in Malawi, the service came as an opportunity for the bank that champions growth and took it as a great avenue for growth since it enables the Bank better deliver on its mandate by providing critical services to support and promote African trade and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“The Bank aspires to stay committed by supporting SMEs and reaffirms its commitment to providing cutting-edge digital solutions in response to the growing importance of e-commerce in Malawi and beyond.
In his contribution to the discussion, Executive Vice President for Global Trade Bank under Afrexim, Haytham ElMaayergi said the coming of ATG as digital evolution was part of its deliberate strategic response to address Africa’s key challenges to accelerate the pace of development and foster economic prosperity for Africans using and applying digital technologies and business models.
“Each one of our digital interventions is designed to address identified challenges and barriers for those seeking to engage in African trade and investment. I am pleased that each intervention has been successfully transformed from concept to reality and commend the hard work of our colleagues and partners in achieving these milestones.
“The Gateway is intended to “quicken regional integration, extend and create new access markets and accelerate the digital economy in Africa. Customers will be able to complete all their transactions within the one window,” he said while urging all people in different countries to make use of the opportunity to complete their dreams.
Nation is paying last respect to late Chilima
By Sheminah Nkhoma and Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, June 15, Mana: President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera Saturday led the nation in paying their last respect to late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima in a solemn and emotional ceremony at Parliament Building in Lilongwe.
The occasion saw attendance from former Presidents, diplomats, international dignitaries, and representatives from various political parties and religious organizations.
The death of Dr. Chilima marks the end of a notable chapter in the country’s history and his vision and efforts will undoubtedly continue to shape the nation's future for years to come.
The impact of Dr. Chilima's sudden passing has been profoundly felt across the nation.
Tributes have poured in from all sectors of society, reflecting the significant influence he had on the country's socio-political landscape.
His leadership and dedication to fostering a more equitable society have inspired countless individuals.
Government declared 21 days of national mourning, with flags being flown at half-mast in honour of late Dr. Chilima.
As the Nation grapples with this significant loss, a call for his continued mission of promoting transparency and accountability, fostering development in the country.
The Body of late, Dr Chilima will be taken to Bingu National Stadium (BNS) on Sunday, June 16 2024, where prayers will be conducted.
The late Vice President Chilima will be laid to rest on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Nsipe Village, Ntcheu District.
