MANAonline
E-court to promote just, fair, and equitable society
By Levison Lester
Lilongwe, April 24, MANA: Chief Justice, Rizine Mzikamanda SC has said the newly launched E-court system will help to resolve disputes conveniently, efficiently as well as timely in course of delivering justice in the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Wednesday in Lilongwe after the launch, Mzikamanda said E-court system is a giant step in the administration of justice saying marginalized communities will be able to access justice without geographical challenges.
He said, 85 percent of people in the country live in rural areas where access of justice is minimal hence development of E-court system will help in achieving equitable justice.
"E-court system which has been launched today is important because it will help in administration of justice in the country. E-court system will bring justice closer and takes justice to the people. People will not be required to travel long distances to access justice. E-court system will also help to reduce delays of justice," He added.
Mzikamanda further urged users of E-court system to embrace good utilization of the technology in order to achieve its intended purpose.
"I have encouraged the users not to turn the system into a white elephant. With technical support they have received, am hoping that there will be minimal challenges in terms of usage of the system," He added.
UNDP Resident Representative, Fenella Frost said the system will not only help the government in saving money through court proceedings but also help people living in rural areas to access justice timely.
Frost further said the first phase of E-court system has covered 20 sites ranging from courts, police stations and prisons.
"The great advantage of E-court system is that it brings justice closer to the population. Many Malawians in rural areas travel long distances to access justice so this system will help to reduce travel costs. This is a pilot phase and the sites covered ranges from local courts, prison and police," She said.
In his remarks, Commissioner General of Malawi Prison Service, Masauko Ng'ombeyagwada Wiskot said E-court system has come at a time when Malawi prisons are struggling with the problem of congestion.
Wiskot added that currently there are 16,200 prisoners in the country which is higher number compared to 8,000 inmates which are supposed to be accommodated in Malawi's prisons.
"As you might be aware that Malawi Prison Service is facing a number of challenges and one of them is overcrowding. We look at E-court system as a way of reducing congestion because prisoners will be able to access justice while in prison. Suspects or prisoners who have appealed for their conviction needs transport to be escorted to courts so this system will help to reduce travel costs," He said.
E-court initiative is a digital platform which has been designed to link up prison and police stations with the courts, with an aim to provide access of justice to vulnerable groups in far reaching communities.
Government committed in strengthening relations with Israel
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, April 25, MANA: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has said the opening of the Malawi Embassy in Tel Aviv and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Temporary Employment Workers in the Agriculture Sector is a clear indication of government's commitment to strengthening relations with the state of Israel.
Kunkuyu made the remarks in Lilongwe, Wednesday, during a press briefing on the recent trip made by the Malawi delegation to Israel.
The Minister indicated that the delegation had an opportunity of opening a new Embassy in Tel Aviv which he said is a remarkable achievement in cementing diplomatic ties with the government of Israel.
He also said the delegation managed to sign the MoU with the state of Israel for Temporary Employment Workers in the Agriculture Sector which will see 3,000 workers benefiting from the initiative.
Among other engagements, Kunkuyu said the leader of the delegation, Nancy Tembo met Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, to discuss various bilateral topics, and they also had an opportunity to meet with Malawian workers who are currently working on Farms in Israel where they expressed satisfaction with the initiative, he said.
In addition, The Minister said the Malawi delegation also had meetings with the Israel Builders Association, where the association promised to come to Malawi to make formal recruitment of workers in the construction industry with an estimated 80,000 workers to benefit from the initiative.
Kunkuyu further disclosed that the delegation also met airline owners in Israel to ensure that those who will be recruited will have access to cheap air tickets and transportation. Emphasizing that the Ministry of Labour will be leading in the recruitment process with the agreement.
In her remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo said government of the state of Israel has vast opportunities that Malawi is expecting to benefit from in various sectors which need Malawians who are serious and willing to work in Israel according to the agreement signed.
Three in cooler for robbery in Phalombe
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, April 25, Mana: Police in Phalombe are keeping in custody three men for allegedly committing robbery with violence after being on the run since 2022.
Phalombe Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Jimmy Kapanja said the three suspects were arrested on April 23, 2024, during a Ndakuona operation through intelligence driven investigations led by team of detectives.
He added that the suspects are Lloyd Godfrey Maluwa, 23, from Natchaya Village, Traditional Authority Nyezerera, Zondiwa Mwesera Axis, 26, from Tchasi Village also from Traditional Authority Nyezerera and Frank Muthena, 28, from Lipa Village Traditional Authority Kaduya all from Phalombe district.
“The trio are connected to the case of robbery which occurred during the night of December 10, 2022 at Nyezerera Trading Centre where the businessperson Prescott Kampake was attacked and robbed of cash amounting to K585, 000. HP laptop, laptop bags and Bluetooth speaker. All valued at K 2,624, 500 and the criminals have been at large since 2022."
The police said the three suspects will appear in court soon to answer charges of robbery.
Mpasa Youth Centre hope for youths in Phalombe
By Linda Likomwa
Phalombe, April 24, Mana: Youths in Phalombe have commended Phalombe District Council for constructing Mpasa Youth Resource Centre which expects to provide essential youth friendly services for youth development.
One of the interim committee members at the resource Centre, Gift Moyenda told Malawi News Agency on Tuesday that the Centre will be a one stop Centre, for most youth activities and expressed hope that the Centre will facilitate youth participation at district level.
“As a district, this is our first ever youth resource Centre and we are optimistic that youth participation in skills development will increase and contribute to district development. Youths will learn a lot of things and will become entrepreneurial to employ others,” he said.
He added that accessibility to health youth friendly services would also increase as some youths shun away from these services at health facilities for fear of been seen by parents or relatives when seeking services.
Moyenda further said the youth resource Centre will offer various sporting activities and expressed hope that this will make the youth physically fit.
District Youth Officer, Halson Bulangeti said the youth resource Centre will make a significant difference in the lives of young people as it expects to provide access to essential information and services.
He added that the Mpasa Resource Centre will also provide space for youth networking and will become a hub for innovation and skill development for youths in and outside Phalombe.
Mpasa Ward Councilor, Benard Komwa said he advocated for the construction of the youth resource Centre to ensure that youths at Mpasa and surrounding areas have the opportunity to learn various vocational skills and be economically self-reliant on top of becoming relevant for job opportunities
“The hall which is part of the resource Centre will be hired to communities and the council for meetings and other activities for income generation,” he added.
Phalombe District Council spent K60 million to construct and procure equipment for the youth resource centers using Government to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds and is expected to start its operation soon.
'Nation’s Future Shaped in Early Years' –Social welfare
By Arkangel Tembo
Blantyre, March 25, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in an attempt to bolster the foundation of the nation's education.
Blantyre District Social Welfare Officer, Bertha Chidzalo Salamu emphasized the importance of this initiative during a graduation of ECD educators in Blantyre on Wednesday.
“The nature of this field necessitates exceptionally trained individuals who can nurture our youngest minds,” Salamu stated.
However, the scarcity of qualified ECD care givers and educators looms as a significant impediment.
Salamu acknowledged the Ministry’s collaboration with various tertiary institutions, including Hope Community Development College, to cultivate a cadre of professionals’ adopt in early childhood teaching.
“We are laying the groundwork for a brighter future, one child at a time,” said Wezzie Mkandawire, Director of Hope Community Development College.
Mkandawire said his institution stands in the forefront of this educational revolution, partnering with the government to foster a generation of well-trained professionals.
"These educators are not only poised to serve across the nation but also to spearhead the establishment of new learning Centre’s, catalyzing job creation in the process, " added Mkandawire.
One of the graduates, Olga Alice Agla, shared her transformative experience saying: “The training has been an eye opener, equipping us with the tools to make a lasting impact in the lives of our little children.”
With over 200 ECD teachers already trained, Hope Community Development College pledges to continue its partnership with the government, striving to elevate the calibre of human resources dedicated to early childhood education.
The partnership promises to shape the trajectory of the nation’s educational landscape, ensuring that children are not left behind in the journey of education.
MHRC cautions Karonga communities against trafficking illegal immigrants
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 24, Mana: The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has advised community members in Karonga to refrain from trafficking illegal immigrants who pass through the border district.
MHRC Deputy Director for Civil and Political Rights Chance Kalolokesya said this Tuesday at Group Village Head Mweniyumba in the district when the commission engaged community members on human rights.
Kalolokesya said one of the main responsibilities of MHRC is to raise awareness on human rights of vulnerable groups including women, children, the eldery, refugees and asylum seekers.
H said: “We targeted Karonga because it is a border district which has registered high increase in human rights violations againts such groups especially illegal immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
He said while the law allows refugees and asylum seekers to stay within the country’s borders, illegal immigrants are a security threat.
“Illegal immigrants are a security risk to the country since we don't know what kind of people they are and its not proper to keep them in our homes or help transport them to other districts. We should report them to police or immigration officials," he said.
According to Kalolokesya, MHRC is implementing a project called 'Promotion and Protection of Rights of Refugees and other Migrants in Malawi' with funding from the European Union.
He said one of the aims of the project is to make sure that refugees who live within our borders are protected.
Group Village Headman Mweniyumba acknowledged that there are individuals commonly known as 'Brokers' who are in the business of trafficking illegal immigrants to other districts from Karonga.
"It is unfortunate that alot of people who indulge in this business are the youths and meetings like this one which bring together all community members to one place to warn them on the dangers of trafficking illegal immigrants are crucial towards ending the vice," Mweniyumba said.
"If we all report to the authorities whenever we see people hiding illegal immigrants in the hills or their homes waiting to traffick them to other areas, this business will stop," he added.
SRWB brave shire river swelling waters to sustain water supply
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, April 24, Mana: Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) has installed submersible water pumps at Shire River intake at Liwonde in Machinga to sustain water supply to a population of over 70, 000 following the swelling of the river which has submerged its initial plant house at Kamuzu Barrage in the district.
Speaking on Tuesday, SRWB Liwonde Zone Manager, Nzeru Banda said the board organized a media tour so that consumers should appreciate supply capacity of the newly installed pumps
He added that the newly installed machines have increased water supply from 1,800 cubic meters per day to 2,500 cubic meters per day.
“As a board, after noticing that our main intake has been submerged in water, we thought it wise that we install submersible water pumps so that the water supply should not be challenged in such situations. The newly installed water pumps have increased water supply to 2,500 cubic meters per day from the initial 1,800 cubic meters per day,” Banda said.
He disclosed that SRWB was geared to roll out the Liwonde-Balaka Water Supply Project this July with funds from European Investment Bank (EIB) to upgrade water intake at the Liwonde Barrage.
“Once the project completed, it will serve 400 000 people in Liwonde and Balaka with a water supply capacity of 10 000 cubic meters pay day,” said Banda.
Council challenges conservation supervisors to deliver
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, April 25, Mana: Director of Planning and Development for Kasungu District Council, Annie Zimba, has challenged supervisors of the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) to ensure that conservation works being done meet expected standards.
She made the call in Kasungu on Tuesday during an orientation of Designated Desk Officers (DDOs) that will supervise the programme activities in the district’s four newly established conservation catchments.
Zimba said there are huge sums of money being injected into the programme activities hence the need for the supervisors to ensure that the assets being created as part of the conservation activities reflect the investment made.
“We don’t expect to see any shoddy work in the catchments. As DDOs, you must be on top of things ensuring that we deliver quality work.
There must be value for the money that is invested in the programme. So we should not see a casual way of doing things that will reflect badly on the council,” she said.
Zimba said the increase in the number of the programme participants should also translate in more conservation works to restore the district’s degraded landscapes.
Kasungu district is enlisting 7.730 additional participants following the establishment of new catchments, increasing the district’s total participants from 15,802 to 23,532.
Speaking on behalf of the DDOs, Area Extension and Development Officer for Santhe Extension Planning Area, Time Natani said the orientation will help to equip the field staff with vital knowledge that would assist them to make the programme successful.
He said: “We are very ready for the show. The new catchments are big and will require our total dedication to duty. This is work that we must take seriously because the conservation assets that we are creating will not only help us today, but also the generations that are coming.
“We can learn from the other catchments where already there has been massive restoration of forests resulting in reduced runoff in agricultural land and increased infiltration of water which has helped to improve the water table and reduce soil erosion.”
As part of the programme activities, participants are involved in creating assets such as soak pits, marker ridges, gully reclamation and planting vegetative cover to reduce runoff and encourage infiltration of water to retain moisture in the soil.
CSPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme which is funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
MRCS moves to support households affected by heavy rains
By Rennie Tembo
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana; Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) says it is geared to support households which were affected by heavy rains and strong winds with cash so that they rebuild their homes.
Speaking on Tuesday in Lilongwe during a stakeholders meeting, Emergency Operations Coordinator for Malawi Red Cross Society Louis Solomon said they are committed to support 88 households that were affected by heavy rains and strong winds by restoring their damaged shelters.
“Our paramount objective is to respond to humanitarian needs of the affected population, as such each household will receive MK150,000 strictly for shelter rehabilitation and 20,000 people will be reached with health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene related interventions to ensure continued consumption of treated water.
“We know this might not be enough but we believe that any little amount can bring big change if put in good use and we are trying our best to mobilise resources from our donors to reach or help more households,’’ he said
Solomon further said in order to avoid giving cash to undeserving households, MRCS will give the cash in phases, to make sure that the beneficiaries are using the funds for the intended purpose.
He said to achieve the objective of the initiative, MRCS will involve all the relevant structures at district and community level throughout the entire operation.
Lilongwe District Disaster Risk Management Officer Anganile Kalonga hailed Malawi Red Cross Society for the support saying it will alleviate the challenges of the affected households.
“We are very grateful for the support by MRCS to the affected families, this will assist them to recover from the impacts of the heavy rains and strong winds and enable them build back their lives,’’ she said.
Kalonga then urged other organisation to emulate MRCS’s gesture by assisting the affected households with different interventions.
The initiative will run for three months to the tune of MK979 million and will be implemented in three districts namely: Lilongwe, Karonga and Nkhotakota
In Lilongwe the initiative will be carried out in T/A Chitseka and T/A Kalolo.
Social practitioners challenged to change people’s lives
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, April 25, Mana: Social workers in the country have been urged to continue working hard so that they can change the lives of people they serve by promoting social change and development.
President of Association of Social Workers in Malawi (ASWIM) Chisangalalo Ntonio made the call on Tuesday during a social service practitioner’s certification ceremony held at Malawi Sunday Hotel in Blantyre.
Speaking to 49 social workers from Southern and Central region who graduated after undergoing two months training from October to November, 2023, Ntonio said it is imperative that the practitioners should promote and protect the rights of the clientele who are its service users.
He said the training they have attended can only be of importance if they put what they have learnt into practice in order to contribute the development of the country.
"Certificates alone are useless if there is no implementation, use the skills learnt in helping government reduce teenage pregnancies through intervention among others. We need social cohesion, empowerment and liberation of people to be seen from your everyday work,” he said.
On his part, Secretary General for ASWIM Joseph Akuzike Stephano said the social workers training has come at a right time when Malawi continues to be one of the highest in as far as cases of child marriages and teenage pregnancies are concerned.
He said,” with the high rate of child marriages and teenage pregnancies, there is a lot of work for social workers. Having undergone this training, you should ensure that you bring change in the communities. You can team up and open firms where you can provide counselling, talk to other youths about issues of sexual reproductive health.
One of the participants, Praise Sinkhonde said the training has expanded her knowledge and deepened her understanding of issues of sexuality.
"One of the impactful part of this programme was learning about the right of sexuality education and the legal frame work. I have gained as a front line officer and this knowledge has empowered me to be a better advocate for those I will serve," she said.
The training focused on capacitating professionals with the knowledge, skills and principles pertaining to sexuality education in pursuit to prevent teenage pregnancy and gender based violence.
ASWiM is a registered membership-based organization aimed at improving the delivery of social welfare services to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of people.
The organization has chapters in the northern, central, eastern, and southern regions of Malawi with membership throughout the country, working in both rural and urban areas.
