MANAonline
Love in the digital age: Malawi’s dating revolution
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: In the era of swipes and matches, Malawi's dating landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional courtship is giving way to dating apps, as young Malawians increasingly turn to these platforms to find love, connection, and companionship.
Most of these dating apps and sites have been created by young minds with entrepreneurship knowledge and ambition. Their goal is to help people find long-term love that can lead to marriage, while others seek short-term connections. One such brilliant creator is Sherif Muhammad, a graduate of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Technology.
Muhammad developed Soul Match, an app that enables people to find love, connection, or friendship without hassle. He cited high costs associated with most dating sites in Malawi as the motivation behind his app. "The prices charged by these platforms do not reflect the actual costs involved, which limits access to many people, particularly in Malawi," he explained.
Soul Match offers premium features for free, making it an attractive alternative. "Our platform focuses on genuine connections, bringing people together in a safe space without the financial burden typical of other dating platforms," Muhammad said.
Although dating apps have been welcomed by many, especially the young generation, some aspects of these platforms contradict Malawian norms and customs. For instance, a lady approaching a man is considered unconventional. However, Muhammad assures that Soul Match respects Malawian cultural norms and traditions.
"Our platform is designed as a meeting place, much like how people meet at a shop, at school, or in the workplace," he added. "We aim to foster relationships in a way that respects these values while acknowledging the evolving nature of how people connect in the digital age."
Another dating app, Ahava 121, prioritizes Christian values. Its developer, Samuel Chidothe, created the app to provide a safe space for single Christians. "Most singles are Christians but are afraid to find love on other dating apps due to negative experiences," Chidothe noted.
Chidothe says Ahava 121 will organize conferences with faith groups to promote safe online dating practices.
"We plan to conduct conferences with the help of churches, teaching people how to find the right partner online," Chidothe said.
He encouraged Christians to embrace dating apps, acknowledging that this is the modern way people find love. Apart from facilitating connections, Ahava offers a platform for clients to learn and engage with devotions rooted in love.
Chidothe emphasized the importance of responsible app development, considering the impact on society. Muhammad concurred, believing dating apps will play a significant role in connecting people in Malawi.
"However, it's essential to change the current narrative around online dating, often associated with negative behaviour," Muhammad said. "Let us aim to reshape the landscape by providing a safe, respectful space where meaningful relationships can form."
Other notable dating apps in Malawi include Pemphero Mphande's 265 Dates.
Balaka Women Police Network pays examination fees for needy students
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, October 19, Mana: A network of female police officers in Balaka Friday handed over cash to Maduwani Education Zone to pay examination fees for 45 standard eight needy leaners in nine schools to enable them sit for the 2025 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations as required by the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB).
Chairlady for the network, Inspector Brenda Bamusi, Friday led fellow women police officers to Utale 2 Primary School where they interacted with the learners to assure them of “a helping hand in time of need”.
She said the police women network wanted to see needy learners access education and to excel in the national examinations for the better future.
“From our salaries, we made some contributions for this gesture. We thought of motivating hard working learners that do not have the capability to pay for their examination.
“This is not the first time to reach out to the needy. We once donated to patients in the hospitals and going forward we would like to reach out to orphans to make good relationship with the community,” Bamusi added
Primary School Advisor (PEA) for Maduwani Zone Grace Mwalabu hailed the female police officers for the gesture saying, a lot of leaners fail to sit for the PSLCE examination due to monetary limitations in their families.
“This will encourage leaners the zone to put an extra gear in studying as there will no longer be pressure for examination fees,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Meria Harry 13, from Mafiso Primary School, said the gesture by the women police officers was timely as she had nowhere to get money to pay for the examination.
“I come from a poor background. To find all the necessary things for my education is always a challenge.
“I am happy to learn that my examination fee has been paid. I am geared to put extra energy in preparing for the examination so that I should pass with flying colors,” she said.
The cash will help support 20 boys and 25 girls from nine schools within Maduwani Zone.
In a press release dated September 16, 2024, MANEB announced registration of candidates for the 2025 national examinations thus; PSLCE examination, Junior Certificate of Education and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations and payment of examination fees
SPARC Systems committed to IT excellency, community development in Africa
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, October 19, Mana: SPARC Systems Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering exceptional information technology (IT) services, ensuring system security and maintaining operational continuity for its customers.
Spark Country Manager, Esnor Wasd, made the remarks Friday during a Media Cocktail held at SPARC ICT building in Lilongwe.
"SPARC is a multinational technology company providing IT solutions across Africa. Established in 2013, and proudly Malawian owned, we operate in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda, employing over 1,000 people locally and globally," Wasd stated, emphasizing the company's dedication to supporting business enterprises in the ICT sector.
SPARC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Wisely Phiri, revealed plans for the official launch of their new building in City Centre, scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.
"We have a range of activities planned, including a formal launch in the morning, followed by a Business Captain Dinner in the evening. Thursday will feature a Tech Edu Day, and on Friday, we will host a Small Medium Enterprise (SME) and Entrepreneurs Day to share insights and strategies among business leaders in Malawi and beyond. The main celebration will take place on Saturday, featuring performances from various musicians," Phiri announced.
Looking ahead, Phiri shared that SPARC is data-driven and aims to expand its operations into five additional countries over the next five years, with plans to establish a presence in Tanzania and Mozambique.
In addition to its business initiatives, SPARC is committed to corporate social responsibility.
The company recently completed the construction of two classroom blocks and provided desks to Tikiwe Primary School in Karonga, demonstrating its dedication to community development.
Ministry calls for collaborative efforts in reducing school dropout rates
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 18 Mana: The Ministry of Education has called on communities and local leaders to collaborate and lend a hand in promoting access to quality education and reducing school dropout rates among learners especially in rural areas of the country.
In an interview with the Malawi News (Agency (Mana), Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera, highlighted that it is the duty of community leaders to support children to go to school saying negligence has resulted in high school drop outs rate and poor performance of schools.
“As a ministry, it is worrisome that some communities do not support the children's education systems in their areas which negates government efforts to promote quality education and reduce drop out cases.
“One of our core mandates as a ministry is to educate the citizens at community level while taking a great role in promoting children's rights to education," said Nkuonera.
Concurring with Nkuonera’s sentiments, Child Rights Activist, Memory Ngosi, said children in Lakeshore districts such as Mangochi, Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay and Machinga among others drop out of school due to poverty and they resort to run small scale businesses which violate their right to education.
“In many areas, most people depend on fish businesses for survival and l children follow in the same path as their parents without acknowledging their right to education.
“As such, cultural beliefs, poverty and lack of mind set change towards promoting children’s rights to education has fueled high cases of school drop out despite efforts by government and other stakeholders to counter the practice, “said Ngosi.
Ngosi has however applauded the government for launching monitoring campaigns that trace and prohibit children doing any kind of business during school periods by providing stiff punishment to offenders and all people involved in the act.
One of the concerned people in Machinga district, Albert Gideon, blamed parents for not taking an initiative to promote children's education due to poverty reasons and they push the children to do business as a means of survival.
“Children’s goals should commence at an early stage for a better future, but most people depend on money for survival. In Machinga parents Introduce their children to businesses at a younger age," said Gideon.
He however commended the government’s initiative to promote children’s right to education by building quality schools and providing all resources needed for teaching and learning in both primary and secondary schools as one way of promoting access to quality education in the country.
Malawi, Mozambique sign trade agreement
By Happy Milanzi
Lilongwe October 18 Mana: Malawi and Mozambique Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Simplified Trade Regime (STR) that aims at improving bilateral trade relations between two countries.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gengwe, who signed on behalf of the Malawi government at a ceremony held at Lilongwe Hotel, said the signing of the MoU is significant step as it will remove a number of bottlenecks that were chocking trade relations between the two neigbouring countries especially cross border traders.
"The simplified trade regime will play a pivotal role in transforming trade between two countries and will improve and speed up immigration and revenue processes on the borders," he said.
Gwengwe also said by implication, the MoU will help improve relations between ordinary people of the two nations.
"Malawi and Mozambique shares a conducive environment in trade all the time so the signing of memorandum of understanding will improve the lives of citizens," he said.
Gwengwe also added that said the government will monitor the Mou for around 90 days to check practical implementation and operations progress on the ground.
In his remarks, Minister of Trade of Mozambique, Silvino Augusto Jose Moreno, said he was happy with signing of the MoU as Mozambique believes that trade can change the economy of the two countries as well as creating job opportunities to the citizens.
"We know that small traders fear to trade with each other but with simplified trade regime the traders will keep in touch with one another, and also improve bilateral trade," he said.
Moreno highlighted that he was not satisfied with the trade that is already on the ground but was hopeful that with the coming in of MoU, things will change of the better.
Kunkuyu calls out opposition parties on electoral processes
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, October 18, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has refuted claims by opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Alliance for Democracy (Aford) plus UTM that government intends to rig the 2025 General Elections through the awarding of a contract to an alleged dubious foreign firms with a checkered elections history.
Kunkuyu refuted the claims Friday afternoon during a press briefing held at Malawi Sun Hotel in Blantyre where he responded to the allegations from the opposition parties which he described as baseless and wanting of facts.
He said it was surprising to hear the DPP and Aford question electoral procedures which their legislators passed in parliament to guide the country's electoral processes.
He said the it was also surprising that the opposition parties suspect Malawi Election Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice, Anabel Mtalimanja’s bias when the MEC Chairperson was duly proposed by the judiciary and appointed by the appointing authority as is always the case with such appointments.
“One would doubt whether the opposition has taken a new way of thinking,” Kunkuyu said adding that the MEC Chairperson is always appointed in a transparent and legally accepted procedure saying ‘Government is set to conduct credible elections.’
On the opposition party's intentions to hold national wide demonstrations, Kunkuyu said it was unfortunate that they have resolved to do this.
“Dialogue remains a preferable approach. Dialogue is necessary to avoid unnecessary confrontation and chaos,” said Kunkuyu while at the same time acknowledging that everyone has right to express feelings.
He however said Malawians cannot be deceived, as they are able to see truth behind “the opposition's noise”
The minister also an opportunity to encourage all eligible Malawians to go and get registered as per the voter registration schedule that will take places in three phases
Indian President Malawi visit to strengthen cooperation
By Tabbu Kitta Kauye
Lilongwe, October 18, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has described Indian President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu visit to Malawi, as a milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Malawi and India.
Speaking after bilateral talks between the two heads of state on Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo said President Chakwera was delighted that, Malawi is among the three African countries that President Murmu has visited.
"The president also acknowledges the assistance and support that the Indian government renders to the Malawi government. The collaborative efforts and support in the areas of education, health and agriculture attest to the cooperation that exists between the two governments,” said Tembo.
She disclosed that during the discussions President Chakwera also requested a reduction in tariffs for commodities and produce that Malawi exports to India.
Tembo said,” The call for reduction means that Malawi can export commodities and produce like macadamia nuts and pigeon peas, which will ultimately contribute to the bank forex.
During the bilateral talks, president Chakwera also shared the Malawi Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy by highlighting areas of potential investment.
The two leaders also signed a memorandum of Understanding on Youth and sports, pharmacy and local governance.
She also donated cancer equipment which will be installed at Kamuzu Central Hospital and donated 1,000 metric tonnes of rice.
President Murmu's visit will benefit Malawi in the sectors of trade, health, agriculture and education.
The Indian President is in Malawi for a three-day visit, where among other things she is expected to hold several official engagements.
Before holding the bilateral talks with President Chakwera, Murmu also visited the Memorial Tower in Lilongwe.
NICE urges youths to shun political violence
By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, October 18, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged youths in Thyolo District to desist from political violence as Malawi prepares for the 2025 general elections.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Thyolo District NICE, Trust, Programmes Officer, Moses Kaunda, called the youths to promote peace and unity as the elections approach.
“As Malawians, peace and unity are essential. Through our sensitization meetings, we are encouraging the youth to avoid being misled by political leaders to engage in violence,” Kaunda said.
He therefore stressed that youths need be responsible considering that they are also Malawians, regardless of their political affiliation.
“The youth must understand that, despite differing political views, they share a common identity as Malawians,” he added and further urged unregistered youths to ensure they register with the National Registration Bureau (NRB) for them to vote in the 2025 elections.
Meanwhile, Group Village head Chibwana of Thyolo said traditional leaders are committed to educate youth on how to avoid political violence during the electoral process.
“We are meeting with them regularly to provide guidance on the best practices for the campaign period and voting day,” he said.
NICE Trust is conducting sensitization campaigns across the district on voter registration.
IPI lobby Mulanje stakeholders to advocate for voter registration
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, October 18, Mana; Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) Programme Officer, Praise Mwenegamba on Thursday appealed faith leaders, traditional leaders, political parties and other stakeholders in Mulanje district to mobilize their congregants, subjects and followers to get registered for the 2025 general election.
Speaking during stakeholders engagement meeting, Mwenegamba stressed that political parties should be in the forefront mobilizing their followers to get set for voter registration as faith and traditional leaders play their complementary role.
“Today's meeting is meant to lobby chiefs, sheiks, pastors, and political parties among others to mobilize citizens to fully participate in the voter registration that is commencing on Monday next week. We are also appealing people to desist from political violence,” he said.
Sheikh Ibrahim Iddi from Chisitu Main Mosque said sheikhs will be mobilizing their fellow Muslims to get registered for general elections.
“We will make sure to share what we have learnt with fellow Muslims in various mosques here in Mulanje. I am also asking my fellow Muslims and any other individuals to desist from political violence,” he added.
On the other hand, Pastor Miracle Mapanje from Mulanje Thornwood Living Waters Church said that every eligible citizen needs to get registered for the elections.
“It is important for our congregants to engage in country’s elections because there is a close relationship between elections and church. This simply means that members of the church are also same members that aspire for political positions," she said.
She also emphasized the need for people to desist from political violence to ensure peaceful electoral process.
WVM donates K14 million worth of wheelchairs
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 18, Mana: World Vision Malawi (WVM) on Thursday donated 33 wheelchairs worth K14 million to children with physical disabilities in Traditional Authority (TA) Chakhaza and Kayembe in Dowa, with an aim of easing mobility challenges the children face on a daily basis.
In an interview after donating 21 of the wheelchairs at Chikhobwe in T/A Chakhaza, Arnold Tsalayekha, WVM Programmes Manager for Kasungu and Dowa said the organization decided to make the donation as one way of easing mobility challenges the children face.
"As a child focused organization, it is our desire to see every child enjoying life in all its fullness and this includes children with disabilities. So we realized that there are a lot of children facing mobility challenges in the catchments we serve. It becomes difficult for parents to take the children to school, in accessing health care amongst others.
"With this support, we believe they will now be able to engage positively with their friends at school and in the community. Even the parents can also have ample time to engage in other activities which can improve their livelihoods," he said.
The donation has been made through a project called Able-To-Thrive which the organization is implementing.
The wheelchairs have been specifically designed according to the needs of the children.
In his remarks, Director of Health and Social Services for Dowa district council Dr Peter Makoza said the donation will help children to have a better social life.
"We are looking at children who have difficulties with mobility, not only to and from school but also in socializing with other children, because due to mobility challenges, they were sort of isolated.
"But now they will be able to interact with their peers, which will help them both socially and intellectually. We are thankful to WVM for the donation and we ask other organizations who can, to come in and help because we have many other children in the district with similar needs," he said.
Maria Dickson of Chikasauka village, mother to a 5-year-old boy with a physical challenge said the wheelchair will help her child going to school which she said was a challenge.
"With this wheelchair, I will be able to get my child to school where he can get an education. I will also be able to travel long distances with him, which was a challenge too," she said.
