MANAonline
Senior Group Village Headman arrested for defilement
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 17, Mana: Police in Dowa on Wednesday arrested Senior Group Village Headman Ngwere for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl at Chezi.
Dowa police station Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima said the suspect, real name Christopher Dyson, 39, of Ngwere Village, Traditional Authority Nkukula, in Dowa district, is suspected to have committed the offence in September this year.
She said the victim had reported to Chezi police that the suspect had some time ago, asked her if she had reached puberty and if she had ever had sex with a man, a thing she said made her uncomfortable.
"Then, on September 20, at around 1 pm, Dyson visited the victim's house and asked the girl if her father was around, to which she replied that her father was inside the house sleeping. But the suspect expressed disbelief arguing that there were no shoes on the doorstep.
"The chief then grabbed the victim, took her into her brother's bedroom, forcibly undressed her, and had unprotected sex with her," said Sitima.
She added saying the suspect offered the victim K5000 in K1000 banknotes, instructing her not to tell anyone of the issue. But having refused it, the suspect shoved the money inside her blouse and left.
Subsequently, the victim revealed of her ordeal on October 15, 2024.
"Police referred the victim to a hospital for medical examinations, whose results revealed an abnormal vaginal discharge and a ruptured hymen.
"The suspect is currently in custody, awaiting court proceedings," said Sitima.
By Prisca Promise Mashushu Lilongwe, October 17 Mana: Her Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of the Malawi leader, President D
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, October 17 Mana: Her Excellency Smt Droupadi Murmu has arrived in Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe for a three-day official visit upon the invitation of the Malawi leader, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera that aims at strengthening international relations with the Republic of Malawi while celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Malawi
The plane carrying the president touched down at exactly 8:40 on Thursday where she was welcomed by Vice President Michael Usi, Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet Collen Zamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Minister of lands Deus Gumba, Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia and other top government officials.
Upon arrival at KIA, the Indian leader inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Malawi Defence Force.
During the three-day visit, Murmu is expected to hold several official engagements which include bilateral talks with the state president Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, and a memorial visit at the Kamuzu mausoleum among other engagements.
Man arrested for illegally cultivating Indian hemp
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, October 16, Mana: Police in Dowa on Tuesday arrested a 25-year-old man at Lirambwe village for allegedly cultivating Indian hemp popularly known as Chamba without a license.
Dowa police Public Relations Officer, Alice Sitima has identified the suspect as Timothy Banda of Lirambwe Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Nkukula in the district.
Sitima said police received a tip-off from concerned citizens that Banda was cultivating Indian hemp but did not have a license for that.
"Through the Criminal Investigation Department, police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the suspect.
"Banda admitted to having cultivated Indian hemp on his quarter-acre farm, located approximately five kilometres from his village, along the Chaliwe Dambo River.
"During the time of arrest, he was on the verge of harvesting around 4000 plants which have since been destroyed by the police," said Sitima.
She said the suspect will soon appear in court to face a charge related to illegal cultivation of Indian hemp.
President lauds role of NGOs in national development
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre, October 16, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has applauded Non - Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the country for their contribution to national development and compliance to regulations governing the NGO sector.
The president was speaking on Wednesday during the commemoration of NGOs Day at Sanjika Mini Stadium in Blantyre under the theme: “Strengthening partnership and capacity in the NGO sector: Panacea for achieving Malawi 2063.”
Chakwera expressed gratitude that over the years there has been increased NGO accountability as well as compliance to various pieces of legislation governing the sector.
“I am pleased to hear that 498 NGOs have submitted their reports to Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA from 432 which did so last year which is a sign of growth and transparency in the localization agenda,” he said.
He, therefore, encouraged the NGOs to continue working in collaboration with government, saying both government and NGOs have one goal of serving people.
“As we look back to the progress registered last year, I am pleased to report the remarkable progress that has indeed been made today particularly in the area of NGOs compliance and accountability.
“Statics speak for themselves, in 2023 we had 77 NGOs registered under Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) and am glad that this year, the number has more than doubled to 148,” he added.
Chakwera said government established the NGO Fund which was launched in August this year to help in building the capacity of NGOs and a more responsive NGO sector.
However, the Malawian leader said government is committed to ensuring that it creates a viable environment for the civil society to operate in.
Chief Executive Officer for NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda said in line with this year’s theme, NGOs are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that they support government.
"As seen during the pavilions, NGOs are investing in various sectors which are education, agriculture, health and many more. NGOs have now accepted that their role is to support government and making sure that together we transform Malawi," he said.
Board Chairperson for Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA), George Jobe said NGOs are committed to align their programmes and work within the Malawi 2063 Agenda.
"CONGOMA coordinates the work of NGOs in the country and we commit to work with government and ready to comply with laws of Malawi including getting licensed through NGORA.
“We commit to work as the representative of local NGOs and with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure that violence is condemned in all its forms especially against women aspirants in the 2025 general elections,” Jobe who is also Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network said.
Academia, Business community, Media sensitized on digital trade protocol
By: Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha
Lilongwe, October 16, Mana: In preparation for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Protocol, the Ministry of Trade and Industry through Digital Financial Inclusion Competitiveness (DFIC) project is sensitizing the academia, business community and the Media on Digital Protocol and Trade.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday in Lilongwe, Director of ICT at Ministry of Trade, Patrick Machika, said there are enormous opportunities for Malawians in terms of market, as the Protocol seeks to boost intra- African trade and Integration through digital trade transactions.
“What this means is that we now have markets beyond Malawi and can now reach all the 53 countries that makes Africa. This also offers consumers an opportunity to choose from a wider market.
“Through the awareness being conducted, we are also soliciting views, so that issues Malawians feel should be taken on board, can be gathered. We are negotiating relevant issues, mainly emphasizing on cyber security,” said Machika.
In her remarks one of the ESAMI-trapca facilitators, Dr. Chengetai Mangunje, said the course aims to sensitize the target group on the key concepts in digital trade, particularly those arising from AfCFTA, Digital Trade Protocol and their potential opportunities for Malawi.
“We are also assessing the substantial issues regarding the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol that are critical to Malawi and analyzing areas under Malawi’s regulatory framework that can be utilized,” said Dr. Mangunje.
According to DFIC Project Coordinator, Golden Nyasulu, the sensitizations are being conducted with financial assistance from DFIC project, sponsored by African Development Bank Group (AFDB).
“We are supporting the Ministry of Trade to improve access to digital financial services and strengthen the competitiveness of the Malawian economy through digitalization,” said Nyasulu.
At a continental level, African countries that are parties to the AfCFTA have adopted a Digital Trade Protocol which recognizes issues of cross boarder data flows, data localization, and online consumer protection and privacy.
EU resumes budgetary support to Malawi after 10-year hiatus
By Lily Kampani
Lilongwe, October 16, Mana: The European Union (EU) has committed to renewing its partnership with Malawi to help accelerate the achievement of sustainable solutions by introducing a new budget support programme of EUR 55 million.
The Budget programme, ‘Malawi State and Resilience Building Programme,’ will target the education sector and Public Finance Management (PFM).
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the signing of the financing agreement with the government of Malawi, EU ambassador, Rune Skinnebach said the event is a powerful symbol of renewed collaboration and commitment to shared goals of stability, progress and inclusive development in Malawi.
“The EU believes that effective PFM will help safeguard public resources, build stronger governance systems and create fiscal space necessary for targeted investments in critical sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.
“Investing in secondary education is investing in the future of Malawi. It is about expanding opportunities for the next generation, equipping young people with the skills they need, and creating an environment where every student has a fair chance to succeed,” he explained.
Skinnebach called on the government to improve PFM and meet a series of indicators including Integrated Financial Information Management Systems (IFIMS) but also in education where current expenditure levels must be increased, to maintain the programme.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Simplex Chithyola said the Malawi budget had been run with a huge deficit because they could not get enough resources to implement several programs, after a decade without donor budget support.
“The coming in of such a huge sum of money as budget support is an indication of the degree of confidence and trust, in Malawi's leadership and reform programs,” said Chithyola.
Chithyola said their ministry will ensure the use of the resources for their intended purposes and appealed to implementers to practice prudence but also financial probity.
In her remarks, Minister of Education, Madalitso Wirima Kambauwa thanked the EU for the continued support in the education sector for over 10 years.
“the program will support reforms in several areas including ensuring secondary bursary schemes are more efficient and transparent, reforms aimed at improved teacher management and strategies and reforms for ensuring effective models for teacher education sector budget.
The new program aligns with the government of Malawi's priorities under Malawi 2063, as well as the European Union's Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to support a strong inclusive, green and digital transformation in the country while enhancing living standards and promoting long-term, inclusive growth.
Karonga Press Club donates to the elderly
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, October 16, Mana: General Secretary for Karonga Press Club (KPC), Walughano Lumbira, has called on communities to foster unity and compassion for the elderly, urging an end to harmful practices such as accusing elderly people of witchcraft.
Lumbira made these remarks on Tuesday during a charity initiative organized by the KPC to celebrate World Mother’s Day.
As part of the event, the club donated essential items, including maize, soap, cooking oil, and sugar, to elderly women in need.
“We used this opportunity to promote peace and remind the community that elders are the backbone of society. They should be loved, cherished, and supported,” Lumbira said.
“People must stop discriminating against the elderly and falsely accusing them of witchcraft. Instead, we should share the little we have with those in need, fostering a spirit of unity in our communities.” he said.
Lumbira also emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility by journalists.
“As reporters, we have a duty beyond writing news stories. We should use the resources we have to support those less fortunate,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Margret Mwanganda, expressed her gratitude, saying the assistance came at a critical time for her and her family.
Karonga District Hospital to have oxygen plant
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, October 16, Mana: Director of Health and Social Services (DHSS) for Karonga District, David Sibale has hailed installation of an oxygen plant project which has commenced at Karonga District Hospital, observing it will alleviate difficulties in accessing oxygen supplies in the district.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, Sibale highlighted the significance of the U$1.846 million project in reducing transport costs and long-distance travel to Lilongwe for oxygen.
Sibale said: “The new plant will not only benefit Karonga but also surrounding districts facing similar challenges.
“This development marks a major step forward in improving healthcare access in the northern region.”
He emphasized the importance of the plant in supporting emergency responses, particularly for patients requiring oxygen therapy.
"With the rising demand for oxygen due to respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, the facility is expected to ease the burden on hospitals and provide timely treatment for critical patients.
“We currently rely on a single facility, Nkhoma Mission Hospital, for oxygen supplies, regardless of whether we face an emergency. Only Lilongwe has a functioning oxygen plant near us,” he added.
Health activist, Maziko Matemba praised the project as a milestone for the fast-growing district, noting that it was long overdue.
"Karonga is expanding rapidly, and it was not sustainable for the population to rely on distant hospitals for oxygen," Matemba said.
He further advocated for the installation of oxygen plants in all district hospitals to better prepare for future pandemics, ensuring that no region remains overly dependent on a single hospital for vital oxygen supplies.
Chief urges collaboration in protecting the youth
By George Mponda
Karonga, October 16, Mana: Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe of Karonga has called for collaborative effort between community and religious leaders in protecting youths inorder to ensure that their future is secured.
Mwirang'ombe said this, Tuesday during a community leaders conference on youth sexual reproductive health and rights attended by leaders from the areas of Senior Chiefs Wasambo and Mwirang’ombe, organized by Kachila Youth Initiative (KAYI).
"We need to work together and share ideas on how we can end child marriages, early pregnancies, alcohol and drug abuse which is very rampant among our youths in the communities. It is very shocking to see that girls as young as 15 are giving birth. You can imagine what that will do to their bodies when they reach 30 years.
"It very important that we borrow a leaf from what Senior Chief Kachindamoto did in Dedza to enforce strict bylaws which will protect our children to ensure they live healthy lives and achieve their goals. The commnity has trust in us to protect our children on behalf of God so let’s make a diffrlerence by setting a good future for them," he added.
On his part, Jabesi Nyirenda, Board Chairperson for KAYI said converging differemt stakeholders helps in sharing experiences on how best to protect the youth.
"These stakeholders have a huge part in the upbringing of children and bringing them together will help come up with best ways on how to protect youths in our communities by among other things advocating for youths to have acess to sexual reproductive health services," said Nyirenda.
Reverend Mac Kollings Chizumira of Central Africa Presbyterian church, said the church needs to reach out to youths with the word of God inorder for them not to get lost in worldly things.
"We reach out to as many youths as we can inordrer to help in behaviour change so that they become reliable citizens in future and follow the word of God as well,"Chizumira said.
The theme for the meeting was "Breaking the barrier on sexual reproductive health and rights for young people."
Kachila Youth Initiative with funding from the United Kingdom based Amplify Change is implementing Tubapoke Project in the areas of Senior Chief's Wasambo and Mwirang'ombe in Karonga.
Malawians encouraged to take advantage of digital trade opportunities
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, October 16, Mana: Business persons and entities in the country have been encouraged to take advantage of digital trade platforms to benefit from global trade opportunities.
Speaking in Mzuzu during a one-day Digital Trade Protocol sensitization meeting for academia, business community and the media in Malawi on Monday, Director of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Patrick Machika said even though digital platforms are there, Malawians can only benefit if they are utilizing them.
“There is still underutilization gap on digital tools and platforms that Malawians can use for trade.
“Through these digital platforms, businesses people and entities can trade with others in and outside the country and boost their businesses,” noted Machika.
While acknowledging that using digital spaces for trade activities can be risky, Machika was quick to point out that government has enacted several policies aimed at protecting digital space users.
One of the participants, Specklah Newa of Speck Holdings in Mzuzu City, concurred with Machika that there is low utilization of digital spaces, a development she said was largely due information gap on utilization.
“Most people do not know how to use digital platforms to boost their businesses, as a result, utilization is mostly for personal use.
“At the same time, running digital platforms for businesses is expensive and it needs one to invest a reasonable amount,” said Newa.
The sensitization meeting which was organized by Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) was aimed at orienting stakeholders on what African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and its Digital Trade Protocol are all about and how Malawi can benefit.
According to Thokozani Ngwira, a Trade Law expert at ESAMI’s Trade Policy Training Center in Africa, Malawi stands to benefit a lot from utilizing the existence of AFCFTA which can easily help break international market barriers for business entities.
“Malawi is a small country with limited business opportunities hence the need for entities to take advantage of the policy and existence of digital trade platforms to break through into the international market,” said Ngwira.
