MANAonline
MDF commits to enhance military studies
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, January 14, Mana: Malawi Defence Force (MDF) says it will continue to review and improve the standards of courses being offered to military officers with an aim of effectively instilling leadership skills that will assist in solving challenges in high pressure situations.
Major General Swithun Mchungula, Commander of the Malawi Maritime Force, made the remarks Monday at MDF's Command and Staff College during the opening of the 4th cohort of Senior Command and Staff Course in Salima District.
"The course is challenging and needs resilience to navigate through. We prepare the officers to be leaders in the Malawi Defence Force and beyond. The skills and knowledge acquired through this course empower the officers to tackle the complexities of modern military operations," Mchungula said.
He emphasized that the course meaningfully assists the officers to contribute to regional and global security as it was tailored to push officers to think critically, collaborate effectively, and lead with confidence.
"Through this course, we want officers who can command and control but also contribute significantly to the overall functioning of our militaries. Our goal is to uphold the highest intellectual and professional standards, ensuring that we are well-prepared to defend our national interests," explained Mchungula.
Commandant of the Command and Staff College, Enock Ntonya, said that after each cohort, the courses and modules undergo stringent review with an aim of reviewing and advancing the whole curriculum so that it matches with emerging issues in global military dynamics.
"Some of the modules engage with international relations, leadership, and critical thinking. These are not merely academic exercises; they are the bedrock upon which effective military leadership is built," Ntonya explained.
He said during the training period, the students will undergo rigorous and thought-provoking studies that will equip them with complex security, problem-solving and decision-making skills, adding that the training calls for total discipline of adhering to the values of the college.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Mdzalimbo, who is one of the students, said the course will enhance their decision-making abilities while improving their skills and knowledge in their respective roles.
The 45-week course is expected to have 30 students from within the country and allied countries of Uganda, Botswana, Rwanda, South Africa and Eswatin, among others.
The college trains officers from the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel and full colonel. Before the college was in operation, officers were being trained outside the country.
Ministry opened to receive pre-budget suggestions - Chithyola Banda
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, January 14, Mana: Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Simplex Chithyola Banda has assured Malawians that his ministry will take seriously recommendations and proposals provided during pre-budget consultations meeting in coming up with 2025/26 National Budget.
Speaking in Mzuzu during pre-budget consultations meeting, Chithyola Banda said the door is opened for people to suggest to the ministry on how the country can generate own income locally to restore the economy.
“No one will come to develop our nation, hence we need to find ways of how we can utilize available resources for our economic benefit,” he said, adding that the 2025/26 budget will likely depend on locally generated revenue.
Chithyola Banda was responding to remarks by president of Nyika Institute, Moses Mkandawire, who made a presentation on behalf of Civil Society Organizations in the north.
Mkandawire had accused the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs for allegedly taking stakeholder contributions for granted, claiming that the 2024/25 National Budget was not a true reflection of what stakeholders had contributed during similar consultations last year.
“Honorable minister, I must be honest with you. As stakeholders, we do not have trust in these consultation meetings. Last year we presented ideas and recommendations, but to our surprise, none was reflected in the budget which was presented to Parliament.
“We represent people; the recommendations are meant to offer solutions to current challenges, hence we expected to see at least some of them being adopted,” said Mkandawire.
In his presentation, Mkandawire appealed to the ministry to include construction of M’mbelwa University, Choma Campus of Mzuzu University and Mzuzu International Airport in the 2025/26 budget.
Various contributors suggested plausible strategies for the country to enhance its local revenue generation, and some of the strategies included investing in mining and establishing local market for minerals besides erecting tollgates on the M1-Road in the north.
President Chakwera arrives in Blantyre
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, January 14, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera arrived in Blantyre on Tuesday from Lilongwe, where he is expected to fulfil several official engagements.
Among others, President Chakwera is scheduled to attend this year's commemoration of John Chilembwe Day and a service of worship at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) in Chiradzulu.
Chakwera and the First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera arrived through Chileka International Airport.
Upon arrival, the Malawi leader was welcomed by government and political party officials.
Other notable faces present were Moses Kumkuyu, Minister of Information and Digitalization; Abida Mia, Minister of Water and Sanitation; traditional leaders; and other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, many people lined up in the streets of Blantyre to give the Malawian leader a thunderous welcome to the southern region, with notable crowds forming at the Clock Tower Roundabout.
Red Cross donates to asylum seekers in Nsanje
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, January 14, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) on Monday donated kitchen utensils and hygiene kits to 1,000 female asylum seekers at Nyamithuthu Camp in Nsanje District.
MRCS Nsanje District Coordinator Jerome Chide said the donation was aimed at easing challenges female asylum seekers face in the camps.
"These people came from Mozambique without anything. They need a lot of support in all aspects of life. As we know, hygiene kit is very paramount to females," he said.
Chide said MRCS is committed to supporting asylum seekers in the district, adding it is planning to reach out to other camps.
He further said the donation was supported by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Nsanje District Health Environmental Officer Chisomo Chalemera praised MRCS for supporting the asylum seekers.
"Female hygiene kits and kitchen utensils are a very critical element of sanitation and hygiene, especially in crowded places where disease prevention is crucial," he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Julian Juwaki from Mulumbala District in Mozambique, said the donation came timely as she had no means to find sanitary pads and kitchen utensils.
She therefore hailed the MRCS for the support.
Nsanje is hosting asylum seekers from Mozambique, following post-election political violence in Mozambique.
Kunkuyu impressed with NEEF successes
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, January 14, Mana: Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has expressed satisfaction with the successes National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has made so far.
Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of fertilizer distribution at Thunder in Zomba, Kunkuyu said since the establishment of the fund, over 200,000 Malawians have benefited through various projects.
The minister said NEEF has, among others, provided financial support to Malawians to establish small scale businesses as a way of improving their well-being.
"NEEF was established in 2020 and over the years, we have seen how Malawians have benefited from it. This is why government finds it necessary to provide more financial support so that more Malawians are reached out," he said.
On the fertilizer loan project, the minister said it is the wish of the government to ensure that the country is food secure.
He said most farmers in the country have difficulties in acquiring farming material, a situation that affects their agricultural produce.
"Go and make use of the fertilizer so that the country has enough food. This initiative will continue and reach out to more farmers," Kunkuyu said.
NEEF Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Mdyetseni said since the launch of fertilizer distribution, over 40,000 farmers have benefited from the programme and that over K32 billion has been spent.
Mdyetseni said following the presidential directive that more farmers are reached out, his organization is fully committed to ensure all districts benefit, regardless of region or political affiliation.
He said through the loan, Malawi stands a chance to produce more food, end poverty and spur economic activities.
The CEO has since appealed to the programme's beneficiaries to desist from selling the fertilizer, as that would be against the purpose of the initiative.
"We will follow you up and ensure that the fertilizer has been applied in farms. Should we discover that someone has sold the fertilizer, we will arrest them and entirely close the group," he warned.
Senior Chief Mlumbe hailed government for the programme, observing that many farmers in the country have land to cultivate but fertilizer is the major challenge.
About 789 farmers are expected to benefit from the fertilizer loan programme in Zomba.
Prioritise case management for smooth implementation of CS-EPWP – NLGFC
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 14, Mana: Local structures under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Karonga have been advised to make case management their core function inorder for the programme to achieve its objectives of promoting sustainable livelihoods and enhancing community resilience to climate change.
National Local Government Finance Commitee (NLGFC) E-payment Specialist Jane Chidengu said this Monday during a training on Case Management Protocols for Karonga District Environment Sub Committee (DESC) members and Catchment Management Committees, Foremen and Extension Workers under the CS-EPWP from Nyanja catchment in Traditional Authority Kyungu.
"Karonga uses the E-payment method whereby participants receive their wages in their TNM mobile wallet; sometimes there are cases where some do not receive, which is where case management comes in to sort things out and ensure the programme runs without any hurdles," said Chidengu.
"We are orientating district council and catchment officials to manage cases to do with participant replacements when a beneficiary has moved out of the programme and also payment claims in case of those participants who will not be able to get their money instantly," she added.
Chidengu explained that case management guidelines are helpful because they empower beneficiaries to follow proper procedures when reporting cases which makes them work diligently under the programme when their grievances are addressed on time.
On his part, District Programme Facilitator for Karonga, Austin Kafere, said they encounter cases of unpaid wages where some participants have mismatches between their e-wallet name and ID name.
"So if the names are different, the system rejects the payment which is why some participants do not receive their wages.
“And sometimes the forepersons in the catchments tend to replace the names of the participants with those who are not eligible without seeking advice from the council and they later claim wages, so we are assured with this training that these issues will be ironed out," said Kafere.
A foreman from Nyanja Catchment, Moses Mwalweni, said that when one is empowered, one knows what to do at what point.
"The training will prevent boycotting of work, as we have had such cases where some beneficiaries drop out due to unpaid wages," Mwalweni said.
Revitalizing Kasungu National Park for improved tourism
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 14, Mana: In 2024 alone, Kasungu National Park, the second largest protected area in Malawi, lost six elephants in circumstances that authorities say are being investigated.
Of the six elephants, only one had its tusks removed while the rest had everything intact, raising more questions about the cause of the deaths.
Park Manager Ndaona Kumanga says there is high likelihood that the elephants were killed by retaliatory fire.
“We have strong evidence that the species were killed by people who are not in ivory trade because the tusks were intact.
“This makes us believe that some people who were angry may be because the elephants had destroyed their crops or other property killed them in retaliation,” Kumanga says.
Four of the elephants were killed on the peripherals of Kasungu National Park on the Zambian side while the other two died away from the border.
Kumanga says while the elephants had gun wounds, the presence of tusks is evidence enough that the killers were not the common poachers who kill the beasts for ivory or meat.
“So for us, these are retaliatory killings because of the human-elephant conflicts in areas surrounding the park.
“If we contain the conflict, we will minimize the deaths of animals, especially elephants,” Kumanga observes.
Since around 2016 when the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) partnered International Fund for Animal Welfare (Ifaw), incidents of poaching in Kasungu National Park have significantly reduced due to tightened security.
Earlier, poachers had invaded the 2,300 square kilometre-park at the beginning of multiparty democracy in 1994 when the elephant population was around 2,000 individuals.
About 20 years later, the poachers had decimated the animals’ numbers to only about 200 individuals, rendering the area unattractive to tourists.
However, with the improvement in security, government translocated 263 more elephants from Liwonde to Kasungu National Park to increase animal sightings and boost tourism.
However, with the vandalized perimeter fence on the eastern park boundary, which is surrounded by agrarian communities that look at the park as a source of livelihood, there have been running battles between the communities and elephants where crops, houses and lives have been lost.
There have been at least 414 incidents of elephants straying out of the park in 2024, a 40 percent drop from the 697 cases recorded in 2023.
Nevertheless, the impact on local communities has been huge as the crop damage has resulted to food insecurity amongst the households surrounding the park.
On the other hand, the conflict seems to have created a new problem manifested in the latest retaliatory killing of the elephants.
Ifaw Field Operations Manager Gervas Thamala describes the killing of the six elephants as a big loss.
“The incident shocked us and is a big loss. I understand the matter is being investigated but it could be community retaliation.
“However, it does not mean that the security in the park has gone down as patrols are being done on daily basis,” Thamala says.
Construction of the 130 kilometre perimeter fence is nearing completion with at least 114 km already done.
There have been over 215 arrests recorded in 2024 for illegal park entry, with 141 of the offenders being from Traditional Authority Chulu in Kasungu District.
Senior Chief Chulu says the sure way to protect both animals and people’s property is ensuring that the fence project is completed.
The coming of Protect Kasungu National Park (PROKAs) project is further expected to tighten the park’s security, hedging out poachers who are largely from Chulu communities in Malawi and a few others from Zambia.
PROKAs is a law enforcement project designed to address DNPW challenges of inadequate government funding and shortage of rangers and will focus on providing specialized training and law enforcement equipment.
With financial support from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Ifaw will implement the PROKAs in conjunction with Wildlife Investigators Training Alliance, Game Rangers Association of Africa, Resolve Wildlife and Lilongwe Wildlife Trust.
The project aims to reduce wildlife poaching and trafficking in Kasungu National Park through enhancing the professional capacities of DNPW rangers, investigators, prosecutors and magistrates.
Specifically, the PROKAs wants to increase the skills and knowledge of DNPW rangers to better combat poaching and wildlife trafficking in and around Kasungu National Park.
This will be done through development of a law enforcement strategy for the park, expanding Earth Ranger Technology and rapid response units and convening regular interactive meetings for DNPW, police and magistrates.
On the other hand, government plans to upgrade infrastructure in the park by constructing more lodges to attract more tourists.
Despite its huge size, Kasungu National Park has one lodge located at Lifupa, some 50 km west of the boma. This means that the entire vastness of the park’s north, where there is a concentration of elephants, is without any lodging facilities.
“Government is very committed to making Kasungu National Park a haven for tourism. We have identified two places where we want to construct lodges and processes are under way.
“There is Kangwa in the north where there is also a concentration of elephants and an air strip. The other one is the highest point of the park where we want to put Wang’ombe Lumen Safari Lodge,” Kumanga says.
Wang’ombe is also historical in that it is the place where Scottish missionary David Livingstone passed by on his way to Zambia.
Kumanga reveals that there are also plans to construct a breeding sanctuary within the park where a number of animal species will be put for those that do not want to travel in the park’s expansiveness.
“We want Kasungu National Park to reclaim the glory it had. Additionally, we are making additions to make the place more attractive,” Kumanga says.
He says the swimming pool being constructed at Lifupa Lodge will be ready for use this year while the information centre at the gate house is also set to open.
Sitting on 231,600 hectares, Kasungu National Park has the largest area coverage of miombo woodland in Malawi and is the catchment for Dwangwa River that flows east to Lake Malawi, watering communities along the way.
On the western side, the park ecologically connects with Lusukuzi National Park in Zambia as one landscape, allowing animals to move freely and frequently between the two national parks and beyond to the Luangwa ecosystem.
In 2024, the park received at least 1,218 tourists from 40 foreign countries (two percent more from the 1,198 visitors in 2023) and around 840 locals.
Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule says aside mining and agriculture, government considers tourism as a priority sector that can help to exponentially grow the economy to desired levels.
Currently, tourism contributes 7.7 percent towards the Gross Domestic Product, of which 2.7 percent is from the wildlife sector.
GVH Mwanyanja murdered, Chitipa Police launch manhunt for assailants
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, January 14, Mana: Police in Chitipa District have launched a manhunt for unknown assailants who have killed Group Village Head (GVH) Mwanyanja of Traditional Authority Nthalire in the district.
Chitipa Police spokesperson Sub-Inspector Gladwell Simwaka said GVH Mwanyanja (real name Mapuzi Kaonga), aged 65, was found dead along an earth road within the village on Sunday.
Simwaka said that a post-mortem conducted at Nthalire Health Centre showed that death was due to severe loss of blood secondary to multiple cuts sustained in the head.
“Reasons behind his killing are not yet known. However, it is believed that people in the area suspected the deceased of being a witch,” Simwaka explained.
He further said that GVH Mwanyanja attended a funeral (where he was accused of being the one who caused the death) in his village a day before being found dead.
“We have launched a manhunt for the assailants. If found, they will be charged with murder, which is contrary to section 209 of the penal code,” Simwaka said.
He warned the public against killing innocent people on mere witchcraft accusations and added that the law will take its course on anyone involved in the killing.
CSE-PWP participants to present national identity cards during pay parades
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, January 13, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa has advised participants in Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSE-PWP) to present their national identity cards (ID) if they are to be receiving their wages during pay parades.
Newa made the remarks on Saturday during monitoring visits of the participants’ pay parade at Kavuzi in the area of Traditional Authority Thula in the district.
According to Newa, the presentation of IDs ensures that payments are made to legitimate participants.
“Presentation of IDs during wage payments is non-negotiable as it is one of the requirements of the programme to prevent fraudulent activities and guarantee that payments are made to the intended recipients,” said Newa.
He added most of the issues which are experienced during pay parades are related to IDs as some participants fail to produce them alleging their IDs were either lost or forgotten at home.
"Let me therefore urge all foremen and other frontline workers to assist participants in resolving such issues before payday. National Registration Bureau (NRB) at Nkhata Bay is always open,” he said.
In his remarks, Foreman for Kavuzi Catchment, Robert Nyirenda pledged that his team will ensure that ID-related issues are resolved for the smooth implementation of the program.
Village Head Wazathu said that the program has helped the participants with start-up capital for small-scale businesses, hence reducing forest destruction for charcoal-making Kaning’ina and Kanduli hills.
“People are now investing in environmentally friendly businesses instead of cutting down trees for charcoal among others," said Wazathu.
CSE-PWP is one of the components of the Social Support for Resilience Livelihoods Project implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee with Funding from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
NLGFC awards six districts for outstanding performance in social protection programmes
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, December 13, Mana: National Local Government Committee (NLGFC) has awarded six local authorities with certificates of recognition for outstanding performance under Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
The certificates presentation took place on Friday at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre where the six councils namely: Karonga, Mbelwa, Nkhata Bay, Lilongwe, Chiradzulu and Nsanje met to also review Social Support Resilience Livelihood Project (SSRLP) in their respective districts.
NLGFC Executive Director, Dr. Kondwani Santhe said the six districts deserved the recognition following their outstanding performances in various areas of interventions under the two social protection programmes that are meant to improve people’s livelihoods.
The six districts were recognized after success completion of re targeting in the SCTP, outstanding performance in grievance redress mechanism (GRM) reporting under SCTP, outstanding performance in processing wages in the SC-EPWP, outstanding performance in CS-EPWP phases, best performance in Know Your Customer processes under SCTP and outstanding performance in processing electronic payment (e-payment) under the CS-EPWP.
In the category of SCTP, Karonga District Council was awarded a certificate of recognition for an outstand performance in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes under the SCTP while Nsanje District Council emerged an outstanding performer after achieving 99 per cent completion on re targeting under the SCTP.
Chiradzulu also got recognition for being an outstanding performer in GRM reporting under the SCTP with effective community and district level structures in place.
Under CS-EPWP, Mbelwa District Council was awarded a certificate of recognition for outstanding performance in processing manual wages within stipulated time as Lilongwe District Council also got a certificate of recognition for being a star performer in processing electronic payment, proving efficiency within shortest time in paying CS-EPWP participants.
According to NLGFC, Lilongwe is one of the ten districts that have migrated from manual payment to e-payment in CS-EPWP while the rest of the districts are yet to migrate to the electronic mode of payment.
Nkhata Bay District Council came on top as best performer in implementing CS-EPWP phases with remarkable efficiency within agreed time of completion of phase 3.
Dr. Santhe stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that the best-performing district demonstrated strong coordination and a commitment to service delivery, prioritizing the effective implementation of the two social protection programs.
World Bank Mission Task Team Leader for SSRLP, Chipo Nsowoya said the World Bank and other Social Protection Multi Donor Trust Fund partners were impressed with implementation of the social support programmes in Malawi though there was need to improve in some areas.
“There is need to improve on delayed wage payment. We are ready to discuss with Government of Malawi to see how best we can address this problem,” he added.
Representing Nsanje District Council, Chief Education Officer, Mashades Dakamao said dedication to service delivery plus abiding by the guidelines of NLGFC were some of the contributing factors that brought the outstanding performance in the implementation of SCRP.
“The certificate of recognition we have received will motivate us to maintain the standards. We will maintain this,” he added.
CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Project supported by the Bank and the Social Protection Multi donor Trust Fund.
