MANAonline
Matola is optimistic of sustainable fuel supply
By George Bulombola
Abu Dhabi-United Arab Emirates, December 7, Mana: Malawi’s Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola, Saturday said he is optimistic of the resumption of uninterrupted fuel supply in Malawi.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Matola said that fuel supply will be normalized following President Lazarus Chakwera’s invitation to Abu Dhabi by the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions on the supply of petroleum products in Malawi among others.
“President’s visit to UAE will go a long way in materializing a policy shift in fuel procurement; however, we are not abandoning the open tender procurement system as we embark on ‘Government to Government fuel transactions.
“We are going to engage government agents through this Government to Government fuel supply system as the open tender system has a lot of middlemen in between in the product’s supply chain,” said Matola.
He then added that the meeting between the two leaders is expected to unlock fuel supply challenges and bypass some of the middlemen who make the lives of many Malawians difficult by their involvement in the supply chain.
“We are going to bypass current challenges from petroleum refineries, vessels and ports and Malawi being a landlocked country is a victim of a long supply chain in which various players come with additional costs thereby making fuel expensive price.
“From Dar es Salaam to Lilongwe, it is about 1700 kilometres (Km), Beira to Blantyre is almost 900 km and it is 700 km from Nacala to Malawi and such long distances are prone to be abused by middlemen and other players in the system,” he said.
Commenting on the development, Matola said any change in a system comes with challenges but change is inevitable as far as protecting Malawians is concerned, energy being an abler.
“Intermittent supply of fuel has for the past six weeks affected service delivery in various sectors which among others include, health, agriculture and education.
Therefore, we need to do the right thing to address the fuel supply system as both fuel and electric energy is a cross-cutting abler in development,” Matola said.
The ‘Government to Government’ fuel transactions are expected to lead to long-term sustainable fuel supply to Malawi, as the system will waive the intervention of agents in the petroleum business.
Chakwera on Friday urged various investors in UAE to invest in Malawi in various sectors including Agriculture Tourism and Mining (ATM).
DODMA pleased with the maize distribution progress
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, December 7, Mana: Director of Preparedness and Response at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA), Reverend Moses Chimphepo, on Friday expressed satisfaction with the progress of maize distribution currently underway across the country.
Chimphepo revealed that the government has so far reached out to 4.5 million people through its maize distribution program, which aims to help 5.7 million individuals in the country.
Chimphepo made the remarks when he visited the final distribution points under the 2024-25 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme in Salima.
"We are optimistic that the hunger situation in some parts of the country including Salima will stabilize following the distribution of relief maize currently underway," he said.
He added: "Districts with worsened hunger situations like Salima will receive support from the government for 4 months to cushion food insecure households, we appeal to all the beneficiaries to use the food donation, particularly maize for its intended purpose and not selling," he said.
While praising the programme's progress, Chimphepo said, government has provided 39,000 metric tons of maize, while other stakeholders, including the World Food Program, contributed an additional 11,000 metric tons.
In her remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Patuma Eid of Juma Village, Traditional Authority Maganga said the drought left them with little or no harvests leading to hunger in their area.
"We hardly harvested anything because of the erratic rains, at the moment hunger is at its peak in this area, therefore, the coming in of government with this relief maize has given us a sigh of relief because we have witnessed even the prices of maize on the market dropping due to this maize distribution," she said.
Another beneficiary from Thom Village in the area of Traditional Authority Maganga, Maupa Anafi, expressed gratitude for the timely donation, stating that many have been going to bed hungry.
"We used to survive on mangoes unfortunately we are almost at the end of mango season here in Salima, making the situation worse, hearing that we will receive maize for the next 4 months is a relief to us and our families," he said.
On his part, Group Village Headman Chimwabvi commended Government's response to maize distribution, because 7 out of 10 people in his area are grappling with hunger and in dire need of assistance.
Chimwabvi has since made an assurance that every beneficiary would be closely monitored to ensure that the donated maize is used for its intended purpose.
The program was launched in the southern region, then expanded to the central region, and is scheduled to scale up to the Northern region next week.
Thyolo District Council Commemorates 16 Days of Gender Activism
By Beni Bamusi
Thyolo, December 7, Mana: Thyolo District Council commemorated 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on Friday with a call to traditional and religious leaders and non-governmental organizations to join hands in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the district.
The commemoration, which was held under the theme; Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence against Women took place at Molere Primary School ground, Traditional Authority Changata.
Thyolo District Council Chairperson, Petro Bowman said it should be the task of every citizen to put an end various forms of abuse that people in the district face.
“As a council, we are working hand in hand with traditional leaders, faith-based organizations, and the police to stop gender-based violence in the district. We want everyone to know that ending GBV is a role of every citizen and that we all need to prevent and report cases of GBV to relevant authorities,” he said.
He encouraged people to amicably settle their differences and stop all forms of abuse saying GBV is a human rights violation and has detrimental effects.
“Some people resort to suicide because they have been abused either physically or psychologically,” added Bowman.
Thyolo District Council, Gender Officer, Gerald Zgambo said GBV cases are still on the rise in Thyolo attributing the trend to culture, economic situations, and limited land for farming.
He observed that in some cases GBVs occur, in tea estates where guards rape women when they find them fetching firewood.
“Thyolo follows a matrimonial type of marriage, men are not being regarded as men such that they suffer from this type of marriage. This is another form of GBV.
“Right now we are dealing with a case of an old man who is being chased away from where he was married for years. We need to look into such cultures,” he said.
He disclosed that the district registered approximately 300 cases of GBV with economic and sexual abuse on the lead followed by physiological abuse.
Traditional Authority Changata pleaded with the community to refrain from GBV and called on victims and concerned communities to report all forms of abuse to relevant authorities for action.
He also encouraged fellow chiefs to always refer cases of GBV to police or community-based victim support units as opposed to dealing with the cases on their own.
Commemorated from November 25th to December 10th annually, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that raises awareness and advocates for action to end violence against women and girls.
Queens gears up for African Netball Championship
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, December 7, Mana: Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says it is impressed with the preparations of Malawi Queens in readiness for the African Netball Championship Cup that will take place from 9th to 14th December in Swakopmund, Namibia.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) this week, NAM Secretary, Yamikani Khungwa Kauma said out of 26 players, 15 have been nominated for the final squad, adding that the team played two friendlies as part of testing their fitness and composure.
“We believe that the selected players will battle and deliver to the nation. We have seen more improvement through the friendlies, which we played earlier. We hope that the girls are ready to perform,” she said.
She therefore hailed government through the Malawi Sports Council for supporting them with resources for smooth preparations in the local camping, which includes accommodation and air tickets for the players.
Malawi, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Kenya, Eswatin, and Tanzania are the teams that will participate in this year’s African Cup Championship.
Sports Analyst Lester Banda said the inclusion of old players and new blood in the squad signifies a vibrant combination that will produce a good performance.
Govt for more ultra-poor in SCTP
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, December 6, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, has assured Malawians that efforts are being made to ensure that all eligible ultra-poor households and vulnerable households get into the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
During her visit to beneficiaries in the area of Senior Chief Mavwere in Mchinji district on Friday, Minister responsible Jean Sendeza acknowledged the increase in the programme's number of beneficiaries and the benefits they are receiving.
She, however, said government is aware of some challenges that need to be addressed to allow more deserving beneficiaries.
“The beneficiaries have done a lot with the cash transfers that they receive, some are sending children to school, some have constructed houses, some are buying food and some have accumulated livestock,
“We have observed recently that there are some challenges with the identification of beneficiaries. So what we have decided is that we need to make sure that we find other means of identifying those that can be on the beneficiary list. We need to have those that are deserving to be on the list, not just anyone else,” said Sendeza.
Currently, the beneficiaries are drawn from the Universal Beneficiary Registry (UBR) which is a database that consolidates information on beneficiaries of various social protection programmes.
Senior chief Mavwere said he was of the idea that there should be other means of identifying beneficiaries of the programme.
“The current scenario is that there are more deserving beneficiaries that need to be considered so that they also benefit just like their colleagues are doing. We need these people to be part of the programme so I would be happy if we can find other means of identifying the beneficiaries,” said Senior Chief Mavwere.
Mercy Wilson of Mnzingo Village in the area is one of the beneficiaries of SCTP and is taking care of five children on her own and said the programme has helped her to push through.
“I am very happy with the programme as I can feed my children and send them to school too. I have a daughter at Mchinji Secondary School but I can support her with her education needs,” said Wilson.
The Minister visited three households in Mnzingo Village where the beneficiaries told her how they are benefitting from the programme.
Mchinji has 114 clusters and 14875 beneficiaries which include the elderly, child-headed, labour-constrained and those with disabilities.
Ayuba appeals for objective surveys
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, December 6, Mana: One of the Political and Social Advocates Silvester Ayuba James has criticized the newly released Afrobarometer survey, describing it as baseless and biased as it is not indicating the actual places where the survey was conducted.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency, Ayuba emphasized the importance of conducting surveys transparently and involving individuals from all walks of life to ensure accurate representation of facts on the ground.
"It is imperative for such institutions to conduct surveys in places where voters make final decisions. If you ask tobacco farmers or any farmers across the country, you might get different responses depending on the locations where the questions are posed," Ayumba stated.
He acknowledged the right of individuals to conduct surveys but stressed the urgent need for those conducting surveys to provide concrete evidence of who was questioned to avoid confusing the public.
He pointed out that Afrobarometer had conducted a survey in 2014 projecting that former President Dr. Joyce Banda would win the presidential election, but the results turned out to be different.
"There is a need for Afrobarometer to diversify their approach to prevent confusion among Malawians," he added.
Ayuba also noted that the current administration has demonstrated achievements in various development sectors, which citizens can recognize, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive survey that represents the majority, not just the minority.
In response, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwira stated that while it is the right of every institution to conduct surveys of their choice, these organizations should reflect on the perspectives of actual voters rather than just the minority.
She highlighted the importance of acknowledging how the president has addressed the challenges Malawi has faced since taking office, issues such as COVID-19, Cyclone Freddy, floods, and assisting those affected by hunger and disasters.
"It is time for people to recognize the positive outcomes government has achieved in all districts across the country. As MCP our grassroots voters are intact and can see what government has accomplished," Kabwira stated.
Dedza records alarming surge in GBV cases
By Nandie Magomelo
Dedza, December 6, Mana: Dedza Police Station Officer In-Charge, Gift Chiundira, on Thursday expressed concern over alarming rise in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the district, which have skyrocketed, from 2,205 between January and December 2023 to 8,447 between January and September 2024.
He made the remarks in an interview during the 16 days of activism against GBV event at Kabwazi in the area of Senior Chief Chilikumwendo in the district.
Chiundira attributed poverty as a primary cause citing cases received by his office that involved disputes over household assets, business interests, and parental neglect in providing for their children.
“Resource scarcity is fueling household conflicts as family members vie for control over limited assets. Alarmingly, some children have approached our office due to lack of food, clothing, and proper shelter.
“We have intensified awareness campaigns against gender based violence by working closely with chiefs,” said Chiundira.
Dedza North East parliamentarian, Auzious Chidovu, testified that various forms of violence are prevalent in the area with women and children being the primary victims.
He appealed local and faith leaders to utilize social gatherings such as church services, weddings, and funerals as platforms to raise awareness and promote anti-GBV initiatives.
Senior chief Chilikumwendo said he has established more structures to facilitate dispute resolution and provide reports to his office.
On her part, Dedza District Council, Gender and Development Officer, Lisnet Kathyole said the event was crucial in raising awareness and mobilizing the community to take an active role in preventing and combating GBV.
“I think we have managed to shed light on how all community members can help to prevent gender based violence. Hopefully this will result in the decrease of such cases,” she said.
MANEPO geared to eliminate stereotypes towards the elderly in Balaka
By Mirium Fumulani and Milton Sukasuka
Balaka, December 6, Mana: Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations (MANEPO) has said implementation of a new project called Realizing the Rights of Older People (ROAR) will help to eradicate physical, mental and other forms of abuses that elderly people face in Balaka District.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, MANEPO Technical Leader, Goodwell Thunga, said the project which targets areas of Nsamala and Mpilisi will incorporates community awareness aspect that seeks to positively change community members negative perception towards the elderly.
“This initiative will ensure that older people in Balaka are receiving care and support they deserve as vulnerable members of society.
“By changing community members’ altitude towards the older people, the project will also help to fight abuses and stereotypes that the elderly face such as assaults and being associated with bad things,” he added.
Thunga therefore said the project will also empower the elderly economically by distributing funds to individuals aged 70 years and above to help them improve their livelihoods.
“Beneficiaries will also be trained on how to withdraw money using mobile phones, reducing the risk of embezzlement by relatives or community members," he said.
Social Welfare Officer who is also desk officer responsible for the elderly. Stanley Chisi, hailed the project saying it will help the district to mobilize more resources that will fully support the elderly.
“The elderly in Balaka and the whole country face various forms of abuses including physical, emotional, and psychological hardships. This project has come to significantly improve their life,” he said.
Apart from Balaka District, MANEPO is also implementing a similar project in Thyolo with funding from Irish Government and it will run for three years, from July 2024 to June, 2027.
Ntchisi’s Kalumo installed Traditional Authority
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, December 6, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika has installed Peter Kabvumbula as Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumo of Ntchisi district.
The installation follows Kabvumbula's appointment to the position on 24th October 2024 by President Lazarus Chakwera.
In his remarks, Chomanika advised the newly installed T/A against partisan leadership saying he is there to lead all in pushing towards government’s development agenda.
“You have been installed to that position because people of Kalumo gave an approval. That means it is them who own that position with you on as their leader, so lead them well,” said Chomanika.
Chomanika the urged district council’s leadership including the Council Chairperson, District Commissioner, and other chiefs to support the new T/A.
Speaking earlier, the district council’s Chairperson, Councillor Marko Mtengo underscored the need for chiefs to take their respective leadership positions seriously saying they are critical in development.
“Chiefs play a pivotal role in pushing success of government’s development agenda. There cannot be development without chiefs and as such you need to treat your positions with seriousness,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Traditional Leaders, Senior Chief Chilooko said installations completes a chief’s value.
He has since asked respective authorities to consider installing all pending chiefs in the district.
EU commits MK648 million for Lean Season Response in Neno
By Salome Gangire
Neno, December 5, Mana: European Union (EU) has allocated MK648, 480,000 to support 3,088 Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiary households in Neno, who will each receive MK70, 000 per month for three months under the Lean Season Response Programme to purchase food items.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Principal Disaster Preparedness Officer, Zione Viyazyi, speaking during a council meeting on Thursday, explained that the funds represent a vertical expansion of the SCTP.
She said beneficiaries will receive a total of MK210, 000 in a lump sum for the three-month period on top of their monthly stipend, after which payments will revert to regular amounts.
“This once-off payment is designed to help households purchase food items during the lean season,” said Viyazyi, adding that the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report identifies 5,692,122 people across 28 districts and four cities as requiring food assistance for three to six months during the 2024/25 consumption year.
In Neno alone, 13,869 households are affected of which 3,088 households are under the SCTP and will be receiving cash transfers instead of maize.
The remaining households will continue receiving 50-kilogram bags of maize under the programme, which began in October, according to DoDMA.
Viyazyi said that the 2024/25 Lean Season Food Insecurity Plan, developed by DoDMA in collaboration with humanitarian partners, is guiding resource mobilization and response coordination tool as government is leading the response with support from development partners and humanitarian organizations.
She added that food assistance in Neno will be delivered through two modalities: cash transfers for SCTP beneficiaries and in-kind maize distribution for others.
Viyazyi also noted that district officers, alongside health surveillance assistants, will conduct community sensitization and provide nutritional services.
Traditional Authority Mlauli expressed gratitude to the EU and the government for their support, stating the programme has significantly alleviated food insecurity in the district.
He, however, urged the government to increase the number of beneficiaries, citing widespread food insecurity in the area.
