By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, August 25, Mana: St Joseph Catholic Parish in Nkhata administered Confirmation Sacrament to 174 Christians marking a significant development in their spiritual journey.

This is a sacrament that seals a baptized person with the Holy Spirit and strengthens them for the task of serving Christ and His Church.

Among the confirmands, 87 were newly baptized Christians after attending the church’s teachings for two years as per Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) guidelines.

Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu, Zughzo Yohane Nyirenda who was the main celebrant, laid hands and anointed the confirmands with Chrism Oil marking the descending of the Holy Spirit and sealing their commitment to Christ and His Church.

In his homily, Nyirenda drew inspiration from John 16 Verses 13 to 14 and advised the confirmands to go out as missionaries to preach the word of God and bring back the lost sheep to God.

"Go out and preach the word of God without fear for the Holy Spirit will always guide you.

Continue being faithful to the Catholic Church by participating in various activities in your zones because that is the only way the church can keep growing," said Nyirenda.

He then urged the Christian community to participate in all processes in preparing for the upcoming 2025 general elections by voting for leaders of their choice.

Parish Priest for St Joseph Catholic Fr Andrew Kamanga said that he was pleased to see the church growing every day.

"We are happy to witness another great development in the Catholic Church. We expect that you will practice whatever you have been learning about Catholicism throughout your life,” said Kamanga.

One of the Catechist from Kavuzi Zone, Bathlomeu Nkhonjera who was also one of the mentors lauded the confirmands for their endurance in undertaking the Catholic church teachings.

"Specially let me thank the clergy at this parish for providing guidance and direction in ensuring that the teachings are instilled in our brothers and sisters,” said Nkhonjera.

Rachel Kaliata, one of the confirmands said that she has been energized upon receiving the sacraments and ready to serve the Lord as a true Catholic Christian.

The confirmands were drawn from Likoma, Chintheche, Banga, Mpamba, Kavuzi, and Kande which are administrative zones of St Joseph Catholic Parish.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, August 25, Mana: Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara has urged Malawians to vote for President Lazarus Chakwera during the 2025 general elections.

Speaking Saturday during a political rally at Rumphi Police Ground, Hara said Chakwera deserves a second term of office for working tirelessly to improve the welfare of Malawians.

Among other achievements by the government under the leadership of Chakwera, Hara cited among others, improved farm gate selling prices of various crops, road and rail infrastructure.

"As you are aware people have realized a tangible amount of money from sales of their farm produce such as tobacco, maize, and soybeans this year. The president has worked hard to lobby for better farm gate prices,” said Hara.

She added that currently government is mobilizing resources for the construction of Rumphi-Chitipa Road.

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Youth, Steven Kamsiyano said Chakwera has championed reintroduction of Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations, removed quota system of selecting students to secondary schools and higher learning institutions among others.

"People of Rumphi are known for their love for education. Application of quota system deprived them of fair access to education and everyone across the country is enjoying fair selection in education processes," said Kamsiyano.

Board member for National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Alam Beza said that the board has removed collateral for loans not exceeding K1 million.

Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central, Macdowel Chidumba Mkandawire also urged people in the district to continue rallying behind Chakwera and vote for him come 2025.

North-North Regional Chairperson for MCP, Kezzie Msukwa and some MCP Members of Parliament were present at the rally.

By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe August 25, MANA: Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) congregants, government officials, people from all corners of the country and Worldwide, gathered on Sunday morning to celebrate 100 years of its existence.

Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, Vice President Michael Biziwick Usi, Madame Ella Usi, Vice President of Zimbabwe Kembo Mohadi and former President Joyce Banda joined the celebrations to express their dedication to religious activities.

Speaking during the Centenary Celebration at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe, Chakwera hailed the great contribution of the church to the country's development in various sectors of the government.

"The church has promoted oneness, as well as encouraged people to pray for one another. Today we are celebrating that God has answered your prayers in different ways.

"I urge you to continue to be faithful and dedicated in uplifting people's lives as you have contributed to education, health, and infrastructure sector by providing relief items and businesses among others," said Chakwera.

He urged the church to continue working hand in hand with the government in promoting the country's development and praying for the Nation

In his sermon, Moderator for Blantyre Synod, Rev. Reuben Msowoya quoted three chapters Psalms 126:1-6, Luke 4:14-22 and Ephesians 4:1-7, saying people should take up the spirit of the church founders who showed humility, faith and unity among others.

"The Lord changes seasons, Israelites stood strong on the faith that God will remove their slavery and wipe their faces. He transforms people from poor to rich, from uneducated to educated.

“Let's focus on humility, tolerance, love and peace among others by not allowing our mouths to speak evil of others. Let's show unity without discrimination because of tribes as we are all one. This is the spirit founders of this Church have shown" Msowoya said.

Vice Moderator for Western Cape, Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa, Prof. Marius Nel hailed the strong leadership in the church, saying it has contributed to the growth of the church.

 Nkhoma Moderator, CCAP General Assembly Biswick CK Nkhoma underscored the significant contribution that CCAP has made in elevating the economic development of the country.

"CCAP has made significant contributions to community development such as social justice, education and we are still dedicated to building universities," Nkhoma said.

The celebration was held under the theme "The Lord has done great things for us"

By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, August 24, Mana: Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba on Saturday toured Nsanje District’s Makhapa Irrigation Scheme, which is not in operation due to vandalism of equipment and disclosed that government will revive the scheme to improve food production.

The commissioner therefore appealed to Nsanje District Council to invest much in agriculture sector for improved food production citing irrigation farming as solution to food insecurity.

Kalemba expressed worry over the nonfunctional solar-powered facility, adding that Nsanje and some other districts fail to prioritise agricultural investments yet food insecurity remains a continuous challenge.

“Food insecurity is the common problem in most districts’ social-economic profiles. Surprisingly in their development plans, there is nothing to deal with hunger situation in their districts, food insecurity will remain if councils ignore investing in agricultural infrastructures such as irrigation schemes,” said Kalemba

The commissioner therefore disclosed plans to revive Makhapa Irrigation Scheme and said there was need to bring in a new committee to manage the scheme for sustainability.

“DODMA will support with the irrigation equipment to beef up the remaining equipment. I would like to see communities and the District Council jointly working together to rehabilitate canals,” he added.

He told people at Makhapa Irrigation Scheme that government will remove all the people in the scheme once the scheme gets vandalized again.

Senior Chief Mlolo hailed Kalemba for touring the scheme and said there was a need for members of the community to reconstitute the committee so that it should manage the scheme for sustainable food security.

“It is very disappointing that we failed to manage the scheme. We are glad that government has assured us that it will revive the scheme. We are going to protect the scheme from vandalism,” said Mlolo.

Member of Parliament for Nsanje North, Enock Chizuzu said reviving Makhapa Irrigation Scheme was a way to go as this was the only way to deal with hunger in the area.

“We have fertile land, and we're not supposed to suffer from hunger. This irrigation scheme will help to end hunger that mostly hit my constituency hard,” the legislator added.

The 150 hectares Makhapa Irrigation Scheme was revamped by DODMA in 2021 and was vandalized in 2023 forcing it to shut down for growing maize, rice and other crops

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, August 25, Mana: Blantyre Archdiocese of the Catholic Church on Saturday ordained four deacons to the priesthood at Limbe Cathedral where Archbishop Thomas Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese and Bishop Alfred Chaima of Zomba Diocese presided over the ordination, calling the new priests to remain celibate and obedient to the Catholic Church.

The four newly ordained priests are Father Crescensio Njerenga and Father Davidson Muyaya from Namulenga Parish, Father Lawrence Ganisyeje, and Father Lucius Mpita from Nguludi Parish.

One by one, all the four deacons vowed to respect and assist the bishop in his mission, preach the truth of the catholic faith, remain celibate, pray without ceasing, celebrate the liturgy reverently, and imitate Jesus Christ.   

In his homily, Archbishop Msusa advised the newly ordained priests to resemble Jesus Christ by being good shepherds and lead a life of simplicity consonant with the people they serve.

“You are taking the role of Jesus Christ who said that he is the gate, since you have taken the responsibility of being a gate; through you, people should be able to find Jesus Christ and should find God’s mercy and healing. Today God has sent you to look after his flock, you should be fully committed and you will see those sheep in good health,” he said.

The Archbishop emphasized the need for the newly ordained priests to be connected to Jesus Christ.

“You should be close to Jesus Christ, be close to him through the Sacrament of Eucharist every day, respect our holy Eucharistic Mass,” he said.

The archbishop further called on all Catholics to support the newly ordained priests to serve the church better.

“Let’s pray for our deacons so that they should love and use what they have requested, they have waited for many years to be priests now they need to enjoy their priesthood,” Msusa said.

Speaking on behalf of all parents, McDonald Patrick Ganisyeje (parent to Lawrence Ganisyeje) commended the Catholic Church for supporting the newly ordained priests to fulfill their dream.

“Thank you, Archbishop, Thomas Msusa for taking good care of our children during their studies and giving them the sacrament of holy orders. We are extending our gratitude to everyone who helped our sons reach where they are today,” he said.

Ganisyeje therefore appealed to the newly ordained priests to show good character in their new roles.

“As your parents, we are urging you to be reliable in your ministry and to obey your leaders,” he added.

Blantyre Archdiocese Laity Council Chairperson, Peter Nzolima, expressed excitement, assuring the newly ordained priests that they were welcome in the Archdiocese and encouraged fellow Christians to support the priests.

“On behalf of all Christians in the Archdiocese, I am welcoming you and pray that the Holy Spirit should guide you in your work. To my fellow Christians, let us support the newly ordained priests and all other priests that are already in our parishes in their spiritual and physical needs,” he added.

People from all walks of life attended the ordination which was full of celebrations as the Archdiocese of Blantyre Choir was celebrating 10 years anniversary on the same day.

These ordained priests have already been posted to various parishes where they will be ministering.

Father Njerenga has been posted to Mwanza Parish, Father Mpita to Kadikira Parish, Father Ganisyeje to Namulenga Parish while Father Muyaya will serve Pius XII Minor Seminar and will also be curate at Nguludi Parish.

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, August 24, Mana: Police in Thyolo is appealing for public assistance to identify parents of a one-month-old baby girl who was abandoned at Thyolo District Hospital.

 The baby, identified in a note as Glory was discovered under a motorcycle parking area near the Pediatric Ward on the morning of August 24, 2024.

According to Thyolo Police Station publicist, Rabecca Kashoti, a well-wisher on her way to visit a patient heard the baby's cry and found it alone under the parking area.

“The concerned citizen immediately handed over the baby to Benito Meja, an Expert Client at Macro and upon inspecting it, found a note tucked inside the blankets.

According to Kashoti, the note, written in Chichewa by the parents stated that: “We the parents of the baby cannot take care of the baby due to financial problems. Any person of good will can take care of the baby as her own.  The baby’s name is Glory but whoever adopts it is free to give it another name,”  

Responding to the situation, Kashoti said Thyolo Police involved the District Social Welfare Office to provide the baby’s immediate care and well-being.

Speaking on the matter, Thyolo District Principal Social Welfare Officer, Fedda Mbwana said that a temporary home has been identified for the baby while efforts are underway to locate the parents.

Meanwhile, police is urging anyone with information about Glory's parents or their whereabouts to contact the nearest police station.

By Beatrice Bangula

Blantyre, August 24, Mana: Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) Southern Chapter Women Desk has organized a Meet and Greet Tea Party on September 6, 2024 at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre to raise money for MUM National Women Summit expected to take place in Salima this year.

Chairperson for MUM Southern Chapter Women Desk, Dr. Ethel Kamwendo Banda disclosed to Malawi News Agency that the event has been organized as a way of fundraising K2 million in preparation for MUM National Women Summit, which will take place from October 24^h to 26 in Salima this year.

“We want to raise almost K2 million for the summit, The summit is crucial for female artists as this is where we are trained how to market our music and issues to do with promotion, among others.

“We will also teach each other about stage work and voice projections and many more. We therefore appeal to all our fans to come in large numbers,” she said.

Kamwendo said entry fee at amaryllis Hotel is K10,000 per head and promised that people who will attend the event will be allowed to interact with any musician of their choice and take tea together.

“We are very grateful because some two male musicians, Piksy and James Phiri have shown interest and have accepted to support us by making themselves available on this day to meet and interact with fans,

“We appeal to all people of good will to support us whether in cash or kind,” Banda added.

Piksy, one of the male artists who will perform at the event said he feel honoured to be invited to the event and looked forward to interact with female musicians and fans.

“Am looking forward to the event and I am sure it will be a good and memorable event to me and all my fans, I therefore invite people to come so we can support the female musicians,” he added.

Apart from Dr. Ethel Kamwendo Banda and male artists Piksy and James Phiri, other musicians to grace the event are: Favoured Martha, Princes Chitsulo, Miracle Chinga, Gloria Manong’a, Falles Mang’anda also known as daughter of Zion, Queen Fire, Mable the Warrior and Abiti Najere.

The Meet and Greet Tea Party will start from 6 to 8 pm, according to organizers.

By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, August 24, Mana: Police in Balaka have arrested five people suspected of vandalizing and stealing Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) copper wires worth K7.5 million, a few days after police in Mangochi and Mwanza also arrested other men for similar offences.

Balaka Police Station, Public Relations Officer, Gladson M'bumpha identified, Rodgers Mkwanda, 28, Stanford Chabwera, 30, Christopher Kababe, 24, Ephron Mtambalika, 30 and Binton Banda, 41 as the suspects.

M`bumpha said the vandalism happened at night between August 18 and 19, 2024 at Govati Village and Phombeya Sub Station within Phalula area in Balaka.

“The suspects have been on the run until Thursday, August, 22, 2024 when the police arrested them,” he said.

He said Mkwanda and Chabwera will answer theft by servant charges, Kababe and Mtambalika on vandalism charges while Banda will answer charges of stealing stolen property in court soon.

In a related development, police in Mangochi on Thursday arrested Joseph Simeon, 40 for allegedly stealing ESCOM and Southern Region Water Board equipment in the district.

During night patrols, police intercepted a push bicycle tax operator carrying two bags containing 99 ESCOM fuses and cable wires and after investigations discovered that the stolen items belonged to Simeon.

Simeon was arrested after it was revealed that the stolen items belonged to him and that he has been involved in a series of vandalism and theft in many parts of Mangochi.

Recently, vandals targeted Mwanyama, Mosiya, Mgundaphiri, Kalonga and Mpondasi to vandalize ESCOM equipment such as transformers.  

In another development, Zalewa Magistrate Court on Friday convicted and sentenced Patrick Malikebu, 34 and Lonjezo Magaleta, 27, to seven years’ imprisonment with hard labour for vandalizing ESCOM property that included copper cables in Mwanza and Balaka.

Malikebu and Magaleta who have been involved in series of vandalism and theft of ESCOM equipment were convicted by the Zalewa Court.

Reacting to the series of vandalism, ESCOM Chief Public Relations Officer, Kitty Chingota has called on the public to collaborate with the corporation in dealing with vandalism and theft of ESCOM equipment.

By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, August 24, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday afternoon arrived from Italy and Germany where he went for official duties.

Speaking on arrival at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Chakwera said his visit pose a great deal for the country's Development.

Chakwera said during his visit to Italy, he met Pope Francis where he discussed a number of issues as well as visiting Saint Egidio which he said is instrumental in helping the youths and development in the country.

"The visit is a great advantage to Malawi. I had a chance to meet the President of Germany and signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding among other agreements for us to benefit, in terms of trade, democracy, natural disasters and disease out breaks.

"We also had a meeting with the Pope, people who are praying for the country and wishing us well, as well as the community of Saint Egidio who are doing a lot to help the youths. We also signed agreements to revamp Marine development and transportation in the country," said Chakwera.

Before going to Italy and Germany, the President traveled to Mozambique for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) meeting in Zambabwe.

Upon arrival the President was welcomed by Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi, Minister of Homeland Security Ken zikhale Ng'oma, Minister of Information and Digitization Moses kunkuyu, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Minister of Gender Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo, Secretary to President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba, other Senior government officials and Chiefs.