MANAonline
NEEF loans should be apolitical - Usi
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, August 18, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has said that administration of National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans should be apolitical for fairness in accessing the facility.
Usi was speaking Sunday when he addressed a gathering of people mostly UTM members at the ShopRite Roundabout in Mzuzu on his arrival in the Northern Region where he is expected undertake a number of official assignments.
He acknowledged that most people are going through economic hardships, hence the need to ensure that all deserving individuals should access the loans regardless of their political affiliation.
“NEEF is meant for the benefit of all Malawians and I hereby pledge that vendors plying their businesses will access a minimum of K 250, 000.00 each to grow their businesses for improved economic status at household level.
I urge management of NEEF to provide loans to everyone who is in need of the service regardless of their political affiliation and background because the challenges being faced are affecting everyone, hence vendors should expect to access the loans starting from next week,” said Usi
Usi who is also President for UTM, said the face of the party should reflect what people are experiencing in their households adding that strength of the party should grow from economically empowered households.
“Let me appeal for unity within the party rank and members of UTM saying this is not the time for politicking, propelling wrangles and backbiting as this only compromises peace which is a vital catalyst for development. The country cannot develop without people,” he said.
He then described the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima as a peace loving person and urged all Malawian to emulate his life by promoting peace at all times.
Earlier, Usi and the gathering observed a minute of silence in paying tribute to the late Chilima who he said was an influential person and advised Malawians to follow and respect his values.
Speaking earlier, UTM Regional Governor for the north, Bridget Nengezi applauded Usi for paying a visit to Mzuzu City where through interactions with various stakeholders will appreciate challenges which people are facing in the region.
PRISAM commends the timely release of results
By Gift Chiponde
Blantyre, August 18, Mana: The Private Schools Owners Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Education and the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) for promptly releasing the 2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) and Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examination results.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), PRISAM President Ernest Kaonga, lauded the timely release and publication, recognising it as a significant improvement in the efficiency of the examination process.
Kaonga emphasized that the early release of results will empower parents and guardians to make well-informed decisions concerning their children’s academic journeys.
"I extend my gratitude to the government for ensuring the swift release of the PSLCE and JCE examination results.”
"Delayed result announcements often place parents in a predicament, struggling to adapt to new educational requirements. This early disclosure offers ample time for preparation and planning for the next phase in their children’s education," said Kaonga.
He further stressed that this early release is particularly beneficial for parents of students who took the PSLCE examination, providing them with sufficient time to make critical decisions regarding their children’s educational paths.
On Friday, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with MANEB, announced the results for the 2023/2024 academic year, a decision that has received widespread approval.
Youths encouraged to participate in politics
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, August 18, Mana: Youths in the country have been encouraged to participate in active politics.
The call was made on Saturday during the just ended National Youth Conference organized by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) which took place at Limbe Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Blantyre.
Making a presentation on the topic of promoting catholic youth’s understanding of and active participation in politics, Monsignor Henry Chinkanda of Dedza Diocese, said many youths do not understand what politics is all about and the role of the youth in politics.
“Because of lack of proper understanding many youths think that politics is a dirty game,” he said.
Chinkanda added that in the past the youth participation in politics has been bringing negative results saying that they were used as agents of violence.
“Unfortunately, in many parts of Africa including Malawi youths have been abused in the dirty game of politics, but for things to change it depends on you the young people,” he said.
He, therefore, advised the participants to the conference to practice democratic politics which looks at the good of all people in the country to bring the desirable change.
“Politics is about making policies and safeguarding the same, it is a competition of ideas because you believe that your idea is better placed to achieve the common good,” he said.
Chinkanda, therefore, urged the youth to consider taking leadership roles in active politics that will ensure human development and progression.
“The youth need to take part as agents of good politics,” he added.
Another facilitator, Boniface Chibwana, concurred with Monsignor Chinkanda, saying the youth have a role to play and should join politics to bring change and help in decision making.
“Let us bring positive politics, challenge the leaders by telling them that what they are doing is not good,” he said.
Chibwana advised the youth to register when voter registration starts so that they will be allowed to vote in next year’s general elections.
One of the youth representative, Steven Junior Chikwapula, from Holy Trinity (Matawale) Parish in Zomba Diocese, commended ECM for organizing the conference, describing it as an eye opener.
“We are learning a lot of things both spiritual and physical, like today, we have learnt that our role in politics is not to dance for political leaders but we can also take leadership positions,” he said.
Some of the topics that were discussed at the national gathering included; appreciating, promoting and defending the catholic faith and the church, the four principles of the church’s social teaching and tapping available opportunity in society.
The conference which involved youth delegates from all the eight Catholics dioceses in Malawi started on Wednesday August 14th and ended on Sunday August 18.
Chiradzulu launches K268 million girls hostel project
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, August 18, Mana: Chiradzulu District Council Chairperson, Charles Chigwenembe, has said construction of a K268 million girls hostel at Masalani Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in the district will provide a safe and conducive environment for girls to complete their education.
Speaking during the launch of the construction works of the project, Chigwenembe, said girls from the area face significant challenges in accessing education, including long distances to schools, which increases their risk of dropping out due to issues such as unwanted pregnancies and lack of interest.
"The nearest school with a hostel is quite far; so, with the establishment of this hostel, we want to help girls from the surrounding villages to access quality education. We are hoping it will reduce absenteeism and improve their academic performance," he said.
Chigwenembe assured the gathering that the council would conduct regular monitoring and supervision of the project to ensure its timely completion and maintain quality standards, saying a lot has been invested.
"We received a performance-based grant from the World Bank under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery Project and a substantial portion of that grant has been allocated to this project. So, we are committed to seeing tangible results," he said.
Chiradzulu District Council Chief Education Officer, Gertrude Maliko, echoed Chigwenembe’s sentiments, saying the development was well placed considering the challenges the girl child has been facing.
"The school has a large catchment area, with some girls walking over 10 kilometers to get to school each day. By the time they arrive, they are already exhausted, which negatively impacts their learning.
The new hostel will allow these girls to rest after school, giving them ample time to prepare for lessons and review what they have learned," Maliko said.
A Form Four student at Masalani CDSS, Ivy Sarara, thanked government for constructing the hostel, saying many girls were missing evening classes and study time because their parents could not allow them to travel long distances as it was not safe.
"Many of us have also lost interest in school because of the long distances and the unfair punishments for arriving late. This hostel will change the situation," Sarara said.
The hostel will be built by JCG Construction in a period of 120 days. It will consist of 28 rooms and be equipped with 56 beds. –
NPC calls for proper monitoring of Mega farm projects
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 18, Mana: Director General for National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr. Thomas Munthali has reiterated the need for the country to frequently monitor mega farm projects in order to measure the progress being registered as they are crucial to realization of Malawi 2063 (MW2063).
Munthali made the remarks on Friday during a monitoring and appreciation visit to mega farm projects of Linga and Mzenga Irrigation Schemes in the area of Senior Chief Fukamapiri and Kabunduri in Nkhata Bay respectively.
He said the two Irrigation Schemes are a milestone investment that can bring strong economic opportunities and turn around the economic status of the country.
"Monitoring these projects will enable tracking of progress and discovery of gaps that need improvement," said Munthali.
He further urged stakeholders working on the two projects to be vigilant in reporting to NPC any challenges they encounter as the commission is ready to render support so that construction works are finished on schedule.
In his remarks District Commissioner for Nkhata-Bay, Rodgers Newa, promised to continue providing reports of progress and sensitizing farmers on the need to fully utilize land in these facilities to yield maximum produce.
"Basically, the schemes are providing a golden chance for farmers to harvest more than once per year,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted several successes the projects have made which includes formation of cooperatives and market identification.
President for Water Users Association, Chipolopolo Kaunda said 4,148 farmers have already started benefiting from the twin projects from 128 hectares’ land which is in use.
President Chakwera visits Vatican Monday
By; Abel Ikiloni, Rome, Italy
August 18, MANA: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is expected to hold official engagements in Vatican City State from, Monday with the highlight of the visit being his meeting with Pope Francis.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (MANA), Malawi’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany and also accredited in the Vatican City State and the Holy See, Joseph Mpinganjira said that the President will arrive in Rome, Sunday and is among other assignments expected to meet the head of the Catholic Church and Leader of the Vatican, Pope Francis, on Monday.
Pope Francis invited President Chakwera to discuss pertinent issues affecting the two states.
The Catholic Church has been working with Malawi in areas of health, education, social services, governance as well as pastoral services.
Mpinganjira said the church leaders face persecution in some countries, but this is not the case in Malawi.
"As President Chakwera meets the leader of the Vatican City and head of the Catholic Church, it is very important to express an appreciation to the Catholic Church on what it is doing to the Malawian people as well as the country in spreading development and protecting the rights of people" he said.
After meeting Pope Francis, President Chakwera is also expected to hold discussions with Secretary of State of the city state, and key on the agenda will be on how to strengthen the cordial relationship between the two countries.
Vatican City state is the smallest state in the world, covering an area of 49 hectares and has a population of 749 inhabitants.
The Vatican state seats in Rome, which is the capital city of Italy.
Chakwera touts 44th SADC Summit as a success for Malawi
By; Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha, Harare, Zimbabwe
August 18, MANA: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has underscored the need for Malawi to keep engaging with SADC Member saying Malawi cannot stand alone.
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera made these remarks on Sunday, at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe, on his departure to Rome, Italy after attending the 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.
President Chakwera said his attendance to the Summit enabled him to interact with other member states, who have committed to assist Malawi.
“This trip was worth it. I had a bilateral meeting with the United Nations and the Executive of Economic Commission for Africa. He is coming to Malawi and we will be engaging in order for us to make sure our economic trajectory is taking off. “
“I also touched base with various Presidents like the president of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, we have made arrangements to purchase maize at a subsidized price because she understands that we need each other, as brothers and sisters in the same region,” Said Chakwera.
Taking his turn, Major General Elias Mpaso, Deputy Ambassador for Malawi to Zimbabwe, said he was glad that the SADC Summit went well, and crucially, that President Chakwera managed to successfully undertake all his assignments.
Regional leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the 44th Ordinary Summit, which was hosted by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was also elected as the new SADC Chairperson.
Among many activities that took place at the 44th Ordinally SADC Summit, the member states discussed pressing issues like peace and security, regional cooperation, and economic growth. The summit also elected Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina as the Incoming Chairperson.
President Chakwera and the First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, were seen off at the airport by Major General Elias Mpaso and other officials from Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Mwanza District Council welcomes HSSP III
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, August 17, Mana: Mwanza District Council considers introduction of Health Sector Strategic Plan III (HSSP III) for 2023 to 2030 a right direction to address communities’ challenges when accessing health services in the district.
Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Bellon Kasambwe said this on Saturday in an interview with Malawi News Agency at a district stakeholders meeting which Ministry of Health with support from Last Mile Health held to sensitize participants on HSSP III.
“The plan has come on time because it is strategically focusing on ways to address real issues which communities in the district are facing,” said Kasambwe, citing long distance to access services at health facilities, shortage of medicines, inadequate health workers and staff houses as some of the key issues affecting health service delivery in the district.
The HSSP III is meant to ensure improved health status of all Malawians and increased client satisfaction and financial risk protection towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage aligned to the national development plan of Malawi Vision 2063 agenda.
The Council Chairperson therefore called for coordination and collaboration between Mwanza District Council and stakeholders to ensure progress and successful implementation of the HSSP III in the district by 2030.
The HSSP III outlined nine guiding principles such as; community empowerment, decentralization, transparency and accountability, client centeredness, integration of health service delivery.
In his remarks Director of Health and Social Services in the district, Dr. Anthony Chafunya applauded the HSSPIII saying it will also help to measure and improve performance of service delivery in health facilities in the district.
“It is expected that there will be increased equitable access to and improved quality of health care services as expected by communities in the district,” he added.
In another interview, Kanduku Area Development Committee (ADC) Chairperson, Davis Chimate commended government for coming up with the HSSP III but asked relevant authorities to work jointly to mobilize necessary resources to ensure successful implementation of the plan.
“We are excited with the plan but there is need to ensure that we all work in collaboration in the implementation of the plan to avoid demotivating the communities,” he said.
Mwanza District Council officials, elected members, chiefs, clergy, ADCs and youth representatives were some of the participants at the meeting.
EGENCO begins first phase of 50MW Solar power plant in Salima
By Golden Kang'oma
Salima, August 17, Mana: The Electricity Generation Company of Malawi (EGENCO) has launched the first phase of a 50-megawatt (MW) solar power plant installation at Nanjoka, in Salima district.
Speaking during a stakeholders' engagement meeting, on Friday, Salima District Commissioner James Mwenda emphasized the significance of the project for the country and the district, pointing out that it will help to maximize accessibility of electricity.
"This project is crucial for addressing the persistent electricity issues in Malawi, and Salima in particular. As a district commissioner, I am excited about the job creation and development opportunities this project brings to Salima," said Mwenda.
He assured stakeholders that the District Council would work closely with EGENCO to ensure the project is completed on schedule and also addresses the issue of land encroachment, which has affected the project's progress.
He said: "The 100 hectares of land for this project were properly purchased, but there have been encroachments. My office will ensure that the encroached land is returned to EGENCO so that the project can proceed without further delays."
Harry Msosa, EGENCO’s Project Development and Contracts Manager, outlined the project’s timeline and phases.
"We are currently in the test phase, with the first phase involving the construction and commissioning of 10MW. The second and third phases will add another 10MW and 30MW, respectively, bringing the total capacity to 50MW," Msosa explained.
Msosa acknowledged the land encroachment issue but noted that it had not yet significantly impacted the project’s progress.
"While the encroached land will be needed in later phases, it is crucial that this issue is resolved promptly," he said.
The initial 10MW phase is expected to be completed within 18 months, with an estimated cost of 23 Billion Malawi Kwacha. The first phase of the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025, assuming all goes according to plan.
Chimwendo preaches peace at MWATO
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, August 17, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has urged citizens in the country to always strive in promoting peace for the country to continue developing.
Chimwendo Banda was speaking, Saturday at Nsani Village in the area of Senior Chief Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay during 2024 Mdauku wa a Tonga (MWATO) celebration where he was guest of honor.
“I am impressed today that in this celebration we also have chiefs from surrounding districts who are not from the Tonga tribe. Chiefs being custodians of culture, it shows that they are tolerant to each other and there is peace among themselves, a thing that we must all cherish,” Chimwendo said.
According to Chimwendo Banda, his ministry will always make sure that people coexist and relate to each other despite their differences so that the country must move forward in terms of development.
The minister went further to commend MWATO executive committee for being innovative by inaugurating their own cultural heritage site for the Tonga called MWATO Village as this will be the center for learning to the youths.
“I am told that at MWATO village there will be a school and museum among others. This is so encouraging and as government we will give you all the support you need to develop this palace as it is in line with government agenda of promoting education and preserving culture”, he said.
He urged chiefs in the country to continue putting a theme of environment in such cultural celebrations as one way to combat the impacts of climate change the country is facing.
In his remarks, Mdauku wa a Tonga Chairperson Prof. John D. Kalenga Saka said this year’s celebration has been unique and a success for they have achieved their dream of inaugurating MWATO village site.
“We have been holding this function in various places which proved to be not cost effective and inefficient. Therefore, with support from Tonga chiefs’ council we agreed to have one site and this place at Nsani was chosen to be appropriate,” Saka said.
According to Saka they will be able to establish a set of facilities at this center like a library, museum, small houses depicting the culture of the Tonga people.
He commended President Dr. Lazarus McCathy Chakwera, for supporting the 2024 MWATO celebrations with K5million.
This years MWATO celebration was held under the theme; ‘Our environment, our future.’
