MANAonline
Greenbelt Authority equips Mangochi farmers
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, June 11, Mana: Greenbelt Authority has equipped farmers under the Mlambe Irrigation Scheme in Mangochi with knowledge and skills to run their agri-business as a cooperative to realize more profits for sustainability.
The Authority is currently working with farmers on an 800 hectares of land at Mlambe for commercial irrigation farming, starting from 2024's winter season.
Speaking at the end a one-week training of over 200 farmers on Sunday, Greenbelt Authority, Agriculture Production Officer, Gedion Nzumani said that authority intends to empower farmers in Mangochi to take farming as commercial enterprise.
“We are expecting to grow high-value crops at Mlambe to boost agriculture productivity and exports, we want to ensure that farmers at the scheme are operating as producers and marketing cooperative so that they should benefit from their agri-business."
“This would even help them to benefit from the grants that Agricultural Commercialization (Agcom) is currently providing to farmers across the country,” he said.
According to the Agricultural Extension Development Officer (AEDO) for Namiasi Extension Planning Area, Kondwani Mithi, the initiative would assist farmers at Mlambe to easily find market for their produce.
One of the training participants, Ellen Mumba, commended the Greenbelt Authority for the training, describing it as an eye opener.
“Through the training, we have been enlightened on how to run our farming as a team and also to ensure that we are able to outsource for markets before we start our business. As such, we are very grateful,” she said.
Mlambe Irrigation Scheme has been operating during rainfall season only, for over 10 years and Greenbelt Authority took over the scheme last year to upgrade it into a mega farm, where they will be using water from Lake Malawi for winter Irrigation.
Harambee Stars have an uphill task against Ivory Coast
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, June 10, Mana: Kenya National Football Team, the “Harambee Stars” have an uphill task when they face reigning African Champions, Ivory Coast,” the Elephants” in Group F qualifiers of 2026 World Cup on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium in Area 48, Lilongwe.
Harambee Stars are playing at home, need to forget their last minutes 1-1 draw against Burundi last Friday, if they are to collect maximum points over the Elephants.
The Kenyans have played three games at Bingu Stadium and have won twice and drew once, they are familiar with the environment of the pitch.
Boyed with their 1-0 win over Gabon at home, the Ivorian’s are keen to make 100 percent record of winning games in their group without even conceding a goal.
The Elephants are leading the group with nine points after beating Seychelles 9-0, Gambia 0-2 and Gabon 1-0 while Kenya claimed victory over Seychelles 5-0, lost against Gabon 2-1 and drew 1-1 against Burundi, have four points on third position.
During Press briefing on Monday at Bingu National Stadium, Kenya Coach, Engin Firat revealed that nine players would be missed on his starting lineup due to injuries.
“We were playing Burundi and eight of them missed. We had another injured when we were playing them on Friday. In total we have nine players injured and this is making my plans for the team not to work perfectly,” he explained.
Firat said look at Ivory Coast, they have a team full of foreign based players and this is the quality they have and asked them as to when a local player played for the national side.
He admitted that it would not be easy for his team owing to problems that have engulfed his players lately.
Captain for Harambee Stars, Michael Olunga said the players are really focused against Ivory Coast, the current African champions and they pose a different threat as opposed to Burundi.
He said each and every game we play, we plan and see how our opponents play so that we can counter attack them.
“We really wanted to take maximum points against Burundi but we only manage a point to us it was a set back and every game really matters,” Olunga added.
Ivorian Coach, Emerse Fae noted that Kenya is a good team and has a good striker, Olunga who plays in different positions within the team and they could be the first team to beat the champions.
“It will be difficult to play them but we need to play same energy we used against Gabon. We need to respect our opponents. In Africa, there are no longer small teams and such teams usually can cause an upset if you not careful,” he observed.
Fae disclosed that some two players are carrying injures but one of them is expected to go for fitness before the game tomorrow.
One of the Ivorian players, Amani Lazare denied that they have an advantage over Kenya saying both teams have equal chances depending on the play.
He said weather condition in Lilongwe was fine which similar to Europe and they are expected to play a good game with such weather.
The Group F encounter will kick off at 3 pm.
Lawyer Kasambara buried in Nkhata Bay
By Tawonga Moyo
Mzuzu, June 10, Mana: Body of late prominent lawyer, Ralph Kasambara who succumbed to heart failure, was buried on Monday with military honours at his home Village, Chijere in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in Nkhata Bay district.
Kasambara, who once served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General under the administration of former President Dr Joyce Banda, was found dead at a lodge in area 47 in Lilongwe on Friday.
In his eulogy, Minister of Defense, Harry Mkandawire who represented President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, said the president was deeply saddened by the death of Kasambara as his work in the country cannot go unnoticed.
"The president acknowledges that Kasambara was a freedom fighter. He nurtured fellow lawyers and worked tremendously in the country's judicial field and for that reason, he requested that I tell the MDF to bring his body here and accord him full military honours.
"Ralph had the opportunity to join politics if he had wanted to but chose to pursue law as he had a passion to ensure things in the country run through the law's order. The president has thus given K5 million as a condolence to the family," said Mkandawire.
Member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay North, Ephraime Mganda Chiume said the constituency has lost a person of value who contributed greatly to the development of Nkhata Bay district and the country at large.
"We have lost a book of knowledge, a man of development and the multitude that came here to bid farewell to him is evidence of his great work. As a constituency, we were proud to have a lawyer as dedicated as him who did a lot for us. He built us a secondary school as he had a passion for education," said Chiume.
Supreme Court Justice, Dingiswayo Madise who represented the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, said the late Kasambara made a name for himself through his great work.
"The Chief Justice is very sorrowful on the demise of the Senior Counsel Kasambara. For a lawyer to be known, it is through the wars that are fought at the court. We are sad to have lost one of our own," said Madise.
Malawi Law Society representative, Victory Gondwe described the late Kasambara as a hard worker and advocate for constitutional order and rights for all.
"We honour the life and legacy of Ralph whose unwavering commitment for justice is evident in his deeds. He was a voice for those who needed a voice and used the law and constitutional order to advocate rights for all. He has challenged us to be champions of progress by the law. He did his part for us to enjoy our political rights," said Gondwe.
Representative of the bereaved family, Ben Chirwa Kasambara said as a family, they had lost a pillar who was a great help to the family and the nation at large.
"I want to thank everyone for coming despite the rainy weather. As a family, we are saddened and deeply affected as Ralph was helping the family and the nation," said Kasambara.
Former Attorney General, Kalekeni Kaphale said Kasambara was not an ordinary man in the legal framework as he was an example which his fellow lawyers emulated.
"He was a leader who set the pace for us to follow. He taught us to love God and help those in need. Let's follow his example. He will forever remain in our hearts as one of the gifted sons of Malawi," Kaphale said.
Senior Chief Timbiri thanked President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the respect accorded to late Kasambara, saying that was proof that the late Kasambara was not an ordinary man.
"It's not easy for one to attain the kind of education that Ralph did. We are thankful to the President for the respect that has been accorded to him and this is proof that he wasn't an ordinary man," he said.
Born on 26 September 1968, the late Kasambara is survived by a wife and three sons.
Notable people at the funeral ceremony included Former Vice President Khumbo Hastings Kachali, member of parliament for Mzuzu City Bennex Mwamlima, Alliance for Democracy president Enock Chihana, Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng`oma and People`s Transformation Party (Petra) president, Kamuzu Chibambo, among others.
Vice President Saulos Chilima’s program to attend the funeral ceremony was cancelled at an eleventh hour as the plane carrying him failed to land at Mzuzu airport due to harsh weather.
Malawi commemorates world elder abuse awareness day
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre June 10, Mana: Malawi will on June 15 this year join the rest of the world in commemorating world elder abuse awareness day which will be held under the theme: “Seniors deserve our respect and our attention.”
Malawi Network of Older Persons Organisation (MANEPO), Programme Technical Lead, Goodwell Thunga told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday that world elder abuse awareness day (WEAAD) is observed annually on June 15.
The day was established by the United Nations in 2006 to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older individuals, according to Thunga.
“The day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations and governments to recognize the importance of rights of the elderly and to ensure that senior citizens can live with dignity and security,” he said.
Thunga said the theme was relevant to Malawi because the country is still in infant stages of explicitly recognizing the rights of older people especially after the recent enactment of the Older Persons' Law.
“The nation needs to change its view of older people. They are not a burden but rather a precious resource and the financiers of whatever progress the younger generation is enjoying today,” Thunga said.
He noted that the number of cases of elderly abuse and death resulting from abuse has been on the rise, pointing out that 13 people were killed in 2021, 15 in 2022, 25 in 2023 and 18 in 2024.
“Our view is that the number represents increased reporting especially with the increased access to smart phones and social media. We also believe there exists a lot of emotional and economic abuses that go unreported,” he said.
“It is, therefore, important to continue raising awareness on the various forms of abuse faced by older people,” Thunga said.
“The WEAAD commemoration is therefore important for spreading the messages and an opportunity to call key stakeholders to action,” he said, adding that strategies for combating elderly abuse included collaboration with key stakeholders.
According to Thunga, there is a National Response Plan against Elderly Abuse which is being coordinated by the Malawi Human Rights Commission whose task force comprises members from civil society organisations, judiciary, police and faith leaders.
“There has been the establishment of groups of older people called Older Persons' Associations (OPAs) where we have over 150 OPAs in about 8 districts. Where we have these structures, issues of abuse are curbed in early stages and older people feel safer in those communities,” he observed.
Wonderful Mkhutche, a social commentator, said this is an important day as it reminds people of their responsibility to keep the elderly safe.
“We have seen the elderly being accused of things like witchcraft and then being tortured or killed, through this commemoration, we will discuss how as a society we can move away from such practices and how we can best take care of the elderly citizens,” he said.
“We still need to mete out punishments to perpetrators of violence to the elderly; we also need to look into building safer homes for the senior citizens and also plant a positive narrative in the younger generation not to tolerate negative perceptions of the elderly because this exacerbates violence,” Mkhutche said.
Gender minister Urges meaningful inclusion for people with disabilities
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, June 10 Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza says disability inclusion remains the government's top priority in ensuring that people with disabilities are meaningfully involved in all aspects of national development, especially in the agriculture value chain.
She made the remarks on Monday when she presided over the SPARK Project Learning Route Programme, held under the Theme "Lessons Learned and Successful Practices for a Disability -Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Transformation" at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
She stated that the passing of the Disability Act of 2024 signifies government Commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are protected and promoted in all areas.
"The Signing of the Bill by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is a milestone in ensuring that people with disabilities are highly considered in all aspects of national development
As a country it reflects that we have made positive strides in safeguarding people with disabilities" Sendeza said.
The minister however appealed to all stakeholders in the country to help the government with funds and technical support in ensuring that sensitization of policies and laws is initiated in the country.
She indicated that through the SPARK project with the support of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Malawi has tremendously performed well which has also seen the project receiving another US$2.5 Million grant for phase 2 which is going to benefit countries such as Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.
In her remarks, IFAD country representative, Bernadette Mukonyora, said the Learning Route will help participants unpack the milestones for disability inclusion and sustainable rural transformation and the inclusiveness of people with disabilities in mainstream activities of development.
She commended the Malawi Government for performing excellently in the implementation of the Spark 1 project.
"Malawi has performed well in the course of implementing Spark 1, we have also seen the establishment of disability inclusion academy and 20 facilitators including community facilitators have also received training to ensure the Smooth Implementation of the Project.
LWC seminar empowers youths
By Vida Msiyo
Blantyre, June 10, Mana: Baluti Living Waters Church (LWC) in Manase Township in Blantyre organized a youth seminar on Sunday aimed at equipping young people spiritually, academically and socially.
The event featured a young adult guest speaker who addressed the three topics of spirituality, academics and social.
Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Reverend Lucius Manja who hosted the seminar, emphasized the importance of connecting young people and addressing necessary life issues.
"The church organized this event to help our youth become better leaders of tomorrow. We recognize that young adults often engage in many activities outside the church and some of them can be distractive.
“By hosting this seminar, we aim to enlighten them on important matters and encourage them to always put God first despite life's obstacles," he said.
Guest speaker, Moses Chisale, shared his personal experiences to inspire the youth academically, socially and spiritually.
Chisale spoke about overcoming challenges, including financial difficulties through faith in God, which helped him continue his education.
“I want to encourage you never to give up on your dreams. I may look successful now, but I faced many challenges, including being unable to pay school fees. By trusting God and staying close to Him, I am now about to complete my college education,” Chisale said.
He advised the youth to remain disciplined and avoid being controlled by their desires, emphasizing the importance of careful financial management.
However, Chisale urged young people to focus on their education and seek God's guidance in their relationships.
“Be disciplined in everything you do, whether it is starting a business or managing relationships. Finish your education, establish your career and ask God for guidance in finding a partner. By doing so, the Holy Spirit will guide you to success,” he added.
One of the participants to the seminar, Jacqueline Makasu expressed appreciation for the tips and knowledge shared during the workshop. She committed herself to applying the lessons learned in her daily life.
“I've been greatly encouraged. I realized some of my actions had negative implications on my life from now on, I will change my ways and incorporate fasting to stay closer to God,” Makasu said.
Tourism can boost Malawi`s economy
By Patience Longwe.
Lilongwe 11 June, Mana; Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has said there is need for collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance the tourism industry.
She was speaking on Monday when she presided over a full Lab on Tourism meeting that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Kamtukule commended the country's president for lifting entry visa fees for travelers from 79 countries, observing this was an important step.
"Our role is to make Malawi more accessible because at the moment it is expensive and difficult due to the air connectivity issues" She said.
Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet (DSPC) who is also head of Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Dr. Janet Banda said the Tourism Lab will give opportunity to both the public and private sectors to collaborate and unlock the bottlenecks that are preventing growth.
She noted that this will likely result in the tourism industry propelling Malawi's economic transformation.
"However as we analyze these issues, let us remember that we need to be encouraged by our unique strengths in addressing the challenges that appear to be insurmountable" Banda said.
The four-day event will tackle issues concerning policy and government involvement, exploring social movement within the sectors and expanding its focus to broader movements.
Youths to lead in spreading the word of God
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, June 10, Mana: Youths in Blantyre have been encouraged to take an active role in spreading the word of God.
This was said on Saturday at a youth inter-denominational conference organized by Doing It for Christ (D4C) in partnership with Ablaze Lilongwe at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre.
Speaking during the event, Founder of Ablaze, Maya Mdala advised the youth to understand their calling and know the cost that comes with it.
“The journey of serving the Lord has its own demands and those who understand the cost of such demands will be able to continue carrying and spreading the gospel,” he said.
Mdala added that the youth need to be awake spiritually and not to allow anything disconnect them from God.
“We should never be at peace at a place where the spirit is dry because only when your spirit is active is when you can receive the instructions from God,” he said.
Annie Mvumbe, who also spoke at the conference, urged the young believers to influence other people to follow God.
“We need to keep our spirit on fire and let others see the light for them to abandon their bad behaviors and follow God,” she said.
One of the participants, Joseph Nyale from Ndirande commended the organizers, saying the conference was soul winning and needs to be happening regularly.
This was the first time for D4C and Ablaze to organize such a conference in Blantyre.
The event was spiced up by urban gospel music from Chiggo97, Zion the Messenger, Regenerate and TNO.
Parliamentary caucus dates Mangochi chiefs on child marriages.
By Nephtali Kalumbi
Mangochi, June 10, Mana. In an effort to combat early pregnancies and child marriages in Mangochi District, Parliamentary Women’s Caucus in collaboration with OXFAM, on Saturday engaged traditional leaders in senior chiefs Chimwala and Katuli areas on their role in the fight against the practice.
Mangochi is among districts in the country with the highest numbers of early pregnancies such that between 2023 and 2024, the district registered over 19,000 early pregnancies, among girls whose ages ranged from 10 to 19.
Speaking in the area of Senior Chief Katuli, Cchairperson of Parliamentary Women's Caucus, and Roseby Gadama said the caucus was geared at sensitizing communities in the country on laws that were enacted in Parliament to protect young people against all forms of sexual crimes and exploitation.
“As lawmakers, we set a recommended age at which one can get married, however what is happening in some areas, especially in the rural areas is not the case. As such, we would like chiefs as well as parents to help us to enforce these laws as we do not want to lose our future leaders.
“Let us not condone cultural beliefs such as kusasa fumbi, chimwanamayi and fisi as they are fueling early pregnancies and child marriages,’’ said Gadama.
She also pleaded with chiefs and parents in Mangochi to help girls that dropped out of school due to pregnancy to go back, so that no one is left behind on education.
District Commissioner for Mangochi, Dr. Smart Gwedemula said the council will continue to mobilize chiefs in the district to discourage child marriages so that girls should not rush into marriages.
“In our 2024 to 2030 District Development Plan, we outlined guidelines to help in the fight against early pregnancies, I therefore urge all chiefs to have effective bylaws to help in winning this fight,” said Gwedemula.
Senior Chief Katuli commended the parliamentary caucus for visiting his area, saying it brought the much needed awareness to his subordinates on issues of early pregnancies and child marriages.
“We thank Oxfam and the parliamentary caucus for paying us a visit. We promise to remain committed in the fight for the bright future of our children,’’ said Katuli.
NBS Bank donates football equipment to Chitipa United FC
By Andrew Gondwe
Chitipa, June 9, Mana: NBS Bank Saturday donated football equipment worth K11 million to Chitipa United Football Club (FC) and K5 million after noting that the club depends on community contributions and well-wishers.
Speaking in Chitipa during the handover of the equipment, NBS Bank Chief Retail Banking Officer, Victoria Chanza, said the donation was made to motivate the team.
“They demonstrated a courageous spirit in the last TNM Super League season and would like seeing them continue doing so. We are pleased to make the donation to the team today,” said Chanza.
Chanza said NBS is a caring bank and advised the team to be the bank’s ambassador so that the mutual relationship between the two parties is sustained.
"We do our business with different communities and they should also benefit from us hence our support towards Chitipa United FC as a community team Chanza,” she said.
District Commissioner for Chitipa, who is also Patron for Chitipa United FC, MacMillan Magomero, was pleased by the bank’s gesture to the team.
He appealed to the Bank to become an official sponsor of the club as, currently, the team has no sponsor who can meet players’ salaries and other expenses.
“Let me also appeal to NBS Bank to re-open its service branch at Chitipa Boma so that people in the district cut down on expenses they incur as the nearest service branch is in Karonga,” said Magomero.
Chairperson for Chitipa United FC, Fidelis Kambalame, commended the Bank for the donation, which he described as a timely intervention.
He assured the Bank and Chitipa community that the team will strive to always be on the winning side.
The team is on position nine on TNM Super League log table with five points.
