MANAonline
Malawi Parliament Passes Cannabis Regulation Bill
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe 28 March, MANA: Malawi Parliament has passed a Private Members Bill No.1 of 2024: The Cannabis Regulation (Amendment), allowing for the controlled cultivation of locally produced Cannabis Sativa, with the aim of harnessing its advantages both domestically and internationally.
The bill, which underwent intense scrutiny and discussion during a budget meeting on Thursday, reflects the complexities surrounding the legalization of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
In an interview, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe South, Peter Dimba, who moved the bill, expressed excitement over passing of the bill highlighting its historical significance and potential economic contributions.
“We want to legalize the controlled, regulated cultivation of the local cannabis. In 2018, we introduced the cultivation of cannabis, but somehow, we discriminated against it, yet it's highly sought after on the global market because of its properties," he said.
Dimba further noted that extensive consultations had taken place over the past four years and anticipates presidential assent for the bill.
Leader of the House, Richard Chimwendo Banda, clarified that the bill does not legalize the transportation or usage of cannabis for recreational purposes and that only licensed individuals can grow cannabis.
“What Malawians should understand is that chamba growing shall continue to be illegal however this bill will allow growth with strict regulations in place to prevent abuse and protect the youth,” Banda said.
Spokesperson for United Democratic Front Nedson Poya raised concerns about the high costs associated with licensing, emphasizing the need for equitable benefits for local farmers but stressed that the bill aims to support medicinal use rather than promote youth smoking.
During the debate, questions arose regarding the intended use of cannabis, prompting clarification from members.
MPs from constituencies such as Rumphi Central Macdowel chidumba Mkandawire and Lilongwe Kumachenga Marko Chingonga Banda also advocated for proper regulation to support local farmers and expand the economic potential of cannabis beyond smoking.
In contrast, Dedza South Ismael Ndaila Onani highlighted the positive uses of cannabis in various industries while urging a balanced approach focusing on its economic benefits.
However, concerns were also raised regarding its potential impact on mental health, with calls for strict regulations similar to those governing firearms.
Despite these deliberations, the bill ultimately received parliamentary approval. Members acknowledged the risks associated with cannabis usage but emphasized its economic potential and the importance of effective regulation to mitigate adverse effects.
The passage of the Cannabis Regulation Bill signifies a significant step towards unlocking the economic benefits of cannabis cultivation in Malawi while addressing concerns surrounding its usage and societal impacts. As the country moves forward with implementation, attention will remain on striking a balance between economic opportunity and public health considerations.
NGO moves to conduct GBV research
By Mwai Kumanda
Lilongwe, March 29, Mana: Human Rights of Women and Girls with disability (WAG), a local organisation which is aimed at fighting gender based violence among women and girls with disabilities says it will soon conduct a research to establish the main causes of GBV cases among the people with disabilities.
Speaking on Thursday in Lilongwe, WAG Disability Rights Programmes Manager Doris Butao said the goal of this research project is to see that women and girls with disabilities in the country are being protected and live a life free from violence and abuse.
Butao said the research will target women with disabilities from the age of 18 to 46 years, following the 2016 demographic survey that indicates that this age group is at higher risk of facing violence.
“Many times people take advantage of women with disabilities by abusing them. They do not live to their full potential, hence this research project will therefore promote and protect them and advance for their active and meaningful participation in socio economic development of their lives, communities and the country at large,” she said.
She further said the research will bring to light information and guidance to women with disability whose rights have been violated and also empower these women to exercise and defend themselves when exposed to violence.
“Most of the times the society believes that these women cannot make sound decisions on their own, this research will dwell on customs and traditions that discriminate women with disability and will advocate for change,” she said.
Lilongwe Police Community Policing Coordinator Sub-inspector Frank Kaila commended the initiative by WAG saying the research will help to bring to lime light cases that were not reported to the police and this will help them to make a follow-up.
“As Police we are so happy for this research because it will make us more knowledgeable in handling such cases since these women will be taking the leading role in reporting any form of abuse,” he said.
Lilongwe District Council Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Blessings Makhiringa thanked the organization for the initiative saying it will help a lot of women who face GBV abuse and it will also help in eliminating customs and traditions that discriminate women with disability.
Makhiringa said the research project results will also assist other stakeholders to recognize the number of women with disability facing GBV and assist them to get the necessary support they need.
FAM boosts football development in constituencies with Equipment
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, 28 March 2024 - The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has taken a significant step towards enhancing football development in the country by donating footballs and expressing eagerness to collaborate with Members of Parliament (MPs) to further improve the sport.
FAM President Fleetwood Haiya, announced these initiatives during a briefing held today at the Parliament building before Minister of Sports Uchizi Mkandawire, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara and other ministers.
The donation of five footballs each to 193 constituencies aims at grassroots football development underscores FAM's commitment to nurturing talent from an early age and at senior level during bonanza’s especially during campaign periods. President
Haiya emphasized the importance of providing adequate equipment to schools and local district football clubs to facilitate skill development and promote participation in the sport.
"We believe that investing in grassroots football is vital for the long-term success of Malawian football. By donating footballs to schools and communities across the country, we aim to create a conducive environment for young talent to thrive," stated Haiya.
On the other hand, Mkandawire commended FAM's efforts, highlighting the positive impact such initiatives would have on youth engagement and sports development.
"The government fully supports FAM's endeavors to promote football at the grassroots level. Initiatives like these not only encourage physical activity but also instill discipline and teamwork among our youths," remarked Mkandawire.
In addition to the equipment donation, FAM expressed a keen interest in collaborating with Members of Parliament to enact policies that foster football development nationwide.
Speaker Gotani Hara welcomed FAM's proposal, stressing the importance of leveraging legislative support to address challenges and unlock opportunities in the football sector.
"As representatives of the people, Members of Parliament play a crucial role in advocating for policies that advance sports development, including football. FAM's willingness to collaborate with MPs signifies a proactive approach towards addressing the needs of the football community," stated Gotani Hara.
FAM hailed MPS for always aiding football development noting total contributions of up to K2 billion Kwacha.
The collaboration between FAM and Parliament holds promise for addressing various issues affecting football in Malawi, including infrastructure development, talent identification, and capacity building. By working together, stakeholders aim to create an enabling environment for football to thrive, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic growth of the nation.
Standards, guidelines crucial in addressing WASH challenges
By Amos Phiri Chigwa
Mchinji, March 28, Mana: Deputy Director for Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Justin Hamela, says national minimum standards and guidelines for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) are essential in dealing with WASH related challenges in Early Childhood Development Centre’s (ECDCs) in Malawi.
Hamela disclosed this in Lilongwe during the handover of National Minimum Standards and Guidelines for WASH in ECDCs booklet to central region district councils.
He expressed optimism that the standards and guidelines will help in mitigating challenges faced by ECDCs in Malawi.
"We had challenges in our ECDCs such as lack of toilets, water and proper kitchens. Some other Centre’s have them but of low standards which has contributed to waterborne diseases and other related problems," Hamela said.
He stressed that the standards and guidelines will ensure uniformity in the construction of ECDCs in Malawi which has been a problem in the past as every organization was coming with its own design due to lack of standards and guidelines.
Water Aid Malawi Coordinator for Policy and Sector Engagement, Lloyd Mtalimanja, emphasized on effectiveness of the standards and guidelines in ECDCs.
"These guidelines state basic minimum requirements for WASH service provision in ECDCs; they outline the core WASH areas and thresholds to be met for implementation, rehabilitation and commissioning of WASH services in ECDCs. These standards will harmonize WASH service provision in ECDCs," Mtalimanja said.
He, therefore, asked for coordination among stakeholders within the councils for effectiveness and efficiency of the standards and guidelines.
27 hectares of maize dry in Balaka
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, March 28, Mana: At least 109,340 farmers are likely to be in critical food insecurity in Balaka following the 33-day dry spell the district has experienced due to El Nino weather pattern which affected most districts in Malawi.
Since the onset of the rainy season, Balaka has been receiving erratic rainfall which negatively affected maize production, the main food crop, and alternative food crops.
Presenting a dry spell report for March to members of the District Agricultural Extension Coordinating Committee (DAECC) Senior Agriculture Officer, Samuel Chinkhadze said, the total hectares of the maize crop in the district during the 2023/2024 agricultural season was 95,073.8.
“Out of the total hectares 72,375.9 has been affected with 27,771.1 completely dying. Currently, some farmers are harvesting their crop straight from the garden to the maize mill as they do not have food. This means a lot more people will be food insecure soon,” said Chinkhadze.
He, therefore, asked various stakeholders to join hands with the agriculture office in helping the affected families to go for irrigation farming which is the immediate solution.
“Balaka has a total of 1351.5 hectares of land potential for irrigation, 666 hectares of which is currently irrigable and operational. It is recommended to provide farm inputs to those farmers that have access to irrigation water sources,” he said.
He said farmers should only plant drought tolerant and early maturing crop varieties considering that most of the potential irrigation sites might not have adequate moisture or water reserves.
Project Officer for Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD), who is also Balaka DAECC Chairperson, Mercy Chakoma, said CARD was ready to support the affected farming farmers.
“We have planned to support 600 families in our catchment area and Nkaya will be involved in small scale irrigation. Even without this report, we already knew that there was need for irrigation farming due to how the maize crop fared.
“We will also provide solar mobile pumps to help in irrigation. Communities will also be assisted to rehabilitate shallow wells to make their water points reliable,” she said.
Chakoma disclosed that affected farmers will also be provided with small livestock as a backup in case irrigation farming fails to work.
She, therefore, called upon other stakeholder to come forward and assist the affected farmers with various alternative interventions in the face of food insecurity.
Recently, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in 23 districts in the county including Balaka.
The President called upon development partners and other well-wishers to come forward and assist with relief food.
Mwanza police engages Gule Wamkulu to intensify GBV awareness
By Doreen Chiwalo
Mwanza, March 28, Mana: Mwanza Police Station has engaged Gule Wamkulu to help raise awareness on the negative impacts of gender based violence (GBV) and child marriages in the district’s hard to reach areas.
Speaking at start of the GBV campaign at Mchotseni Village, Traditional (TA) Authority Kanduku in the district, Superintendent Milita Thebulo, urged parents and guardians to send their children to school other than forcing them to marry at the expense of education.
"Anyone taking part in arranging child marriages is committing a crime because it is a violation of child rights and is subject to prosecution," said Thebulo.
Mwanza Police Station Community Policing Coordinator, Sub Inspector Mohamed Kulisinje, said involvement of Gule Wamkulu has proven to be an effective way of disseminating GBV and child marriage messages.
He added that this helps in mobilizing large numbers of people within a short period of time.
“Gule Wamkulu is a great dance and is highly valued among the Chewa and popular all over. It has proved to be a crowd puller in our awareness campaign such that GBV and child marriage message reach out to the people in large numbers,” said Kulisinje.
Representative of the Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO) Mwanza Chapter, Singireti Morson, applauded Mwanza Police for engaging Gule Wamkulu in various activities, saying this helps to promote Chewa cultural values while disseminating messages of national importance.
He hailed the cordial relationship that exists between the police and CHEFO Mwanza Chapter in addressing issues of social concern.
New Malawian movie in the making
By Sheminah Nkhoma and Levison Lester
Lilongwe, March 28, Mana: Players in the art industry in the country are set to drop a new movie titled ‘Justice’ with an aim of raising awareness on human trafficking in the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, a producer of the movie, Brazio Mathias Kanyong'o, said art making is a useful tool, which exceeds beyond entertainment purposes.
“As filmmakers, we thought it wise to come up with this movie in order to educate the public what human trafficking is all about because there are a lot of people who misinterpret the information about human trafficking and others don’t even know that human trafficking happens in the country,” said Kanyong’o.
He further said creative writers and producers have a role to play in uncovering the malpractices behind human trafficking.
"A movie in its nature communicates a message which is vital to a certain group of people. People in art industry have a role of giving hope to the hopeless, and this why we thought of releasing this movie,” Kanyong’o said.
Film Association of Malawi President Gift Sukali, popularly known as Sukez, said film industry is in right track in the country, adding the high quality and creativity in storytelling portray a strong film industry.
"The increase in number of people in film industry is an indication that there is progress. A couple of years ago, we would stay two to three years without having a proper movie coming on the market.
“Right now we are seeing a lot of films and clips rich in content. This just shows that film industry is in right direction in terms of building a vibrant industry," he said.
While acknowledging the existence of piracy in film industry in the country, Sukali said film makers should refrain from duplicating content which is not theirs, saying copying someone's content affects the progress of film industry in the country.
The new movie will be premiered in June at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe and people should expect the movie to be out by the end of this year.
VP calls on Rotarians to prioritise support for mental health
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, March 28, Mana: Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima has urged Rotary clubs across the country to focus their efforts in supporting mental health programs, emphasising its critical role in ensuring the social well-being of individuals as a fundamental human right.
The Vice President delivered the message Wednesday night during a gala dinner held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in honour of Rotary International President, Gordon McInally.
Chilima underscored the importance for Rotarians to assume a leading role in addressing mental health issues, considering them not only as areas of significance but also as fundamental human rights.
"Mental health is not a luxury but a fundamental human right essential for people's social well-being. Despite being a non-communicable disease, mental health is often overlooked. As Rotarians, we must pay close attention and create an enabling environment to support these crucial issues," stated Chilima.
He highlighted the need to dispel the secrecy often associated with mental health issues, stressing the importance of their integration into broader community discussions.
Chilima urged Rotarians to collaborate with Rotary and ensure adequate resources are allocated towards mental health programs saying resource constraints should not be an impediment.
Rotary International President, Gordon McInally, encouraged Rotary Clubs in Malawi to actively engage in alleviating challenges faced by communities and offering hope for their future.
He commended Rotary clubs in Lilongwe and Mzuzu, among others, for their commendable efforts in improving the lives of people in rural areas.
"In collaboration as Rotarians, we must address the myriad challenges our people face in Malawi. While the needs are vast, resources are limited. Nevertheless, we must unite our efforts to provide effective solutions through Rotarian contributions," McInally expressed.
McInally cited alarming statistics from Bwaila Hospital, where approximately 40 babies perish each month, amounting to 440 deaths annually.
He, therefore, emphasised the urgent need for increased Rotarian support to mitigate such challenges.
Echoing these sentiments, Senior Mental Health Clinical Associate-Psychiatry at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Tommy Mthepheya, emphasised the necessity for Rotarians to prioritise mental health issues.
Mthepheya highlighted the stark reality that only one percent of the budget is allocated to mental health programs, severely limiting their effectiveness.
"I implore government to allocate more resources towards mental health initiatives in the country. At Kamuzu Central Hospital, infrastructural inadequacies persist, with only one room available for both male and female patients requiring short-term admission," Mthepheya advocated.
Chakwera attends Cyclone Freddy memorial service
By Alex Chitwere
Mulanje, March 27, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday joined the clergy and Malawians in a service of worship, commemorating one year since Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit most parts of the southern region.
The service, held at Mulanje Stadium in Mulanje, one of the districts heavily affected by the effects of cyclone, was conducted under the theme: ‘Malawi: a resilient nation towards recovery.’
Chakwera said it was important to hold the event to honour the lives that were lost as a result of the tropical cyclone.
He said some of them were people undertaking several productive activities to support their families and communities.
“There is need to honour them by being productive and taking every one as productive as well as a relation to us,” Chakwera said.
He added: “There are others that have the urge to ignite internal fights but we need to realize that it is better to unite as one because when things like these happen, they affect all of us.”
Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Michael Usi said that in conducting the memorial service it was a learning curve for Malawians to realize the need to honour the fallen heroes and that it also gave hope to the survivors.
Paramount Chief Kaduya said that people in the affected areas still need support as they are still in recovery and that dry spells experienced this year pose a major threat to the process.
“We have been receiving assistance through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, but I must say that we will need more because most people will not harvest enough food because of the dry spells,” she said.
During the sermon moderated by Reverend Anderson Juma, a candle lighting ceremony preceded preaching by Right Reverend Bizwick Nkhoma, General Secretary of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian General Synod and Sheikh Swalley Chilundu of Muslim Association of Malawi.
There were also performances by the Ndirande Anglican Voices, Ethel Kamwendo Banda and Mulanje Muslim women, among others.
Tropical Cyclone Freddy hit the southern part of Malawi in March last year, causing havoc and leading to loss of property and lives while several others had various degrees of injuries.
Some of the notable figures who graced the event included Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese, Enlightened Christian Gathering Leader Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Public Affairs Committee Chairperson Fr. Patrick Thawale and Malawi Council of Churches Chairperson Rev. Billy Gama.
MACRA cautions radios on phone-in programmes
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, March 27, Mana: Director of Broadcasting for Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Zadziko Mankhambo has asked radio stations to exercise caution when handling radio phone-in programmes, warning that they risk regulatory sanctions if they fail to do so.
Speaking on Wednesday during World Radio Day commemoration in Mzuzu, Mankhambo noted that some elements hijack the programmes to spread misinformation or sow hatred.
Mankhambo said radio stations are answerable to MACRA for anything aired on their programmes, including what is said by participants for phone-in programmes.
“We encourage provision of platforms such as phone-in programmes to allow listeners to speak out on topical issues in the country. However, remember that if you cannot control views that cannot be palatable to the general public then you should not entertain those programmes.
“Anchors for such programmes should be able to control what is coming in because as broadcaster you are liable to anything that is said in your programmes and you cannot attribute it to a particular contributor,” Mankhambo said.
He however said Malawi has made commendable progress in broadcasting as the country now has 90 licensed broadcasters, including community radio stations.
MACRA Board member Alekeni Menyani said the FM re-farming exercise, which MACRA has implemented recently, stands as a testament to government’s commitment to enhance broadcasting services in the country.
“By optimizing infrastructure and promoting spectrum efficiency, we as an authority aim to elevate the quality of broadcasting across the country. Despite challenges faced during implementation, we as an authority remain resolute in our pursuit of excellence,” he said.
Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for UNESCO, David Mulera, hailed community radios in the country for amplifying voices of rural communities, promoting locally generated content and addressing unique information needs of diverse populations.
Global theme for this year’s World Radio Day commemoration was ‘A century of informing, entertaining and educating’ while locally the day was observed under the theme ‘Radio: a true companion for years in informing, entertaining and educating’.
The commemoration started with a big walk from Shoprite Roundabout to MACRA regional offices in Mzuzu City.
