MANAonline
Malawi Censorship Board moves to regulate artists
By: Eranivey Temani & Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Malawi Censorship Board (MCB), has called-on artists, creators, artistic event organizers, the general public and all other relevant stakeholders to adhere to public entertainment regulations prevailing in the country in order to ensure safe, lawful, and enjoyable experiences for all.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, MCB Deputy Director, Anganile Nthakomwa, said all entertainment events are supposed to obtain the necessary permits from the MCB before going to the general public.
“We want people to get permits before going out to the general public to ensure compliance on standards for content, as well as for safety and security measures. The Organizers must also ensure crowd control, emergency exits, and adequate security personnel, compliance with fire safety and health protocols is mandatory.
“And as part of enforcing standards on content, some forms of public entertainment may require enforcement of age restrictions. For instance, minors are prohibited from attending adult-rated entertainment,” she said.
Nthakomwa further said in line with the regulations for films, all filmmakers, distributors, exhibitors, content creators are supposed to apply for a film making permit before the actual shooting of the film saying it is against the law to screen unclassified films.
Speaking in a separate interview, President of Musicians Union of Malawi, Vita Chirwa, said it is very crucial to uphold national laws and standards in the creative and entertainment sectors.
“For the musicians and event organizers, this will enhance professionalism and accountability as it will ensure that performances are safe, respectful and well-managed. This initiative will also protect artists from legal issues and enhance their credibility,” he said.
Chirwa said the Union will engage with MCB through consultative meetings, joint awareness campaigns, and capacity building initiatives to ensure artists and event organizers are well informed about content standards and licensing requirements.
The Malawi Censorship Board which is under the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture was established to regulate films (the importation, production, dissemination of undesirable films, publications and similar materials); public entertainment performances and facilities.
It draws its mandate from the Censorship and Control of Entertainments Act of 1968.
Man arrested for stealing 598 ESCOM tower members in Balaka
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, April 9, Mama: Police in Balaka District have arrested a 50-year-old man, Elia Kanyeleza, for allegedly stealing 598 Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) tower members valued at K22, 126,000.00.
Balaka Police Station, Publicist, Inspector Gladson M'bumpha said the suspect committed the offence on January 9, 2025 and was arrested on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Naming'azi, Traditional Authority Phalula in Balaka along Phalula-Zalewa M1 Road.
“The suspect was arrested when he was about to transport the said tower members from Naming'azi (Phalula) to Lilongwe,” said M'bumpha, adding that police have since recovered 45 towers members as they arrested Kanyeleza.
The suspect comes from Nyanyala Village, Traditional Authority Nyanyala in Balaka and will appear before court soon to answer a theft charge of ESCOM property.
President Chakwera reaffirms commitment to peace and unity ahead of elections
By Rosalia Kapiri
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has pledged his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and unity across the nation.
The President made this pledge on Wednesday during a meeting with the National Peace and Unity Commission at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Speaking after the meeting, Mary Nkosi, Chairperson of the National Peace and Unity Commission, expressed satisfaction with the discussions, highlighting that the President had reassured them of his ongoing efforts to foster peace, especially with the upcoming elections in the country.
“The role of political leaders in setting the tone for peace in the country is crucial. As the ruling party, this meeting marks the first in a series of dialogues we will be having with political leaders to foster peace before, during, and after the elections,” said Nkosi.
She further shared that the Commission plans to extend their outreach to traditional leaders, such as chiefs, to continue promoting the message of peace.
Samson Limbani, the President’s Chief Advisor on Public Policy and Governance, reaffirmed that the President is deeply committed to promoting peaceful coexistence among Malawians of different political backgrounds.
“The Head of State has rededicated himself to condemning extremism and actions that seek to disrupt peace. He will continue to encourage unity and peaceful dialogue, particularly in these politically charged times,” Limbani said.
This statement comes in response to recent calls by some political leaders that have raised concerns over the potential for incitement to violence at political rallies. The President’s continued call for peace aims to prevent such extremities from disrupting the democratic process.
NGORA commends NGOs for compliance to operating regulations
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, April 9, Mana: Chief Executive officer for Non-Governmental Regulatory Authority (NGORA), Edward Chileka Banda, Friday commended Non –Governmental organizations (NGOs) for improved compliance to operating regulations and NGO Act.
Banda was speaking in Mzuzu during a presentation of an update on the operations of NGORA to NGOs drawn from the north.
“We have in this just ended quarter, 350 NGOs that have licenses basing their last year’s reports. This is contrary to previous years where compliance was low and we therefore commend them for this.
We are also currently processing a number of applications and licenses are issued based on reports that NGOs are required to submit to NGORA as we continue promoting a compliance culture as a bedrock to success,” said Banda.
He said that the reports include issues such as sources of fund and the amount, activities being implemented and where.
“The whole purpose of this, is to ensure that NGOs’ operations benefit communities because without that, it becomes difficult to track, monitor and understand the impact of their operations in the communities,” he said.
Banda also said that there were cases in the past where some NGOs had taken advantage of communities and abused resources provided by donors, hence some donors complained of their funds being embezzled.
On update on regulations, he said that NGORA has come up with operating regulation for international NGOs.
“In this particular regulation which has been gazetted already, there is a requirement for international NGOs to be spending at least 30 percent of their funding through local organizations to ensure enhanced capacity of local NGOs and sustainability of interventions through various sectors in their projects’ catchment areas,” he added.
Executive Director for Youth Watch Society, Muteyu Banda described the meeting important as besides update from NGORA it also discussed issues of compliance to enhance sanity, transparency and accountability in the operations of NGOs.
Banda wondered why some NGOs which are fond of holding press briefings and organizing demonstrations are either registered with NGORA or not as most of them don’t avail themselves during such meetings.
“It is of paramount importance that NGOs operate within the rule of law and I can say that am satisfied with the laws and regulations that they do not shrink civil space in terms of advocacy but will continue checking on each other to ensure sanity and that we always work within the laws,” said Banda.
Lilongwe District Council generates K1.5 billion on local revenue
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Director of Finance for Lilongwe District Council, Charles Mhone has disclosed that the council has surpassed the budgeted K1.4 billion on locally generated revenue and has generated over K1.5 billion in the just ended 2024/25 financial year.
Mhone disclosed this, on Wednesday during the learning visit by the Chikwawa District council members who came to learn and explore strategies used by their counterparts on locally generated revenue.
Mhone said despite the council having a number of sources where it generates its funds such as market fees and licenses, he attributed its achievement to team work among the revenue collectors.
“Some of the strategies that we use is that we give targets to all our revenue collectors, train them, and award them if they have done a good job by the end of the financial year. This has really worked for us,” he said.
Mhone further said plans are underway for the council to start collecting revenue through e-payment saying this will also assist the council to increase its locally generated revenue base further.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Chikwawa Nardin Kamba, said the council decided to come to Lilongwe District Council to learn and explore strategies that the council uses for it to excel in locally generated revenue.
"We have witnessed Lilongwe District Council receiving different awards in connection with local revenue, this is the reason we have decided to come here and learn more," he said.
Kamba further advised Chikwawa District Council members to take the learning visit seriously for it to be fruitful.
"Learning is one thing, but putting into practice what you have learnt is another. So let us take advantage of this visit and make our council vibrant on locally generated revenue.
Lilongwe District Council pegged its 2025/26 financial year’s budget at MK35.8 billion which is an increase of 4 percent from last year’s budget of MK34.4 billion.
Over 46311 families to receive relief maize in Blantyre District
By Joseph Ligowe
Blantyre, April 9, Mana: Over 46,311 families that are affected by hunger in Blantyre District stand to benefit from a maize distribution which is expected to start on Sunday, April 13 in the district with each listed affected family to receive a 50 Kilogramme bag of maize for six months.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday, Disaster Risk and Management Officer (DRMO) for Blantyre District Council, Faith Khamula, disclosed that the exercise is a response to food insecurity among housedholds as a result of last year’s effects of El Nino.
“This climatic condition led to many households harvesting low yields, resulting in food insecurity at household level,” she added.
Khamula said about 2,552 tons of maize are expected to be distributed to households in all Traditional Authorities in Blantyre District, with each family receiving a 50-kilogramme bag of maize for six months.
Traditional Authority Machinjiri applauded government for responding to the food situation in the district, saying the exercise will address the situation in his area as well.
“This exercise has come at an opportune time because, currently, the majority of people rarely afford a meal in a day," he said.
The maize distribution exercise will be done by Government of Malawi through Blantyre District Council in collaboration with the World Food Programme.
ILO impressed with Recognition to Prior Learning artisans
By Christina Mkutumula
Mzuzu, April 9, Mana: The International Labour Organization (ILO), says it is impressed with the work that artisans in bricklaying are doing after being assessed and getting certification for their skills through the Recognition to Prior Learning (RPL) Project.
The remarks were made on Tuesday, by the ILO National Project Coordinator for Global skills Programme, Patrick Makondetsa, in Mzuzu when he visited some of the artisans who have been assessed and certified through the RPL project.
“I am happy to say that RPL has a significant impact on the beneficiaries. We have seen how after getting certified they are given big contracts which shows that the project is good to the informal sector,” he said.
He further explained that the beneficiaries are adding value and increasing their opportunities for a wider clientele and in so doing gaining more wages that will help their families.
Makondetsa also said there are some industries that require different kind of skills and they need to support their people so that the skills being acquired on the job training has to be assessed and certified.
“Going forward we need to not only look for artisans who are doing piecework but we also need to engage industries who have artisans that are not certified to train them and ensure that they are certified. In future when we develop the sector skill council it will provide all and meet the gap that is there,” he said.
Speaking in an interview, acting Chief Trade Test Officer for Mzuzu, Jack Kachingwe, said the RPL project, is an extended assessment to external candidates who do not have classroom skills but learn the job informally.
“This project started in 2019 after abolishing the Malawi Trade Test Certification where we left out the informal sector but now we are recognizing these people and assessing them. We piloted the project in 2022 with 11 candidates in two trades of bricklaying and fabrication and welding,” said Kachingwe.
He explained that since the project started to-date they have assessed about 187 candidates adding that it is encouraging that people are coming forward. He said they have added five more trades in Tailoring, Automobile Mechanics, Food, Plumbing and Carpentry and Joinery and appealed to more people with the skills to get to their offices to be assessed and certified.
Commenting on the same, Regional Centre Manager for TEVETA in Mzuzu, Joseph Chikopa, said the beneficiaries of RPL have gained the required skills.
“We have seen how confident they are working after being assessed and certified and this is helping them to contribute effectively to the social economic development of the country,” he said.
A beneficiary of the project, Donly Mkandawire said he did his training in January 2023 and has since been certified.
“Before getting the paper I was just building houses anyhow, but now I know how to build a house right from foundation to roofing stage. I have also come to realize that people have confidence with artisans, who not only know the job but are also certified,” he said.
Recognition to prior learning process help individuals who do not have qualifications, to acquire a qualification that matches their knowledge.
Chakwera applauds Malawi's tobacco farmers for forex contribution in the country
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, April 9, Mana: Malawi`s President, Dr. Lazarus McCathy Chakwera has commended tobacco farmers for their significant contribution to the country's foreign exchange earnings, boosting sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday when he presided over the Official Opening of the 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season at Lilongwe Tobacco Auction Floors.
Chakwera applauded the farmer’s efforts by bringing forex which is helping the country in different sectors including Agriculture.
"All farmers should feel appreciated as your tobacco has eased this country's suffering by bringing forex which helps us in the exchange of different commodities" He said.
The President said if the country is doing well, tobacco farmers needs to applauded as they have helped him during his tenure as president and promised to continue supporting them until 2030, so that they should feel appreciated and become rich.
Chairperson for Tobacco Commission, Dr. Godfrey Chapola thanked the President for his leadership policies that have resulted in reduced commotion at the floors.
Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Dalitso Kawale said tobacco farmers will be rewarded with good prices for their hard work.
He hailed the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for playing a great role in the farmer’s success since it boosted their financial muscle enabling them to buy inputs and all materials needed in farming.
Highest price for barley tobacco sold at the start of the Auction was $3.20 while the lowest got $1.20 per Kilogram.
The 2025 Tobacco Marketing Season has seen a remarkable increase in production, with 170 million kilograms expected to be sold, surpassing last year's 133 million kilograms.
The opening of the Lilongwe Auction floors will follow the opening of Chinkhoma on 11, Limbe on 14 and Mzuzu Auction Floors on 28th April, 2025 respectively.
World Vision launches school feeding campaign in Mchinji
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, April 9, Mana: In a bid to support government efforts in mitigating hunger and malnutrition-related diseases among children, World Vision Malawi (WVM) has launched a three-month school feeding campaign targeting Community-Based Child Care Centers (CBCCs) in Mchinji district.
Speaking during the launch, WVM Mchinji District Programmes Manager, Mereena John said the initiative aims to combat hunger and promote learner retention at CBCCs within their catchment areas.
“As part of the launch, we have donated 3,947 packets of Likuni Phala worth K47 million to the CBCCs. This porridge is strictly for the children, and we urge community members to ensure it is not misused. I am urging parents and guardians to take ownership of CBCC farming gardens to supplement the feeding program and to ensure sustainability.” he said.
The campaign being implemented in partnership with the Anglican Council of Malawi, is being implemented in Traditional Authorities of Kapondo and Mavwere in Mchinji District.
In his remarks, the Head of Programmes at Anglican Council of Malawi, Richard Thindwa, expressed gratitude for the support and praised the strong collaboration between the two organizations.
“The World Vision intervention is timely. We believe spiritual guidance must be complemented with academic preparation, and that is why we established these CBCCs—to help children get a good start in their educational journey,” Thindwa said.
Mchinji District Council Chairperson, Dorothy Mussa commended both organizations for their joint efforts.
“This is a commendable initiative and we are truly grateful. We urge the implementing partners to consider scaling up the campaign to benefit other areas in the district,” she said.
DEN to enhance education system in Nkhata Bay
By Janet Masamba
Nkhata Bay, April 9, Mana: Director of Education and Sports in Nkhata Bay, Votie Mboweni, is optimistic that revamping the District Education Network (DEN) will enhance the education system in the district.
Mboweni said this on Tuesday during an education stakeholders meeting aimed at revitalizing the DEN Committee.
"The district is facing a number of challenges in education ranging from infrastructure and others. That is why we have a number of partners to help us and for them to effectively do their work we need an active DEN.
"That is why we are here today to revamp it because it has been dormant for quite some time, and I am sure this will help us to move forward, " he said.
According to Mboweni an active DEN will not only help to mobilize resources for the sector but also advocate for the promotion of a girl child education as most of them drop out.
In his remarks, Civil Society Organization Chairperson, Michael Mwanachawa said the meeting was essential as it helped members to understand their roles and terms of reference.
"I am glad that we now have the new executive committee for DEN. This will help us monitor education performance in the district and surely we will work together to lobby for more partners so that the district continues doing better in the education sector" he said.
The meeting was organized with financial support from World Vision and African Youth Employment Initiatives-AYEI.
