MANAonline
Fish farmers excited with establishment of Mzuzu Fish Feed Mill
By Stella Mwalwanda
Mzuzu, December 20, Mana: With scarcity and high cost of fish feed, fish farmers around Mzuzu used to face huddles in prospering their business for the past years.
However, this is now history as a fish feed mill has recently been established and officially inaugurated at Luwinga Industrial Area in Mzuzu by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
In an interview on Friday, one of the fish farmers, Telita Chitsulo who owns fish ponds at Songwe and Mpamba in Nkhata Bay said that the establishment of the mill will go a long way in promoting fish farming for economic empowerment.
“We are also excited with the infrastructure as this will ease access to fish feed which we used to source from either Zambia or Lilongwe hence transport costs eating our expected profits,” said Chitsulo.
She added that fish farmers have been accorded an opportunity to use the machinery to produce their own fish feed using locally available raw materials, thereby leading to increased profits.
Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Prison which has some fish ponds, Macbeth Wasambo said that the establishment of the mill will propel fish farming initiatives in the north and the country as a whole
He then concurred with Chitsulo that fish feed transportation costs from far areas away from Mzuzu will drastically be minimized, hence attracting more investors in fish farming entrepreneurship.
Fisheries Research Officer who is based at Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre, Silvester Jambo said that the establishment of the mill is the first of its kind as a public investment in Malawi.
"The mill is equipped with a specialized machine for producing floating feed suitable for fish at all stages of growth, particularly Tilapia species (Chambo),” said Jambo.
Jambo added that the feed will be of high quality as it will take into consideration crude protein composition for fish at various levels of growth and will be affordable.
He however said that at the moment the feed is not yet on commercial market as they are still in the early stages of economic planning and setting prices so that they meet the needs of all farmers.
Establishment of the mill which produces 5 tonnes of feed per hour, translating into 9,600 tonnes per year, has been financed by the African Development Bank under the Sustainable Fisheries Aquaculture Development Watershed Management.
NCST and LCC partner to boost Malawi's tech advancement
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: The Director General of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), Gift Kadzamira, emphasized that the collaboration between NCST and the Lilongwe City Council (LCC) is vital, as both organizations play significant roles in promoting innovation.
Speaking during the launch at sunbird hotel in Lilongwe, Kadzamira said that they would like to have a link that will provide a connection between the innovators and the industry, so that the industry is also able to give out grants to the innovators.
"As you are aware, one of the key pillars of the Malawi 2063 agenda is industrialization, and another is urbanization. Establishing a call center for the Lilongwe City Council will play a crucial role in supporting the urbanization of our communities," she said.
Her worship the Mayor, Councillor Esther Sagawa said through the initiative, citizens will now have a direct and reliable channel to report issues, request services, and offer feedback from waste management to infrastructure inquiries, from emergencies to general queries, and that their team will be just a phone call or a click away.
"I encourage you to make full use of these platforms. Your active participation is critical to the success of this initiative. To our staff, I urge you to serve with dedication, empathy, and professionalism. Together, let us create a culture of excellence in service delivery," she stated.
The Deputy Resident Representative in the Malawi Country Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Challa Getachew, stated that the platform will provide a space for innovators and investors to connect, enabling those with resources to discover and invest in promising ideas.
"The Malawi 2063 agenda is focused on transforming the nation and improving the quality of life. We achieve this through innovation by enhancing service delivery, facilitating transformation, and creating opportunities for innovators and young people to bring their ideas forward and contribute to Malawi's development," he said.
Meanwhile, Secretary for Education, Dr. Mangani Chilala Katundu commented that the new call centre and innovation portal would serve as vital tools in enhancing communication and promoting scientific research and supporting technological advancements.
"This entire process of developing the system is not limited to Lilongwe. We know that the town of Mwanza has also benefited from innovative software designed to enhance service delivery," he said.
Chiefs asked to lead the war against gender-based violence
By Martin Banda
Kasungu, December 20, Mana: Group Village Head Uthonde of Traditional Authority Lukwa in Kasungu District has asked fellow traditional leaders to take a leading role in guarding against gender-based violence in families to ensure that women and girls are safe.
Uthonde made the remarks on Friday during a community awareness and sensitization meeting on gender-based violence targeting group village heads in the area of Senior Chief Lukwa in the district.
Girl on the Lead, a nongovernmental organization promoting girls' rights, organized the meeting as part of the activities of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
“There are many cases of violence against women and girls taking place in our communities which call for our action as traditional leaders. We must lead this war and help create safe homes where women and girls can live peacefully.
“It is only when our homes are peaceful that we can have productive family members working together to deal with poverty in the households,” Uthonde said.
She said violence robs the future of girls as they fail to proceed with their education when there are conflicts in their homes.
Project Coordinator for the organization, Tapiwa Maulana said the sensitization was part of the 16 days of activism where countries across the globe reflect and raise awareness on the evils of gender-based violence.
“Chiefs are important stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence, so we targeted them for the important role that they play in this campaign.
“Women and girls suffer the brunt of all forms of violence, so our mission is to contribute towards efforts to mitigate the vice,” she said.
Child Protection Officer at Kasungu Police Station, George Kantondo, hailed the organization for organizing the meeting saying gender-based violence needs concerted efforts by various stakeholders to fight it.
“We must all preach the messages against violence at the same time reminding each other of the need not to take the law into our own hands,” he said.
With funding from the African Women's Development Fund, Girl on the Lead is implementing activities to help people deal with violence and is also giving out business capital to girls so that they become independent.
Farmers, WFP partnership improves school feeding programme
By Aisha Chiwaya
Salima, December 20, Mana: Farmers in Salima District have expressed satisfaction with the readily available markets and farming skills provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) through the school feeding programme.
The homegrown school feeding programme being implemented by the Ministry of Education with financial support from WFP in Salima District provides meals in 52 primary schools.
Speaking on Thursday during a food exhibition open day organized by WFP, Chairperson for Linthipe Rice Farmers Club, Haroon Chapola, highlighted that aside from supplying food crops in schools which aims at improving cases of malnutrition, the corporative has also been empowered.
He said they are given a chance to bid for better prices on their produce.
However, Chapola emphasized the need for fair trade where all interested corporative participate in the bid.
“In the past, we have been competing on everything but this time around we were told that we can bid on everything else except for rice which our corporative grows. So, we were surprised because there is a need to put the same conditions on every crop," he said.
Salima District Assistant Nutrition Coordinator, Kingsley Chizeze said the positive change recorded can never go unnoticed adding the district continues to record positive strides in nutrition due to the homegrown school feeding programme.
"The good partnership between WFP and farmers has paved the way for the success of this programme as far as reducing cases of malnutrition is concerned. We credit WFP and farmers’ partnership,” he said.
Chizeze said they are currently focusing on food systems, whereby the food chain is analyzed from the beginning to the time of harvesting because understanding the efforts that are put into making food available in schools and on the market, makes one appreciate the efforts of farmers.
"Farmers explain how they are growing their crops and finding markets. This has contributed to high enrollment in schools and the decline in the number of school dropouts. So WFP is implementing government efforts to increase literacy levels.
“The foods that are being supplied by these farmers are locally available and grown by the farmers from this area, so we are assured that nutrition will not be affected even when the project end," he said.
WFP is working with Mkundi irrigation scheme, Senga hero cooperative, Salima horticulture cooperative among others.
All set for Amaryllis' New Year's Eve Party; The Gatsby Gold Affair
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Amaryllis Hotel in partnership with Stakeout Bar and Restaurant plus Entertainers Promotions will at the close of the year, December 31, hold a party dubbed; the Gatsby Gold Affair in Blantyre.
In an interview, Marketing Manager at Amaryllis Hotel, Georgina Gadama said the hotel intends to treat entertainment lovers with end of the year gathering.
Gadama said the hotel had been hosting the big white party for the past two years but decided to do something different this year thereby dubbing it to Gatsby Gold Affair.
“It will be an evening of The Great Gatsby full of glitz and golden vibes with dress code of gold and black. This will be a glamorous lifestyle event with bliss and glam.
“This time around, people will be able to have access to both stakeout and orchid venues where there will be different kinds of activities and performances happening,” added Gadama.
The manager said the hotel was trying to accommodate everybody such that there will be exquisite cuisine, lots of performances, live entertainment, fireworks and drinks just to get into the new year in style.
One of the entertainment lovers, Madalitso Banda said will make sure to be at Amaryllis Hotel on December 31 to enter the new year in a glamorous style.
“Without entertainment, life would be boring. We struggle and work hard for eleven months and December is our chance to celebrate, party, relax and ease stress,” said Banda.
In the spirit of celebrating with guests during the festive season, the hotel has lined up activities such as Christmas carols with live performances by Isaac Mc and Groove Blend Choir on December 25 according to the organisers.
Youth empowerment takes centre stage in Salima
By Yankho Kandio
Salima, December 20, Mana: Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with United Nations Children (UNICEF), has launched a groundbreaking initiative targeting the youth in Traditional Authorities Ndindi and Kambalame.
The programme, aimed at combating climate change, focuses on empowering young people through training in fruit tree planting, backyard gardening, and transformative leadership.
Speaking on Thursday, on the sidelines of a donation in the area of Traditional Authority Kambalame, District Youth Officer Sharon Kumwembe, highlighted the importance of empowering youths in different skills acquisition.
Kumwembe said at the heart of the initiative is the provision of seedlings, water cans, and buckets to facilitate practical skills development.
"By engaging the youth as active agents of change, the programme seeks to foster a culture of environmental responsibility while contributing to Malawi’s Vision 2063 goals,” she said.
She said the initiative has the potential to create long-term benefits for the youth and their communities.
“This programme equips young people with practical tools and knowledge, empowering them to tackle climate-related challenges while contributing to food security through sustainable agricultural practices," she said.
She added: "It’s more than just planting trees; it’s about shaping a generation of leaders committed to transforming their communities."
District Community Development Officer, Samuel Chimwaza expressed optimism that the programme will enable the youths to gain transformative leadership skills.
"We are urging young people to take an active role in influencing change and aligning their efforts with national development goals,” he said.
On this point, Chimwaza said the initiative has taken a multifaceted approach and aims to not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also create economic opportunities and build resilient communities in Salima.
"As the youth begin planting fruit trees and establishing backyard gardens, they are not only greening their environment but also setting an example of proactive citizenship, the legacy of today’s efforts will benefit future generations,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries from the area of Traditional Authority Kambalame, Idrissa Mailosi, said he has gained important skills that will help him gain financial independence.
"I have received skills in backyard gardening, from which I will be selling some of the harvests, and also the skills will be spread to other farming ventures, " he said.
The initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar programmes across Malawi, inspiring other communities to prioritize youth-driven climate action as a pathway to sustainable development.
Dedza police for enhanced security during the festive season
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, December 20, Mana: Officer-In-Charge (OC) for Dedza Police Station, Dr. Gift Chiundira, says they have lined up several security efforts during the festive season so that lives are saved and property is protected.
Chiundira told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Friday that at a time when people are closing for festive holidays; there are assumptions that people have money.
“We go on holiday and have some parties. We close our houses and offices and celebrate the festive season elsewhere. This time, criminalities take place, so let us leave everything in place to secure our houses as well as offices,” said Chiundira.
Among others, Chiundira said as a security organization in the district; his office has organized vehicle traffic checks and warned residents to comply with all road traffic regulations.
“We have also increased our visibility by dividing Dedza into sections day and night. Let’s be responsible for our property before police come in,” he pointed out.
He, however, said as a security agency, they cannot do everything on their own hence a need for well-wishers to support them with the necessary tools for their operation.
The OC said they need torches, whistles and other items to enhance their security efforts during the festive season.
“This is for our benefit and the people we serve,” he said.
MACRA committed to alleviate cyber crimes
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has assured the general public that it is committed to fight against cyber-crimes in order to create a safe cyber space for all.
The sentiments were made on Thursday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre during the official closing ceremony of 2024 cyber security awareness month.
Speaking at the event, Board Director for MACRA, Stella Chuthi said that the fight against cyber related crimes is an ongoing battle which needs collaborated efforts, citing that MACRA is working hand in hand with security agencies and other stakeholders to mitigate the vice.
“We are making strides with the strategy that we are using. For example we have worked with Malawi Prison Services to catch a guy who had one hundred sim cards which were brought to prison by his relatives and they were all arrested,” she said.
Director for Legal Affairs Services at MACRA, Thokozani Chimbe concured with Chuthi saying that the awareness month was set to emphasize on the importance of operating in a cyber space that is safe for everyone.
“During the past weeks MACRA and its stakeholders were involved in different activities to remind each other of our rights and responsibilities in making sure that our space is secure,” Chimbe said.
One of the youths who was reached with the message of cyber security, Fares Gondwe, a student at Ndirande Hill Secondary School singled out cyber bullying as something that hinders other people’s rights when using the internet.
“As youths we have a responsibility of taking care of the internet by not using it for wrong purposes and protecting other people so that they can use it safely,” she said.
The cyber security awareness month was declared to be a time dedicated by the public and private sector to work together in raising awareness about the importance of cyber security.
Reports from MACRA indicated that from January to October this year the country recorded 27, 000 attempted mobile money fraud cases.
AU-Africa Educate Her Campaign to revamp girl’s enrollment in schools
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, December 20, Mana: Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has said the launch of "AU-Africa Educate Her Campaign" will improve girl’s education by increasing their enrollment in all levels of education.
Director of Education Planning from the ministry, Victoria Geresomo said this on Thursday during the launch of the campaign at Buke Primary school in Traditional Authority (TA) Phalula in Balaka District.
She said the initiative is responding to post-Covid-19 impacts which lead to high numbers of school dropout among girls and the major pillars incorporated in the campaign will strengthen education policies and building capacity among NGOs, chiefs and religious leaders to uplift girls’ education.
”Recently in 2024, the ministry conducted an annual school census survey which indicated that performance of girls in schools is still a problem because many girls dropped out of school during the Covid-19 pandemic," she said.
She added: "Government is committed to revamp the education sector through various programmes such as AU-Africa Educate Her Campaign in order to align with Malawi 2063 vision."
She therefore hailed all partners in the education sector such as Oxfam, CAMFED, FAWEMA, CAVWOC among others for complementing government’s effort to bail out girls from educational challenges.
Representing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the education sector, Oxfam Malawi Country Director, Lingalileni Mihowa said the campaign will work in all facets by building strong partnerships among all parties and provide conducive education environment to girls.
"You have also witnessed that the initiative has provided girls with school writing materials, sanitary materials and bicycles in order to reduce mobility challenges," she said.
Meanwhile, Balaka District Council Director of Planning and Development, Chris Nawata has hailed the government and all CSOs for their commitment to improve girl’s education in Balaka and the whole country.
AU-Africa Educate Her Campaign is a yearly education campaign that will run until 2025 by 55 African Union member states including Uganda, Mozambique and Malawi with an ultimate goal of retaining girl’s enrollment in primary, secondary and tertiary levels, courtesy of impacts of Covid-19 pandemic.
CSOs Urge MPs to Prioritize Citizens in 2024/2025 Budget Oversight
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has urged Members of Parliament ( MPs) to consider citizenry benefits when passing the budget in parliament .
Speaking during mid-term 2024/2025 budget review report meeting in Lilongwe, Oxfam Governance Manager, Mac Pherson Mdalla, said appropriate expenditure is crucial to ensuring that Malawians get the best services from government agencies.
He said, MPs should make sure that government is spending funds approved in the mid- term budget review appropriately.
“ As a country we know we are facing economic challenges including climate change which has affected the country but it is important for MPs to ensure that government officers are following financial management principles in their expenditure,” said Mdalla.
Chairperson for parliamentary Budget and Finance Committee, Gladys Gada, said that as MPs they are committed to strengthening oversight role on the budget.
“As MPs we have been challenged to look at the revenue side of the budget and to see if there are any problems in the budget so that we are able to solve them,” said Gada.
The CSOs group consists of Oxfam, Economics Association of Malawi(ECAMA), Malawi Economic Justice Network(MEJN), Youth and Society(Yas) Center for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) and Civil Society Agriculture Network (Cisanet).
