MANAonline
Chacha continues extending a hand to the needy
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, April 5, Mana: Chawezi Banda, popularly known as "Chacha", has offered to pay school fees to 14-year-old Chirimba-based young comedian Ndaziona.
This comes a few weeks after she also started supporting an 18-year-old girl, Thokozani Monjeza, who was on the verge of dropping out at Mwanza boarding Secondary School.
Ndaziona, who trades under the banner Makiliyombe Comedy, stays with her grandmother and is in Standard 7 at one of the Private Schools in Blantyre.
“However, l feel that it is proper if l send her to a boarding school, where l will be providing all the support. I am very happy because last month l also adopted another girl from Mwanza Secondary School, for whom I am paying her school fees as well,” said Banda.
On her part, Ndaziona said she is grateful to Chacha because she has been lacking support since she has no one to support her education.
“I never had a dream of learning at a boarding school, but now l just say thank you, God. To Madam Chacha, l say God bless you because out of millions of girls in the country, to be chosen by you is not a small thing. I promise to work very hard,” she said.
Recently, Chacha donated various food items to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital to celebrate her new age.
MITC launches Xidian International Stock Exchange (Malawi)
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, April 5 mana: Malawi Investment and Trade Center (MITC) has launched the first international stock market, Xidian Stock Exchange (Malawi), as one way of promoting strong economic development for the country.
Speaking during the event on Friday in Lilongwe, Director General for MITC, Kruger Phiri, explained that Xidian Stock Exchange (Malawi) is also another way of advancing Malawi's financial sector.
He said that the Xidian Stock Exchange (Malawi) is an important component of Malawi's financial market, leading international entrepreneurs to invest in Malawi and promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
"Establishment of Xidian stock exchange (Malawi) will attract more international investors to pay attention to Malawi, bringing a large influx of foreign investment which will further promote economic growth in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, mining and infrastructure among others as aligning with the Malawi 2063 agenda,” he added.
He further expressed gratitude to Chinese government for partnering with Malawi government in different investment sectors.
This landmark event marks a significant step for providing a transparent and standardised platform for investment and trade, complimenting the country's stock exchange.
In his address, Chairperson for Xidian Stock Exchange, Liao Jun Hua, emphasized that the establishment of Xidian Stock Exchange (Malawi) is a great milestone for transforming Malawi's economy.
"The Xidian Stock Exchange (Malawi) saves as a bridge for business and investors by providing a safer and more reliable investment environment in areas such as manufacturing, industrialization and technology,” he added.
He noted that this will also improve transparency and efficiency of the financial markets in Malawi.
In his remarks, Executive Director of Supervision and Regulation in Financial Services and Industry, Patrick Muhango, said the Stock Exchange will promote standardised trading platform and offer diversified investment opportunities for Malawi and international investors.
He therefore, appealed to Chinese government and other investors to continue playing important role in supporting the Malawi's financial markets.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally, to explore key investment opportunities.
Mayors for Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu presented investments opportunities in their cities.
Teachers urged to serve with integrity
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, April 5, Mana: Students who have completed their studies at Mchinji Teachers Training College (TTC) have been urged to serve with integrity in the various schools they will be assigned inorder to develop and grow the education sector.
Mchinji Director of Education, Youth and Sports, Joyce Hamusini said this during a send-off ceremony organized by Mchinji TTC for its outgoing students under IPTE 18.
Hamusini said there is a challenge of teacher-pupil ratio as most schools have a few teachers compared to the number of pupils attending classes.
"The teacher pupil ratio has always been a challenge, but we expect that this is the beginning of a solution to the problem as we have witnessed 573 outgoing students today and we know it is a gradual process but the graduation of these students is one step closer to handling the problem," said Hamusini.
She further said the education department is pushing to train more teachers in the special needs department, so that learners who have special needs should not be left out in the process of inclusive education.
Hamusini further asked the students to respect one another and act as role models to their learners as well as people in their communities.
Concurring with her, Mchinji TTC Principal, McLoud Nkhata said witnessing the students' sendoff is a sign that their work has paid off and hopes that as they leave the college, they will be able to excel to greater heights.
"We expect that these students will not only stop here but will have the heart to go further with their education, such as pursuing degrees or PhDs, so that they can serve the nation in many ways as possible," said Nkhata.
Nkhata said the event was not only to celebrate the students but also as a way of reminding them that they have accomplished so much despite the challenges they faced, and believe that they will continue to excel even when they leave the college.
President of the Student Representative Council, Peter Kalonga, said the sendoff will act as a reminder to them to always work hard to achieve the goals they have set in life.
"As we go out, we will apply all the lessons we have learnt at the college and will engage one another in trying to build a better educational sector for both learners and teachers," said Kalonga.
About 573 students have graduated from the college, with 291 of them being female students and 282 being male.
The sendoff is the first of its kind at the college.
Betway extends kit sponsorship with Silver Strikers
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, April 4, Mana: Betway Malawi, a leading gambling company, on Friday renewed its three-year partnership with Silver Strikers Football Club, increasing its kit sponsorship from K65 million to K335 million.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Friday, Betway Country Director in Malawi, Charles Phiri, said the company got motivated by the team’s performance in the last season when it emerged champions of the TNM super league.
“When the team won the league, we were excited and it was an affirmation to us that the team is serious about being in partnership with Betway. We are motivated to invest more into a long-term relationship as Silver Strikers is also one of the most organized team in the league,” he added.
Phiri added that Betway expects the team to perform well and defend the season as well as in the coming seasons.
He further encouraged Silver Striker players to work as a team and perform with high standards as the team had done well in last season.
Silver Strikers FC Board Chairperson, George Kaudza Masina told Mana of Friday that the club was overwhelmed by the renewal of its partnership with Betway.
“As a club, we are excited that Betway continues to trust the association with Silver Strikers and we are thankful for the renewal. We believe Betway will also thrive in their business through this sponsorship,” he added.
MP pushes for formalization of Gold Mining in Nkuza Ward
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, April 4, Mana: In a bid to promote accountability and responsible mining practices, Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu Nkhoma, Collins Kajawa, has urged the Minister of Mining to designate formal and official miners in Nkuza Ward.
Speaking during a supplementary question on Friday in Parliament, Kajawa said, the move aims to facilitate gazetted mining in the area, which is rich in gold deposits.
“By formalizing the mining process, the government seeks to ensure that the extraction of this valuable resource benefits local communities and the nation as a whole”, he said.
He emphasized that currently, illegal gold mining activities are prevalent in Malawi, with individuals engaging in unregulated mining practices and that formalizing the mining sector is expected to curb such malpractices and promote sustainable mining practices.
“The designation of formal and official miners in Nkuza Ward is a significant step towards realizing the government’s vision for a responsible and sustainable mining sector in Malawi “, he said.
In his response, Minister of Mining Zikhale Ng,oma said government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackle illegal mining activities in Malawi.
“This comes amidst concerns over the environment and economic impacts of unregulated mining. Government is developing a strategic plan to address the issue. The plan will involve increased engagement with law enforcement agencies to control and prevent illegal mining,” he said.
He added that government has also imposed restrictions on small-scale mining, which have been in place for 21 days now.
“This move aims to review and regulate the sector, addressing concerns over the export of minerals and the loss of revenue for the government.
“Efforts are also underway to formalize the mining sector, with the government working to attract investment from reputable companies. This includes the recent conclusion of deals with international companies, which are expected to generate significant revenue for Malawi, “he said.
Ng’oma, therefore, said government’s push to regulate the mining sector is driven by the recognition of Malawi’s vast mineral wealth, with an abundance of gold, minerals, oil, and gas adding government is determined to ensure that the resources are being used responsibly and sustainably.
“As the government finalize its strategic plan, it is clear that tackling illegal mining activities will be a top priority.
“With a focus on regulation, investment, and environmental protection, Malawi is poised to unlock the full potential of its mining sector, “he said.
85-year-old man jailed 10 years for sexual assault
By Tawina Kuluweya
Mzuzu, April 4, Mana: Mzuzu First Grade Magistrate court has convicted and sentenced 85-year-old Benson Nyirenda to 10 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for having sexual intercourse with his 11-year-old granddaughter.
State prosecutor Sub Inspector Samuel Jazwell told the court that on February 15, 2025, the victim’s mother discovered that her daughter’s private parts were swollen and upon questioning, the young girl disclosed that Nyirenda, who is her grandfather, had been sexually assaulting her since 2024.
“The case was reported to Enukwenu Police Unit, where the girl was later referred to a health facility for a medical examination. The findings revealed that penetration had occurred, confirming the victim’s allegations,” he said.
Nyirenda admitted to the charge and prayed for leniency, saying he is the sole breadwinner for his three wives.
However, the prosecution argued for a tough penalty, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the violation of trust that occurred, given that Nyirenda was supposed to protect his granddaughter.
Magistrate Robert Makaika sided with the prosecution, stating that Nyirenda’s age did not mitigate the gravity of his crime.
Makaika underscored the long-lasting trauma inflicted on the victim, emphasizing the need to isolate Nyirenda from society to prevent further harm.
LWB bails out the needy, awards the best students at Luanar
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, April 4, Mana: Lilongwe Water board has bailed out needy students as well as awarded best performers at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) with tuition fees and book allowances worth K14.2 million.
Speaking during the ceremony on Thursday afternoon, the Board Chairperson, Paramount Chief M’mbelwa, said LWB thought it wise to bring an incentive to support best performing students as well as the needy, with tuition fees as well as book allowance.
“We signed a Memorandum of Understanding where the LWB would like to use Luanar in terms of managing the catchment area.
“We thought to bring an incentive to support the students with tuition fees, but also book allowances. We are not only looking at awarding the best students, but we are also supporting the needy students. This year, support is K14.2 million for students who have performed well, but also those who are needy,” said M’mbelwa.
Inkosi M’mbelwa said the Board feels the support is going to motivate the students, but also bring out a positive energy so that every student should aim high in their education.
Chairperson for LUANAR Council, Professor Zachary Kasomekera, said the awards will bring about competition and encourage students to work hard and, in the end, have students who are more knowledgeable to assist the agriculture sector.
“As you know, the agriculture sector right now is being troubled, or having a lot of problems, because of the way that our environment has changed.
“These are the students who will come up with innovations to do mechanization and improve agricultural output, and indeed, the scarcity of water, or the unreliability of water that we see now. Some of these students are taking irrigation engineering, and this will be vital, especially in our mega farms,” said Kasomekera.
The eight awardees went away with tuition fees of K995,000 as well as a K200,000 book allowance, while the four needy students were given tuition fees of K995,000 and a K180,000 book allowance.
Since 2021, the Board has assisted about 65 students with both tuition and book allowances.
World Relief Malawi distributes food items in Machinga
By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, April 4, Mana: World Relief Malawi has distributed assorted food items to people in Machinga, among them those with disabilities, following the El Niño-induced drought that left them with low crop yield or no food to survive on.
An estimated 360 people from female-headed households, people with disabilities and the youths who had low crop yield, each received items that included a 50-kilogramme bag of maize flour, 1 litre of cooking oil, salt and beans.
To this effect, World Relief Malawi urged the affected households in the district that benefited from the relief food distribution programme to adopt interventions that should build their resilience to climate change effects that in turn affect crop production.
Speaking at Traditional Authority Nkoola in the district on Thursday, World Relief Malawi, Country Director, Matilda Chirwa, said the food distribution was done to help the affected households that had no means to fend for themselves.
“We felt the need to source funds to intervene and support households that are struggling to provide food for their families,” she added.
Chirwa disclosed that the food distribution programme is expected to run from April to May 2025 and will later be followed by mixed cropping and irrigation farming from June.
She expressed hope that after June, going forward, most of the families will go for irrigation farming to ensure food sufficiency.
“We want to make a sound impact for these households. This is why we plan to start these interventions instead of just giving them handouts.
“We know handouts may not sustain them in the long run,” the World Relief Malawi Country Director added.
Being a 27-year-old single mother with disability, Stella Wisick said parenthood had not been easy on her part, saying she could neither farm nor do any income-generating activities that could keep her family going.
“We have lived for some days without food, and no assistance came on our way, and this has been difficult for us. I cannot do much considering my condition, such that my family mostly suffers in agony,” she said.
However, her face brightened up as she received the relief food items with much assurance of a meal on her table.
“I am thankful to World Relief for coming to my rescue in this time of need; the help is timely,” she added.
In his remarks, Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Machinga District Council, Shepherd Jere, commended World Relief Malawi for responding to the government’s appeal for relief food assistance to families in need.
“The council is grateful to World Relief Malawi for providing food assistance and for coming up with sustainable ways to ensure families have enough food. We also encourage other organizations to do the same as the government cannot manage to reach all the affected areas with relief food,” he added.
World Relief Malawi provides relief food items on top of supporting other interventions, such as irrigation farming and the provision of drought-resistant crops to farmers in many parts of the country.
Collaboration is crucial in enhancing higher education- Kabwila
By Josephine Chipofya
Lilongwe, April 4, Mana: Minister of Higher Education Jessie Kabwila has called for collaboration between public and private universities to ensure that both benefit from shared resources and expertise.
Kabwila was speaking on Thursday in Lilongwe when she visited Hebron and Jubilee Universities.
"Public universities have projects like my Lab, Unipod and drone making; private universities also need to have access to these projects, and this can happen if there is collaboration between public and private universities," she said.
Additionally, Kabwila emphasized the need for universities to establish policies and strategies that encourage victims of sexual harassment to speak out, promote a safer and more supportive learning environment.
Jubilee University Vice Chancellor Ida Mbendera concurred with Kabwila, saying collaboration ensures sharing of skills and knowledge among universities.
"We are already in this with some public universities like Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“It is very important that as universities we collaborate because this ensures transfer of skills and knowledge," she said.
MACRA ICT lab construction to address academic challenges in schools
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Machinga, Thursday 4, Mana; Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) project coordinator Khumbo Kasambala said the construction of the ICT labs in different schools will help to address some of the challenges that students face when accessing ICT lessons.
Kasambala made the remarks on Thursday after inspecting Nathando and Matandwe Community Day Secondary Schools (CDSS) in Zomba and Machinga, respectively, where lab facilities are being constructed by the Universal Service (USF) from MACRA.
He further explained that through USF, government decided to introduce lab construction in different parts of the country, especially in rural areas, where they face tremendous challenges when it comes to access to digital skills through the use of the internet.
“This project is helping students go digital and have access to all necessary information through the use of computers and the internet, which will help them grasp knowledge and understanding of lessons easily.
“Once all the ICT labs are complete, MACRA is going to provide free internet access within the schools and about 100 miles from the school to the surrounding communities,” he explained.
Lackson Joseph Chatha, who is the Headteacher at Matandwe CDSS in Zomba, applauded government through MACRA for its commendable job of constructing ICT labs that will benefit both teachers, students and the surrounding communities.
“The ICT lab being provided by MACRA will also be able to function as a library where all information is stored and boost the performance of students during their examinations,” he said.
He further said that the presence of the ICT labs will also help teachers when preparing lessons since they will be able to gain broad knowledge on the information gathered from the internet.
Adding to what Chatha explained, head teacher of Matandwe primary school Victor Kumwenda said the construction of the ICT lab at the new school of Nathando which will be launched soon has brought joy and hope to students that they will be able to learn at a conducive environment where all necessary resources for both teaching and learning are available.
“This is going to inspire the students who will start to learn at the school once completed, and this is enough for students to work hard and achieve their goals,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Group village head Mkolose said the development of the ICT labs has come at the right time when school blocks have also been constructed, as it will help to reduce the distance of students to attend classes compared to where they are currently studying.
He has also assured MACRA that the received materials will be well protected from thieves so that more people can benefit from them.
One of the students from Matandwe CDSS who is in form four has thanked government through MACRA for the construction of the ICT lab, as it will play a crucial role in providing more information on the internet by using the received computers.
She has, however, encouraged her fellow students to protect and use the labs in a good manner so that others can also use them in the future.
