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Spatial plans key in mitigating climatic shocks
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, December 3, Mana: Ministry of Lands, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, has launched spatial plans for developments under the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP) aimed at addressing climate change related shocks.
Spatial plans are documents that outline how to develop and use space in a given area. They are created by the public and private sectors to guide the distribution of people and activities in a region or municipality.
Speaking during the launch in Salima on Monday, RCRP Deputy Coordinator, who is also Deputy Director in the Ministry of Local Government, Flemmings Nyirenda, urged district councils to prioritize implementing the plans and ensuring community compliance.
"The initiative is falling under Sub-Component 2.2 focusing on district-led resilience; building proper adherence to these spatial plans will help mitigate climate impacts and reduce damage caused by disasters," he said.
Nyirenda emphasized the importance of guiding communities on how to utilize land, pointing out that many people have settled or built infrastructure in areas prone to climate shocks such as flooding, leaving them vulnerable to devastating losses.
"This is a critical step in helping communities understand the risks associated with improper land use. By following these spatial plans, we can prevent losses of property and build resilience against climate impacts,” said Nyirenda.
Commissioner for Physical Planning in the Ministry of Lands, Robins Lukasi, said the programme aims to address challenges brought by climate change, such as flooding and strong winds, which have severely affected communities across Malawi in recent years.
“By training district councils to develop and implement spatial plans, the programme seeks to promote safe and sustainable land use practices," he said.
He said it is important that whenever people are developing in various urban areas, even in rural areas, they should be guided by plans that would take into account issues of disaster and climate change.
Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda, commended the training saying council officials will be well equipped with skills to manage and enforce the plans.
The initiative is being piloted in seven districts, with plans to cover the rest of the country next financial year.
Immigration officers advised to take sporting activities as a career
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, December 3, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, has urged men and women in uniform under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services to take sporting activities as a profession.
He was speaking over the weekend at Fisheries College during a Director General’s (DG’s) trophy sports tournament.
Ng’oma said like the Malawi Defense Force and Malawi Police Service; Department of Immigration is capable of having football and netball teams that can compete with other national teams in the super league.
“I am excited to see soldiers under the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services doing sporting activities to keep themselves physically fit.
“From the tournament, we have seen so many talents from the officers, and because of that, we would want them to join national teams so that they are able to compete with clubs in the super league,” said Ng’oma.
The DG’s trophy stalled for some years and on Sunday attracted all four regions, as well as the department’s headquarters.
Acting DG for Immigration, Fletcher Nyirenda, commended government and other sponsors such as Old Mutual and Standard Bank for supporting the trophy.
Nyirenda said apart from keeping officers physically fit, the tournament will also provide platform for officers to interact.
“We are happy now that the trophy is back and that we have government’s full support. This is a good platform where our officers come together to interact and socialize thereby creating a conducive platform for seniors to share ideas with their juniors,” said Nyirenda.
Over 300 immigration officers across the country participated in the trophy, which had games like tag of war, volleyball, basketball, football and netball.
Business tycoon Dzombe hails local organization, calls for hard work
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, December 2, MANA: Business tycoon Napoleon Dzombe and Senior Chief Kayembe have hailed the establishment of Friends of Kayembe Association (FOKA) in Kayembe community as the genesis of changing people’s mindset and a tool for making people to embrace hardworking spirit in their respective area of occupation to become self-reliant.
Speaking during the meeting of FOKA Tidziwane at Lingadzi Inn in Lilongwe, Dzombe highlighted the need of knowledge and hardworking spirit for one to be successful.
He said people are performing well in various organizations, companies and government entities but they fail to have their own innovations based on the skills and knowledge they gained and develop hard working spirit in those particular innovations.
"The word of God tells us that a person will eat his sweat until he enters the grave which means that if a person does not work hard then he will be against the word of God, but those who want to eat they have to work hard. So let's encourage each other that if we want success then let's work hard.”
"Knowledge and hardworking must go together. And let's work hard in our own work if we want to succeed. I have seen tobacco farmers, they leave their homes and stay with someone on contract basis, then they yield quality leaf and yield many tobacco bales which they fail to produce on their own," Dzombe said.
He further hailed FOKA Association saying it will play a great role in developing Kayembe community for ensuring oneness and unity
"Steel sharpens steel, the same with the people, if you want to do great things, you should come together to share ideas with the goal of making what you want to do possible. Any big project requires a lot of people to come together, so the team is very important," he added.
Senior Chief Kayembe said FOKA Association will assist to change the way of thinking as they get knowledge from educated people from FOKA Association.
"I welcomed the FOKA organization to my area knowing that there are different people working in different jobs in this Association. This will help to change the way of thinking of these people when they are receiving knowledge from these educated persons.
"Many people in rural areas have a hard time thinking. So these people have been helped to work hard. In the village there are problems of hunger, transportation, bridges but if we come together it will help us to be self-reliant," she said.
Chairperson for FOKA Association, Martin Majomeka, commended the meeting, saying it's objective has been achieved as they witnessed large number of people participating.
"We called for this meeting just to know each other as sons and daughters of Traditional Authority Kayembe and we believe that this opportunity has been achieved. We noted through lively participation from all members," Majomeka said.
He further highlighted several projects they want to implement, urging team working spirit to achieve those activities.
According to Majomeka, FOKA was enstablished in 2023 to promote socio-economic development of Kayembe community, promote child education, reduce environment degradation among others.
Power to Youth donates K7m bicycles to Machinga governance structures
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, December 2, Mana: In a move to address mobility challenges faced by Machinga District local governance structures that support the rights of the youth, Power to Youth, through AMREF has donated bicycles valued at K7.780 million.
The structures that have since benefited from the donation are the Men Engages, youth networks, chiefs’ forums and victim support units from traditional authorities Kapoloma, Sale and Mizinga.
Presenting the bicycles, Power to Youth Country Coordinator, Thandi Mphwiyo said the donation is in response to a plea from the structures on mobility.
Mphwiyo said the structures have had mobility challenges when making follow-ups on cases in their respective areas hence the donation to ease the challenge.
“We are very sure that the donation will contribute in terms of following up on cases. The groups have been doing enough on the ground but they could have done more and am sure that with this support, they will continue working effectively,” she said.
She challenged the duty bearers to safeguard the rights of the girl child saying, anyone who impregnates a girl under the age of 18 need to face the law.
“Let me put it clear that anyone under 18 is a child. Therefore, whoever impregnates a girl under 18 has to face the law,” she emphasized.
Traditional Authority Sale chiefs’ forum secretary, Innocent Bamusi, applauded Power to Youth for the donation.
Bamusi said the bicycles will improve the ability of the governance structures to respond swiftly to cases of violence, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas where mobility has been a major challenge.
“The bicycles we have received will facilitate rapid interventions. We have been walking long distances to follow up cases. This has not been easy. We are very thankful for the support,” said Bamusi.
Machinga District Youth Officer, Hope Mwafulirwa, commended Power to Youth for the support and promised to make sure that the bicycles were used for the intended purpose.
The Power to Youth Consortium's mission is to empower adolescent girls and young women from underserved communities by ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes concerning harmful practices, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and tackling unintended pregnancies.
Usi reiterates govt development plans for Mwanza
By Brian Wasili
Mwanza, December 2, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has said government is committed to initiating various development projects in Mwanza West Constituency for people in the area to benefit.
Usi was speaking on Monday at Thambani Community Ground when he wound up a whistle stop tour in the constituency where he visited various development projects underway in the areas of senior chiefs Nthache and Govati, respectively.
“Over the past years, false promises have been made by previous governments that they would bring various development activities to this area but never fulfilled,” said Usi.
He cited inadequate health facilities, lack of safe and potable water, poor learning facilities and Mwanza Thambani Road, which is in bad shape as some of the challenges which government is committed to address in the area.
The Vice President, therefore, urged people in the area to register in the ongoing voter registration underway in the district so that they are able to vote during next year’s elections.
Before touring various projects including Senior Chief Nthache's house under construction by government, Usi was met traditional leaders in the area and asked them to encourage their subjects to register to vote in the upcoming general elections.
Earlier, the Veep inspected Kayera Health Post before appreciating Senior Chief Govati's house constructed by government.
Usi, therefore, assured people in Mwanza that government has good plans for people in the district including improving their health status by upgrading Thambani Health Centre to a rural hospital as requested by Member of Parliament for Mwanza West, Joyce Chitsulo.
In an interview, Chitsulo hailed the VP’s visit to her constituency, saying it shows government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the people in the area.
“We are assured that the government will take into consideration issues raised here that need immediate action such as hunger and inadequate number of Affordable Inputs Programme beneficiaries so that people should harvest enough next year,” she said.
Usi also donated solar torches to learners from various schools, bags of maize to some households and a motorcycle to Kalanga Police Unit to address mobility challenge at the institution.
Maxwell Yambani, a learner thanked the vice president for the donation of torches, saying he will be able to do school work even at night.
Visual artist finds inspiration from his mother’s death
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, December 2, Mana: A visual artist, Cris Taulo says he drew his painting inspiration from the death of his mother who died in 2012.
Christopher Taulo, also known by his brand name Cris Taulo, revealed that the loss of his mother ignited his passion for art. He explained that his journey into painting was driven by grief, using it as a way to cope and find solace in his sorrow.
However, he said at first he did not start painting to build a career out of it.
“During that time, I saw that there was a possibility that I could make it into a career as people started approaching me and recommending my work,” said Taulo.
“My family was also going through a hard time financially, so I saw it fit that this could be a source of income for me to help the family; then I ventured into art as a career,” he added.
Taulo, who is also an art educator, began researching ways to bring his artwork to market. In 2018, he met veteran visual artist Peter Masina, a sculptor at the Museum of Malawi, who took on the role of his mentor.
The art educator, who is also hosting Cris Taulo's Crimson Solo Art exhibition from December 7 to December 14 at Kaliso Art Gallery in Lilongwe, said he came up with the “Crimson” theme because red colour symbolizes power, love, strength and has great impact to society.
Taulo, a Next Level Malawi 2024 certified graffiti artist is calling out for the corporate world and people with goodwill to support visual artists, saying this will inspire more visual artists in the country who think they cannot build a career out of it.
Speaking in a separate interview, Director of Kaliso Art Gallery, Evelyn Chisambiro said talented artists like Cris Taulo deserve the space to showcase their work for people to appreciate what they do.
“People can only know about artists when they put themselves out there, showcasing what they do and providing a platform like the Art Gallery is one way of promoting visual artists as well as arts in the country and even beyond for the development of Malawi,” said Chisambiro.
Chisambiro added that the exhibition will help the art industry in Malawi because this will be one way of promoting art on a global market and inspire Malawian talented visual artists to be confident enough so as to come out and sell out their works.
The event activities will include the opening night; whereby, he will showcase a short animation; workshops on painting; Sip and Paint; and on the other days he will be meeting with people who are inspired and interested to learn about art.
Call for Malawi to address women's SRH rights issues
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 30 Mana: Chairperson Parliamentary Committee on Health, Dr. Matthews Ngwale has emphasized the often-overlooked human rights abuses faced by women during pregnancy and childbirth at a regional sensitization workshop on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (ASRHR) legal frameworks held in Lilongwe on Monday.
He was speaking at a workshop organized by the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NANHRI), which aimed to enhance awareness and implementation of legal protections for women and adolescents.
“Some practices that we consider normal during pregnancy and delivery are, in fact, human rights violations. Forcing a woman to carry a pregnancy against her will is a violation of her rights. Similarly, the use of force during childbirth, such as coercively pushing a baby out, constitutes abuse,” Dr. Ngwale stated.
He further highlighted that neighboring countries like Zambia allow women access to safe abortion services, a right that remains restricted in Malawi, effectively undermining women’s reproductive rights.
Programme Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights at NANHRI, Robert Afewa, underscored the significance of protecting women’s rights under the Maputo Protocol, a key African treaty addressing violence against women.
“We are currently observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The Maputo Protocol, which Malawi has signed and ratified, advocates for safe abortion, comprehensive sexuality education, and measures to combat violence against women. Our efforts are focused on ensuring that the provisions of this protocol are implemented effectively,” Afewa said.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting access to sexual and reproductive health services as integral to achieving broader human rights and health goals.
By fostering collaboration and advocacy, NANHRI and its member institutions aim to create a more equitable legal and social environment for women and adolescents across Africa.
Where Do We Go from Here?
By Charles Nkhoma.
Lilongwe, December 2, MANA: Stepping into university is one of the greatest feelings for any secondary school student in Malawi. In a country where educational achievement is hard won, acceptance to university is seen as a true milestone.
Every year, students work tirelessly in secondary school, fueled by a dream of advancing to higher education and transforming their lives. For these young people, university symbolizes hope, opportunity, and the promise of a brighter future.
No student works hard in secondary school just to stay at home afterward. The sacrifices made by families, the long hours of study, and the dedication of teachers all center on the belief that education will lead to opportunities.
Growing up, many students look up to professionals in their communities—doctors, nurses, teachers, and journalists—as symbols of success and aspiration. These careers are not just jobs; they represent dignity, stability, and respect within society.
Mzuzu University, one of the prominent public universities in Malawi, offers a wide range of programmes that are vital for the country’s development. From education to environmental science, agriculture to information technology, the programs at Mzuzu University are designed to equip students with the skills they need to contribute to Malawi’s growth.
For every student who steps through the university’s gates, life seems to be full of possibility. They imagine careers that not only bring personal satisfaction but also contribute to the well-being of their communities and country.
However, upon graduation, many young people encounter a different reality than the one they envisioned. After leaving university, they face a job market that is challenging, often disheartening, and marked by limited opportunities.
The promise of employment that motivated them throughout their studies is not easily fulfilled. The reality on the ground is difficult to accept, and for many, it brings a feeling of disillusionment and uncertainty about the future.
Christopher Mzumara, a graduate from the Malawi University of Science and Technology, has been caught in a two-year struggle to find employment since finishing his studies. Armed with a degree and high hopes, Christopher entered the job market only to face relentless rejection and scarce opportunities.
Despite applying for countless positions and attending numerous interviews, he found himself repeatedly turned down. "I thought my education would be my ticket to success, but I didn’t expect it to be this difficult," he shared, reflecting the harsh reality many young Malawians encounter after graduation.
The lack of opportunities in his field forced Christopher to explore alternatives, such as temporary or unrelated work, but even those options were limited.
His daily routine became dominated by scanning job postings, refining his applications, and writing cover letters tailored to each prospective employer, yet the silence from recruiters was deafening. Financial pressures mounted, leaving him to rely on family support and odd gigs to make ends meet.
"It’s disheartening to see friends with connections get ahead while I’m stuck sending out CVs to no avail," Christopher lamented, highlighting the challenges of networking in a competitive job market.
Christopher’s struggles have taken a toll not only on his finances but also on his mental well-being. The initial optimism he carried after graduation has been eroded by two years of rejection, leaving him uncertain about his future.
He has begun to consider up skilling through online courses or even venturing into entrepreneurship, but both require resources he currently lacks. "I’m at a crossroads," Christopher admitted.
"I want to contribute to my community and use my education meaningfully, but I don’t know where to start." His story underscores the urgent need for systemic solutions to improve youth employment opportunities in Malawi.
Unemployment rates in Malawi remain high, and many graduates struggle to find work that matches their qualifications. While they are prepared with knowledge and skills, the job market has limited positions, especially in specialized fields.
Graduates are often forced to consider jobs outside their area of study, or even jobs that require no degree at all. For some, the frustration leads them to question the value of their education. They wonder whether the sacrifices they made and those made by their families were worthwhile if there are no opportunities waiting for them at the end.
Despite these struggles, the government has recognized the need to support its youth and help them transition from education to employment or self-employment. In recent years, various initiatives have been introduced to give young people a fighting chance in the difficult job market.
One such programme is the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), which provides loans to young people across the country.
These loans are intended to help young people start small businesses, pursue agricultural projects, and find innovative ways to create sustainable livelihoods.
Through NEEF, the government aims to empower youth to become economically self-sufficient, encouraging them to think beyond traditional employment and consider entrepreneurship as a viable path forward.
Business and agriculture have become key areas of focus in Malawi’s youth empowerment efforts. Farming, in particular, holds vast potential, as Malawi is an agricultural country with rich, fertile land. For many young people, agriculture can be a gateway to financial stability and independence. By turning to farming, they not only support themselves but also contribute to the country’s food security and economy.
Small businesses are another area where young people can make a difference. With the skills they gained in university and the support of programs like NEEF, young graduates have the opportunity to explore various forms of entrepreneurship, from agribusiness to technology and retail.
Small businesses drive local economies, create jobs, and provide services that improve the quality of life within communities. These businesses are not just economic ventures; they are a means of uplifting families and fostering resilience.
Communication Specialist at NEEF, Elizabeth Hara emphasized the role of youth in driving change.
“Malawi’s future lies in the hands of its young people,” she said. “We need to encourage them to look beyond the traditional job market and see themselves as creators of opportunity. Programs like NEEF are here to support them, but the initiative, vision, and determination must come from within.”
Several young graduates have already begun to find success through entrepreneurship, thanks to the support of NEEF and similar initiatives. These stories serve as powerful examples of what is possible when young people are given the tools they need to create their own paths.
For instance, Chawanangwa Mbalo, a recent Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources graduate, used a NEEF loan to start a small poultry business. Initially, Chawanangwa was skeptical about the viability of farming as a career, but after facing months of unemployment, he decided to take a chance. Today, his business is not only sustaining him but is also creating jobs in his community.
The question "Where do we go from here?" is one that every graduate in Malawi faces as they step into the world beyond university. While the journey may be challenging, there is hope and opportunity for those willing to embrace change, learn new skills, and think outside the traditional paths. Programmes like NEEF and the stories of young entrepreneurs serve as beacons of possibility, showing that even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to rise and thrive.
Black Missionaries celebrates 2024 annual memorial ceremony of Evison Matafale
By Mirrium Fumulani
Balaka, December 1, MANA: As the year draws close to an end, Black Missionaries Band organized its annual memorial ceremony of late Evison Matafale, a talented musician who passed away in 2001.
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of his untimely death, and the Black Missionaries has continued their cherished tradition of holding a memorial ceremony to celebrate a life well lived of their fallen hero.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, Black Missionaries group leader Anjiru Fumulani, said every year they come together to remember late Evison Matafale who is the founder of the black Missionaries group, not just for the music he created, but for the joy he brought into their lives.
“This ceremony is a way for us to keep his spirit alive and to share his love for music with others,” said Anjiru Fumulani.
This event is celebrated on 27 November which is the day that late Evison Matafale died but the memorial ceremony has been shifted to 1 December, so that a lot of people attend as it is a weekend.
"As we are celebrating the life of Evison Matafale, we also remembered our family members who were also part of The Black Missionaries, late Musamude Fumulani and late Gift Fumulani.
“We always feel loved and supported by our fans for many people travel from far to participate in the event, which has become a poignant reminder of the impact late Evison Matafale had on their lives and the Malawi music industry.
On his part, Chizondi Fumulani, who is also a member of the famous Black Missionaries Band, thanked the Malawi nation for the love the band receives since the demise of their father and founder.
“This event is not a small event to us like the show events we always have; it’s about celebrating the life he lived and the music he shared and we will ensure that his legacy continues to inspire others, just as it inspires us,” he said.
The ceremony took place in Blantyre Chileka at Civil ground where well-known artists like Black Missionaries, Antony Makondetsa, Phyzix and Malinga celebrated with them and sang as part of the celebration.
VP Usi donates fertilizer, maize seed to elderly in Phalombe
By Linda likomwa
Phalombe December 1, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Machael Usi has donated fertilizer and maize seed to the elderly in Phalombe district.
Speaking during the donation at Paramount Chief Kaduya Headquarters on Sunday, Usi said he wanted to share the seed and fertilizer with the elderly in their fields, but since some of them cannot work in their fields that was why they gathered at the headquarters to do the donation and encouraged others to do the same to the less privileged.
Usi said he was doing all this in the spirit of promoting a culture of sharing and contributing to the country’s efforts to realize food security at the household level.
"I think if all of us can share whatever little with others, we can make a huge difference. This approach would also go a long way in contributing to national food security," Usi added.
On her part, Paramount Chief Kaduya thanked Usi for the donation, saying the farm inputs would assist the elderly to harvest and be food sufficient in their homes.
“Not all elderly people are on social cash transfer, so the seed and fertilizer would help them to produce more and have enough food to feed themselves'" she said, urging more well-wishers to come and assist those in need to end hunger in the district.
One of the beneficiaries, Fibbe Yona from Matephwe Village expressed joy with the donation, saying the elderly are most often excluded from various social protection programmes.
She, however, thanked the government through the office of the Vice President for considering the elderly.
Yona appealed Usi to extend the donation to other elderly persons in the country.
The Vice President later interacted with vendors at Migowi Market.
