MANAonline
Poor targeting issues dent safety net programmes
By Robert Katuli
Lilongwe, February 27, Mana: A study conducted by Mwapata Institute has shown that more non-poor households in the country benefit more from social safety net programmes than the deserving poor households.
This was disclosed Monday in Lilongwe during a media briefing which Mwapata Institute organized on social protection programmes and climate resilience in Malawi.
In an interview, Research Director for Mwapata Institute, Professor Levison Chiwaula, said the Institute conducted the study after observing that the country has been experiencing multiple shocks over the past years.
“We wanted to know how resilient are the households; how are they able to take care of themselves in such a situation of shocks and risks.
“One thing we noted is that the households that were in, for example, social safety net programmes, when hit with the shocks, these households most of the times were able to come back to their normal life levels so quickly than those households not on social protection programmes,” said Chiwaula.
He added that although the program may have been effective in making sure households are cushioned from shocks and risks, the poor targeting issues need to be addressed, as, apart from the concern about non-poor households benefiting at the expense of poor households, some also benefited from more than one safety net programme.
“There is lack of coordination when it comes to post-disaster response. Different agencies implement different programmes; at the end you find that some individuals receive more support, and others don't.
“We noted that some households receive multiple social protection programmes while others don't receive any even though they qualify to be supported,” Chiwaula explained.
In addition to the targeting issues, the study also recommends that the amount of money in programmes such as cash transfers should be increased in order to increase the benefits.
Chiwaula, therefore, thanked government for its intention to increase the amount of money provided through cash transfers, saying this will help a lot.
In his presentation, Mwapata Institute Research Fellow, Dr Anderson Gondwe, concurred with Chiwaula, saying there is need to strengthen the social protection programmes, which have proved crucial in supporting households during disasters.
He said households’ food security and resilience capacity have improved with the safety net programmes, adding that cash transfers, among other initiatives, have had a positive impact on resilience and food consumption status.
Apart from cash transfers, other social safety nets the study focused on include food/cash for work initiative, school feeding programme, and supplementary feeding programme, just to mention a few.
Mwapata Institute, an agricultural policy think-tank, conducted the study between 2010 and 2020, with support from the Irish Embassy.
Parliamentary aspirant leads businesspersons in a clean up exercise
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, February 26, Mana: Shadow Member of Parliament (MP) for Mchinji West Constituency, Dr John Paul, has called upon Mchinji citizens, especially those conducting their businesses in the main market, to always observe hygiene as a way of keeping the district clean.
The call was made during a clean-up exercise introduced by the shadow MP which partly serves as a continuation of the clean-up exercise that President Lazarus Chakwera launched in the country.
“Introducing this clean-up exercise is one way of reminding people that no one will come to take care of our surroundings except us; thus there is need to take ownership and responsibility by making sure we are living in a hygienic environment,” he explained.
He stated that people need to take extra care because the district is close to Zambia which is battling Cholera at the moment and leaving garbage in the streets without properly disposing it exposes people to such diseases.
Chairperson for Mchinji Market, Petulo Njolomole, said this exercise will help keep their business places clean and attractive to customers.
“We appreciate this exercise because not only will it help keep our surrounding clean but also help us understand the role of taking ownership and taking responsibility in handling hygiene issues in the market,” said Njolomole.
Njolomole appreciated Paul for providing them with 20 bins stating that these will be placed in the right places.
He, therefore, urged people to use them and not litter anyhow.
The clean-up exercise will take place around Mchinji market for not less than five days and some of the youths from Traditional Authority Nyoka, Zulu and Mlonyeni have joined the exercise.
Government urges collaborative efforts in tree management
By Golden Kang’oma
Salima, February 26, Mana: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has called for collaborative efforts by different stakeholders in making sure that trees planted during the National Forestry Season survive and conservation initiatives put in place.
Kamtukule made the call on Monday during a tree planting exercise at Maganga Tourism Public Beach and Integrated Resort in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Maganga in Salima.
She said authorities should not plant trees just to tick a box but to make sure that all the planted trees are taken care of and its purpose fulfilled.
“Mostly when trees are planted we divert our attention to some other things instead of the planted trees. What we want is to take responsibility of ensuring that all trees planted survive,” said Kamtukule.
Kamtukule disclosed that her ministry plans to plant 10,000 trees at the resort which requires support from different stakeholders.
“The ministry alone cannot achieve this without stakeholders. It is my plea that we should all take charge and full responsibility of the trees we are planting,” she said.
District Commissioner for Salima, James Mwenda, said the tree planting exercise will change the landscape of the resort as well as help in climate smart initiatives.
“As a district council, we are excited with the initiative as it will go a long way in conserving the environment and marking the territories of the resort,” he said.
Mwenda said it is exciting that youth are actively involved in the exercise which highlights sustainability and a good succession plan.
TA Maganga said she will ensure that the planted trees are well taken care of, and more are planted.
Nyambadwe United reaches out to people with relief food
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, February 26, Mana; Nyambadwe United Football Club has distributed assorted food items worth K1.3 million to about 100 households in Traditional Authority (TA) Nkanda in Mulanje whose food supplies were affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
In an interview, Nyambadwe United Football Club Director, Tony Fletcher, said the team decided to reach out to the affected households with maize flour, beans, cooking oil, sugar, soya and tablets of soap after an appeal from Pastor Brian Chisale of Evangelical Church from Nkanda area who felt the need for urgent relief food.
Recently the Division 1, Nyambadwe United distributed 5,000 note books to needy learners at Nyambadwe Primary and Community Day Secondary School.
One of the beneficiaries at Nkanda area, Alex Manda was grateful for the assistance.
“I had nothing to eat in my house; it was difficult for me to feed my children who mostly fail to go to school due to hunger. This assistance has come at a right time,” said Manda.
Each household received one bag of maize flour weighing 25 kilogrammes, a bottle of cooking oil, a packet of sugar and beans among others items.
Chakwera impressed with bible school’s integrated curriculum
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, February 26, Mana: Malawi Assemblies of God pastor, Nickie Chakwera, has hailed International New Creation (INC) Bible School for including vocational skills on its curriculum saying, while it is a biblical right for men and women of the pulpit to "eat from the church", it doesn't stop them from having a side occupation.
Chakwera made the remarks on Saturday in Lilongwe when he presided over the graduation of at least 16 pastors who have undergone a three-year training in theological studies and vocational skills at the Lilongwe based bible school, which was founded by a U.S missionary, Lucas House.
Chakwera said by including vocational skills on its curriculum, the bible school has positioned itself way ahead of the rest of the theological colleges in Malawi that are yet to consider taking vocational skills on board.
He said it is a commendable practice for a minister of the Word of God to be economically independent through the works of their hands, quoting the book of Acts 20:34.
Chakwera said: “Theologically, it is important: when you look at the men of God in the bible, they were productive. For instance, Apostle Paul was a tent maker and he said ‘with my own hands I have worked and I have produced for my own needs and the needs of my team’ – that sets a good example.
“Practically, it is also important: even though pastors have a biblical right to be supported materially by those that they feed spiritually, it gives the pastor much more freedom when they can produce and make their own money as well and support themselves, and the work of God.”
He noted that, already, there are a number of pastors in the country who use their own money to run the church because they are able to produce for themselves.
NIC Bible School Director, Pastor Lucas House, concurred with Chakwera, saying the theological institution’s teachings are modeled after Apostle Paul’s life.
House said he founded INC Bible School to fulfill God’s call to train pastors who are ministering in rural areas where congregants may not be able to give full support.
“We want to train those pastors so that they can support themselves, and also to teach them that it’s okay for pastors to do something else for a living, other than relying on the church,” said House.
INC Bible School opened in 2019 in Lilongwe, Malawi, and the Class of 2024 has graduated four pastors with certificates and 12 pastors with diplomas.
One of the diploma graduates, Madalitso Zakaria, of Malawi Assemblies of God in Nkanda, Mchinji, could not hide his excitement, saying “it has always been God”.
“I’m very happy that I have finally graduated after COVID-19 posed as a big threat to the future of our studies, let alone our lives,” said Zakaria.
Priest challenges catholic men to be ‘evangelists’
By Arnold Namanja
Blantyre, February 26, Mana; Catholic Men Association (CMA) formerly Catholic Men Organization at Saints Peter and Paul (Chilobwe) Parish under the Archdiocese of Blantyre have been challenged to remain active participants in the evangelization and growth of the church.
Fr. George Chatsira of Pius V11 Seminary in Nguludi gave the challenge on Saturday when he conducted a Lenten season recollection for the CMA at the parish under the theme; ‘Encountering World Beasts and Angels,’ drawn from Mark 1 verse 13.
Chatsira observed that men have a huge responsibility in the church because of their physical as well as social status which puts them in a better position to be evangelists and help the church grow both in numbers and in faith.
“Catholic men are being called upon to preach the word of God and be torch bearers in the world by living an exemplary life as set by Joseph who was very courageous in raising Christ despite facing all sorts of apprehension,” Fr. Chatsira said.
He said world beasts in the scripture represented the many challenges people encounter in their day to day life while the angels stand for the protection that people get from worldly dangers.
“It is important to appreciate that Christ understands our worldly challenges because he himself was also put to the test by Satan when he was in the desert to pray. God does not forsake anyone despite our inequities,” Chatsira said.
Fr. Chatsira encouraged catholic faithful to propagate the message of hope during the Lenten season adding that whatever gifts Christians receive from God were supposed to transcend to others less privileged since as beneficiaries ‘we were only a means to reach out to others.’
He encouraged Christians to embrace three pillars of Lenten season which include; fasting, almsgiving and steadfast prayer in order for this year’s season to be significant.
On a different note, Fr. Chatsira advised the CMA to take an active role in environmental management, noting that climate change was real as manifested by cyclones and drought experienced during this year’s rainy season.
“In the past, deforestation and global warming were things that were very distant to us and we thought it is only a concern for western countries. However, we have now started feeling the effects of climate change which calls for our vigilance in conserving the environment by planting more trees,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the parish executive CMA, Innocent Namwiri, commended the pastoral team at the parish for considering spiritual retreats as one way of reviving congregants’ connection with God.
Namwiri observed that the spiritual recollections were important since they are seasonal-oriented, citing the previous one held in December during Advent in anticipation of Christmas and in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
He, therefore, thanked Fr. Chatsira for moderating the retreat despite his busy schedules at the seminary. Namawiri also commended the CMA members for dedicating their time to the event.
According to Patrick Magombo, Chilobwe Parish catechist, the retreat was aimed at deepening the spiritual connection among the faithful in anticipation of Easter.
Magombo disclosed that the parish has organized a number of retreats for various associations in the church such as the choir council, catholic women association and the youth considering each one of them has its own roles and responsibilities in the church.
As Christians, Catholics in particular, entered the third week of Lent which is solemn Christian religious observance in the liturgical year commemorating 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness and enduring temptation by Satan.
Maskal, Malinga to perform under Chitoliro Concept
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, February 26, Mana: In a rise combination of Afro-R&B singer “Udalire” hit maker, Maskal, and multi-award-winning dancehall artist, Malinga Mafia, will perform at Mibawa Multipurpose Hall in Blantyre on March 2 in a show dubbed ‘Chitoliro Concert’.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Sunday, Chitoliro Executive Director, Ken Zizwa, said the show will bring in many value additions to the music industry.
He added that the show will be a farewell celebration of Maskal as this will be his last performance before returning to the United States of America.
“The show will elevate dancehall genre in Malawi and will bring two of its special talents in Malawi. Let people come in large numbers because we are well prepared to give the best entertainment,” said Zizwa.
He disclosed that all artists have prepared intensely for the show which will be live on Mibawa Television to allow audience across the country to enjoy the show.
Chitoliro Concert, a relatively new creative concept in the music and entertainment industry in the country, is the first series of concerts from Chitoliro Productionz this year.
The concert is a collaboration between Chitoliro Productionz and Mibawa Television with support from WS Bet, a leading betting company in Malawi.
In separate interview, Malinga Mafia, confirmed the performance saying being the first time this year to perform in Blantyre, he was expecting music and entertainment lovers to patronize the show in large numbers.
“I can’t wait to see you people in Blantyre on March 2. I will remind music lovers of good old days on stage with Maskal and l will perform with energy,” said Malinga.
One of Afro R&B lover, Jane Ndovi, is looking forward to see a brilliant and energetic performance saying Maskal and Malinga combination was a rare stage performance.
“I am expecting that Maskal and Malinga Mafia will do an energetic performance. I can say the combination will be brilliant and I hope we will get full pack entertainment,” she said.
NICE calls for a vibrant CSO
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, February 25, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has challenged Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in Salima to be vigilant in providing checks and balances to the district council as one way of enhancing transparency and accountability.
The call was made Friday during the Salima District CSOs monthly meeting organized by NICE Trust through Boma Lathu, a European Union funded programme.
NICE Trust District Civic Education Officer, Queen Mataya, underscored the need to have an active CSO network that will speak for the marginalized saying the majority of the community are not involved in decision making processes.
She appealed to CSOs to take extra steps to ensure that they follow and are up to date with council decisions and processes such as budget consultations, procurement and contract awarding.
"There are some decisions that district councils make that directly affect citizens; it is such decisions that have to be keenly followed and where they observe an error they should voice out their concerns," she said.
She, therefore, said for efficient service delivery, there has to be a good working relationship between the council and CSO network at all times.
Salima CSO Network Chairperson, Paul Duncan, said it is their duty and responsibility to ensure that the district council is held accountable.
"Monitoring that resources are channeled towards development and for the betterment of people's livelihoods should be prioritized. If we fail in our duty of serving people of Salima then we need to re-strategies our plans," he said.
He complained that CSOs are not involved in procurement issues, bid opening and contract awarding hence called for their involvement in such important processes.
Salima District Council Chief Planning Officer, Lonia Mwiyeriwa, said for the council to achieve maximum efficiency CSOs have to be involved in most decisions made by the council.
"As advocates, on behalf of the government, they assist us in various areas such as policy change and raising awareness. They are also our source of information and communication with the community.
To complement government’s plans outlined in the Malawi 2063, NICE Trust is implementing Boma Lathu with funding from European Union to address democratic and governance issues.
K7.6 billion Nyika water project ready by June
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, February 25, Mana: Contractor for Nyika Water Project, which will tap water from Runyina River in Nyika National Park and distribute to communities around Nyika/Vyaza conservation area, says the project will be ready by June, 2024.
Regional Manager for the contractor, HE Jackson Engineering, Timothy Bertrand, said this during a joint monitoring visit by Department of Parks and Wildlife and Rumphi District Council officials on Friday.
Bertrand said there has been some delays in the project due to importation challenges which has seen some pipes for the project stuck at Dar es Saalam Port for a month because the port was too busy to clear them.
He said, once completed, the project will be able to provide water to at least 18,000 people in 2024 and up to 33,000 by 2044.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu, said the project is one of the major water projects being implemented in the district by Malawi Government and its development partners.
He was optimistic that access to water will significantly improve in the targeted areas.
"We cannot talk of achieving the Malawi 2063 aspirations of becoming a self-reliant wealthy nation without water provision. These are the projects that will take us there. This will provide portable water for our people.
"We also had many Cholera cases around Kamphenda, Lusani, Mwazisi and Kazuni due to lack of access to clean and portable water. That will soon be a thing of the past," he said.
Principal Parks and Wildlife Officer in the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Catherine Chunga, was impressed with the quality of works and was optimistic the project will be completed within the revised timeframe.
Senior Chief Mpherembe of Mzimba, whose area will also benefit from the project, said people in the targeted areas were struggling to access clean and portable water, with some using untreated water from Rukuru River, increasing health risks such as Cholera outbreaks.
The US$4.5 million (approximately K7.6 billion) project, which is funded by the Republic of Germany through KFW and is managed by Peace Parks Foundation, was launched by Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule in April 2023, was initially expected to be completed by March, 2024.
Government launches food distribution exercise in Dowa
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, February 25, Mana: Government, through the Department of Disaster Management (DoDMA) on Saturday started distribution of maize flour assistance to 132,000 people in Dowa with a call for the country to do away with dependence on rain fed agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, made the remarks in Traditional Authority (TA) Msakambewa when he launched the exercise which aims to cushion persons facing food shortages from hunger during this year’s lean season.
The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) 2023 annual report projected over 4.4 million people to be food insecure during the 2023/2024 consumption year and recommended provision of food assistance to the affected population in 28 districts and four cities of the country.
Kawale said in response, government, through DoDMA and in collaboration with humanitarian partners, facilitated the development of the 2023/2024 LS-FIRP to mobilize resources and effectively coordinate the humanitarian programme to address needs of the people facing food insecurity.
“As the state president said, he will not let anyone die of hunger. As such we are commencing this exercise here in Dowa to reach out to the affected,” he said.
He said it is high time the country started relying hugely on irrigation agriculture.
Kawale said government is, for this reason, allocating a lot of resources towards the development of irrigation farming to, amongst other things, resuscitate irrigation schemes and create new ones.
“We also want you to start irrigation farming in areas where there is water and moisture all year round so that you may also be able to harvest two or three times a year. As government, we are evaluating on how best to help you on this,” he said.
DoDMA Director of Preparedness and Response, Reverend Moses Chimphepo, said around 29,333 households translating to around 132,000 people have been affected in Dowa.
“Beneficiaries are receiving a 50 kilogramme bag of maize flour. As a department, will make sure we reach out to everyone who is at risk of food shortage,” he said.
Chairperson for Dowa District Council, Mayamiko Kambewa, thanked government and all implementing partners for the timely intervention for those facing hunger in the district.
Group Village Head Thotho said, as traditional leaders in the district, they are ready to dedicate land to irrigation-based initiatives.
