MANAonline
Elderly people in Rumphi tout social cash transfer program
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, April 8, Mana: Elderly people in Rumphi say social cash transfer programme (SCTP) has offered them a chance to live dignified lives and has rescued them from abject poverty.
In an interview on Friday one of the beneficiaries, Dorica Gondwe, 67, from Chikalamba Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Chikulamayembe said the monthly payments help her meet some of her daily needs such as food.
"I started benefiting from the programme in 2018 and since then my life has changed for the better. I have built a house and roofed it with iron sheets.
"In addition to that we are encouraged to join village savings and loans (VSL) groups where we save and also lend each other money for business. Through such groups I have managed access loans for my tomato business which is also doing well," she said
Gondwe added that through savings she makes at her VSL group, she is able to buy fertilizer for her farm and harvest enough for her household’s consumption.
Another beneficiary, Wyness Nyirenda, 86, from Kanyunya village in the same area says due to her advanced age she struggled to feed and buy clothes for herself since her husband died.
She said with SCTP, she can fend for herself and is able to buy fertilizers, hire labourers to work on her farm and has also bought livestock including pigs and goats which have improved her welfare.
On her part, Merciina Ng'oma, 74 from Thuzi village in the area says through the program, she has bought herself a blanket to keep warm at night.
District Social Welfare Officer for Rumphi, Zindaba Lungu says many beneficiaries in the district have been able to build good houses and also own livestock using the money they receive.
Lungu added that finance management skills the beneficiaries acquire from VSLs, through the programme, has brought them success in savings and investments.
SCT is a Malawi Government’s safety net programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP) funded by a Multi Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.
Mhone and others dump PP to join MCP
By Chisomo Kambandanga
NKhata Bay, April 8, Mana: Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Raphael Mhone has joined the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), dumping the Peoples Party (PP).
MCP Director of Strategy and Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma officially welcomed Mhone together with several members from PP at district and constituency level during a political rally in the district on Sunday.
At the rally, Ng'oma said development policies that MCP was implementing on the ground was what was attracting people to leave their parties and join it.
"In my view, people are joining MCP everyday because of development strategies that we are implementing. You know President Dr Lazurus Chakwera is dwelling on development, he is making sure that Malawi develops in all districts.
“The K200 million which every MP is accessing as Constituency Development Fund is spearheading development across the country. Those policies are making Chakwera popular and wherever you go, everyone wants to be part of the president’s development plan," he said.
Ng’oma said MCP’s victory in recent Karonga by-elections was a testament that people are appreciating development projects MCP led Tonse Alliance government was implementing in the country.
"Remember people were saying bad things about MCP on social media, however, we won all seats in the recent by-elections conducted in Karonga.
“You cannot use social media to influence a person who has no gadgets for accessing social media platforms. MCP is on the grassroots not on the social media," he said.
The Director said as strategist for MCP, he would make sure that Nkhata Bay should have more than three MCP MPs in the next general elections.
MCP Northern Region Chairperson, Julius Chavula said the party adheres to open door policy and will follow “meaningful and practical democracy” in its primaries for the constituency where Mhone was likely to battle it out with Ian Lyton Kaunda.
In his remarks, Mhone said he has joined MCP following advice from his supporters across the constituency.
Karonga United take derby bragging rights after narrow win over Baka City
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 8, Mana: Karonga United FC defeated Baka City 1-0 on Sunday to earn the Paramount Chief Kyungu derby bragging rights.
Rookie Blessings Mwalilino scored the winning goal in the second half of the match played at Karonga Stadium.
Mwalilino's heroics also earned him man of the match award in the TNM Super league first game for both teams in the 2024/25 season.
The first half ended 0-0 with nothing much to write about however, in the second half, Mwalilino who was playing his first Superleague game put the ball in the back of the net in the 65th minute, following an assist from Allen Chihana.
Karonga United FC talisman Ellie Kayombo also had sight of goal for the Ingwina Shaku Karonga when they won the ball high up the pitch but his right footed effort struck the crossbar.
After the final whistle, Karonga United's Head Coach, Trevor Kajawa, described the match as an even contest.
"Our team is a mixture of young and experienced players and fans should have patience. We will be bringing in good results. I believe the team is in good shape and the spirit is there among the boys to deliver," Kajawa said.
Baka City's Assistant Coach, Davie Muyombe decried lack of clearances for some of his players who were not used in the derby as having disrupted his game plan.
"We signed some players but we are yet to get clearances from their clubs. That is why we did not use them but I am sure once they are cleared, then we will have a strong side and we will be winning games," Muyombe said.
On his part, Superleague of Malawi (SULOM) executive member, Henry Banda said the league has started on a good note without any violent incidents.
Creck Sporting on top
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: New kids on block in the TNM Super League, Creck Sporting club has moved to the summit of the league with a 3-1 win in their maiden game against Mighty Tigers in Lilongwe.
The Lilongwe based outfit had to dislodged, leaders Silver Strikers on goal difference after the Central Bankers had recorded a 2-0 win over Chitipa United at Silver stadium on Saturday.
It is not surprising that the new kids have started on high note owing to the fact that they are not being coached by former Chitipa United mentor, Mc Donald Mtetemera who helped his team to finish fourth on the log table.
Creck scored through Haji Wali, Dalitso Nahipa and Babaginda while Tigers replied through Msambero Kalua.
Another new comer, FOMO humbled last season’s much improved team, Bangwe All Stars with a 1-0 beating through Hassan Luwembe’s 76th minute cracker.
Both Creck and FOMO have a task ahead of them to make sure that they continue collecting maximum points in order to finish the season on better positions and avoid relegation battles.
The third debutant of the league, Baka City suffered a setback after they were beaten by rivals, Karonga United 1-0 which was scored by Blessings Mwalilino.
They have taken off on a bad start, but still have opportunity to recollect their situation in their next fixtures.
Back City is now being coached by Davie Miyombe after sudden departure of their head coach, Oscar Kaunda who is reported to have joined Karonga United as an assistant coach.
However, 2023 TNM defending Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets had a tough weekend in Dedza where they were forced to a 1-1 draw against Dedza Dynamos.
Bullets striker, Ephraim Kondowe put his team a head in the 38th minute. while Dedza’s Promised Kamwendo cancelled the lead in the 65th minute.
Bullets continue their record of not losing games during the opening of the season, but still struggled to record a win against Dedza Dynamos at their backyard.
Mighty Mukuru Wanderers on Sunday shared spoils with Kamuzu Barracks (KB) when they settled for a 1-1 draw at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Wanderers took the lead through Christopher Kumwembe in the 29th minute while KB equalized in the 72nd minute through Zeliati Nkhoma.
The other teams that have won their first games are Moyale 2 Mafco 1, Mzuzu City Hammerers 1- Civil Service United 0.
Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls — emerging giant in the woods
By Kondwani Magombo
Lilongwe, April 8, Mana: It is majestically taking shape on 3.271 hectares of land on the courtyards of the historical Lilongwe Golf Course, promising the elegance that many a guest, world over, would be contented with.
The K88.8 billion (US$52.8 million) Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls is Blantyre Hotels plc (BHL) project, signaling the expansion of the company's portfolio of hotels beyond Protea Ryalls Hotel in Blantyre to the capital city, Lilongwe.
The new hotel is being developed to 4-star grade and it will, among others, boast 180 rooms, conferencing facilities with a capacity to hold up to 350 participants, and a health & fitness complex that will incorporate a spa and gym facilities.
To seal the mark of excellency, when completed, a globally known luxury hotel management company, Marriott International, will be operating the hotel under the banner, Protea Hotel by Marriott, according to BHL General Manager, Farrukh Maqbool.
“Marriott International is a globally recognized hotel brand known for its high standards of service and quality,” explains Maqbool through a questionnaire. “Operating under the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand will help the new hotel establish credibility and attract guests who are familiar with, and trust, the Marriott name.”
Maqbool describes Protea Hotel by Marriott as one of the 31 brands offered by Marriott International, adding that the Marriott Loyalty programme, BONVOY, which has recently hit a membership of over 200 million globally, is an award winning loyalty programme where members enjoy exclusive rates, and unlimited travel possibilities.
The BHL General Manager also believes that, as part of the Marriott International network, the hotel will benefit from a global distribution system, making it easier to reach potential guests around the world, and drive bookings.
“Overall, operating under the Protea Hotel by Marriott brand is likely to bring significant value to the new hotel, helping it establish a strong presence in Lilongwe's hospitality market and attract a loyal customer base,” Maqbool sums it up.
According to the BHL general Manager, the expansion to Lilongwe has been influenced by market demand for a high-end international hotel in the city; the desire to fulfill the company's strategic expansion plan to increase its footprint in key markets; and the urge to contribute to the economic growth and development of the city, among other factors.
BHL is not a sole player in the project. Other investors include ICON Properties plc (a subsidiary of NICO Holdings plc), Public Service Pension Trust Fund, SUCOMA Group Pension Scheme, Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company Limited Pension Fund, and Associated Pension Trust Limited.
The investors are developing the hotel building through the project company, Oasis Hospitality Limited, according to NICO Holdings Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vizenge Kumwenda.
As a shareholding entity in the project, NICO Holdings marvels at the so many opportunities that the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls avails both at development and operation stages.
“On average, the project has this far maintained an employment number of 350 people for the past 14 months in the first phase, and this number is expected to double in the second phase,” explains Kumwenda.
He adds: “Beyond the construction workers, the project is also providing employment to local contractors, landscapers, foremen, electricians, plumbers, masons, welders, architects, interior designers, attorneys, engineers, suppliers, hardware store workers, etc.”
Kumwenda further observes that the project has provided artisans an opportunity to practice skills acquired at technical and vocational schools on a professionally managed site.
At operational stage, the CEO also observes that the hotel will provide permanent employment to both skilled and no skilled labour, thus contributing to job creation in the country where unemployment is high.
The Lilongwe Golf Course site is another factor that makes the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls a giant to reckon with in the tourism industry.
“The site has a strong golfing legacy,” observes Kumwenda. “The Lilongwe Golf Course is the only 18-hole PGA rated golf course in the country, with well-kept fairways and greens framed by century old trees.
“The hotel will transform the landscape of the city. The concept pulls the landscape into the building to connect the interior to the natural surroundings. The facilities of the hotel are centred around landscaped courtyards and create a peaceful environment for relaxation and leisure activities.”
Kumwenda also views the emerging hotel as a huge contribution to the development and growth of the tourism industry in Malawi, a view also strongly held by the Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, and the Lilongwe City Council, through its publicist, Tamara Chafunya.
Kantukule describes the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls as a positive development that will address the limited high-end accommodation options in Lilongwe, providing more variety, and attracting a wider range of tourists to the city.
The minister also envisages more benefits beyond just quality hospitality services, as the hotel will stimulate a chain of economic activities around it through related sectors such as transportation and souvenir shops, which will attract more tourists, bringing in foreign currency while boosting government revenue through taxes.
“In addition, the new hotel's positive impact extends beyond economic benefits: its association with a respected brand, Marriott International, could elevate Malawi's image as a refined tourist destination, attracting new high-spending visitors and fostering the hospitality industry's growth,” says the minister.
Similarly, Chafunya says the Lilongwe City Council finds pride in the hotel project as “it will raise the bar in a number of aspects.”
She observes that, with its location, the Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls will offer patrons a choice of where to go to for high quality services if the city Centre might not be a site of their preference.
Chafunya adds that the theme facility (golf course) also offers befitting destination for international visitors during international tournaments should the course qualify for such events.
“Competition is good as it breeds improvement in not only quality of infrastructure, but also the services that are offered within the city,” she says.
“Such high quality infrastructure has a potential to stimulate urban renewal process in the area and the city as a whole, as those with old, dilapidated or compromised infrastructure may feel left out in attracting patronage of similar standards that would prefer high quality infrastructure, coupled with good service, which we believe Marriott will bring — given their international track record.”
According to Chafunya, the city council aims to work with the investors and support them appropriately as part of providing an enabling environment for such businesses to thrive.
The hotel project at the Lilongwe Golf Club has not missed the attention of the National Planning Commission (NPC), which has since described the emerging infrastructure as a development in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision.
According to the Commission's spokesperson Thomson Khanje, the project supports the development of tourism as one of the strategic sectors of the country for the creation of jobs, generation of government revenue through taxes, as well as for earning of foreign exchange for the country through tourist inflows.
“The project falls under Malawi 2063 — Pillar III, which is Urbanization, with tourism as a key focus area,” explains Khanje, adding: “It also supports the realization of the Malawi 2063 Enabler 3 on Private Sector Dynamism since the project has been championed by the private sector, which is expected to lead the wealth creation agenda of the Malawi 2063.”
Khanje further notes that the hotel project will enhance the functionality of the Lilongwe Golf Club as one stop leisure resort within the city of Lilongwe, encompassing golf, food and beverages services, as well as lodging.
The new Protea Hotel Lilongwe Ryalls, under the Protea Hotel by Marriott banner will, undoubtedly, rake in the much needed forex, if what is contained in BHL’s concept for the new Lilongwe project is anything to go by.
The concept notes that “BHL has historically earned 55.4 percent of its accommodation revenue in foreign currency over the past eight years, enabling it to partially offset rising costs triggered by local currency depreciation.”
Government lauded for housing people with albinism
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, April 7, Mana: Senior Group Village Head (GVH) Nsundu from the area of Senior Chief Malanda in Nkhata Bay has applauded government for its continued support to people with albinism.
He said this on Friday during a contractor handover ceremony to Chikhumbi Village to start construction of a K43 million house for the family of Julius Longwe who has two children with albinism.
GVH Nsundu said: "We are very excited to see the contractor on the ground to commence construction works for the house which will ensure maximum security to the children, once completed.”
He urged community members to render their support to the contractor where necessary and advised the contractor to construct a secure house in tandem with standards set by government.
In his remarks, Longwe said the house will be a sigh of relief to his family which he said sleeps in constant fear of possible attacks from assailants, targeting his two children with albinism.
Rural Housing Desk Officer for Nkhata Bay, Owen Chikoti, said the house, replete with a sitting room, three bedrooms, a backyard, kitchen, bathroom, toilet and enclosed in a fence, was expected to be completed within two months.
"Through the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Community Development, government identified households that have people with albinism from different districts and for Nkhata Bay, five households were identified.
“This is the second house to be constructed in the district as the first one was constructed in the area of Traditional Authority Kabunduli," Chikoti said.
Selemunthu Construction Company Managing Director Gospel Selemani promised to do quality work within the agreed period.
The houses are being constructed by government through the Department of Housing in the Ministry of Lands in collaboration with the Department of Disability and Elderly Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Community Development.
ESCOM says vandalism fueling power outages in Chitipa
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, April 7, Mana: Chief Operations Officer for Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), Maxwell Mulimakwenda, says lack of maintenance on the 33 KV line from Karonga to Chitipa and rampant vandalism of electricity supply equipment are some of the major causes of frequent power outages in Chitipa District.
Mulimakwenda said this on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting, where ESCOM officials were explaining the reasons behind the frequent blackouts in the district.
“Scrap metal industry is fueling vandalism of our electricity supply equipment. From December last year to March this year, we have lost electricity equipment worth K14 million in Chitipa alone.
“There is need for the government to speed up with regulating the industry as one way of reducing the malpractice,” Mulimakwenda said.
He however said efforts are being made to solve the problem of frequent power cuts in the district with short, medium and long term solutions.
Mulimakwenda said ESCOM is going to intensify maintenance on the Karonga-Chitipa power line by erecting new poles to replace the current ones which he said were rotten.
He disclosed that ESCOM has entered into a framework agreement with Rapidly Malawi Limited to supply wooden poles to the electricity utility body.
“With the framework agreement, we hope to intensify maintenance works of replacing rotten poles with new wooden poles and Karonga-Chitipa power line will be a priority because of its uniqueness as it is the only power line supplying electricity to Chitipa,” he said.
He also said that another solution is to create a second supply line to Chitipa through Rumphi because ESCOM has got 150 km line from Chitipa-Nthalire and there is also another supply from Bwengu to somewhere in Nyika.
Chairperson for Civil Society Organizations in Chitipa, Patrick Ziba, thanked ESCOM management for coming to explain to Chitipa residents on frequent power outages and expressed hope that the corporation will implement what it has promised.
Stakeholders call for more awareness about autism
By Tracy Mtegha
Mzuzu, April 7, Mana: The country on Saturday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Autism Awareness Day, with stakeholders calling for concerted efforts in raising awareness about autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually recognized from early childhood.
Speaking during the commemoration that was held in Mzuzu, a concerned parent, Lydia Kamuyanga, said many parents who have children living with the condition are not able to offer them necessary support due to their lack of knowledge about it.
She lamented that some of the parents are keeping autistic children indoors which she said is dangerous as it further retards their development.
“Every parent needs to provide essential care to children with autism and allow them access to special needs education.
“As a parent with an autistic child, I am dedicated to raising awareness about it. If more people are aware about autism and other developmental disorders, we can begin to break down the misunderstandings and stigma that surround the condition,” said Kamuyanga.
Clinical psychologist for St John of God Hospital, Frank Magagula, said that awareness is key to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for people with autism.
“Let us work together in creating a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone, and we should continue coming together to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this condition,” Magagula said.
Director of Hope view Resource Centre, which is implementing special education to neuro-divergent learners and young people, Rebecca Mtegha, stressed the importance of providing education to people with autism, saying they too are able to learn, regardless of their condition.
This year's commemoration was held under the theme “Moving from surviving to thriving: autistic individuals share regional perspectives”.
Apostle donates maize flour and seeds to people of Chikwawa
By Willy Kadewere
Chikwawa, April 7, Mana: In response to the effects of drought affecting most parts of Malawi, Apostle Albert Mpende of Time for Repentance and Deliverance Ministries, with support from World Challenge, has donated maize flour and maize seeds to people from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mulilima in Chikwawa district.
Three hundred people received bags of maize flour weighing 10 kilogrammes each while 200 people received packets of maize seeds weighing two kilogrammes each.
Speaking during the distribution exercise on Friday, Apostle Mpende emphasized the importance of utilizing maize seeds in gardens to achieve food security.
“We believe that through the two kilogramme packets of maize seeds people have receive, they will use properly to produce fruitful outcomes.
“It is estimated that a 2 kg packet of maize seeds will yield seven to eight bags, which is a positive outcome,” said Mpende.
Senior Group Village Headman Namila, who represented T/A Mulilima, commended Apostle Mpende for the support, noting that it arrived at a critical time when many are facing hunger due to drought.
However, Namila warned beneficiaries against selling the maize flour and seed packets.
One of the beneficiaries, Natalia Tchandama from Group Village Head John, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying it will help her family to have seeds for planting and use the flour for daily meals.
“As a single mother of seven children, I appreciate what Apostle Mpende has done because many of us are suffering due to dry fields. This flour and packet of seeds will help alleviate some of the problems I face,” said Tchandama.
In addition to the donations, Mpende and his church also assist children who lack school fees and provide economic empowerment to youths and women.
MCC, MACOKASA sign MoU on orderly business operation
Blessings Preston Memena
Mzuzu, April 7, Mana: Mzuzu City Council (MCC) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to seal their partnership with Malawi Coalition for Kabaza Stakeholder and Association (MACOKASA) for sanity in the kabaza business operation in the city.
MCC Chief Executive Officer, Gomezgani Nyasulu, said the MoU between the two partners will help promote order in transport and traffic operations within the city.
According to Nyasulu, the development is in line with what was resolved at the MCC summit as the Council promotes security and safety of road users including Kabaza operators.
“As MCC, we are happy to sign this MoU with kabaza operators. This is important because it will help sanitize the transport and traffic movement in our city.
“We started with segmentation of coach buses operation where all coach bus operators have an operation point and this is second phrase that is targeting kabaza operators,” Nyasulu said.
MACOKASA National Chairperson, Moses Mwalabu, acknowledged that kabaza operators contribute to road accidents in the city saying the MoU will help in minimizing such accidents.
“This MoU will promote mutual relationship among us, the Council, other agencies as well as district councils to ensure that we operate orderly to avoid accidents.
“Each and every operator will be registered with us so that we have number of operators and where they are operating thereby fostering security among themselves and customers,” Mwalabu said.
According Mwalabu, MACOKASA has also signed MoUs with Blantyre, Zomba and Lilongwe city councils.
“We have also reached out to Mangochi, Mwanza, Karonga and soon we will be heading to Likoma,” he said.
Regional Road Traffic Officer for the north, Maurice Mabvumbe, highlighted that kabaza operators contribute sabout 30 percent of road accidents in the country.
