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MAN ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING PUBLIC OFFICER IN NKHOTAKOTA.
By Innocent Chunga
Nkhotakota, January 22, Mana: Police in Nkhotakota are keeping in custody a 34-year-old man, identified as Steve Manda for impersonating a Malawi Defence Force (MDF) officer in the district.
Deputy public relations officer for Nkhotakota police, Chisomo Chuma said the suspect on the night of Thursday was demanding money and beer from people around the Nkhotakota trading Centre on the pretext that he had the power to do so.
Chuma said some people got suspicious of his acts which prompted them to tip off police officers about the strange suspect.
Following the receipt of the information, the police arrested Steve and took him to the police station for questioning.
"At the police station, Steve voluntarily admitted having victimized people and that he is not a Malawi Defence Force Officer leading to his arrest". Said Chuma
According to Chuma, the suspect will be taken to court soon to answer the charge of impersonating a public officer.
Police in the district have urged community members to report such matters to police to take part in reducing crimes in their areas.
Steve Manda hails from Muwanga Village, in the area of Traditional Authority Mwamlowe in Rumphi district.
300 extension workers trained in addressing nutrition in emergency
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, January 26, Mana: 300 extension workers from Thyolo have been trained on how they can handle issues of nutrition during emergencies in the district.
Speaking Thursday on the sidelines of a two-day training, Principal Nutrition and HIV and AIDS Officer for Thyolo, Kondwani Luwe, said the main objective of the training was to equip extension workers with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in addressing nutrition issues.
"Thyolo has, in the past, been affected by several disasters of different natures such as Cholera and floods. As such, the national nutrition cluster, in collaboration with several district actors, developed a Nutrition in Emergency training package to orient Thyolo District Nutrition Clusters in emergency response," said Luwe
Luwe said the district has taken a proactive step by operationalizing the training session to technically train extension workers.
“So, specifically the training wants to make extension workers to understand the nutritional needs of populations affected by emergencies as well as learn effective assessment tools for rapid nutrition analysis.
"Further, we want to develop their skills in planning and implementing nutrition interventions in emergency situations while enhancing coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in emergency nutrition response in the district,” he said.
Community Development Assistant under Nanseta Area, Thokozani Sumba, hailed the training saying it has deepened their understanding on what to do in times of emergencies in the areas they are working.
"The training has been an eye opener on what to do with people who take refuge in camps during emergencies such as floods. This will help to ensure that their nutrition is not compromised.
"We will be able to effectively assess if a child is malnourished or not because we have been given the technical knowledge of how to examine them as well as how to use the tools," said Sumba.
Area Disaster Risk Management Committee Chairperson from Traditional Authority (TA) Nanseta, Alex Sumani, said previously they used to experience a lot of challenges during emergencies like floods since they lacked proper knowledge to deal with such situations.
"With the knowledge given, we can respond quickly by intervening at the local level as we wait for district council team to arrive.
"We have been taught the importance of making sure that under five children, lactating mothers, elderly people as well as people with disabilities are given attention because of their vulnerability in times of emergencies," said Sumani.
Experts tout agricultural diversification
By Robert Katuli
Lilongwe, January 25, Mana: Experts at the 10th Eminent Speaker series event, held on Thursday in Lilongwe, searched for answers on why there is little to show on the country’s agricultural diversification drive when a lot of research has shown that this is a catalyst for growing the economy.
Speaking in an interview at the end of the event at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), Director General for National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Thomas Munthali, said focus is what is needed now to act on what is already known about the importance of diversification.
“In Malawi 2063, we’ve got a pillar of how we inclusively create wealth. And that one of the key pillars is agricultural productivity and commercialization,” said Munthali, relating to agricultural diversification which, in part, involves transforming traditional agriculture into a dynamic and commercial sector.
He said there are initiatives in place to transform the agricultural sector towards diversification, observing the initiatives just need to be scaled up and accelerated.
“But we have big hope because if you look at the mega farms, it is showing that we are moving towards diversification.
“If we can hold hands and continue what is already showing, we can advance a lot,” added Munthali.
Mwapata Institute Executive Director, William Chadza, concurred with Munthali adding that despite other gray areas, there is always big hope of learning about what is working in agricultural sector and what is not, the challenges being faced and their solutions.
“There are a number of reasons why we are in such a situation. One of them being how we priorities the resources which we have. We are not looking at it from a holistic point, so we need to look at how we spread and allocate those resources,” Chadza said.
On priorities, key speaker at the event, Professor Sosten Chiotha, who is Regional Director at the Leadership for Environment and Development in Southern and Eastern Africa (Lead), said in an interview that other natural resources also need to be considered when talking of agricultural development.
“Agriculture is directly linked to natural resources; therefore, we need to take the two together in our developments. The natural resource base will provide the water, the soil fertility,” said Chiotha.
He emphasized on the need to diversify the country's economy so that pressure on the agriculture sector is reduced.
Apart from the keynote speech by Professor Chiotha, the event, whose theme was ‘Enhancing agricultural growth and diversification’, also featured a panel discussion, among others.
NPC, alongside Mwapata Institute and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, organized the event that brought together key players from government, development partners, the academia and other institutions.
Floresta launches a five-year forest restoration program along Lwafwa River
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, January 26, Mana: A faith based non-governmental organization, Floresta, in partnership with Plant with Purpose has launched a five-year Watershed Restoration Programme with the goal of restoring forest cover on over 7,000 hectors of land along Lwafwa River in Nkhata Bay.
Speaking Thursday during the launch of the programme, Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Dr. Michael Usi commended Floresta for joining other non-state actors in complementing the government’s efforts to restoring the environment through tree planting.
"When President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera talks about Malawi 2063, he has repeatedly called for inclusion in developing the country. That’s what the President has been encouraging us to do. I am very happy that today we have a very good example of what ought to be done.
This is a typical example of a good relationship that exists between the state and non-state actors. It is very encouraging that non-governmental organizations are participating in initiatives to prevent environmental degradation,” Usi said.
The minister also commended Floresta saying what they are doing is exactly in line with what the ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change advocates and he believes that it will be a model that others will emulate.
He expressed concern over continued tendency of wanton cutting down of trees for timber, charcoal making and agriculture activities, among others.
"I would like to appeal to communities to corroborate with government in preserving the environment because if we destroy it, it will destroy us in return," he said.
He expressed optimism that the battle to preserve the environment will be adopted by many since the impacts of climate change are being felt countrywide.
Board Chairperson for Floresta, Judith Kamoto said they decided to plant trees in Nkhata Bay to conserve Lake Malawi feeder rivers and contribute to the 4.5 million hectares of land which is in the Malawi’s Restoration Strategy.
“This is a hilly area and the most of the trees have been cut down. This means soil will be washed away into the river, taking it to the lake which is not good for ecosystem. We, therefore, want to restore this stretch of degraded land,” Kamoto said.
She said the project will go a long way in strengthening community capacity in addressing effects of climate change, enhance resilience of the households to mitigate socioeconomic shocks and improve relationship between people and God.
District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa was excited with introduction of the programme, saying it will contribute towards the reduction deforestation the district.
He, therefore, assured the organization of Khatam Bay District Council’s support throughout the project’s period and after for sustainability.
NGO hailed for environmental restoration efforts in Chiradzulu
By Emily Kaliwo
Chiradzulu, January 23, Mana: Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Chiradzulu District, Dennis Zingeni, has hailed One Acre Fund for its efforts in ensuring that environment is conserved in the district.
Zingeni made the remarks at Ndata Community Based Childcare Centre (CBCC) in Traditional Authority (TA) Sandiraki recently where One Acre Fund distributed tree seedlings to farmers to plant during this year’s tree planting season.
He said while government is implementing programmes to restore environment, it is pleasing to see non-governmental organizations (NGO) such as One Acre Fund complementing government’s efforts in mobilizing communities to take keen interest in issues of afforestation, environment and climate change.
Zingeni, therefore, urged beneficiaries to take good care of the tree seedlings so that they achieve the intended purpose considering that the NGO has spent a lot of money for the benefit of people in Chiradzulu.
“You should also plant fruit trees around your respective homes for food in your families and to boost your income after selling the fruits,” Zingeni said.
One of the beneficiaries, Lufina Matabwa said with the tree seedlings, they will be able to restore environment which has been degraded.
“What is required of us is to manage the trees as recommended,” she said.
Chiradzulu One Acre Fund Government Relations Officer, Bertha Namelo, said the NGO came up with the intervention as it has also heavily been affected by the destruction of the environment which has resulted in farmers getting low yields due to lack of soil fertility.
"The tree seedlings which we are distributing today have the possibility to restore the environment and boost farmers’ income after selling trees. The objective is to ensure that farmers are benefiting through environmental restoration,” said Namelo.
TA Sandiraki thanked One Acre Fund for choosing her area and promised the organization that she will mobilize her subjects to look after the seedlings to ensure high survival rate.
About 12,436 tree seedlings have been distributed, which includes Msangu, Mtangatanga and Kesha wa Milimo, to 493 farmers in Ngalawesa Village.
The NGO expects to distribute over 432, 000 tree seedlings in Chiradzulu during the 2024 tree planting season.
COWLHA set to address needs of children with HIV in Chiradzulu
By Chilungamo Missi
Chiradzulu, January 23, Mana: Coalition of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (COWLHA) is geared to address the needs of children living with HIV in Chiradzulu through a newly approved council project dubbed Bringing Kids Living with HIV to Care.
COWLHA Programmes Manager, Harry Madukani made the remarks on Tuesday during a District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting where he introduced the new project.
Madukani said the two-year project targets under 14 children saying, for a long time, HIV response for the age group has been neglected.
The project has four components, the first of which is testing.
“We will be going into the communities using mentor mothers and community health workers to identify and test the children for HIV,” said Madukani.
He said once tested positive, children will be referred to health facilities so that they can be put into care and ensure that those that are on treatment do not default.
The project will also support pregnant and lactating mothers.
Apart from Chiradzulu, the project will be implemented in Thyolo and Nkhata Bay districts which have been selected based on the highest percentage of pediatric HIV infections.
“As of June 2023 Directorate of HIV, STI and viral Hepatitis in Chiradzulu registered 1,832 kids under 14 years,” said Madukani.
Chiradzulu District Hospital Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Coordinator, Carol Chipanda, underscored the importance of the project in the district saying Ministry of Health has intensified efforts to reach the youth through youth friendly services in the district where HIV testing and counseling services, among others, are offered.
Chiradzulu District Principal Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Officer, Loveness Chikumba, said the project will be impactful in the district because the organization, in collaboration with the council, has previously implemented successful activities on community AIDS groups.
COWLHA will implement the project in the district through Foundation for Community Support Organization which is based in Traditional Authority (TA) Mpama in the district.
Chakwera dates southern region chiefs
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, January 23, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has commended chiefs in the country for their role in fostering development.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda disclosed this on Tuesday at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre after President Chakwera held a closed door meeting with paramount chiefs, senior traditional authorities, traditional authorities and sub traditional authorities from the Southern Region.
The Minister said development starts at the grassroots’ level observing that the country’s development depends on chiefs.
In December last year, President Chakwera met chiefs from the Eastern Region in Mangochi.
"Sustainability of development in our communities relies on chiefs because they are government’s eyes to initiate development. Therefore, for us to enjoy as a country and move forward, chiefs must be motivated and be aligned to what government is doing on ground.
“For that reason, it was imperative for the President to meet chiefs to appreciate their role and challenges, " he said.
In her remarks, Senior Chief Chikumbu of Mulanje hailed the President for engaging them.
She said during all chiefs have pledged to work with government and foster development in all places to benefit their subjects.
Parents advised to take interest in children's education
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, January 22, Mana: Salima District Youth Officer, Jessie Mwansambo has advised parents to take interest in their children's education by constantly checking their school notebooks for progress and performance.
Mwansambo made the call on Monday during a donation at Nakondwa Community Based Organization (CBO) located in the area of Senior Chief Kalonga in the district sponsored by a British national, John Midgley, who assisted 75 learners with note books and pens.
Mwansambo emphasized on the need for collaborative efforts to educate children.
She said stakeholders, such as Midgley, are doing a commendable job towards technical expertise where as parents have cross cutting roles of providing and also supervising progress of children's performance.
"It is worrisome to note that performance of children in the district has been below par for some time and this might be attributed to cultural beliefs such as early marriages, child labour in some sectors such as fishing and other businesses. These malpractices need to be curbed. We need to hold hands," she said.
She called upon well-wishers to collaborate with the district council in implementing different projects in the education sector.
Director of Nakondwa CBO, Wise Balakasi said they have made the donation to encourage the learners on their education journey.
"As one way of promoting education in the country, we are lucky to be partnering with Midgley who has been supporting early childhood development in Senior Chief Kalonga.
"Educational materials are very important and not all parents can afford to provide for their children, therefore assisting the learners with educational materials will go a long way in smoothening their education journey," he said.
A standard eight learners at Nakondwa Primary School, Chifundo Banda Daudi expressed gratitude for the ten notebooks he received saying it is timely considering that he is in an examination class which requires having enough school materials to capture class notes.
SRPC purchased land; aspires for media financial improvement
Petro Mkandaiwre
Blantyre, January, 23, Mana: Southern Region Press Club (SRPC) has purchased a one-hectare piece of land worth K2.5 million as one way of establishing the club’s cooperatives.
The land, which is situated at Whayo Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Kapeni in Blantyre, will be turned into a poultry and piggery farm in order to improve living standards of media personnel.
SRPC President, Ronald Amos told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Monday that the vision of the club is to be innovative and create an environment where members of the press can attain economic growth and independence and be a vital link between financial stability and the ability of journalists to operate with autonomy and integrity.
“There is collusion between media freedom and lack of financial freedom because our media freedom is being compromised by lack of finances. As such, we want to empower journalists by having an entrepreneurship drive that would benefit them,” said Amos.
SRPC members will be able to buy shares from the cooperatives and the cooperative will create a comprehensive business plan that outlines the goals, objectives, and strategies for the group.
According to Amos, the more shares a member buys the more the dividends he/she gets.
SRPC was established with a vision to foster solidarity and collaboration among media. It is rooted in a profound understanding that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of journalists’ independence as it unifies force for the journalist community in the southern and eastern parts of Malawi.
One of the SRPC members, Britta Mpata, who is also willing to join the cooperative said farming is a potential pathway for smallholder producers to gain access to more lucrative market opportunities thereby improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
“As a member, this is my opportunity to acquire new skills. Through these press cooperatives journalist poverty will be mitigated as it will boost life standards as well as food security,” said Mpata.
Sports experts asked for football improvement
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, January 22, Mana: Sports analysts have asked Ministry of Youth and Sports to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Education in formalizing sports in the education system at all levels as a way of improving sports in the country.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, sports expert, Kim Kamau, said the country seriously misses grassroots football development as in the past football, and sports in general, was incorporated in the education syllabus which assisted in unearthing and building talent at the most critical aspect of the game.
"The state of Malawi football is a mixed bag. If we dissect into the technical and administrative angles technically the game has stagnated. If we are to do a proper comparative analysis of gains made at the national level and infrastructure we will find out that it has dwindled to worrisome levels," said Kamau.
He added that football commands a larger outcome than any other sport such that it has an ideal platform for creating market value for any product.
Kamau further explained that football generates revenue through gate collections and television rights and gives a platform for small and medium enterprises to undertake market activities.
In a separate interview Chairperson for Ngwangwa Wan Football Zone in Balaka, Vivah Mandala, appealed to government and other stakeholders to engage bonanza and leagues in local football communities because it is where talent and skillful people can be found.
“Gatekeepers should know that football starts from zones and it drives the economy. Lack of football resources hinders the improvement of football and the whole sports industry. Establishment of local sports from zones and districts can put Malawi on the map,” said Mandala.
He, therefore, said once vibrant structures which are an eyesore now like MDC, BAT, Nchalo, Zomba, Lilongwe Community Centre Ground and Mzuzu Stadium should be maintained they should be able to bring resources and boost the industry.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire said it is the ministry’s responsibility to make sure that resources are available for the elevation of sports in the country.
He said the ministry is working with other stakeholders to improve sports in the country.
"The industry has tremendously grown, with more stakeholders involved, including women administrators, and of course players. Our large focus is on the game to grow and provide all football necessities,” said Mkandawire.
