MANAonline
Communities embrace CS-EPWP in Thyolo
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, January 6, Mana: People in Thyolo district have expressed hope that trees being planted under Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) will help to avert effects of climate change that come due to absence of trees.
Speaking during a supervision visit on Friday, one of the participants of the programme under Chimbidzi Catchment in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Changata, Mphatso Chandamale, said trees that were planted last cycle look promising since people are now aware of the importance of trees.
"Our area was heavily affected by the Cyclone Freddy with lots of roofs blown away. This happened because we have no trees to protect us from the strong winds.
"But with the coming of this programme, we are sure that in the next three to four years, it will be a thing of the past because the whole area will be covered and there will be protection from strong winds,” he said.
Another participant, Donata Phiri, whose house was damaged by strong winds, said the programme has even inspired her to plant more trees in the hotshots as well as around her house after having a bad experience from the effects of climate change.
"My house is located where wind blows heavily because there is no any tree around. It is against this background that I will plant more trees around my house so that similar incidents can be avoided in future," she said.
Desk Officer for CS-EPWP in Thyolo, Francis Yohane, said it is encouraging to see communities embracing the programme, observing that this is a symbol that people have started owning it.
He added that the second cycle has started well in all the 16 catchments where the programme is being implemented and participants are expected to continue planting trees, as well as carrying out water and land conservation activities.
CS-EPWP, a programme under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP), is being implemented with support from the Malawi Social Protection Multi Donor Trust funded by World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU and Norway.
Cholera outbreaks need long-term solution - Chiponda
By Kumbukani Kondowe
Lilongwe, January 6, Mana: Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda says Malawi needs to identify priority areas for multi-sectoral interventions on cholera to bring a long-term solution to the outbreaks.
Chiponda said this on Friday at Ministry of Health headquarters in Lilongwe during a Presidential Taskforce on Covid 19 and Cholera press briefing organized to update the nation on the status of cholera in Malawi as the rainy season is intensifying.
Chiponda observed that every rainy season the nation talks about cholera outbreak, saying this has to change by working towards permanent cholera control measures and added that the government is committed to the global goal of ending cholera by 2030.
“Identifying priority areas for multi-sectoral interventions is of paramount importance for effective cholera control in Malawi, hence concentrating our limited resources and interventions in areas with heightened vulnerability will enable a more focused and efficient response to cholera threats,” said Chiponda.
She further said there are several other interventions that can be used to bring long-term solution to cholera outbreaks, such as sustained political will and leadership, resource mobilization, community engagement, strengthening coordination and stakeholder involvement, among others.
“As you have observed time and again that the President remains highly engaged and dedicated to the prevention and control of cholera in this country and I, as the Minister of Health, and my colleagues, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, all members of the presidential taskforce and technical experts remain actively alert and involved in the fight against cholera,” said Chiponda.
Chiponda also said that the media are one of the major stakeholders that can be used in combating cholera outbreaks through dissemination of important hygienic messages.
She therefore asked the media to highlight the risk factors for cholera, such as use of unsafe water, poor food hygiene, poor sanitation and low usage of pit latrines, which the public needs to know and prevent at all cost.
Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia added that her ministry is doing all it can to fight cholera outbreaks through provision of boreholes in districts and rural areas so that people can have access to safe and clean water for use.
“My ministry has been engaging with CEOs for water boards to ensure that they provide water to people at all times because water interruptions can also lead to cholera outbreak, as it was the case in last year’s outbreak whereby most people affected were in the cities of Blantyre, Lilongwe and partly Mzuzu,” said Mia.
Currently, the cholera outbreak situation in the country remains very low and sporadic, far much better that at the same time last year.
Merchah to drop new year single 'Wane' on Monday
By George Mponda
Mzuzu, January 5, Mana: Mzuzu based afro-pop artist Merchah, real name Uchizi Salala Msowoya is set to release his first single of 2024 titled 'Wane' on Monday.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) Merchah, who is signed with Magic Fingers Entertainment LLC co-owned by US-based Malawian Tionge Mhango and Nigerian producer Oluwaseyi Akelere, said the song is about professing love to a man or woman where one can do anything just to be with their soul mate.
"The song speaks of scenarios where one can even drop out of college just to be with the one they love and it also tells of how a businessman can allow his endeavour to start making losses in the pursuit of his potential spouse just to win them. In short the concept of the song is to show that love is so strong," explained Merchah.
"The song was produced by Chawabeats and Drzzbeats from Nigeria. It has also been mixed in Nigeria by Twin Beats Paul," he added.
The 'Naji' hitmaker who likes to sing in Tumbuka language also released two other singles last year titled Vyapachalo and Handede which enjoyed massive airplay.
"In 2024, I'm set to drop my debut project which is an album which I, together with my team have been working on since 2022 and we are happy that we can finally release it," said Merchah.
Official producer for Magic Fingers Malawi, Chawanangwa Ngoma said fans should get prepared for more songs from their artist as compared to last year.
"We have lined up a couple features with Nigerian, South African and Ghanaian main stream artists so fans should be prepared to listen to smashing hits from Merchah,"Ngoma said.
In his remarks, Gift Shaba one of Merchah's fans from Mzuzu said he is looking forward to listening to more music from him.
"He is a very talented musician but unfortunately, we only have a handful of songs from him so am really looking forward to the album which he is releasing this year," he said.
Maula prison moves 58 young offenders for exams preparations
By: Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, January 3, Mana: Maula prison has transferred 58 young offenders who are preparing for their Primary School Leaving Certificate, Junior Certificate of Education and Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations to Bvumbwe Young Offenders Rehabilitation Centre in Thyolo district due to lack of learning facilities at the prison.
Malawi Prison Service Public Relations Officer Chimwemwe Shaba confirmed the development on Tuesday in an interview with Malawi News Agency.
Shaba said initially, Maula prison is not supposed to be keeping young offenders, but for those who would like to continue with their education, the arrangement is to send them where there are learning facilities.
One of the Leaders of the young offenders at the prison Dominic Sadick said all students that are supposed to write their examination this year, have not been learning for a long time due to lack of learning facilities at the prison.
“It is a pathetic situation even though we are in prison, we do believe that we still have a right to education as every young Malawian out there. It is disappointing to see that the prison here [Maula] doesn’t have learning facility for young offenders,” he said
Sadick said the situation has been there since August, 2023 when the MPS moved the young offenders from Kachere Rehabilitation Centre to Maula prison.
Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Secretary Habiba Osman thanked the MPS for considering moving the young offenders where they can pursue their education while in custody.
However, Osman said there is need for MPS to identify a proper facility where they can inhabit young offenders to avoid such situation in the future, which lead to violation of their right to education.
“I feel we need to find a lasting solution to this issues, otherwise moving these young offenders from one place to another may lead to security concerns. Anything can happen in the process and that may also lead to violation of some of their rights, which will be very bad,” she said
Currently, Maula Young Offenders prison has 265 inmates.
Likoma islanders celebrate culture through traditional dances
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, January 2, Mana: Traditional dancers in Likoma converged at Mvumu ground on Monday to showcase Malipenga traditional dance in a bid to celebrate and preserve their culture.
Captain for Zomba Boma Malipenga dancers, Joseph Chirwa said the dance performances are held annually on the first and second day of January to celebrate the new year.
“Traditionally, we have been coming together on 1 and 2 January every year for Malipenga dance performances since 1925.
“The purpose is to preserve our culture for future generation to follow suit and maintain culture for the island. We also do it as part of celebrations for the new year,” Chirwa said.
He expressed concern that this year’s performances were poorly patronized due to rainfall.
Secretary for the dance troupe, Dustan Mhone said some people thought the program would be called off because acting Sub Traditional Authority for the area is sick.
Malawians urged to support the elderly
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, January 2, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security, who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislature for Nkhata Bay South Constituency, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma has called on Malawians to generate interest in supporting initiatives geared at promoting welfare of elderly people in the country.
Zikhale Ng’oma was speaking on New Year Day at Chifira Village in Nkhata Bay when he presented assorted items and K5,000 to each of 600 elderly people drawn from his constituency.
"Government is doing its best in taking care of elderly people. However, there is need to redouble our efforts as individuals in addressing the challenges faced by this particular group in our society,” said Zikhale Ng’oma.
He said the elderly take care of orphans and children in difficult circumstances hence it is important for businesses operators and other stakeholders to complement government efforts in addressing the plight of the elderly.
"Besides this charity initiative, government will also continue to mobilise food aid for those who are food insecure to ensure that no one dies of hunger," he said.
In her remarks, 78-year-old, Eluby Kamanga from Traditional Authority (TA) Malengamzoma commended Zikhale Ng’oma for sparing his time to celebrate the beginning of the new year with the elderly.
"This is a very special year to us as elderly people in this community. We lack a lot of things in our daily lives and today, we are privileged to be given such surprises which included packets of sugar, rice, soap, cooking oil, soya pieces and K5,000.00 cash each. We are very grateful for this,” said Kamanga.
Kamtukule hails ECG for spiritual tourism drive
Twimepoki Mangani
Lilongwe, January 2: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has hailed Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) The Jesus Nation Church for their efforts in driving spiritual tourism.
Kamtukule made the remarks in Kanengo, Lilongwe on Sunday during the ECG crossover service themed Night of Wealth Transfer.
She said tourism is a strategic sector of the economy hence the need for the church to take part in promoting the sector.
Kamtukule said what the church has accomplished is an embodiment of what the ministry embraces that Malawi is the warm heart of Africa.
“When the prophet invited me I thought I should honour it. There is no hotel in the city with extra room because of this conference. Therefore, I want to thank Prophet Bushiri and the leadership. The Night of Wealth Transfer has anchored our economy massively,” she said.
She, therefore, urged ECG to continue staging such events welcoming international conferences for women and the youth.
The minister also graced the hosts of worshippers with her melodic voice as she performed with ECG’s songstress, Swazi Dlamini.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri hailed Kamtukule for the recognition awarded to ECG for its contribution towards the economy, and all participants for gracing the crossover.
Bushiri, who preached on the essence of wealth transfer, said God will open doors for his people who walk in truth so as to enable the church help the poor in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus Christ which reads “you are the light of the world”.
“In 2023 we had the year of soul winning. We are many today because we took time to preach the word and so many people came to Christ. The Bible says we should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be added unto us. So, our main aim is to seek the kingdom,” Bushiri said.
The crossover had an attendance of almost 30,000 with thousands of visitors from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Angola, Lesotho, Australia, United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.
In a bid to further the spread of the gospel the church announced the launch of the Jesus Nation Application and the Jesus 24/7 radio (95.4 FM).
Irrigation farming rekindles food security
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, January 1, Mana: As most Malawian farmers rely on rain-fed agriculture, 51-year-old Jane Mtambo of Sendelera Village in the area of Senior Traditional Authority (STA) Mwenewenya in Chitipa District has found gold in irrigation farming.
Mother of five children - two boys and three girls - says she regrets after having wasted time on rain-fed agriculture, saying irrigation farming is more profitable than the latter.
“Irrigation farming is a game changer. I have been experiencing food shortage year in year out because I was only relying on rain fed farming,” Mtambo says.
Mtambo is one of the 437 farmers doing irrigation farming in a 131-hectare Mafinga Irrigation Scheme in Group Village Head Mwenechisenga under STA Mwenewenya in the district.
The K1 billion Mafinga irrigation Scheme was constructed by Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) Project with funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
PRIDE Project commenced construction of the irrigation scheme in May 2022, as one of the interventions towards reducing food insecurity in the district and country as a whole.
This is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number two which emphasizes promoting sustainable agriculture, ending hunger and achieving improved nutrition by 2030.
“From a maize quarter acre piece of land, I am expecting to harvest 600 kilograms, which is equivalent to 12 bags, each weighing 50 kg. My plan is to sell a few bags and reserve some for consumption at my household,” she explains.
This initiative also serves SDG three, which talks of promoting healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages.
“After harvesting the maize, I plan to plant Irish potatoes. I am even thinking of paying a fee for another piece of land within the irrigation scheme so that I can have two plots for Irish potatoes,” she says.
Mtambo then appeals to other farmers to adopt irrigation farming, describing it is a viable agriculture intervention in the advent of climate change.
The irrigation scheme will go a long way in alleviating poverty amongst small holder farmers and households, as the initiative will also provide them with income and economic opportunities.
The Mafinga Irrigation Scheme is also going to cement SDG eight, which talks of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth for farmers.
President for the scheme, Mathias Kanyika, assures the government that farmers will take good care of the facility for it to last long.
“In the past we have been failing to irrigate our crops because of shortage of water. But after the completion of the construction of this scheme, we have managed to utilize 27.4 hectares of irrigable land. After harvesting the first round of crops, we are expecting to put into use all the 131 hectares for the second round,” said Kanyika.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale says government has realized the importance of promoting irrigation agriculture in dealing with food insecurity.
“This is why apart from Chitipa District, the government is doing similar irrigation schemes across the country,” said Kawale.
He adds that his ministry is currently investing government resources as well as resources from the country’s development partners heavily in irrigation schemes to achieve food security as well as economic security both at household and national levels.
“The irrigation scheme that we are seeing here was financed by IFAD, and is one of the many schemes that we are developing in this country.
“Our goal is to make sure that we eliminate hunger by making sure that farmers across the country are harvesting two or three times annually,” Kawale says.
Kawale also says that the Ministry of Agriculture will not spare any resource the country has to make sure that government serves both smallholder and large scale farmers to invest in irrigation.
“I must be quick to say that we know the pressure surrounding food insecurity that we have currently as a nation. We will continue working with farmers of different calibres to sustainably sort out hunger. Some of them will be put on contract farming so that they produce more crops in a shortest period of time for us to achieve food security,” he explained.
He further explains that government is taking one step at a time to invest in different irrigation schemes across the country.
“Malawi can produce enough food to sustain itself as well as for export. We are on track,” says Kawale.
Bwaila alumni bail out 25 needy students
By Kondwani Magombo
LILONGWE, January 1, Mana: Former students of Lilongwe’s Bwaila Secondary School have bailed out 25 students at the school who could not afford to pay Malawi National Examination Board (MANEB) examination fees for the 2024 Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) and Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
MANEB set Sunday, December 31 as deadline for receiving JCE and MSCE examination fees for the year 2024, but 11 MSCE students and 14 JCE students at Bwaila Secondary School had not yet paid the fees by Saturday, December 30, forcing the school's administration to send an SOS to the alumni for support.
The matter was brought to the attention of the former students through their WhatsApp platform called Bwaila Alumni Chat Group at exactly 14:15 Saturday, by the Treasurer, Innocent Njati, who shared the students’ individual details, including their individual MANEB invoice numbers.
"The total amount required is K582,070. Since we may not have sufficient funds in the Alumni Fund account, the executive would like to request for contributions from fellow alumni," wrote Njati, with an apology for the short notice.
One after another, the alumni chat group members responded by making contributions, ranging from MK6,000 to MK75,000 and, by 23:10 Saturday evening, all the 25 students had been paid for.
Publicity Secretary for Bwaila Alumni Chat Group, Nandi Mambucha, said members of her grouping felt duty-bound to respond to the call swiftly to bring happiness on the faces of the 25 stranded students who could have failed to sit for the MANEB exams.
“This is a very welcome development. It's part of our mandate to come in whenever need arises,” explained Mambucha.
“It’s not that those members who have contributed have excess money on them, no. The need and the urgency of the matter compelled them to contribute,” she added.
The head teacher for Bwaila Secondary School, Steve Banda, could not hide his excitement and relief when contacted to confirm the development.
“I was very heartbroken when I learned from the examination committee that 25 students had not yet paid their exam fees. So I quickly referred the matter to the Alumni group because they have always been there for us,” explained the head teacher.
“Now I'm very happy and relieved to hear that the students will now be able to write their exams. The parents, too, are very appreciative of the Alumni’s swift response,” he added.
Bwaila Alumni Chat Group has a membership of about 300, with some former students exit years dating back to as early as 1980s.
According to the alumni’s chairperson, Charlie Msusa, the grouping has carried out a number of activities before, aimed at improving the learning environment at their former school.
Some of the tasks include painting the roof of the administration block, painting the walls of some blocks and learning classes, donation of computers, and provision of prizes to outstanding students at graduation ceremonies.
Chimwendo Banda assures Kasungu communities of development
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, January 8, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured the people in Kasungu that government is doing its best to improve their living standards through provision of quality services and infrastructure.
Speaking at a rally on Sunday at Ndonda in Kasungu North East Constituency, Chimwendo Banda said the rehabilitation of M1 road from Lilongwe passing through the entire Kasungu stretch to Karonga is a loud statement by the government that it is committed to developing the country.
He said: “The M1 road passing through Kasungu is being rehabilitated. We have also seen the rehabilitation of Kasungu District Hospital and construction of bridges, roads and clinics here in the East Constituency. This signals government commitment to serving the people.
“On the other hand, we know Kasungu is a farming district. So we want to assure the farmers and everyone that there will be good prices for their produce. We saw good tobacco prices last year and this year it will be even better.”
The minister told the people to rally behind President Lazarus Chakwera, who he said prioritises farming as a way of unlocking the country’s economic fortunes.
Speaking earlier, Minister of Mines Monica Chang’anamuno asked the people to reject and report illegal mining activities taking place in the district, saying miners have to seek for licensing.
Member of Parliament for the area, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, urged the communities to refrain from politics of violence, telling them that conflicts derail development efforts.
“Our team must be talking development. We have no time for violence and politics of hate. All we want to see is that our youths are given something productive; we are busy building roads, bridges, clinics and schools to transform our communities,” she said.
While thanking government for elevating chiefs and providing subsidised farm inputs, Senior Chief Kapelula requested the authorities to open Admarc depots so that people can buy maize at affordable prices.
Other notable people who attended the rally include Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda, Deus Gumba of Ministry of Lands, Jean Sendeza of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and Malawi Congress Party regional chairperson for the centre, Zebron Chilondola.
