By Salome Gangire

Neno, December 14, Mana: Disaster Risk Management Office has called on communities living along Shire River, Nkulumadzi, Lisungwi and Kholombidzo Rivers to relocate to higher grounds for safety following an impending Cyclone Chido induced rains as announced by Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS).

Disaster Risk Management Officer for Neno, Brighton Mphinga made the call on Saturday as he engaged communities to raise awareness of the impending rains.

Speaking during an awareness organized in partnership with Beyond Our Hearts Foundation (BOHF), Mphinga warned that Cyclone Chido was expected to bring heavy rains to the Southern parts of Malawi from Sunday through Tuesday, according to projections by the DCCMS.

“All those living along these rivers should move to upland areas and avoid crossing flooded rivers to prevent deaths,” he added, and therefore urged communities along the rivers in Neno to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines and cooperate with local authorities to minimize the impact of potential flooding.

Ministry of Water and Sanitation through the Department of Water Resources also cautioned that heavy rains due to Cyclone Chido were likely to cause high water levels in major rivers across the central and southern regions, leading to flooding.

In a press statement released on Friday, the DCFCMS warned that between December 15 and 21, 2024, Malawi may experience significant rainfall due to Cyclone Chido, which has developed in the Indian Ocean.

The DCCMS forecasts that Cyclone Chido induced rains had potential to increase risk of river flooding.

The statement noted that flood forecasting models have identified several rivers likely to experience high water levels during this period and these include Nkula, Linthipe, Lingadzi, Lipimbi, Lifidzi, Nadziphuru, Livulezi, Nasolo, Mudi, Lilongwe, Diamphwe, Likangala, Thondwe, Namadzi, Phalombe, Namphende, Sombani, Likhubula, Mwanza, Lisungwi, Mkulumadzi, Mkombedzi wa Fodya, Nyachipere, Thangadzi, and Thuchira.

Beyond Our Hearts Foundation is implementing a transforming local institutions through empowerment for disaster management and climate resilience with funding from Save Children International, Italy.

The project aims to enhance local governance and institutional capacities for effective, efficient and inclusive implementation of disaster risk management and climate adaptation initiatives.

By Salome Gangire

Neno, December 14, Mana: Communities at Traditional Authority Symon in Neno District commended Climate Just Communities (CJC) project implemented by Link Community Development Malawi, for its efforts of restoring degraded landscapes to improve livelihoods.

During a monitoring visit to Nkhombe in Group Village Head Symon’s area, participant Filipo Kwezalamba highlighted the project’s impact, emphasizing interventions such as the construction of swales, the establishment of stone bunds, and the planting of vetiver grass to mitigate land degradation and reduce runoff.

“Most of our land was severely degraded, with deep gullies caused by runoff which also affected food production. However, these interventions are making a difference and we are hopeful these issues will soon be history,” he added.

Kwezalamba also noted that the project improved livelihoods by providing participants with a steady income saying the income they receive helps to meet their household needs while enabling them to contribute into restoring the environment.

Chairperson for Mwingitsa Village Natural Resources Management Committee (VNRMC), Ben Dimba said his committee plans to plant 5,000 trees this rainy season as one way of restoring the environment.  

Group Village Head Symon praised the initiative complimenting climate-smart agriculture practices, which he said would boost food production from higher yields.

“Farmers are constructing swales, check dams and box ridges. These techniques not only restore the environment but also ensure sustainable farming,” he said.

Link Community Development Malawi’s Project Manager, Clement Mwazambumba, said the two –year Climate Just Communities Projects being funded by the Scottish Government through the Climate Justice Fund aims at addressing challenges affecting communities resulting from the adverse impacts of climate change.

He said the project's objectives include empowering local communities to identify and prioritize climate-related challenges, enabling marginalized groups to take proactive measures in tackling these issues and fostering community advocacy for sustainable change.

“The project operates across five thematic areas: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Resilient Schools; Loss and Damage, Disaster Risk Management and Livelihood Security,” Mwazambumba added.

He said under the disaster risk management theme, participants were constructing flood control or protection bunds, swales and planting vetiver and placing sand bags on the streams to prevent land degradation and manage flooding.

The Project Manager said the project has engaged 500 participants under the disaster risk management thematic area that were working in Nkhombe  under Group Village Head Symon and  Ngaiyaye villages under Group Village head Mtengula.

“Participants work for eight days, six days for constructing bunds and swales and two days for planting vetiver grass, which will be done once adequate rains fall to ensure the grass survives. Each participant will earn K1, 600 per day, totaling to K12, 800 for the duration of the work,” he said.

By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, December 14, Mana: Men Engage Alliance and traditional leaders in Machinga have condemned traditional practices that subject adolescent girls and young women to forced marriages at the expense of their education and well-being.

The organization therefore called on boys and men in traditional authorities Sale, Kapoloma and Sitola to desist from engaging in love relations with underage girls. 

Men Engage Alliance National Chairperson, Wells Munthali, made the call as the organization and other district stakeholders engaged various communities in the district on a series of anti-gender based violence (AGB) campaign this week.

The campaign was meant to appeal for communities in Machinga to end GBV in all its forms.

“It is heartbreaking to see someone working hard to raise a child, paying for her education, only to have an adult exploiting her, leading to pregnancy,” Munthali added, saying the 16 Day Activism Against GBV provide a space for communities to reflect implications of GBV to girls’ and women’s well-being.

He said there was need for parents, school authorities and youth groups to join hands in ending GBV, adding that all perpetuators of GBV should be reported to police and other law enforcing agents for prosecution.

Munthali's plea was echoed by Group Village Head Lewis in TA Sitola, who noted that poverty and other traditional norms were contributing factors to child marriages,

She added that Chimwamadzira was another bad practice, which compels the underage in sex with their fathers to gain favours.

“Chimwamadzira is deeply rooted in our culture. It is time for us to rethink our traditions and prioritize the well-being of our girls,

"We need to educate our communities about the dangers of GBV and work together to create a safer environment for all,” Group Village head Lewis added.

She further observed polygamy as another contributing factor to GBV, observing that men marry younger second wives, abandoning their first wives and leaving children with no support.

Esther Timothy from Lewis village shared her personal experience of being abandoned by a husband, who married a younger woman and stopped providing for her and children.

“We harvested tobacco together and after selling it, he left me and married another wife. He stopped assisting me as a wife.

“I was left with nothing, and I had to struggle to make ends meet. It's not fair that men just abandon wives and children in this manner,” she added.

Power to Youth Programme is being implemented by a consortium of six alliance members namely, MHRRC, Centre for Youth Empowerment and Civic Education, Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, Youth Wave, Armref Health Africa and Malawi SRHR Alliance with funding from Sonke Gender Justice to engage communities, raise awareness, and find practical solutions to GBV.

The programme works with community structures, such as mother groups and chief's forums to address GBV.

“We believe that by working together, we can create a society where women and girls are valued and respected,” said Malawi Human Rights Center, Programmes Officer, Lyna Soko.

She said there was need to empower communities to take a bold step in tackling GBV at every step of it.

“We need to empower our communities to take action against GBV and support those who have been affected. As an organization, we are committed to providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and access justice,” Soko added and stated the importance of engaging men and boys in the fight against GBV.

She said men and boys should be champions of anti GBV such that there was need sensitize a lot of boys and men so that they should be able to know and understand all aspects of GBV.

“We need to work with men and boys to change their attitudes and behaviors towards women and girls. By doing so, we can create a society where everyone can live without fear of violence or discrimination,” she added.

District Youth Officer for Machinga, Hope Mwafulirwa said the district is working with many partners to deal with GBV and expressed optimism that the district registered significant progress in the fight against GBV.

“We have seen an increase in the number of men and boys that are taking action against GBV, and we have also seen a decrease in the number of GBV cases reported in the district,” he said.

The Youth Officer however called for additional efforts with more partners in the fight against GBV through intensified mass awareness on many forms of GBV and where to report to avoid registering alarming cases.

“The fight against GBV requires a collective effort. It is clear that we are making progress. However, there is still much work to be done, and it's essential that communities continue to work together to create a safer, more equitable society for all.

“In 2024, Machinga registered approximately 6,500 teenage pregnancies, with 44 maternal deaths, mostly of young girls and 324 abortions,” he added.

As the efforts to deal with GBV remain, the District Youth Office urged communities to report GBV cases to relevant authorities to ensure a GBV free environment for all.

Malawi joined the international community in activism against GBV under the theme; Unite to End Violence against Women and Girls, Towards Beijing +30.

By Hastings Yobe and Chrispin kapindira

Mzuzu, December 14, Mana: Qabaniso Malewezi, the Presidential Advisor on creative industries, has urged entertainers to collaborate and work together to achieve their goals.

Malewezi made these remarks at the Mpoto Awards held at Grand Palace in Mzuzu City on Friday, December 13.

Malewezi, who was the Guest of Honor at the event, highlighted the significance of the awards in symbolizing progress, celebrating achievements, and inspiring growth. He praised the organizers, performers, and the public for their support, expressing delight at the showcase of the northern region’s culture.

Malewezi also emphasized the importance of the newly passed National Arts and Heritage Council Act, which acknowledges the arts’ contribution to Malawi’s economy and cultural identity.

“The council will have district committees, which will simplify processes because all practitioners will be required to register with the council,

Efforts are being made to ensure everyone understands the importance of the National Arts and Heritage Act for the arts,” he explained.

Gregory Maulana, the Marketing Manager for Grand Palace Hotel, described the event as successful, though noting areas for improvement.

“The organizers of the Mpoto Awards need to secure more sponsors for future events,” he said.

“We are ready to continue supporting them in their upcoming events until they reach their desired level.” Maulana added.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, December 14, Mana: Three people died on Thursday night and one sustained serious injuries in a head-on crash motor vehicle accident at Four Ways near St. Maria Gorretti Primary School in Nkhata Bay.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Public relations Officer for Nkhata Bay Police, Kondwani James said that the accident involved a motorcycle taxi operator who carried two passengers and a Honda Fit motor vehicle registration registration number CP 10232.

"I can confirm that the motorcycle taxi operator died on the spot and the two pillion passengers a male and female were pronounced dead upon arrival at Nkhata Bay District Hospital while the driver is receiving treatment at the facility,” said James.

According to James, angry mob burnt the vehicle and police have bemoaned the tendency to cause more damage following such accidents instead of rescuing victims.

By Alex Mlanga

Blantyre, December 12, Mana: An economic expert from Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Christopher Mbukwa, stated that integrating entrepreneurship courses into university curricula is producing positive outcomes, as students in various Malawian universities are engaging in diverse business ventures while continuing their studies.

“Two key points are notable, firstly, most universities introduced entrepreneurship courses at the turn of the century, and after one or two revisions, we began to see tangible results. Secondly, difficulties in securing traditional employment are driving graduates from various backgrounds to innovate through start-ups, which is commendable,” Mbukwa, explained in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) this week.

He highlighted that several businesses started by groups of students have excelled in creating jobs and producing valuable products.

The expert suggested that universities can play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship, citing Mzuni and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) where their entrepreneurship hubs provide students with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

“Universities can also encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity and create an environment where failure is not stigmatised,” he said, adding that there was need for universities to partner with industries and small business owners to create hands-on learning experiences for students.

Malawi University of Business and applied Science (MUBAS) fourth year student, Arshley Lovemore Nazombe, has been engaged in entrepreneurship for three years selling electronics.

Apart from this, Nazombe also acts as an agent in helping first year student to secure accommodation, saying this helps him to make ends thereby reducing dependence on his parents.

Mzuni student, Alexander Chimkonda, also ventured into entrepreneurship after registering his business, Xander Creditors to provide loans to fellow students.

“I started this business after realising that not every student can access loans from finance lending institutions as most lending institutions often require employment as a condition to access loans.

“This leaves students with limited options. I saw an opportunity to fill this gap,” he added.

Both Nazombe and Chimkonda emphasised the importance of time management to balance academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.

“I balance my academic and business. I understand that I came here to learn, so school is my priority, during weekdays I attend classes while weekends I do my deliveries to customers, or when I finish my classes I do some adverts on social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook where I find potential customers,” said Nazombe.

When contacted, MUBAS, Deputy Registrar, Elias Chizimba did not comment much saying he was following up the matter.

“I asked one officer to provide data on entrepreneurship activities among students,” he added.