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Disaster contingency plan crucial in managing disaster - DRMO
By Martin Chiwanda
Machinga, November 18, Mana: Machinga District Council Disaster Risk Management Officer, Shepherd Jere, has said disaster contingency plan is crucial in the management of disasters as it enhances the district’s preparedness and response capacities.
Jere made the sentiments during the district’s disaster contingency plan review workshop at Liwonde Community Development Centre in Balaka.
He said the disaster contingency plan is crucial, as it is a management tool used to analyze the impact of potential disasters and ensure that adequate and appropriate arrangements are made in advance to respond in a timely and appropriate way to the needs of affected population.
Jere reminded those taking part in the review that failing to complete a contingency plan renders the whole exercise fruitless.
“Effort should be made to finalize the contingency plan during the review workshop and clusters should ensure that they have collected all the required data before they start holding review workshops.
“Machinga District is yearly affected by disasters such as floods, dry spells, strong winds, Cholera and crop pests. We have since started registering some cases in some of the traditional authorities. Some communities have already started experiencing the effects of strong winds,” he said.
He observed that their district has experienced damage and losses on people’s livelihoods, adding that Machinga has been suffering losses and damages affecting agriculture, water and sanitation, education and trade.
Jere, therefore, asked district stakeholders and communities to make use of the plan during or before disasters, noting: “It should not just gather dust in shelves but rather help us as DDRMC members to timely respond and assist the affected population within the required 24 hours of responding to a disaster.”
He also appealed to all sectors to have a disaster risk management to mainstream disasters in their programming of interventions and provide a report of what has been implemented in the contingency plan.
However, Jere urged reviewers of the disaster contingency plan to make realistic assumptions and budgets but also to involve communities and civil protection committees in all the processes including dissemination of the plan to enhance ownership and smooth implementation.
Machinga District Principal Nutrition, HIV and AIDS Officer, Autile Sanyira who is involved in the review meeting, said the plan is a benchmark for effective management of disaster preparedness activities and response.
“This review helps the district plan and allocate resources needed to prepare, respond and also recover from disaster when they occur. Therefore, it is right that every year we review the plans in accordance with the year’s weather seasonal forecast,” said Sanyira.
Northern Region prisons hold a two-day sports tournament
By Evalitso Kapesi
Mzuzu, November 18, Mana: Commissioner for Operations and Security Services in Malawi Prison Service, Aaron Kaunda, on Sunday said that sport has transformative impact in uniting communities and supporting rehabilitation of offenders.
Kaunda was speaking during wrap up of Northern Region Prisons’ two-day sports tournament at Mzuzu Prison Ground.
Sporting disciplines on the day included football, netball, volleyball and tag of war.
He said that the tournament aimed at fostering good working relationship among prison officers, stakeholders and members of the public while providing prisoners with opportunities to reintegrate into society.
“Such sporting activities ensure officers’ physical and mental fitness and spiritual growth. I thank the Department of Prisons for the ongoing transition from punitive to corrective service models, including restorative justice programs,” said Kaunda
He then thanked Malawi Police Service Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization, Centenary Bank, Pinnacle Financial Services, Mukuru, NBS Bank and NICO for supporting the tournament.
Mukuru Regional supervisor for the north, Wanangwa Kazeze said the company supported the tournament because it believes that their services have no boarders and service people of all carders.
Rumphi Prison emerged winners in Football while Mzimba Prison emerged champions in Volleyball, as Mzuzu Prison were best performers in Netball and Tag of war.
Coach for Rumphi Prison Football Team, Kennedy Mphaninga attributed their victory to disciplined officers and collective commitment to success.
The tournament which started with big walk from Katoto Ground to Mzuzu Prison was held under the theme ‘Promoting Community Participation in the Reintegration of Offenders’.
NAM terminates technical team
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 18, Mana: The Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) has terminated the contracts of its technical team coaches, stating that the decision was made to ensure that the national teams are prepared to achieve optimal fitness and performance levels.
NAM General Secretary, Yamikani Kauma, disclosed this on Monday through a press statement.
He stated that NAM has terminated coaching contract for Joana Kachilika and Eleanour Mapulanga as Coach and Vice Coach of the Malawi Queens, with one month notice effective 19th November, 2024.
“This termination comes as NAM wants to make sure that national teams are performing well in all international tournaments,” said Kauma.
Kauma further said that NAM has appointed Peace Chawinga and Mary Waya as Co-Head Coaches for the senior National Netball teams effective November 19, 2024.
“NAM believes that being the highest qualified coaches in Malawi, their experience in coaching and development of players, and having performed as players, the two are best suited to steer the senior National Queens and oversee the development of the Under 21 and Under 19 teams, as we Rebuild the Team,” he explained.
He said Joana kachilika has been re-appointed as Head Coach for Under 21 National Team until September 30, 2025 on conclusion of the Netball Youth World Cup.
Meanwhile, NAM has also terminated the contract for Christina Mkwanda who has been coach for under 21 and she has been re-appointed as vice coach for Under 21 National Team effective November 19, 2024 until September 30,2025.
The statement further confirms that NAM has also terminated the contract for Triza Chipolopolo who has been Vice Coach for Under 18 National Team.
In his remarks, a Sports analyst Edwin Mbewe has described the newly appointed National coaches as fruitful saying they are people with experiences as they have previously coached and played for the national team.
“The performance of the national team recently has dropped on the international scene so coming in of Peace Chawinga and Mary Waya will bring significant change to the Malawi Queens,” said Mbewe.
The Malawi Netball team is currently on position six on the world netball ranking.
Bishop Mtumbuka advises chiefs to have well defined succession plans
By Ephraim Ngwira
Karonga, November 18, Mana: Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Catholic Diocese of Karonga has urged traditional leaders in the district to have well defined and clear succession plans to avoid chieftaincy wrangles.
The bishop made these remarks during the presentation of a MK4 million 2024 Bishop Peace Trophy to the winners.
The competition featured 35 football clubs, with Chicago FC clinching the trophy after defeating Mlamba FC 1–0 in the finals on Sunday.
“Chiefs are often the root cause of chieftaincy wrangles especially when one is on the throne in an acting capacity and refuses to step down when the rightful heir to the throne is identified.
“This must be avoided. We should do away with the practice of appointing acting chiefs altogether to avoid such wrangles,” said Mtumbuka.
He further urged people in the district to refrain from engaging in political violence as the country is heading towards 2025 General Elections.
“Karonga has been consistently ranked high in political violence. Do not let politicians exploit you as most of them do not even know your names or where you live. When you get injured, you suffer alone,” he said.
Then the bishop said that he was satisfied with how the competition had fostered peace in the district.
“This motivated me to increase next year’s trophy value from MK4 million to MK20 million so that the trophy reaches more youths,” said Mtumbuka.
Paramount Chief Kyungu commended Mtumbuka’s efforts, urging him to continue promoting peace and unity in the district
“Our gathering today is a testimony that peace and unity need to prevail in the district and the country as a whole.
Parents have the duty to instil values of peace, respect, and unity in children from tender age so that these values become part of them as they grow,” said Kyungu.
He also urged people in the district to embrace their culture as their root of identification and refrain stop associating old age with witchcraft and instead love and protect the elderly.
TNM super league matches continues this Wednesday
By Alinafe Kapatamoyo
Lilongwe, November 18, Mana: The TNM Super league is heating up with excitement matches this coming Wednesday as league leaders Silver Strikers are set to take on Mafco FC at Civo Stadium, while Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who are currently second on the log table will play against Bangwe All Stars at Kamuzu stadium.
Silver strikers will be looking to maintain their top spot, but Mafco FC will undoubtedly provide a tough challenge as they are also looking to finish at a good position in the league, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers will be seeking to close the gap with the leaders and cement their position in second place.
On the same Baka city who are already relegated in the league will play against Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos at Karonga Stadium, while Fomo who are also in relegation zone will play against Creck Sporting Club at Mulanje stadium.
The matches are expected to be highly competitive, since all teams are looking forward to secure all the points by the end of the games.
Neno CS-EPWP applaud environmental and economic benefits
By Salome Gangire
Neno, November 18, Mana: Participants in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Neno District have described the initiative as transformative, bringing positive change both to the environment and their financial status.
The project funded by Malawi Government through the World Bank and by the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) programme aims at mitigating climate change effects while boosting local livelihoods, has had tangible impact in communities heavily reliant on subsistence farming.
A participant from Mtungamowa Catchment in the area of Traditional Authority Mlauli, Wyson Ndapita expressed gratitude for the dual benefits of the programme.
Mtungamowa said the programme has introduced an alternative, offering participants a reliable income source while simultaneously promoting environmental stewardship.
“This project has brought hope to many of us. In the past, we only depended on our small farms which barely produced enough food for our families,” he said.
Ndapita said with the income realized from participating in the programme, they afford other basic necessities they couldn’t before.
He said the work has helped them foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
“We are beginning to see that our survival is connected to how well we care for nature. Our children are also learning from this and I hope this project will continue so we can build a better future,” he said.
Another participant from Chapita Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mlauli, Lonely Boti resonated similar sentiments, noting how the initiative has reduced poverty while restoring degraded landscapes.
“Through this project, we are not just earning money; we are contributing to conserving the environment which is our lifeline. The reforestation and soil conservation activities have revived barren lands around here and we hope to see even better results in the coming years,” she said.
Boti said through the money they receive after working under the project, women are now economically empowered as they have ventured into village savings and loans groups, while others have started small businesses which help them support their families.
CS-EPWP Project Facilitator for Neno, Chrissy Kamanga said the programme has produced good economic results apart from communities’ adoption of sustainable catchment management as well as improving livelihood of the participants.
Kamanga said participants work for 30 paid days and 10 days for community contribution; thereby, receiving K48, 000 after a cycle.
“The programme is empowering participants economically through wages they receive to buy food and other basic necessities,” said Kamanga.
The programme involves participants in a range of activities including promoting natural regeneration, tree planting, constructing soil and water conservation structures like swales and stone bunds in attempt to curb soil erosion, enhance water retention and promote biodiversity, all crucial for communities facing erratic weather patterns and soil depletion.
The CS-EPWP is a component under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP), a Malawi Government project funded by the Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank and is being facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee in all the 28 district councils.
Chakwera for good tobacco prices
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, November 18, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Monday said his government will identify more leaf buyers to ensure there are competitive prices that can benefit farmers, in the 2024/2025 market season.
Chakwera said this on Monday when touring the eastern side of Kasungu district on a whistle- stop tour that will take him to six trading centers in five Traditional Authorities of Kasungu district.
At his first stop at Gogode in Kasungu Central Constituency, the President said the 2024/2025 market season will be another good year for tobacco farmers regarding prices.
"As you saw this year the prices for tobacco were good. This coming season, we want to build on that and have better prices," He said.
The President said, while other things may look happening at a slow pace due to the various natural disasters that struck the country, Malawians must not despair but continue working hard.
"For the four years I have been president, we have experienced disasters every year including drought.
"However, let us not give up, until we overcome the challenges and have households that are independent," He said.
Chakwera added that, government will ensure that more people including the youths access loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund as capital to start various life changing ventures.
While thanking the President for the various development initiatives, including the M1 Road rehabilitation, Member of Parliament for the area, Ken Kandodo, said there is need for farmers to access fertilizer under the Agriculture Inputs Programme (AIP) in good time.
Kasungu is largely an agricultural district , but last season the El Nino weather phenomenon, heavily affected produce, leaving over 40 000 households on the line of hunger.
Government has since started distributing maize and at least 43 208 families are expected to receive 150 kilograms each.
The Flames to finish with Burkina Faso at home today
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 18, Mana: The Malawi National Football Team is set to take on Burkina Faso today at Bingu National Stadium in their final Group L match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Malawi heads into this game following a goalless draw against Burundi in Ivory Coast.
Unfortunately, today’s match will not have much impact on Malawi’s standing, as they currently sit at the bottom of the group with just one point from five matches.
Group leaders, Senegal, have secured 13 points, followed by Burkina Faso with 10 points.
Burundi holds the third spot with 4 points, leaving Malawi out of contest for qualification.
Despite this, the Flames will be looking to end their campaign on a high note in front of their home fans.
CASM conference inspires students to blend faith and education
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, November 18, Mana: Christos Ambassadors Students Ministries (CASM), a branch of Christos Ambassadors Ministries International (CAMI), hosted a conference at Malawi College of Accountancy (Blantyre Campus) over the weekend aimed at enhancing the spiritual and academic lives of university and college students.
Speaking at the conference, Founder of CAMI, Kennie Mulinde emphasized the importance of involving God in every aspect of life, as the future, though unseen, can be shaped through faith.
“Our future is entrusted to God and can only be navigated by the Holy Spirit through the gospel. The destiny of your life has already been planned by God,” he said.
Mulinde discouraged the tendency to blame misfortunes on one’s background or country of origin, reminding attendees that being born in Malawi is not a mistake but an opportunity to be fruitful.
He also encouraged students to engage in self-reflection and not let others define their self-worth.
“Develop a habit of looking in the mirror and telling yourself positive words that build confidence and positivity in your life. Self-affirmations shape how you see yourself and influence how others perceive you,” Mulinde said.
Mulinde outlined the challenges he faced when starting his ministry during his college years, including facing ridicule and mockery from fellow students.
“I have faced the worst mockery than I expected, but I have learned not to argue with people who have no contribution to my future,” he stated.
Tickson Kondowe, a Malawi College of Accountancy alumnus and a member of CAMI, urged students to take responsibility for shaping their lives and not remain stuck in unfavorable situations.
“Do not rely on complaints alone when things go wrong. As students, you must explore different ways to achieve your goals,” he said.
Kondowe also advised students to be content with what they have and use it as motivation to strive for greater achievements.
“Dedicate yourself to the small things you have; big accomplishments often originate from humble beginnings. Learn to value what you have,” he added.
He, however, encouraged students to acquire additional skills to supplement their education and to surround themselves with a positive and supportive social circle.
During the conference, it was announced that next year’s event will be held at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) with the specific date to be advised later.
The conference was attended by alumni and students from various universities and colleges around Blantyre.
Law enforcers warned against breaking traffic rules
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, November 17, Mana: Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara has warned enforcers of traffic rules and regulations to stop being soft to those that fail to comply with laws on the roads of Malawi.
Speaking at Gymkhana ground in Zomba on Sunday during the commemoration of Africa Road Safety Day, Hara expressed concern over the behavior of some law enforcers.
"Why giving someone GR (General Receipt) and allow them to commit multiple crimes on the road at the expense of people's lives. This has to end forthwith," said the minister as he also took a swipe at political parties that use lorry trucks to ferry supporters to various destinations, saying the law is clear on illegality of mode of transportation.
The minister said political parties need to start using busses as opposed to ferrying their supporters on lorries.
"If you are a real political party, buy buses for your supporters. Don't expose them to life threatening situations if you care for them. The police will start arresting all drivers transporting people in open vehicles," he added.
The minister underscored government’s commitment to meeting Malawi 2063, to reduce fatal accidents by 50 percent, come 2030.
Mayor for Zomba City, Councilor Christopher Jana lamented lack of seriousness in enforcing the law on the roads of Malawi.
"The operators are overloading, using unworthy vehicles and other shortcuts to beat the law, to satisfy the employer," Jana noted.
The Director of Road Traffic and Safety Services, Andrew Sandula said that if all stakeholders join hands, accidents could be reduced to minimal levels.
50 percent of the country's accidents are caused by kabaza operators, according to the Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services.
The African Road Safety Day, was commemorated under the Theme: Voluntary compliance with road traffic rules saves lives, non-compliance is fatal.
The minister earlier visited accident patients at Zomba Central Hospital and participated in a big walk within the City of Zomba.
