MANAonline
Dr. John Paul wins MCP primary elections in Mchinji West
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, February 20, Mana: Malawi Congress Party's (MCP) Director of Political Affairs, Maxwell Thyolera, has urged the losing candidates in the party's primary elections not to contest as independent candidates but stick to the party.
He was speaking in Mchinji during the MCP primary elections for the Mchinji West Constituency, where the party's Treasurer General, Dr. John Paul, emerged victorious with 942 votes, defeating five other aspiring candidates.
Thyolera asked the losing contestants to rally behind Dr. John Paul instead of contesting as independents.
“Our priority is to strengthen the party’s support ahead of the September elections. I encourage all aspirants to remain united and support our winning candidates,” said Thyolera.
The other contestants were Thokozani Gezire, Mapitilo Chibisa, Jacob Kanyemba, Joyce Banda and Litah Langa Sanga.
In the primary elections to select torchbearers for the local government elections, Daniel Kachikoti secured 402 votes to become the MCP candidate for Boma Ward, while Esnart Chitawo won the nomination for Msachembe Ward with 351 votes.
Blantyre District Council launches Forestry Season
By Beatrice Bangula
Blantyre February 19, Mana: Blantyre District Council has launched 2024–2025 Forestry Season in Traditional Authority Kunthembwe’s area where the council announced it will plant at least 1.2 million tree seedlings in various places.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, under the theme; Restore Forest and Land to Secure Food Production, Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Councilor, Elson Dumuka, said there is need to keep on planting trees to restore the depleted vegetative cover in manty parts of the district.
He therefore called on community members to plant and care for the tree seedlings to ensure good survival rate.
“When the tree survival rate is high, there will be many trees, and this will help to address desertification. Let everyone, including school learners, ward councilors, and Members of Parliament take full responsibility of planting trees and taking care of it,” he added.
Blantyre District Forestry Officer, Noel Moyo, said there is need for collective effort among stakeholders to restore the degraded environment.
According to Moyo, as of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the council had planted almost 642 tree seedlings in the area of Traditional Authority Kunthembwe.
Senior Chief Kunthembwe hailed Blantyre District Council for the initiative, saying it will help to reduce climate change effects.
“As a traditional leader, using my own initiative, I have managed to plant almost 100 tree seedlings of various species, such as bluegum. Thanks Blantyre District Council for launching this forestry season in my area,” he said.
Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi, launched the 2024/2025 National Forest Season on December 15 in Chitipa.
BEFIT boosting literacy and numeracy skills among learners in Neno
By Trinity Kamwani
Neno, February 19, Mana: Building Education Foundation Through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program has transformed education in Neno by improving literacy and numeracy skills among learners.
Deputy Head teacher for Kachere Primary School, Timothy Kachere, highlighted on Wednesday in an interview that BEFIT’s interactive and technology-driven approach has make a significant impact, particularly on learners in Standards 1 to 4.
"We have seen a remarkable improvement in reading and numeracy skills, especially among Standard 3 and 4 learners. This progress is also reflected in standardized examinations, where performance has significantly improved," Kachere said in an interview with Mana.
According to Kachere, the program has not only enhanced academic performance but also encouraged better school attendance.
"The digital learning tools have made lessons more engaging, helping students develop consistent study habits. As a result, learners are more confident in their studies and their overall performance has improved," he said.
He said the interactive nature of BEFIT provides personalized learning pathways, allowing learners to grasp concepts at their own pace and this flexibility has been particularly beneficial in helping struggling learners catch up with their peers.
Neno District BEFIT Coordinator, Saezi Malikebu, shared that recent performance assessments show a dramatic improvement in pass rates for Chichewa and Mathematics, rising from 40-50 percent to between 90-100 percent in some schools.
"Learners are now mastering concepts much faster, and they also have extra time for practice after normal lessons. This has resulted in stronger academic competition at the zone level and an overall boost in school performance," Malikebu said.
A Standard 4 learner at Kapanikiza Primary School, Mphatso Mtsamira said the program has transformed her academic journey.
"When I transferred to this school, I struggled with reading. But with the tablet lessons, I can now read fluently, manipulate numbers, and confidently answer comprehension questions," she said.
Similarly, a standard 3 learner at Kalion Primary School, Emmanuel Joseph, said he had little interest in attending classes as his mother had to escort him daily to school.
However, after being introduced to BEFIT, his attitude toward education changed and now he enjoys learning and attends classes regularly and is excelling academically according to his class teacher.
BEFIT is currently in its first phase and is covering 12 primary out of 88 primary schools in Neno.
Dowa council constructs K180 million DC’s house
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, February 19, Mana: Dowa district council has constructed a modern house worth K180 million for the District Commissioner (DC) to improve council operations and service delivery.
In an interview, Council Chairperson Gift Nkhono Songeya said the council decided to construct the house to alleviate accommodation challenges workers including DCs used to face due to a shortage of residential houses at Dowa boma.
“At Dowa boma, we have a challenge of accommodation whereby modern or standard houses are in a shortfall.
“As you know, the DC is a prominent individual who at least deserves a good and safe house. So, this hugely affected us because previously, some DCs would not prefer to work here nor stay in Dowa for a long time,” he said.
Songeya said some opted to have temporary accommodation in the district or daily commute from nearby Lilongwe.
This, he said affected council operations.
“Sometimes the DCs’ office handles emergency issues even during the night, and for someone in Lilongwe, it would be difficult to respond in person,” he said.
However, he said the challenges will now be a thing of the past following the construction of the modern house.
Amongst other things, he said the house will improve DCs security, which would enable them to fully focus on their work.
“Our DCs now will have a conducive environment to reside in. We also believe future DCs will no longer have reservations coming to Dowa. So, this is a huge motivation.
“However, as a council we are not stopping there. We also have plans in the future to construct houses for our directors because they all work as a team,” he said.
The house amongst other features has four bedrooms including a guest wing, an office, a lockable garage, an open concept kitchen which includes a kitchen, dining and sitting room and a storage area.
Director of public works for the council Oscar Kumwenda in an interview said the house has been constructed with funds from the District Development Fund for a period of two years and in two phases.
“In 2023 - 2024 financial year, we reserved some funds amounting around K30 million for phase one and we implemented the project up to slab level. Come 2024 - 2025, we earmarked around K147 million, plus other expenses totaling to around K180 million.
“In phase two, we continued the project from slab phase up to completion, and the house is now ready for occupation. What remains now is just to construct a fence and some other additional works like a boy’s quarters which will be considered later,” said Kumwenda.
65-year-old Elfrida Mataplayi of Pondani village, Traditional Authority Nsakambewa in her remarks said she was happy that the DCs office now has a beautiful house.
“It is a show of respect for our DCs. Apart from that, by staying with us in our localities, it will also be easy for the DCs to appreciate our day to day lives and challenges and come up with appropriate interventions,’ she said.
Mzimba gangs up against deforestation to restore natural cover
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, February 19, mana: It’s a scorching Tuesday morning at Mangombera Full Primary School in Traditional Authority Mpherembe in Mzimba District. Scores of people, including Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V, have gathered on the school grounds.
To shelter themselves from the scorching heat, some are seated in tents erected at the venue for a tree planting launch while a majority of pupils and others have sought shelter under a big tree that is shielding them from the searing heat.
‘‘At Mangombera primary school whenever it's scorching hard and we are on recess from lessons, we seek shelter from that gigantic tree’’, says Laston Gondwe, a Standard Seven pupil.
‘‘This is the reason when I heard that Mzimba district tree planting season tree launch will take place right at our school I decided to be part of the people planting trees because this big tree that has provided shelter for us from sun rays offers a lesson on why taking good care of trees is important’’, says Gondwe.
Gondwe and hundreds of his school mates and some community members have joined the cause to bring back vegetative cover to the communities through tree planting.
Malawi is in tree planting season aimed at planting 40 million trees to restore 22 450 hectares of degraded landscapes and Mzimba district, just like other districts, is launching its tree planting season.
The district, according to Mzimba forestry officer Masozi Shaba has set on a mission to plant three million trees this season.
Now the setting for the tree planting launch for Mzimba in the 2024/2025 is Mangombera primary school where its Traditional Authority Mpherembe is concerned seeing hectares of forest land losing trees, resulting in bare land which exposes communities to natural disasters such as floods which removes top soil from farmlands resulting in poor harvests in the gardens.
According to Shaba, charcoal burning is one factor that is leading to the rampant destruction of forests in Mzimba.
Despite annual tree planting exercises meant to replenish declining natural cover, the district still faces wanton cutting down of trees in forests reserves invaded by charcoal burners and loggers.
‘‘We as a department face challenges to deal with charcoal burning because our patrols are irregular because of mobility challenges. We don’t have a patrol vehicle as one we have developed fault’’, says Shaba.
She adds that because of the mobility challenges they do not conduct patrols as they would want to.
Lack of patrols in forest reserves exposes forests to charcoal burners who have for long been blamed for the deforestation currently happening in forests in the districts. One of the forests that has become an epicenter of charcoal burning is Perekezi.
A lot of charcoal bags line up along the roads as one passes to Mzuzu through the Mtangatanga –Mzuzu road.
The wanton cutting down of trees to make charcoal has angered Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V and Traditional Authority Mpherembe.
‘‘Along the roads, we see bags of charcoal, a sign of trees being cut and burnt uncontrollably in our forest reserves. It's time communities joined the Department of forestry in guarding against the destruction happening to our forests least we risk losing our forests because of this uncontrolled charcoal burning’’, says M’mbelwa.
M’mbelwa understands fully the depth of devastation caused to forest reserves in the district such as Perekezi, Chimaliro and Mtangatanga. The chief knows that while the department of forestry exists to fight against loggers and also preserve the forests through patrols, they can do little if no resources are availed for their operations.
‘‘This is why we appeal to the government to allocate adequate resources to the forestry department at M’mbelwa district council as a way of stepping up efforts in protesting forest cover’’, said the Chief.
According to M’mbelwa lack of patrol vehicle is hampering effort to deal with charcoal burners who cut down trees at free will, knowing forestry officers cannot risk walking on foot to provide security to the trees in the forest reserves.
‘‘The office needs to be given vehicles to conduct patrols, invaders are destroying trees like at Perekezi forest reserve’’, he said.
Traditional Authority Mpherembe pledges to lead efforts to cramp down on charcoal burners in the district.
‘‘We don’t have choice but to join efforts to preserve our forests. We as chiefs need to lead such efforts by drumming up morale and support of our communities. There is no gain in planting trees annually when we can’t provide security to the trees being cut down in our forest reserves. It’s like fighting a losing battle’’, said Mpherembe.
While a throng has gathered at Mangombera to plant trees to bring back vegetative cover, on the roads leading to Mangombera FP School, young men are busy cutting down trees for another round of charcoal production in Perekezi.
These charcoal burners rile Senior Forestry officer for the district Masozi Shaba.
Shaba admits that charcoal burners take advantage of the inadequate resources the department has and particularly lack of vehicles for patrols to continue invading the forests for charcoal production.
‘‘Resources are minimal for our office and as an office we try our best but largely we fail to control illegal charcoal producers who are destroying tree at an alarming rate’’, she said.
She said the only vehicle they had broke down, rendering all efforts to conduct patrols futile.
Shaba said lack of a functioning vehicle has created an opportunity for charcoal producers to invade forest reserves such as Perekezi, Chimaliro and Mtangatanga where they are cutting down trees without any remorse.
‘‘We need to have two to three vehicles for us to conducts patrols. Our officers are ready but we need the vehicles’’.
In Mzimba, various NGOs namely Adra Malawi, Find your feet, Ripple Africa, Plan Malawi International , Restore Africa and Malawi-Zambia Transfrontiers Conservation Area Project are here too to render support to the launch.
Speaking on behalf of the organisations that are also involved in conservation efforts in Mzimba, Ripple Africa Country Director Force Ngwira said his organisation is working with the council in the exercise and is planting three miilion pine trees in the district.
‘‘It’s an economic empowerment drive, aside from conserving the environment, as communities can sell the trees once they mature’’, said Ngwira.
As time for tree planting and speeches comes to an end, Laston Gondwe pledges to continue watering his planted tree to ensure its survival.
‘‘Of course I have planted this tree but this is not the end. I will ensure its survival but ensuring I come here to water it more especially when it is dry’’, he said.
Environmental activist Mathews Malata in a separate interview said inculcating the importance of conserving environment and tree in particular is one way of ensuring sustainability of trees and forests in communities.
‘‘We need to groom these youngsters on importance of taking care of environment so that when they grow up taking care of trees and such related natural elements should be within their veins’’, said Malata.
Malata also said planting trees should be equated to the care given to under five children.
‘‘For trees to survive, the first five years, just like human beings, are critical. We should learn to take care of trees just like we take care of babies that are under five. It’s a critical stage and we should always guard newly planted trees against preying goats and other livestock and also guard against fires that destroy such young trees by creating fire breaks’’, said Malata.
As the tree planting ceremony comes to an end and people disperse, Paramount Chief M’mbelwa has a parting shot:
‘‘Do not only plant trees; learn to take care of them’ ’he says.
‘‘We need to be taking care of the trees after planting. Therefore communities should take this as their responsibility’’, he said.
MNCS eyes football development in Neno
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, February 19, Mana: Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) says it expects football activities to grow in Neno following a seven-day FAM D coaching course currently underway at Lisungwi in the district for local coaches.
Speaking during the opening of the training on Tuesday, Sports and Recreational Development Officer for the Southern Region, Gracian Mkandawire emphasized the importance of the course in strengthening sports development.
He said the initiative, aimed at equipping local coaches with essential skills and is expected to contribute significantly to grassroots football growth in the district and the country at large.
"Neno has long been overlooked in football coaching courses. So we saw the need to empower local coaches with the necessary skills to develop young athletes," said Mkandawire adding that they anticipate that around 900 people will benefit from the initiative, as each participant is expected to implement the knowledge gained.
Neno District Sports Officer, Memory Baluwa, echoed similar sentiments, saying the course has great impact on the local community.
"This training is particularly valuable for Neno Lower because most of our coaches had never received formal training," she explained. "Now, with 30 men and women equipped with firsthand knowledge, communities will directly benefit from their expertise."
However, Baluwa acknowledged the challenges facing sports development in the district, including limited human resources and governance issues.
She said despite the setbacks, there are efforts to train more coaches and expand the program to include referees.
"We are committed to grassroots football development in Neno. With these newly trained coaches, we expect to see the establishment of youth teams, including Under-12 and Under-15 squads, which will serve as a foundation for their coaching careers," she added.
Chairperson of the Lisungwi Zone Football Committee, Alfred Kang'onbe praised MNCS, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), and Neno District Council for organizing the training.
"This course is a game-changer. In the past, we coached teams without proper knowledge, but now we will have a clear understanding of how to groom young players effectively," Kang'ombe said.
The coaching course, being attended by 30 participants, is a collaborative effort between MNCS, FAM, and the Neno District Council.
Youths urged to take up amateur boxing for wellness
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, February 19, Mana: Renowned boxer Perpetual Mkandawire has encouraged youths in Nkhata Bay to engage in amateur boxing, citing its benefits for their overall well-being.
Mkandawire made the remarks on Tuesday at Saint Maria Goretti in the district at the end of a two-day training organized by the Malawi National Council for Sports.
"Boxing is not just about fighting; it's about discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness," he said.
"I urge young people to take up this sport and reap its benefits", he added.
Public Relations Officer for the Malawi National Council of Sports, Edgar Ntulumbwa, explained that the training aimed to empower local coaches to identify and develop talent.
"We want to promote amateur boxing in Nkhata Bay and produce talented boxers who can represent Malawi internationally," Ntulumbwa said.
District Education Sports Officer for Nkhata Bay, Shadreck Chiundiza, praised the Council for the initiative, saying it would shape the future of amateur boxing in the district.
The two-day training drew 25 participants, including coaches, judges, umpires, and trainers.
Man arrested for attempted murder
By Chisomo Masaiti Chiusiwa
Ntchisi, February 19, Mana: Police in Ntchisi have arrested 33-year-old Pitilizani Chaomba for allegedly attacking and stabbing Madalitso Martin, a motorcycle operator, in attempt to rob him of his motorcycle.
Ntchisi police Spokesperson Sub-Inspector Salome Zgambo confirmed the development saying the arrest occurred on February 18 at Chantika village, Traditional Authority Chilooko where the suspect was hiding.
She said: “On the fateful day which was on February 8, the suspect hired Madalitso Martin aged 18, from Ntchisi boma to take him to Chisesa village.
“Upon reaching Kaombe Forest in the area of Traditional Authority Chilooko, Pitilizani attacked and stabbed the motorcycle operator in the stomach and right arm in attempt to rob him of his motorcycle.”
She said the victim struggled and managed to take off the knife and used it to stab the suspect on the head.
Due to this, the suspect got overpowered and fled.
The victim was later found by passersby who took him to Ntchisi District Hospital where he was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH).
The suspect will soon appear in court to answer charges leveled against him.
Labour Minister committed to improve working conditions
By Thom Ali
Lilongwe February 19, Mana: Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba has suspended the operations at Sheng Packaging and Plastimax manufacturing companies in Lilongwe, due to labour laws violations.
Speaking during an inspection tour on Tuesday, the Minister said he stopped the operations of the two companies, due to a number of observations including, law wages, hazardous working environments, unprotective gears, lack of cleanliness and hygiene on both premises, lack of adequate food and provision of unqualified officers.
"Following the inspection of Hong Sheng and Plastimax premises, we have ceased all operations until a full compliance is conducted from the Ministry of Labour officials", Mumba emphasized.
He also indicated that the companies have been ordered with a provision notice of 7 Days to address the challenges observed.
The Minister has since urged all employees at the companies to form a Workers Union, which will enable them to address the challenges they face during the course of their duties.
Mumba further commended NT Plastics, which has resumed its operations after it was shut down for not complying with various labour laws.
He said NT Plastics has addressed some of the violations, urging other foreign investors to take the similar path.
However, the minister observed that some challenges at NT Plastics have not yet been addressed, and ordered a 14 days period for the company to address the remaining challenges, citing lighting, warehouse ventilation system and working permits for foreign investors in the country.
President of Malawi Congress of Trade Union Charles Kunchenga commended the Minister for the inspections being conducted across the country, noting that this will enable labour laws and regulations to be followed by foreign investors.
NLGFC Board commends Mchinji Council’s projects implementation
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, February 18, Mana: The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) Board of Directors has commended Mchinji District Council for its prudent use of funds allocated for development projects.
The board visited Mchinji on Tuesday to assess progress of various development initiatives being implemented in the district.
Speaking during the visit, NLGFC Board Vice Chairperson, Lilian Khofi, expressed satisfaction with how the Council is utilizing the funds.
“It is encouraging to see that finances sent to local assemblies are being used efficiently and effectively. I commend the District Commissioner and her team for their commendable work,” Khofi said.
The board members held discussions on the implementation of the 2024/2025 projects budget under the District Development Fund (DDF), Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and Social Protection for Resilience Livelihood (SSRLP) and later visited some of the projects.
“We visited a gravity-fed water scheme under GESD, and we have seen the good work that they are doing. I am happy that people are going to benefit from this.
“We also visited a police unit that has been constructed under the CDF. We always hear about CDF funds not working, but I am excited that we have seen this beautiful structure that is going to help the people,” she said.
Mchinji District Commissioner, Lucia Chidalengwa, expressed gratitude for the visit, stating that the board’s insights would help improve project implementation.
“We appreciate the visit and the feedback provided. We will take these suggestions into account as we continue implementing our projects,” Chidalengwa said.
The board members appreciated the rehabilitation of the district council offices that were done under DDF and also visited the Nyoka-Zulu-Mduwa gravity-fed water scheme under GESD, and Tembwe Police Unit under CDF.
