By Brian Wasili

Mwanza, December 15, Mana: Mwanza District Council has said preparations for commencement of Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) second cycle which is expected to start in the district next week have reached an advanced stage.

The assurance was made by Mwanza District Commissioner Dr. Martha Margreta Sineta at the preparatory meeting for the start of the new cycle which was attended by District Environmental Sub Committee and extension workers at the district council.

“Next thing after this meeting is to hold entry meetings with relevant structures on the ground as part of the preparations for the start of the second cycle scheduled for next week,” said Sineta.

She commended existence of coordination among stakeholders including traditional leaders and the participants themselves which contributed to the success of the last cycle.

Last week Mwanza District Council conducted a series of review meetings targeting stakeholders including Catchment Management Committees, volunteers, foremen and traditional leaders in the 13 catchments to look at successes and shortfalls experienced in the last cycle to avoid recurring in the new cycle.

In his remarks, Principal Agriculture Officer who is also District Coordinator for the project Idruce Kanyenda said all challenges such as missing of names in the data base, missing of beneficiaries on pay role among others. that were experienced in the previous cycle have been addressed.

“Let me call upon the extension workers who will be tasked to implement various activities to remain committed for success of the programme,” said Kanyenda.

10526 registered participants are expected to construct check dams, swales, raising tree nurseries and forest management. among other activities.

In the last cycle, each participant was paid K28, 800 after working for four hours in 24 days.

By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, December 14, Mana: Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute has been commended for its role in educating and training the youth in Malawi in order for them to acquire skills that would translate to self-reliance amongst the youth.

Councilor for Tsabango 2 Ward, McTonick Phiri made the remarks at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute in Lilongwe on Wednesday during a skills fair where students from the school showcased various skills acquired in different programs.

Phiri, who was speaking on behalf of the Lilongwe City Mayor Richard Banda, said skills which students acquire from the institute are important for Malawian youth to become self-reliant, prosperous citizens and responsible family and society leaders.

"Don Bosco resonates well with government's development agenda. That is why I call upon the industry and partners to join hands with the institute so that we develop the country together,” he said.

Phiri, therefore, appealed to parents and guardians to consider Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education (TEVET) as a pathway to economic liberty.

He said it is only skilled individuals who can make meaningful contributions to the growth of the country’s economy hence the need for youth to embrace TEVET skills for economic freedom.

In his remarks, Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute Jobs Service Officer, Joseph Phelatu said the showcasing event will enable youths to make right decisions and act as parent's motivation in reaching out to the youth to take cognitive courses.

Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute offers Automobile Mechanics, Accountancy, Brick Laying, Community Development, Hotel Management, Carpentry and Joinery, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Tailoring and Fashion Design and Electrical Installation and Electronics.

By Memory Kutengule Chatonda

Blantyre, December 14, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud has hailed Dream Sant’Egidio Malawi for complementing government efforts in providing high-quality healthcare services to the people.

Daud made the remarks on Thursday in Blantyre during the 20th-anniversary celebration of DREAM Sant’Egidio’s existence and services in Malawi.

The deputy minister said it was pleasing to note that for the past 20 years, DREAM Sant’Egido established 13 health Centre’s including three state-of-the-art biological molecular laboratories that support government health facilities specifically on testing, screening and treatment of various ailments at no cost.

She said this has ensured that patients from both rural and urban areas access right and quality health services at convenient places.

“DREAM has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals who, in their most vulnerable moments, found a lifeline, a source of support, and a community that cared for them. We have witnessed the transformation of lives, the healing of wounds and the empowerment of communities through DREAM healthcare, education, and various outreach programmes,” she said

She then advised the public to continue seeking different services at DREAM facilities for HIV and AIDS, Cancer, Epilepsy, diabetes, hypertension, and other non-communicable diseases to live a better life.

In her remarks, DREAM Sant’Egidio, General Coordinator for Africa Dr. Paola Germano said DREAM will continue investing more resources to support the Ministry of Health in achieving universal health coverage.

She therefore commended government for creating a conducive environment for DREAM to implement its activities successfully.

By Joel Chirwa

Mzuzu, December 14, Mana: Pastoral Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Reverend Bishop Martin Mtumbuka has urged the church's laity to safeguard the church and openly speak against   any wrongs and ills that go against the church doctrines and teachings.

Mtumbuka who is also Bishop of Karonga Catholic Diocese remarks when he presided   Holy Mass that marked the opening of the Catholic Women Organisation Annual General Meeting at Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in Mzuzu Thursday.

He advised the members of the organization that they should be speaking out on things that go against the church doctrines and teachings to maintain the Church’s decency.

“If a brother, a priest or a nun or any leader does something that is wrong in the eyes of God do not hesitate speak out.

The mistakes done by us who are your leaders will cause irreparable harm than those done by any of you individually. Our door is open to attend to all concerns which you can raise. through that you will assist in building the church," said Mtumbuka.

He also advised Christians against suffering in silence saying silence will not help the church but kill it and damage its reputation.

 “If it will need to take you to report an issue to the bishop or a senior church provincial leader do the needful but procedurally than posting such issues on the social media,” he said.

The Bishop also said women play a vital role in the Church and as such, they need to learn from St Theresa who influenced St John of Cross to reform the Order of the Camerite Priesthood Order.

"If Saint Theresa had not come in the open to speak out against the ills that were happening in this order it wouldn’t have survived to this day. Let me also advise you that you send your children and dependents to school,” he added.

In her remarks, National Chairperson of Catholic Women's Organisation, Doreen Zimba advised women to take a leading role in promoting environmental conservation to mitigate the impact of climate change.

"We are experiencing erratic rains due to environmental degradation. Let us lead in planting trees and caring for them.

Vegetation cover will guarantee us good rains which will in long-term enable us to have bumper yields thereby averting hunger," said Zimba.

The Indaba which will run from December 14 to 17 is being held under the theme ‘Enabling every woman to participate and formation in a synodal church whilst caring for our common home and ecological conversion as we face global food crisis’.

The event coincided with the commemoration of the feast of Saint John of the Cross who is renowned in the Church for taking a leading role in revamping the Camerite Priesthood Order.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, December 14, Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets has qualified in Ibongese Castlel Challenge Cup semifinals after beating Ekwenden Hammers 4-0 at Kamuzu Stadium Tuesday afternoon.

Bullets took the game in their hands from the first half whistle while Hassan Kajoke was a man to watch as scored 2 goals in 15th, 36th minutes.

Another goal to the disadvantage of the hammers came from Patrick Mwaungulu on 16th minutes resulting into a 3-0 first half lead.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets supporters filled the stadium with a vocal usual song "Maule popita Mutitenge" as frustrated Ekwenden Hammers to hit bullets with wave after wave attack in the second to no avail.

Maule captain, Precious Sambani scored a fourth goal on 77th minutes after Ekwenden Hammers defenders loose composure due to wave after wave attack which prompted Ekwenden Hammers to substitute four players.

In post-match interviews, bullets’ head coach, Kalisto Pasuwa said the boys played according to his wish, adding that they maintained position and discipline thereby earning them best results at the end of the day.

"Today's win means a lot on our side. We got what we wanted at the end of this game but mostly am worried of our players because they are not being protected as I have almost 10 injuries," said Pasuwa.

He added that FBC Nyasa Big Bullets is geared and well prepared for their next game against Mighty Mukuru Wanderers saying the game will explain itself.

Head coach for Ekwenden Hammers, Elias Chirambo expressed concern over the match’s referee saying he frustrated his players in the first half of the game by giving Bullets a goal which was supposed to be an offside, adding that he didn't handle the game in a fair manner which resulted to his side’s loss.

"Am agreeing that our performance wasn't much strong as a lot of players who participated in today's much were from our youth club. The worst thing is that the referee failed to manage the game and disappoint us in 10th minutes of the game," said Chirambo.

In other match of Castel Challenge Cup, Maxwell Paipi, Emmanuel Kaunga, Innocent Shema, Patrick Macheso scored for Silver Strikers to win 4-2 against Blue Eagles at Bingu National Stadium.                   

By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, December 14, Mana: Police in Mchinji have apprehended 32 students from Mphangala Private Boarding Secondary School, located at Kamwendo Trading Centre, on suspicion of being involved in a series of acts of vandalism at the school following a protest against the school management.

The incident unfolded on Monday, December 11, when students staged a protest against the school's administration because they were served food late.

The situation escalated when some enraged students began damaging and setting school property ablaze, prompting authorities to notify the Kamwendo Police Post.

Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Limbani Mpinganjira stated that, upon receiving the report, the police promptly visited the scene, successfully dispersing the students who subsequently fled to neighboring villages.

"In the course of events, they damaged the windscreen of a Toyota Land Cruiser owned by Mchinji Police, registration number MP 2642. Additionally, school property, including electric cable wires, two mattresses, four chairs, four window frames, and one aluminum pot, were also damaged," explained Mpinganjira, saying the total value of the losses is yet to be determined as investigations are still ongoing.

Among the 32 arrested are Precious Steven, 22, from Kandaya Village, TA Simphasi, and Chikondi Nakaleti, 22, from Mlonyeni Village under TA Mlonyeni in the district.

The suspects are expected to face charges of malicious damage and arson in court.

By Winfrida Kamwana

Mchinji, December 8, Mana: Amidst high unemployment rate in Malawi, MHub has embarked on a Job and Opportunity Fair to provide a platform for youths to access information that will help them get job and business opportunities.

The Job and Opportunity Fair took place in Mchinji for two consecutive days, providing knowledge to different youths on how to access business grants and how to determine appropriate career paths.

In his remarks, MHub Technical Manager Daniel Mvalo explained that the fair is aimed at providing information to youths on how to access information on job opportunities, business grants and market linkages.

“Youths need a platform to access information, such as how to professionally present themselves at work or how they can write better business plans to attract buyers. That is why as MHub we saw it fit to provide such a wide platform so that the youths can access information and be able to choose what they want to do with their lives,” said Mvalo.

Mvalo also added that the fair was not designed just to equip youths with information but to also help them meet potential employers and investors with the different stakeholders that took part in the Job and Opportunity Fair.

John Chirwa, a youth who is doing agribusiness in aqua-culture, stated that the fair has equipped him and his group with vast knowledge on how to grow their business. He further said this was a great opportunity for him as a youth to understand the appropriate way of drawing business plans and executing them.

Another participant, Tamanda Mwale, hailed MHub for the fair, saying it has helped her business grow.

“I had the opportunity to showcase my products and I was able to secure some clients who are interested in my baking business; this shows how crucial and important this fair is to us who are conducting small scale businesses,” said Mwale.

MHub is working in partnership with GIZ under a project called ‘Empowering Youths in Agribusiness’ (EYA). The project is being conducted in five districts, which include Nkhotakota, Mchinji and Salima.

Apart from training sessions on drawing business plans, accessing business grants and crafting successful application letters and curriculum vitae, the event was also spiced up by performances from musician Zeze Kingston and other Mchinji local artists.

Different organizations at the fair offered some youth’s different job and internship opportunities.

By Aquino Munthewe,

Mwanza, December 8, Mana: People in Mwanza have launched commemoration of 16 days of activism against gender based violence (GBV) with District Commissioner (DC) Martha Sineta calling on people in the district to unite in the fight against all forms GBV.

Sineta made the call on Thursday at Group Village Head (GVH) Thambala in Inkosi Kanduku Maseko’s area and added that GBV can stop if people take undivided stand.

“It is possible to combat GBV if we could put all efforts together in sensitizing communities on the negative effects of the vice on one’s life. The problem is too huge to be left in the hands of one stakeholder,” said Sineta and further encouraged victims of GBV, whether male or female, to report any form of violence to police and other relevant authorities.

Mwanza District Council Chairperson Councilor Bellon Kasambwe said community leaders should play significant roles by raising awareness on forms of GBV and where to report them.

He also commended the 16 days of activism against GBV launch, saying it came at the right time when the district recorded a lot of GBV, especially with men abandoning their spouses without support in the disguise of celebrating Christmas and New Year festivities.

“Let me call upon stakeholders to intensify awareness on negative effects of GBV and its criminal aspect even after the 16 days’ commemoration to end GBV in the district,” said Kasambwe.

Mwanza District Gender Officer If Masango urged the community members, including those in work places, to be watchdogs of each other on GBV, saying this is the only way to stop GBV.

“The way you value yourself will also determine how you value other people. This is how we can end GBV,” added Masango.

GVH Kanduku pledged he would carry out series of sensitization meetings to encourage her subjects to report GBV to relevant authorities for proper action.

“I have already been working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that there are no cultural norms that promote GBV in my area,” said GVH Kanduku.

This year’s commemoration runs from November 25 to December 10 under the theme: 'Invest to prevent violence against women and girls’.

Mwanza commemoration of 16 days of activism against GBV has received support from Campaign for Female Education, Malawi Red Cross Society, Wolrec, Cadecom, CONCERN Worldwide, OBOL and the World Vision Malawi.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, December 6, Mana: Police at Mponela in Dowa have arrested a 26-year-old man for illegally possessing a firearm.

According to Public Relations Officer for Mponela Police Station, Sergeant Macpatson Msadala, the man, Chikumbutso Chisowa, was arrested on December 3 at Nkhwema Trading Centre in Traditional Authority (TA) Dzoole in the district.

“Mponela Police female officers were on a Basadi operation when they received information from well-wishers that there is a suspicious man within Nkhwema Trading Centre who is lodging at one of the rooms at a certain bottle store.

“Upon receipt of the information, the officers followed up the issue and found the suspect in the room with a plastic gab. Upon being searched, he was found with a greener firearm concealed in a black plastic jumbo and also a military top without a license,” said Msadala.

Msadala said the suspect claimed that he had acquired the gun at Nthesa Village where it was dumped in the garden by unknown people.

According to Msadala the suspect who hails from Biwi Village, TA Kalumo in Ntchisi District will soon appear before court to answer charges of illegal possession of a firearm.