MANAonline
Queens gears up for African Netball Championship
By Benedicto Maguda
Blantyre, December 7, Mana: Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) says it is impressed with the preparations of Malawi Queens in readiness for the African Netball Championship Cup that will take place from 9th to 14th December in Swakopmund, Namibia.
Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana) this week, NAM Secretary, Yamikani Khungwa Kauma said out of 26 players, 15 have been nominated for the final squad, adding that the team played two friendlies as part of testing their fitness and composure.
“We believe that the selected players will battle and deliver to the nation. We have seen more improvement through the friendlies, which we played earlier. We hope that the girls are ready to perform,” she said.
She therefore hailed government through the Malawi Sports Council for supporting them with resources for smooth preparations in the local camping, which includes accommodation and air tickets for the players.
Malawi, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Kenya, Eswatin, and Tanzania are the teams that will participate in this year’s African Cup Championship.
Sports Analyst Lester Banda said the inclusion of old players and new blood in the squad signifies a vibrant combination that will produce a good performance.
Govt for more ultra-poor in SCTP
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, December 6, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, has assured Malawians that efforts are being made to ensure that all eligible ultra-poor households and vulnerable households get into the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
During her visit to beneficiaries in the area of Senior Chief Mavwere in Mchinji district on Friday, Minister responsible Jean Sendeza acknowledged the increase in the programme's number of beneficiaries and the benefits they are receiving.
She, however, said government is aware of some challenges that need to be addressed to allow more deserving beneficiaries.
“The beneficiaries have done a lot with the cash transfers that they receive, some are sending children to school, some have constructed houses, some are buying food and some have accumulated livestock,
“We have observed recently that there are some challenges with the identification of beneficiaries. So what we have decided is that we need to make sure that we find other means of identifying those that can be on the beneficiary list. We need to have those that are deserving to be on the list, not just anyone else,” said Sendeza.
Currently, the beneficiaries are drawn from the Universal Beneficiary Registry (UBR) which is a database that consolidates information on beneficiaries of various social protection programmes.
Senior chief Mavwere said he was of the idea that there should be other means of identifying beneficiaries of the programme.
“The current scenario is that there are more deserving beneficiaries that need to be considered so that they also benefit just like their colleagues are doing. We need these people to be part of the programme so I would be happy if we can find other means of identifying the beneficiaries,” said Senior Chief Mavwere.
Mercy Wilson of Mnzingo Village in the area is one of the beneficiaries of SCTP and is taking care of five children on her own and said the programme has helped her to push through.
“I am very happy with the programme as I can feed my children and send them to school too. I have a daughter at Mchinji Secondary School but I can support her with her education needs,” said Wilson.
The Minister visited three households in Mnzingo Village where the beneficiaries told her how they are benefitting from the programme.
Mchinji has 114 clusters and 14875 beneficiaries which include the elderly, child-headed, labour-constrained and those with disabilities.
Ayuba appeals for objective surveys
By Gift Chiponde
Lilongwe, December 6, Mana: One of the Political and Social Advocates Silvester Ayuba James has criticized the newly released Afrobarometer survey, describing it as baseless and biased as it is not indicating the actual places where the survey was conducted.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency, Ayuba emphasized the importance of conducting surveys transparently and involving individuals from all walks of life to ensure accurate representation of facts on the ground.
"It is imperative for such institutions to conduct surveys in places where voters make final decisions. If you ask tobacco farmers or any farmers across the country, you might get different responses depending on the locations where the questions are posed," Ayumba stated.
He acknowledged the right of individuals to conduct surveys but stressed the urgent need for those conducting surveys to provide concrete evidence of who was questioned to avoid confusing the public.
He pointed out that Afrobarometer had conducted a survey in 2014 projecting that former President Dr. Joyce Banda would win the presidential election, but the results turned out to be different.
"There is a need for Afrobarometer to diversify their approach to prevent confusion among Malawians," he added.
Ayuba also noted that the current administration has demonstrated achievements in various development sectors, which citizens can recognize, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive survey that represents the majority, not just the minority.
In response, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwira stated that while it is the right of every institution to conduct surveys of their choice, these organizations should reflect on the perspectives of actual voters rather than just the minority.
She highlighted the importance of acknowledging how the president has addressed the challenges Malawi has faced since taking office, issues such as COVID-19, Cyclone Freddy, floods, and assisting those affected by hunger and disasters.
"It is time for people to recognize the positive outcomes government has achieved in all districts across the country. As MCP our grassroots voters are intact and can see what government has accomplished," Kabwira stated.
Dedza records alarming surge in GBV cases
By Nandie Magomelo
Dedza, December 6, Mana: Dedza Police Station Officer In-Charge, Gift Chiundira, on Thursday expressed concern over alarming rise in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases in the district, which have skyrocketed, from 2,205 between January and December 2023 to 8,447 between January and September 2024.
He made the remarks in an interview during the 16 days of activism against GBV event at Kabwazi in the area of Senior Chief Chilikumwendo in the district.
Chiundira attributed poverty as a primary cause citing cases received by his office that involved disputes over household assets, business interests, and parental neglect in providing for their children.
“Resource scarcity is fueling household conflicts as family members vie for control over limited assets. Alarmingly, some children have approached our office due to lack of food, clothing, and proper shelter.
“We have intensified awareness campaigns against gender based violence by working closely with chiefs,” said Chiundira.
Dedza North East parliamentarian, Auzious Chidovu, testified that various forms of violence are prevalent in the area with women and children being the primary victims.
He appealed local and faith leaders to utilize social gatherings such as church services, weddings, and funerals as platforms to raise awareness and promote anti-GBV initiatives.
Senior chief Chilikumwendo said he has established more structures to facilitate dispute resolution and provide reports to his office.
On her part, Dedza District Council, Gender and Development Officer, Lisnet Kathyole said the event was crucial in raising awareness and mobilizing the community to take an active role in preventing and combating GBV.
“I think we have managed to shed light on how all community members can help to prevent gender based violence. Hopefully this will result in the decrease of such cases,” she said.
MANEPO geared to eliminate stereotypes towards the elderly in Balaka
By Mirium Fumulani and Milton Sukasuka
Balaka, December 6, Mana: Malawi Network of Older Persons Organizations (MANEPO) has said implementation of a new project called Realizing the Rights of Older People (ROAR) will help to eradicate physical, mental and other forms of abuses that elderly people face in Balaka District.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, MANEPO Technical Leader, Goodwell Thunga, said the project which targets areas of Nsamala and Mpilisi will incorporates community awareness aspect that seeks to positively change community members negative perception towards the elderly.
“This initiative will ensure that older people in Balaka are receiving care and support they deserve as vulnerable members of society.
“By changing community members’ altitude towards the older people, the project will also help to fight abuses and stereotypes that the elderly face such as assaults and being associated with bad things,” he added.
Thunga therefore said the project will also empower the elderly economically by distributing funds to individuals aged 70 years and above to help them improve their livelihoods.
“Beneficiaries will also be trained on how to withdraw money using mobile phones, reducing the risk of embezzlement by relatives or community members," he said.
Social Welfare Officer who is also desk officer responsible for the elderly. Stanley Chisi, hailed the project saying it will help the district to mobilize more resources that will fully support the elderly.
“The elderly in Balaka and the whole country face various forms of abuses including physical, emotional, and psychological hardships. This project has come to significantly improve their life,” he said.
Apart from Balaka District, MANEPO is also implementing a similar project in Thyolo with funding from Irish Government and it will run for three years, from July 2024 to June, 2027.
Ntchisi’s Kalumo installed Traditional Authority
By James Mwale
Ntchisi, December 6, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika has installed Peter Kabvumbula as Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumo of Ntchisi district.
The installation follows Kabvumbula's appointment to the position on 24th October 2024 by President Lazarus Chakwera.
In his remarks, Chomanika advised the newly installed T/A against partisan leadership saying he is there to lead all in pushing towards government’s development agenda.
“You have been installed to that position because people of Kalumo gave an approval. That means it is them who own that position with you on as their leader, so lead them well,” said Chomanika.
Chomanika the urged district council’s leadership including the Council Chairperson, District Commissioner, and other chiefs to support the new T/A.
Speaking earlier, the district council’s Chairperson, Councillor Marko Mtengo underscored the need for chiefs to take their respective leadership positions seriously saying they are critical in development.
“Chiefs play a pivotal role in pushing success of government’s development agenda. There cannot be development without chiefs and as such you need to treat your positions with seriousness,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Traditional Leaders, Senior Chief Chilooko said installations completes a chief’s value.
He has since asked respective authorities to consider installing all pending chiefs in the district.
EU commits MK648 million for Lean Season Response in Neno
By Salome Gangire
Neno, December 5, Mana: European Union (EU) has allocated MK648, 480,000 to support 3,088 Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiary households in Neno, who will each receive MK70, 000 per month for three months under the Lean Season Response Programme to purchase food items.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Principal Disaster Preparedness Officer, Zione Viyazyi, speaking during a council meeting on Thursday, explained that the funds represent a vertical expansion of the SCTP.
She said beneficiaries will receive a total of MK210, 000 in a lump sum for the three-month period on top of their monthly stipend, after which payments will revert to regular amounts.
“This once-off payment is designed to help households purchase food items during the lean season,” said Viyazyi, adding that the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) report identifies 5,692,122 people across 28 districts and four cities as requiring food assistance for three to six months during the 2024/25 consumption year.
In Neno alone, 13,869 households are affected of which 3,088 households are under the SCTP and will be receiving cash transfers instead of maize.
The remaining households will continue receiving 50-kilogram bags of maize under the programme, which began in October, according to DoDMA.
Viyazyi said that the 2024/25 Lean Season Food Insecurity Plan, developed by DoDMA in collaboration with humanitarian partners, is guiding resource mobilization and response coordination tool as government is leading the response with support from development partners and humanitarian organizations.
She added that food assistance in Neno will be delivered through two modalities: cash transfers for SCTP beneficiaries and in-kind maize distribution for others.
Viyazyi also noted that district officers, alongside health surveillance assistants, will conduct community sensitization and provide nutritional services.
Traditional Authority Mlauli expressed gratitude to the EU and the government for their support, stating the programme has significantly alleviated food insecurity in the district.
He, however, urged the government to increase the number of beneficiaries, citing widespread food insecurity in the area.
Council calls for concerted efforts in fighting GBV
By Mary Makhiringa
Balak, December 5, Mana: Balaka District Gender Officer, Scolastica Datchi on Thursday called for concerted efforts from all sectors in the fight against gender based violence as the district joined the world and other districts in Malawi in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Datchi said her office alone is working day in and day out to eliminate the vice but was quick to plead with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as other government sectors to always support as the cases keep on increasing every day.
She added that the cases were increasing because of the belief that men are always superior to women and called women to avoid looking down upon themselves as inferiors.
“Let me thank all our partners who are always there for us, without them this noble task could have been a night mare, we are currently facing serious challenges as an office, so having partners has always been relieving.
“Let me call upon to other stakeholders to come forward as well to assist as the cases of GBV keep rising especially with the fact that our district is facing serious food shortages which fuel various forms of abuse,” she added.
The District Gender Officer also mentioned that the government is collaborating with various stakeholders to raise awareness about how communities can report GBV issues to the relevant authorities.
Balaka District Hospital Senior Medical Officer Dr. Tiya Malungo, who was the guest of honor during the event emphasized that addressing GBV requires collective efforts and called upon all community members to be vigilant in reporting GBV cases when they occur.
“This is not a one-person effort; we need to collaborate with different stakeholders to find better ways to end this malpractice,” she said.
Phalula Police Unit Officer-in-Charge, Patrick Khuoge, revealed that the number of reported GBV cases has increased compared to previous years. He attributed this rise to greater community awareness and knowledge about where to report such incidents.
“As police, we have been collaborating with schools, churches, mosques, and other community leaders to raise awareness about gender-based violence and how to report it. So far, we have seen an improvement in the number of GBV cases being reported,” he said.
On November 25, the First Lady of the Republic of Malawi Monica Chakwera launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Phalombe District under the theme; Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Towards Beijing +30.
MANEB announces the 2025 examination timetables
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, December 5, Mana: The Malawi National Examinations Board has announced the 2025 examination timetables for the Primary Teacher Certificate of Education, Malawi School Certificate of Education, and Junior Certificate of Education.
The 2025 Primary Teacher Certificate of Education examinations are scheduled to take place from 8th to 11th April 2025.
According to the timetable, the Malawi School Certificate of Education examinations will start on Thursday, 1st July 2025, and will end on Friday, 25th July 2025.
The Junior Certificate of Education examinations for 2025 will be conducted from 3rd to 12th June 2025.
Japanese Embassy donates portable X-ray machine to Neno DHO
By Wellington Sibale
Neno, December 5, Mana: Japanese Embassy in collaboration with Partners in Health (PIH) also known locally as Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo has donated a portable digital X-ray machine to Neno District Health Office (DHO) with the aim of improving tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis services to the communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday at the DHO’s office, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yoichi Oya reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s medical sector as well as other critical areas such as education, agriculture and infrastructure.
“This instrument manufactured by the Japanese Company, FUJI FILM is of guaranteed quality. However, it is crucial that the hospital staff conduct proper maintenance to ensure the machine’s longevity,” Oya said.
The donation was made possible through a US$72,000 (approximately MK120 million) grant from the Japanese Embassy under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.
Partners in Health and Neno District Council through the DHO secured the funding to enhance TB screening services both at health facility level and within communities.
PIH Executive Director, Basimenye Nhlema expressed gratitude to the Japanese Embassy and FUJI FILM for the timely support, noting that the machine will revolutionize TB diagnosis and treatment in the district.
“This innovative equipment strengthens our diagnostic capacity, not just for TB but also for respiratory and cardiac conditions both in outpatient settings and mobile Integrated Chronic Care Clinics,” Nhlema said.
Nhlema added that decentralizing TB diagnosis to the community level will bridge gaps in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for drug-resistant strains.
However, Nhlema observed that the digital and computer-aided functionalities of the machine align with Malawi’s Health Sector Strategic Plan III, which emphasizes patient-centered care.
She, therefore, pledged to maintain the equipment and explore further partnerships to address healthcare infrastructure challenges, including providing nutritional support to TB patients.
“This portable X-ray machine brings TB screening services closer to the community, significantly reducing travel distances to district hospitals and it will improve early detection and treatment rates in Neno District, contributing to Malawi’s goal of eliminating TB by 2030 as outlined in the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme Strategy,” she said.
District Commissioner for Neno, Rosemary Nawasha said the machine would reduce travel distances and minimize the hardship faced by communities navigating the district challenging terrain.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Embassy of Japan and PIH for their unwavering support as this machine will enable our hospital provide swift and accurate TB screening, ensuring timely treatment for our communities,” Nawasha said.
Nawasha, however, appealed to people in the district to embrace the equipment and spread awareness about TB. She also urged continued collaboration to enhance health outcomes, particularly in TB services.
The grant was awarded on February 29, 2024 during a signing ceremony at the Embassy’s offices in Lilongwe, attended by PIH and Neno District Council officials, including the District Commissioner and the District Health Support (DHS) leadership.
The portable X-ray machine, procured from FUJI FILM South Africa was accompanied by technical training for healthcare personnel conducted in October at Lisungwi Community Hospital. The training attracted participants from the Ministry of Health and PIH to ensure proper utilization of the machine.
