MANAonline
Living Waters Church engages youths on effective leadership
By Mirriam Bwanali
Blantyre, May 19, Mana: Living Waters Church has engaged the youth through a seminar on effective leadership under the theme: ‘Creating a spiritual life for leaders of tomorrow.’
Speaking at the seminar at Chigumula Living Waters Church in Blantyre over the weekend, Pastor Adam Gondwe, said leadership is not only about being in charge but also taking care of others.
“Leaders are both made and born. Moses wasn't born a leader but he was made and learned to be a leader,” he said.
He, therefore, called upon youth in the church to learn and be ready to take up leadership roles.
Pastor Gondwe added that good leaders are able to effectively communicate with others which leads to building positive relationship with others.
Chairperson for Living Waters Church Youth Ministry in the southern region, Takondwa Kambwiri, said the seminar was necessary for youths as it provided an opportunity for young people to get insight on leadership roles.
One of the participants, Lucy Malefula from Mulanje Living Waters Church described the seminar as insightful saying she learned leadership skills that she will apply when leading fellow youths in Mulanje.
“I have learned that being a leader is not only being in that position but also bringing solutions to problems,” she said.
More than 65 youths representing Living Waters Church in Chikwawa, Zomba, Thyolo, Blantyre, Mulanje and other districts in the southern region attended the seminar.
MRCS bails out Cyclone Jude survivors Jude
By Macmolex Chirwa
Chikwawa, May 18 Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) on Saturday started disbursing cash and assorted non-food items to 947 households that were left destitute by Cyclone Jude at Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa District.
Head of Disaster Management at the MRCS, Patrick Duncan Phiri said at Mitondo School in the district that each of the 947 affected households will receive K70,000 in two instalments, making it K140,000 in total.
“The household will receive money and soap to help alleviate some of the challenges the households have been facing due to the effects of Cyclone Jude,” added Phiri.
One of the beneficiaries, 82-year-old Esther Moffat, said the money will help her repair her house and feed her grandchildren for some days and called on well-wishers to assist in any way they can.
Chikwawa District Council, Director of Planning and Development, Jossen Tembo, commended the MRCS for responding to the plight of Cyclone Jude survivors in the district, saying the gesture complements government efforts in providing relief to households that are affected by natural disasters.
The director also appealed to beneficiaries to use the cash for good intentions in line with the MRCS's wishes.
The MRCS also responded the same way to survivors in Phalombe and Mulanje with financial assistance from Danish Red Cross. and International Federation of Red Cross, and Red Crescent Societies
Cyclone Jude came with heavy rainfall early March this year and caused flash floods in the low-lying areas of the Shire Valley, displacing over 2,000 households.
Kalonga Gawa Undi appoints CHEFO administration
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, May 18, Mana: Chewa Chief for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi, on Saturday appointed a new Malawi steering committee for the Chewa Heritage Foundation (CHEFO).
Kalonga Gawa Undi has reappointed Dr. Stanley Khaila as CHEFO Chairperson, Ellia Chizimba as new General Secretary, Humphrey Murray, Treasurer General, Pyson Likagwa as Director of Administration, Beatrice Bangula, a reporter with Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Blantyre, as Director of Publicity, while Fred Kadzanja was appointed Director of Youth.
His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi also appointed Reuben Mwale as Director of Chiefs and Cultural Affairs, Abison Chitukula as Director of Legal Affairs, and Agness Kaliyopa, Director of Food and Social Welfare.
The Chewa Chief further appointed Rex Chapota as Director of Fundraising, while Dwight Kambuku is Director of Investments, Mathias Mbuzi oversees Education and Research and Drina Mpote becomes Director of Women.
Dr. Khaila told Mana in an interview that CHEFO’s main objective is to protect, preserve, and promote culture of the Chewas, adding that the newly appointed team, which His Majesty has put together, will work hard to ensure that the foundation’s objectives are achieved.
“It's an honor to be reappointed as CHEFO chairperson. The team's effort will focus on preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Chewa people, including their traditional ceremonies, which showcase vibrant dances, music, and customs,” he added.
The reappointed CHEFO Chairperson added that CHEFO, under the guidance of His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi, will be dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Chewa people with a strong commitment to preserving traditions.
He pledged that the team will work tirelessly to ensure a vibrant culture of the Chewa people continues to thrive across Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
A three-year term committee appointed by His Majesty Kalonga Gawaundi will be entrusted with strategic planning, cultural preservation initiatives, community engagement and resource mobilization.
One of the Chewa people, George Kalimbika welcomed the appointment of the team and expressed hope that the team will be dedicated to achieving CHEFO objectives that will see strong bonds within the Chewa people in Malawi and across.
“I'm expecting a lot from the newly appointed team, particularly in terms of preserving and promoting the Chewa culture, strengthening community engagement, and driving progress in various initiatives. With clear objectives and a strong work ethic, I believe they can make a significant impact that should bring about positive change,” said Kalimbika.
The new committee held a meeting with Chewa chiefs on Saturday at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, where the coordinator of Chewa people in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, Senior Chief Lukwa stressed the need for unity and cooperation under the leadership of His Majesty Kalonga Gawa Undi
CHEFO was established to unite the Chewa people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Malawi, by addressing challenges, preserving culture, traditions, history and bringing unity.
Dowa Clinician arrested
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe 18 May Mana: Police in Dowa have arrested a clinician, Isoken Bond aged 33, for allegedly stealing medical supplies from Dowa District Hospital.
According to Dowa Police Publicist Alice Sitima, said authorities at the facility told the Police that the suspect stole the medical supplies while on night duty with the male ward in charge, Gloria Mwanyari.
"At the time of incident, the suspect (Bond) had locked himself inside the drugstore, a scenario that raised an alarm to Mwanyari.
"After checking in the drugstore, Mwanyari found a bag containing medicines allegedly packed by the suspect," Said Sitima.
Bond is expected to appear before court soon to answer a charge of theft by the servant.
Blantyre honours lives lost to HIV & AIDS in joint commemoration
By Gift Wahuta,
Blantyre, May 16, 2025, Mana; Blantyre District Council and Blantyre City Council jointly commemorated World Aids Day and International Candlelight Memorial with a series of activities to raise awareness on HIV prevention, with the main event at Lunzu Market where HIV testing and condom provision took place.
Held under the theme: Take the right path; Together we remember, together we can end AIDS, the event over the weekend began with roadshows from Chemusa Township through Chilimba to Kameza Roundabout.
Principal Nutrition, HIV and Aids Officer at Blantyre District Council, Ruth Hara, said World Aids Day is officially commemorated on December 1 every year, but the council decided to hold it on May 16 due to logistical constraints.
“The national commemoration took place in Zomba on December 1, but each district is required to conduct its commemorations. Initially, we had planned to hold the event on March 14 at Lunzu Community Ground, but due to limited financial resources, we opted for a roadshow format to make the most of what we had,” she added.
Hara said the candlelight memorial was an important event, adding that it provides an opportunity to remember people who died with HIV and Aids and provides room to reflect on ways and means to end HIV and Aids.
“It is a time to honour those we lost and renew our commitment to ending this epidemic. We observed a minute of silence to remember those who died of HIV and Aids,” she added.
Programme Officer for IMPACT Project under Malawi AIDS Counselling and Resource Organisation (MACRO), Louis MKwatula, said the organization remains committed to support the Ministry of Health, through Blantyre District Health Office, in the HIV and Aids response.
“MACRO has been a key player in the HIV response in Malawi since the early days of the epidemic. Through our CDC-funded Co-IMPACT Project, we provide community-based HIV testing, with a focus on reaching men.
“We currently operate in seven health facilities across Blantyre, including Mlambe, Chilomoni, Mankheta, Mpemba, Bangwe, Zingwangwa.” Mkwatula added.
He said MACRO uses mobile vans, evening outreach programmes, and social network strategies to reach people who may not easily access health facilities.
“We offer comprehensive services, including free STI screening and HIV testing. These efforts are all part of our contribution towards achieving an HIV-free generation by 2030,” added Mkwatula.
Y-plus Coordinator for Blantyre District, Hope Banda encouraged young people to get tested to know their HIV status.
“I have lived with HIV since I was a child, but today I’m a university graduate and pursuing my career, HIV is not a death sentence. With proper treatment and support, life goes on.” she said.
The event included various traditional dances, drama performances, and speeches highlighting key topics such as PrEP, PEP, and condom use as HIV prevention strategies.
The World Aids Day commemoration and candle light memorial were held with support from various partners, among them; MACRO, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), Medical Aid Society of Malawi, and Development Aid from People to People in Malawi (DAPP).
Kachione wins MCP primaries in Chiradzulu
By Yanjanani Mendulo
Chiradzulu, May 18, Mana: Susan Kachione has emerged victorious in the recent Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary elections for Nyungwe Constituency, securing 238 votes against her closest challenger, Dayan Mitumbili, who got 225 votes.
Kachione, who lost twice in primary elections in the past, said she was finally happy with the victory, adding that her “never say die” spirit prompted her to keep on trying.
“This is something I’ve been waiting for. I stayed strong even though I lost before; I am ready to serve the people,” she added.
Mitumbili however, challenged the results, saying the elections had many anomalies that needed to be investigated.
Margaret Kumbemba Chakachadza, MCP monitor, told Malawi News Agency that party officials will investigate the complaints.
YCW brings hope to Maula prison with charity work
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, May 17, Mana: The Young Christian Workers (YCW) organization, which is part of the Catholic Church, donated various items to Maula Prison in Lilongwe over the weekend.
The charity work aims to encourage inmates socially and spiritually, in line with the organization’s motto, “See, Judge, Act, Reflect”.
Speaking during the event, YCW President Patrick Maele explained that the organization’s motto inspired the charity work, focusing on charity activities, prayer, and social life.
“We are still in the Easter season, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, so it pleased us to come here and celebrate with the inmates,” he said.
“We started celebrating with a holy mass to encourage them that we are together spiritually,” Maele added.
Youth Chaplain in the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, Father Jean Jessie, acknowledged the challenges inmates face and emphasized the importance of charity events to fulfil Jesus’ command to feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty.
“All YCW members and others must visit prisoners and interact with them spiritually or socially. We started with a holy mass, which is the most prominent for Catholic believers, as it is the first and last prayer that can encourage and unite all Christians together without considering where they are”, he said.
The Chairperson of the St. Dennis parish church at the prison commended the YCW members for their love and kindness.
“The coming of the YCW members has shown us love, kindness, and unity by bringing comfort, hope, and joy that we are together in Christ Jesus spiritually,” he said.
The organization donated items worth a million kwacha, and about seven deaneries attended the event, including Maula deanery, Mchinji deanery, Ntchisi deanery, Dowa deanery, and Mtima Woyera deanery, among others.
Teachers urged to maintain discipline and hard work
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, May 17, Mana: Teachers in the Central East Education Division (CEED) have been urged to work with dedication and discipline in order to achieve good educational outcomes including improved learners' performance.
Deputy Director for Secondary Education, Samuel Chibwana said this on Friday in Kasungu District when he presided over the awards of best teachers and students for the 2024 academic year in the CEED.
He said dedication and discipline are key traits for those entrusted to impart knowledge to learners and create a supportive and engaging environment suitable for learning.
“This is why we are giving out these awards today in recognition of the excellent work you did and we are double sure that once we equip you with the necessary resources and expertise, we will achieve the desired educational outcomes.
“However, we plead with you to avoid complacency because of this recognition, instead, this should encourage you to work harder,” Chibwana said.
Cosmas Chintowe from Chayamba Secondary School emerged as the overall winner and could not hide his excitement after receiving a six-inch double mattress and a trophy.
He said: “My desire was to become one of the best teachers in the region and I am excited that I have finally made it.
“Most of the time we lack teaching and learning materials but a wise teacher will always be resourceful, striving to bridge such a gap by improvising learning materials that could still make the learners understand the gist of the lesson.”
Loyola Jesuit Secondary School defended its status as the best national secondary school in the division including Nkhamenya Girls and Robert Blake Secondary schools.
Kafukule Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) claimed the best CDSS prize while Nkhotakota Secondary School was recognized as the best district boarding secondary school.
CEED Acting Education Division Manager, Charles Mthothe thanked Standard Bank, FDH Bank and Pinnacle, a microloan financial institution, for supporting the annual awards ceremony which he said has helped improve performance in the division.
The activities started with a procession from CEED headquarters to Chankhanga CDSS.
Financial management crucial for Malawi’s economic growth
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Director of Accounting Services in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs which is under the accountant general, Chifundo Kapulula has challenged accountants in the country adopt the new finance system for financial performance.
Speaking on Friday during a training session for accountants from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Lilongwe, Kapulula emphasized the importance of transitioning from a cash-based system to the accrual concept to ensure greater transparency and accountability in financial statements.
He said, with the new system they will be able to track on the expenses which government agencies are paying for.
“Government has been using cash accounting where recording of transactions was done only on things that they have purchased not against the amount to be paid, so the coming in of this system will help to know the amount to be paid with the assets,” he said.
Kapulula highlighted that, with the accrual concept a list of assets and values will be recorded for public consumption .
In her remarks one of the participants, Fatima Dossi who works for Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) stated that as finance managers they will be able to know how they can prepare financial statements using the accrual concept .
She said that with the accrual concept, all revenues they have incurred to process the records will be easier for them to manage.
The accrual concept will allow financial statements to reflect transactions that impact MDAs net income.
Malawi to commemorate World Hypertension Day
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, May 16, Mana: Chairperson of the Non-Communicable Diseases Malawi (NCDM), Maud Mwakasungula, has stressed the urgent need for government to prioritise raising awareness, promoting prevention, and improving access to treatment in order to reduce the prevalence of hypertension in the country.
Her comments come as preparations are underway to commemorate World Hypertension Day, which takes place on May 17th each year.
Mwakasungula acknowledged government's efforts through the Ministry of Health (MoH) to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension.
"Through this commitment, community-based screenings, early detection campaigns, and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles are helping to bring essential health services closer to people, especially those in rural communities," she stated.
As part of this year's campaign, the NCD Alliance Malawi is calling on all Malawians to take simple yet powerful steps to protect their health.
"Everyone is encouraged to check their blood pressure regularly, maintain a healthy diet with less salt and fat, exercise frequently, avoid tobacco and alcohol, manage stress, and follow medical advice when undergoing treatment," she said.
She then appealed to health workers, local leaders, civil society, and policymakers to collaborate in raising public awareness and expanding access to quality blood pressure monitoring services.
"Together, we can reduce the burden of hypertension and build a healthier nation. World Hypertension Day is, therefore, not just a day of reflection; it is a call to action. By making small changes in our daily habits and supporting stronger health systems, we can save lives, prevent suffering, and help millions of Malawians live longer with well-managed lives,” Mwakasungula said.
She stressed that the NCD Alliance Malawi joins the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the global community in commemorating World Hypertension Day 2025.
"This year's theme, 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, and Live Longer', serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screening, early diagnosis, and timely treatment in preventing complications caused by hypertension,” she said.
Commenting on the development, Adrian Chikumbe, spokesperson for Malawi's Ministry of Health, highlighted that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major non-communicable disease and a significant public health concern in Malawi.
He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to manage the condition stating that key strategies include promoting preventive behaviours such as healthy eating, regular physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking.
Chikumbe then urged individuals aged 40 and above to regularly check their blood pressure and ensure that blood pressure measurement becomes a routine part of hospital visits.
Additionally, he affirmed the availability of medication for managing hypertension in public health facilities.
The Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance - Malawi (NCD Alliance Malawi) is a national civil society network with a shared goal of reducing the burden of preventable morbidity, disability, and avoidable deaths due to non-communicable diseases and injuries that impact the health of Malawians.
