MANAonline
Project empowers over 2,000 households in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga,
Nkhata Bay, June 16, Mana: Self-Help Africa has disclosed that through the Demand-side Subsidy Result-Based Finance Program (DSS-RBF) they have managed to empower over 2,000 households in Nkhata Bay by connecting them with Off-Grid Solar (OGS) systems.
DSS-RBF is a demand-based financial support program aimed at making OGS system products and improved cook stoves more affordable for vulnerable households in communities to increase access to improved renewable energy technologies.
Speaking on Monday during a monitoring visit in the area of Sub Traditional Authority Mndola, Self-Help Africa Project Manager Charles Matewere said the program has contributed significantly to the area's development and is progressing well.
"As of now, we have installed 2,201 OGS systems in households across the district. Our products are sold at a subsidized price of K12, 120 to ultra-poor households targeted through the Unified Beneficiary Registry (UBR). The demand is very high, giving us hope to make more new connections," he said.
Matewere added that the challenges that some households were facing like delays in giving out tokens to fill monthly subscriptions have improved.
He therefore pleaded with the council to update the UBR, which sometimes poses challenges in identifying beneficiaries, and commended the communities for embracing both OGS and modern cooking stoves which they are promoting in the district.
One of the beneficiaries of the program Kandapatali Banda, 68, from Mndola village said the solar system has been a game-changer to his family.
"My children can now study at night without relying on dim torches. The light is bright and safe, and our outdoor area is now well-lit, reducing the risk of snake encounters,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Mary Phiri, echoed similar sentiments saying that the OGS system has enabled them to increase working hours hence an increase in productivity and children can play outside without fear.
In his remarks, District Community Development Officer Jacob Moloko said the project has brought significant development to communities in the district and expressed hope for continued partnership with Self Help Africa to reach more households in need.
DSS- RBF is being implemented by Self Help Africa with CUMO as a fund manager with financial support from GIZ.
Students vandalise school properties in Chitipa
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, June 16, Mana: Ilinga Private Secondary School learners on Saturday vandalized school property worth millions of kwacha after the school authorities turned down their request to hold a disco party.
Police have since arrested eight students.
In an interview on Sunday, the director of the school, Ellex Malanga said he is disappointed with what has happened.
“It is something we never expected. Yesterday we had a graduation ceremony for the form fours and it went on very well, possibly the best ever we have had.
“Parents, teachers as well as students appreciated. The students had shown good discipline only to be told during the evening that this event had taken place. It is very disappointing,” Malanga said.
Malanga said that currently, they are working on establishing the extent of the damage and its cost.
“We want to establish how much it can cost to repair the damaged properties, especially the school blocks and administration blocks,” he added.
Chitipa Police Spokesperson, Sub Inspector Gladwell Simwaka, confirmed the arrest of some students.
Some of the damaged properties include; two girls’ hostels, one boys’ hostel, stores and a school bus.
Scorchers travel to Morocco
By Nyandema Mhango
Lilongwe, June 16, Mana: The Malawi Women’s National Team, known as the Scorchers, have departed for Casablanca, Morocco, this morning ahead of their international friendly match against the Atlas Lionesses on Thursday, June 19.
Head Coach Lovemore Fazili, said that this friendly match is crucial for fostering team cohesion as they prepare for the African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola in October.
He emphasized that facing Morocco, one of the strongest teams in Africa, will provide valuable experience and help the team build confidence for future competitions.
“I consider Morocco to be one of the strongest teams in Africa, and I know that playing against them will equip my team with relevant skills on the field. It will also strengthen the bond between the players, allowing them to discover how best they can play together,” Fazili stated.
He added: “The team has worked hard to improve its defense and goalkeeping, which had some weaknesses in previous encounters against South Africa and Zambia. We hope to perform well in Casablanca this time around.”
Despite a few players experiencing minor injuries, the team has successfully completed its training camp at Mpira Village. Medical staff have ensured that all players are now fit and ready for the journey.
Fazili will travel with 24 players, including five foreign-based players: Tabitha Chawinga, Rose Kabzere, Sabina Thom, Vanessa Chikupira, and Bernadettar Mkandawire.
Aspirant parliamentarian commends President Chakwera vision
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, June 16, Mana: Aspirant Parliamentarian for Mchinji West John Paul, has commended President Chakwera for his efforts that has led to increasing access to National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans and fertilizer coupons in Mchinji district.
Speaking during a political rally at Bua Primary School ground in Mchinji, Paul said while the President has done his part, traditional leaders should ensure fair distribution of fertilizer coupons.
"We want to see a fair and transparent process that benefits all deserving farmers he said.
He then thanked the people of Mchinji for their support towards President Chakwera and urged them to continue doing so in the upcoming elections.
"Let's work together to build a brighter future for our district and our country," Paul said.
Meanwhile, Secretary General for the Malawi Congress Party who is also the minister of Local government unity and culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda, has assured farmers in Mchinji district that government is committed to support their farming plans.
"Government has allocated sufficient funds to buy maize, ensuring that people should receive food to combat hunger," he said.
Banda also highlighted the government's efforts in infrastructure development like roads and railway lines in Nsanje district.
"These projects will not only improve transportation but also boost economic growth and development in the country", he said.
Usi storms Zomba, urges Malawians to have faith in MEC
By Evace Chisiano
Zomba, June 16, Mana: Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu Party President, Dr Michael Usi has encouraged registered voters and all Malawians to have faith in the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) as an electoral body with a mandate to administer September 2025 polls with credibility.
Usi who is also Vice President of Malawi made the assurance Sunday at Naisi Community Ground in Zomba during a political rally for his party.
He said registered voters should cast out fears of electoral maladministration as claimed by other quarters that question electoral systems and devices that will be used during the general election.
“All is in control to safeguard the integrity of MEC and the electoral system for the good of democracy in Malawi,” Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu President added.
Usi said his party is for all the people in Malawi such that the party’s ideologies are not that strange from other parties.
“Our party has what MCP, DPP, UTM, UDF and other parties have. We stand for all,” he said as he addressed a large gathering at Naisi ground.
Usi said he is grateful to serve as vice president under President Chakwera's administration and pledged to continue serving the people of Malawi better in his capacity as Vice president.
“I will continue to work with President Dr. Chakwera with loyalty for the good of the nation,” he added.
The party’s Secretary General, Happy Kondowe said Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu has come to empower Malawians economically and to turn other things around for the good of Malawians.
He thanked Usi for addressing the rally at Naisi in Zomba, saying this was part of taking the party closer to the people.
Kondowe described the president as accommodating and called on him to visit many parts of Malawi where people are eager to hear the party’s manifesto.
23 arrested for unlawful possession of firearms
By Santos Zefania
Lilongwe, June 15, Mana: Police in Lilongwe have arrested 23 people for illegally involved in firearms deal.
The suspects include three Malawi Defence Force officers, one British national, two Chinese nationals, and an Italian, arrested in multiple districts of Blantyre, Nsanje, Chiradzulu, Zomba, Lilongwe, Ntchisi and Dowa.
National Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Harry Namwaza, confirmed the development on Sunday saying the suspects are accused of unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.
He said 19 pistols, 415 live rounds of ammunition, three explosives devices and 325 blank cartridges have been recovered.
"Police conducted special intelligence-led operations following a tip-off from the general public regarding suspect Mike Minjale, who allegedly smuggled illegal firearms and supplied them to various individuals," said Namwaza.
He added that Police arrested Minjale on June 3, at a roadblock in Ngumbe, Blantyre. Later, another special team made arrests and recovered illegal firearms.
Namwaza said they discovered that Minjale smuggled 20 pistols into Malawi from South Africa and distributed them to various individuals.
Police investigations are working to locate the remaining pistol and apprehend the holder.
Mulanje Council to procure artificial leg for Senior Chief Chikumbu
By Alex Chitwere
Mulanje, June 15, Mana: Mulanje District Council will procure an artificial leg for Senior Chief Chikumbu whose left leg was amputated.
District Commissioner (DC) for Mulanje, MacMillan Magomero, disclosed that the Council will spend about K4.5 million to procure the leg.
Magomero held a meeting with chiefs over the weekend to introduce himself and this was where he noted Senior Chief Chikumbu’s mobility challenges.
He said government appreciates roles chiefs play in local governance such that they deserve attention once they are in dire need of support.
“Chiefs have long been part of local government and that is why it (government) gives them special consideration to up lift their welfare.
“Whenever you are faced with challenges let us know so that together we can look at ways of handling such issues,” he said.
Senior Chief Chikumbu said mobility had been her most challenge and believed that an artificial leg will make things better.
“Waiting for someone to do things for me had always been difficult. The artificial leg will help me move from one place to another on my own. The DC’s intervention is an answer to my prayer” she added.
Senior Chief Mthiramanja, who heads Mulanje Chiefs Council, expressed gratitude for the DC’s interface with chiefs.
Mthiramanja proposed that the new DC should visit chiefs at their headquarters to appreciate living conditions and other areas that need Mulanje District Council’s intervention.
Magomero was transferred to Mulanje from Chitipa where he he served as DC.
Illegal firearms threaten Malawi’s national security
By Dan Mhango
Lilongwe, June 15, Mana: Malawi is facing a growing threat from the illegal possession and circulation of firearms a trend that has led to multiple arrests involving both Malawian citizens and foreign nationals.
Social commentator, Latimu Matenje, has attributed the rise in illegal firearms to the influx of refugees, porous borders, and declining ethical standards among some members of the country’s security forces, among other factors.
“Possession of firearms creates a sense of fear and insecurity within society,” said Matenje.
Malawi Police Service (MPS) has confirmed that illegal firearms are being smuggled into the country by both Malawians and foreign nationals.
MPS Deputy Public Relations Officer, Harry Namwaza, said the Service is working closely with foreign governments to trace the origin of the weapons and prevent their continued spread.
“We are checking with our counterparts to find out how these firearms are getting out of their countries to ensure that the problem is dealt with,” he said.
He said illegal possession of firearms is a criminal offense punishable by law.
“Illegal possession of firearms threatens safety of communities. That is why police acts swiftly to confiscate such weapons,” he said.
He further urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving firearms to help ensure safe and secure neighborhoods.
“We want to encourage the public to refrain from possessing such weapons. If someone wishes to own a firearm, they should follow lawful procedures,” Namwaza added.
Ralph Mhone floored in MCP's Nkhata Bay Central Constituency primaries
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, June 15, Mana: Ian Changa Kaunda has emerged victorious in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primaries for Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, garnering 184 votes against politician and lawyer, Ralph Mhone, who got three votes.
This follows the primary elections held at Luwinga Secondary School in Mzuzu on Saturday.
In his remarks, Kaunda expressed gratitude to the delegates for electing him to represent the party in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
He promised to work hard to meet people’s expectations.
The primary elections also saw victories for Zebron Chirwa in the Thotu Ward with 67 votes, defeating Cyria Adamana Nyamwela who garnered two votes and Frank Chiumia who got four votes.
Bunguru Ward will be represented by Patricia Ng'oma, who won with 110 votes defeating Abraham Kamanga who got 27 votes.
MCP Deputy National Director of Elections, Mathias Mgomezulu, described the elections as free and fair.
He, therefore, urged the losers to support the winners.
The elections were previously held in Nkhata Bay on May 11, 2025 but ended prematurely due to misunderstandings over the voting process.
APAM monitors safety of persons with albinism in election period
By Milcah Mathias
Blantyre, June 15, Mana: Association of Persons with Albinism (APAM) President, Young Muhamba, says the Association will keep on monitoring safety of persons with albinism as Malawi is heading towards general elections.
Muhamba said this ahead of the country’s commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD).
He expressed concern that Malawi registered a lot of attacks and killings of persons with albinism in the previous election.
The global theme for this year is: Demanding Our Rights: Protect Our Skin, Preserve Our Lives,
“However, this year, Malawi is guided by the theme; United for Peace and Inclusion: Strengthening Protection of Persons with Albinism During All Times, Including Elections,” he said.
According to Muhamba, APAM documented 223 cases and 62 percent of them were reported during the election period hence the localised theme for Malawi.
He said APAM has so far made various initiatives, including referring children with albinism to safer homes, lobbying non governmental organisations and various stakeholders to provide decent and secure houses and other devices that help provide safety to persons with albinism in their locations.
“Currently, 67 houses have been constructed by the Government of Malawi through Ministry of Lands,” he said.
IAAD is observed on June 13 globally but Malawi will commemorate the day on June 17 at Michongwe Primary School Ground in Machinga.
“Machinga is a hot spot district and our advocacy is to make sure that we reach rural communities where myths and misconceptions concerning persons with albinism are more frequent,” said Muhamba.
Disability Rights Advocate, Hilda Macheso, said every human being, including persons with albinism, deserve right to life, protection, and dignity.
She said government, partners and local leaders have the obligation to protect persons with albinism against attacks, killings and all forms violence.
On December 8, 2014 the United Nations General Assembly declared June 13 as IAAD with its first event held in 2015.
The day is held to celebrate human right of persons with albinism.
