MANAonline
Kampanikiza wins Dedza Boma Constituency primaries
By Timothy Peter
Dedza, February 21, Mana: One of the country's social media influencers, Gerald Chavez Kampanikiza commonly known as GCK has been voted as a torchbearer for Dedza Boma Constituency under the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) ahead of the September 16th general elections.
Kampanikiza amassed 839 votes to stand out as a top candidate who will represent the party against the other 5 candidates in elections held at Dedza Stadium on Thursday.
Speaking after the elections, Regional Publicity Director for the Centre who was a Team Leader for the Elections, Abraham Liwonde, commended people in the area for maintaining peace before, during and after the elections.
He said: "MCP is the mother of all political parties in the country and we told our supporters to maintain peace during the elections.
"People here have chosen the best candidate for themselves and as a party, we are very happy to conduct fair and free primary elections," he said.
He has since asked those who have not made it to support Kampanikiza in developing the area and also keeping the party strong.
"We ask those who have not made it to support the one who has won," he added.
In his reaction, Kampanikiza told Malawi News Agency (MANA) that he was a very happy person.
"I am very happy to be given this opportunity to lead the party under Dedza Boma Constituency. It was not easy for me but I was hopeful that I would make it.
“I will keep my promises as I work towards developing the area," he explained.
Kampanikiza was seconded by Howard Mzambwe who got 338 votes while Martha Kwataine was third with 194 votes followed by Jane Kumwanje with 37 votes and Francis Chimpikizo as well as Felicity Kadyampakeni who both got 10 votes.
Meanwhile, Ganizani Chimwala will represent MCP as councilor for Umbwi ward after amassing 370 votes while Charles M'tambalika who got 497 votes will represent Bembeke Ward.
Elsewhere at Dedza Linthipe Constituency, Councilor, Themuka Nkhweu has won with 767 votes against Jacob Kaumphawi's 529 and Bonex Malunga as well as Stevie Tanyaze who got 258 and 237 respectively.
Eagles Relief to equip farmers in Balaka with drought resistance crops
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, February 20, Mana: Eagles Relief organization said it will embark on a new project called Drought Risk Financing to empower over 66,000 farmers affected by prolonged dry spells in Balaka District in the 2024/2025 farming season.
Eagles Relief Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator, Evelyn Mkandawire said on Wednesday at Balaka District Executive Committee meeting that Drought Risk Financing will provide farmers with drought resistance orange, sweet potato vines, cowpeas, tomatoes and onions among other vegetables.
She added that the initiative will benefit over 1,200 households in sub traditional authorities Toleza and Chimatiro in the district.
“Mostly, targeted beneficiaries will be households that have marginalized people including women, children and people living with disabilities.
“We are targeting sub traditional authorities Toleza and Chimatiro, based on the 2024 dry spells report from Balaka District Agriculture Office in December. Eagles Relief is implementing other related projects in the same areas and we believe this will provide a complimentary aspect to the existing initiatives,” she added.
She said the project will take onboard farmers that have access to land to equip them with agricultural practices to enable them produce enough food through revolving farming techniques.
Balaka District Crop Production Officer, Blazio Mphepo hailed Eagles Relief’s Drought Risk Financing, describing it, as timely intervention capable of covering over 31,000 hectares of land affected by dry spells in Balaka.
Eagles Relief will implement the Drought Risk Financing Project worthy over K139. million for five years, starting from 2025 and the first part will be a pilot.
Chinese national nabbed for K70m theft
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, February 20, Mana: Lilongwe Police are holding Wang Jixiang, 27, in custody for allegedly diverting K70 million, which he was entrusted to deposit at the bank, and subsequently gambling it away at a casino on February 19, 2025.
According to Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, authorities have also arrested Wen Jui, 50, on suspicion of harboring Wang Jixiang.
Reports indicate that Wang, a shop manager at Area 2 in the capital city, was instructed by his employers to use the company vehicle to make the bank deposit. However, after the suspect took the money, he went missing, and his phone became unreachable.
"After allegedly taking the money and driving his employer's vehicle, the suspect went missing, and his phone went out of reach," Chigalu said.
Following a report of Wang’s disappearance, detectives launched an immediate investigation and search, which led them to discover that he was hiding in Area 43, at the home of the second suspect, Wen Jui.
During interrogation, Wang admitted to using the stolen amount for gambling at a casino and revealed that he had abandoned his employer's vehicle near Bwaila District Hospital. The vehicle was later recovered by detectives.
Wang Jixiang and Wen Jui will face charges of theft by servant and harboring, respectively.
Minister of Youth urges utilization of district funds for youth resource centres
By Austin Kananji
Lilongwe, February 20, Mana: Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire has emphasized on the need for Members of Parliament (MPs) to allocate District Development Funds towards constructing facilities like youth resource centres as other partners like World bank are already helping the initiative.
In an interview during the private members' day, Mkandawire emphasized that the parliamentary budget allocates resources to districts for the construction of youth resource centers.
"We would like to clarify that the budgets introduced in this house allocate resources to district councils, such as the District Development Funds and the Constituency Development Funds. It is our expectation that our honorable members will appropriately utilize these funds for the construction of youth resource centers," he said.
He added that although the resources allocated by the government to the constituencies are not sufficient to cover all the needs, partners are stepping in to help address this issue.
"We know that district councils work with various partners, and resources from organizations like the World Bank are directed to them. It is within the power of district councils to decide which projects to implement with these resources. This was also clarified earlier by the Ministry of Local Government, which receives resources from partners to fund projects in their districts. Therefore, while our ministry may face resource limitations, other partners assist us in securing the funds needed to construct prioritized projects," he added.
The minister was responding to a question raised by the Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Central, Mctimes Malowa, during the 51st meeting of the first session of Private Members' Day.
Malowa had asked the Minister of Youth and Sports to consider constructing a Youth Resource Centre at Senior Chief Likoswe's Headquarters. The proposed centre would provide the youth of Senior Chief Likoswe with facilities for recreational activities and serve as a skills development hub.
With the government's ongoing efforts to promote youth development, the construction of youth resource centres is a vital step toward empowering young people. By utilizing district funds and partnering with organizations like the World Bank, Malawi can create vibrant hubs for youth growth, helping shape a brighter future for its young citizens.
Government condemns employment of expatriates
By Thom Ali
Lilongwe, February 19, Mana: Malawi government through the Ministry of Labour has condemned the employment of expatriates by some organizations in the country, noting that the practice violates labour laws and the rights of Malawians.
Speaking during an inspection tour in Lilongwe, Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba said the employment of expatriates hinders Malawians from securing jobs in the same positions.
"We cannot talk of job creation by employing expatriates when we have Malawians who are qualified for similar positions. We need to prioritize local talents to ensure jobs are created for Malawians,” Mumba emphasized.
Condemning such illegal practices in the country, Mumba noted that foreign investors often employ expatriates instead of utilizing local talent.
The Minister further said expatriates are only required to work in the country for a given period for skills transfer and knowledge sharing, after that period the expatriates are expected to give opportunities to local talents.
He also emphasized that expatriates must obtain work permits and visas and register with the relevant authorities in the country.
Malawi Engineering Institution Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Arthur Wengawenga said the institution is mandated to regulate engineering in the country, as such permitted expatriates in engineering are required to register with MEI with a given limited period to work in Malawi.
"As a regulatory institution, we are required to examine expatriates in the engineering sector, to verify qualifications and register them with MIE," he said.
Wengawenga urged all illegal expatriates in the country to register with their respective bodies, or risk deportation.
Since taking office, the Minister of Labour has been conducting inspection tours across the country to expose labor exploitation by foreign investors. Among the issues identified are low wages for local workers, hazardous working conditions, inadequate food provisions, lack of protective gear in factories, and incidents of sexual and verbal abuse.
President's new initiative fosters engagement and empowerment
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, February 20, Mana: President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, will launch Malawi's first President-Youth Digital Engagement on Friday, 21st February 2025, an initiative, designed as a town hall-style interface, which will enable direct interaction between the President and Malawi's youth through X and Facebook Spaces.
In a press statement released today, Presidential Press Secretary Anthony Rodgers Kasunda announced that during this historic interaction, the President will engage with the youth, listening to their aspirations, challenges, and ideas to incorporate them into his plans for advancing Malawi’s development.
"Under the theme "SONA for the Youth: Our Stake in Taking Development Forward” the event will take place at Kamuzu palace, where the president will host over 100 youths from across the central region while also interacting with thousands of youths participating live via Facebook and X.
“This event marks the beginning of a series of engagements with similar sessions planned for Blantyre and Mzuzu," reads the statement.
Participation is open to Malawians under the age of 35. Eligible individuals are encouraged to submit their questions and thoughts related to the theme via WhatsApp using the dedicated number: 0999 552 280.
MPs call for quality health services
By Sheminah Nkhoma and Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, February 20, Mana: Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged the government, through the Ministry of Health, to prioritize the completion and upgrading of stalled health projects that have remained unfinished for years.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, MP for Nkhotakota South, Brainax Kaise, expressed concern over the construction of a health post and the rehabilitation of other health centers, emphasizing the need to improve patient care and the working environment.
“People in our Constituency do not have access to health services nearby. We appeal to the government to finish up constructing facilities which are underway so that people have the ability to get good medical services easily,” he said.
In his response , Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni, has assured all MPs that government is committed to ensuring access to health care in all districts across the country.
Chimpeni said government has already started opening health posts which have been completed in some areas so that people start accessing health care services within a walkable distance.
"This is an ongoing exercise which government is doing. So many of them have been constructed, opened for use and some to be opened soon and new sites have been handed over to contractors to continue construction of health posts and everything will be done according to plan," he added.
He further stated that some of the health posts under construction are 80 to 90 percent complete, with only painting and bulb installation remaining before they can begin offering services.
Desist from flirting with road contractors, Mzimba youths warned
By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, February 20, Mana: Youths in Mzimba District have been warned against flirting with road contractors working on the rehabilitation of M1 Road to avoid falling prey to sexually transmitted infections and avoid getting unwanted pregnancies.
Coordinator for Ideal Consulting and Business Services Company, Derek Chiwanda issued the warning on Wednesday during an HIV and Aids and communicable disease awareness campaign for out of school youths held at Luviri Trading Centre in Traditional Authority Mzikubola in Mzimba.
Chiwanda said most people in areas where construction works are taking place tend to fall in relationships with strangers working on various projects.
‘‘It’s the same with construction works of the M1 Road. There are Zimbabweans, Zambians and various people who have come to work. Most of these people left their families behind where they came from to come and work here,” Chiwanda said.
‘‘Villagers could fall for them when they don’t even know their statuses hence our awareness campaigns aim at warning them about such relationships with strangers to prevent spread of diseases,” he added.
He said it’s very risky to mess around with strangers who would leave after the completion of the project.
‘‘Our company was hired as part of the road construction project to ensure we create awareness on the possibility of HIV and AIDS transmission and also on communicable diseases as the construction of the roads is underway. We are here to raise awareness on the dangers of flirting with strangers to stop the spread of diseases,” added Chiwanda.
He cited cases of babies born in communities where construction works have taken place.
Group Village Headman Zawagumbo said the meeting with the youths was timely as the youths are the most vulnerable group of people that is easily taken up by events.
“Some of these contractors could be promising them good things like phones or offering them money but in the end they risk catching various diseases and for girls they risk getting pregnancies as well,” said Zawagumbo.
In an interview 24-year-old Chauncy Chirwa from Yosefe village in Group Village headman Zawagumbo appealed to her fellow girls to think beyond gifts that some workers on such projects as road construction give to coax girls into relations.
“Most of these relations are just for short time but the risks could be tenfold. I ask my fellow youths to think about the consequences of diseases and pregnancies before falling into these relationships,” she said.
A representative for Mzimba District Youth Office, Yvone Chiwere urged the youths to be vigilant against those working on construction projects.
‘‘They could be promising you a lot in terms of money but know that such things will end up as a bait that will ruin your life. Say no to people you know little about to safeguard your lives,” said Chiwere.
Ideal Consulting and Business Services are working on creating awareness with communities on various diseases on stretch of the M1 Road from Jenda to Mzimba Turn Off where Unik Construction is doing rehabilitation works.
Rumphi District Council launches K91 million youth resource centre
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, February 20, Mana: Rumphi District Council on Wednesday launched a youth resource centre built with financial support from World Bank funded Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) and Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at Rumphi Stadium in the district.
GESD contributed K62 million while CDF provided K29 million towards the construction of the centre.
Speaking during the ceremony Member of Parliament for Rumphi Central Constituency, Chidumba Mkandawire said the centre will give the youth in the district a safe place where they will acquire vocational and other life skills to live responsible lives.
Chidumba also donated sewing machines, a desktop computer and a plasma television to the centre in addition to cheques worth K20 million in loans to various youth groups through CDF to enable them start businesses.
"We have given loans to over ten groups today translating into over 100 people that have benefited from these loans under CDF.
"I am happy that I am the first member of Parliament in the district to do this, utilizing ten percent of CDF that is allocated towards supporting women and the youths," said Mkandawire.
Rumphi District Commissioner has urged the youth to utilize the centre's services such as the library and also vocational skills that will be offered to improve their livelihoods.
He has also asked the youth groups that have received loans to utilize them for the intended purpose so that more youths can benefit from it once they pay back the loans.
Youth representative, Maxon Ngulube said the centre will promote self-employment among the youths through vocational skills such as tailoring and also reduce sluiced cases among the youth as they now have a place to freely share challenges they face with peers.
GESD is a Malawi Government performance based grant funded by World Bank.
Minister impressed with MIDAS training
By Pempho Kantayeni
Lilongwe, 20 February, Mana: Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Ching’oma says he is impressed with the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) training that immigration officers are conducting which is crucial in bringing efficiency towards immigration processes across the country.
He made these remarks on Thursday in Lilongwe where he visited the training centre for immigration officers to appreciate the ongoing training and encourage officers on their role in safe guarding the country’s borders.
“MIDAS is a comprehensive platform that will house several critical immigration components, such as E visa, E permits and E citizen registration, the system will also help integrate with international systems such as Interpol, thereby enhancing communication with various stakeholders,” he said.
“It is essential to recognize that MIDAS is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to perform your duties with confidence and efficiency. I am confident that by the end of the training, you will all acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to potentially use the system once it is implemented,” he said.
Ching’oma said that immigration officers at the borders will be able to know all the information about every person who is coming in the country hence improving national security.
MIDAS is a border management information system used to collect, store, and analyse traveller data at border crossings, allowing the government to effectively monitor migration patterns and inform policy decisions based on real-time information.
