NEWS IN BRIEF
MANAonline

MANAonline

By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba has emphasized the need to improve working conditions for tea pluckers in Malawi’s tea estates.

Speaking during a labour inspection at Makandi Tea and Coffee Estate, Mumba said the ministry had received numerous complaints from workers about poor working conditions.

“From what we have observed, including labourers working without any personal protective equipment (PPE), it is evident how inconsiderate many administrations are towards their subordinates. Similar problems were observed yesterday at Kawalazi Estate,” he said.

During interactions with workers at the estate, most of them shared various challenges they face in their daily tasks. During the tour, Mumba also inspected the weighing scales used at the estate to verify compliance with Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) regulations.

Mumba criticized the lack of consultation with workers on operational matters at the union level, describing the situation as both deplorable and unacceptable.

However, during the meeting with the estate’s administration, the Minister demanded that workers’ representatives be included in such discussions.

He also emphasized that the administration must adhere to Malawi’s Labour Laws, instead of focusing solely on international regulations, which are often, economically motivated. He urged management of the estate to treat workers with dignity and humanity.

Some of the challenges that workers lamented included the lack of toilets within a 50 km radius. Moreover, the workers also cited long working hours exceeding 10 hours per day, low wages of K3, 460 per 60 kg harvested daily and K89,000 per month instead of the minimum K90,000, with no overtime pay.

In his reaction, Mumba detested the working conditions, describing some as reflecting ‘human indecency,’ emphasizing that organization must prioritize human dignity and comply with Malawi’s Labour Laws.

“There is an urgent need for improvement as these conditions portray a negative image of both the government and the country’s working environment,” he said.

Upon further inspection, Mumba issued a prohibition order for site number 17A of the estate, temporarily shutting it down. The site will be re-inspected after seven days to assess whether improvements have been made before reopening.

 

Meanwhile, Mumba has disclosed that a meeting would be held on Wednesday in Lilongwe between the Ministry of Labour, the Tea Association of Malawi and tea estate managers to discuss strategies for addressing poor working conditions in the tea sector.

However, he emphasized that estate managers must take responsibility for monitoring and improving conditions in their estates instead of waiting for government inspections, noting that improving working conditions could boost the productivity and marketability of the product, considering that tea is one of Malawi's leading crop exports.

In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Finance Manager, Sangwani Hara acknowledged some of the challenges presented by workers. However, he stated that the estate complies with the minimum wage of K90, 000 contrary to the workers’ claims.

On PPE, Hara explained that the use of gumboots is not standard for workers as they are only required in irrigation areas. “Shoes are not a necessity for them in the tea estate,” he claimed.

Management of the estate has since promised to address the workers’ concerns and make improvements where appropriate.

Hara also noted that tea estates are struggling with declining global tea prices, which have negatively affected the estates’ financial stability.

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 17:50

Kabwira visits Luanar

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, January 28, Mana: Minister for Higher Education Dr Jessie Kabwila has commended Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) for coming up with different interventions that continue to shape the future of the country.

Kabwila was speaking on Tuesday after conducting a familiarization tour at the school.

She said her visit to LUANAR was aimed to see excellent work being done including exploring how they can strengthen their collaboration.

"We can happily say that LUANAR remains a centre of excellence that is producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ready to tackle the pressing issues of our time,” she stated.

On his part, Vice Chancellor, at LUANAR, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda emphasized the institution's goal to make partnerships with fellow academic institutions, governments and organizations.

"These collaborations are aimed to increase LUANAR's educational and research capacities. I have confidence that under Dr. Kabwila’s leadership, LUANAR will receive the necessary support to drive its mission forward,” he said.

By Blackson Mkupatira

Chiradzulu, January 28, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, on Tuesday, officially handed over an ambulance to Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) Hospital in fulfillment of the pledge President Lazarus Chakwera made during the commemoration of Chilembwe Day on January 15, this year.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the minister emphasized that the donation reflects the President’s commitment to delivering on promises aimed at national development.

"This ambulance is for all Malawians, as diseases do not discriminate based on political affiliations. The President is dedicated to improving the lives of all citizens through meaningful development projects," she said.

Chiponda underscored the government’s vision for transforming Malawi into a prosperous nation by 2063, saying for this vision to materialize; there was need of a healthy and productive population.

"This is why the government prioritizes the enhancement of health service delivery," she said further.

She then urged PIM Hospital to maintain the ambulance and use it appropriately while also advising health workers to uphold professionalism in their duties.

"Patients have raised concerns about staff conduct, and I appeal to you to address these issues as part of your commitment to providing quality care," she added.

Chiradzulu District Council Chairperson, Patrick Chintengo, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the community’s relief and the importance of the ambulance in addressing critical health emergences.

"As a council, we couldn’t afford to purchase an ambulance. However, when the President heard our cries, he acted promptly. This demonstrates his prioritization of the needs of the underprivileged," Chintengo said, pledging that the ambulance would be used as intended.

PIM President, Reverend Wilson Mitambo, lauded the government for delivering the ambulance within 13 days of the pledge, describing it as a milestone for the hospital.

"It feels like a dream come true. We only had one old ambulance that frequently broke down, worsening heath care provision. This new ambulance will greatly improve our ability to transport patients," he said.

Group Village Head Kumitete also commended the government for the gesture, saying it will assist many people in her area, particularly pregnant women who previously struggled to access Chiradzulu District Hospital.

By Charles Nkhoma

 

Lilongwe, January 28, Mana: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have officially signed funding agreements with eight grantees under the Small Grants Programme, committing $312,202 (approximately MWK 547 million) to support community-led initiatives across Malawi. 

 

The signing event, which took place on Tuesday at the UNDP Office in Lilongwe, marks a significant step in backing grassroots projects that address key environmental and development challenges. 

 

These initiatives aim to tackle crucial issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and the promotion of sustainable energy use, aligning with Malawi’s Vision 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

UNDP Malawi Portfolio Manager for Resilience and Sustainable Growth, Rabi Narayan Gaudo, highlighted the programme’s vision and the crucial role of grantees. 

 

"Today is a remarkable moment in our shared journey toward sustainable development and building resilience.

 

This initiative is more than just financial support—it reflects our commitment to empowering communities, fostering innovation, and driving lasting change from the grassroots level," he stated.   

 

National Steering Committee (NSC) Chairperson, Dorothy Tembo Nhlema, who also serves as Programme Manager for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, underscored the importance of collaboration and the rigorous selection process. Out of 93 proposals submitted, only eight projects were ultimately selected for funding. 

 

"We encourage government and council stakeholders to closely collaborate with grantees to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, allocating resources for monitoring is essential so that the NSC and relevant officials can provide timely feedback on project progress. 

 

The Committee aims to support initiatives that not only deliver tangible results but also drive meaningful change within communities," she added. 

By Vincent Khonje

Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Mchinji District Council has admitted facing difficulties in collecting local revenue, citing uncollected plot development fees as a significant factor behind its underperformance in the 2024/25 financial year.

District Commissioner for Mchinji, Lucia Chidalengwa, revealed this during the 2025/26 budget review meeting held in Blantyre on Tuesday.

She noted that the council’s revenue shortfall had necessitated a downward local revenue revision of K200 million, from the initially estimated K703,970,908.

"We are working to improve revenue collection for the council by implementing strategies such as revising market fees, adjusting ground rentals, and reviewing water rentals," Chidalengwa said.

She also acknowledged that relying on plot sales as a primary revenue source is unsustainable, particularly in the current economic situation.

"We assume that plots, once offered, will be sold. However, due to the economic situation, many people have failed to pay," she said.

Chief accountant for the council, Fedderick Muyaba, outlined key strategies aimed at boosting revenue collection.

"We plan to establish a system to track daily revenue collections, create additional plots at Mayadi, improve service delivery facilities, identify locations for new markets, and raise public awareness about revenue collection," he said.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Dr. Esmie Kainja, emphasized the importance of aligning budgets with national development goals.

"I expect the budget estimates presented to align with Malawi 2063. Avoid allocating resources to small, low-impact projects and ensure timely implementation of planned projects," she said.

The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) is currently reviewing budget submissions from councils as part of its mandate before the budgets are tabled in Parliament.

By Yamikani Sabola

Mzuzu, January 28, Mana: Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire has asked Mzuzu City Council to come up with plans and budgets for construction of new Mzuzu Stadium and submit to government for its intervention.

Mkandawire said this in Mzuzu on Tuesday after inspecting Mzuzu Stadium’s fence which had partly collapsed.

He said government is ready to commit resources towards construction of new Mzuzu Stadium just as it is doing in some other districts and cities including Mwanza, Mzimba, Zomba, Lilongwe and Blantyre.

He noted that Mzuzu Stadium has outlived its lifespan as it was constructed in 1967 and needed to be replaced with a new structure.

“In the recent years, we have been having so many problems here at the Mzuzu Stadium. Two years ago, the Football Association of Malawi refused to accredit this stadium for Super League games because of its poor condition.

“And as we are speaking, part of the fence has fallen, just adding to the problems which the stadium already has. That is why we decided to come and have discussions with Mzuzu City Council regarding the future of this facility. We are all convinced that we need a new stadium,” Mkandawire said.

He however advised the Mzuzu City Council to make sure the stadium is in good shape to host various games, including Super League matches while waiting for commencement of construction for the new stadium.

Chief Executive Officer for Mzuzu City Council, Gomezgani Nyasulu, said the council will start working on the preliminary designs and costs and submit the same to government.

“As Mzuzu City Council, we are very happy to get this signal from the Minister of Sports because this is the commitment we have been waiting for. It is encouraging that there is greenlight for us to proceed with submission of our plans for new stadium,” he said.

Nyasulu said the council has already identified a contractor to reconstruct the stadium’s fence so that the facility should continue hosting games.

By Brenda Nkosi

Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) Tuesday called on postal and courier service providers to embrace technology to meet the evolving economic landscape.

Macra Board Chairperson Bridget Chibwana made the call during annual postal sector workshop in Blantyre.

“Let us take advantage of technologies such as Track and Trace applications to enhance operations and customer service, and leverage the surge of e-commerce to boost revenues and sustainability,” added Chibwana.

She said the role of courier service providers cannot be overlooked with the rapid advancement of technology and shifting consumer expectations that have brought with them a new set of challenges.

“By embracing technology, forming new partnerships, and implementing cutting-edge solutions, courier companies can play a key role in driving the industry forward, ensuring that our country remains connected and competitive in a rapidly evolving global market,” Chibwana added.

Courier Association of Malawi president Lewis MacJessie emphasized the importance of embracing technology to serve more customers efficiently.

“It's great to see that there is recognition of the need to leverage technology to drive growth and development in Malawi. By embracing technology, the country can make significant progress in connectivity and logistics," said MacJessie.

He stated that the industry was still battling with illegal operators and shortage of forex, which was challenging the business environment.

The 2025 annual postal sector workshop was held under the theme; ‘Postal and courier in the digital ecosystem – need for a renaissance’.

The forum allowed postal and courier sectors to discuss pertinent issues affecting the industry.

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 15:40

MDF to be deployed to Zomba Plateau

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, January 28, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Owen Chomanika on Monday disclosed of deployment of Malawi Defence Forces (MDF) soldiers to Zomba Plateau as an immediate measure to protect depletion of forest and other natural resources.

Chomanika said this at Sunbird Kuchawe during Zomba plantation stakeholders meeting which was organized to, among others, find solution to alarming illegal harvest of trees from the plateau’s forests.

He said the ministry has noticed with sadness the rate at which illegal sawyers were harvesting trees from the plantation, posing a threat to the future generation.

“This challenging situation in Zomba should have been curtailed by us the stakeholders but it seems we are also the direct beneficiaries of this illegal act. As an immediate solution, from next week, we will be deploying the MDF and the police who will be here for months or years,” the minister said.

Chomanika said MDF will be given all the powers to deal with anyone found encroaching the plantation to illegally harvest timber.

During the meeting, the minister also announced about revocation of licenses to some concessioners whom he said were also contributors to the massive harvesting of young trees from the plateau.

“We can't sit and watch some players who claim to be our stakeholders being in forefront promoting the malpractice. Today, I wish to announce that we have revoked license for Chivumbe Cooperatives,” he said.

The minister said another contributing factor to the malpractice was corruption amongst stakeholder who included the forest officers, police officers and cooperatives working in the Zomba Plateau.

He however said drastic measures would be taken on whosoever dares to destroy natural resources in the country.

“If the act involves politicians who claim to be powerful, let us know; we will deal with them decisively,” he warned.

Some of the participants at the meeting proposed proper timber market licensing and suspension of sales of timber products in the district during off-season.

Senior Chief Mlumbe concurred with the minister, saying a lot of damage has happened to Zomba Plateau, and he promised to support the ministry in protecting the plantation.

“Getting the MDF into the forest is the rightful decision and we fully welcome it,” the chief added.

Southern Region Water Board Chief Executive Officer Duncan Chimphamba said the board is willing to take over 1,000 hectares of the plantation which it can manage by employing its own forest guards to “guard it jealously.”

The stakeholders meeting in Zomba came amidst public outcry as concerned stakeholders expressed worry over massive destruction of the forest through irresponsible tree harvest for timber.

Last week, hundreds of people were seen carrying logs of trees and timber from the forest into Zomba City unconcerned of the consequences of the depletion of the forest and future of water supply from Mulunguzi Dam.

Tuesday, 28 January 2025 15:24

Prioritize impactful projects - PS

By Salome Gangire

Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Esmie Kainja has urged councils to prioritize projects that significantly impact the lives of communities in their 2025/26 budgets.

Speaking on Monday during a draft budget review session for Neno District Council in Blantyre, Kainja emphasized the importance of aligning projects and programmes with the needs of communities.

“Prepare budgets that transform lives. Communities should also be made aware of the core projects the council is undertaking,” Kainja said.

She stressed that projects must be completed on time to ensure communities benefit fully and avoid delays.

Kainja noted that the budgets should align with Malawi Vision 2063 and the First 10-Year Implementation Plan (MIP-1).

Neno District Commissioner Rosemary Nawasha said the council's draft budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year is projected at K14.4 billion, with K6.3 billion allocated for personal emoluments.

According to Nawasha, development partner resources constitute 71.4 percent of the budget, followed by central government transfers at 27 percent and locally generated revenue contributing 1.6 percent.

"In the 2024/25 financial year, we focused resources on development projects such as healthcare improvements, primary education infrastructure, environmental management, agriculture interventions and social cash transfers, among other areas," Nawasha said.

She added that the council plans to also prioritize infrastructure development in agriculture, education and health sectors in the coming fiscal year.

Key projects lined up for implementation include: construction of Mchena and Mlindi Primary School blocks, decking of the Kakwesa concrete bridge, extension of the Chakhumbira water system, drilling of boreholes in Neno South, construction of Fifi Bridge and Kaingilira water system, establishment of Zalewa bus depot, rehabilitation of Midzemba Health Centre, and construction of the Mlindi Extension Planning Area office.

Director of Finance for Neno District Council, Charles Manzi, said efforts are underway to boost locally generated revenue by introducing e-ticketing in the district.

Manzi pointed out that in the 2024/25 financial year, the council achieved 96.3 percent of its locally generated revenue target, collecting K109,878,400 out of the projected K114,156,000 as of December 31.

The budget review session, which began last week in Blantyre, aims at scrutinising and validating council and city budgets to ensure alignment with national priorities and effective resource allocation at the local government level.

By Rose Cross Mahorya and George Bulombola

Mzuzu, January 28, Mana:  Senior Chief Mpherembe of Mzimba District has applauded government for increasing access to farm inputs through the provision of farm inputs, especially fertilizer, on loan which is provided by National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to smallholder farmers across the country.

Speaking Monday during a distribution exercise of 400 bags of fertilizer worth K42.2 million at his headquarters, Senior Chief Mpherembe said the agriculture loan facility has inspired households in his area to venture into large scale farming.

He said that the initiative will go a long way in averting food insecurity hence enhancing development in rural areas.

“Previously, most households were doing their farming on small parcels of land because they could not afford to buy fertilizer. Now, we are seeing more people expanding their farming areas because they have access to this loan.

 “We are therefore optimistic that with this intervention, food insecurity will be history in this area,” said Mpherembe.

He then advised those who have benefited from the facility to use the fertilizer prudently so that they realize bumper yield out of which they can sell the surplus to pay back the loan.

“May I ask NEEF to consider processing the loans in time so that people can get the inputs on time before rainy season approaches,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Benedicto Chambo, who presided over the ceremony, said government has put in place various strategies in ensuring food security.

“We are promoting Mega Farm initiative, we also have Agriculture Input Program and this one, through which smallholder farmers are provided with farm inputs on loan through NEEF,” said Chambo.

One of the clients who has benefited from the loan facility, Lisa Chasiya Mbewa, who got K12 million worth of fertilizer for her 24 hectares of maize farm land, said that access to agricultural inputs is hard in the area hence commended NEEF for taking the fertilizers to their door step.

 “By bringing the inputs to our area, they have cut down transport costs which we would have incurred if we were to get the fertilizer from elsewhere, such as Mzuzu and Rumphi as we do not have many agricultural dealers in our area,” said Mbewa.

NEEF Chief Executive Officer Humphrey Mdyetseni assured people in the area that NEEF will make sure that the loans are provide just before the commencement of farming season for maximum utilization of the inputs.

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