By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, February 22, Mana: One of the Malawian ladies based in the United States of America (USA), Chawezi Banda, donated assorted items to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) on Saturday as part of her birthday celebration, which is scheduled for March next month.

The items, including Sugar and soap, were donated to the Children's special care ward and Paediatric Nursery ward.

The items were donated by Arkangel Tembo a well-known journalist on behalf of Chawezi Banda popularly known as CHACHA.

Speaking during the donation, Tembo said Banda decided to donate the items so that people could also celebrate with her during her birthday.

“Not only that, Banda has a daughter who was born at QECH such that she knows better challenges that many people face when they are in the hospital. This donation therefore saves as a reminder to her,” said Tembo.

Flora Mkandawire one of the people who received sugar and soap was in disbelief after receiving the items describing it as a mercy from God.

She said,” I was referred here from Ndirande Health Centre with nothing to help me, receiving sugar and soap is a huge relief. May God bless Chawezi Banda today and forever.

On her part, Nursing Officer for the Paediatric Ward at QECH, Gladys Kalimbuka commended Banda for the donation saying very few remember people who are in the hospitals.

Kalimbuka has since called on other well-wishers to emulate good gesture from Banda saying donating in hospitals is a sign of love to the sick people.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, February 22, Mana: Mozambique SEPROF consultant, Domingos Diongo, has expressed satisfaction over the Last Mile Infrastructure Project, following his one-week tour in Malawi to appreciate progress of the project.

Diongo said on Thursday in Blantyre at a meeting that he saw value in the Last Mile Infrastructure Project in Malawi, observing that the project has potential to increase regional trade coordination, reduce trade costs and time and develope regional value chains.

Last Mile Infrastructure Project is a sub-project implemented in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique under Southern Africa Trade and Connectivity Project (SATCP) with a US$150 million World Bank funding, running from July 2021 to June 2027.

 “There is a need to align the project in Mozambique and Malawi to avoid duplication of efforts, to simplify trade and connectivity among countries and to increase private sector activities along targeted corridors of Malawi and Mozambique,” the consultant said.

Diongo added that the two countries have social and historical links, and he expressed hope that SATCP was there to improve the links for common development benefits.

Some of the places and institutions the Mozambique team visited included Ministry of Agriculture, Dedza border, Wakawaka and Mitundi markets, and Public Private Partnership Commission offices.

In Malawi, Last Mile Infrastructure Project is being carried out in 10 sites out of the 41 identified within border post areas of central and southern regions.

The project also includes construction of bridges, markets, storage facilities and roads, such as the 47-kilometer road from Matawale in Zomba to Liwonde.

SATCP communications specialist Joab Chakhaza said Malawi was ahead of Mozambique in the project implementation and that Last Mile Infrastructure Project was coming in to help in building regional infrastructure connectivity, promoting trade and market integration activities.

“There are a lot of things that are mirroring each other; as such, the way we are doing things in Malawi should also be the way Mozambique is doing. Communication and interaction within the countries should be enhanced to amplify trade and connectivity, which will improve development and economic industries,” he added.

Chakhaza further said the project also aims at reducing trade costs, strengthening regional coordination and project implementation, strengthening value chains for regional integration and strengthening transport infrastructure to improve market access.

“Through connectivity, Malawi will be able to find the right mechanism of coordination and will see how Malawi and Mozambique handle SATCP activities, which in turn will help the country to move faster in different aspects” said Chakhaza.

By Majona Jabesi

Mchinji, February 21, Mana: Tobacco Commission (TC) has seized a large quantity of tobacco in Mchinji district, believed to be part of an illegal operation to smuggle the product outside the country.

The tobacco was seized during a joint operation conducted by the TC, well-wishers and police forces on Tuesday this week as a part of the ongoing effort to combat illegal tobacco trading.

Following this development, TC Public Relations Officer, Telephorus Chigwenembe has issued a strong warning that anyone involved in the illegal tobacco trade shall face severe penalties.

"Members of the public should desist from attempting to export tobacco without a license. If they try, they will lose a lot. All tobacco grown in Malawi should be sold at designated selling floors."

"And those involved and caught will be charged with 'exporting tobacco without a license' as provided for by the Tobacco Industry Act of 2024", Chigwenembe said.

Meanwhile, TC has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving tobacco trafficking.

The commission also emphasized that its continued efforts to crack down on illegal tobacco trading are essential for maintaining the integrity of the industry and protecting the livelihoods of legitimate.

Tobacco remains one of Malawi’s most important agricultural exports, and government has regulations in place to monitor the production, sale, and export of tobacco.

Violations of the regulations can result in severe penalties. 

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, February 21, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera has promised to launch a youth innovation grant that aims at providing the youth with loans to be used in different areas including agriculture, education, and tourism among others.

The President disclosed this on Friday during a live youth engagement event at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where the youth had an opportunity to ask questions on the State of the National Address delivered in Parliament on Friday last week.

He explained that youths must be at the forefront when it comes to the developments of the country to make a difference by involving themselves in different entrepreneurship skills through loans obtained from the government under National Economic Empowerment Funds (NEEF) and other stakeholders while answering a question from Memory Ngwira who represented young entrepreneurs.

“The introduction of youth innovation grant will help to engage youths in different sectors including agriculture, economics, and tourism by working together with different stakeholders such as the World Bank, microfinance institutions and others that facilitate finances for youths.

“Government will also ensure that NEEF loans are granted to youths to boost their entrepreneurship and businesses,” he explained.

The president also acknowledged that there are unemployed youths who need support through social welfare development.

Answering the question concerning the Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB), the president assured youths that government will increase funding to the organisation so that it can continue to operate independently for it to fight corruption.

“I want to encourage youths to be whistle-blowers if they have any issues regarding corruption in the country by working together with the ACB and other justice organisations to build a free corruption Malawi.

“Government is also committed to ensure that youths are engaged in the health sector by addressing different issues such as mental health and sexual reproductive rights and also government will ensure that health care remains affordable for all,” he said.

The President then assured the youth that government will continue to provide high-quality teaching and learning materials which includes the construction of school blocks, laboratories, libraries and others.

By Comfort Simbeye

Chitipa, February 21, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education(NICE) Trust says the media can play a crucial role in educating the masses about forthcoming general elections.

District Programmes Officer for NICE Trust, Lusako Swira made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with Chitipa District-based media practitioners at NICE offices in the district.

He said the media plays a significant role during the electoral process.

"The media civic educates people by disseminating information on elections, as well as fighting misinformation before elections," he said.

Swira then called for a strong collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media to achieve tangible results.

"A good collaboration with the media will make our efforts as NICE Trust as well as other CSOs more fruitful since our information will reach the intended people easily," he said.

District Information Officer for Chitipa, Aliko Munde, hailed NICE Trust for the media engagement as the country is approaching the voter transfer exercise, which starts on February 25, 2025.

Munde acknowledged the crucial role the media practitioners play in civic and voter education.

"We as media practitioners have a big role to play during civic and voter education. Without media practitioners, issues of civic and voter education cannot be successful,” he said

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, February 21, Mana: Some vendors in Chitipa District have asked Chitipa District Council to consider constructing more market shades at Ibugulira Market in Senior Chief Mwenewenya in the district.

Godfrey Kaonga, who plies his trade at Ibugulira Trading Centre, said the two shades which were constructed by the district council are not enough to accommodate all the traders.

Kaonga said one market shade accommodated vegetable traders and the other shade accommodates fish sellers.

“Fish sellers are many and one shade for them is not enough. We need more market shades not only for fish sellers but even for other traders. If the district council can construct four other market shades it will help alleviate the challenge we are facing,” Kaonga said.

Another trader, Joice Mbale, said currently most traders have constructed grass-thatched benches, which he said are just temporary.

“If the district council can even allow traders to construct their shades or shops it can help improve the situation,” Mbale appealed.

Director of Public Works for Chitipa District Council, Engineer Misheck Gondwe said currently, the district council does not have plans to construct other shades at Ibugulira.

“The traders will be allowed to construct their structures after mapping the area by lands department,” Gondwe said.

The two Ibugulira Market shades were constructed under the District Development Fund (DDF).

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 21, Mana: Board chairperson for the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) Commissioner Richard Chapweteka has stressed the need for councils to effectively use the funds they are provided.

He made the remarks Thursday when the board of directors of NLGFC visited Dowa district council to appreciate projects and utilisation of funds being provided under different programs.

These include the District Development Fund, Government to Enable Service Delivery, Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program, Social Cash Transfer and others.

'Spending money is one thing but getting what you want done is another thing. So what we want is to look at issues first-hand.

"From experience, we have established that desk reports are not adequate because people can cook reports to meet expectations. That should give us a lesson that we cannot always trust desk reports," he said.

He said some councils have good plans on paper but structures on the ground prove otherwise, which he described as embarrassing.

Chapweteka added that much as the board cannot visit all the projects, a sample can provide insight into council activities.

"Apart from that, there is also the issue of quality as well which sometimes there is much to be desired. This could be because some councils take shortcuts in getting contracts which ends up with bad results.

"So our coming is to appreciate what you are doing, and where there are shortfalls, discuss and provide advice to make sure councils are doing the right things," he said.

In his remarks, District Commissioner Stallichi Mwambiwa thanked NLGFC for the support rendered to councils.

Also, for the team visit to the council which he said was full of lessons for the council.

During the day, the council made presentations on various programs and infrastructure development it is implementing.

The visiting team also conducted a field visit to appreciate projects and interventions under the SCTP.

One of the SCTP participants under Mbalame cluster Nason Kaseke applauded the initiative saying it has transformed his livelihood as he can now afford a decent house and provide food

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 21, Mana: At least 55 girls, mostly Form 2s and Form 4s at Lodjwa Community Day Secondary School in Kasungu have been rusticated for a week for protesting against the school diet.

A visit to the school on Friday found the girls flagging down vehicles along the M1 Road in search of transport to go home.

They claimed the diet at the school has been both inadequate and monotonous.

Headteacher for the school Charles Moyo explained that the students did not follow the right procedures to present their grievances to authorities.

"We were taken by surprise that there was some sort of commotion in protest against the diet today morning.

"Ideally, we expected the students to first report to us so that we find means of handling the matter. But their first step was to stage a protest," he said.

Moyo added that the learners' behaviour was strange and posed a risk to the school structures.

"To avoid the worst scenario, we called the police who managed to calm the situation.

"As management, we have agreed together with the Parents Teachers Association to send the students home for a week," he said.

Both the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Mphatso Nkuonera and the Education Division Manager for Central East Education Division, Charles Mthote were not available for comment.

By Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, February 21, Mana: Inspector General (IG) of Police Merlyne Yolamu has described women in higher positions as game chargers saying their performance is beyond people’s expectations.

Yolamu made the sentiments in Lilongwe Friday during a day-long workshop for women in security institutions and implementing partners aimed at improving gender equality and designing affirmative actions for women and vulnerable populations.

“Gender mainstreaming is one of the critical strategies in achieving gender equality. It means recognizing and integrating the different concerns and realities of both women and men into policy-making, strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation,” she said.

Yolamu then urged women in different institutions to have confidence when discharging their duties and at the same time upgrade themselves in education.

“Since I was appointed to be the IG three years ago, I have achieved a lot of things that some of my male predecessors failed to achieve, this is because I have confidence in myself. So no woman should look down upon herself when given higher positions,” she said.

In her remarks, UN Women's Country Representative Letty Chiwara said the time has come for women to take a leading role in driving development, form policies and actions that bring all those that are left behind at the center of development.

Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Secretary Habiba Osman thanked the Malawi Police and other security agencies for the training saying they will continue working closely with different organizations and institutions in making sure that the security of women in working places is not compromised.

“Our main role is to monitor if institutions, organizations, entities have got policies that protect women such as sexual harassment policy and look at issues of affirmative actions, particularly for women in decision making,” she said.

The workshop which was organized by Malawi Police Services in collaboration with MHRC with financial support from the EU drew women in security institutions from Malawi Police Services, Malawi Defense Force, Immigration and Malawi Prisons Services

By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, February 15, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has urged Malawians to take an active role in shaping ethical leaders by nurturing individuals with strong moral values from within their communities.

Speaking on Saturday at the burial of veteran broadcaster Lucius Chikuni in Thyolo, Usi emphasised that leadership begins at home, stating that “bad leaders come from bad people, and good leaders come from good people.”

“A lot of things are going wrong because we look up to politicians as role models. Yet, politicians come from within our communities, and their behaviour is shaped from there,” Usi said.

He further called on society to cultivate integrity and compassion in individuals from an early stage so that they become responsible and ethical leaders in various spheres, including politics, the church, and their professional careers.

“If we fail to do this, we will continue having bad politicians because we neglected to mould them from the start,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi, Golden Matonga, hailed Chikuni as a pillar of Malawi’s media industry.

“Chikuni played a huge role in shaping the media landscape. He established The Inquiry newspaper, which provided a platform for critical discussions on how multiparty democracy could work.

“His influence extended to the establishment of Zodiak Radio and his appointment to an ambassadorial role,” Matonga said.

He described Chikuni as a professional with umunthu whose integrity was recognized across different administrations.

“In this election year, we should emulate his character by fostering unity rather than division and avoiding unnecessary tensions,” Matonga urged.

He also called on politicians in attendance to honour Chikuni’s legacy by respecting journalists and upholding their rights as they cover political rallies.

Veteran politician Ziliro Chibambo also paid tribute to Chikuni, describing him as a remarkable leader who contributed significantly to the fight for multiparty democracy in Malawi.

He said his contributions to the media and democracy remain a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to uphold professionalism and ethical leadership.