By Bazilio Chingoli

Ntcheu, March 1, Mana: Ntcheu District Council through its district education office has awarded best performing teachers for 2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination (PSLCE) in the district.

Speaking during the award presentation ceremony, Acting Director of Education and Sports in the district, Julius Kamwaza, said the awards are a token of appreciation to the teachers’ good work.

"As one way of motivating and appreciating the work that our teachers are doing, we thought it wise to recognize their great effort in this special gesture," said Kamwaza

While commending the teachers for the great work, Kamwaza also advised them to work extra hard in order to make Ntcheu one of the best performing education districts.

On his part, Yusufu Kamwana who topped the list of the best teachers attributed his secret to team work and collaboration with his fellow teachers and students at his school.

Kamwana, a teacher at Ntcheu Roman Catholic primary school topped the list with 73 students passing with grade A in his Chichewa subject followed by English teacher, Peter John with 48 students getting A’s and Social and Bible Knowledge teacher, Davis Moyo with 36 of his learners in his subject getting A’s.

In 2023-2024 PSLCE results, Ntcheu as a district produced 1039 grade A student with each one going out with a K1500 prize money from the council.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, March 1, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, has challenged councils not to go easy on errant contractors who fail to respect contractual deadlines and standards.

Chitsulo has since advised the councils to terminate contracts for non-compliant contractors saying their conduct has potential to deny communities development initiatives that facilitate delivery of services.

She was speaking on Friday in Kasungu at the end of her tour inspecting various government projects being implemented in the district.

“We must get hard on contractors that fail to deliver their contracts within agreed periods. Actually we should just terminate their contracts because the more they delay, the more the projects become expensive.

“The other thing is that communities must not be denied an opportunity of having these projects just because a contractor was non-compliant. Do not tolerate this,” Chitsulo said.

Summing up her tour which took her to Traditional Authorities Kaomba, Chisikwa, Kaluluma and Chisemphere, Chitsulo said she was impressed with the projects being implemented in the district.

“I am impressed with the projects we have seen, specifically the council office, the paying ward at the district hospital and some concrete bridges. These are quality projects.

“However, some projects are behind schedule and I am worried if they will be finished within time. At the same time some projects are completed but not in use, although we got an assurance from the District Commissioner that necessary steps will be taken on these projects,” she said.

Member of Parliament for Kasungu North Constituency, Mike Bango, expressed gratitude to government for initiating various projects in the area and increasing the Constituency Development Fund which he said is enabling change in communities.

He also hailed Bonongwe Building Construction Company which has constructed the K238 million Chikaka Primary School in the area within a record 14 days while the contract period was for three months.

In his remarks, District Commissioner for Kasungu, James Kanyangalazi said the council will strive to deliver quality projects for the benefit of the people of the district.

Among others, Chitsulo toured the K839 million paying ward at the district hospital built under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD), the K230 million council office complex constructed under District Development Fund, GESD funded Chikaka School and some CDF bridges.

In the 2025/26 Financial Year, Kasungu District Council has proposed a K9.8 annual investment plan to improve agriculture productivity, water and sanitation, fight morbidity and improve road network.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, February 28, Mana: Government of Malawi, through Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi(ESCOM), has signed an agreement with Aspin Energy Limited that aims to supply 142 megawatts of electricity in the country in order to reduce persistent electricity blackouts in the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Friday, Chief Executive Officer for Aspin Energy Group, Emillio Paul Masumbi, explained that the signed agreement of the 142 megawatts gas power generation will be the largest single power plant in Malawi.

He said this will play a crucial role in supplying electricity in all parts of the country in order to reduce blackouts.

“This is the beginning of our journey to supply more powered energy in the country as we are intending to add about 152 megawatts of electricity once the first phase has been completed.

“The investment of the energy will use about US$210 million and prioritise in boosting the ATM strategy which focuses on Agriculture, Tourism and Mining sector by generating more forex and fueling it behind the scenes of the strategy,” he explained.

Chief Executive Officer for ESCOM, Kamkwamba Kumwenda, concurred with Matumbi saying the country needs to diversify sources of electricity without solely relying on EGENCO for the distribution and supply of electricity.

He said the coming of Aspin Energy Limited marks a great milestone in supplying the much needed electricity.

“As a major supplier of electricity, we need to inject more systems in electricity generation in the country as the demand is increasing day by day hence alternatives should be brought forward and be actualised on the ground.

“We expect the company to start it’s operations within the next twelve months once everything is sorted out,” Kumwenda said.

Board Chairperson for ESCOM, Gospel Kazako, commended Aspin for stepping out to help in boosting the energy sector with an alternative way of supplying electricity through gas that is also environmental friendly.

Aspin Energy Limited commenced in 2018 and is targeting to distribute energy in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia while using alternative sources of energy including gas.

By George Mponda

Karonga, February 28, Mana: Residents of Karonga have expressed concern over unbecoming behaviour by some youths in the district, who are forming gangs posing a threat to security.

Secretary for the Peace and Unity Committee for Karonga, Aaron Mwenelupembe, was speaking Friday during an engagement with local leaders on peace building organised by the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM).

"The gangs, mostly comprising young people are very common at Songwe Border where they are involved in human trafficking business. Rival gangs have been witnessed fighting each other, some are terrorizing residents, especially at night," said Mwenelupembe.

This has sparked concerns not just among residents but also among business owners and law enforcement agents.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa bemoaned the tendency saying steps must be taken to eliminate the gangs before things go out of hand.

"Karonga is too small to be having gangsters around terrorizing residents. We are not New York, London, Moscow, Beijing or even Tokyo so, why should we allow gangster-ism in our district? Young people should know that there is a way of doing business legally not engaging in these gangs.

“This tendency brings lawlessness, destabilizes peace and, therefore, we need to work together to make sure there is peace and unity in our district," said Kyungu.

EAM Advocacy Officer for Karonga, Fumbanani Mwale, said collaboration is key to ending various violent acts and disputes which are happening in Karonga.

"We need to come together so that we can address these issues and chiefs have a big role to play because they are the gatekeepers and they can help increase awareness on the dangers of conflicts," Mwale said.

Officer-in-Charge for Karonga Police Station, Kelvin Mulezo, said they are working hard to address the problem.

By Rose Cross Mahorya

Mzuzu, February 28, Mana: Stakeholders in Mzuzu City have hailed youths in the city for agreeing to say no to political violence.

The youths expressed their stand against political violence by conducting a joint Peace Building Parade from Mzuzu Court House to Katoto Secondary School ground.

Program Officer for Centre for Multiparty Democracy, Madalitso Magelegele, noted that for years the call for youths not to be used by political leaders has been falling on deaf ears.

“For so long we have spoken of youths being used as vehicles for violence.

“But their coming out openly to denounce political violence is a sign that they desire change and we believe that since it’s coming from themselves, it will make a difference,” he said.

Magelegele further noted that young people are the biggest perpetrators of online violence.

“Posting of fake news and propaganda is one of the biggest tools that has fueled violence amongst youth.

“Therefore, if they can embrace the message of peace and act on it, there will be peaceful coexistence,” noted Magelegele.

Speaking on behalf of fellow youths, Martin Makwakwa, noted that while political leaders have for long been using youths to exercise violence, very few youths benefit from the same leaders once put into power.

“The leaders use youths to incite violence leading to them being on the wrong side of the law.

“As youths, we refuse to be perpetrators of violence. We want peaceful campaign, peaceful elections and post elections,” he said.

Northern Region Community Policing Coordinator Alexander Ngwala acknowledged that youths are amongst the groups of people that are mostly involved and affected by political violence.

“As Police, we are glad that the youths themselves are saying no to political violence because in the past, stakeholders have been saying it but the youths themselves have been silent.

“We are ready to support their stand because any form of violence robs them of a bright future. Our structures are present in their respective communities and are ready to sing the gospel of peace alongside them,” noted Ngwala.

According to Mzuzu City Youth Officer, Misheck Msokwa, the parade conducted under the theme “Peaceful steps; Powerful Change” which was a brain child of different stakeholders including youths themselves, was aimed at magnifying voices of young people on their stance to stay away from violence before, during and after the September elections.

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 28, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, on Friday supervised various development projects in Kasungu District.

Chitsulo inspected the K230 million Kasungu District Council office complex financed under the District Development Fund and the K839 million paying ward at Kasungu District Hospital.

The ward has been constructed by the performance-based grant under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) Project.

The Deputy Minister also toured Lodjwa Health Centre in Traditional Authority (TA) Chisikwa where the Council has constructed staff houses as part of the K3 billion Health Rehabilitation Fund projects.

Chitsulo wound up her day visiting newly constructed K238 million Chikaka Primary School in Kasungu North Constituency.

In the 2025/2026 Financial Year, Kasungu District Council plans to spend K1.3 billion to boost agriculture productivity, K343 million to improve access to water and sanitation, K3.9 billion to fight morbidity and mortality and K3.2 billion to improve road network and information communication technology infrastructure in an annual investment plan that totals K9.8 billion.

It also plans to boost its locally generated revenue by diversifying revenue streams, digitising revenue collection and enhancing engagements and collaboration with businesses to help improve service delivery in the district.

By Lily Kampani in Windhoek, Namibia

Windhoek, February 28, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi on Friday attended the memorial service, at Independence Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia  to honour Namibia’s first President and liberator, Dr Sam Nujoma.

In his remarks, Usi highlighted the importance of Malawi being part of the ceremony saying it honours late Nujoma’s legacy as a beacon and symbol representing patriotism, resilience and hard work.

Dr Usi is accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Nangozo Kainga.

Other world leaders attending the ceremony include current and former heads of state, vice presidents, prime ministers, heads of international and regional organisations, speakers of national parliament and foreign affairs ministers, among others.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, February 28, Mana: Since its establishment in November 2024, Nangafuwe Mother Care Group (MCG) at Kezembe Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Machinjiri in Blantyre has reached out to 223 parents through community mobilization with under five immunisation information to ensure child vaccine wider coverage.

Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) that facilitated formation of the MCG visited the MSG Thursday to appreciate its strides towards child vaccine wider coverage.

Nangafuwe MCG representative, Regina Chibwana, said through their community mobilisation the group reached to over 223; seven of them did not follow proper vaccine procedures and five were on zero dose.

“Our work is to advocate for child immunization through community mobilisation and other ways. Out of 223 children that started receiving vaccine, seven were receiving vaccine without following proper procedures while five were on zero dose, they have all started receiving vaccine,” she said.

Chibwana highlighted some of the challenges, citing reluctance of some parents to take their children for vaccination due to religious beliefs.

“We have encountered other scenarios where parents would agree to bring a child for vaccine but never show up at our vaccine site,” she said.

Village Head Kazembe called on MHEN and other partners to continue supporting MCG saying the groups lack resources for effective community mobilisation.

“We are operating in a damaged shelter. We have already identified the site to construct a decent shelter and we need construction materials. We also need t-shirt for identification,” she said.

MHEN Assistant Project Officer, Helbert Chakwawa, encouraged the group to continue working hard and to use the knowledge imparted in them when they face challenges in their line of duty.

Nangafuwe MCG operates under Makhetha Clinic in Machinjiri and has over 20 members.

By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, February 28, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the need for Malawians to encourage each other to follow the laws of the country, saying this will help ease the work of the Malawi Police Service and accelerate development in the country.

He made the remarks Friday during the 14^th intake prison recruits pass-out at Mapanga Prison Staff Training School in Blantyre.

Chakwera noted that the prison profession is often undermined in the country, adding that no one has ever complained about improving services in prisons.

“This is one of the key indicators that show how serious a country is about national development. If we don’t give attention to this sector, it shows that we don’t care about the laws and security of our nation,” he said.

He observed that most Malawians do not know the laws of the country, emphasizing that this is not the fault of any governing regime but rather an issue of negligence.

“This has been demonstrated in the recent incident in Nkhata Bay where people were building houses on land designated for this year’s Martyrs’ Day commemorations. As a result, the military has been forced to restrict access to the area, but unfortunately, this action has come too late,” he explained.

The President reiterated the need for prisons to provide a safe environment for rehabilitation of inmates so that they are encouraged to reform and not condemned.

He congratulated the recruits, urging them to provide exceptional service to the country’s prison system through honesty and transparency.

Minister of Homeland Security, Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma, said the Ministry has identified a rehabilitation strategy aimed at improving conditions in the prison, which will contribute to achieving the Malawi 2063 through improved service delivery.

Ching’oma advised the new recruits to uphold professionalism and apply the skills they have acquired, cautioning them against engaging in politics.

“Work with the mission to develop the country and nothing else. Use this qualification to develop yourself and those around you,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the trained recruits will enhance transparency and security in prisons across the country.

Ching’oma expressed gratitude for government’s promising budget allocation to the Ministry, saying it will help address some of these challenges.

Some of notable guests at the event included Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu; Deputy Chief Justice, Lovemore Chikopa SC; Blantyre City Mayor, Councilor Joseph Makwinja, Senior Chief Kapeni, Minister of Interior for the Republic of Mozambique, Paulo Chachine.

The initial intake comprised 1,000 recruits, but 15 were dismissed due to misconduct. 985 recruits graduated, including 410 females and 575 males.

By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, February 28, Mana: Chia Fish Cooperative from Mtanga 2 Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kalimanjira in Nkhotakota District boasts to have dealt with fish post-harvest losses under the support from Sustainable Fisheries Aquaculture Development and Watershed Management (SFAD-WM) Project by the Malawi Government.

Secretary for Chia Fish Cooperative, Shabani Mtira, was speaking Thursday during a media tour organized by the Department of Fisheries in Nkhotakota aimed at appreciating the impact the project has rendered to the community.

Mtira revealed that the project has provided them with modern infrastructure which, among others, houses fish processing rooms, cold rooms, market shed and a refrigerated van which ferries processed fish to various markets.

“With these facilities, we can process, store and ferry fish to designated markets within and outside the district, a development which has increased profits and minimized post-harvest losses,” Mtira said.

Chairperson for Mtanga 2 Beach Village Committee, Jane Tambala, concurred with Mtira, adding that apart from being equipped with skills in fish management best practices, they have also been provided with materials to help execute their operations effectively.

Nkhotakota Principal Fisheries Officer, Symon Ngwira has commended the project saying it has contributed to improved living standards among the cooperative members and dealing with illegal fishing on Lake Malawi.

“Fish processors can supply processed fish with high quality to outlet sellers and consumers, and this is benefiting the whole fish supply chain,” Ngwira said.

Senior Deputy Director of Fisheries responsible for Outreach and Training, Jacqueline Kazembe, asked the project's beneficiaries to be organized and focused in their operations to ensure that the fruits continue to ripen beyond the project’s timeline.

Malawi Government is implementing SFAD-WM project through the Department of Fisheries with financial assistance from the African Development Bank.