MANAonline
Council members oriented on Malawi's Persons with Disability Act 2024
By Max Medson Mahara
Salima, May 29, Mana: Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare on Friday underscored the need to uphold and protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities in Malawi, by adhering to, and implementing, the Person with Disability Act of 2024.
The Persons with Disability Act of 2024 was officially launched on April 15, 2024, replacing the Disability Act of 2012.
Speaking during a meeting to sensitize officials from Salima District Council about the Act, Chief Disability Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Gender, Community Development, and Social Welfare, Joshua Mkwehiwa, explained the rationale behind the nationwide orientation exercise.
"The Ministry was prompted to come and orient the council because both duty bearers and persons with disabilities, the key players in the Act, needed to know about the change," Mkwehiwa said.
He emphasized that the effective implementation of the Act focuses on the awareness and active participation of both groups.
"Persons with disabilities and the duty bearers are the main focus and key players if we are to say that the Act is effective," he said.
The orientation, which will take place in different districts, aims to shed light on the key provisions of the new Act and differentiate it from its 2012 predecessor.
Mkwehiwa further highlighted a key aspect of the new legislation that separates it from the 2012 Act.
"While the previous Act placed the primary responsibility for ensuring the enjoyment of rights in the hands of the Minister responsible for disability affairs, the 2024 Act decentralizes this mandate, placing it directly on duty bearers and persons with disabilities," he said.
The implementation of the new Act also saw the establishment of the Malawi Council of Disability Affairs (MACODA), which replaced the Malawi Council for the Handicapped (MACOHA).
During the orientation, Mkwehiwa spoke on the rationale behind the change, highlighting the effectiveness of the name MACODA in describing people with disabilities.
"MACOHA was discontinued to adopt a more appropriate terminology, as the word 'handicapped' was deemed unsuitable to describe persons with disabilities," said Mkwehiwa.
Vice Chairperson of the District Disability Forum in Salima, Dorothy Mhango expressed optimism that the Act will significantly address issues of discrimination.
"The formation of MACODA will enhance the process of addressing concerns pertinent to persons with disabilities. This will help us enjoy access to rights and many benefits that come with it," she said.
The orientation in Salima is part of a broader national initiative by the Ministry of Gender to disseminate information about the new Act, ensuring that it is understood and effectively implemented across all districts in Malawi.
TIKUMA project trains child case workers in Balaka
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, May 30, Mana: Malawi Girls Guides Association (MAGGA), under the Tilimbikitse ndi Kuteteza Ma ufulu Aana (TIKUMA) project, has trained 46 child case workers to build their capacity in child protection in Balaka.
MAGGA’s TIKUMA Project Officer, Patrick Nyerere, said on Friday that the training was meant to capacitate the case workers with knowledge and skills to identify, register, as well as refer issues that challenge child protection to relevant authorities.
“We want to ensure that each and every community has a case worker, which shall mean an increase in the fight against child discrimination and violation of their rights.
“We would like to train 293 case workers from the 62 Group Village heads that we are working with. Currently, we are just continuing with the training because last year we also trained 70 case workers,” he said.
The case workers were trained for seven days and they were drawn from six traditional authorities in the district.
MAGGA expressed hope that the trained workers will play significant role in case management on issues of child protection in the 62 areas.
“Having more well-trained case workers will help in reducing the gap that has been existing in the community as far as child protection is concerned, Case management will improve with a case worker, or more, in every group village head, as communities will be able to reach case workers who are within their reach,” Nyerere explained.
“As we are training the case workers, we are encouraging them to make sure they have meetings with the community members when they go back home. The idea is to make sure that parents are aware of the child protection referral path ways existing in their communities, because, we cannot talk of reducing child related cases if parents are left behind,” he added.
One of the participants, Mussa Sadiki, a case worker from Traditional Authority Kalembo, said the training came at the right time as a lot of children were facing numerous challenges in the communities.
“A lot of children are being denied their right to education, a lot of children are also being exploited inform of defilement, child labour. I am sure we will capacitate the community to be aware and always on the look out to report any cases of child abuse,” Sadiki added.
TIKUMA is a five-year project in Balaka and Mchinji that is financed by Save the Children, through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), to the tune of K18. Billion on child protection and education.
The project benefits 55 schools in Mchinji and 47 schools in Balaka.
Eagles Relief, CARE Malawi disburse cash to 1,600 to improve food security
By Priscilla Mwakifuna
Chikwawa, 30 May, Mana: A total of 1,600 individuals from Traditional Authorities Masache and Ngowe in Chikwawa District have benefited from a food security initiative that is being implemented by Eagles Relief and Development Programs International, in partnership with CARE Malawi.
The food security project disbursed K92,500 to each beneficiary on Friday, to allow them access nutritious food after being heavily affected by drought.
Project Officer for Eagles Relief, Geoffrey Tamayenda said the organization provided cash support to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and the elderly to purchase food to improve their nutrition levels.
Tamayenda further explained that the cash transfer was also meant to help the beneficiaries maintain their health and well-being, particularly during the challenging drought period.
“With this financial assistance, they will be able to acquire food and remain healthy, taking into account their physical condition,” he said.
Eliya Walani, a 70-year-old beneficiary from Willy Village, expressed gratitude for the cash, stating that the support will enable him buy food to improve his wellbeing and that of this his family.
“This money will go a long way in helping me purchase food for my family,” he added.
Youths asked to increase income-generating initiatives
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, May 30, Mana: Director of Education, Youths and Sports (DEYS), for Dedza district council, Henry Likeke, has encouraged youths in the district to be self-reliant by increasing income-generating initiatives in their communities.
He was speaking on Thursday at Traditional Authority (T/A) Kasumbu's headquarters during the Informal Vocational Skills Graduation Ceremony and the awarding of start-up materials.
Likeke asked the graduating youths to utilize all available resources for economic growth, apart from the machines received as start-up materials for their acquired skills.
"There is a tendency among some youths who are leaving this country to work in other countries, especially South Africa. That country has attained economic growth because some youths are always working tirelessly there. However, let it be noted that for our country to achieve Malawi's 2063 vision, it needs energetic individuals. Let us therefore build our Nation by diversifying our sources of income, including farming," he said.
Commenting on the development, the council’s youth officer, Twesa Mwamlima, concurred with Likeke saying the time has come for youths to work together and develop their areas.
"We appreciate Kasumbu Development Organization (Kado) for helping in taking these initiatives to transform the lives of youths. It is also very commendable to see Action Aid Malawi continuing to support community organizations," said Mwamlima.
In his remarks, Kado Executive Director, Godfrey Sandram, said since its establishment, 91 youths have been trained in various skills, including tailoring.
“Others have also learnt skills like fixing motorbikes and financial literacy skills,” said Sandram.
One of the youths who received the sewing machine, Mary David, commended Kado for the training and assured the organization that she would use it for the intended purpose.
Tongole Foundation donates desks in Nkhotakota
By Wongani Mkandawire
Nkhotakota, May 30, Mana: The Tongole Foundation on Thursday donated 75 desks, valued at K14 million, to Mwalawatongele Primary School as part of its corporate social responsibility to schools around the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve in the district.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Tongole Foundation's Country Director, Bentry Kalanga, said the organization remains committed to supporting the education sector in the country.
"The education sector is a true catalyst for the country's meaningful development and we will continue supporting it because quality education can only be achieved with such support,” said Kalanga.
Kalanga has since urged the school to ensure that the donated desks are taken care of.
He said the organization will take the initiative to other primary schools such as Chankhokwe and Chilimani in the Lozi Education Zone in the district.
Meanwhile, the Chief Education Officer of Nkhotakota District Council, Marcel Elifala, commended the foundation for the donation, saying it will greatly improve the learning environment for the learners at the institution.
Minister thanks development partners for Investing in human capital development
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, May 30, Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has commended development partners for their continued support towards human capital development in the country.
She made the remarks on Thursday at Magomero Community Development College, where 315 students graduated with diplomas and certificates in fields such as Community Development, Social Work, and Nutrition and Irrigation Operations.
Of the graduating class, 140 students were trained through various scholarship programmes, and these included 17 Early Childhood Development practitioners and 13 nutrition practitioners supported by the World Bank.
Additionally, 40 Social Work students benefited from USAID support, while 70 others were sponsored by the British Council under the VET Toolbox II Project.
Sendeza said the support from partners has improved service delivery in key social sectors across the country.
“Government recognises that human capital development is a key driver of national productivity, and we are proud to have many partners who have played a vital role by providing both financial and technical support,” she said.
Sendeza added that, without such collaboration, government would not have been able to train most of the frontline workers who are currently serving in communities in areas such as nutrition and early childhood development.
The Minister therefore encouraged the graduates to be proactive and innovative as they await employment opportunities, saying that donor resources are dwindling while the number of graduates entering the job market continues to grow each year.
British Council representative, Mabvuto Chilenje expressed pride in the graduates from Chikwawa District who completed training in Farm Tractor Operations and Irrigation Systems Management.
“Our project aims to empower youth along the Shire Valley Transformation Project area with skills that will enable contribute to national food security,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow graduates, Mwaiwao Zidana expressed gratitude to the government, development partners, families, and all those who provided support throughout their academic journey.
“We are ready to apply the skills we have acquired in our respective fields and contribute meaningfully to the realization of Malawi Vision 2063,” he said.
Man jailed 4 years IHL over theft and unlawfully wounding a police officer
By Alice Ndunya
Machinga, May 29, Mana: Malundani Second Grade Magistrate Court sitting at Nselema in Machinga District on Thursday convicted and sentenced Muhamad Buba, 20, to four years imprisonment with hard labour (IHL) for house breaking, theft, and stabbing a police officer at the back of his neck as he tried to arrest him.
According to Sergeant Alex Macheso, a prosecutor from Nselema Police, the incident occurred on May 7, 2025, at Mwitiya Village, Traditional Authority Kapoloma, in Machinga District.
He said that around 10:00 p.m., the convict broke into the house of Fatima Muhammad Shamz, age 40, and stole various properties amounting to K2,231,500, which included an upright fridge of 210 litres.
Macheso further told the court that recovery of the stolen items was done following a tip-off by a motorcycle operator who disclosed the whereabouts of the convict.
But when the police raided the convict at his house at Nanyumbu, they only recovered the property as Buba fled to an unknown location, according to the state prosecutor..
“Police officers went back to the convict’s house on the night of May 13 to effect an arrest, but when he discovered that police officers were in his house, he went to hide behind the bedroom door,
“Whilst ransacking him, Detective Sergeant Peter Lupano of Nselema Police discovered him behind the door. The convict pulled a knife and stabbed Lupano on the lower back of his neck, but he managed to overpower him,” Macheso added..
Appearing before the Second Grade Magistrate Court on May 29, Buba pleaded guilty to all three counts levelled against him.
In his submission, Macheso prayed for stiffer punishment considering that Shamz lost some of her properties, including an upright fridge which is not functioning.
In mitigation, the convict pleaded for leniency, stating that he is young, a first-time offender, and that his parents are old, such that they depend on him for their needs.
Presenting the sentence, Magistrate Richard Kambanje concurred with the state on the gravity of the offence.
He therefore sentenced Buba to four years' imprisonment with hard labour.
Buba comes from Telela Village at Paramount Chief Kawinga’s area in Machinga District.
Government hails USA government for its support
By Pempho Kantayeni
Lilongwe, May 29, Mana: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, has praised the United States government for its continued support in the social and economic development of the country.
She made the remarks at the U.S.A. Embassy Chief of Mission’s residence in Lilongwe during the 249th National Independence Day celebrations on Thursday.
“Since 1964, the U.S.A. has been the biggest bilateral donor to Malawi, having assisted us in various sectors such as, education, health, agriculture, research and through the USAID, impacting on the development of this country,” she said.
U.S.A. Chief of Mission in Malawi, Amy Diaz emphasised that USA through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has played a vital role in shaping Malawi’s development journey by supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening health systems, and helping Malawi transition to democracy.
Diaz expressed US’s commitment towards continued partnership and the development of the country.
“As consistent supporters of democracy and the rule of law, the United States stands with the Malawian people as they enter this pivotal period. We want to continue to work with Malawi in ending systemic challenges,” she said.
The United States of America’s National Day is celebrated on July 4; however, the U.S. Embassy in Malawi holds the celebration earlier to allow participation in Malawi’s Independence Day on July 6.
Lilongwe set to buzz with weekend entertainment galore
By Yewo Munthali
Lilongwe, May 30, Mana: After a long week of chasing deadlines, clearing out files, and navigating office politics, the weekend is finally within reach and Lilongwe is ready to come alive.
This Saturday, May 31 promises a lineup of thrilling adventures, vibrant events, and unmissable experiences across the city.
Whether you’re in the mood for music, food, fashion, or fun, there’s something happening for everyone; so clear your calendar and get ready to be where the action is!
The early birds may catch the Farmers Market at Woodlands, which takes place from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Attendees can expect to experience different cuisines, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as artisanal goodies.
Also starting early is the Family Food Festival Carnival at Umodzi Park, with gates opening at 9am and closing at 7pm.
With a K5,000 entry fee, you’re in for an adventure with over 150 stalls at your fingertips. Some of the stalls on display include Tactical Assault Games, offering the ultimate paintball experience, face painting by Ella is Art, and The Lollipop Factory, where you can order some unique refreshments.
As the carnival comes to a close, another event begins at Umodzi Park: the 2025 Consumer Choice Awards, a black-tie themed gala that will honor exceptional Malawian businesses and individuals.
Minister of Tourism, Dr Vera Kamtukule, is expected to be the guest of honour and Driemo will perform as a musical guest.
Tickets are available for purchase at K120,000 and can be acquired through Consumer Choice Awards Country Director, James Chipanda.
To cap off Saturday, gospel music lovers can gather at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) Auditorium for the Wendy Harawa Favour Gospel Concert.
The event will feature renowned Nigerian gospel singer Ada Ehi, best known for her hit “Congratulations,” along with Kamuzu Barracks, Paul Kachala, and Theresa Phondo. Tickets are K20,000 and available via Kwenda.co.
If you miss out on Saturday’s events, Sunday offers even more entertainment. The month of June begins with a Lake of Stars Pop-Up Show at Genovese Backyard in Area 47. Attendees can enjoy Sip and Paint sessions, games, and a live performance by Praise Umali. Tickets are K10,000 on Kwenda.co or K12,000 at the gate.
Later that evening, Patience Namadingo, known as “The Doc”, will take the stage at Aero Lounge in Airwing. The show starts at 9pm and ends at 10:30pm. VIP tickets are priced at K70,000, while regular tickets at the door are K25,000.
With such a jam-packed weekend ahead, Lilongwe is the place to be, don’t miss out on the fun!
Learners embrace B-EES project
By Donald Zimba
Lilongwe, May 29, Mana: Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has inaugurated the Bio-Energy from Electrical Energy in Schools (B-EES) Project in a significant stride towards integrating renewable energy with education.
The initiative introduces solar-powered technologies, including a mini oil expeller, into the primary school setting, aiming to provide students with hands-on experience in renewable energy applications.
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, officiated the launch at Kaungwe Primary School in Dowa on Friday.
She emphasized the project’s potential to inspire students towards careers in science and engineering.
“I, therefore, encourage learners to view the initiative not merely as a project but as an opportunity to gain practical skills that align with the nation’s vision for sustainable development,” she said.
Belgian Ambassador to Malawi, Peter Huyghebaert, highlighted collaborative efforts between Malawi and Belgium, noting that the project aims to enhance energy accessibility and educational opportunities in rural areas.
The B-EES Project is implemented by G-HiTech in collaboration with Ministry of Basic Education, funded through a €700,000 grant from Belgium’s FINEXPO and an additional €159,321 from the Walloon region (AWEX).
The initiative aligns with Malawi’s broader educational reforms, such as the Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT) program, which integrates solar-powered digital learning tools across primary schools, aiming to reach 3.8 million students annually.
These efforts collectively contribute to Malawi’s goal of expanding access to quality education and sustainable energy solutions nationwide.
B-EES Project exemplifies how international partnerships and innovative approaches can empower students with practical skills, preparing them to contribute to Malawi’s sustainable development goals.
