MANAonline
Balaka Council approves 2022-2030 DDP, with food security as No 1 priority
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, June 6 Mana: Balaka Full Council Meeting has approved K249 billion 2022–2030 District Development Plan (DDP) whose priority is food security.
Presenting the plan to the council members in the week, Director of Economic Planning and Development for Balaka Council, Chris Nawata, said after a thorough consultation with the grassroots across the district, the plan has 14 key priority areas that need attention, with food security topping the list.
He said every stakeholder in the formulation of the DDP was given a chance to contribute so that the 2022-2030 DDP is a true reflection of what people in Balaka need.
“We noted that almost in all Village Level Action Plans (VLAPs) issues of food security were mentioned as number one area of focus. In the years to come, we would like to promote use of drought tolerant and early maturing crops varieties to suit the kind of rains we receive.
“Apart from that, we will also strengthen agricultural extension and advisory services delivery mechanism where irrigation will also be enhanced so that we, at least, raise the food security of our district from the current 20 percent to 40 percent,” Nawata added.
According to the Director, the DDP also captures low average household income, high morbidity and mortality rate, high illiteracy levels and poor access to affordable and clean water, among other areas.
“The passing of the DDP today entails that we have a clear direction as far as the development agenda is concerned, these are the issues that the people out there are looking for. The DDP formulation process followed decentralisation guidelines.
“Now that we have the plan, the entire district owns it, which means every partner, investor even government projects, coming into the district must align their efforts to the plan. It is therefore not us the council alone that is mandated to work towards funding implementation of the plan,” the director added.
On the previous DDP (from 2017 to 2023), Nawata said the council tried to work towards fulfilling key priority areas that were listed.
“We prioritised access to clean water, and we worked towards that, and if you see in this plan, the access to portable and clean water is coming 9th which means the situation has changed for the better through various interventions that we, together with other players, instituted,” he said.
Balaka District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pharao Kambiri pledged a political will towards implementation of the DDP.
“We cannot win if we only wait from the council alone to help in implementing the plan. We need to make people understand that due to the fact that the globe is experiencing climate change, our people must be ready to adopt irrigation farming which is very possible as we have water around us,
“Most of the problems are interlinked, once a person has enough food at a household level, you will see that he or she will have the energy to do other things to improve his or her home, in the process issue of low-income levels which is coming second in the plan will not be there,” he added
Kambiri also called for adequate funding and collective implementation of the Balaka DDP for positive results.
Mwanza District Council awards outstanding staff
By Cassandra Mangulama
Mwanza, June 6, Mana: Mwanza District Council on Thursday awarded staff members that worked exceptionally well in 2024/2025 financial year to motivate and appreciate their dedication to duty, with Emmanuel Yasin from Finance and Audit Directorate standing tall above all, as best performing member of staff of the year.
Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Councillor Emmanuel Kapawe, said during the award ceremony that the council had to recognise the hard working spirit among its members of staff, adding that the local authority felt this was the best way to encourage best performance among staff across the council sectors.
“The awards are very important to the council staff members because this is the best way to motivate them to work extra hard in their respective sectors,” he added.
Mwanza District Commissioner, Dr. Martha Magreta Sineta, who introduced the awards, said this was another way of motivating best performers, saying those that perform very well deserved a token of appreciation.
“There are several members of staff that are committed to duty but it was decided that we sample out the few exceptional ones. We needed to recognise them and make them feel valued for their hardworking spirit.
“It is my hope that from today, every member of staff is going to work extra hard by serving the people of Mwanza even better than before, so that they can be recognised as well in the next financial year," the District Commissioner added.
The DC pledged that the council will continue with the awards to make it an annual event, and she asked the organising committee to explore more categories of recognition.
Sineta encouraged members of staff in all council sectors to actively participate in voting to ensure competitiveness among members of staff.
Chairperson of the organising team, Joe Magombo, who is also Director of Education and Sports said the voting process was done both physically, using ballots, and online.
“We faced some challenges, there was low sensitisation and difficulties in categorising departments under some directorates,” he added.
An accountant from Finance and Audit Directorate, Yassini got K150, 000 for emerging Mwanza District Council best performing staff of the year.
He hailed the council for recognising his commitment to duty and for delivering to his best in the 2024/20325 financial year, and he asked fellow members of staff to be committed to the work for best performance.
“I am very grateful for the award. I therefore encourage my colleagues not to give up because next time they might be recognised as well,” he said.
A driver in the Administration directorate, Richard Laudon, Gracious Pofera from the Agriculture directorate, Primary Education Advisor, Emily Matewere, Principal Education Officer, Fredrick Malango, went home with K100,000 each for coming second after the overall performer, Yasini,
Others that got K100,000 each as token of appreciation for good performance were: Viena Kaponda from the Health directorate, (non-medical), Tamandani Kuchanje (medical), Eric Nyekanyeka from Lands and Public Works directorate, alongside Sibongile Phakati Chimbaka from the Administration; and Lerato Mbalule from Social and Community Development section
Government pledges more support to cotton farmers
By Leah Malimbasa
Chikwawa, June 6, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has reassured cotton farmers of government’s commitment to supporting the cotton sector for it to thrive.
Kawale made the assurance during the Goma Cotton Field Day held in Chikwawa on Thursday.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to see the cotton sector thriving. We made several commitments to assist the farmers with inputs, as well as securing markets. Illovo is one of the partners implementing what we have asked them to do and now we are seeing the fruits of this partnership,” said the Minister.
He continued: “We will continue visiting our farmers, listen to their concerns, celebrate their achievements and walk alongside them as they grow. We can’t wait to come to a point where we minimise importation of clothes and produce the cotton and manufacture the clothes, so Malawians will be buying the clothes and we will be exporting some for forex.”
One of the farmers benefiting from Illovo Cotton Project, Bertha Joseph, described the initiative as a game changer for her and other farmers benefitting from the same through their respective cooperatives.
“I’m expecting to make K1 million from cotton sales this year: I will use the money to pay school fees for my children, and buy livestock,” she said.
The Illovo Cotton Project is being implemented under the Illovo Agricultural Enablement Project, currently piloting a cotton export trial in partnership with the Thriving Community Foundation.
The initiative spans 415 hectares and combines both estate (175 ha) and smallholder (240 ha) production through 30 organized cotton clubs.
According to Illovo’s interim manager, Kondwani Msimuko, this export-focused project aims to build a scalable, vertically integrated value chain that enhances soil health, boosts export earnings, and uplifts community livelihoods, while contributing to a Malawi economy.
Central Region Darts League secures K6m sponsorship
By Happy Byson
Lilongwe, June 6, Mana: The Central Region Darts League has landed a Six-Million-Kwacha sponsorship from SMK Trading Company, strengthening the competition among twelve teams that participated in a darts tournament at 31 May at Area 18 Lodge Bar in Lilongwe.
The trophy, organized by SMK Trading Company, has provided an opportunity for Central Region darts to foster competitive gameplay and identify talented players who can represent the region in national and international tournaments.
Chairperson of the Central Region Darts League, Amon Chinyophiro, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, stating that it has helped them realize their vision of hosting a major competition to scout skilled players ahead of the league’s official opening on June 14, 2025.
"We are satisfied with the support from SMK Trading Company. This sponsorship has allowed us to discover strong players, and it marks a historic moment for darts in Malawi to have a six million Kwacha trophy, reflecting the growing passion for the sport," he said.
Chinyophiro further emphasized that while SMK Trading Company has provided crucial support, the league welcomes additional sponsors to bridge existing gaps and promote darts in the Central Region.
Meanwhile, SMK Trading Company representative, Asante Kagwada, said the sponsorship is only the beginning, as the company aims to further elevate the darts league.
"We cannot promise much yet, but SMK Trading Company is impressed with the league’s progress. Seeing how effectively the six million Kwacha has been utilized to foster strong competition, we are committed to supporting them in achieving their vision," he said.
The Central Region Darts League trophy awarded MK1, 000,000 to the first-place team, Kamuzu Barracks Snipers; MK750, 000 to the runners-up, C2K Crocs; and MK500, 000 to the third-place team, Civil Citizens Shooters.
Additionally, the top six teams received darts boards to enhance their training and gameplay.
Accountant General’s Department trains health officials on IFMIS
By Evance Chisiano
Blantyre, June 6, Mana: The Accountant General’s Department is training accounts, procurement and human resources personnel in the Ministry of Health for two weeks at Regional Treasury Cashier, South offices, in Blantyre, to strengthen the personnel’s capacity in managing public finances within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).
Thursday morning, Secretary for Health, Dr. Samson Mndolo, opened the training of participants drawn from Government Health Commission, National Cancer Center, Department of Nutrition, Kamuzu Central Hospital, and Ministry of Health Headquarters.
Giving a background, Mndolo said, in March 2023, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Affairs issued a circular directing all cost centers under vote number 310 (Ministry of Health) to implement commitment controls within IFMIS.
He said the Ministry of Health adopted the commitment controls and this resulted into spending within approved budgets, preventing accumulation of arrears and improving financial forecasting and expenditure planning.
Mndolo therefore applauded the Accountant General’s Department for training accounts, procurement and human resources personnel from the Ministry of Health, acknowledging that this was the second phase of capacity building for the remaining cost centers under vote 310.
“The primary goal is to enhance competence of the personnel in the Ministry of Health in managing public funds. The training emphases efficiency and transparency in contract management,
“It is therefore important to understand that SAP-IFMIS is more than just a system, it is a vital tool in promoting financial discipline, transparency and accountability,” the Secretary for Health said as he addressed participants at the start of the training, calling them to play a pivotal role in putting into practice the IFMIS backed financial reforms.
He said their dedication and diligence in applying the acquired knowledge and skill will bolster credibility and efficiency in government financial operations.
“You are not merely system users, you are custodians of public trust and stewards of public resources,” Mndolo added, and he commended the Accountant General’s Department for providing the training.
The second cohort of training of the accounting, procurement and human resource personnel was organized under Malawi Emergency Project to Protect Essential Healthy Services (MEPPEHS)
MEPPEHS Coordinator, Moses Zulu said the training was in line with Public Finance Management Act of 2022, disclosing that personnel from central hospitals, Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Zomba and Queen Elizabeth in Blantyre were already trained.
He expressed hope that there will be sustainable use of IFMIS for long term efficiency management of public finance in the central hospitals and other sectors in the Ministry of Health.
Director of Accounting Services in the Ministry of Finance, Chifundo Kapulula, said in February 2014 cabinet passed a resolution to replace Epicor based IFMIS with a new one, after the infamous Cash gate scandal, adding that the objective was to develop an IFMIS that is robust, secure and more efficient.
“The new IFMIS (SAP based IFMIS) was rolled out to all Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from July 1, 2021, having been piloted on 10 votes in 2020-2021 financial year, with five core system modules and functionality,
“The Accountant General’s Department rolled out additional modules, thus Revenue Management, Project Systems, Inventory, Contract Management, and Asset Management modules,” he said.
Kapulula added that the Department implemented and rolled out Commitment Controls through Contract Management modules in IFMIS to enable capturing and commitment of all Government of Malawi’s contracts entered into with various suppliers of goods and services.
“Among the first votes to be piloted on this functionality is the Ministry of Health. The Commitment Control functionality allows Ministry of Finance to release the budget to MDAs through Quarterly Allotments,” he said, adding that the Quarterly Allotments enables MDAs to commit their procurements in IFMIS, entailing the MDAs to obtain goods and services from suppliers with assurance that Treasury will make funds available for payment.
According to the Director, IFMIS provides a platform to commit resources for procurements in the MDAs; ensures no expenditure is done outside the approved budget; and provides assurance to service providers that goods and services supplied to MDAs have resources and budget provided for.
He therefore assured Ministry of Health that the Accountant General’s Department will always be available to support as the ministry use IFMIS in its transactions, and in other training programmes.
The Accountant General’s Department rolled out the Contracts Management functionality to 13 more votes with the rest of the MDAs planned for roll out in the current financial year, 2025/2026
Chomanika calls for decisive action to protect the environment
By Austine Kananji
Lilongwe, June 6, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika, has urged Malawians to take a decisive action and shared responsibility and work together to protect natural heritage.
Chomanika said this Thursday during commemoration of the 2025 International Day for Biological Biodiversity and World Environment Day held at Chongole Primary School Ground in Nkhotakota.
He stated that time for decisive action is now and Malawians should embrace the shared responsibility.
He highlighted that government’s action alone is not enough as protecting the environment and biodiversity requires collective efforts that demands active participation of each and everyone.
“Let us renew our resolve to restore our land, protect our forests, and tackle the scourge of waste pollution. Let this occasion serve not only as a moment of reflection but as a united commitment to bold, collective action for the future of Malawi,” Chomanika said.
He said challenges like land degradation and deforestation compounded by waste pollution, particularly from the plastics, which is non-biodegradable has diminished biodiversity but also undermined natural systems that protect climate shocks and sustains water resources.
He, therefore, urged business persons to adopt sustainable practices; communities to champion conservation initiatives; educators to instil environmental awareness in the youth, and every citizen to make conscious choices that minimize environmental footprint.
Director General for Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Dr Wilfred Kadewa, said it is doable to end the escalating plastic pollution and the other interconnected challenges affecting the environment in order to have a clean environment.
“It requires us to take part and not be spectators as it is not just for MEPA or Department of Environment Affairs or Government because they are custodians. Every stakeholder must play their role for a clean environment,” he said.
World Environment Day, which is commemorated on June 5 each year, is globally being commemorated under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ while International Day of Biological Diversity, which is globally held on May 22, was being commemorated under the theme ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
Indonesia donates medical supplies towards Mpox pandemic
By Paul Madise
Lilongwe, June 6, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for donating assorted laboratory medical supplies to the Malawi Government underscoring the initiative's significant role to contain Mpox.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the medical supplies worth K200 million at Capital Hill in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chiponda acknowledged the partnership between the two countries as key catalyst in responding to pandemics such as Mpox.
She said the support will help her ministry in decentralization of Mpox testing in all the country’s major district hospitals as well as referral hospitals.
She expressed government's commitment to ensure that the medical supplies serve its intended purpose.
"Let me take this opportunity to express gratitude to our partners for the continued support to government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health and we look forward to more support in various areas," she said.
Consular for the Republic of Indonesia, Taliq Kidy Anchor, emphasized that the donation is a result of the enhanced diplomatic relations, which lay a strong foundation for long-term collaboration in the health sector and beyond.
"We remain committed to building on this momentum and exploring further avenues for collaboration in health, education, agriculture, and trade," he said.
Ministry of Lands trains tribunal committee on land related issues
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, Mana June 5, Mana: Ministry of Lands has trained Mulanje District Land Tribunal to build its capacity to effectively manage land related disputes in the district.
Deputy Director for Quality Assurance in the Ministry of Lands, Jambo Chidziwitsano, said on Wednesday that the tribunal is crucial to ensuring that land disputes are settled hence the training.
He added that proper documentation on customary land will ensure that citizens have full ownership and legal protection of their land hence the need for communities to register their land in order to minimize land disputes.
“Rising number of land disputes in rural areas necessitated introduction of district tribunal. Formal documentation is key not only to legitimizing land ownership but also to prevent potential conflicts.
“In light of the increasing cases of land disputes, especially in rural communities, it is now important for people to formalize ownership of their land through proper channels,” said Chidziwatsano.
Chairperson for Mulanje District Land Tribunal, Senior Chief Mabuka, commended Ministry of Lands for organizing the training, saying it has built capacity of the tribunal in resolving land issues thereby minimizing tension and violence.
“Land disputes have been a longstanding challenge due to the growing population. There is, therefore, need for government to provide clear guidelines on how such cases should be managed,” he said.
Ministry of Lands also conducted a separate session with Mulanje land tribunals to provide further guidance on addressing land related issues within their jurisdictions.
The training made emphasis on customary land in large portions that often lack formal documentation making it prone to disputes.
Malawi, Mozambique to continue boosting trade ties
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, June 5, Mana: President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, has urged Malawi and Mozambique business community to continue investing in both countries to support the economic growth of the two countries.
Speaking Thursday during a luncheon meeting at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Chapo said Malawi and Mozambique hold good relations hence the need to facilitate business in various sectors of development.
He said for meaningful development to take place, government should work together with the private sector to attract investors.
“Malawi and Mozambique need to attract foreign and local investments that can speed economic development in the two countries. We need to iron out barriers that hinder smooth trade activities,” said Chapo.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, described the meeting as a significant step in promoting cross border trade.
He said, Africa has come to realize that economic growth is achievable through trade and investment and not aid.
“Malawi and Mozambique are strengthening their bilateral trade relations to promote cross border trade. Dedza/Calomue One Stop Border Post is proof of the commitment between the two countries,” he said.
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) President, Dr Wisely Phiri, said it is important to empower Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs as they have the potential to develop a country’s economic growth.
He said young people in Malawi and Mozambique have the capability to changing their nations through trade and industry.
The meeting brought together representatives from various business sectors in Malawi and Mozambique.
Catholic Church celebrate jubilee year of development commission
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, June 5, Mana: The Catholic Church in Malawi from June 3 to 5 joined the entire church worldwide in celebrating Jubilee Year of Catholic Development Commission (CADECOM) also known as CARITAS in other countries.
In Malawi, the celebrations were led by Bishop Alfred Chaima, who is Chairman for CARITAS/CADECOM Malawi, in Mzuzu in collaboration with Bishop Yohane Nyirenda, Bishop for Mzuzu Diocese.
The event was characterized by various activities such as display of pavilions and some of the outcomes of different CADECOM projects across the country.
The climax of the celebrations was marked by Eucharistic Mass celebration at Mzuzu Prison where the church, through CADECOM, presented a donation to inmates followed by a solidarity walk from Mzuzu Prison to Saint Peters Cathedral.
Malawi News Agency photojournalist, George Bulombola, joined the celebrations and captured some of the highlights of the event.
