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Community lauds construction of Malambo classroom block in Dowa
By Sylvester Kumwenda
Dowa, April 26, Mana: People around Malambo in Senior Chief Dzoole in Dowa have applauded Dowa district council for starting the construction of Malambo primary classroom block, saying this will improve the provision of quality education at the school.
One of the community members, Daniel Joseph from Msopa Village, said on Thursday after the council launched construction of the classroom block that lack of enough classroom blocks at the school jeopardizes lessons as classrooms are congested.
He said the coming in of an additional school block, which is being constructed under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) to the tune of K134 million, will put to an end the problem.
"There are a lot of learners here, and one class could carry close to a hundred children. This affects lessons because it means a teacher has to look at more learners than recommended.
"But the new school block will ensure that teachers attend to a lesser number of learners in class and every learner will be getting the required attention from the teachers. I believe this will improve learners' performance at the school," said Joseph.
He also said the school block will help protect learners from natural elements, as such classes would not be disturbed for example when the rain comes.
"And even parents would be assured that their children are learning in a safe environment. For these, as a community we are thankful because there are other equally deserving schools where this classroom block could have been constructed," added Joseph.
The block will have two classrooms and is expected to serve 120 learners.
In an interview, Maligerita Raphael from Soko village urged parents to send their children to school.
"The classroom block will be useless if parents and guardians do not send their children to school. So as much as we are celebrating this development, we should also remind parents to ensure they send their children to school," said Raphael.
She however asked for more teacher houses at the school.
Councillor for Dzoole North Ward, Richard Kassanje, said it is important to uplift education in the area as through education, the area could produce citizens who can help to bring development to the area.
He then committed to work with the council by bringing other developments to the area.
Council chairperson Richard Nkhono Songeya, speaking during the launch, said the council will continue to ensure that developments happening within the communities are those the people themselves need.
Chakwera hails Pope Francis for his love and humility
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, April 26, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has described late Pope Francis as a man of grand vision for humanity, kindness and faith.
He said this Saturday at Maula Cathedral in Lilongwe during the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis.
Chakwera said Pope Francis dedicated his service to the poor, the marginalized, the weak, and the condemned.
"I will always cherish that encounter I had with Pope Francis some nine months ago. It lifted and soothed my spirit at a time when I was going through the darkest and most painful season of my presidency, and a season of deep anguish and pain for us Malawians.
“Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the calamities we had suffered as a nation through his words of comfort and encouragement,” Chakwera said.
He, therefore, said he prays for a special touch of comfort from God as the passing of the Pope continues to be mourned by millions around the world, and all Catholics in Malawi.
Archbishop George Desmond Tambala of Lilongwe Diocese thanked President Chakwera and Madam Monica Chakwera for attending the mass.
He said the unity among Catholic members has been demonstrated through mass conducted in the 49 parishes under the Lilongwe diocese in honour of late Pope Francis.
"Late Pope Francis preached about peace. This was demonstrated when he humbled himself and kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders to plead them for sustainable peace,” Tambala said.
Pope Francis born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio died on 21 April, 2025 at the age of 88.
Greenbelt Authority invest K21 billion at Mlambe Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation project
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, April 25, Mana: The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has awarded a contract to the Einstein Construction Company Limited, to extend the rehabilitation of the scheme for approximately 400 hectares of land at Mlambe Irrigation Scheme in Mangochi.
The Authority started the rehabilitation exercise at Mlambe Scheme in May 2024, where it rehabilitated 48 hectares of land, with an aim of ensuring that communities in Mangochi are able to practice winter irrigation.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony of the contract at Mlambe scheme on Friday, GBA Infrastructure Development Manager, Synoden Kautsi said that the project which is expected to run for nine months, starting from April, 2025, will cost the Authority K21 billion.
Kautsi said the major works to be undertaken at the scheme include grading and leveling of the 400 hector land, rehabilitation of main canal, installation of solar-powered system at the intake of the scheme, as well as construction of Water Users Association (WUA) offices at the site.
He therefore urged the contractor to work within the timeframe, and to maintain high standards throughout the project.
‘‘We expect the contractor to adhere to the timeline, be mindful of environmental concerns, but most importantly, high quality and impressive work,” he said.
President for the Association of Mlambe Irrigation Scheme, Philip Mkwera commended government for increasing funding to the scheme, saying that the move will help communities in Mangochi to achieve government goal of transforming Malawi into a middle income country.
"As an association, we are very excited and grateful to the government for this development. Extending the area for winter irrigation farming at the Mlambe Irrigation Scheme will not only benefit our immediate families, but also contribute significantly to the Mega Farm initiative, helping to transform the country into a middle-income economy," said Mkwera.
Managing Director for Einstein Construction Company Limited, Kenneth Khonje assured the authority of their professionalism, as well as adherence to high quality work.
Mlambe Irrigation Scheme, which has approximately 800 hectares of land, has for the past years been run during rainy season only.
Government allocates 99 billion Kwacha to support irrigation farming systems
Thom Ali
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: The Malawi Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 99 billion kwacha to support farming systems and strengthen agricultural productivity in the country.
Speaking during an inspection visit at Bwanje Valley and Nambuna irrigation schemes in Dedza District, the Minister said the funds have been allocated towards irrigation farming to improve food security and enhance income for smallholder farmers.
Kawale commended the Bwanje Valley and Nambuna irrigation schemes, noting the initiative is supporting over 10, 000 famers through sustainable agricultural practices.
He further said the Malawi government is committed to supporting irrigation farming systems in the country, by among others empowering farmers with accessible funds for essential inputs like fertilizer, seeds and other farming necessities through the Mega Farm Unit and National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
Chairman for Nambuna irrigation Scheme Lloyd Josiya hailed the Malawi government for implementing the initiative, saying it has transformed livelihoods of farmers and community members from surrounding areas through the Scheme.
He further disclosed that the Nambuna Scheme has benefited 492 famers through cooperatives.
He appealed to the government to further extend the initiative to other areas for economic transformation in the country.
Media Council of Malawi trains female journalists in online safety
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, April 25, Mana: Media Council of Malawi has asked female journalists in the country to familiarise themselves with digital tools that can help them stay safe while using digital platforms to disseminate information.
Speaking in Mzuzu on Thursday during a one day digital skills and online safety training for female journalists, Media Council of Malawi Executive Director, Moses Kaufa said female journalists have for long been victims of online abuse in the course of their work.
“This training was organised so that female journalists can be equiped with skills on better usage of digital tools as the media is now largely utilising digital spaces to remain relevant.
“The aim of the training is also to ensure female journalists who are mostly facing abuses as they work with digital media to get familiar with tools that will help them protect themselves from the abuses,” said Kaufa.
Delivering his presentation on “Using Digital Tools for Reporting”, veteran journalist and educator Winston Mwale encouraged the scribes to familiarise themselves with multiple tools which aside assuring security for themselves, will also aide their daily work.
“As journalists, you need to be aware of digital tools around you, how you can access them and utilise them to your advantage.
“However, always remember that using digital tools does not take away your responsibility to remain ethical in all your reporting,” advised Mwale.
One of the participants, Towera Katswiri said the training has been an eye opener to most female scribes since during the training they were exposed to some digital tools and platforms which were new to them.
“During the training, we were also reminded to remain ethical by verifying all our sources of information and include statistics where necessary before publishing our stories.
“As female scribes, we are coming out of the training enlightened on how we can protect ourselves while working online” said Katswiri, a reporter with Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Deputy General Secretary for Association of Women in Media.
The training was supported by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
MEC engages Njema community stakeholders on voter verification exercise
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, April 25, Mana: The Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, has urged community members in Mulanje to verify their names during the voter verification exercise scheduled to take place from 13 to 15 May.
This was said on Thursday during an engagement meeting with Njema stakeholders, which was organized by the Commission to raise awareness on the voter verification exercise.
“This is an important exercise, and I urge everyone to take part to ensure that their names have been correctly recorded. Doing so will help facilitate a smooth voting process on 16 September,” said Mtalimanja.
She further asked community members to promote peace during the election period.
“I urge you to refrain from inciting political violence. Let us be patriotic by refraining from being used for violence at whatever level,” she said.
Traditional Authority Njema expressed satisfaction with the approach taken by MEC saying the message has come in the light time and they will make sure that it is passed on to everyone.
“We will work with community structures and utilize various public platforms such as churches, funerals, and other gatherings on the need to do voter verification.
“This approach will help increase awareness about the voter verification exercise, encourage participation, and promote civic engagement within the community,” he said.
Malawi Electoral Commission Commissioner Francis Kasaila resigns ahead of 2025 elections
By Sukasuka Milton
Lilongwe, April 25, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner, Francis Lazalo Kasaila, has resigned from his position, effective April 23, 2025, citing personal reasons.
Kasaila, who also served as Chairperson of the Media, Civic, and Voter Education Committee, played a key role in voter awareness campaigns ahead of the September 16, 2025, general elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, MEC Director of Media and Public Relations, Sangwani Mwafulirwa thanked Kasaila for his service and contributions to the electoral process.
“The Commission acknowledges the dedication and leadership Commissioner Kasaila demonstrated during his tenure, particularly in promoting voter education,” Mwafulirwa said.
Under Section 4(8) of the Malawi Electoral Commission Act, Kasaila is expected to formally notify President Lazarus Chakwera of his resignation in writing.
Despite his departure, MEC assured the public that its operations remain unaffected, as the remaining five commissioners and the chairperson still form a legal quorum. The law requires at least four members for official business to proceed.
MEC has yet to announce whether a replacement will be appointed before the polls, where Malawians will elect a President, Members of Parliament, and Ward Councillors.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible elections and urged stakeholders to remain calm as preparations continue.
Mchinji DHO concludes ITNs distribution
By Brighton Chimsinde
Mchinji, April 24, Mana: A snap check has revealed that delays in the delivery of Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLITNs) to designated distribution points, as well as an inadequate supply of the nets, were major challenges that affected the recently concluded mass LLITN distribution campaign in Mchinji District, which concluded on Wednesday.
Mchinji District Hospital Malaria Coordinator, Lameck Mzava, admitted in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday that transportation of the supplies posed a challenge, despite the campaign finalizing within the scheduled timeframe.
“At some centres, beneficiaries did not receive the nets on their scheduled date because of transportation issues.
“Indeed, some centres only received their consignments around 1p.m instead of the scheduled 6a.m. Our assigned transporter faced several vehicle breakdowns, which disrupted the campaign," said Mzava.
He, however, added that the challenges were managed and that all registered households eventually received their nets by the end of the campaign.
In addition to delays, some beneficiaries expressed frustration at having to wait for nets as early as 5a.m.
Many beneficiaries and their village heads also voiced concern over the reduced number of nets allocated per household.
Group Village Head Chikwapulo of Traditional Authority Zulu in Mchinji said they were initially informed that each household would receive a maximum of four nets and a minimum of one.
“Now they are telling us the number has been reduced due to limited funding. The allocation was trimmed from four to two nets per household. We are concerned because many people were left without adequate malaria protection,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Mzava confirmed that during the campaign, which ran from April 19 to 23, a total of 411,868 LLITNs were distributed to approximately 197,000 registered households across the district.
Tourism exposure crucial in boosting the ATM strategy- Chakwera
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, April 24, Mana; State President, Dr Lazarus MacCarthy Chakwera has said tourism exposure to the outside world will play a crucial role in boosting the agriculture, tourism and mining strategy (ATM) that is in line with the vision 2063 strategy.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during the official opening of the 2025 “Takulandilani” Malawi international tourism expo that took place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
“Malawi is very unique as it contains many tourists’ attraction things which includes wild animals in different national parks, lake Malawi, which has unique species of fish that are found only here in Malawi and Mountains that if properly exposed to the outside world can bring foreign exchange and boost the economy.
“Tourists coming to Malawi is always a right choice because the country has unique people who are warm hearted, people of empathy and humane, people of good relations and network as well as people who promote good hospitality and respect to elders who keeps culture and diversity that is seen in cultural dances;” he said.
Chakwera further said the coming of tourists during the launch will help in international relations, attract foreign exchange and boost business activities thereby promoting agriculture, tourism and mining.
He said this opportunity will also help to transform the tourism sector by exposing different resources which includes minerals, cultural dances and foods that are unique.
Minister of tourism, Vera Kamtukule commended the president for his presence during the official opening of the takulandilani tourism Malawi international tourism expo saying it had shown his interest in promoting the country’s tourism exposure to the world.
“We have raised a profile of tourism not only in Malawi but also across the world.
“This launch will provide business people with a platform to be exposed to other countries thereby boosting several sectors including the energy, water, health and tourism itself as we are selling our resources to other countries;” she said.
The three-day exhibition has attracted tourism players from Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, among others. It mainly aims to market Malawi's tourism industry, as one of the country's three key sectors, others being agriculture and mining.
The three days’ expo is being cerebrated under the theme “solidifying the gains” Everything. Everyone tourism”.
Many girls in rural areas remain unaware of ICT-Macra
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, April 24, Mana: Despite the advancement in technology, many girls, especially in rural areas remain unaware of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) career opportunities because of the gender stereotypes, cultural norms and limited to access.
Board of Director for Malawi Communications and Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Malla Kawale, disclosed this on Thursday during the commemoration of the International Girls in ICT Day at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS).
"If you go to the village and ask girls what career they want to pursue; they will say nursing or teaching because that is all they know. They don't talk about ICT because they have never been exposed to it," she said.
She highlighted MACRA's effort in bridging the digital divide through the ‘Connect a School’ project, which is establishing 75 computer labs nationwide, to help girls access digital tools and training prioritizing the rural areas.
Kawale encouraged girls to work hard, network with companies and leaders, and believe in their potential reaffirming that the future is digital and the future is female.
She called upon development partners, private sector leaders and other institutions to play a role in shaping an inclusive digital economy.
Head of Computer Science and Information System at MUBAS, Dr. Patrick Chikumba, reaffirmed the university's commitment to digital transformation through inclusive programs.
"We ensure that there is 50-50 selection in ICT courses and next year we are introducing new programs like Software Engineering and Cyber Security to equip girls with skills to solve local problem," he said.
Chikumba added that MUBAS is working with UNDP in digital transformation, targeting secondary schools and local communities to do awareness in digital skills.
"We are also working with girls in artificial intelligence to make sure citizens are equipped with enough ICT solutions," he added.
One of the participants from MUBAS, Ellen Liradala, a second-year student pursuing ICT, said she was motivated to pursue such a career because she was curious about how computers works and how to fix them.
She added that seeing female lecturers in ICT boost confidence in girls and it keeps them dreaming bigger.
The International Girls in ICT Day was commemorated under the theme ‘Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation’ and attracted girls from Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST), MUBAS and Chichiri Secondary School among others.
