By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, December 14, Mana: Three people died on Thursday night and one sustained serious injuries in a head-on crash motor vehicle accident at Four Ways near St. Maria Gorretti Primary School in Nkhata Bay.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, Public relations Officer for Nkhata Bay Police, Kondwani James said that the accident involved a motorcycle taxi operator who carried two passengers and a Honda Fit motor vehicle registration registration number CP 10232.

"I can confirm that the motorcycle taxi operator died on the spot and the two pillion passengers a male and female were pronounced dead upon arrival at Nkhata Bay District Hospital while the driver is receiving treatment at the facility,” said James.

According to James, angry mob burnt the vehicle and police have bemoaned the tendency to cause more damage following such accidents instead of rescuing victims.

By Alex Mlanga

Blantyre, December 12, Mana: An economic expert from Mzuzu University (Mzuni), Christopher Mbukwa, stated that integrating entrepreneurship courses into university curricula is producing positive outcomes, as students in various Malawian universities are engaging in diverse business ventures while continuing their studies.

“Two key points are notable, firstly, most universities introduced entrepreneurship courses at the turn of the century, and after one or two revisions, we began to see tangible results. Secondly, difficulties in securing traditional employment are driving graduates from various backgrounds to innovate through start-ups, which is commendable,” Mbukwa, explained in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) this week.

He highlighted that several businesses started by groups of students have excelled in creating jobs and producing valuable products.

The expert suggested that universities can play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship, citing Mzuni and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) where their entrepreneurship hubs provide students with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

“Universities can also encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity and create an environment where failure is not stigmatised,” he said, adding that there was need for universities to partner with industries and small business owners to create hands-on learning experiences for students.

Malawi University of Business and applied Science (MUBAS) fourth year student, Arshley Lovemore Nazombe, has been engaged in entrepreneurship for three years selling electronics.

Apart from this, Nazombe also acts as an agent in helping first year student to secure accommodation, saying this helps him to make ends thereby reducing dependence on his parents.

Mzuni student, Alexander Chimkonda, also ventured into entrepreneurship after registering his business, Xander Creditors to provide loans to fellow students.

“I started this business after realising that not every student can access loans from finance lending institutions as most lending institutions often require employment as a condition to access loans.

“This leaves students with limited options. I saw an opportunity to fill this gap,” he added.

Both Nazombe and Chimkonda emphasised the importance of time management to balance academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.

“I balance my academic and business. I understand that I came here to learn, so school is my priority, during weekdays I attend classes while weekends I do my deliveries to customers, or when I finish my classes I do some adverts on social media platforms such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook where I find potential customers,” said Nazombe.

When contacted, MUBAS, Deputy Registrar, Elias Chizimba did not comment much saying he was following up the matter.

“I asked one officer to provide data on entrepreneurship activities among students,” he added.

By Mtendere Ligowe

Blantyre, December 14, Mana: Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) in collaboration with Ministry of Health engaged communities through theatre performance at Traditional Authority Kuntaja in Blantyre on cholera and malaria prevention during the rainy season.

During the first tour of the campaign at Mombo Market, TA Kuntaja, FUM Field Nutrition Officer Blessings Zalinga emphasized that prevention is key and urged community members to follow proper cholera prevention measures.

“During this rainy season, cholera and malaria cases increase because of unhygienic behavior. To prevent water borne disease, we should make sure that our homes and surroundings are always clean.

“Wash hands with soap after visiting toilet, and slash bushes around homes,” the Field Neutrino Officer said, adding that FUM believe that health population contributes to meaningful agricultural activities.

A member of the community that attended the campaign, Moses Mlipa commended FUM and the Ministry of Health for using theatre as a way of educating the communities on cholera and malaria preventing.

“The way drama has impacted knowledge in us while blending and entertaining us is seamless and remarkable, I hope we will use all the necessary measures we have learnt to make sure that we are safe,” added Mlipa.

FUM and Ministry of Health will use theatre performance as a tool to educate the masses during series of community engagements on cholera and malaria prevention.

By Evance Chisiano

Blantyre, December 13, Mana: National Local Government Committee (NLGFC) has awarded six local authorities with certificates of recognition for outstanding performance under Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).

The certificates presentation took place on Friday at Crossroads Hotel in Blantyre where the six councils namely: Karonga, Mbelwa, Nkhata Bay, Lilongwe, Chiradzulu and Nsanje met to also review Social Support Resilience Livelihood Project (SSRLP) in their respective districts.

NLGFC Executive Director, Dr. Kondwani Santhe said the six districts deserved the recognition following their outstanding performances in various areas of interventions under the two social protection programmes that are meant to improve people’s livelihoods.

The six districts were recognized  after success completion of re targeting in the SCTP, outstanding performance in grievance redress mechanism  (GRM) reporting under SCTP, outstanding performance in processing wages in the SC-EPWP, outstanding performance in CS-EPWP phases, best performance in Know Your Customer processes under SCTP and outstanding performance in processing electronic payment (e-payment) under the CS-EPWP.

In the category of SCTP, Karonga District Council was awarded a certificate of recognition for an outstand performance in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes under the SCTP while Nsanje District Council emerged an outstanding performer after achieving 99 per cent completion on re targeting under the SCTP. 

Chiradzulu also got recognition for being an outstanding performer in GRM reporting under the SCTP with effective community and district level structures in place.

Under CS-EPWP, Mbelwa District Council was awarded a certificate of recognition for outstanding performance in processing manual wages within stipulated time as Lilongwe District Council also got a certificate of recognition for being a star performer in processing electronic payment, proving efficiency within shortest time in paying CS-EPWP participants.

According to NLGFC, Lilongwe is one of the ten districts that have migrated from manual payment to e-payment in CS-EPWP while the rest of the districts are yet to migrate to the electronic mode of payment.

Nkhata Bay District Council came on top as best performer in implementing CS-EPWP phases with remarkable efficiency within agreed time of completion of phase 3.

Dr. Santhe stated that there was sufficient evidence to show that the best-performing district demonstrated strong coordination and a commitment to service delivery, prioritizing the effective implementation of the two social protection programs.

World Bank Mission Task Team Leader for SSRLP, Chipo Nsowoya said the World Bank and other Social Protection Multi Donor Trust Fund partners were impressed with implementation of the social support programmes in Malawi though there was need to improve in some areas.

“There is need to improve on delayed wage payment. We are ready to discuss with Government of Malawi to see how best we can address this problem,” he added.     

Representing Nsanje District Council, Chief Education Officer, Mashades Dakamao said dedication to service delivery plus abiding by the guidelines of NLGFC were some of the contributing factors that brought the outstanding performance in the implementation of SCRP.

“The certificate of recognition we have received will motivate us to maintain the standards. We will maintain this,” he added.

CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Project supported by the Bank and the Social Protection Multi donor Trust Fund.

By Pickson Chipeso

Lilongwe, December 13, Mana: Minister of energy Ibrahim Matola has told Parliament that phase nine of the Malawi Rural Electrification Project (Marep) 464 trading centers countrywide.

Answering questions from Members of Parliament (MPs), Friday, in Lilongwe, Matola said that though Marep phase nine had experienced some challenges, he assured the MPs that his ministry managed to bring all necessary equipment to deal with those problems.

"The Marep phase nine had some challenges. Among others the challenge was about forex, but we managed to bring all the necessary equipment in order to energise those trading centers.”

"Those sites that received compensation contractors, are on the ground. We will be there, and we are going to electrify all those 464 trading centres," he said.

Meanwhile Thyolo Central legislator, Ben Phiri asked the Minister to assure the house that indeed they are going to have this effected.

Matola assured the house that under the leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera all centres will be electrified as planned and promised hence members should not get worries.

By Austin Kananji

Lilongwe, December 13, Mana: In a major boost to disaster preparedness, CARE Malawi, Friday, through the USAID-funded Titukulane Project handed over three vehicles worth USD $90,000.00 (K155 million) to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

Speaking at the handover ceremony, at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Commissioner, Charles Kalemba, said the vehicles will help strengthen the country's resilience efforts as it will help DoDMA easily reach disaster affected areas.

“This will enhance our capacity to reach out to different councils and facilitate movement of various clusters we work with to go to where the operations are needed," said Kalemba adding that with all the contingency plans that are already in place, will benefit from the donation of the vehicles.

In a separate interview, Country Director for Care Malawi, Pamela Kuwali, emphasized the need to coordinate and assist DoDMA as their Partner as it aligns with their resilient food security Project.

"We consider DoDMA a key partner because of their crucial role in the Resilient Food Security Project, which was implemented in Zomba and Mangochi and is now coming to a close,”

“This project aligns with the National Resilience Strategy, for which DODMA is the national policyholder hence we approached and partnered with DODMA as they represent the government in the project, and also you can see one of our officers is stationed at DODMA hence without their support, the success of this project would not have been possible," she said.

With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as cyclones and droughts, the partnership between DoDMA and CARE Malawi underscores an important commitment to protecting lives and property across the country therefore the new vehicles will enable faster, more efficient disaster response, ensuring that Malawi is better prepared to face future challenges.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, December 13, Mana: Women in Nkhata Bay have commended Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) for being a beacon of hope by providing them with opportunities to embark on small scale businesses.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Friday, Laika Msumba, of Traditional Authority M’bwana in the Nkhata Bay District said that she has opened a hairdressing salon to serve her economic sustainability besides serving her community.

 “When I was enrolled into the program in 2022, we were encouraged to save the money through our village bank, hence I used my shares to raise capital and open my dream salon business.

Its growing steadily and I am proud to be serving my community while earning a living,” said Msumba.

According to Msumba, on average she gets a profit of K20,000.00 per week from her salon and it is easy for me to fend for my household.

Another beneficiary, Monica Chirwa 30 from Makumbo of Traditional Authority Zilakoma said that she has acquired goats and chickens using her monthly stipends.

I am confident that by the end of the program, I will have established a thriving livestock business.

Principal Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer for Nkhata Bay, Wisdom Mwafulirwa he was impressed to see beneficiaries being empowered economically.

"This is a step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all," said Mwafulirwa.

SCTP is being implemented by Malawi Government through the National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank and currently benefiting 6,475 households in Nkhata Bay.

By Sukasuka Milton & Albert Mulizakamba

Balaka, December 13, Mana: Ekhaya Football Club stunned Red Lions with a 1-0 victory in a match played at Balaka Stadium.

The winning goal came in the 1st minute of added time, courtesy of Safton Chintokoma’s strike, sending Ekhaya FC fans into a frenzy.

In a post-match interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Ekhaya FC Coach, Moses Chavula, praised his team’s resilience and determination.

“Red Lions are a more experienced, but my players contained the pressure well in both periods," Chavula said.

He added that the hard-fought win earned his team crucial three points, propelling them to the summit of the Premier League table.

However, Chavula cautioned his charges against complacency, urging them to stay focused ahead of their next fixture on Sunday.

“I reminded them not to get too excited with the win as we need to concentrate on the upcoming game,” Chavula emphasized.

Chintokoma who rescued Ekhaya FC in the last minute, vowed to deliver more impressive performances in the future.

“Our supporters should expect another win on Sunday because we are here to win and make them happy,” he said.

This defeat has put pressure on Red Lions who are fighting to return to the elite TNM Super League where they were relegated from two seasons ago.

By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, December 13, Mana: Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organization donated foodstuffs to Focus Secondary School in Blantyre this week and called for the spirit of giving in a time of need.

Speaking when presenting the food items, Country Director for Ashraful Aid, Abbas Panjwani, said there is a need for Malawi to embrace the Ubuntu spirit and always be willing to intervene when challenges arise.

Panjwani urged organizations to take a proactive approach to address societal issues rather than waiting to be asked.

“As stakeholders, we must not isolate ourselves from society. We must be part of the community to better identify the challenges people are facing. If we are part of them, they can easily reach out to us,” he said.

Panjwani therefore highlighted the importance of supporting the education sector, describing it as the hope of a nation.

“As a relief aid organization, we understand various challenges faced by the education sector in Malawi, including insufficient food supplies due to economic difficulties. Therefore, we respond to specific requests and needs rather than creating new ones,” he said.

Panjwani added that the initiative aligns with the organization's mission to provide support and assistance to vulnerable individuals and communities.

The Country Director disclosed that the school approached them for food assistance following their struggle to maintain a diet.

“In response to their request, we have provided sugar, soya pieces, rice, and cooking flour to sustain their meals,” he said as he presented the food items to the girls' section.

Panjwani reiterated Ashraful Aid’s commitment to uplifting communities and being a meaningful organization involved in humanitarian initiatives.

Director of Focus Secondary School, Abdul Kathumba, commended Ashraful Aid for responding to the school's appeal during the challenging times.

Kathumba acknowledged that, like many Malawians, the school is struggling to make ends meet amid the hunger crisis.

“This donation will alleviate the problem of insufficient food for the students. Now, the learners will have adequate meals. We appeal to Ashraful Aid to continue assisting us in various areas,” he said.

Kathumba further called upon other organizations to support the school with other needs, such as learning materials, beds and mattresses.

“If there are well-wishers who can help us address these challenges, we welcome their support. Successful education requires sufficient resources,” said the school director.

Ashraful Aid International Humanitarian Organization has been providing aid to suffering communities around the world for over 27 years.