By: Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, May 21, Mana: World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director, Hyoung Joon Lim, has expressed satisfaction with the distribution of relief maize to households that are food insecure across the country.

Lim was speaking on Wednesday at Mawelu, in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Lilongwe, where he visited to observe the distribution of relief maize to 600 households affected by hunger due to the impact of natural disasters.

He said WFP is prudently aware that in the past years Malawi has suffered a severe impact of natural disasters, resulting to a serious food security crisis.

“Our principle is reaching to the right people with right food and at the right time, and I am happy to see happy faces of the beneficiaries after receiving bags of maize. This is quite commendable,” he said.

Lim then said the WFP will continue supporting the government in assisting the most vulnerable people in the country with relief food saying that government on its own cannot make it.

“We appreciate the efforts made by the Malawi government under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, to respond to the natural disasters and address people’s need such as food,” he said.

In his remarks, DoDMA’s Director of Preparedness and Response for Disaster Management Affairs, Rev. Moses Chimphepo thanked the WFP for the timely donation saying many people are in dire need of such support due to their food insecurity.

“We are happy to report that we have distributed this relief maize for three phases now, and without this support from our partners the situation would have worsened,” he said.

Speaking earlier, a representative of Senior Chief Kalolo, Group Village headman Chibungo urged his subjects to use the donation for the intended purpose and not to sale it.

“There are several people across the country that are in dire need of such donation. It will therefore be unfair to hear that some beneficiaries are selling the donated maize flour,” he said.

Currently, over two Million farming households nationwide have been affected by hunger due to the effects of the ongoing E-l Nino conditions.

By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, May 21, Mana: The Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has reported a significant increase in compliance among NGOs operating in Malawi, following a strategic drive to improve registration, licensing, and operational alignment.

This was disclosed by NGORA’s Chief Executive Officer, Edward Chileka, on Wednesday in Salima, during a retreat for NGORA employees.

Chileka revealed that the authority has registered 1,208 NGOs so far from 2024 to 2025, a notable rise from 982 registrations recorded in 2022 to 2023.

“We have built on previous gains and made tremendous strides in strengthening compliance. People are beginning to appreciate the need to operate legally,” said Chileka.

As of this year, NGORA has issued 335 operational licenses, which the authority now considers a critical indicator of NGO compliance.

"I am emphasizing that operating without a valid license constitutes non-compliance and is subject to penalties, NGOs must operate with a license. It’s not optional, it’s a legal requirement," he stated.

Report submission has also been identified as a key compliance area. Chileka acknowledged gaps in this aspect and called for improved service delivery and stronger collaboration with district councils to ensure NGO activities align with local development plans.

Chileka highlighted increased government support as a reflection of growing confidence in NGORA’s regulatory efforts.

Government subventions to the authority have grown from MK1.6 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year to MK4.5 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, boosting its capacity to monitor and coordinate NGO activities effectively.

“Without adequate funding, we cannot function efficiently. We are managing an important sector. NGORA has positioned itself as both an enabler and an advocacy body for NGOs in Malawi,” said Chileka.

The CEO dismissed the notion of NGOs and government being at odds, stressing that both are working towards a shared goal of national development, “We are not enemies. We are partners contributing to a better Malawi,” he said.

Chileka also addressed ongoing challenges, such as unregistered NGOs, activity misalignment with district plans, and inconsistent reporting. NGORA continues to engage non-compliant organizations and has warned of enforcement actions if no corrective measures are taken.

“The entire NGORA team has worked hard to achieve these successes. We will continue to push for full compliance to ensure the sector remains accountable, transparent, and effective,” Chileka emphasized.

The authority has been conducting quarterly awareness campaigns and commemorates NGO Day annually to raise public consciousness on the importance of regulation in the sector.

By Chisomo Kambandanga,

Nkhata Bay, May 21, Mana: Councillor for Boma Ward in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Adamana Cyria Nyamwera, has described the newly constructed council chamber at Nkhata Bay District Council as a game-changer, promoting citizen participation and democracy.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Nyamwera said the chamber has already started bearing fruits, witnessed by citizens' participation during full council meetings, something that was not the case before due to limited space.

"I am impressed with how the new council chamber is constructed. So modern, timely, and spacious. Today, citizens are well-informed about local issues, policies, and decisions affecting their communities through their participation in the deliberations, hence promoting their democratic right to governance, which is a welcome development," he said.

According to Nyamwera, the new chamber represents the government's commitment to respecting its members by providing comfortable seating, accessible facilities, and state-of-the-art technology, which is a symbol of progress.

He therefore urged his fellow council members and all users to take care of the facility to ensure its longevity and continued service to the community.

In his remarks, Nkhata Bay District Council Director of Planning and Development, Edgar Chihana, said the construction of the new council chamber is a step towards achieving the MW2063.

"This current council chamber, which cost us about K149 million, is now accommodating over 60 people, unlike the previous one, which had a maximum of 30. We have space for all media houses during deliberations, contributing to access to information for the people," he said.

Chihana added that the facility has greatly helped to improve service delivery to the council because, apart from providing a conducive environment for deliberations, it has boosted revenue collection avenues for the council by hiring it out for other purposes.

He therefore expressed heartfelt appreciation to the council members for approving construction of the new council chamber and urged citizens to regularly attend council meetings to appreciate the deliberations.

The new council chamber was constructed through the National Local Government Finance Committee under District Development Fund.

By George Mponda

Karonga, May 21, Mana: Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, has described the mining sector as a vital engine for the country's economic recovery and growth.

Ng'oma was speaking Wednesday in Karonga when he visited Kayelekera Uranium Mine to appreciate progress at the mine, which is set to resume production by September this year.

Ng'oma said: “I am so shocked because the investment here should be making money which could have benefited our country a lot.”

Production at the mine is expected to start between July to September, which, Zikhale Ng’oma said is a good sign that Malawi is taking mining seriously and is a great stride towards boosting the country’s economy.

Ng’oma promised to support operations of mining companies by getting rid of bottlenecks, which have the potential to reduce earnings from the industry.

"Government will also ensure that all information relating to the mining industry is readily available and things are done in a transparent manner,” he explained.

Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa called on operators of the Kayelekera Uranium Mine, Lotus Africa Limited, to ensure that Malawians benefit meaningfully from the natural resources extracted in their country.

He said; "Previous operators gave Malawians a raw deal during their time managing the mine.

“As custodians of the land, we want to see real change this time, and our people deserve better jobs, infrastructure, and a clean environment. We cannot continue to be spectators while others benefit from our resources.”

Managing Director for Lotus Africa Limited Corporate Department, Gregg Bittar, said the mine will deliver for the people of Malawi.

"Government is an important economic partner with a significant interest in the project. Through the Community Development Agreement, we will make sure that not only does Karonga and Chitipa benefit but the whole country," Bittar said.

Lotus Africa Limited took over operations of Kayelekera Uranium Mine from Paladin Limited after it went into care and maintenance in 2014 due to falling uranium prices.

By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, May 21, Mana: Department of Economic Planning and Development in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on Tuesday oriented Balaka District Council on National Social Protection Policy (NSPP).

NSSP is meant to create a more comprehensive and sustainable social protection system, focusing on reducing poverty, improving livelihood and increasing resilience for vulnerable groups.

Balaka District Community Development Officer, Macdonald Nyaka, welcomed the   orientation saying the district looks forward to successful implementation of social protection programmes.

The district registered challenges in implementing Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and other social protection programmes.

Weak instructional frameworks, limited resources, coordination issues and difficulties in reaching beneficiaries particularly in far to reach areas are some of the challenges faced in implementation of social protection programmes in Balaka.

“Despite the challenges, we foresee strong coordination, support and proper direction in all key sectors such as the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), nutrition, Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and agriculture among others with one goal of eradicating poverty and empower vulnerable households across Balaka,” said Nyaka.

He, therefore, called for patriotism and dedication from all stakeholders so that all social protection programmes that are being rolled out in the district should ultimately focus on rescuing rural masses from poverty and other human challenges.

An economist in the Department of Economic Planning and Development, Laureen Kumwenda, said government recognizes the need for policy framework that guides designing and implementation of successful social protection programmes at district level.

She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to support NSPP, adding that the policy helps government and citizens to achieve human capital development, an enabler of Malawi  2063.

By Mary Makhiringa in Harare, Zimbabwe

Harare, May 21, Mana:  Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Mpedi Magosi, has called upon all SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCAs) to work towards conserving wildlife despite numerous challenges that the region is facing.

Magosi said the environment is currently facing serious change of environmental issues such as poaching, which is negatively affecting member states to embrace wildlife conservation.

He made the remarks Wednesday during the SADC TFCA Ministers of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism in Harare, Zimbabwe where Malawi Minister of Tourism, Dr Vera Kamtukule, is in attendance.

The Ministerial meeting comes ahead of the SADC TFCAs Heads of State Summit slated for Friday, May 23.

The SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area program is driven by several key factors with member states benefits such as regional integration and cooperation, biodiversity conservation, social economic development and peace and stability among others things.

Said Magosi: “We have come a long way. Today we are saying we have been existing in this wildlife conservation business for the past 25 years.

“Let me urge you, honourable ministers, to work towards conserving the environment and wildlife rather that perusing for assertion of laws and signing of documents by our Presidents that we fail to refer to and uphold.”

Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife for Zimbabwe, Evelyn Ndlovu, said tourism is one of the promising ventures in job creation.

She said: “We need to use this platform to enhance coordination and we must move from dialogue to delivery to ensure that resolutions made here translate into tangible outcomes for our people in the ecosystems.”

Germany Ambassador to Zimbambwe, Udo Volz, pledged his government’s commitment towards SADC TFCAs.

“Powerful aspects of the TFCAs is the ability to generate sustainable development of the communities, sustainable agriculture community driven conservation projects, thereby creating more jobs which will boost the local communities.

“Because of all these, as EU, we made a conscious choice together with Germany; and since last year we allocated €33 million and US$36 million to support  TFCAs and more is coming.”

The Ambassador, therefore, asked member states to deepen commitments by increasing protection of the wildlife and allocating more resources to strengthen government structures.

The Summit is being held under the theme: SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas 25 years of cooperation for regional Integration and Sustainable Development.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, May 21, Mana: Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, on Tuesday called for favourable working conditions for mine workers in the country to enable them to live decent lives.

The Minister made the remarks when he visited Kaziwiziwi Coal Mine in Rumphi District to assess working conditions for miners.

He said mining is a lucrative industry, which earns investors in the sector huge profits, and it is only fair for workers to have a fair share of the profits to which they contribute so much to be realized.

He also said that while the mine is doing well in other areas, there were some worrying findings that need to be addressed urgently at the mine.

"We have noticed some violations at this mine. There are challenges to personal protective equipment [PPEs]. Most of the miners we met did not have proper gumboots, gloves and masks to protect them from coal dust, which can cause tuberculosis. Some are sharing gumboots, which is unacceptable.

"We also discovered that they do not provide for resting time. The law provides for one hour of resting time. They do not have that here. It's unfortunate. Mining is labour-intensive and workers need a break to rest," said Dimba.

He further said that his officers will be following up with the mine to ensure that the identified flaws are addressed including fair wages and ensuring that there are proper structures in place for workers claiming compensation after getting injured on duty.

He added that the basic pay of K112,000 for many of the miners is too low and needs to be addressed urgently.

Acting Manager for the mine, Befos Chakaka Nyirenda said his company will look into the issues the minister identified and find ways of addressing them.

"We have been struggling recently because there is currently water under Section 20   of the mine. We have not been operating since November last year and this has affected revenue flow. There is little money coming in.

"However, we will address the PPE issue within the next two weeks to ensure that our workers are protected. On compensation, there have been some delays in processing paperwork for them, but once that is done by the Labour Office, compensation will be paid," said Nyirenda.

There are currently 270 employees at Kaziwiziwi Coal Mine.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, May 21, Mana: Youths in Nkhata Bay are pleased to see the completion of a perimeter fence surrounding Maganga Community Ground in the district.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday, Secretary for Nkhata Bay District Football Sports Committee, Chancy Harawa said that the fence will improve the ground’s conditions, thereby attracting more football games.

"Previously, we were making a makeshift fence each time we had training or games by covering the ground’s perimeter sacks just to ensure that we were not disturbed by passersby,” said Harawa.

According to Harawa, teams will now be able to generate income from games as there will be a single entry to ground, something he said football teams have been longing for a long time.

Another youth, Justice Nthozi said that the fence will also be a catalyst for income generation for sellers of food as football patrons will be buying such food staffs from them.

Sports Officer Nkhata Bay District Council, Ellen Ngwara said that she was optimistic that money generated through sales of gate tickets will be used to support welfare of players.

"Football is a career and players expect to earn a living. This fence will benefit both the council and teams,” said Ngwala.

Nkhata Bay District Council funded the K95 million fence construction project using District Development Fund.