
MANAonline
MISA Malawi engages Mulanje District Stakeholders on disinformation
By Innocent Chamtulo
Mulanje, January 28, Mana: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi on Monday engaged Mulanje District stakeholders on disinformation during an election period.
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga said as Misa Malawi they have conducted similar sessions with other districts in order to furnish them on how they can deal with disinformation-related cases as the country heads towards September 2025 polls.
“Peaceful transfer of power during an election is very important for the development of the country. Therefore people from the grassroots level must be fed with the right information for them to make the right decisions and prevent indulging in activities that might fuel violence during elections,” he said.
He said Misa Malawi is implementing the 'I verify' initiative, which will enable members of the public to inquire about election issues that they have heard about through internet sites, and Whatsapp forums that will be handled by MISA.
“Misa has assembled a team of experts that will be able to verify the information and give feedback as well as disseminating to other people,” he said.
Mulanje District Commissioner David Gondwe hailed the initiative saying that it has come at the right time, as the project will help to clarify allegations that surround general elections in September 2025.
“Disinformation often stimulates negative emotions, such as fear, anger, and distrust, to manipulate individuals into believing false or misleading information. Therefore, it is important that district members engage grassroots people to avoid such emotions among people,” he said.
Maximize local revenue collection, councils tipped
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, January 28, Mana: Local councils in the country have been asked to fully utilize and maximize local revenue collection in their districts, which local business investors always bring as this will improve the financial status core at the councils.
This comes amid concerns that came Monday in Blantyre, as District Commissioner for Balaka, Tamanya Harawa presented how the council performed during the last financial year, during the 2025-2026 budget review session with the National Local Government Finance Committee (NGLFC).
Harawa said, among other challenges, Balaka has been getting inadequate and inconsistent funding from the treasury, which he observed, affected their day-to-day service delivery.
“As a way of cushioning ourselves from financial problems, Balaka District Council has developed the Quinquennial Valuation Roll (QVR) in which all businesses and dwelling houses were revalued so that the council starts collecting more money for its day-to-day activities.
“We also would like to start utilizing our bus depot, we know the depot can be used by big bus companies as their offices, taxi operators, as well as minibuses, can also be utilizing the same for our good,” he said.
Harawa also disclosed that the council with support from Centenary Bank intends to start electronic payments in their strong hold markets so that revenue is enhanced.
He also noted that in the last financial year, Balaka District Council has managed to pay all outstanding salary arrears to its direct employees as one step forward in making sure that service delivery is enhanced.
“We know that when an employee is not motivated, he or she cannot perform well in his or her duties, that is why although we had arrears for five months when we started the previous financial year, we tried and settled all before December,” he added.
On his part, Director of Infrastructure and Economic Development at NGLFC, Paul Chipeta urged all councils to always strive for more revenue so that service delivery is not compromised.
“At first, councils used to complain that funding is inadequate, we have since changed some things. For example, councilors’ honoraria are being funded by the NGLFC not from the monthly funding, yet councils are still complaining of funding gaps, that is why we are urging councils to be proactive in local revenue collection.
“The local revenue performance that they have presented needs to be checked by endorsing several measures to enhance revenue collection. They need to enhance awareness to the locals on the need to pay tax, as well as improving service delivery to the people so that the citizen in turn can pay the much-needed tax,” Chipeta said.
However, Chipeta commended Balaka District Council for paying all outstanding salary arrears to all its direct employees, saying it was a step forward in enhancing revenue collection.
“I was listening attentively to the budget presentation and I saw that there are no serious issues that need to be worked on when you go back, this also shows the kind of commitment that you have put during the entire budget formulation process,” he said.
In a separate interview, Balaka District Council Director of Planning and Development, Chris Nawata said the council has already seen potential in the mining companies, which are exploring mining opportunities for various minerals in the district.
“We are geared to make sure that Balaka must also benefit from the various mining activities happening in a lot of areas so that the council increases its local revenue base; thereby, enabling good service delivery to the locals,” he said.
In local revenue, Balaka intends to collect K345 million in 2025-2026 against K231 million last financial year.
NGOs applaud NEEF for its involvement in agriculture
By Abednego Sibale
Nkhata Bay, January 28, Mana: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have applauded National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for its efforts in addressing food insecurity through the provision of loans for agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers in Malawi.
The remarks were made Tuesday at Chintheche by Fyson Chodzi who represented NGOs when NEEF distributed 308 bags of fertilizers on loan to 55 smallholder farmers.
"NEEF through this initiative is doing a great job in embracing food security efforts across the country.
“We also attest that the initiative is being conducted transparently," Chodzi said.
He also commended NEEF for establishing its offices in rural areas, thereby making it easy for farmers to access the organization’s services.
“This programme contributes to the growth of the country’s economy besides promoting financial inclusion. The initiative does not only benefit clients of the farm input loan facility but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the country,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo said it is the aim of the government to eradicate food insecurity in the country.
“To achieve this the programme is empowering smallholder farmers who have the potential to engage in crop production but lack necessary resources,” said Chambo.
Chambo also encouraged farmers to utilize fertilizers and loans responsibly so they do not face challenges when paying the loans.
Executive Director for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyetseni, emphasized the importance for the clients who have benefited from the loan facility to ensure that they pay back the loan for the program’s sustainability.
"We are today distributing 308 bags of NPK fertilizer, worth K386,000,000 to 55 people who are organized in 11 groups here at Chintheche,” said Mdyetseni.
Chairperson of the Tikolole Group, Brenda Kaunda said members of the groups will work hard in their fields to realize maximum benefit from the initiative.
Senior Chief Malanda of Nkhata Bay thanked the government for initiating the intervention and pledged to encourage the benefitting clients to repay their loans.
In a related development, NEEF also distributed 388 bags of fertilizer to 76 smallholder farmers who are in 14 groups.
Ministry shuts down Tourism Enterprises
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Ministry of Tourism through the Department of Tourism and Hotels Board has closed some of the tourism enterprises in Blantyre for failing to comply with operational standards.
The facilities lacked the required tourism and hotel board licenses; hence, did not meet the minimum standards for operation.
Malawi Institute of Tourism (MIT), Alendo Hotel, Max & Sherry Dine and Lounge, La Carvena and Cafe, Serenity, Elite Lodge, including Cassim Car Hire are among the tourism enterprises, which have been shut down in Blantyre.
Speaking during the inspection tour, Regional Tourism Officer for the South, Gift Mwale emphasized the importance of compliance in maintaining the integrity of Malawi’s tourism sector.
“Every tourism enterprise is supposed to operate with a valid tourism and hotel license which is issued after meeting minimum standards. The closure is because all those that are on the list have not met the minimum standards.
“There are some who meet the minimum standards and were given licenses but could not pay for the license and they were operating without a valid license which is illegal. So, they have also been closed because they are not complying with standards,” explained Mwale.
Mwale clarified that each enterprise was given a comprehensive inspection report detailing specific issues that needed to be addressed and was warned several times.
“Actually, those that are being closed were inspected three times before but still could not comply; that is why we are undertaking this exercise to enforce the law,” said Mwale.
Meanwhile, the ministry has urged tourism entities to rectify the identified issues before resuming operations. The units have also been assured that the ministry will revisit to open their services.
The ministry earmarks closing over 200 tourism enterprises in the Southern Region with at least 83 in Blantyre alone. The sector is expected to intensify the inspection exercise in other districts.
Mumba demands better working conditions for tea pluckers
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba has emphasized the need to improve working conditions for tea pluckers in Malawi’s tea estates.
Speaking during a labour inspection at Makandi Tea and Coffee Estate, Mumba said the ministry had received numerous complaints from workers about poor working conditions.
“From what we have observed, including labourers working without any personal protective equipment (PPE), it is evident how inconsiderate many administrations are towards their subordinates. Similar problems were observed yesterday at Kawalazi Estate,” he said.
During interactions with workers at the estate, most of them shared various challenges they face in their daily tasks. During the tour, Mumba also inspected the weighing scales used at the estate to verify compliance with Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) regulations.
Mumba criticized the lack of consultation with workers on operational matters at the union level, describing the situation as both deplorable and unacceptable.
However, during the meeting with the estate’s administration, the Minister demanded that workers’ representatives be included in such discussions.
He also emphasized that the administration must adhere to Malawi’s Labour Laws, instead of focusing solely on international regulations, which are often, economically motivated. He urged management of the estate to treat workers with dignity and humanity.
Some of the challenges that workers lamented included the lack of toilets within a 50 km radius. Moreover, the workers also cited long working hours exceeding 10 hours per day, low wages of K3, 460 per 60 kg harvested daily and K89,000 per month instead of the minimum K90,000, with no overtime pay.
In his reaction, Mumba detested the working conditions, describing some as reflecting ‘human indecency,’ emphasizing that organization must prioritize human dignity and comply with Malawi’s Labour Laws.
“There is an urgent need for improvement as these conditions portray a negative image of both the government and the country’s working environment,” he said.
Upon further inspection, Mumba issued a prohibition order for site number 17A of the estate, temporarily shutting it down. The site will be re-inspected after seven days to assess whether improvements have been made before reopening.
Meanwhile, Mumba has disclosed that a meeting would be held on Wednesday in Lilongwe between the Ministry of Labour, the Tea Association of Malawi and tea estate managers to discuss strategies for addressing poor working conditions in the tea sector.
However, he emphasized that estate managers must take responsibility for monitoring and improving conditions in their estates instead of waiting for government inspections, noting that improving working conditions could boost the productivity and marketability of the product, considering that tea is one of Malawi's leading crop exports.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Finance Manager, Sangwani Hara acknowledged some of the challenges presented by workers. However, he stated that the estate complies with the minimum wage of K90, 000 contrary to the workers’ claims.
On PPE, Hara explained that the use of gumboots is not standard for workers as they are only required in irrigation areas. “Shoes are not a necessity for them in the tea estate,” he claimed.
Management of the estate has since promised to address the workers’ concerns and make improvements where appropriate.
Hara also noted that tea estates are struggling with declining global tea prices, which have negatively affected the estates’ financial stability.
Kabwira visits Luanar
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, January 28, Mana: Minister for Higher Education Dr Jessie Kabwila has commended Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) for coming up with different interventions that continue to shape the future of the country.
Kabwila was speaking on Tuesday after conducting a familiarization tour at the school.
She said her visit to LUANAR was aimed to see excellent work being done including exploring how they can strengthen their collaboration.
"We can happily say that LUANAR remains a centre of excellence that is producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ready to tackle the pressing issues of our time,” she stated.
On his part, Vice Chancellor, at LUANAR, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda emphasized the institution's goal to make partnerships with fellow academic institutions, governments and organizations.
"These collaborations are aimed to increase LUANAR's educational and research capacities. I have confidence that under Dr. Kabwila’s leadership, LUANAR will receive the necessary support to drive its mission forward,” he said.
Minister hands over ambulance to PIM Hospital
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, January 28, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, on Tuesday, officially handed over an ambulance to Providence Industrial Mission (PIM) Hospital in fulfillment of the pledge President Lazarus Chakwera made during the commemoration of Chilembwe Day on January 15, this year.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the minister emphasized that the donation reflects the President’s commitment to delivering on promises aimed at national development.
"This ambulance is for all Malawians, as diseases do not discriminate based on political affiliations. The President is dedicated to improving the lives of all citizens through meaningful development projects," she said.
Chiponda underscored the government’s vision for transforming Malawi into a prosperous nation by 2063, saying for this vision to materialize; there was need of a healthy and productive population.
"This is why the government prioritizes the enhancement of health service delivery," she said further.
She then urged PIM Hospital to maintain the ambulance and use it appropriately while also advising health workers to uphold professionalism in their duties.
"Patients have raised concerns about staff conduct, and I appeal to you to address these issues as part of your commitment to providing quality care," she added.
Chiradzulu District Council Chairperson, Patrick Chintengo, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the community’s relief and the importance of the ambulance in addressing critical health emergences.
"As a council, we couldn’t afford to purchase an ambulance. However, when the President heard our cries, he acted promptly. This demonstrates his prioritization of the needs of the underprivileged," Chintengo said, pledging that the ambulance would be used as intended.
PIM President, Reverend Wilson Mitambo, lauded the government for delivering the ambulance within 13 days of the pledge, describing it as a milestone for the hospital.
"It feels like a dream come true. We only had one old ambulance that frequently broke down, worsening heath care provision. This new ambulance will greatly improve our ability to transport patients," he said.
Group Village Head Kumitete also commended the government for the gesture, saying it will assist many people in her area, particularly pregnant women who previously struggled to access Chiradzulu District Hospital.
UNDP and UNOPS Sign Agreements with Grantees to Fund Community Sustainable Development Projects
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, January 28, Mana: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have officially signed funding agreements with eight grantees under the Small Grants Programme, committing $312,202 (approximately MWK 547 million) to support community-led initiatives across Malawi.
The signing event, which took place on Tuesday at the UNDP Office in Lilongwe, marks a significant step in backing grassroots projects that address key environmental and development challenges.
These initiatives aim to tackle crucial issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and the promotion of sustainable energy use, aligning with Malawi’s Vision 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNDP Malawi Portfolio Manager for Resilience and Sustainable Growth, Rabi Narayan Gaudo, highlighted the programme’s vision and the crucial role of grantees.
"Today is a remarkable moment in our shared journey toward sustainable development and building resilience.
This initiative is more than just financial support—it reflects our commitment to empowering communities, fostering innovation, and driving lasting change from the grassroots level," he stated.
National Steering Committee (NSC) Chairperson, Dorothy Tembo Nhlema, who also serves as Programme Manager for the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, underscored the importance of collaboration and the rigorous selection process. Out of 93 proposals submitted, only eight projects were ultimately selected for funding.
"We encourage government and council stakeholders to closely collaborate with grantees to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, allocating resources for monitoring is essential so that the NSC and relevant officials can provide timely feedback on project progress.
The Committee aims to support initiatives that not only deliver tangible results but also drive meaningful change within communities," she added.
Mchinji council devises strategies for revenue collection
By Vincent Khonje
Blantyre, January 28, Mana: Mchinji District Council has admitted facing difficulties in collecting local revenue, citing uncollected plot development fees as a significant factor behind its underperformance in the 2024/25 financial year.
District Commissioner for Mchinji, Lucia Chidalengwa, revealed this during the 2025/26 budget review meeting held in Blantyre on Tuesday.
She noted that the council’s revenue shortfall had necessitated a downward local revenue revision of K200 million, from the initially estimated K703,970,908.
"We are working to improve revenue collection for the council by implementing strategies such as revising market fees, adjusting ground rentals, and reviewing water rentals," Chidalengwa said.
She also acknowledged that relying on plot sales as a primary revenue source is unsustainable, particularly in the current economic situation.
"We assume that plots, once offered, will be sold. However, due to the economic situation, many people have failed to pay," she said.
Chief accountant for the council, Fedderick Muyaba, outlined key strategies aimed at boosting revenue collection.
"We plan to establish a system to track daily revenue collections, create additional plots at Mayadi, improve service delivery facilities, identify locations for new markets, and raise public awareness about revenue collection," he said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Dr. Esmie Kainja, emphasized the importance of aligning budgets with national development goals.
"I expect the budget estimates presented to align with Malawi 2063. Avoid allocating resources to small, low-impact projects and ensure timely implementation of planned projects," she said.
The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) is currently reviewing budget submissions from councils as part of its mandate before the budgets are tabled in Parliament.
Mzuzu City Council told to draw plans for new Mzuzu Stadium
By Yamikani Sabola
Mzuzu, January 28, Mana: Sports Minister Uchizi Mkandawire has asked Mzuzu City Council to come up with plans and budgets for construction of new Mzuzu Stadium and submit to government for its intervention.
Mkandawire said this in Mzuzu on Tuesday after inspecting Mzuzu Stadium’s fence which had partly collapsed.
He said government is ready to commit resources towards construction of new Mzuzu Stadium just as it is doing in some other districts and cities including Mwanza, Mzimba, Zomba, Lilongwe and Blantyre.
He noted that Mzuzu Stadium has outlived its lifespan as it was constructed in 1967 and needed to be replaced with a new structure.
“In the recent years, we have been having so many problems here at the Mzuzu Stadium. Two years ago, the Football Association of Malawi refused to accredit this stadium for Super League games because of its poor condition.
“And as we are speaking, part of the fence has fallen, just adding to the problems which the stadium already has. That is why we decided to come and have discussions with Mzuzu City Council regarding the future of this facility. We are all convinced that we need a new stadium,” Mkandawire said.
He however advised the Mzuzu City Council to make sure the stadium is in good shape to host various games, including Super League matches while waiting for commencement of construction for the new stadium.
Chief Executive Officer for Mzuzu City Council, Gomezgani Nyasulu, said the council will start working on the preliminary designs and costs and submit the same to government.
“As Mzuzu City Council, we are very happy to get this signal from the Minister of Sports because this is the commitment we have been waiting for. It is encouraging that there is greenlight for us to proceed with submission of our plans for new stadium,” he said.
Nyasulu said the council has already identified a contractor to reconstruct the stadium’s fence so that the facility should continue hosting games.