MANAonline
Youths in Ntcheu encouraged to get loans from NEEF
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, June 7, Mana: National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has encouraged Youth groups in Ntcheu to get loans and venture into businesses.
NEEF Credit Analysis Manager Whyghtone Mweta made the remarks on Friday during a stakeholder meeting with the youth from Ntcheu district.
Mweta highlighted that youth in the district are lagging in terms of how much they have received from NEEF.
"Being custodians of Malawi 2063, we needed to encourage them to get the loans and also advise them that when they get the loans they must pay back so that other youths should also benefit from NEEF," said Mweta.
Youth Economic Empowerment Scheme Chairperson for Ntcheu district Fred Kawalewale Gerson said eight groups from eight constituencies are ready to get the loans and venture into various businesses specifically irrigation farming.
He assured stakeholders that if given the loans, the groups are committed to pay back within the specific given period.
"Ntcheu being an agro-based economy, most of the youths are doing farming as a business and let me assure stakeholders that strategies are in place to ensure that all the selected groups should pay back the loans," said Gerson.
144 groups are targeted in Ntcheu district.
Chief hailed for launching by-laws
By Solister Mogha
Zomba, June 7, Mana: Her Liberty and Girls Activists Youth Organization (GAYO), two non-governmental organizations that advocate for the welfare of youth, particularly girls in Zomba, have commended Senior Group Village Head Mtogolo, under Senior Chief Malemia, for formulating by-laws aimed at protecting girls from various forms of injustice that threaten their rights and wellbeing.
Among others, the by-laws strongly condemn child marriages, prohibits parents from forcing their children particularly a girl child into marriage thereby denying them right to education.
Speaking on Friday at Malemia Primary School where the launch took place, Project Manager for Her Liberty, Kettei Mkwala said the launch of the by-laws was a clear testimony that local leaders under Group Village Head Mtogolo are serious about ending child marriages and teenage pregnancies in their areas.
Mkwala said the set by-laws compliments the organization’s efforts of creating safer environments for youths and a girl child to realize their life goals.
"We are very excited to see that chiefs have taken the responsibility to protect youths and promote the wellbeing of a girl child. For years, we have been working with youths, advocating for free and conducive environment for children,” she added.
The project manager said the by-laws will also facilitate and improve dialogue between parents and their children on issues of sexual reproductive health and child education.
Senior Group Village Head Mtogolo said rising cases of child marriages and teenage pregnancies prompted formulation of the by-laws, expressing hope that they will be enforced by all means to protect children in the area.
“We cannot sit and watch our society decaying. Formulation of the by-laws is one step towards addressing a number of injustices that children face in their daily lives,” he said.
Vice Chairperson of Malemia Youth Network, Fabiano Black hailed the chiefs for formulating the by-laws which he said will be enforced to help reducing child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
Mwanza mourns legislator and Deputy Minister Joyce Chitsulo
By Cassandra Mangulama
Mwanza, June 6, Mana: People in Mwanza mourn legislator, Joyce Chitsulo who until his death was also Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, describing her death as shocking and big loss of a dedicated servant-leader.
Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Councillor Emmanuel Kapawe said Mwanza has lost a dedicated leader.
“The whole Mwanza District has been saddened by the death of Chitsulo. We are shocked with her death.
“Chitsulo started working with us in 2019 when she was elected MP for Mwanza West. She worked on many developmental projects in Mwanza West and was very dedicated to ensure Mwanza is developing,” Kapawe added.
Chitsulo collapsed at home in Lilongwe and was taken to Kamuzu Central Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Chitsulo survived a road accident recently on her way from official duties in the northern region of Malawi.
Councillor Fraser Bandiele for Thambani Ward described the late legislator as a joyful and approachable leader who worked selflessly for the community.
“She was full of laughter and could easily get along with people. She brought development to her constituency without bias,” he said.
Chitsulo facilitated construction of a bridge that made it possible for people to travel from Thawale to Thambani via Mwima, according to the ward council, adding that late Chitsulo ensured that most of the areas in her constituency were connected to electricity.
Apart from helping in establishing a community based childcare centre (CBCC) in Tambo, the parliamentarian also embarked on construction of a Community Skills Development Center.
“The skills development center is under construction, she also facilitated construction of a Police Unit at Kalanga. This testifies that she was very dedicated in introducing development projects in her area and there is so much she accomplished that people can testify,” added Bandiele.
In the meantime, Mwanza District Council has released a condolence message expressing sorrow over death of Chitsulo.
Mob kills suspected thief in Balaka
By Milton Sukasuka
Balaka, June 6, Mana: A mob in Balaka District has killed a man aged 29, identified as, Rodrick Jackson, for allegedly breaking into a house, stealing maize flour, soya pieces, and a Bluetooth speaker at Chibwana Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala where he left a record of a habitual criminal.
Balaka Police Station Publicist, Inspector Gladson M'bumpha, said the suspect was caught stealing the items from a house on the night of Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
“At 8 o’clock in the evening on June 4, 2015, Jackson broke into a house of Pilirani Luka and allegedly stole food items and a Bluetooth speaker but was caught red-handed by the owner and some villagers. The group started beating him severely before dumping his body behind his wife’s house,
"After the incident, Kwitanda Community Policing Forum reported the matter to police on Thursday morning, June 5, 2025. Officers from Balaka Police Station rushed to the scene and took the body to Balaka District Hospital,” Balaka Police publicist added.
M'bumpha said a postmortem conducted at Balaka District Hospital showed that Jackson died from excessive bleeding caused by serious head injuries due to assault.
Police investigations continue to identify and arrest those involved in the mob justice, according to M’bumpha
Balaka Police has urged people to report crime suspects to police stations, posts or units instead of resorting to mob justice.
Jackson was a habitual criminal and was recently been released from Chichiri Prison.
He came from Chibwana Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala.
HESLGB to use loan recoveries for additional applicants
By Kenneth Zindondo,
Blantyre, June 6, Mana: Higher Education Students' Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) has received 34,587 applications for the 2025/2026 loan cycle, surpassing its initial target of 33,000 applicants by 1,587 applications, board Communication Manager, Millie Kasunda disclosed on Friday.
She said this does not mean that, HESLGB will fail to support the applicants in their pursuit of tertiary education in various university colleges.
“The board will use money from recoveries to support the applicants," she added, saying that, the provisional loan list will be released by August, after evaluation of all applications submitted through the Student Financing Management Information System (SFMIS) between April 1 and May 30, 2025.
Director of the Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC), Benedicto Kondowe said an increase in student’s loan applications was a clear testimony of growing demand for higher education and rising awareness of available financial support.
“While this is encouraging, it also raises concerns about the sustainability of the loan scheme. Without increased funding and improved loan recovery, the system may struggle to meet future demand, risking exclusion for many deserving students" he added.
Kondowe said rising trend in students applying for loans calls for inclusive policy and financial reforms to safeguard both equity and sustainability in Malawi’s higher education sector.
A beneficiary of the students’ loan, Oscar Masanga from University of Malawi expressed gratitude over the HESLGB support.
“This loan has helped many students to pursue higher education, it is a lifeline that enabled many to continue with education without worrying of tuition fees and other expenses,” he added
He therefore urged the Authority to continue funding the programme to accommodate increasing number of students that aspire for higher education.
Scotts Maphuma to Headline Beerland Festival on July 26
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe June 6 Mana: The organizers of the Beerland Festival have announced that South African Amapiano sensation Scotts Maphuma will be the main attraction at the upcoming event on July 26, 2025, at the Money Men Club.
According to Kennedy Maluwa, co-founder of Beerland Festival, all preparations are complete, and the necessary agreements have been signed.
The event promises to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers in Malawi, with Scotts Maphuma set to perform his hit tracks, including 'Yebo Lapho,' 'Beke le beke,' 'Uyaphampha Man,' and 'Cishe nga Posta.'
Scotts Maphuma is currently one of the most in-demand Amapiano artists in South Africa, and his appearance at the Beerland Festival is expected to draw a large crowd. The event will feature various ticket options, with standard tickets priced at K30,000 and VIP tickets available for K50,000.
The Beerland Festival has established itself as a premier music event in Malawi, and the addition of Scotts Maphuma to the line-up is sure to make this year's edition a memorable one. Music fans are advised to secure their tickets in advance to avoid last-minute rushes, as tickets will be available at the door for K35,000.
The event is set to kick off at 11 am, and with Scotts Maphuma's energetic performance, it promises to be an exciting day for attendees.
Alfred Fabulous Pemba, a fan planning to attend the event, expressed his excitement, saying, "I enjoy Amapiano music, and Scotts Maphuma brings a special flair to it.”
“I’m looking forward to how he blends the beats with his performance style. I’ve heard people say his live shows are unforgettable, so I’m excited to see the atmosphere he creates." Pemba adds.
The Beerland Festival continues to bring world-class entertainment to Malawi, and this year's event is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
Chakwera-Chapo vow continued economic development
By Eunice Disi Lole
Lilongwe 5 June, Mana: Malawi President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Francisco Chapo have vowed to continue making progress on developmental and economic matters.
Speaking during a joint press briefing at Kamuzu Palace where President Chapo was concluding his two-day Official visit to Malawi, Chakwera said he and his colleague have affirmed the facilitation of the transportation of Malawi’s petrol and diesel at the port of Beira, the construction of a dry port for Malawi’s use in Nacala for which Mozambique already pledged the provision of land, revival of rail transportation through the Sena Corridor.
He said they have also made agreements to accelerate the implementation of the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnection Power Line to link Malawi’s grid to Southern Africa Power Pool and construction of One-Go-Border Posts at various points of entry between Mozambique and Malawi one of which was commissioned at Dedza-Calomue Border on Friday.
Chakwera said he was delighted that the visit by the Mozambican President had coincided with the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation whose positive outcomes are in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Communique for everyone to see.
“It is critical that that these developments should continue and I expect all Ministers who have been part of those discussions to sustain the momentum so that Malawians can see the full benefits of these interventions,” he said.
In his remarks, President Daniel Francisco Chapo. described his two-day visit to Malawi as productive for the two countries for the social-economic growth through trade and other critical sectors of development.
Chapo has commended Chakwera for being an action based kind of leader and has called for speedy implementation of the newly signed MOUs to facilitate trade activities, energy, security and other sectors of development.
President Chapo was on a two-day visit to Malawi marking 50 years of bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Among other engagements, the Mozambican leader visited Parliament Building and the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe. He also engaged with the business community, both from Malawi and Mozambique and opened Dedza-Calomue One-Go- Border Post with President Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
Chakwera mourns deputy minister Joyce Chitsulo
By Innocent Manda
Lilongwe, June 6, 2025, Mana: President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and First Lady Monica Chakwera have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Deputy Minister of Local Government, Culture, and Unity, Joyce Chitsulo, who was also Member of Parliament for Mwanza West Constituency.
In a statement released from State House soon Chitsulo`s passing on Friday, Chakwera described late Chitsulo as a patriotic and courageous leader whose motto was "development over politics."
The President recalled late Chitsulo`s famous words, "Sitidya Ndale Koma Chitukuko," (We don’t eat politics) highlighting her unwavering commitment to national progress.
“Hon. Chitsulo lived every minute of her political life pursuing development for her people. Her death is a great loss at a critical time for Malawi’s development,” reads part of the statement.
The First Couple have since extended their heartfelt condolences to the Chitsulo family, the people of Mwanza West, and all Malawians mourning her passing.
The President has urged the nation to honour late Chitsulo`s legacy by uniting for the betterment of the country.
Joyce Chitsulo was known for her bold stance on national unity and local development. Her passing leaves a significant void in Malawi’s political and developmental efforts.
Miss Malawi Secures MK20 Million Sponsorship from Premier Bet
By Patience Kapinda
Lilongwe, June 6 Mana: The Miss Malawi Organisation has announced a ground breaking sponsorship agreement with Premier Bet Malawi, valued at MK20 million, marking the largest sponsorship deal in the history of Malawi's beauty pageantry industry.
The partnership will support the full rollout of Miss Malawi 2025, including national auditions, a televised reality series, and the prestigious Grand Finale.
As part of the agreement, Miss Malawi will also serve as a brand ambassador for responsible betting, working alongside Premier Bet to promote awareness among Malawian youth on ethical and informed gaming practices.
According to Godfrey Kambewa, Co-Chairperson of Miss Malawi 2025, the sponsorship is not only a significant financial boost but also a critical step towards promoting social responsibility.
"This is more than just a sponsorship - it's a movement. One that celebrates Malawian beauty and culture, while also embracing our responsibility to protect and uplift our communities," Kambewa said.
The partnership will also introduce a nationwide Responsible Betting campaign, aimed at promoting safe betting practices and providing support to those who may be affected by problem gambling. The campaign will include regional pop-up events, targeted messages, and events designed to empower players with knowledge and support mechanisms.
Patrick Kalidozo, Central Region Arial Manager at Premier Bet, echoed Kambewa's sentiments, stating that the company is committed to social impact and empowering women.
"We are committed not just to business success, but also to social impact. Our goal is to educate the public on how to engage with betting in a safe and informed way," Kalidozo said.
The Miss Malawi titleholder will be featured on national TV and digital platforms in a documentary series titled "Road to the Crown," highlighting Premier Bet's journey to crown the next Miss Malawi.
The partnership between Miss Malawi and Premier Bet is a significant step towards promoting youth development, gender equality, and social responsibility in Malawi.
Dedza/Calomue One-Go Border Post commissioned
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, June 6, Mana: In a significant step towards enhancing regional integration and trade facilitation, the president of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, and the president of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, on Friday jointly officially commissioned the Dedza/Calomue One-Go Border Post (OGBP).
The World Bank funded US$9.6 million OGBP aims to streamline border clearance procedures, reduce transit times, and boost trade between Malawi and Mozambique.
Speaking at the event, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, said apart from celebrating the 50 years of existence between the two countries, the OGBP was another positive development for rejoicing.
"Mozambique and Malawi agreed that this should be named a ‘One Go’ not ‘One Stop’ post, and this goes to all borders across the country," he said
The president further thanked the World Bank and other partners for making it happen, adding that the facility will improve trade and investment.
"As we celebrate the 50 years of Mozambique and Malawi ties, we are happy to take our relations to higher levels and we want to celebrate this as a starting point of greater things to come, building from strong foundations that have already been laid," he added.
According to Chakwera, Malawi and Mozambique will continue to cooperate in many areas of co-existence for the prosperity of Africa.
The Mozambican President, in his corresponding remarks, expressed gratitude for the invitation, and he described the ceremony as historical.
"This One-Go Border Post shows the relationship between the two people. The 50 years are a lifetime achievement and we are here to confirm our relationship and improve the living conditions of our people," said Chapo.
He called on the African continent to improve its infrastructure so as to ensure free trade a reality, and to also boost economies.
"We are one people, we are brothers and sisters. Let's remove the barriers among our people because this is what they want. To more developments of One-Go so that our people can do rapid businesses," Chapo said.
World Bank, Country Manager, Firas Raad, said, apart from celebrating 50 years of existence between the two countries, the day marked a new beginning of fast trade as well as regional cooperation between the two countries.
"This improves the system, digitizes it, and also improves the waiting time. All this has been made possible through the good relations between Malawi and Mozambique," said Raad.
