MANAonline
Wanderers and Bullets for second spot show down
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, December 4, Mana: Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets are set to fight for the second spot of 2024 TNM Super League with two games to finish
Wanderers have 54 points while Bullets have 49 points and this leaves both teams to grab the spot but the former has an upper hand.
As the season advances, every match grows increasingly significant, shaping the standings and intensifying the competition.
The top teams are locked in a battle for higher positions, while those near the bottom fight to avoid relegation, making every point crucial.
Wednesday’s action promises more drama and excitement as Creck Sporting Club faces Mighty Mukuru Wanderers at Dimba Stadium, Chitipa United will play host to Moyale Barracks at Karonga Stadium, FOMO up against newly crowned champions, Silver Strikers at Mulanje Park and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets will clash against Karonga United at Kamuzu Stadium.
The spotlight will be on the matches involving Wanderers and Bullets, as these two rivals are locked in a heated battle for second place.
the relegation battle involves FOMO has 25 points, Chitipa United has 23 points and Bangwe United has 27 points and they need to pull surprises.
Baka City is the first team to be relegated.
Malawians urged to embrace digital financial transaction
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, December 4, Mana: Ministry of Finance in partnership with Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) and AC Consulting have urged people in the country to adopt electronic ways of financial transactions on business activities in order for government to save money it spends to print new bank notes.
RBM Senior Analyst, Blaim Mofolo, made the remarks in Balaka on Tuesday when appreciating Digitalization Financial Inclusion and Competitiveness (DFIC) project awareness campaign currently underway in the district.
"This project is encouraging people to use technological ways of sending and receiving money as opposed to old ways whereby people would use cash on every transaction.
"As RBM, we know that with digital money it is hard for someone to lose money either through theft, fire or natural disasters," he said.
Ministry of Finance DFIC Project E-Trade Specialist, Sangwani Mkandawire, said the project is aimed at empowering rural communities and marginalized people on social economic welfare by leveraging in digitization and competitiveness on trade activities.
He said: "Government is committed to providing strong relationships within various social economic programs targeting people in rural communities such as Social Cash Transfer, Village Savings and Loans Groups, among others, hence embracing digital ways of financial transactions would ease the link."
Balaka Digital Financial Services (DFS) Field Supervisor for AC Consulting, Bernadette Maele, said the campaign will help spread technical skills and knowledge on how business operators, consumers and other parties would embrace fast, easy and secured digital ways of financial transactions.
DFIC awareness campaign, commonly known as DFS, is being implemented in Balaka for 20 days with financial support from African Development Bank (AfDB).
It will also run across the country with a major aim of embarking Malawians to a digital financial transaction era.
CARD distributes relief food to 1,700 households in Balaka
By Mary Makhiringa
Balaka, December 4, Mana: There was jubilation and dancing in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Nkaya on Tuesday when the Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD) launched food distribution to families affected by El Nino.
Many danced that they will now afford three meals a day as about 1,700 households in the area have been earmarked for the program and are expected to receive K90, 000 per month for a period of five months.
CARD Executive Director, Melton Luhanga, said the emergency response has come to give hope to all the people facing serious food problems in the catchment area.
"As an organization, we are responding to the EL-Nino emergency declared by the State President looking at how communities have been negatively affected. This cash distribution is meant to buy food items.
“This initiative comes on top of what we are already doing in the area. We have a program that looks at enhancing climate resilience, which we launched in May. We are aware that this program will suffer when people are hungry, that is why we have come up with this program to make sure that people have food so that they participate in the other program,” he said.
TA Nkaya hailed CARD for what he described as timely response, saying communities were struggling to make ends meet.
"Let me, therefore, ask all the people benefiting from this program to utilize the funds for the intended purposes," he said.
The TA reminded all his subjects not to relax but go back to their fields and try again so that next year, God willing, they may have food to feed their families.
One of the beneficiaries, 51-year-old Loveness Hahjie with physical challenges, expressed gratitude to the organization for the support.
“We were hit hard with the dry spells; we did not harvest anything from our fields. I am so grateful that I have been included to benefit from this program,” she said.
With support from Canadian Food Grains Banks, CARD has rolled out the project to caution families facing serious hunger problems in the area following effects of El Nino, which affected most parts of the country.
Veep calls for clean management of e-waste, launches guiding policy
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, December 3, Mana: The Vice President Dr. Michael Usi who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change has said the launch of the e-waste management policy is a crucial step steps toward a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations
The Vice President made the sentiment Tuesday, during the official commemoration of the International E-waste Day and launch of the national e-waste management policy at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
He said the improper disposal of E-waste has led to soil and water contamination, through the release of hazardous chemicals that poses health risks to the people who come into contact with such materials, but also wreaking havoc on the environment.
Usi asked Malawians to join hands in the global effort to retrieve, recycle, and revive.
“This year’s theme, ‘Join the E-waste hunt, retrieve, recycle and revive’ encourages all to participate in managing waste in the country, as one way of promoting environment and curbing climate change.
“We need to take critical steps towards managing e-waste in Malawi by promoting public awareness on proper disposal of E-waste material which are causing many health and environment problems in the country.”
“E-waste, if not handled properly, can wreak havoc on our environment, and this is why we must join hands in this global effort to retrieve, recycle, and revive,” he said.
Usi also hailed the launch of the National E-Waste Management Policy which he said ‘is a critical step forward in our journey toward creating a sustainable framework for managing e-waste in Malawi.’
The vice president also called for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders in the management of e-waste.
“I call upon all stakeholders—government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and every Malawian citizen—to support and engage in the national effort to manage e-waste. Let us work together to retrieve old electronics, recycle them responsibly, and revive the precious resources contained within them for the benefit of our economy, society, and environment.”
Director of Environmental Affairs Taonga Mbale Luka said the launch of the E-waste management policy will play a crucial role in promoting specific policies and legal framework on its management.
She said the policy will therefore deal with health and environment problems that are currently on the rise in the country due to mismanagement of E-waste materials.
Board Chairperson for Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority MACRA, Bridget Chibwana, said that the launch of national E-waste management policy will play an important role and make sure the country is safe from harmful E-waste that can cause pollution and many health issues.
“MACRA will work hand in hand with the government, Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change and all other stakeholders engaged to ensure that all policies launched today are practically used in the country,” she added.
JCM Solar Company distributes farm inputs worth K57m
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, December 3, Mana: As one way of supporting surrounding communities, JCM Solar Company in Salima has distributed farm inputs worth K57 million under its Livelihoods Restoration Programme.
The inputs, which include fertilizer, maize seed, and pesticides, aim to mitigate challenges posed by recent dry spells that affected crop yields in the area.
Speaking Tuesday, during the distribution, JCM Community Liaison Officer, Levison Masamba, said the initiative targets 211 project-affected people and provides resources to enhance food security and economic stability.
“Our goal is to ensure that these communities have sufficient food supplies in the coming year. In addition, the programme, which began in November 2020 and runs until June 2025, also incorporates a revolving loan system through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) to ensure long-term sustainability," he said.
Masamba said the beneficiaries use smaller quantities of fertilizer to make organic Mbeya manure, an affordable alternative to chemical fertilizer.
One of the beneficiaries from Kanzimbe 2 village, Grace Makanya expressed gratitude to JCM Solar, highlighting the transformative potential of the programme.
“This distribution goes beyond addressing hunger. After harvesting, we sell some produce, which helps us financially. We use the proceeds to tackle household challenges, including paying school fees for our children,” she said.
Makanya also urged fellow recipients to utilize inputs responsibly to combat hunger and foster financial independence.
In her remarks, the Area Extension Development Coordinator for Chinguluwe, Alice Kafunda, described the distribution as a major step toward community development.
“The livelihood Restoration programme is a significant ladder for improving livelihoods and fostering economic growth in this area,” she noted.
Youths join fight against GBV
By Agatha Kadzinje
Blantyre, December 3, Mana: As Malawi and the rest of the world joins 16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV), youths in Malawi have taken the initiative to fight for equality.
Executive Director of the Concerned Youth Organization (CYO), Harvey Chimaliro, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday that young people should actively participate in raising awareness about GBV and support victims using resources available to them.
“There are various ways in which we, as youth, can reach out to people facing physical and emotional abuse from their spouses or guardians. Since youths are active in the media space, activism should also be conducted online,” he said.
Chimaliro disclosed that CYO is partaking in the campaign in two ways; direct community engagement and online media campaigns through sharing messages aligned with the themes of the 16 Days of Activism, following both the Malawi government and global themes.
“As CYO, we are committed to addressing GBV issues and advocating for survivors by providing support and helping them recover from trauma,” he said.
Chimaliro expressed hope that after the campaign, Malawians will uphold the knowledge gained to foster a society where dignity and respect for all are prioritized.
He added that youth-led initiatives will shape a generation better equipped to combat GBV as they grow into leadership roles.
Chimaliro urged other organizations and stakeholders to continue their efforts beyond the 16 Days of Activism, as GBV is a year-round issue.
CYO is part of the organizing team for 16 Days of Activism commemoration for Mchinji District on December 9, where they will showcase their initiatives to raise GBV awareness.
In a separate interview, Blantyre District Council Youth Officer Peter Mizedya told MANA that, as the largest demographic in Malawi, youths must be involved in addressing GBV which, he said, affect the country's development.
Mizedya added that youths in Blantyre District are engaged in civic education on GBV through their youth clubs.
However, he pointed out challenges such as many abusers holding positions of power, making it difficult to address cases.
He expressed concern that youths often lack funds to support their initiatives.
He advocated for stakeholders to empower youths with basic skills to handle GBV cases effectively.
Mizedya disclosed that the district council is working with organizations such as DAPP, the Young Women’s Christian Association, and the Project of Malaria, which implements SASA, a programme developed to be used by youths to prevent violence against women and girls in communities.
He emphasized that GBV awareness initiatives must continue beyond the campaign and offenders be held accountable, and that every Malawian citizen must take part in ending GBV.
First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera officially launched 16 Days of Activism Against GBV campaign on November 25 in Phalombe.
This year’s theme is "United to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Malawi: Towards Beijing +30."
The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, 2024.
Vocal Brothers to launch Mauwo album
By Ruth Kumwenda
Blantyre, December 3, Mana: Acapella singers, Vocals Brothers from Michiru Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Blantyre will launch their first album titled; Mauwo at the church’s campsite at Chilomoni on December 8, 2024.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, Vocal Brothers leader, Joel Banda, said the album came about after being inspired by how God has been on their side since the start of the group.
Vocal Brothers is a gospel group established in 2017 under Michiru SDA Church to preach the word through acapella music.
Banda said the group looks forward to the launch of the album and called on people in and out of Chilomoni Township to patronize the event, saying the audience will be inspired by acapella music.
“We are well prepared to inspire the audience with inclusiveness. Let people come in large numbers to enjoy and praise the Lord almighty through music,” he said.
Mauwo album is comprised of 10 songs including; Chiyembekezo, We shall rise, Mauwo, Idzani ndi mdalitso and Dzina, among others.
Tetezeni-Florence Massea, Thom Family, Shout of Praise and Mixed Voices Reunion, among other supporting artists, will perform at the launch.
Florence Massea expressed gratitude for being one of the performers and assured the audience of reviving rhythm and vocals plus an energetic performance.
“I am well prepared and looking forward to the audience who will come to give us support. Let’s come and enjoy the album,” said Massea.
The Vocal Brothers is a male vocal group of young people set to minister the gospel through music.
Nasfam applauded for improving farmers' livelihoods
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, December 3, Mana: Smallholder farmers in Kasungu District have applauded the National Smallholder Farmers' Association of Malawi (Nasfam) for equipping them with agricultural expertise that has played a significant role in improving their livelihoods.
In separate interviews, farmers from various Group Action Committees said their economic statuses have changed because of improved agricultural production realized by implementing modern farming approaches learnt through training conducted by the association.
Charles Tembo from Wimbe Group Action Committee said cultivation of diversified crops, irrigation and climate agriculture approaches have helped farmers in the area to increase production and consider farming as a business.
“We have benefited a lot from Nasfam, especially on how to approach farming. For long, we have been subsistence farmers, cultivating crops in a business-as-usual approach.
“This time, no; we are serious, taking farming as a business and hence getting into both crops and animal production while applying modern farming techniques,” he said.
Tembo, who became a member of Nasfam in 2006, appealed to fellow farmers not to rely on a single crop but to venture into other crops and animals to increase income and improve their economic status.
Another farmer Brian Jere of Lusoto Group Action Committee who does seed multiplication, cultivation of tobacco and soya beans said in the face of climate change, farmers must adopt irrigation to supplement rain-fed agriculture and ensure that they have multiple harvests in a year.
On his part, Nasfam Association Business Manager for Kasungu, Edwin Chiona, was impressed with the progress that most farmers have made under the guidance of Nasfam.
Chiona noted that climate change has been a major challenge that has hindered some farmers from succeeding saying Nasfam has put in place measures to mitigate the effects by promoting tree planting and rainwater harvesting.
Apart from providing the training, Nasfam also supported the farmers with goats distributed on pass-on arrangement.
Government impressed with Titukulane RFSA
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, December 3, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi has commended Titukulane Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) project saying it has played a crucial role in promoting resilient agriculture, reducing vulnerability to shocks and ensuring sustainable natural resource management.
He made the remarks Tuesday during the Closeout and Learning event held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Usi said the collaboration with donor partners has helped to achieve the development goal of Titukulane and realisation of Agenda 2063.
“Titukulane project has demonstrated a significant approach of environmental conservation as it has shifted from reactive to proactive approach,” he said.
He appreciated donor partners for their unwavering support to the project saying it has brought change in the targeted communities.
Country Director for CARE International Malawi, Pamela Kuwali, said 600 Malawians especially women and girls have benefited from the project since 2019.
“As Care Malawi, we are happy with how the project has been implemented. We aimed at improving the livelihood of women and girls in communities of which we have achieved,” she said.
Kuwali further said although the project has ended they are committed to continue working in areas where they have already established the project to inform and improve local communities in the country.
United States Agency for International Development ( USAID) representative, Natalie Thunberg, said the project has impacted a lot of people in Zomba and Mangochi respectively as the primary goal of achieving sustainable, equitable and resilient food and nutrition security for ultra-poor and chronically vulnerable households has been achieved.
The project was initiated in 2019 as a five-year resilience and food security activity funded by USAID to the tune of of US$75 million.
The project has been implemented by CARE International Malawi in partnership with Emmanuel International, IFPRI, NASFAM, Save the Children and WaterAid.
The ceremony was held under theme “Building Resilient Communities: Lessons from Titukulane.
Dedza DRMC urged to prudently use EOC
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, December 3, Mana: Disaster Risk Management (DRM) committee under Dedza District Council has been urged to make the best use of the Emergency Operating Centre (EOC) in the district.
Deputy Director Responsible for Preparedness in the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA), Fedson Chikuse, made the call Monday during the training with members of the committee.
According to Chikuse, the training had four key components; to enable members use the facility, to understand its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), how to care for the facility and also to remind one another issues of disasters in 2024/2025 season following a seasonal forecast of normal to above normal rains.
“We also wanted to remind members that this year we may have disasters in Dedza and, therefore, they need to be ready. We encouraged them to strengthen the cluster system so that they have better coordination of humanitarian activities,” said Chikuse.
He said Dedza is one of the disaster-prone districts because one side of it is in the lower area.
“And also, since we are going to have a lot of rains, we want to remind people of Dedza to keep their houses strong, look out for the advisories which are normally announced through radios or other media and make use of the information,” he pointed out.
Project Coordinator for the Modernized Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (M-CLIMES) Project, Ted Nyekanyaka, said it is their aim, with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to ensure districts that experience more disasters have spaces where district stakeholders would come together to discuss, plan and respond to various disasters.
“So, Dedza was one of our target districts where we installed this fabricated EOC. However, since we installed it, the DRMC was not trained on the SOPs of the structure and also on how to take care of it,” said Nyekanyeka
He said it was impressive to note that Dedza DRMC has representatives from various departments and offices describing the session as successful.
“I would like to encourage the district team, especially the DRMC, to ensure that there is safety for this structure as you see we do have materials here and also inside. In addition to that we want this centre to be where disaster work should be well coordinated,” he added.
Director of Planning and Development for Dedza District Council, Macpherson Mwakhwawa, described the training as timely saying rainy season is fast approaching.
“So, like in the previous years, Dedza is among districts that are faced with rainy-induced disasters such as strong winds that have blown off roofs, and in certain circumstances houses have collapsed due to heavy rains as well as flooding. So, the orientation is valuable because it provided us with relevant information on how we can make use of the EOC to prepare ourselves for disasters,” said Mwakhwawa.
He said the council, together with other players, will make sure that the facility is taken care of for it to stay long in the provision of necessary environment for management of disasters in the district.
