MANAonline
One God Decade in Africa to hold gospel crusade
By Alex Kachingwe and Isaac Jim
Blantyre, September 6, Mana: One God Decade Africa in coordination with Blantyre City churches on Thursday held a Jesus march from Blantyre City Old Town Hall to Nyambadwe School ground to inform people in the city about their gospel crusade scheduled for September 5 to 8, 2024.
One God Decade Africa, an international ministry under the leadership of Seigfried Tomazsewski from the United States of America will also be a guest preacher at the crusade.
He has joined hands with Blantyre City churches to host what is described as a mega gospel crusade at Nyambadwe School ground running from September 5 in the afternoon to Sunday September 8.
During the Jesus march, Country representative of One God Decade Africa, Prophet, Maxwell Juwao, told Malawi News Agency that the right time has come to proclaim the word of God to the people in Blantyre city.
He described the four-day Gospel crusade as an important celebration to Christians from different denominations, saying this will be the right time to share their Christian life experience.
Pastor Linda Mumbulu of Kingdom Christian Church from Bangwe believed that the four-day gospel crusade will also provide opportunity for many people to get transformed from sin.
“We are so grateful for this opportunity. This crusade will help people to transform as they seek to walk in the light of the Lord,” she said.
Mumbulu added that lessons and prayers at the crusade will play a significant role in reducing the number of children in conflict with the law in the city and dealing with corrupt practices that are common in society.
“I feel like Malawi as a country we are also going to benefit because when the country is led by the divine power of God it conquers bad practices,” she added.
At the end of the crusade, there will be a raffle draw where the lucky winners will be awarded with various prizes like; King Lion's motorbike, push mountain bicycles, smartphones, and a TV plasma screen among others.
President Chakwera satisfied with FOCAC 2024 outcomes
By Chikondi Chimala, in Beijing, China
Beijing, September 6: Mana: President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has described the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), as a highly successful Summit.
Chakwera said the 2024 Summit exceeded his wildest dreams as it produced tangible results that would help transform Malawi in areas that need support including infrastructure development, trade and agriculture among others.
“It was pleasing and exciting to note that China has opened up its huge market with 1.4 billion people as Malawi we will take advantage of this with our Agriculture, Tourism and Marketing (ATM) key priority areas to get a slice of the cake to achieve our much-needed development goals.”
We will take up the initiative focusing on agriculture mechanization, modernisation, industrialisation, and value addition to create a base for driving up our export potential,” said Chakwera.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), President Chakwera said he was going back to Malawi a happy person and would not rest on his laurels but make sure that Malawi claims a fair share of the cake as promised by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Delivering his keynote address during the opening session of the Summit, Xi Jinping, promised that China would open up its huge market to African exports and also provide support to Africa in 10 technical areas to help improve trade and cooperation between China and Africa as well as offering over $51 billion to support implementation of the specified areas.
Said Xi Jinping: “To implement the ten partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.”
The president also met the management of the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO) at their headquarters in Beijing who he requested to consider investing in Malawi’s energy sector.
“Malawi has enormous potential to generate more energy from solar, wind and geothermal sources,” said President Chakwera, who is in China to attend the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit.
“Your expertise could provide us with the alternative sustainable power sources that we need. We believe that partnering with GEIDCO is crucial for Malawi to further develop the energy sector by utilizing clean energy sources,” he added.
President Chakwera emphasized that energy is critical for Malawi to realize its Vision 2063, which is being driven through the ATM strategy (Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining). He stated that a minimum electricity demand of 2,200 megawatts for mining, manufacturing, and domestic consumption is necessary.
GEIDCO Chairman and President of the China Electricity Council Xin Baoan said his organisation is ready to collaborate with the Malawi government to create a better future.
Baoan said his organization is already exploring opportunities to develop Malawi's energy interconnections to foster integrated growth across the “power-mining-metallurgy-manufacturing-marketing” sectors.
Meanwhile, President Chakwera and the First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera, have left China through Beijing Capital International Airport and are expected to arrive in Malawi on Saturday.
Government urged to enhance Buy Malawian Strategy Campaign
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, September 5, Mana: An entrepreneur, Anna Keys has asked government to enhance its efforts of promoting ‘Buy Malawian Strategy Campaign’ saying it has the potential to accelerate the achievement of Malawi 2063.
Keys who is Founder of Maloto, a parent organization to Mzuzu International Academy, Kwithu Kitchen and Kwithu Community Based Organization was speaking Thursday when she opened a two-day Business Concert for youths at Mzuzu Stadium.
Keys said encouraging youth to embark on entrepreneurship without readily available markets is retrogressive and young people can be motivated to hatch entrepreneurial ideas if Malawians support the strategy.
“Most small businesses including those owned by youths have no market linkages.
“For instance, the number of fashion designers is increasing among young people, but the second-hand clothes market makes it hard for their businesses to survive. We have to slow down on importation products,” said Keys.
Director of Enterprise Development at Small and Medium Enterprise Development Institute Lydia Kadzongwe said efforts are being undertaken to enhance the promotion of youth enterprises by ensuring that their products are of high quality and desired standards.
“Young people are producing goods and high standard products that can beat most of the imported items, hence we must always allow them by providing a conducive business environment,” said Kadzongwe.
Founder of Njera Processors which produces soya bean porridge flour, Maggie Njera urged government tailor-made interventions so that youth enterprises’ products are easily certified.
“Most young people are growing into producers, however very few of them meet registration and certification standards because of exorbitant costs associated with the processes,” said Njera.
Chief Executive Officer for Mzuzu City Council, Gomezgani Nyasulu said the concert is one of the council’s way of getting closer to the youths and understanding their needs for the council to deliver young people’s expectations.
Vice President assures Chirimba residents of government support
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, September 5, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi has assured Chirimba residents of government support, saying it is committed to make them independent and self-reliant.
Usi made the remarks on Friday when he visited Maela, Namatete and Chirimba Zambezi Ground under M’dala and Suya villages in the area.
Addressing people at Maela in M’dala Village, Usi disclosed that his initial plan was to visit older people from the area to assess how they are living.
“I visited some households to know how they are living but because of time I was told to meet them at one place,” he said.
He assured the community of maize availability, saying that ADMARC depots in the area will resume operating soon.
“Our ADMARC depots will be reopened and I will make sure that maize should be available,” he said.
In response to the issue of hunger that was raised during the meeting, Usi promised to provide foodstuff.
“Tomorrow I will send maize flour and fish to share with the people that are affected by hunger, we should be sharing the little that we have,” he added.
He said people will soon start receiving loans from the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) adding he has invited officials from NEEF to examine the progress and that he will give updates after the meeting.
“Other areas have started receiving loans, I will meet with NEEF officials tomorrow and I will give you updates. As ward councilor, it is your responsibility to update people about the progress of some projects,” Usi added.
Councilor for Michiru Ward, Uche Yesaya urged the government to fast track the reopening of Maela ADMARC depot, saying it was helping people in the area, now they cannot afford to buy maize from vendors.
He said many people in the area are left out on the list of beneficiaries of NEEF loans because they are given a small number against a large population.
“Only a few people received the loans, talk to them to raise the number because those loans will help uplift people's lives,” he said.
Yesaya, therefore, thanked the Vice President for negotiating with Centenary Bank, which is willing to provide loans without collateral.
Speaking earlier, Village Head Mdala expressed gratitude, saying his subjects have been neglected for so long.
“I must thank you for visiting us, you were the first to visit when we were affected by Cyclone Freddy,” he said.
Group Village Head, Suya concurred with Mdala, saying some of his subjects are heavily affected by hunger.
“Although we are near to Chirimba Market where many people conduct businesses, people here are starving because they don't have capital,” he said.
After the meeting at Maela, Usi distributed wrappers (zitenje) to older women who were present.
The Vice President thereafter visited Suya Village in Namatete, Chirimba Township, where he promised development projects like construction of a hospital and some bridges.
Ntcheu owes NEEF over MK655 million in arrears
By Maston Kaiya
Ntcheu, September 5, Mana: Clients of the National Economic Empowerment Fund Limited (NEEF) in Ntcheu owes the institution MK655 million in arrears.
NEEF Head of Operations Kisa Kalolokesya disclosed the development during a local leaders' consultative meeting on Thursday in the district.
He said the institution disbursed MK2.5 billion to 4,109 clients in the district but the collection rate is a challenge.
"The collection rate for the district is at 68 percent which is below the average. Over MK655 million is yet to be collected from the beneficiaries," he said.
Area of Senior Chiefs Njolomole and Ganya are the biggest debtors in the district.
On his part, Senior Chief Njolomole said he was disappointed with the development and has assured stakeholders that he will embark on an awareness campaign in his area on the importance of paying back the loans.
"This is a revolving fund and needs to be honoured," said Njolomole.
Chairperson for Ntcheu District Council, Councilor Flaness Kampeni commended the meeting which will make all the stakeholders move together in addressing the challenges.
She highlighted that NEEF loans are not gifts as such people should pay back.
UN Women and UNFP court journalists on sexual exploitation and abuse reporting
By Peter Magawa
Mzuzu, September 5, Mana: UNFP Gender and Gender Based Violence Specialist, Beatrice Kumwenda on Thursday said that media has the responsibility to advocate for policy changes in where there are gaps in protection of survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) during and after disasters.
Kumwenda was speaking in Mzuzu during a training which was co-organized by UN women and United Nations Population Fund for northern region journalists under Nyika Media Club on best practices in reporting SEA during disasters.
She said that there has a been a gap on how journalists conduct themselves and report during disasters hence the need for the scribers to be oriented on basic SEA reporting.
"Malawi has been hit by various disasters during which women and girls were more vulnerable to abuse than others due to increased inequalities which are aggravated by such situations.
“It is during this time that the media has a crucial role not only to report on general challenges being experienced by survivors but to also identify the inequalities and highlight to the public the gaps that need to be addressed to reduce such vices,” said Kumwenda.
Deputy General Secretary for Association for Women in Media (AWOME), Towera Katswiri highlighted the importance of responsible journalism especially when reporting on issues of SEA.
“We have to be writing stories that can change lives and help curb issues such as rape and defilement and sexual exploitation among others.
We must go beyond reporting just to inform but to make reports that will inspire others to take action against norms and practices that fuel victimization of women and girls,” Katswiri said.
Katswiri then commended UNFP and UN Women for the training saying that the media has a huge role during and after disasters but lack expertise on how to better report on the same.
The training session is part of UN Women's broader efforts to combat SEA and promoting a culture of accountability and respect for human rights.
MRA Liwonde collects MK2bn monthly tax revenues
By Arnold Namanja
Machinga, September 5, Mana: Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) Liwonde Customs and Excise Station has registered a record increase in monthly revenue collection from MK500 million to MK2 billion, authorities have confirmed.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on the sidelines of Southern region editors’ tour of Liwonde station, MRA Marketing and Communications Manager, Wilma Chalulu attributed the increase to revival of the railway line from Nacala to Nayuchi.
Chalulu said the station, which also houses the Authority's Flexible Anti-Smuggling Team (FAST) for the Eastern region, has successfully collected the revenue as a result of the revival of the railway line which has led to importation of various commodities such as fertilizer, coal, clinker, among others.
“This record increase in revenue collection can be connected to the revival of railway transport which has seen increased volumes of goods being cleared at Liwonde Rail Station resulting in more revenue," she said.
According to Chalulu, MRA has been clearing commodities such as fertilizer in quantity of 10, 000 metric tonnes (MT), 12, 000 MT of wheat, 20, 000 MT of clinker, 1.5 MT of coal to 3 million litres of fuel monthly.
“We have had around 300 containers cleared through our inland stations.,” the marketing communications manager said.
However, Chalulu decried increasing cases of smuggling, saying the malpractice leads to crippling of government’s obligation to provide social services to the citizenry.
She said the authority is in the process of enhancing surveillance to curb smuggling by constructing road blocks in hotspots, engaging drones, enhancing taxpayer education to boost voluntary tax compliance as well as introduction of tax stamps.
“We have deployed several strategies to deal with the problem of smuggling which deprives government of the much needed revenue. We very much rely on the communities through their leadership in fighting smuggling,” Chalulu added.
She observed that sometimes smugglers become hostile to law enforcers and warned them that the law will always take its due course in such situations.
“We've had several cases where some culprits have wanted to intimidate our offices, but we don't bow down to such threats because we are protected by law. Our law enforcement partners have also been very crucial in this regard,” Chalulu said.
In a separate interview, Head of News at Capital FM Malawi, Wezzie Nyirongo Chamanza expressed satisfaction with MRA’s efforts in revenue collection, noting that revenue collected from goods transported on railway give hope that Malawi’s economy can grow significantly.
“These success stories are worth reporting about because the country depends on taxes for government operations such as procurement of drugs in hospitals,” Chamanza said.
MRA has taken editors from the Southern region on a tour to some of its establishments to appreciate its operations.
On Wednesday, the editors were taken on a tour of Marka-Nyathando Border Post in Nsanje and MRA Zomba Domestic Taxes Office.
EAM engages journalists on matters of electoral governance
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, September 5, Mana: Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) has asked Mchinji-based journalists to help them in sensitizing the public on electoral governance and anti-corruption.
Speaking during the media interaction that took place in the district where the association was introducing its project on Electoral Governance and Advocacy, the Programme Coordinator for EAM, Frazer Chikhase said media plays an important role in disseminating information, especially on the issues that affect the nation.
"The media play a bigger role. As we are getting closer to campaigns and elections, we need the media to disseminate as much information as possible so that people are well equipped with electoral knowledge and their rights," said Chikhase.
He said Malawi has new roles enacted in the electoral governance, hence people need to be educated and media is a perfect weapon to help spread the message.
Chikhase said the project will not only focus on electoral governance but will also include acquiring information from people on public service delivery and how they can overcome corruption.
Speaking on behalf of Mchinji journalists, Francis Zulu appreciated EAM for including media practitioners in the project and said Mchinji media team will work with the association accordingly.
"The media understands its role when it comes to communicating with the people, so EAM will be able to achieve the purpose of the project easily," said Zulu.
EAM is working on a project called "Churches United for Peace, Justice and Electoral Governance in Malawi" in three districts namely Mchinji, Karonga and Lilongwe.
The project has funding of 315, 000 Euros and will run for three years from November 2024 to October 2026.
Government starts revision of labour laws
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, September 5, Mana: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Chikondano Mussa says government is committed to provide decent working conditions among Malawians in line with international standards.
Mussa was speaking in Lilongwe on Thursday during the opening of a two-day labour laws consultative meeting which will among others look at the Labour Relations Act of 1996, the Employment Act of 2000 as well as the prohibition of hazardous work for children order of 2012.
She said it is high time Malawi reviewed its labour laws and several emerging issues need to be incorporated to enhance service delivery and respect human rights.
“We need laws that cater for emerging challenges and at the same time should promote decent and productive work. So, government believe the only way to do that is to solicit views from relevant stakeholders.
“At the end of the day, we need labor laws that align with the international conventions Malawi has signed to foster economic development,” said Mussa.
She mentioned that some of the laws currently under review have created gaps in the working environment, as they do not address the current conditions.
She added,” At the end of everything we believe Malawi can have labour laws that can shape the relationship between employers and workers.
On his part, Secretary General of Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU), Madalisto Njolomole said over 50 percent of Malawians work in the informal sector hence reviewing laws is a welcome development that can create a conducive working environment.
Njolomole noted that previous reviews of similar laws failed to address major challenges and has since urged participants to take the matter seriously saying matters related to labour laws are dynamic and diverse.
“We commend the government that has considered to review some labour laws in the country. The review is overdue and need to be speed up if people are to enjoy themselves in their working places. Malawi needs to domesticate all international conventions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Employers Consultative Association of Malawi's past President, Emmanuel Banda feels the review of the laws will enhance best workplace practices that would contribute positively to the development of Malawi.
Banda said such gatherings create a platform to get diverse views from relevant stakeholders that are interested in the welfare of both workers and employers.
“We need to properly look at the laws and make necessary changes where possible with a clear mind,” he said.
Mangochi Police Traffic Officer dies in a motor cycle collision
By Lyte ali
Mangochi, September 5, Mana: Police Traffic Officer, Sub Inspector Cliff Kokha who was stationed at Namwera Police Post in Mangochi died on Wednesday in a motorcycle collision at Sumaili village along Bakili Muluzi highway in the district.
Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi confirmed the accident, saying that Kokha aged 45 who was riding a Yamaha DT motorcycle, registration number BR 4783 collided with another motorcycle, ridden by 51 years old Meja Majidu from Mkambiri village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi.
“The other cyclist (Majidu) was ridding unregistered Lifo motorcycle from Chiponde direction towards Namwera and reaching Sumaili village he swerved onto the other side of road to a void rumble surface. He suddenly re-entered the main road without signaling Kokha who was travelling the same direction behind him,” she said.
Daudi added that the impact of the collision left Kokha with severe head injuries and fractured nose while Majidu also sustained head injuries and multiple fractures on his right arm.
Both were rushed to Namwera Health Center and later referred to Mangochi District Hospital where Kokha was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to the police publicist.
Kokha came from Chonde village, Traditional Authority Chimaliro in Thyolo.
