MANAonline
Chakwera advocates for favorable work environment
By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, May 1, Mana: President Lazarus Chakwera has reaffirmed government's commitment to create a favorable environment for workers to deliver tangible results that would foster the country's socio-economic development.
He made the remarks on Wednesday at Njamba Freedom Park in Blantyre when he led workers in the country in World Labour Day commemoration.
Chakwera said he is aware of the challenges workers face in line of their duties, describing the challenges as 'temporary'.
He further stressed that government has enacted different pieces of legislation to ensure that workers work in a conducive environment and that their rights are respected and protected at all times.
"We have the Labour Relations Act and the Workers Compensation Act, in particular, which has been established under the Pension Act. These are some of the safety nets to support the workers," he said.
Chakwera, therefore, commended workers in general for the invaluable contribution they make to promote development in the country.
He, however, advised workers to embrace the spirit of hard work and dedication to achieve tangible and desired results which will, in turn, promote development in all sectors of the economy.
"Whether you are employed in construction projects, Mega Farms, foreign business investments, or you are operating small-scale businesses that were supported by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), work hard and deliver good results," he said.
Chakwera also said government will continue implementing social protection programmes such as AIP and Social Cash Transfer to support vulnerable households with food and income.
Speaking earlier, Employers Consultative Association of Malawi president Anne Chavula recognized the good relationships existing between employers and employees in the country, noting that such cordial engagements are helping to foster development in the country.
She hailed President Chakwera for assenting to different laws, such as the amendment of Pension Act 2023 and Labour Relations Act, all aimed at promoting fair treatment and protecting employees against modern day 'slavery'.
In his remarks, Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) Secretary General Madalitso Njolomole appealed to government to fast-track the gazetting of the newly adjusted tax-free band from K100, 000 to K150, 000 to ensure that low-income earners have more disposable income.
Njolomole also asked government to institute measures that will ensure that companies employ more local skilled workers than foreigners.
On his part, MCTU president Charles Kumchenga commended Chakwera for walking in solidarity with the Union since he assumed the presidency four years ago.
Kumchenga also hailed Chakwera's administration for recruiting and promoting more teachers across the country.
Earlier, President Chakwera, together with the First Lady Monica Chakwera, joined the solidarity walk from Robin's Park to Njamba Freedom Park.
Upon arrival at the venue, he toured pavilions mounted by different public service institutions, showcasing products and services.
Labour Day falls on the 1st of May every year and is celebrated globally. The day offers a platform to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions of workers, advocate for their rights, and promote decent work for all.
This year, the event was commemorated under the theme: 'Investing in Social Protection in Achieving Decent Work for All'.
Parliament launches Phungu Wanga Project
By Winfrida Kamwana
Mchinji, May 1, Mana: Parliament of Malawi has launched "Phungu Wanga" Project which is solely designed to address burning issues that bring about misunderstandings between Members of Parliament (MPs) and the citizens.
The project, launched at Kawere Ground in Mchinji, is about strengthening Parliament of Malawi to perform better in its oversight, legislative and representative function.
Speaking at the event, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara said that bringing parliament closer to the people will effectively and positively improve the relation between MPs and citizens.
"Citizens will have the opportunity to engage with their elected representatives at a more personal level, fostering a deeper sense of community empowerment," said Gotani Hara.
She further explained that if people have an understanding of what parliament is all about and the roles of the MPs, they will be able to make sound and informed decisions when voting instead of voting and choosing leaders based on assumptions.
"Some members of parliament have been voted out of office because people thought they were not performing well, just because they could not ascertain to other works that the community thought were the roles of an MP, which in a way affects the development of the community," explained Hara.
In her remarks, Member of Parliament for Mchinji North Constituency, Rachel Mazombwe Zulu, thanked parliament for choosing her constituency as one of the beneficiaries of the project, saying this will not just bring the people closer to the leaders, but will also address the gap that is there in terms of the roles of the people in development.
"This project is a milestone in achieving some developmental goals that are set back due to people’s negligence who think that it is only the MP that can do a particular job,” said Zulu.
She went on to say this will also empower people to be advocating and be demanding change where they feel it is needed.
Head of Development Corporation from European Union, Ivo Hoefkens, said funding the project came in because EU saw the right direction democracy is taking in the country.
"The coming in of the project will uphold transparency and accountability among leaders in parliament, thereby increasingly pushing democracy into the right direction," said Hoefkens.
"Phungu Wanga" is a two and half year’s project with K1.2 billion funding.
The project is funded by European Union and implemented by Save the Children and Centre for Civil Society Strengthening in Mchinji, Rumphi, Balaka and the Malawi Parliament.
Digital airtime and data transactions to save forex
By Lesnat Kenan
Lilongwe, May 1, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General Daud Suleman has highlighted the importance of phasing out physical airtime and data scratch cards in Malawi, saying this will help the country to save forex used to import the airtime scratch cards.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at Sunbird Hotel in Lilongwe during the press briefing on the phasing out of physical airtime and data scratch cards in Malawi.
"The Authority has issued out directive, requiring that all licensed operators that are in the business of mobile networks in Malawi should move from providing top-ups from scratch cards to begin using digital means of topping up.
"This is not brand new mechanism; most of the mobile network operators and mobile internet providers already provide digital top-ups but what we have pushed is for a fast-tracking for fully adoption of digital ways and means of transactions," said Suleman.
He added that the development is part of government’s initiative to promote digital transactions and limit cash usage and promote economic growth.
In his remarks, Airtel Malawi Managing Director Charles Chimoto expressed his excitement for the development, saying this will help to reduce distances for transactions, especially for the customers in rural areas.
Kamoto also added that Airtel Malawi has already surpassed 80 percent in terms of usage of digital solutions to recharge airtime and buy bundles and that only seven percent of customers is still using physical airtime and data transactions.
"With the coming in of directive from MACRA, we are putting mechanism to expand further on our agents’ network, especially in rural areas, as well as communicating to customers on what we are going to do so that everyone in the country embraces this digital recharge," added Kamoto.
The phasing out process starts on 1 May 2024 and MACRA is expecting that all mobile network operators will fully complete moving away from physical scratch cards to digital top-up platforms by 31 December 2024.
NCIC set for Dash Board tool launch
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe, May 1, Mana: National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) has said Analytical Dash Board, which will be launched on Friday, will assist in increasing transparency and preventing delivery of substandard projects in the country.
Speaking during the press briefing in Lilongwe on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer for NCIC, Engineer Gerald Khonje, said the Dash Board is a tool that will assist all stakeholders and the general public to view information about the projects that have been uploaded on a platform called Information Platform for Public Infrastructure (IPPI).
"Now the Dash Board will be able to analyze information from each and every project and simplify that information so that when you go on that platform you will be able to see the steps.
"It will also help the general public to take duty bearers to task and, for us as regulators, we also analyze that information and identify gaps and develop interventions that will help to address those gaps," Khonje said.
He further said the IPPI platform is a mixed bag of projects and that prompted NCIC to come up with various interventions that will prevent substandard projects.
"There are some projects that progress very well, they are on course and within the budget but there are some projects that are delayed with varied periods.
"That's the reason why NCIC, after analyzing that information, we came up with interventions to be able to avoid delivering substandard projects and also to advise various stakeholders on what they should do to ensure we consistently deliver quality infrastructure," he said.
In his comment, chairperson for Construction Sector Transparency (COST) initiative, who is also chairperson for Blantyre Water Board, Joe Ching'ani, said the coming in of Dash Board is an indication of the strides and efforts registered by COST.
He also hailed the current administration under President Lazarus Chakwera for taking Malawi back to Open Government Partnership (OGP), which is a global programme.
NCIC aims at creating an enabling environment for a vibrant and innovative construction industry for the delivery of quality infrastructure and economic empowerment.
Security expert urges stakeholder collaboration with police
By Blessings Preston Memena
Mzuzu, April 30, Mana: A Mzuzu University-based security expert, Theodora Thindwa has urged relevant stakeholders to work together with the Malawi Police Service (MPS) to reduce rampant crime that has been happening in Mzuzu City.
This follows a spate of armed robberies in the city over the past two months.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Thindwa, a lecturer in the Department of Governance, Peace and Security Studies, noted that social and economic factors are some of the crime drivers.
He said there is need for relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations to enhance the capacity of police in dealing with crime.
“There is need to support Malawi Police officers to acquire modern skills such as how to use forensics so that they can arrest crime perpetrators and recover the stolen properties in good time,” Thindwa said.
However, Thindwa urged Mzuzu residents to be proactive in taking measures that can safeguard them from criminals and asked Mzuzu City Council to ensures that street lights in the city are functioning.
“Residents should be clearing all places that could be used as hideouts including clearing unnecessary bushes around their residences. In addition, the Mzuzu City Council should invest in security lights and support neighborhood watch and community policing initiatives”, she said.
In a related development, Northern Region Police’s Public Relations Officer, Maurice Chapola said police are trying their best to reduce crime in the region.
She was speaking in an interview on Monday after arresting seven people who are suspected of being behind a spate of robberies targeting lodges and high profile business people in Mzuzu City.
“During the past weeks we have been receiving reports of criminals targeting lodges and high profile people including foreign nationals. We made a statement as MPS assuring the residents to remain calm and vigilant while giving us enough time to launch an investigation and we have since arrested the seven suspects,” Chapola said.
The suspects are Chikondi Phiri, aged 45 from Mayaka Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chikowi in Zomba, Bright Ben, aged 45 from Mphepo Village, T/A Wimbe in Kasungu, Wested Taulo, Aged 40 from Sabwilabwi Village, T/A Paundi in Manica Mozambique.
Others are Masautso Kaipa, aged 32 from Mlandeni Village, T/A Mpamba in Chiradzulu, Sam Petro, aged 24, Amos Petulo, aged 28, both from Dongo Village, T/A Nsabwe and Yankho Wonderford, aged 18 from Chalingana Village T/A Chaangata, all in Thyolo.
NGOs advised to adhere to operating requirements
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, April 30, Mana: Chief Executive Officer for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) Regulatory Authority (Ngora), Edward Chileka Banda has advised NGOs to abide by standards as stipulated by Ngora for them to continue operating in the country.
Chileka Banda was speaking, Monday in Mzuzu during Ngora’s interaction with northern region based NGOs on development updates in the sector, legal and policy matters.
He said NGOs are supposed among others, to pay for their annual licenses besides paying for registration which is done once for all and submit reports to Ngora for sanity operations of the NGO Sector.
“Ngora has no intention to close down or penalize NGOs, we are just enforcing compliance which stipulates among others that only registered NGOs with valid licenses should operate in the country,” said Chileka Banda.
He said some NGOs have lost direct funding opportunities due to non-compliance thereby ending being overpowered by International NGOs.
Chileka Banda also said any investment by development partners into NGOs is meant to benefit and empower local communities and advised them to have vibrant financial management systems to avoid fraud and corrupt practices in the institutions.
“You should always be accountable for resources which you get from donors for sustainable investments in the interest of local communities. Government will not ask you for money as the resources are meant to be channeled towards improving health and livelihoods for Malawians,” he said.
In her remarks, Presidential Advisor on NGOs, Martha Kwataine said that some NGOs are corrupt, nontransparent and lack integrity and that government can not allow such type of institutions to access funding.
She said people should establish NGOs for the sole purpose of supporting Malawians not as sources of employment.
“Experience has shown that we have a huge number of NGOs who do not nesscearily serve people as is expected.
We have witnessed a mushrooming of NGOs in the past five or 10 year and some of them are solely established for making money or employment thereby facing difficulties in complying with donor requirements ending up losing funding from donors,” said Kwataine.
Chief Executive Officer for Youth Watch Society, Mateyu Mukhuta Banda, said NGOs which are suspected of being involved in fraud and corruption related activities should be investigated and shamed.
Likoma’s electoral stakeholders sensitized on new electoral laws
By Ireen Mseteka
Likoma, April 30, Mana: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Commissioner, Caroline Mfune has asked electoral stakeholders in Likoma to sensitize people in the district on new electoral laws to prepare them for September 2025 General Elections.
She was speaking on Monday during an electoral stakeholders’ awareness meeting on new electoral laws, new constituency and ward boundaries and polling centres, saying people should be well informed to ensure credible elections.
“The reason we have called various electoral stakeholders is to sensitize them on new developments in the electoral laws so that they should in turn sensitize communities on the same. The electoral laws have been reviewed so we want people to understand what has changed,” said Mfune.
She said some of the laws that have been reviewed include the voting time which previously was from 6am to 6pm. She said now the voting time will be from 6am to 4pm.
Mfune said another law which has changed was the first-past-the-post system of determining the winning presidential candidate to the 50+1 system. She said there is also an addition of polling Centre’s to align with newly demarcated wards and constituencies.
Speaking on behalf of the District Commissioner, Director of Finance (DFO) for Likoma, Wilson Muziya, asked the stakeholders to intensify sensitization on the new developments to ensure free and fair general elections.
“This is an important meeting which would help people of Likoma to become conversant with the electoral laws which have just been introduced. Stakeholders need to take this information down to the communities,” said Muziya.
Among others, the meeting was attended by political party representatives, traditional leaders, faith leaders and civil society leaders.
Chakwera appeals for support towards disaster survivors
By Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha
Lilongwe April 30, Mana: Malawi`s President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday appealed for in-kind and financial support towards Malawians that were affected by the El Nino induced prolonged dry spell and floods.
He made the appeal on Tuesday, when he launched the National El Nino Induced Prolonged Dry spell and Floods Response Plan, at a function that took place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Chakwera expressed gratitude to individuals, organizations and nations that already started supporting Malawi when he declared a state of national disaster in 23 out of the country's 28 districts.
''I urge you to stand with Malawi again in the present storm. Already in response to the state of disaster, a number of you reached out with resources. I am urging you to please align the support with the national response plan, and the support should be driven by data provided by the plan,'' said Chakwera.
The launch was witnessed by various stakeholders from humanitarian partners, companies, religious bodies, associations, government ministries, departments and agencies, foreign governments, organizations and individuals of goodwill.
UN Resident coordinator, Rabecca Adda Dontoh, said partners need to come together to support Malawi, as this has come when Malawi had not yet fully recovered from other disasters.
''The response plan is a balance, it’s for immediate humanitarian need, medium and long term response on agricultural production. Therefore, I am calling on all international development partners, even friends of Malawi to rally around this response plan,'' said Dontoh.
Presenting an overview of the National El Nino induced prolonged dry spell and floods response appeal, Commissioner for DoDMA, Charles Kalemba said the response appeal indicates the need for support in terms of production and consumption.
''The response plan aims at addressing the immediate impact and also focuses on building up the capacity of Malawians to produce, in order to stock up the grain reserves, in an effort to rebuild and recover from the severe impact of the prolonged dry spell and floods,'' said Kalemba.
Kalemba also presented the Cyclone Freddy response and progress, saying there was a good response from various stakeholders towards the Cyclone Freddy survivors.
''A total sum of K6.2 billion was mobilized for the Cyclone Freddy, and was used for; decommissioning of camps in Blantyre, procurement of food and non-food items, implementation of cash transfers, rehabilitation of roads and health Centre’s, transportation of relief items, search and rescue operations and packaging of relief items” said Kalemba.
The response plan is mobilizing resources of about K800 billion, which is expected to assist 2 Million households that have been affected by the El Nino induced prolonged dry spell and floods.
Creative investment, innovative returns-chakwera
By Sheminah Nkhoma
Lilongwe, April 30, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has urged the public and international agencies to invest heavily in Creativity and Innovation sector to achieve sustainable growth in the country.
Speaking during the commemoration of World creativity and Innovation Day on Tuesday at Bingu international Convention Center (BICC) in Lilongwe, Chakwera said it’s high time that Malawi as a nation puts effort towards developing the country in creative ways.
He said the country has many youths who are passionate about creating new things but lack financial support.
“We have a lot of skilled youths in the country so we need to invest in them because what they are doing on the ground in not enough. If we support them, surely we are going to develop their career.
“While we want to support the youth in their creative and innovative activities, our vision should extend from short to long term interventions. We ask donor partners to provide more support in this sector”, said Chakwera.
The president further urged people to be more practical than theoretical in creating innovative ways that can help develop the nation.
United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator, Rebecca Addah-Dontoh, said most vulnerable people are left out on issues of national importance, hence the need to have them included in creative and innovative activities if we want to achieve the Agenda 2063.
“We share a vision with the government of Malawi, so we need to scale up for greater impact in this initiative. Women, youths and people with disabilities should not be left out because they also have different skills which can help to develop the country” she said.
In 2002, the UN designated April 21 each year as World Creativity and Innovation Day, aimed at advocating and raising awareness about the pivotal role creativity and innovation plays in global development.
The first ever commemoration of World Creativity and innovation Day in Malawi was celebrated under the theme “Step out, Create and innovate for the Malawi We Want”.
New staff house brings relief to communities
By George Mponda
Karonga, April 30, Mana: Facility-in-Charge for Mwenilondo Health Centre in Karonga, Ruth Gumbo has hailed construction of a K23 million staff house for creating room for an extra nurse at the facility.
In an interview on Monday, a clinical technician at the facility, located along the M1 Road in Paramount Chief Kyungu's area, she said before the construction of the staff house, she was working day and night shifts.
Gumbo said that, "The health facility has a catchment area of more than 11,000 people but we serve clients from far areas like Mwambuli, Lupembe, Ipyana and travellers using the M1 Road who patronize the facility which made my job tough."
"But now, with the construction of this house, a nurse was assigned to the health centre and and we are working together. Although there is still need for more houses but atleast now I have a colleague who is helping serve alot of clients who come here," she added.
Gumbo appealed to government, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to keep on supporting the facility in order to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community around it.
Chairperson for Mwenilondo Health Centre Management Commitee (HCMC), Chancy Kayira said due to lack of staff houses, service delivery at the facility was poor as it was exhausting for one clinician to attend to patients during day and night.
“Other staff members lived far from the facility like at Ipyana and Karonga Boma which made them not able to attend to patients, particularly pregnant women and children at night," he said.
According to the Acting Director of Public Works for Karonga District Council, Yamikani Bokosi, the staff house was constructed with about K23 million Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds.
Goal 3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seeks to ensure that signatory countries, including Malawi, achieve good health and wellbeing for its citizens especially access to primary health care at all levels, by 2030.
