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Muslims asked to serve one another after Ramadan
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 31, Mana: The Moslem community has been urged to continue serving one another beyond the month of Ramadan.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) after prayers marking the end of Ramadan held at Katoto Secondary School Ground in Mzuzu on Monday, Mustafa James from Hilltop location in Mzuzu said Ramadan encourages moslems to serve one another.
“Let me urge my brothers and sisters in Islam to continue helping others as Prophet Muhammad taught us”, he said.
James added that Islam is a religion that preaches love hence moslems should foster love for one another.
Echoing James’ sentiments at Mzuzu Shoprite where moslems gathered for shopping after prayers, Mariamu Adam of Chiputula township said moslems should continue doing good deeds even after the month of fasting.
Adam said there are benefits in serving and sharing with others.
She added that Moslems should embrace the spirit of gathering together for prayers in union to strengthen their faith.
Muhammad Mzee of Chibavi Townwnship said the gathering of moslems for prayers today symbolize unity among the moslem community.
He said: “This unity should be encouraged as people go back to their families to cerebrate the end of the month of fasting”.
Main prayers at Katoto Secondary School Ground were led by Sheikh Ormah Lupeya Banda and guest of honour was Vice Chairperson of the Muslim Association of Malawi in Northern Region Sheikh MacLean Mkandawire.
Vice President appeal for peace and harmony during the elections
By Bishop Witmos
Mangochi, March 31, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi appealed to religious leaders across the country to promote peace and harmony as the country prepares for general elections in September this year.
Speaking during the Eid Ul Fitr prayers at Kasolo Primary School in Mangochi, Usi said that with the elections coming closer, religious leaders should play a crucial role in promoting co- existence and unity.
“As the country is moving towards the general elections in September this year, let us encourage tolerance amongst ourselves.
“My appeal therefore is that religious leaders should use their platforms to preach messages of peace, tolerance, and understanding, and to encourage their followers to engage in constructive dialogue and respectful debate. This will help our country to continue being a peaceful nation,” he added.
Usi also encouraged the Muslim community to prioritize their children's education by enrolling them in public school apart from madrassas.
“Let us recognize the importance of Islamic education in shaping the moral and spiritual values of young people within the Muslim community. On top of that, let us also consider sending the children to public schools for the betterment of our nation,” he added.
The Muslim community on Monday celebrating the end of the Holy month of Ramadan under the theme; Unity and love for a better Malawi.
In his remarks, chairperson of the organizing committee for the prayers, Sheikh Ahmad Hussen assured the Vice President of the Muslim community support to government development efforts, as work to improve livelihood.
“Religious leaders work with government of the day, as such, we will continue supporting the current administration in serving the society,” added Hussen.
People that gathered at the prayers included Paramount Chief Kawinga, Senior Chiefs in Mangochi and government officials.
President Chakwera calls for peace and unity
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, March 31, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Monday called upon different religious groupings to live in peace and unity to foster the country's development.
Chakwera made the call at Mchoka Community Ground, in Salima district, in the area of Senior Chief Ndindi during Eid UL Fitr prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, under the theme: ‘Unity and love for a better Malawi’.
The President said everyone who had taken part in the prayers had shown a heart of co-existence and solidarity by respecting Muslims who are celebrating Eid.
"These prayers will bring to light people who want to bring divisions in the country by trying so hard to gain political mileage at every given opportunity especially during challenges that we are facing as a nation," he said.
He said it was disheartening to witness other unscrupulous individuals who try to bring division at any given opportunity to enrich themselves rather than help those in need.
"During times of crisis, relief items meant for the most vulnerable were hoarded by a select few who desired to gain a bigger share for personal benefits. The spirit of sharing and compassion, which had defined the nation for years, was at risk of being lost," he said.
He expressed dismay by some businesspeople who take advantage of economic hardships to overprice commodities.
"Some people want to create resentment and frustration among the people. Their actions were not just about profit; they were attempts to create instability and dissatisfaction among the masses," he said.
Chakwera therefore said religious differences should not bring segregation and disunity in the country.
Qadria Mushm Association of Malawi's Chairperson for Salima Chapter, Mufti Shamuuna Sosola commended the President for bringing unity and oneness among religious groupings.
"Having the President during our prayers today is a testament to his commitment to associate with different religions in the country, the President does not show favoritism or siding with one religious group," he said.
Sosola said gone are the days when there used to be segregation because of one's religion, the president has led by example by attending different religious celebrations.
"There is a small group that wants to divide this nation due to their political greed and ambitions, as religious leaders we will not allow such divisions to bring disunity," he said.
One of the Organizing members of the prayers, Uladi Mussa said it was an honour for the President to attend the prayers making him the second president in the country's history to attend such prayers in Salima district.
He commended the president for bringing food items which will be distributed to Muslims in the district, because Eid UL Fitr is about sharing and feeding those in need.
Prayers for Harmonious Co-existence and Unity in Malaw were offered by Sheikh Yamin Gulani, Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM).
The main preaching was on lessons on fasting. perseverance and continuity of morality by Sheikh Swaleh Chilundu, Vice Chairman, Majilis Ulama Council of Malawi.
Man arrested for possessing Cannabis sativa without licence
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, March 30, Mana: Police in Balaka District have arrested a 40 -year-old, John Madziadyenji for possessing 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa commonly known as Chamba without a licence.
According to Balaka Police Station publicist, Inspector, Gladson M'bumpha, the suspect was arrested on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Phalula Trading Centre in the district.
He said community members tipped Phalula Police officers that the suspect was keeping Chamba at his house near Phalula Trading Centre.
"Following this information, Detective Sub Inspector Andrex Ziba of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs with other detectives made a follow up, searched the named place where 1,500 grams of Cannabis sativa was found. The officers seized the substance arrested the suspect," said M'bumpha.
He said arrangement is underway to take the exhibits to Research Station for analysis and confirmation.
Madziadyenji comes from Phalula Village, Traditional Authority Phalula in Balaka and will appear before court soon to answer a charge of possessing Cannabis sativa without licence.
NICE intensifies civic voter education ahead of September 16 General Election
By Augustus Nkhwazi
Mzuzu, March 30, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust says it has enhanced it’s civic and voter education activities in Mzuzu City and Mzimba North ahead of the September 16, 2025 General Election.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Saturday, , District Programmes Officer for Mzimba North who is also responsible for Mzuzu City, Freency Mapanga said that NICE Trust has been conducting civic voter awareness and mobilization through variuos strategies such as meetings, trainings and football bonanzas.
“We have been doing this since August 2024, when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) launched the 2025 election activities
To reach out to many, we have also been conducting radio phone-in programmes through which we have been informing potential eligible voters to participate in voter registration and we are now mobilizing them for voter verification exercise which MEC will announce soon,” said Mapanga.
“For multiplier effect, we also utilize informal gatherings such funeral ceremonys, religious gatherings to disseminate the election related information.
She then urged political parties to concentrate on issue-based campaign while advising the young people to refrain from being used as political violence perpertrators.
Youth Officer for Mzuzu City, Misheck Msokwa advisec the youth to be objective in analysing manifestos of those seeking variuos polictiacl leadeship positions at variouos levels for them to make informed choices when the voting day comes.
Nkhata Bay District Council praised for timely payment of CS-EPWP wages
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, March 30, Mana Director of Planning and Development for Nkhotakota District Council, Davis Kavalo, has praised Nkhata Bay District Council for its efficient and timely payment of wages to Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works (CSE-PWP) participants.
Kavalo made the remarks Friday during a CS-EPWP learning visit aimed at facilitating experience sharing among Nkhotakota, Nkhata Bay, and Dowa District Councils, organized by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
He noted that Nkhotakota often struggles with payments to participants but expects improvements following the knowledge gained from the visit.
"We have learned the skills and strategies that Nkhata Bay uses, such as working closely with digitizers and intensified supervision.
"We will apply these back home, and surely things will improve," he said.
Kavalo also commended Nkhata Bay's approach to packaging interventions in one area, which gives hope to farm owners of improved harvests.
Land Resources Officer for Dowa, Damasoni Mhone, highlighted cross-cutting issues observed during the visit, emphasizing the need for improved coordination among farmers, extension workers, and the District Environmental Sub Committee (DESC).
"We can say that Nkhata is winning in terms of soil conservation. However, we have cross-cutting issues that we must all improve on, like the way we coordinate our activities," he said.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay District Council, Rodgers Newa, described the visit as an eye-opener as they have leant a number of things from their colleagues.
"As we wait to transition to electronic payment, our friends have shared with us the benefits they've already started enjoying through this system and the little challenges they face among other things
"This has given us the energy to keep improving in the way we implement subsequent cycles of the program ahead."
NLGFC cluster coordinator for the Northern Region, Duncan Magwira, emphasized that the learning visits are arranged not for councils to compete but to share knowledge
CS-EPWP is being implemented across the country through the National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Lusubiro Community Care supports vulnerable households in Karonga
By Patience Harawa
Karonga, March 30, Mana: Lusubiro Community Care organization has distributed cash to 279 vulnerable households in Karonga who are struggling to meet their basic needs during the lean season.
Speaking on Saturday after the cash distribution exercise, Orphans and Vulnerable Officer for Lusubiro Community Care, Wisdom Kayange said each of the 279 households received K52,000 through the Integrated Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children and Youth (IVOC II) project.
Kayange said the project is targeting households facing extreme food and financial hardships including those looking after orphans and vulnerable children in the district.
He said by providing direct financial support, Lusubiro Community Care aims to empower families to purchase essential food items and meet urgent household needs, ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry.
“The lean season is a particularly difficult time for many families, and through this cash transfer initiative, we hope to bring relief to those who need it most. We believe that strengthening social protection mechanisms is key to reducing the vulnerabilities faced by orphaned children and their caregivers,” said Kayange
One of the beneficiaries, Grace Kumwenda commended Lusubilo Community care organization for the help which she said is a huge relief to many vulnerable households.
“I am deeply grateful for this support. The cash transfer will enable me to buy food and meet my basic needs. The support from Lusubiro Community Care has been a lifeline for my family and many other community members,” Kumwenda said.
In his remarks Group Village Head Kanyuka called for more social protection initiatives saying many members of the community are struggling to fend for their families as food prices continue to soar.
“This support is timely and has helped alleviate the suffering of many families in our community. We appreciate the efforts of Lusubiro Community Care and look forward for more similar interventions as they cost of living is unbearable for most families,” Kanyuka said.
Duty bearers advised to observe people’s entitlements
By Richard Kagunda
Kasungu, 30, Mana: Duty bearers in Kasungu District have been advised to respect and observe people’s entitlements when executing their duties, saying good service delivery should be accompanied by respect for human dignity.
Deputy Director for Child Rights under Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Jeremiah Mpaso, said this on Friday in Kasungu District during a training the commission organized to raise awareness on entitlements for all.
“We thought it wise to reach out to duty bearers to remind them about the significance of respecting people’s rights because they are the service providers and when executing their duties, they need to do it responsibly in the sense that they do not have to violate entitlements for rights holders.
“A duty bearer has obligations and responsibilities about the realization of human rights. We expect them to be at the forefront in promoting human rights and even educate those who are ignorant about their rights.” Mpaso said.
He added: “Duty bearers should be reminded that they are there to serve the people and not otherwise. Therefore, they are obligated to respect, promote, as well as realize human rights and refrain from any form of violation.”
Mpaso also said some rights holders are ignorant about their rights hence they are unable to know and challenge violations.
District Social Welfare Officer for Kasungu, Ephraim Njikho commended MHRC for conducting the training, describing it as a timely reminder to service providers on the need to serve people with diligence.
“It is a wake-up call to all of us that we must respect the rights of the people we serve.
“We must refrain from exploiting the vulnerability of the people we serve to our advantage. We applaud the MHRC for deciding to bring this training here in Kasungu.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi provide a road map for equality and freedom of every individual to be served with respect and dignity.
Kasungu farmers urged to embrace diversification
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, March 30, Mana: Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers in Kasungu to embrace diversification and value addition to their farm produce, stressing it is a key driver of agricultural commercialization.
Deputy Director of Agriculture responsible for field crops, Osborne Tsoka, made the remarks on Friday during an Agriculture Field Day at Malama Village in Mtunthama Extension Planning Area (EPA) under Traditional Authority Chinyama in the district.
Tsoka said as the country grapples with climatic shocks, diversification is crucial in ensuring food security.
He said agriculture field days provide a learning and marketing platform for farmers, where different players in the sector showcase new technologies.
“The Ministry of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to embrace diversification, processing, and irrigation to enhance food security. This is in response to climate change challenges that affect our farmers,” he said.
He added that the government through the Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance value addition in farm produce in order to boost exports.
"As we encourage farmers to add value to their farm produce, we are also engaging with the Malawi Bureau of Standards for product certification so that we should be able to export our goods and generate forex," he said.
During the field tour, Tsoka also visited Mlatho Milk Bulking Group and K2 Tigwiranemanja AIDS Support Organization, where he appreciated milk cattle management and a milk processing plant.
Kasungu Agriculture Development Division Programmes Manager, Yusuf Shaibu, acknowledged that climate change is one of the major challenges affecting farmers in the district.
He encouraged farmers to adapt modern and sustainable ways of farming as a way of countering impacts of climate change.
"Climate change is heavily impacting our farmers. For instance, this year we experienced dry spells in some areas.
“That is why we are encouraging farmers to embrace diversification and modern farming practices," Shaibu said.
Despite the challenges, Shaibu said the division is impressed with farmers' adaptation rate to sustainable and modern farming methods to counter climate-related risks and uncertainties.
Member of Parliament for Kasungu East Constituency, Madalitso Kazombo, said empowering small-scale farmers is crucial for ensuring food security and enhancing agricultural commercialization.
He urged the government to continue investing in the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to support more youths in the agriculture sector.
On his part, Chairperson of the District Agriculture Extension Coordinating Committee, Peter Minjale said the district has made significant strides in promoting diversification as witnessed by increased production of other farm produce besides maize.
The field day was organized by Kasungu District Council under the theme "Promoting Resilient Food Systems for Inclusive Agricultural Commercialization."
Inadequate special needs teachers affect inclusive education in Kasungu
By Gracious Phiri
Kasungu, March 30, Mana: Kasungu District Council Social Welfare Officer, Ephraim Njikho, has expressed concern over lack of well-trained special needs teachers in primary schools, a development said to be hindering efforts towards achieving inclusive education in the district.
Njikho made the remarks Saturday following a joint monitoring visit for World Vision Malawi's Able to Thrive Project interventions at Mutchenda in the area of Senior Chief Chulu in Kasungu.
The project aims at improving the well-being of 4 300 children with disabilities by promoting access to quality and inclusive services for their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
According to Njikho, most primary schools lack special needs teachers, a situation that leads to a compromise on the provision of quality inclusive education in the district.
He therefore hailed World Vision Malawi for its intervention, saying Able to Thrive Project has already made a significant impact in promoting access to quality and inclusive education services for learners with disabilities.
"We are impressed with strides made under this project which has largely helped to take out obstacles that impeded children with disabilities from accessing education.
“However, we have observed that there is a shortage of special needs teachers in the schools, and this is among the bottlenecks that are slowing down the efforts being made,” Njikho said.
The Council's District's Education Management Information System Officer, Anthony Chipoka, acknowledged the challenge stating that the district has only 15 teachers that are trained with special needs skills.
He said: “With support from various partners, we have been able to introduce several initiatives to make sure that more teachers are equipped with special needs skills to reduce this gap.”
On her part, the charity’s Disability Inclusion Specialist, Chimwemwe Mungomo said the monitoring visit was organized to appreciate progress of the project and share ideas on areas to improve.
Through the Able to Thrive Project, World Vision Malawi is promoting inclusive education through the provision of assistive devices, establishing parent support groups and sign language clubs in schools and conducting referrals, among others.
The Project is being implemented in four districts of Mzimba North, Kasungu, Dowa and Ntchisi.
