MANAonline
Traditional leaders told to champion mindset change
By Memory Chatonda
Blantyre, May 5, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has encouraged traditional leaders to raise awareness on mindset change among their subjects for the attainment of Malawi 2063.
NICE, Blantyre District Advisory Forum (DAF) Chairperson, Ken Mdala said this on Saturday at Traditional Authority (TA) Chigaru in Blantyre during community engagement meeting with community leaders and Citizen Forum members on transformative leadership.
He said apart from traditional leaders being the custodians of culture, they have a role to guide their subjects towards prosperity and self-reliance.
“We wanted to share with the traditional leaders what we call transformational leadership skills just to prepare them as they will be engaging their subjects. The issue about mindset change basically means that if the leadership is not vibrant, development fails.
“So we want chiefs to champion mindset change and, most importantly, to be in the forefront to demand transparency and accountability of development projects being implemented in their areas. As NICE, we will only guide them on the steps to take,” Mdala added.
Group Village Head (GVH) Kaphikamtama thanked NICE Trust for organizing the meeting, describing it as crucial in empowering and reminding the chiefs of their role in development.
He pledged to engage his subjects on the mindset change agenda and encouraged the youth, women, and disadvantaged groups to take up leadership positions in electoral processes.
Chakwera set to attend 2024 US-Africa Business Summit
By Gift Chiponde and Kondwani Banda
Lilongwe, May 5, Mana: All is set for 2024 US-Africa Business Summit which is scheduled to commence on May 6, 2024 in Dallas, Texas, with President. Dr Lazarus Chakwera among the African leaders taking part.
During the visit, President Chakwera is expected to hold bilateral talks and investment agreements among other engagements.
The Summit and all other engagements will provide another platform for Malawi to bolster its economic transformation.
Since ascending to power in 2020, President Chakwera has consistently articulated his vision for Malawi's economic transformation.
Central to this vision is the shift towards a more export-oriented economy.
President Chakwera's economic roadmap aims to elevate Malawi to a middle-income status by 2063, with a focus on strategic sectors such as Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining, affectionately called the ATM strategy. With a practical action plan in place, government is steadfast in its commitment to translating this vision into tangible results.
Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule who is part of the Malawi Delegation said the summit would provide a platform for the country to promote the ATM strategy.
"As a country, the gesture to participate in this forum is an indication that Malawi is open for possible markets and this will help us as a country to market our products and services," she said.
The Minister indicated that the forum would serve as a catalyst for collaboration among the African nations to promote and develop tourism and other business deals.
"You can see that the forum has attracted African heads of state, and this will give us an opportunity to discuss bilateral talks in various sectors and how we can collaborate in various fields"
This will give us an opportunity to connect our private sector with other private sectors within Africa as well as the private sector in America, " she said.
Upon his arrival, President Chakwera was welcomed by Malawi and US senior government officials, including Malawi's Ambassador to the US, Dr Agness Chimbiri.
The high-level summit has attracted African Heads of State and Government, Public Sector Executives, International Investors, and US and African government officials among others.
Government pledges adherence to upholding media freedom
By Evance Chisiano & Martin Chiwanda
Mangochi, May 4, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitization, Moses Kunkuyu has said government will continue to uphold media freedom and will not allow unfair arrests of journalists in the course of carrying out their duties.
Kunkuyu gave the assurance at Sun Bird Nkopola Leisure Centre in Mangochi during the 2024 MISA Malawi Annual Media Award Gala Dinner.
He said there is a political will in safeguarding media freedom in Malawi as has always been demonstrated by the State President, Lazarus Chakwera on commitment to freedom of the press.
Kunkuyu’s sentiments come barely two days after Chakwera during the presidential breakfast in Lilongwe as part of World Press Freedom Day at State House in Lilongwe, said he had never ordered the police to arrest any journalist and will never do that.
The minister, therefore, said this was evidence enough of the assurance to press freedom which is also in the country’s constitution.
“The president values press freedom. Government will stand with all who protect freedom of the press,” Kunkuyu said, noting that for decades the media in Malawi has gone through a lot of challenges such that the current administration was committed to do more on the press freedom than previous regimes.
MISA Malawi Vice chairperson Chisomo Ngulube said MISA Malawi wanted media freedom during the 2025 general election, adding that the media is crucial in attaining free, fair and credible elections.
“As MISA Malawi, we will continue to report cases of police searching media gadgets, arrests, physical attacks in football matches,” Ngulube added while calling for unconditional guarantee in media freedom.
On the annual media awards, Ngulube expressed gratitude to all those who submitted their entries in various media categories.
“We received overwhelming entries despite limited time,” Ngulube said.
United States (US) Embassy Charge D’Affaires, Amy Diaz said the US Government values press freedom and applauded Malawi for its Access to Information Act.
“This is an important piece of legislation. Freedom of press and democracy go hand in hand,” she said, adding that the Access to Information Act is a true commitment to open press, freedom of press and true democracy.
She, therefore, called upon government and state structures to guard against all forces that threaten media freedom such as arrests, saying failure to safeguard media freedom will only dent government image.
“We will not remain silent on issues that impinge on media freedom,” she said, adding that the US Government will partner with the media in contributing to free and credible elections.
In his keynote address, Commissioner responsible for Media and Civic Education for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Francis Kasaila said the 2024 MISA Annual Media Awards theme: “Guardians of democracy: Championing Media Independence for Credible Elections’ came 30 years after the multiparty democracy.”
Kasaila said the theme also called on the media to contribute to free, fair and credible elections that should be acceptable by all electoral stakeholders and that MEC will always recognize the media that empower citizens to make well-informed decisions.
“MEC recognizes the role of the media in elections. MEC is optimistic that there will be good turn up in the forthcoming general elections than years before,” Kasaila added.
He disclosed that MEC will reach out to train more than 300 journalists on electoral issues including amended electoral laws.
Silver lining for Bankers
By Tione Andsen
Lilongwe, May 4, Mana: Current TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers have opened a three-point gap after silencing log table anchors, Baka City 2-0 to register a first away win for the season.
The Central Bankers have 13 points from five games three away from second placed, Mzuzu City Hammers who were held to 1-1 draw against Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu stadium.
Silver’s win has created a four-point gap with defending TNM Super League Champions, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers after they played out to a 1-1 draw in a Blantyre derby at Kamuzu stadium.
Both Bullets and Wanderers have nine points in their bags and are yet to taste their first defeats of the season.
They have all registered two wins and three draws but Wanderers have a better goal difference over their rivals.
The Bankers seem to have found the new formula to win the league after being eluded in the past 10 years.
Silver Strikers looks to be clinical on goal scoring this time around under the tutelage of their coach, Peter Mponda.
They have scored 13 goals against three and the Bankers dual of Adiel Kaduya and Binwell Katinji have scored four goals and they are at par with Kamuzu Barracks striker, Zeliat Nkhoma.
Silver Strikers goalkeeper, George Chikooka has registered his second clean sheet and the first one was against his old club, Chitipa United when they won 2-0 at home.
They have won at home thrice, draw once away, win away and are yet to register a defeat for the season.
Newcomers, Baka City will have to dig deep in order to move out of the relegation zone and are currently anchoring the table with a point from five games.
They have scored two goals and conceded seven and are yet to register a win.
Police for free and fair elections
By Emily M’mangisa
Zomba, April 17, Mana: Eastern Region Police Commissioner, Violet Magwaya says police in the region is geared to ensure that the September, 2025 general elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
The Commissioner made the assurance Tuesday in Zomba during a meeting which was organized by Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) with district commissioners, chief executive officers and officers in charge from the eastern region.
“This time around, there will be no violations of human rights and let me assure you that police will arrest anyone who will try to mess up things during election period,” Magwaya said.
Magwaya also assured citizens of maximum security during registration period and poling day.
District Commissioner for Zomba, Reighgurd Chavula said the meeting with MEC was crucial and timely.
“This meeting was very important to us because we have been equipped with relevant information which will help us to carry out this task in a fairly,’’ Chavula said.
MEC Chairperson, Justice, Dr. Chifundo Kachale, said the meeting was meant to familiarize all electoral stakeholders with electoral reforms that have taken place in the electoral laws.
Government working towards communication policy and strategy
By Ernest Mfunya
Mangochi, May 4, Mana. Secretary for Information, Baldwin Chiyamwaka has said government is working on National Government Communication Policy and National Communication Strategy which are expected to guide all communication processes.
Chiyamwaka made the remarks during a panel discussion held at Fort Johnston Hotel in Mangochi where members from various media houses met to commemorate World Press Freedom Day which falls on May 3 every year.
He said the National Government Communications Policy and strategy are aimed at harnessing and coordinating all forms of information and communications in the country.
"We have the Communications Act which is regulatory in nature, but this strategy will ensure how we can operationalize government and public communications and coordinate all forms of information," said Chiyamwaka.
During the panel discussion media representatives expressed concerns over poor welfare and low salaries in their respective media houses.
However, Chiyamwaka said good policies are demand driven and urged journalists to demand what they want using the institution such as MISA Malawi and Media Council of Malawi.
“When you look at human rights based approach there is demand and supply sides and the same applies to the media because it’s the media itself that knows what's good for them,” he said.
The Information Secretary said government is committed to ensure good welfare of the media personnel in both public and private sectors.
Chairperson for Media Council of Malawi Dr. Jolly Ntaba said dissatisfactory economic welfare is one of the factors that negatively affect the media in Malawi, observing that low salaries have negative impact on the welfare of the media practitioners which in turn affect their profession.
He has since urged journalists to develop and invest in themselves, citing upgrading in educational qualifications rather than waiting for organizations to improve their welfare.
“It is imperative for journalists to invest in themselves and do personal developments. Add more education to what they have and look at opportunities that the new media platforms are offering by becoming an entrepreneur within the media industry,” said Ntaba.
Minister pledges to support the media
By Lyte Ali and Nephtali Kalumbi
Mangochi, May 4, Mana: Minister of information, Moses Kunkuyu has pledged to support journalist in the country so that they continue to operate in a free environment.
He made the marks on Saturday in Mangochi, during the world press freedom day activities, organized by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi, themed "Guardians of Democracy: championing Media independence for credible Elections"
The Minister said, President Ckakwera has not only spoken about press freedom, but also shown commitment in supporting the media in different ways such as organizing meetings with them and creating a conducive environment for their operations.
"The president has never sectioned the police to arrest any journalist which symbolizes his solidarity with the media and support for press freedom in the country"
"My coming here to join this freedom match is to follow the president steps because of the good example that he is setting of working together with the media and complementing each other in running the affairs of the country” said Kinkuyu
Kunkuyu pledged that the practice will continue in order to build a solid relationship with the media which is an important stakeholder in national building.
Vice chairperson of MISA Malawi, Chisomo Ngulube hailed the minister for joining the journalists’ on their day, saying it shows government commitment in creating a good environment for the media.
He thanked the media practitioners from various media houses for availing themselves for the function, observing this helps build cordial relationship amongst them.
Government justifies delays over construction of Bangula-Marka railway
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, May 3, Mana: Minister of transport and public works, Jacob Hara says redesigning of Bangula- Marka railway has delayed the construction works of the rail way in Nsanje District.
Hara was speaking after he inspected construction works of the railway underway in the lower shire district.
He said cyclones have forced the engineers to redesign the project to avoid railway wash away in the future
“Lucky enough cyclones came before we had gone far with the project. A lot of streams were developed and rivers changed directions which has forced us to raise the railway design and also to construct additional bridges that were not on the first design,” he said.
He assured people in the district that government will provide all necessary support to the contractor in order for the project to move faster so that people in the country should start enjoying the benefit of railway transport.
"The price of commodities will go down as the cost of transporting goods on railway is cheaper than road transport.
"As government we will provide all necessary support so that the project should be completed," said the minister.
Hara assured people that by the end of this year a locomotive from Beira will be able to reach Nsanje Boma.
He said: “We want to import fertilizer through railway this year. We may have delayed with the project but we want to construct the railway that will be resilient to natural calamities like floods that are common in the district. To achieve this, we had no choice but to change the designs because of the experience we learnt from Cyclone Freddy.”
The minister said the redesigning and the devaluation of the kwacha has forced the project cost to be revised.
Speaking during the ministerial visit, Project Manager at China Railway 20 (CR20) Zhinan Gua. Said once all resources are in place the first part of Marka- Nsanje will be completed by September this year.
Senior Chief Chimombo appealed to government to make sure that there is speed in the construction works of the project, saying the railway line will unlock economic opportunities of people in Nsanje and the whole nation.
“There will be cargo from Mozambican port of Beira coming here to Malawi and some people will find job, others will be doing business and it will lift the face of Nsanje as it will invite investors in various fields," he said.
He appealed for good working relationship between government and the contractor to speed up the construction works.
Minister to engage MNCS on stadium gate collections
By George Mponda
Karonga, May 4, Mana: Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire says he plans to discuss with Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) officials to consider stopping collection of a percentage of gate receipts during football matches at district stadiums.
The Minister said this at Karonga Stadium, Friday where he went to inspect the facility which was opened in 2018, following media reports describing the stadiums of poor state.
He said district councils are facing a lot of challenges to repair their stadiums due to inadequate financial resources.
Mkandawire said: “The revenue councils collect from matches should be enough to cover the cost of repairs but it is shared among several stakeholders.
“This is why I will engage the Malawi Council of Sports Council to stop collecting their percentage from stadium gate collections in order for district councils to have enough money for repairs."
He asked Karonga District Council to engage communities in solving the problems rocking the district’s stadium, warning that community members, teams and the district council will be negatively affected if Football Association of Malawi (FAM) bans the stadium from hosting games.
In a separate interview, general secretary for Karonga United FC, Ramsey Simwaka said they bank on the mercy of FAM officials who authorize teams to use Karonga Stadium in its bad state, due to scarcity of stadiums in the northern region.
Karonga Stadium Manager, Wilson Ngwira blamed farming activities around the stadium for causing water to flood inside the facility.
"The stadium has ponds outside which are used to drain water from the facility's drainage system. Unfortunately, the ponds are full of silt because local people are cutlivating rice around the ponds," Ngwira said.
"The stadium was also constructed on a water logged site and Karonga ground water has high iron content which is also causing the iron poles around the stadium to corrode quickly. Community members have also been vandalising toilets, wire fences and electrical equipment," he added.
Dedza DEST urged to be professional ahead of 2025 polls
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, May 3, Mana: Director of Administration for Dedza District Council, Chris Salaniponi, has advised members of the District Elections Supervisory Team (DEST) to be professional in handling electoral matters in the district in light of the forthcoming 2025 general elections.
Salaniponi made the call Friday during a meeting between officials from the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and DEST members where, among others, the two sides shared some developments that have taken place and also expectations from each other.
He pointed out that members need not to be political partisans instead they need to leave their political affiliations aside when discharging their duties.
“The elections are a national event and the way we present ourselves will be a seed on the outcome of the polls. As DEST members, we are entrusted in defusing the pressure during the electoral period and not vice versa.
“On the other hand, let’s work together. Electoral processes can’t be done by one person. Let’s work as a team,” he said.
He commended MEC for organizing what he termed as an insightful engagement adding the forum reminded members of their important roles during the elections while calling on members to use previous challenges as stepping stones on how they will improve in the next elections.
MEC Director of Electoral Services, Hastings Bota, said the electoral body appreciates unwavering commitment and support that DEST members provide before, during and after every election.
He said DEST, is one key stakeholder when it comes to the electoral body’s achievement of its mission, vision and mandate.
“You have been instrumental in managing the delegated electoral authority,” he said.
