Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, November 15, Mana: Students of Rumphi Teachers Training College (TTC) petitioned the District Commissioner for Rumphi on Friday over delayed payment of teaching practice allowances for some student teachers and water and sanitation challenges at the institution.

The students argued through their petition that water challenges have led to poor sanitation and hygiene at the campus.

In an interview, the student leader, Sengerewayo Wirikani, said the students have been facing the challenges for a long time and are hoping for a lasting solution.

"There are over 500 students at the school. Due to water challenges, we are forced to use alternative pit latrines, which are not even adequate for all of us.

“Some student teachers have also not been paid their allowances. We therefore ask government to come to our rescue so that we continue concentrating on our studies," said Wirikani.

District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu promised to take the grievances to the relevant authorities for redress.

When contacted, Public Relations Manager for the Northern Region Water Board, Edward Nyirenda said that water supply challenges in the district will be addressed once Rumphi Water Supply and Sanitation Services Project is completed.

“The project which will be finished in 2027 is funded by the African Development Bank and Malawi Government. At least 158,000 people in Rumphi and some parts of Mzimba are expected to benefit from the project,” said Nyirenda.

By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, November 16, Mana: Malawi Congress Party Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Mpenu, Eisenhower Mkaka has urged residents of Nathenje to place their trust in President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for the continued advancement of sustainable development in the country.

Mkaka made the remarks on Saturday during the final match of the Bonanza between Nathenje Stars and Chowa Football Club, held at Nathenje Primary School Grounds in Lilongwe.

He stressed that President Chakwera is implementing various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Malawians across all regions of the country, hence the need to vote for him in the upcoming 2025 general election for such development to continue.

Mkaka also pledged to ensure that beneficiaries of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) receive substantial benefits without falling victim to illegal fertilizer vendors who exploit farmers during the planting season.

"I am committed to ensuring that every AIP beneficiary has access to fertilizer and other farming inputs consistently.

“I urge you to report any illicit activities by these vendors so that we can effectively execute the President's vision of ensuring food security in our constituency,” said Mkaka.

Additionally, Mkaka has announced plans to launch a K10 million Football League in January 2025 to provide the youth in the constituency with an opportunity to engage in competitive sports.

He also underscored the importance of constituents registering to vote when the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) conducts voter registration in the constituency, enabling them to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election.

In his remarks, Senior Group Village Headman Kamundi expressed his satisfaction with the Bonanza, noting that it has significantly impacted the lives of many youths in the constituency.

"The Bonanza has indeed benefited the youths in my area who were previously idle, and I am pleased to hear about our parliamentarian's initiative to launch a K10 million League, a commendable development,” said Kamundi.

He Commended Mkaka for his unwavering dedication and commitment to developing the constituency in various sectors such as road infrastructure, water accessibility, and youth involvement.

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, November 15, Mana: Students of Rumphi Teachers Training College (TTC) petitioned the District Commissioner for Rumphi on Friday over delayed payment of teaching practice allowances for some student teachers and water and sanitation challenges at the institution.

The students argued through their petition that water challenges have led to poor sanitation and hygiene at the campus.

In an interview, the student leader, Sengerewayo Wirikani, said the students have been facing the challenges for a long time and are hoping for a lasting solution.

"There are over 500 students at the school. Due to water challenges, we are forced to use alternative pit latrines which are not even adequate for all of us.

“Some student teachers have also not been paid their allowances. We therefore ask government to come to our rescue so that we continue concentrating on our studies," said Wirikani.

District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu promised to take the grievances to the relevant authorities for redress.

When contacted, Public Relations Manager for the Northern Region Water Board, Edward Nyirenda said that water supply challenges in the district will be addressed once Rumphi Water Supply and Sanitation Services Project is completed.

“The project which will be finished in 2027 is funded by the African Development Bank and Malawi Government. At least 158,000 people in Rumphi and some parts of Mzimba are expected to benefit from the project,” said Nyirenda.

By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, November 16, Mana: Chief Executive Officer for Shaping Our Future Foundation (SOFF) Dr. Micheal Mkandawire says his organization will hold a high-level breakfast on Monday as one way of helping to end Tuberculosis (TB)by 2030 and also to end stigma as a nation.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday at the Central Office of Information in Lilongwe, Mkandawire said the high-level breakfast will bring together different stakeholders from across the country.
“The First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera will on Monday 18th November host a High- Breakfast to amplify missing voices aimed at ending Tuberculosis (TB). The function is scheduled to take place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
"We will be joined by people from the Global Fund and other stakeholders from across the country to amplify global health and voice towards ending the disease," said Mkandawire.
Technical Advisor for Paradiso TB patients Trustie, Mara Kubweza said their involvement in the High- level breakfast is for them to show the world that TB survivors are there to minimise stigma across the world.
"We are very honoured as TB survivors to be part of this auspicious occasion. We will take advantage of this gathering to make a statement about what is happening in the country and also bring up the issues that are affecting us in the response,” she said.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of Facilitators of Community Transformation (FACT) Thokozile Phiri said they know some of the stigmas that have been there and are working towards minimising them.
"We have been doing awareness in Malawi to make sure that people are aware of TB and how to end it. With strong political will, we can end TB. We are very happy that the First Lady of this country is an ambassador for TB,” she said.

By Martha Rukunya

Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: The Japanese government has pledged a K113 million grant to support the construction of Makala Primary School Blocks in Lilongwe.

The USD 66.143 (approximately K113 million) grant will go into the construction of school blocks, teacher’s houses and office and toilets.

Speaking after signing the contract agreement, the Japanese ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya expressed optimism about the positive impact of the project".

He said the new classroom blocks will alleviate challenges currently being faced at the school and enable learners to take their lessons in a conducive environment."

 The Japanese ambassador emphasized the importance of primary education, observing it is a key for human foundation and the driving force for the development of the country, adding this is why Japan has supported investment in people.

Head teacher for Makala Primary School Christopher Chakatuwa said the school faces a lot of challenges due to the increasing number of students.

He said as a result, many students have to take their lessons under trees which makes it difficult for teaching and learning to take place during the rainy season,

“This new infrastructure will create a more stable and conducive learning environment for the students” he said.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education Responsible for Basic Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, hailed the Japanese government for its continued support to the education sector in the country, which she said was instrumental in the ministry realization of its goals.

The funding has been provided through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects which will address urgent needs of Makala Primary School, currently facing numerous challenges due to a rising student population.

By James Ngalande

Dowa, February 7, Mana: The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) through its Universal Service Fund (USF) has committed its support to the Ministry of Education to introduce sign language in all primary and secondary schools in Malawi.

MACRA Executive Director Daudi Suleman made the remarks on Monday during the opening of a 5-day training of trainers in sign language in Dowa. He emphasized that for the nation to develop, every Malawian must have equitable access to communication services regardless of location and disability.

"Equitable communication services to all the citizens in Malawi including persons with hearing disability is the backbone to the development of Malawi. But there are challenges in Malawi’s education sector in fully accommodating learners who are deaf which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of performance.

“It is with this background that MACRA through USF decided to step in and support the education sector to introduce and promote sign language in all schools so that every Malawian has access to information," he said.

Daudi said inclusive access to communication and education services will also contribute to achieve Malawi 2063 goals.

Deputy Director for inclusive education in the Ministry of education Lucy Magagula said the inclusion of sign language in all schools will help learners with hearing disability in their studies and eventually bridge the communication gap.

"The Ministry is very grateful to MACRA through USF for the support. This is a very important step because we have a lot of learners who are deaf hence requiring specialists to teach them, of which we have few. Therefore, this training will help address this challenge," said Magagula.

One of the participants Hannah Chiwindi from Thyolo secondary school applauded MACRA for the initiative saying this will help them to deliver

By Pempho Kantayeni and Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Sexual Reproductive Health Research African Trust SRHR (SAT) has urged the media to help disseminate information regarding sexual reproductive health in the country.

SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Country Director, Robert Phiri said this during a media engagement meeting on Sexual Reproductive Health held in Lilongwe on Friday.

He said the media has a critical role to play in disseminating information to people by covering stories on sexual reproductive health without fear of being criticized by the public since these stories are considered sensitive.

“Sexual reproductive health issues require a lot of attention from people hence the media should be on the forefront in disseminating right information to the people.

“In as much as we are making progress in some areas such as fighting HIV, we are not making much progress on issues of teen pregnancies and child marriages” he said.

Research Officer for African Population and Health Research Centre, Emmanuel Otukpa said a research conducted in Malawi shows that pregnant and parenting adolescent in Malawi face a lot of challenges.

“We observed that about 700 adolescent girls face challenges that include stigma, discrimination from their community members and lack of opportunity to go back to school.

“We have also observed that the experience of poverty in their communities contribute to their inability to live life to the fullest” Otukpa said.

By Watipa Nyalugwe

Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi returned to Malawi Friday afternoon, through at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he represented Malawi and 44 other Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29). 

Dr. Usi’s participation at COP29, held from November 11, 2024, marked a significant stride in championing the climate resilience needs of vulnerable nations.

As a lead negotiator for the LDC group, he facilitated critical discussions on scaling up climate finance to address the pressing challenges faced by nations most impacted by climate change. 

Highlighting Malawi’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and technology, Usi advocated for collaboration between Scotland and Malawian universities to foster innovation in renewable energy solutions. He also emphasized the need to integrate information technology (IT) tools into primary education for girls, promoting equal opportunities in the digital age. 

“One of the major achievements of COP29 for Malawi was the establishment of the Adaptation Investment Platform, an initiative led by the African Climate Foundation to bolster climate adaptation efforts,” said Usi.

He further disclosed that that Malawi would host the first global office for this platform, positioning the nation as a hub for adaptation investment and strategy. 

“Malawi secured $33 million in climate finance from the Green Climate Fund through Save the Children. This funding will be directed toward building resilience in vulnerable communities,” announced Usi emphasizing the importance of Malawi’s active participation in global negotiations, as advised by the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the country’s voice is heard on international platforms. 

COP29, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, is an annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference brings together world leaders, policymakers, and organizations to assess global progress on climate change, negotiate new commitments, and foster international cooperation. 

Dr. Usi expressed optimism about the outcomes of COP29, stating that the conference provided Malawi with opportunities to strengthen partnerships and secure crucial resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

By Patience Longwe.

Lilongwe,15 November Mana; Police in Lilongwe have arrested six people on suspicion that they were behind the vandalism of 16 transformers in several locations of the capital city between July and November 2024.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, confirmed about the arrests of Manuel Banda, Mustafa Wisdom Machemba, Chikumbutso Lameck, Jawadu Buleya, Yamikani Thambo, Yamani Batani, between November 7 and 11, 2024.

Chigalu said Area 36 police, in collaboration with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited security team, arrested the suspects in a joint operation at their houses.

"During interrogation, apart from the latest incident, the suspect further revealed to have also vandalized ESCOM transformers and stole property at Nkhoma CCAP Mission in July, Kamphata Trading Centre in August, Mlale Mission in Mitundu, Dzaleka in Dowa and Kunthembwe in Ntchisi all in October this year " He said.

The suspects appeared before the Lilongwe First Grade Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to answer a vandalism charge,

The offence attracts a 30-year jail term with no option of paying a fine, according to Section 45 (4) (b) of the Electricity Amendment Act of 2024.

Meanwhile Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate, Imran Phiri has ordered that the suspects be remanded at Maula prison for 10 days pending the conclusion of investigations, including a transformer vandalism case at Mlale in Mitundu on November 6, 2024.

Banda originally hails from Kasichi Village Traditional Authority (TA) Chulu in Kasungu, Thambo and Batani both from Chikwasa Village, TA Sawali, Balaka, Buleya from Bulika Village, TA Sitola, Machinga. Lameck from Namale Village, TA Mthiramanja, Mulanje and Machemba who comes from Matozo Village, TA Mthiramanja in Mulanje District.

ECOM Chief Public Relations Officer, Kitty Chingota, has since condemned the continued vandalism of the corporation's infrastructure saying such vices affect service delivery, put lives at risk, and deprive the company of revenue needed to connect more customers.

The power utility company has lost over K 4 billion in the last two years due to cases of vandalism of its infrastructure. This figure includes transmission and distribution infrastructure, replacement cost and revenue lost.

By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, November 15, Mana: Communities under Kakolo catchment in Dedza district on Thursday said there are high expectations of improved soil fertility following the check dams and stone bands that have been constructed under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), in the area.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, one of the programme participants, Timvezina Ndindilosi said previously running water from the hills used to wash away the fertile soils and people could not harvest bumper yield regardless of their farming efforts.

“The programme has motivated us and we will continue gathering stones to protect the soil. Through the programme, we now know how to construct stone bands as you can see. We are also into natural tree regeneration and all these are helping to control running water from the hills,” she said.

Concurring with Ndindilosi, Group Village Headman (GVH) Mtema commended Dedza District Council, government and other partners for the support adding that for a long time, soil erosion has negatively affected crop production, especially for farmers cultivating down Dzenza hills in his area.

In her remarks, Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Kaphuka Extension Planning Area (EPA), Elessie Phiri said the stone bands will help in slowing down running water.

“Apart from controlling the running waters, communities are also making manure to improve soil fertility. Participants are receiving K48 000 a month,” she said.

Kakolo catchment under T/A Kaphuka has 1384 programme participants.

Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program aims to build resilience to climatic shocks and is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) through the district council with support from the Malawi Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund, World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU and Norway.