Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Ruth Kumwenda

Blantyre, March 15, Mana: Child rights activist, Memory Chisenga, has expressed frustration over the prolonged sodomy trial involving a Dutch national, Wim Jan Akster, former Financial Director of Timotheos Foundation who allegedly sodomised six boys that sought education scholarship. 

Akster, was arrested in 2020 on sodomy allegation but the case has delayed thereby affecting justice, according to an activist, Memory Chisenga.

Briefing the press on Friday in Blantyre, Chisenga demanded justice for the victims, saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied,” as some of the witnesses want to pull out due to the delay of the trial.

“We are worried with the delay and we are demanding answers as to why it is taking so long to come to its conclusion. We have waited for over five years for the boys to get justice,

“As activists, we are saddened because we expected our court to work in the best interest of the young boys that were sodomised by this Dutch national” she said

Chisenga said despite the delays and threats, they will still push for justice.

“We will meet the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, and even the state President to seek justice for the victims,” she added.

Director for People Serving Girls at Risk, Caleb Ng’ombo, concurred with Chisenga, appealing for collective action in fighting for justice for the minors that were sodomised.

“This is a call to all of us to rise up and take action. We expect the courts to stand and protect children. If we cannot condemn sexual abuse, then we do not conform to a noble society,” he said.

The first trial was set to commence on September 11, 2024 but did not proceed as the magistrate who was handling the case was transferred to Lilongwe.

A new date for hearing was set for February 6, 2025 but the case was also adjourned to March 12, as the case file was reported to have gone missing.

By Eranivey Temani

Lilongwe, March 15^, Mana: Y-Africa, a locally based Christian faith-based organization, is set to empower 800 pastors and church elders in Lilongwe through a project called Community Transformation being implemented in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chimutu.

Speaking during a Technical Working Group meeting on Friday, Operations Manager Richard Kapanda said the project aims to reduce high vulnerability levels in communities.

"By equipping these pastors in theology, they will be able to change the mindset of community members and provide moral support when needed," Kapanda said.

The project, which will run until 2033, will not only target pastors and church elders but also chiefs, children, and youths.

"We believe that by targeting these groups of people, we will be able to achieve our goals of reducing school dropouts, increasing economic activity, and decreasing gender-based violence," Kapanda added.

As part of the project, Y-Africa will also equip 200 members from different churches, establish 30 Bible centers, 30 village savings loans, and conduct child protection interventions.

"By providing economic empowerment, moral support, and education, we believe that we can create a brighter future for the people," he said.

Lilongwe District Social Welfare Officer, Derrick Mwenda thanked Y-Africa for the initiative, saying it will go a long way in providing moral support to community members.

"The project will help reduce vulnerability levels in communities, as people will have access to economic activities and moral support," Mwenda said.

The project is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of community members, promoting sustainable development and positive change.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba, has announced the completion of over 10,000 houses for vulnerable people across the country.

This ambitious project initiated by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera administration aims to provide secure and decent housing for those in need.

Speaking during  a press briefing on Friday at Golden Peacock in Lilongwe, Gumba said the ministry had previously constructed around 4,000 houses in all districts nationwide.

“The new additions bring the total number of houses built to over 14,000, a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the country's housing challenges,” he said.

Gumba emphasized government’s dedication to building more houses in various districts across the country.

He highlighted construction of 67 houses specifically designed for people with disabilities and 65 houses in refugee camps, demonstrating government’s focus on inclusivity and support for marginalized communities.

Government's efforts to provide affordable housing is part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth, reduce poverty and improve living standards.

With the Ministry of Lands at the forefront of this initiative, Malawi is making steady progress in addressing its housing needs and creating a better future for its citizens.

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has expressed enthusiasm over the donation of teaching and learning materials worth US$200,000 by the government of South Korea.

Speaking after the handover ceremony on Friday at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima, explained that the donation will help to enhance the works that are underway in the ministry.

Wirima cited establishing a radio under the Education Broadcasting Station (EBS) which, she said, is lacking certain necessities for teaching and learning.

She further explained that the education broadcasting station delivers lessons through radio and also acts as a standby for lessons in case of emergencies such as cyclones or pandemics that requires closure of schools.

“This is another arm of the education system that also enhances learning in a big way as children will be able  to have access to lessons without depending on their physical presence in schools.

“This plays a crucial role in enhancing quality education as children will not be affected academically hence it will bring resilience in difficult situations,” she explained.

The ministry has received a mobile  van that will be traveling in different parts of the country for lessons to children; laptops and other high technology equipment that will boost the education sector.

Ambassador for South Korea to Malawi , Jae Kyung Park, said the donation will play a crucial role in Malawi’s the education sector.

“We hope we can continue to contribute to government of Malawi’s efforts in improving the education sector by working hand in hand with the Ministry of Education.

“We strongly believe in investing in Malawi’s education sector so that it can achieve it’s goals of ensuring that all children have access to quality education,” he said.

By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: World Vision Advocacy and Communications Director, Charles Gwengwe, has appealed to Government and the private sector to invest in early childhood development in order to enhance national productivity and economic growth thereby breaking the poverty circle.

Speaking during the Enough Campaign policy briefing in Lilongwe, Gwengwe emphasized the need for government and developmental partners to embark on deliberate attempts in addressing disparities and gaps prevailing in the country.

Gwengwe highlighted that the campaign remains crucial in addressing child hunger and malnutrition in over 100 countries globally focusing on root causes and building sustainable community centered framework for change.

“Enough Campaign believes that we have enough policies, enough resources, enough political will, enough Non-Governmental Organizations, enough companies that can enable us to make sure that at least every child in Malawi has food,” he said.

He expressed the organization’s commitment in investing more resources in early childhood education stating its scientific and economic authenticity of investing more money in childhood education whose economic returns remain huge.

“The programs we are implementing as World Vision are in 19 district, but we are now sharing experiences, encouraging stakeholders, more importantly government, to lead by example to say enough is enough,” he said.

According to Enough Campaign policy, Malawi faces a national crisis in child development rooted in early childhood malnutrition, health disparities and inequities in education access

By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: World Vision Advocacy and Communications Director, Charles Gwengwe, has appealed to Government and the private sector to invest in early childhood development in order to enhance national productivity and economic growth thereby breaking the poverty circle.

Speaking during the Enough Campaign policy briefing in Lilongwe, Gwengwe emphasized the need for government and developmental partners to embark on deliberate attempts in addressing disparities and gaps prevailing in the country.

Gwengwe highlighted that the campaign remains crucial in addressing child hunger and malnutrition in over 100 countries globally focusing on root causes and building sustainable community centered framework for change.

“Enough Campaign believes that we have enough policies, enough resources, enough political will, enough Non-Governmental Organizations, enough companies that can enable us to make sure that at least every child in Malawi has food,” he said.

He expressed the organization’s commitment in investing more resources in early childhood education stating its scientific and economic authenticity of investing more money in childhood education whose economic returns remain huge.

“The programs we are implementing as World Vision are in 19 district, but we are now sharing experiences, encouraging stakeholders, more importantly government, to lead by example to say enough is enough,” he said.

According to Enough Campaign policy, Malawi faces a national crisis in child development rooted in early childhood malnutrition, health disparities and inequities in education access.

By Brenda Nkosi

Blantyre, March 14, Mana: Members of Parliament (MPs) have been called upon to support construction of Chigumula Industrial Site which, currently, requires additional K5.6 billion to be completed.

The call was made Thursday in Blantyre when Minister of Trade and Industry, Vitumbiko Mumba, and Parliamentary Committees on Trade and on Media and Information visited Chigumula Industrial Site to appreciate progress.

Mumba said by timely financing the project, the country will start realizing billions of Kwachas that will come from the site.

"Apart from creating jobs, these industries will help in bringing forex from exports. Industry is the backbone of any economy hence we need to speed up this project," he said.

Mumba, therefore, lobbied MPs to support the initiative by approving the requested K5.6 billion.

Board Chairperson for Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (MITC), Godwin Ng'oma, said Chigumula Industrial Site has made  progress compared to the other four sites.

"Chigumula site has progressed a lot because it was taken as a pilot where we should learn from. We need K2.8 billion for the roads and K2.6 billion for the sewer and all finishing works. If we are given the money, come June 31, 2025, this site will be completed," he said.

Chairperson for the Industry, Trade and Tourism and Media and Communication Cluster of Parliament, Paul Nkhoma, who is MP for Kasungu North East said they needed to inspect the site.

"Despite allocating a lot of money towards industrial sites for the past two years, we haven't been seeing convincing progress," he said.

He said they are now convinced with the progress made and will recommend extra finances for the project so that it is completed and handed over to investors.

By James Mwale

Ntchisi, March 14, Mana: Government has elevated Ntchisi’s Sub Traditional Authority Sambakunsi to Traditional Authority and the other four to the position of Sub Traditional Authority.

Speaking on Thursday during the elevation ceremony at Nthondo police ground in the area of Senior Chief Nthondo, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Joyce Chitsulo called the newly elevated chiefs to be professional.

She said: “The people you lead have hope and confidence in you. It will be a shame to see you abusing the same people you are supposed to lead and protect.

“A good chief embraces servant leadership. Lead your people with love and promote oneness among them to respect you. Above all, refrain from nepotism because you are not a chief for your people but the whole village.”

She also urged the newly elevated leaders to take the lead in promoting girl child education and challenged them to put stiff penalties on all perpetrators of any form of girl child abuse.

Chitsulo further spoke against child marriages saying it is one of the biggest evils against a girl who has progressive dreams.

Speaking earlier, legislator for Ntchisi Northeast, Olipa Chimangeni, underscored the need for collaborative efforts between chiefs and Members of Parliament in implementing government’s development agenda.

She said: “We legislators rely on chiefs to succeed in implementing development projects in our respective constituencies and elevation of chiefs to upper positions motivates them to work with us even more. That’s why the critical role this event will play in development cannot be overemphasised”

In his remarks, Senior Chief Nthondo pledged full support to the newly elevated chiefs and the Members of Parliament in implementing the government development agenda.

Sub Traditional Authorities Mikwala, Nkhondo, Mndinda and Lombwa were among those elevated along with T/A Sambakunsi.

By George Mponda

Karonga, March 14, Mana: Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo, has advised District Councils to prioritize promoting agriculture frontline workers as one way of motivating them to end hunger in Malawi.

Chambo said this in Karonga on Friday during an engagement meeting with agriculture frontline workers from Karonga and Chitipa District Councils.

"With decentralisation, the power to hire, fire and even promote government employees is in the hands of the local authorities therefore District Commissioners in Malawi should make deliberate efforts in councils to promote these officers as one way of motivating them to help end hunger in our country," Chambo said.

The deputy Minister went on to advise local authorities to address challenges faced by agriculture extension workers like accommodation for them to work effectively and boost food security in Malawi.

Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Karonga Agriculture Developmet Division, Emmanuel Mzumara said lack of clear promotion pathways and limited opportunities for career advancement have led to low morale and motivation among them.

Mzumara said; “We have officers who are working on the same grade or on acting capacities up until they retire without getting a promotion. Some of the positions have staff that have advanced their educational qualifications; some have diplomas, degrees with a hope that one day they shall get a promotional letter in addition to the vast experience they possess on the post.

"The recruitment of additional staff is also essential to reduce the vacancy rate that exists. The current shortage of staff has resulted in an increased workload for existing staff, compromising the quality of services delivered to farmers and we appeal to the ministry to recruit more staff to fill existing vacancies," he added.

In his response, District Commissioner for Karonga, Frank Mkandawire said the agriculture human resource department has been devolved to the councils and Karonga is already recruiting new staff.

"We are glad to report here that Karonga has so far recruited 10 new officers in the 2024/25 financial year. On the issues of promotion, this is something that we will continue because as the Deputy Minister indicated, resources for not only recruitment but for the promotions are readily available," Mkandawire said.

"On the accommodation issues, we will lobby members of parliament to allocate some resources from the Constituency Development Fund to deal with poor housing conditions that we have," he added.

He however complained that some ministries have only devolved functions but the assets are still with the parent ministries making it hard for local authorities to maintain these infrastructures.

Karonga ADD has 133 sections and 63 extension workers.

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana – Vice President Dr. Michael Usi was deeply moved during a visit to Kauma, Lilongwe, after meeting two young children, (names withheld), who were preparing for school on their own while their parents were out searching for money.

The siblings, like many others in the area, began their day with a simple breakfast of fried maize before heading to school. When Dr. Usi asked about their parents, one of the children, with teary eyes, replied, “They went to look for money.”

Touched by their situation, the Vice President took time to speak with them and provided food and essential supplies.

This encounter highlights the harsh realities faced by many families in Kauma, where economic hardships leave children fending for themselves.

Dr. Usi’s visit is part of his ongoing city-wide tours aimed at assessing the living conditions of citizens and identifying areas where intervention is needed.