Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Happy Byson Milanzie

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Youth Boxing Promotion, one of the leading companies promoting boxing in Malawi, has revealed its plans to build a boxing ring, requiring approximately MK8 million.

The company has expressed frustration over the constant need to hire rings for every arranged fight.

Senior Executive Officer of Youth Boxing Promotion, Salimu Chazama, stated that the primary reason for building their own ring is the financial losses incurred from hiring rings. He added that most of the money goes towards renting the ring, leaving little for the boxers.

Chazama highlighted that the cheapest ring costs approximately MK300,000 which does not align with the budget allocated for boxing. He noted that the boxing industry in Malawi consistently struggles with insufficient funding compared to other sports.

"It's unfortunate that we spend more money hiring rings instead of rewarding our boxers. For example, a boxer only receives MK200,000 after a fight, while the ring owners take a much larger share," he said.

According to Chazama, Youth Boxing Promotion is not only paying MK300,000 to borrow a ring but also incurring additional costs, such as transport fees for the ring and the services of technicians to set it up.

Chazama called on well-wishers to support Youth Boxing Promotion in funding the construction of a 6x6 boxing ring, which is estimated to cost up to MK8 million.

He emphasized that Youth Boxing Promotion has been consistently arranging monthly fights to promote youth boxing in Malawi, making it challenging to rent a boxing ring for every event.

Currently, the company borrows boxing rings from the Malawi Boxing Association.

Meanwhile, renowned boxer Wilson "Shasha" Masamba welcomed the initiative, stating that the country has very few boxing rings and none of international standards. He expressed hope that the planned innovation would help expand boxing activities in Malawi.

"It's concerning that we are still using amateur rings and have very few in the country, even though we host big fights and invite international boxers. Building professional rings is essential for the growth of boxing in Malawi," he said.

Masamba praised Youth Boxing Promotion for its efforts to uplift the boxing industry in Malawi. He noted that boxers are often underpaid because the majority of funds are directed towards ring rentals.

He further emphasized the importance of building more rings to support Malawian boxers, ensuring they are better prepared when called to participate in international fights.

By Gift Chiponde

Mchinji, March 14, Mana: Director of Education and Sports for Mchinji District, Joyce Hamsin has commended the government for its investment in the education sector through the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), saying the initiatives have the potential to improve the quality of education in the district.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Thursday, the director highlighted several key developments that have significantly impacted schools in Mchinji.

She said that government has constructed new classroom blocks, which have helped to reduce congestion and create a more conducive learning environment for students.

She also hailed the Auxiliary Teacher Program, which has helped address teacher shortages by deploying additional teachers to schools.

"This initiative has ensured that learners receive adequate attention, leading to improved academic performance," she said.

Furthermore, she commended the Mentor Teacher Initiative, which has eased the workload of teachers and enhanced the quality of education delivery.

Hamsin also commended government for implementing the Toilet and Washroom Project, which has significantly improved hygiene in schools.

She stated that proper sanitation facilities contribute to a healthier school environment, particularly benefiting female students.

She further expressed gratitude for the hardship allowance provided to teachers working in remote areas, saying it has motivated many educators to remain in rural schools and continue teaching.

School Management Committee Member, Jonas Kasina, has assured government that the community will safeguard these initiatives to ensure their sustainability.

“The committee will continue to sensitize the community on the importance of taking care of the new infrastructure and other initiatives being implemented.

“There is strong coordination between the District Council and the School Management Committee, which will help in maintaining these projects,” he said.

In her remarks, Mother Group Chairperson, Jessica Banda, said the construction of modern toilets and washrooms will be particularly beneficial for girls during menstruation.

“Most girls will now feel relaxed and safe due to the comfort of the newly constructed toilets and washrooms.

“This will help reduce absenteeism among female students and promote their education,” she said.

By Sheminah Nkhoma

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana:  President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has urged fresh graduates to bring a positive impact in the economic development of the country.

The president was speaking on Friday during the 10^th graduation ceremony  of Daeyang University in Lilongwe .

He emphasised that Malawi’s future prosperity depends on consistent effort, sacrifice and strong partnerships.

“As graduates, it is essential for us to unite, as no one else will bring change to our country. We hold the power to develop our nation.

“Remember that now you have received an education here, you too have a responsibility to contribute to the productivity of our country,” he said.

The president  reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s partnership with South Korea, as it is playing crucial role in advancing education and national development.

The Malawi leader ,appreciated the institution’s founder, You-Keon Chung, for his vision and dedication over the past 21 years. He also commended the transition of leadership from Chung to Sooyuck Chung, describing it as a testament to the importance of succession in sustaining long-term progress.

Chakwera further lauded South Korea’s contribution to education in Malawi, noting that over 40 Malawian students have benefited from scholarships to study there.

Korean Ambassador to Malawi, resident in Zimbabwe, Jae-Kyung Park, applauded the strong ties between Malawi and Korea for the past 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Park commended the graduates for their achievements and encouraged them to embrace resilience as they step into society.

“The founder of this university is committed to improve education and healthcare in Malawi for that reason I urge all graduates to cultivate self confidence and persistence in all your activities,” said Park.

In his remarks , founder of Daeyeng University and Daeyang Luke hospital who is also the Chancellor of the University You-Keun Chung urged the graduates to use their minds, passionate hearts and hands to build a better country.

“When I came to Malawi over 21 years ago we faced countless trials but there have been no failures as we had a goal in our hearts as we hoped that dreams and visions will one day come to reality,” he said.

He further encouraged the graduates to unite and work for Malawi’s prosperity as they are youths who can bring change to the society.

One of the graduating student, Glory Jack, appreciated the support families, lecturers and administrators have provided to make sure the students graduated.

“To my fellow graduates I encourage you to remain steadfast despite challenges which are out there,” she said.

About 66 students have been awarded with Bachelors degree of Science in Nursing and Midwifery and Bachelors degree in Information Communication Technology.

President Chakwera  also toured  the Radiology and Dental Departments at the campus

By Prisca Promise Mashushu

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: Vice president Dr. Michael Usi Friday distributed assorted items to different people at Kauma area in Lilongwe as one way of uplifting their day to day lives.

During the visit, Usi distributed assorted food items such as maize flour, sugar as well as some cash to the residents people as a show of empathy upon noticing the conditions some of them are living in.

During the visit, the vice president managed to distribute the assorted items to about ten households where only children were available, left behind by their parents and guardians to take care of the houses.

Usi in his interactions with the people, reiterated his stance that he would continue offering his services and assisting the people as one way of serving the nation.

Samuel Kalindi, a resident of Kauma was all praises for the Vice President’s visit and support to the residents.

“His visit simply shows his commitments and sympathy to support and uplift people living in low income areas of the country,” he said.

Kauma located between area 43 and 12 in Lilongwe whose residents are mostly low income earners.

Usis’s visit to Kauma, follows a similar undertaking to Senti and Mgona areas on Wednesday in the same district of Lilongwe where he also donated assorted items at Ng’oma Heritage Foundation under the Maseko Ngoni, an organisation dedicated to support the elderly, orphans, and critically ill patients.

By Augustus Nkhwazi

Mzuzu, March 14, Mana: The Malawi Red Cross on Thursday trained five Ward Civil Protection Committees on development of electronic contingency plans in Mzuzu to enhance community-based disaster preparedness.

Speaking during the training, Director of Planning and Development (DPD) at Mzuzu City Council, Philimon Maseko, commended Malawi Red Cross for the training which he said had come at the right time considering that times are changing technologically.

He said this innovation will help speedy communication among those involved in disaster risk management.

Maseko added that it will be easier for disaster committees to communicate at ease and speed with stakeholders in times of disasters.

“The Council is usually faced with inadequate resources to undertake such tasks as such when partners like Red Cross and Habitat for Humanities among others come in to support, it is worthy commending them,” he said.

He then urged the committees to raise awareness in the communities on how to assess disaster risks and develop mechanisms to avert the same.

The DPD said good drainage systems can help communities prevent accumulation of waste that may result in spread of diseases such as cholera, hence urging the committee members to facilitate this practice.

On her part, Project Coordinator for Disaster Risk Management at Malawi Red Cross, Cecilia Banda said working with disaster committees help communities plan and prepare for disasters.

She said previously, such committees were using papers to develop contingency plans which was rather proving to be slow in terms of their communication.

Banda said by using the new technology where the committees will be developing electronic contingency plans and use smartphones to transmit, it will enhance their communication capacity.

She added that disaster risk management committees help communities to understand their risks based on their geographical positions.

"We have provided them with this training in addition to giving them smartphones which will help not only in communication but also data storage", she said.

She added that Mzuzu City has its own communication channel for disasters, allowing everyone on the channel to access information about disasters as soon as they occur through the innovation.

Added Banda: "Electronic contingency plans will complement the plans that were already developed but in paper form."

The Malawi Red Cross runs the disaster risk management preparedness in Mzuzu and Zomba cities. The project started in January 2024 and will run through December 2025 at the cost of K98 million.

The training brought together Chiputula, Katawa, Chibavi East, Msongwe and Mzirawaingwe Wards, community volunteers, council officials and other stakeholders in disaster management

By Patience Harawa

Karonga, March 14, Mana: Miracle Technical College (MTC) has unveiled a five year Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) project which aims to equip 400 youths in Karonga with knowledge and technical skills that will enable them to contribute towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Briefing the District Executive Committee in Karonga on Thursday, Principle for Miracle Technical College, Chawanangwa Sichone said the project will build the capacity of women and vulnerable youth with relevant technical and vocational skills that will ensure their economic independence.

“We envision a future where our youth are equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive economic growth and development in Karonga district and the country as a whole,” said Sichone.

She said the five year project is being funded by the World Bank through the Government of Malawi and will be implemented in conjunction with the Ministry of Labor and TEVETA.

"The SAVE project is designed to address the pressing need for skilled labor in Karonga and across Malawi. Key components include the introduction of a livestock management program, expansion of existing vocational skills programs, electrical installation and significant infrastructure development,” she added.

In his remarks, Chief Education Officer for Karonga District Council, Emmanuel Mwalilino, emphasized the significance of quality education and skills training in empowering the youth.

“As we strive to achieve our development goals, it is imperative that we equip our young people with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s economy. This is why we are committed to ensuring that our education system is tailored to meet the needs of our youth, and ultimately, our community,” Mwalilino said.

“The SAVE project is a beacon of hope for our community, and we are grateful of our partners in making this initiative a reality. We are confident that it will have a lasting impact on the lives of our youth,” he added.

By Tikondane Vega

Lilongwe, March 14, Mana: One of the Malawian ladies based in the United States of America, Chawezi Banda popularly known as "Chacha", has offered to pay school fees to an 18-year-old girl, Thokozani Monjeza.

Banda said she has decided to bail out Thokozani as part of her 50th birthday celebration this year.

The young girl was on the verge of dropping out at Mwanza boarding Secondary School.

Recently, social media was awash with news about some students, including the girl, who is one of the outstanding students at Mwanza, that they are on the brink of dropping out of school.

After learning about the news in the media, Chacha has offered to pay school fees and other expenses for Thokozani Monjeza from form 1 to form 4.

In an interview, from Singapore, Chacha said,” I am committed towards improving the girl child education in Malawi, hence this gesture.

Chacha has promised that she will continue rendering support to the marginalized people in the country.

Recently, Chacha donated various food items to Queens and Kamuzu Central Hospital to celebrate her new age.

By Gift Chiponde

Mzuzu, March 13, Mana: Teachers working in rural and hard-to-reach areas of the northern region have praised government for introducing Teachers Reform Hardship Support Scheme, saying it has significantly improved their livelihoods and well-being.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency, teachers from various districts shared their experience of how the initiative has eased the challenges they face in remote schools.

Lusungu Chimaliro, a teacher at Changasi Primary School in Nkhatabay District, said the scheme has been a game-changer, allowing him to focus more on his work without constantly worrying about financial struggles.

"Teaching in a rural area has always been challenging due to poor infrastructure and lack of resources. However, with this support, I can now afford better living conditions and transportation, making it easier to deliver quality education to my learners," he said.

Another teacher at Chirembe Primary School in Nkhatabay, David Tembo said that the initiative has revived the working spirit among teachers, stating that the scheme has boosted teachers’ morale for hard-to-reach areas in the region.

"Many teachers previously refused postings to remote areas because of the harsh conditions. But now, with the government’s support, we feel valued and motivated to continue serving our communities," he stated.

Another teacher from Lwambo Primary School Dyton Hara from Chitipa highlighted how the initiative has helped retain teachers in rural schools.

"Previously, many teachers would request transfers after just a short time in rural schools due to financial hardships. This program is ensuring that we can stay longer and focus on improving education for our learners," he said.

Agness Mwanyongo, a teacher in Mzimba, said the hardship scheme has transformed her life, enabling her to pay school fees and support her household.

 "This program has been a blessing," she said. "It has relieved my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my work and provide for my family," said Mwanyongo.

In his remarks, Director of Education and Sports for Chitipa District Council, McGiven Chinyamula urged teachers to make use of the opportunity while assuring them of continued support in addressing rural education challenges.

The Teachers Reform Hardship Support Scheme was introduced to provide financial and material assistance to teachers posted in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts through the Malawi Education reform Programme, aiming to improve education standards and ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students, regardless of location.

By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, March 13, Mana: Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, says commencement of extraction of rare earth at Kangankunde Mining Site in Balaka has potential to boost the country’s economy as the mining site will be able to remit over US$80,000 annually to Malawi’s economy.

The Minister disclosed this in Balaka on Wednesday during the launch of Lindian Rare Earth Mining activities and construction of a tar mark road from the M1 Road to Kangankunde Mining Site to improve transportation of various items to and from the site.

“I am grateful to President Dr Lazarus Chakwera for initiating the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) Strategy. Out of the mining sector, the country’s economy will grow.

“What Lindian Associates has done here in Balaka is commendable; with their deposits of 600 million out of the mining sites. This will turn Malawi to a better place,” he said.

He asked the company to look after the environment, observing that most investors leave out big trenches when leaving mining sites.

He, therefore, expressed hope that the mining activities will also provide employment to young people and women in the area.

“The impending transition from exploration to mining brings forth significant opportunities including employment creation, skills transfer and capacity building for Malawians, infrastructure development as well as revenue generation, among others,” he said.

Lindian Associates Executive Chairperson, Rob Martin, said the road construction will create economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

“Lindian is committed to provide job opportunities to communities, support local business and enhance local infrastructure which will help develop the area through several activities,” he said.

Martin made an assurance that his company will continue supporting government to accelerate the country’s economy.

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, March 13, Mana: Kawale Police is keeping in custody a 32-year-old witch doctor, Thomson Benson, for having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old step daughter contrary to Section 138 of the Penal Code.

According to Kawale Police Spokeperson, Precious Mabvuto Phiri, the suspect got married to a woman who had a girl child from another man.

The couple was staying with the daughter in Area 24 in Lilongwe.

Phiri said investigation has shown that Benson started sleeping with the child in 2023.

“The suspect used to send his wife for farming during rainy season creating an environment suitable for him to have sexual intercourse with the child.

"In February, 2025 the victim realized that she was pregnant of his step father and decided to reveal the ordeal to her mother. Further, a report was formerly made at Area 24 Police Unit where detectives swiftly arrested the suspect," he said.

Benson, who hails from Khoswe Village, Traditional Authority Kalolo in Lilongwe District, will appear in court soon after completion of paper work.