Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, August 4, Mana: Over 200 youth in Salima have undergone a four-week computer training as a way of improving their digital skills which will be their stepping for other ventures.

The training has been conducted with support from Computer Clinic Limited under the Digital Malawi Project.

Speaking on Monday during the graduation ceremony of the training, District Youth Officer, Jessy Mwansambo, said the computer skills would be stepping stone for the youth to venture into different careers that require computer skills.

She urged the graduating youths to pursue further studies so that they can continue sharpening their skills.

"The training has opened the way for the youth to participate in the digital world which is key in today's world because everything is going digital," she said.

Owing to the high cost of education, Mwansambo said offering the lessons for free was commendable and encouraged the youth who could not afford such lessons to be able to participate.

She said the youth being the drivers of change, equipping them with necessary skills is investing in the country's development and progressing in the right direction.

The Public Private Partnership Commission is implementing the Digital Malawi Project with support from Malawi Government and sponsorship from the World Bank.

Communications Officer for Computer Clinic and Digital Malawi Project, Hazviperi Mbizi, said they received overwhelming response from the youth who showed interest in the training which ran for four weeks.

Mbizi said the training targeted more than 200 youth in the introduction to computer skills, basics of graphic designing and how to use social media in entrepreneurship. However, about 280 youth registered for the courses.

"Our wish is to see the youth doing something with their lives rather [than just] staying. With the skills they have gained, we are hopeful they will be able to start small businesses or get jobs," she said.

One of the youths who were trained, Elizabeth Kaponda, said the training had sharpened her digital skills, especially social media marketing because she is an entrepreneur and would now be marketing her products on social media.

"I lacked basic knowledge in computer packages, therefore, the skills I have gained will assist me in my career path even when I pursue my studies further. The skills will still be useful in my academic life," she said.

The training, which included entrepreneurship and digital skills, started in July 2023, and lasted for four weeks.

During ceremony, the youth that had graduated were each presented with a certificate of attendance. Apart from Salima, the project is also implemented in Lilongwe, Dowa and Ntchisi.

By Aubrey Kashoni

Thyolo, August 4, Mana: Thyolo Police Station has engaged faith-based leaders as one way of reinforcing unity and peace among communities, a development they said can help to reverse the 48 percent high crime rate in the district.

Speaking on Friday during an interface meeting with religious leaders in the district, Officer In-charge for Thyolo Police Isaac Norman said church leaders have a crucial role in disseminating reconciliation messages to its members and the community at large.

"Some of the criminals that are committing series of offences stay close to us and attend our churches as our members. As leaders let us not forget our role of offering counseling messages to our people on the dangers of committing crimes. Together we can reduce cases of suicide, defilement, murder, and mob justice that are very high in Thyolo,” he said.

Norman said some cases of defilement and suicide happen because of spiritual forces hence prayer is the only key to reduce such incidents.

On his part, Thyolo District Section Interfaith Chairperson Reverend Lloyd Somela said the meeting with the law enforcers will help to enhance coordination which can help to combat crime in the district.

Thyolo Police Station started sensitization campaign last week aimed at creating awareness among communities in the district on the negative impacts of committing crimes amid high crime rate.

By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, August 3, Mana: Water transport users in Likoma have expressed concern over the suspension of MV Ilala operations on Lake Malawi as it has to go for refit programme in Monkey bay.

Speaking in an interview Thursday, Director of Finance for Likoma District Council, Wilson Muziya said the suspension of the vessel will affect the council’s operations and transportation on the lake.

"Much as I appreciate that MV Ilala should go for service, transportation as well as our operations will be affected regardless that MV Chilembwe vessel will replace MV Ilala,

Almost 30 percent of our work is been done at the mainland. MV Ilala is the most reliable transport. But for it to continue operating, its maintenance is of more important for its effective and safe operations," said Muziya.

A business woman of Likoma, Ireen Mdewa who is a fish seller said her business will be affected in the absence of MV Ilala since MV Chilembwe capacity and space is limited to carter for larger quantities of goods.  

"I rely on Ilala to transport fish from Likoma to the mainland because it is the most reliable transport and it has adequate space.  In this case, I will have to halt my business until Ilala is back after being serviced," said Mdewa.

She said that she stands risking losing her fish if he uses other vessels apart from MV Ilala as her merchandise can easily be destroyed due to limited space.

Confirming the development, Spokesperson for Mota- Engil Malawi, Thomas Chafunya said the vessel will undergo refit programme which he said is a normal routine.

"The vessel will undergo a refit programme, it a normal routine service which every vessel under goes but I cannot say how long she will be out of the lake," said Chafunya.

According to Chafunya, MV Chilembwe is expected to replace MV Ilala's schedule effective this week.

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, August 3, Mana: Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has said government was committed to improving provision of health services through construction of health centres.

Speaking during the opening of Khanda Health Centre in Zomba on Thursday, Kunkuyu who represented responsible Minister Khumbize Chiponda said provision of quality health services was one of the government's priorities.

The Minister said to ensure that health quality services are adequately administered, three elements must be made and these are high standard equipment, quality facility and qualified staff.

"It is our quest that we provide better and quality health services to all Malawians regardless of colour, region and status.

"There are plans to construct 900 health centers across the country but this will require concentrated efforts from both local and international stakeholders,” Kunkuyu added.

He said the new Khanda Health Centre would reduce death and long distances that people were travelling to access health services.

"Let me appeal to the community around the health centre to take care of the facility so that today and next generations should benefit.

“We will continue to provide all the necessary support including well trained nurses and doctors,” Kunkuyu said.

He hailed Village In Partnership (VIP) for mobilizing resources and constructing the health centre.

VIP Country Director, Wellings Mwalabu said his organization was forced to construct a health centre having seen the challenges that community members were facing in accessing health services.

"When we started implementing our activities we noticed the need for a health facility. We therefore started with mobile clinic and today, we have a full health centre," he pointed out.

Mwalabu said his organization would continue supporting people of Khanda and complementing government efforts in providing quality health services.

Apart from the health centre, VIP has constructed five staff houses.

Traditional Authority (TA) Nkagula said the health centre would serve thousands of families and reduce number of maternal death.

Khanda Health Centre will be serving a population of 13, 000 and Zomba District Council now has 33 health centres.

By Memory Chatonda

Thyolo, August 3, Mana: Director of Public Works for Blantyre District Council, Joseph Bodole has urged extension workers to share knowledge and practices gained on nursery establishment and tree management with local structures, so that environment could be restored.

He said this on Wednesday in Thyolo district during the official opening of a three-day training workshop on Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) where 75 extension workers are attending.

Bodole said extension workers play a crucial role in the implementation of CS-EPWP hence the need to equip them with various and essential skills that would help to achieve the programme’s intended results.

“We want you to perform the best of your capabilities. Tackle real issues affecting your respective communities and use the knowledge gained to change the mindset of local communities regarding environmental conservation,” he advised.

One of the participants, Nozghechi Hara hailed Blantyre District Council for the training, pledging to put into practice the skills gained to conserve the environment. 

“After this training, we will equip foremen and Catchment Management Committee members on nursery and woodlot establishment and management, occupational safety and health, catchment environmental and social management plan, grievances and Gender Based Violence (GBV) issues including emergency response planning so that they can extend the same knowledge to their fellow communities to improve the environment,” she said. 

Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Blantyre, Edward Katunga advised members of the Blantyre District Environmental Sub-committee to conduct regular monitoring of CS-EPWP activities so that best results could be achieved.

CS-EPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project supported by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

It is being implemented by 28 local councils in the country and facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee.

Participants of the programme implement sub-project activities such as natural tree regeneration management, contour ridging, construction of swales, and tree planting among others. 

By Levison Lester

Lilongwe, August 3, Mana: Student Union President for Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) City Campus, Samuel Nyirenda said the fees hike in most public universities was a distortion to Cyclone Freddy survivors in the country.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) Thursday in Lilongwe, he said the recent fees adjustment was inconsiderate to students who were affected by Cyclone Freddy which caused havock in the country some months ago.

"We feel like the decision has not come at the right time. We are just coming out of disaster Cyclone Freddy where most families have not yet recovered economically."

"Some families have no shelter yet their children have been selected in different universities, so fees hike is a distortion to such people," Nyirenda said.

The President noted that LUANAR students union was eager to collaborate with other public universities to challenge the fees adjustment.

"Collective voice can shake the public while an independent voice can shake an institution so the difference is that on individual basis, only your insitution can hear you, and yet fees issue is done at a public level," he said.

The President for Students Representative Council (SRC) at University of Malawi (UNIMA), Humble Bondo has issued a statement calling other public universities to join hands in challenging the fee hike.

By Loness Gwazanga

Blantyre, August 3, Mana: Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA) Wednesday donated books worth K7 million to Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) in order to help procurement students acquire vast knowledge.

PPDA Director General, Dr Edington Chilapondwa said currently, public procurement was a challenge and therefore it was important to instill the basics at a youthful stage for sanity to prevail in the sector.

"Many procurement officers do not have the basics and this challenge is giving a lot of problems in the country's public procurement sector. This is why we want to encourage public universities such as MUBAS to train the students right away from the first year on what public procurement is all about," he explained.

Chilapondwa said this was the only way Malawi could solve public mis-procurement that most government departments are encountering due to lack of experts in the field, which was somehow fueling corruption.

MUBAS Vice Chancellor, Nancy Chitera described the donation as timely since the university was planning to introducing certificate, diploma and doctoral level degrees to meet the current demand.

“We are in final stages and hence, need for more books to meet the demand. Since 2008 we have been offering procurement programme but at mature entry only. So now we have just finished the review and will start having generic students.

“We will be having more students and demand for books will be huge. Therefore, these books will enable us produce fully baked graduates that will make a difference," she added.

By George Mponda

Mzuzu, August 3, Mana: Silver Strikers Coach, Peter de Jong has replied to remarks made by Moyale Barracks Coach, Nicholas Mhango who called him stupid for labeling Mzuzu stadium as a poor pitch.

He made the remarks last week after DeJong said that his team lost the FDH Cup match against Moyale Barracks because they failed to play good football due to the stadium’s bumpy surface.

In an interview Wednesday at the end of the last match of their first round TNM Super League against Moyale Barracks which ended in a barren draw at Mzuzu Stadium, de Jong repeated that the stadium is terrible.

"It is difficult to play here because this pitch is not good. Off course my colleague said that I am a stupid guy for expressing my concern over the bad condition of the pitch, yet I have coached in over 40 countries around the world so who is stupid here?

My opinion is that proffessional football which is supposed to be offensive should not be played on pitches like this one, but still we played a good game today only that luck was not our side as we hit the post twice," De Jong said.

Silver Strikers played the game without Flames defender, Nickson Mwase who is on suspension, Chimwemwe Idana who did not travel with the squad for unknown reasons with Stain Davie their marksman who joined the match from the bench.

Assistant Coach for Moyale Barracks, Victor Chingoka said their side struggled in the first round and they are looking to boost their attack by bringing in two new strikers.

Silver Strikers have finished the first round on position two with 29 points while Moyale have wrapped up on position nine with 18 points.

By Tiyanjane Nandie Mambucha

Lilongwe, August 2, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday witnessed the launch of a book that uncovers the symbiotic relationship between politics and religion.

The launch of the 375-page book authored by Reverend Nick Chakwera and Co-authored by Pastor Fatsani Luther Kwenda received a massive support from people from all walks of life who graced the occasion.

Speaking during the launch in Lilongwe President Chakwera said the book is an excellent tool for self-reflection and not just for public debate.

''The subject of religion and politics is like a double edged sword that need to be handled with care because it has potential to break or make as it sparks debate.

“That kind of debate was prominent during my presidency for the simple reason that the position was being occupied by others from the background of medicine, business, economics, activism and even law. I was the first to occupy the position as a religious person,'' said Chakwera.

Chakwera further endorsed the book and applauded the authors for taking a risk to handle such a subject saying the will of God is manifested through the will of people which is driven by politics and religion.

Speaking after reviewing the book former Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, who is also a church minister, Dr Nevars Mumba said, in a nutshell, the book is a beautifully written story of a controversial subject.

''Kingdoms and governments belong to God, according to Romans 13. So, it is an absolute honour to put God on top. The book should be translated in many languages and should be taught in schools.

“Malawi is a Christian nation by action because it elected a pastor as a leader. This shows that Malawi loves God,'' said Dr Mumba.

Commenting on the book, Pastor Nick Chakwera said people should buy the book and read saying it is okay to agree or disagree with the content because all he wants is a sincere debate on the matter of religion and politics.

Among other guests who attended the launch include Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima, parliamentarians, political analysts, members of the clergy and members of the diplomatic corps.

20 copies of the book were auctioned during the launch and the rest of the books can be accessed in various bookshops in the country.

By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, August 2, Mana: Chitipa Development Trust (CDT) has asked the government to develop an exit strategy of managing refugee camps in the country by among others, integrating refugees with locals.

Chairperson for CDT, Austin Musyani made the remarks on Tuesday at a Press briefing at Chitipa Boma where he  asked government to stop its proposal to relocate refugee camp from Dzaleka in Dowa to Kayilizi in the area of Senior Chief Mwenewenya in the district.

He said that the government needs to listen to concerns from people of Chitipa District and not just a few individuals.

"There is a need for the government to have an exit strategy in the management of refugee camps in the country. A person who has been in a refugee camp for 30 years needs to be integratedand naturalized into the community.

It's inhumane to have someone born in the refugee camp and 30 years still staying in the refugee camp as a refugee," Musyani said.

The Chairperson suggested that government should decommission refugee camps and integrate the refugees with communities before repatriating any foreigner coming in the country illegally.

He said that CDT believes in contact and dialogue hence the call to government to discuss the issue before it goes further with its plan to take the refugee camp to Kayilizi.

When contacted, the Ministry of Homeland Security, Patrick Botha said that there are durable solutions when it comes to refugees’ management, citing repatriation, integration and resettlement.

"But the Refugee Act of 1989 stipulates that refugees be kept in a camp. So, until this Act is reviewed, it remains a guide in how we should manage refugees in the country. Processes for review are still underway.

That leaves us with voluntary repatriation as a durable solution. But even with voluntary repatriation, you cannot force a refugee to return to their home country. It has to be the refugee actually deciding to return and not to force them," he explained.