Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Twimepoki Mangani

Lilongwe July 25 Mana: Leader of the House in the National Assembly, Richard Chimwendo Banda has guaranteed that the second meeting of the National Assembly would  be productive and ensure Malawi was served better.

He made the remarks Monday on the side lines of the 50^th session of Parliament in Lilongwe.

Banda who is also Minister of Local Government said the meetings would seek to accomplish their traditional objective in ably discussing bills and ministerial statements with assurance that such engagements aid in answering a hand full of questions the public have.

“We have nine bills which are ready, then through ministerial statements, Ministers will share what they are doing in their ministries just as demonstrated by Minister of Lands, who spoke of availability of land for local and international investors and efforts to improve provision of title deeds.”

“We shall focus on over 40 oversight reports from nearly all Parliamentary Committees, and for the first time Ministers will respond to reports because the standing overs are clear that after 14 days Ministers should respond to reports that are fully debated and adopted in the house,” he added.

Speaker of National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara announced the status of the bills that were passed during the last Parliamentary meeting held from February to April, 2023 as she paved the way forward.

“I wish to inform the house that President, Dr  Lazarus Chakwera has assented to bills which were passed by this house and the bills were published in the gazetteeffectively making them laws of this country,”

“In the first week the house will consider all outstanding issues such as ministerial statements, questions to ministers for oral reply, bills, statutory reports and private members business,” she said.

14 bills in total were assented including; bill number 1 of 2023, Malawi University of Science and Technology amendment and bill number 2 of 2023, International development association, water and sanitation.

Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba presented a statement on Access to Land for Urban Development and progress on implementation of the Land reforms programme.

Members of Parliament gave observations afterwards, including MP for Chitipa South, Welani Chilenga who inquired what the ministry was doing on matters on encroachment such as at Jacaranda forest reserve.

 In his response, Gumba didn’t say much stating that the matter was in court with belief that the Attorney General was ably representing government.

The Second meeting of the National Assembly in the 50^thsessions of Parliament is expected to conclude on August 18, 2023.

By Willy Kadewere

Chikwawa, July 25, Mana: Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) under Chikwawa Diocese Social Services Directorate Monday donated relief food items to 200 survivors of Tropical Cyclone Freddy (TCF) in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Lundu.

Speaking after making the donation, Acting National Director of Social Services Bro, Pascal Mtuwana said as a church they are very concerned with what happened during TCF.

“The cyclone destroyed livelihoods accelerating food insecurity in the process, as such ECM felt compelled to support vulnerable people in Chikwawa and other affected districts.

“As a faith based body with support from our colleagues abroad we will continue with various donations in affected districts and shortly will come again to provide shelter assistance,” he said.

Disaster Risk Management Officer for Chikwawa, Humphrey Magalasi expressed happiness with the donation saying it would go a long way in providing everyday basic needs.

He appealed to other well-wishers to support survivors with shelter and agricultural input as most of the camps have been decommissioned.

“Much as camps have been decommissioned in Chikwawa, people still need support such as shelters,” Magalasi added.

One of the beneficiaries from Mkanyoza village, Grace Paulo expressed her gratitude for the donation.

“We commend ECM and Chikwawa Diocese for the support, this will help our families to recover as we lost all basic needs due to the cyclone,” she said.

The donated relief items include sugar, cooking oil, salt, maize flour, soya pieces and beans among others.

By Robert Nayeja in Dar-es Salaam

Dar-es Salaam, July 25, Mana. Minister of Labour, Agnes NyaLonje has expressed government commitment to eradicating social evils that hinders Human Capital Development to Malawians.

She made the remarks in Dar-es Salam Tanzania after the Vice President of the United Arab States of Tanzania officially launched African Human Capital heads of state Summit taking place at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.

NyaLonje said gender inequalities, gender based violence, sexual violence, discrimination on other groups of people, and other social ills are among the social norms that are pulling back human capital among the youth and women in Malawi.

“This summit is very crucial to Malawi as it is looking at how we can address all these issues together, including widening economic opportunities to promote economic development for Malawian youth who forms large population,” she added.

The Minister called for the concerted efforts among various sectors in order to address all social ills to unlock human capital potentials to all groups of people regardless of their status.

“For Malawi to develop there is need to have educated people with good health and so invest in skills and development. Government is doing a lot to end social ills but there is need for concerted efforts and holistic approach in all spheres of life in order to unlock the Human Capital Potential among Malawians.

“The summit is looking at all angles of human life so that African countries including Malawi can put in place and shape services that will  promote good human capital,” NyaLonje added.

She assured commitment to creating a conducive environment in order to promote human capital Development.

During the opening of the summit Vice President for the United State of Tanzania Philip Isdor Mpango said Africa needs to review its policies in order to promote positive thinking, competitiveness to become job creators and not job seekers.

He urged African countries to unlock human capital potential by improving education and health services and concentrate of talent and skills development.

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is expected to deliver his speech at the summit.

Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit comes in response to engagements with government focal points on the need to draw attention to the role of human capital in economic growth.

The Summit will be held under the theme, “linking investments in human capital to economic growth and harnessing the demographic dividend, by addressing learning poverty and the skills gap for youth and women.

By Golden Kang’oma

Salima, July 25, Mana: Ministry of Agriculture says proper land and soil resource management is the best option in climate change mitigation.

Principal Secretary responsible for Irrigation in the ministry, Engineer Geoffrey Mamba, made the remarks on Monday during the opening of the 41st National Conference for the Department of Land Resource Conservation in Salima District.

"As the country's agriculture sector continues to be affected by natural disasters and other environmental hazards, it is only right to find other solutions and strategies to increase crop productivity of which one is proper land management," said Mamba.

He said there is need for government and other stakeholders to assist smallholder farmers with education and technical support on how they can increase productivity amid climate-induced challenges.

"I should say it clearly that for the past years, crop production has gone down due to drought, heavy rains and other climate change effects.

“But if we stick to proper land management, there will be great change," he added.

On her part, Director of Land Resource Conservation, Getrude Kambauwa, said lack of resources continues to affect the department, which makes it difficult to address land management issues.

"As of now, lack of resources remains our greatest challenge as we do not receive enough funds, but we are very optimistic that we will be bailed out and work accordingly," she said.

Kambauwa further urged government and other stakeholders to pump in more resources to address land and soil management issues in her department.

The 41st Land Resource and Conservation Conference is being held under the theme: "Re-thinking Sustainable Land and Water Management amid Emerging Issues”.

By Glory Msowoya

Blantyre, July 24, 2023: Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Soil Fertility Expert, Dr. John Kazembe has underscored the need for farmers to start employing measures of restoring soil fertility in areas that were hit hard by Cyclone Freddy in a bid to use the same land in the next growing season.

Recently the country was hit hard by Cyclone Freddy which saw over 200,000 hectares of farmland being washed away.

In an interview to Malawi News Agency (Mana)on Monday, he said it was obvious that the farmland lost its topsoil hence the need for farmers to explore short and long-term measures like the use of fertilizer, manure, and agro forestry as ways of restoring soil fertility.

Kazembe said for suitability of fertility, there was need for farmers to include both long and short-term measures and it takes only a year for the land to regain its soil fertility.

“Soil fertility can be further improved by incorporating cover crops that add organic matter to the soil, which improve soil structure and promote healthy fertile soil. This can be done by using green manure or growing legumes, by micro-dose fertilizer applications among others.

“Another way of restoring soil fertility is agro forestry. It is a regenerative farming practice defined as the intentional combination of trees with crops and livestock into a single, integrated system, “he added.   

Kazembe pointed out that those districts that are in the lower shire should depend on manure to restore the soil fertility,

“Using manure restores nutrients to the soil while preventing erosion.  Rotational grazing and using high quality seeds are other steps that can combat soil problems,” he said.  

Farmers Union of Malawi President, Manes Nkhata said the farmer’s body has been on the ground making sure that farmers are implementing measures on how to restore soil fertility as one way of increasing crop production in the next harvesting season.

“We urge all farmers to actively participate in environmental rehabilitation and management through the protection of existing natural forests, planting of trees and avoiding cultivating along the river,”

“We encourage all farmers to put erosion control measures on their farms such as planting bananas and trees in gullies also constructing ridges to reduce runoff. Farmers should start making compost manure in readiness for the growing season,” she said.

By George Mponda

Mzuzu, July 24, Mana: Moyale Barracks Sunday send Silver Strikers packing out of FDH Cup 10-9 on post-match penalties at Mzuzu Stadium to advance to quarterfinals.

The match which was highly patronized started on a low note and the first half ended goalless with Silver Strikers’ Mark Fodya's well taken freekick saved by Macdonald Harawa as Gasten Simkonda blasted the ball over the cross the bar missing only notable chances.

In the second half, Moyale Barracks veteran defender, George Nyirenda was pulled out after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 49th minute and immediately after, Silver Strikers took the lead with Mark Fodya curling in a beautiful free kick which beat Harawa, sending their supporters into frenzy.

However, Moyale did not relent and they pushed hard for an equaliser which they got in the 75th minute after Brown Maganga found their talisman captain, Gasten Simkonda with a perfectly weighted cross into the box which Simkonda calmly controlled and smashed into the net making it 1-1.

After that, although both sides pushed to get the winning goal, it did not work for both teams until the referee blew his whistle taking the match into post match penalties.

Moyale Barracks were first to take the penalty and their captain Simkonda stepped up but he turned from a hero to a villain after Charles Thom went the right way and saved his penalty.

Silver Strikers and Flames attacker, Stain Davie blasted the ball over the cross bar for his fifth penalty which was supposed to win Silver the game and the shootout went into sudden death.

However, Harawa emerged hero of the day after saving Tatenda Mb'alaka’s last free kick sending Moyale Barracks FC fans into jubilation as they invaded the picth to carry their long serving goalkeeper.

 Coach for Silver Strikers FC, Peter de Jong blamed the condition of the stadium for his side’s poor performance.

"It was a difficult game because football on this very bumpy pitch is not possible. We scored once and then they equalised and we lost in post match penalties which are everyone’s game,” he claimed.

Coach for Moyale, Nicholas Mhango hailed his charges for winning the match in front of their supporters who had turned out in large numbers.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game and we prepared well, that is why we won. And if some are blaming the pitch for their loss, then I want to assure them that these are the conditions of pitches in Malawi and we have been playing on such grounds for a long time. There is nothing strange here,” he added.

By Twimepoki Mangani

Lilongwe July 24, Mana: Dedza Dynamos Salima Sugar FC secured a 1-0 victory over Extreme FC through Charles Chipala strike on Sunday at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe to return to winning ways in the TNM Super League.

Dedza Dynamos was coming from a 2-2 draw against FCB Nyasa Big Bullets while Extreme FC so had a goalless draw against Bangwe All Stars.

Extreme FC looked comfortable to begin the first half and were first to attempt to draw first blood in the fourth minute after a free kick from Francis Pukusu which was headed wide by Beston Jimu.

The next play saw Dedza Dynamos unpack their attacking prose as Lameck Gamphani found space and shot straight at goalkeeper Blessings Juma.

Dedza were at it again moments later as Chipala’s positioning out classed the defence but his headed ball went south of the goal.

Extreme FC had a pair of grand chances in the 20^th minute when Dedza goalkeeper Donnex Mwakasinga made two saves punching Innocent Chipolopolo’s close range effort as well as parring away for a corner Jimu’s shot from the rebound.

After 25 minutes, Dedza began to grow into the game and while red hot striker Clement Nyondo was kept at bay in the first half,

Chipala and Gamphani had several stints of excellent passes in attempt to dislodge the Extreme FC defence.

Extreme FC piled seven chances in the first half, while the visitors racked up 11.

To begin the second period Dedzaswitched things up and introduced Limbani Phiri for Lughano Kayira.

It was all Dedza in the second half, Nyondo had the chance to score following a fumble in the penalty box but Juma once again brought order.

In the 80^th minute, Chipala squandered an effort wide when he was left unmarked however he vindicated himself in the 82^nd minute when he latched onto a cross from Gamphani for the winning goal.

 Coach for Dedza Dynamos, Gilbert Chirwa hailed his team for having picked up form in recent league games.

“It was a tough game but in the last minutes we came into the game and scored a beautiful goal of course for the better part Extreme were better and hence we made changes,” he said.

Coach for Extreme, Elvis Kafoteka expressed confidence that the team would remain in the top flight league besides the relegation threat they face.

“We have accepted the loss we had chances but could not convert them and I hope the officiation of the games improves as the season goes on,” he added.

By Tiwonge Kampondeni

Karonga July 23, 2023: Karonga District Council has elected councilor for Songwe Ward, Misheck Mwaijengo as new chairperson for the council.

Mwaijengo was elected Friday during an extra ordinary full council meeting.

He has taken over the mantle from Isaac Kalambo who is councilor for Zgeba Ward after the expiry of his one-year term.

“I am very happy to be elected as chairperson of the council. One of the things I would like to work on, is to improve nutrition levels in the district,” Mwaijengo said.

On his part, Kalambo said he was happy to have completed his term and that he is ready to support his successor.

By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, July 23, 2023: National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has advised communities across the country to own projects under the Climate Smart Public Works (CSPW) Programme to ensure sustainability of the programme’s gains.

NLGFC Social Development Officer, Mateso Kazembe made the call Saturday in Mzuzu when he closed a two-day refresher training for Nkhata Bay extension workers on how to address challenges that were realised in the first phase of the project.

"The programme focuses on land resource and forestry conservation to improve soil fertility as we respond to effects of climate change.

This intervention will go a long way in addressing issues of food security, hence they need to embrace the interventions even after the expiry of program’s period,” said Kazembe.

He however said that government has put deliberate measures to sustain the interventions through the introduction of a ten day unpaid for service every month.

In his remarks District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rogers Newa, said the training was a timely intervention in mitigating potential challenges in the implementation of the program.

"We are therefore, advise the extension workers to share their knowledge which they have gained during the training with all players on the grass roots for quality work." Newa said.

One of the trainees, Loveness Kamtema who is an extension worker for Kavuzi Catchment Area, hailed NLGFC for organising the training which he said will lead to improved output in the second phase of CSPWP.

“We will take the message players at grass roots level for the betterment of the communities, the district and the country as a whole,” said Kamtema.

The program is being implemented by Malawi Government through NLGFC with funding from the World Bank.

By Margaret Kalua

Nkhata Bay, July 23, 2023: District Social Welfare Officer for Nkhatabay, Macsencie Chagomera says early childhood development (ECD) education is a strong foundation for the fulfilment of Malawi 2063.

Speaking on Friday during a graduation ceremony at God's Favor School, one of the ECD centers at Chintheche in Nkhatabay, Chagomerana said early education grooms’ children into responsible citizens from a tender age.

He said: "By 2063, these are the people who will be in leadership positions so this is a right time to sharpen their minds and make sure we put them on the right track. If we teach them at a tender age, we are assured that the 2063 agenda is achievable.”

He called upon parents to complement the care givers’ efforts by teaching their children at home when they knock off from school, saying through collaboration between caregivers and parents, children get knowledge easily and quickly.

District Education Management Information Officer for Nkhatabay, Michael Gondwe, said the district is making progress in ECD despite facing numerous challenges including poor learning facilities, lack of motivation for care givers and inadequate teaching and learning resources.

Gondwe appealed for more investment in care givers particularly in areas of training and provision of necessary support and motivation to them.

Director for God's Favor School, Dollar Banda said the aim of her school is to complement government’s efforts in providing ECD, saying while it is a paying nursery school, there are also some children from poor families who learn for free.