Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Manasse Nyirenda

Rumphi, March 10, Mana:  A Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) graduate in Rumphi, Zakeyu Banda, now owns at least 20 pigs worth millions which he has accumulated over a period of five years since he got enrolled into the programme.

Banda from Kasalika Village in Senior Chief Katumbi says before he became a beneficiary of the Multi Donor Trust Fund and World Bank funded programme he struggled to feed his family of seven, but once he got the opportunity he utilized it fully.

"Once I joined the programme I knew it was a chance to transform my life for the better. I bought one pig which has multiplied to at least 20 now. I can now afford farm inputs and produce food for my family by selling some of my pigs.

"I have also built a decent house thatched with iron sheets. I also own six acres of farm land. I have achieved all this through the programme," said Banda.

Another former beneficiary, Hellena Mkandawire, from the same area says through the programme she has connected her house to piped water, bought solar power, renovated her house and also owns goats.

Desk Officer for Social Cash Transfer Programme in the district, Abel Ndlovu has urged new beneficiaries of the programme to invest their money in order to achieve self-sufficiency.

SCTP is a Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP). There are 5,061 SCTP beneficiaries in Rumphi and most of them have just been enrolled into the programme.

By Gift Chiponde

Chitipa, March 11, Mana: Business community in Chitipa has commended government for initiating Malawi Education Reformed Programme (MERP), which has not only improved school infrastructure but also empowered local entrepreneurs by prioritising local suppliers for construction materials.

One of the suppliers who is the beneficiary of the project Lameck Ngomale, a supplier of cement and iron bars, described MERP as a lifeline for small businesses in the district.

“In the past, major construction projects often sourced materials from outside Chitipa, making it difficult for us to grow. But under MERP, we have had the opportunity to supply cement and iron bars for school construction projects. This has boosted our sales and allowed us to expand our business,” he said.

Another entrepreneur, Liness Kanyika, who supplied cement bricks, said that the programme has proven to be a pillar of small businesses.

“MERP has been a great opportunity for my business. By securing contracts to supply cement bricks for new classrooms, I have been able to employ more workers and improve my financial stability. The programme is not just about education; it is also uplifting local businesses,” she said.

In his remarks, David Phiri, a quarry stone supplier, said that the impact of MERP has been equally significant.

 He stated that the increased demand for building materials has allowed him to scale up operations.

 “Before MERP, our business was struggling with inconsistent sales. But now, with the construction of new schools in Chitipa, we have seen a rise in orders. This has helped us invest in better equipment and create more jobs for the youth in our community,” he said.

Phiri has since urged government to maintain its commitment of supporting local suppliers in future projects.

He believes that by prioritising local businesses, more people in rural areas will benefit from economic growth, fostering self-reliance and long-term development.

“We thank government for ensuring that development projects like MERP benefit not only learners but also local entrepreneurs.

“This is the kind of empowerment we need to grow our businesses and strengthen our communities,” said  phiri.

Chitipa’s local business owners remain optimistic that their involvement in government projects will lead to sustained economic transformation in the district.

By Pempho Nkhoma

Blantyre, March 10, Mana: Mental Health Awareness Hub (MeHA) has organized a mental health awareness campaign on Friday March 14 at Blantyre Secondary School (BSS) to promote mental wellbeing among individuals.

The campaign targets students and teachers at BSS and will be held under the theme; Healthy minds, happy lives.

Founder of MeHA, Bright Kanola, said the hub always hold online awareness sessions and thought of organising a physical session to accommodate others that have no access to online platforms.

“Many people are not aware that mental health issues cover wide range of areas, including depression, substance abuse and addiction, stress, anxiety, gambling addiction among others. This event will cover some areas mentioned above to sensitize people to know when and where to seek for help,” he said.

Kanola therefore urged the general public to be open and seek support whenever they struggle with mental health issues like, stress, depression and having thoughts of committing suicide.

“Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional, and let them help you find the strength to keep going. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but strength,” he added.

Other activities like quiz and drama will be used to deliver mental health information to the attendees.

One of the speakers for the event, Funny Chapalapata, urged people to patronize the event saying prioritising mental health discussing sessions is of high importance for a health mind and happy living.

“We will tackle topics like; substance use disorders directed to the students and stress related disorders directed to workers. This is because we have seen that due to stress workers in different institutions have not been able to perform productively. Mental health awareness provides chance to identity stressors and help those stressed with good coping skills to ensure quality outcome,” she said.

Other speakers that will have presentations on different topics include Elizer Kanyika, Willard Waile, Pilirani Kumundayayi, Alice Phiri, Glory Benson, Rosemary Mkumba,

This is the second physical mental health awareness session organised by MeHA, the first one was held in October 2024 at Ngumbe Secondary School in Chileka.

By Bazilio Chingoli 

Ntcheu, March 11, Mana: Beneficiaries of Social Cash Transfer Program popularly known as Mtukula Pankhomo in Ntcheu District have hailed the program for transforming their livelihoods.

Speaking on Monday during Media tour on the program's impact, Jane Sakaiko one of the beneficiaries at Chiluzi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Ganya, said the program has enabled them to live a dignified life by providing them with their daily needs.

"l have managed to venture into goat farming from the money I received through the program and am living happily with my three children than before," she said.

Another beneficiary, Patrick Sipiyano from kuntomba Village Traditional Authority Ganya said he invested the money into fish business and he is making a lot of profits where he has managed to buy a bicycle and build a house and a kitchen both with iron sheets.

Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP in the district, Catherine Ngoleka, has advised beneficiaries of the program to use the money efficiently and keep safe automated teller machine card (ATMs) and passwords to avoid fraud.

Ngoleka adds that the program aims at alleviating poverty among ultra-poor families and that the beneficiaries in the district are receiving their money using E- payments through FDH Bank hence the need to be careful.

Ntcheu District has 114 clusters with 14,347 beneficiaries of SCTP with funding from Irish Aid.

By Nellie Nyirenda

Blantyre, March 10, Mana: Malawi Union for Informal Sector (MUFIS) is conducting nationwide training sessions for small scale business people and those in the informal labour market to cope with economic hardships that has affected businesses and livelihoods.

Executive General Secretary, Mwanda Chiwambala told Malawi News Agency on Sunday that MUFIS intends to support the informal sector through series of trainings to ensure adequate knowledge and skills to deal with economic challenges.

“The economic hardship has made it very hard for a lot of people in the informal sector, especially those running small businesses, to stabilise,” Chiwambala said.

In line with government policies, he said that MUFIS remains committed to protecting livelihoods of those in the informal sector, adding that the union will continue providing proactive measurers in the wake of inflation.

He assured the members that MUFIS will continue to be a beacon of hope for those that depend on small-scale entrepreneurship to sustain their families and to serve communities.

“We train our members in small groups, where they learn innovative approaches to secure micro-loans among themselves. By providing this tailored support, MUFIS aims to not only stabilise individual businesses but also to strengthen the overall economic fabric of the nation during a period of significant financial downturn,” he added.

A MUFIS member at Chirimba Market in Blantyre, Annie Masanza expressed gratitude to the union for supporting members to adapt to the hard economic times.

“It has been so difficult for small business people like us to stay afloat during tough economic times. I want to thank MUFIS for teaching us the importance of relying on each other and for the support they provide,” said Masanza.

MUFIS came into being in the year 2000, and it has 18,000 members across Malawi where members are engaged in fruit, vegetable, maize, groundnuts selling, second hand clothes, grocery shops, farm, flower selling, small holder tea growing in Mulanje and cooperative farming in Chitipa and Karonga.

By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, March 10, Mana: The Minister of Youth and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire, alongside the British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie, on Monday led the Commonwealth Day celebrations at Civil Service Stadium.

In his remarks, Mkandawire emphasized the significance of the Commonwealth in Malawi, particularly in youth empowerment.

“We have actively participated in various Commonwealth Games, and we will continue to do so because these events foster unity and togetherness,” he said.

He further highlighted the role of sports in the Commonwealth, noting that youth engagement remains at the heart of these celebrations.

British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie echoed these sentiments, describing Commonwealth Day as a moment to reflect on shared values and a longstanding partnership.

“This day is an opportunity for us to come together as a family, celebrate our friendship, and strengthen our collaboration. The theme this year, ‘Together We Thrive,’ reminds us that these connections are vital for progress,” she stated and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with Malawi in empowering its youth for a brighter future.

Commonwealth Day is an annual event observed on the second Monday of March. While it is not a public holiday in most Commonwealth countries, it serves as a platform to celebrate the unity, diversity, and shared goals of the 56 member nations.

Originally established as Empire Day in 1902 to honor the British Empire, the observance evolved in the latter half of the 20^th century, shifting its focus to the modern Commonwealth of Nations. It was renamed Commonwealth Day in 1958, and in 1977, its official date was moved to March.

The occasion is typically marked by messages from the Head of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, inter-denominational services, and flag-raising ceremonies across member states. A notable event takes place at Westminster Abbey in London, attended by the Head of the Commonwealth and other dignitaries.

In Malawi, this year’s celebrations reaffirmed the country’s dedication to the values of the Commonwealth, with sports playing a key role in engaging young people and fostering a sense of unity.

The event was graced with several activities; a big walk, music performances and some games where some walked away with awards and prizes. 

By Gift Chiponde

Chitipa, March 10, Mana: Communities in Chitipa have commended government for constructing and completing new school blocks under the Malawi Education Reform Programme (MERP), a development expected to significantly enhance quality education in the district.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Village Headman Chitala 2 from the area of Senior Chief Mwaulambya described the completion of a school block at Chimwemwe Full Primary School as a major milestone that will provide a better learning environment for learners.

"We have been struggling with classroom shortages, but with these new blocks provided by the government through MERP, our learners will now learn in a proper setting," he said.

He further pledged to continue sensitizing the community on the importance of maintaining the new infrastructure.

"I will engage parents on how we can preserve this project. This is a great development for us in Chitala 2," he added.

Chimwemwe Full Primary School Mother Group Vice Chairperson, Loveness Mtambo, stated that the new classroom block will provide a safer and more comfortable learning space for girls by reducing congestion.

"Many girls miss school due to overcrowding, especially during their monthly periods. The new school block will help improve attendance," she said.

She also highlighted that the school will benefit from the newly constructed toilet facilities under the same project, which will promote better hygiene, particularly among girls.

"We are grateful to the government for this development, which will likely increase girls' enrollment in primary schools across the district," she added.

Geoffrey Siyeni, a member of the Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) Committee, welcomed the project, emphasising its role in improving learners' well-being.

"We have faced significant challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, especially during extreme weather conditions. Many learners were forced to miss classes, leading to poor performance," he said.

Secretary for the School Management Committee at Lwambo Full Primary School, another beneficiary of the project, expressed his excitement for the construction of the classrooms.

“This project has eased congestion in our classrooms. Community is excited about the new infrastructure because of its impressive design and durability," he said.

Ramsey Ghambi, a Standard 8 learner at Chimwemwe Primary School, said the new classrooms will help to address the long-standing issue of classroom shortages.

"Lack of space has been a major factor in school dropouts. This new development will encourage more learners to stay in school," he said.

Lwambo Primary School Headteacher, Estone Ng’ambi, praised the initiative saying the project came when the school urgently needed additional classrooms.

"As a way of safeguarding this development, we already have existing by-laws and regulations in place to protect the infrastructure and ensure it continues to serve future generations," he said.

He commended government for constructing child-friendly and modern classrooms, which have also helped to improve teacher learners ratio.

Loveness Kayuni, a Standard 7 learner at Lwambo Primary School, described the new classrooms as impressive and highly beneficial.

"I encourage my fellow learners to take care of this beautiful infrastructure. It will help us achieve our dreams. Let’s avoid vandalizing school property, as such acts are not only destructive but also against the law," she said.

Director of Education and Sport for Chitipa District, McGiven Chinyamula, stated that the district has so far benefited from the construction of 40 school blocks, with nine already completed in the first phase.

He commended government for the initiative, stating that it is likely to improve the learning environment and provide quality time for teachers in managing learners.

Chinyamula also highlighted that, through the program, the district has benefited from the employment of 84 auxiliary teachers that will improve education in the district.

"I am very grateful that government has also considered employing teachers. This development will tremendously improve education standards in Chitipa," he said.

He further appealed government to consider constructing teachers houses in the district, a move that would help reduce accommodation challenges faced by rural teachers.

By Charlie Ligomeka

Machinga, March 10, Mana – Two people have died in a road accident when a motorcycle they were riding on, collided with a minibus on Liwonde-Zomba, M3 road in Machinga on Monday evening.

Police in Machinga identified the two as; Mussa Bwanausi, 32, and Biliati Cassim, 28, both from Katete Village, Traditional Authority Malemia in Zomba.

Machinga Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Western Kansire said the accident happened at Chingoli Village, along the M3 road on Monday around 18:35 hours when a Toyota Hiace minibus registration number CK 8724, driven by Ndaona Bwenzani, 40 was heading to Liwonde from Zomba direction lost control while avoiding a pothole.

“The minibus then collided head-on with the unregistered motorcycle, ridden by Mussa Bwanausi, who had Biliati Cassim as his passenger. The impact of the collision was severe, leaving both the rider and his passenger with critical head injuries,

“The two were pronounced dead upon arrival at Machinga District Hospital,” Machinga Police publicist added and further explained that the minibus driver sustained minor injuries, while passengers escaped unhurt.

He said the driver is currently in police custody pending court proceedings as he is expected to answer charges of causing death by reckless driving.

Bwenzani comes from Kalonga Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.

By Solister Mogha

Zomba, March 10, Mana: World Bank mission has commended Zomba District Council for implementing Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP) to the satisfaction of the mission.

Senior Social Protection Officer for the Bank, Chipo Msowoya on Monday expressed satisfaction on the implementation of SSRLP during the mission's engagement with some of Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) participating communities at Sambaisa catchment in Zomba where the participating communities also organise themselves into Village Savings and Loan groups.

Msowoya said, based on the interactions, it was evident enough that the objectives of the SSRP   were being achieved.

“It is exciting to hear from participating communities on how they are benefiting from the programme and also how activities under the programme are benefiting and improving their likelihoods,” added Msowoya.

He said the mission whose main objective was to understand how the SSRLP was being implemented and impacting on Malawians is confident of the sustainability of the programme and long lasting structures.

Under the SSRLP, Malawi Government with support from the multi donor Trust Fund is implementing social support activities that are meant to end ultra-poverty while building resilience amongst rural population listed in SSRP.

Executive Director for National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) Dr, Kondwani Santhe whose team joined the mission said the essence of the trip was also meant to appreciate successes and challenges in the implementation of social support programmes.

“We are not here for fault finding. We are here to appreciate successes and challenges and together, find solutions to impending issues,” he added and explained that all issues discussed during the interactions with the community and Zomba District Council officials have been noted and will be looked into.

District Commissioner for Zomba, Reinghard Chavula expressed gratitude for the bank and the whole Multi donor Trust Fund team for visiting the district to appreciate SSRLP implementation.

Chavula said people in Zomba were committed to work hard in all the social protection programmes, observing that programmes have transformed a lot of lives through active participation.

"To be honest with you, the money under the social protection is making a huge impact on people in Zomba. Many have joined Village Savings and Loans groups such that they establish small scale businesses to support themselves,” she said.

Before Zomba, the mission also visited Machinga District Council where it also appreciated SSRLP implementation.

By Paul Madise

Lilongwe, March 09, Mana: The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has advised people in Southern Malawi to follow precautionary measures following an issued warning of Tropical Storm Jude by the Department of Meteorological Services (DCCMS).

In a statement signed by Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for DoDMA, Tropical Storm Jude is expected to develop into a cyclone and directly trigger heavy rains and strong winds in the country from Monday, 10th March 2025 leading to rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm in 24 hours, particularly in affected areas.

"Districts in southern Malawi are expected to receive rainfall amounts exceeding 100mm in 24 hours. Some of the districts that are likely to experience severe impact include Balaka, Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Machinga, Mulanje, Mwanza, Neno, Nsanje, Ntcheu, Phalombe, Thyolo and Zomba, districts along the lakeshore areas are also expected to experience high rainfall amounts,” reads the statement.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), is advising the general public to move to safer and higher areas as a matter of urgency, follow weather updates through various communication channels and platforms further avoid crossing flooded rivers and walking through running water among others

DoDMA is also advising the public to stay away from power lines and electrical wires and report fallen power lines to authorities.

The statement indicates that people are advised not to attempt to save personal property at the expense of lives, to move and store essential property in safe higher grounds as well as providing first aid treatment to the injured, those in shock and call for medical help.

In accordance with the statement, apart from alerting councils, DoDMA has activated all clusters (sector working groups) for swift preparatory and anticipatory actions. The national emergency operation centre has also been activated for coordinated preparedness and response.

"DoDMA has also made standby arrangements for the deployment of a search and rescue team comprising the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), the Malawi Police Service (MPS) the Marine Department and the Malawi Red Cross Society," the statement reads.

The department, through the Public Communication and Publicity Cluster, is also working with DCCMS and councils in disseminating early warning messages and raising awareness of the looming cyclone.

DoDMA has also appealed to Councils in disaster-prone areas to alert area and village disaster risk management committees to further alert and assist vulnerable communities to move to nearby evacuation centres.