Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Mwai Kumanda

Lilongwe, February 8, Mana:  Independent Driven Education (INDE) Woman, a non-governmental organization has called on girls in Lilongwe to work hard in their studies so that they become productive citizens in the near future.

One of the organization's co-founders Louisa Sibande, made the call at Kauma LEA primary school in Lilongwe when the organization was presenting some school materials to learners.

 “We decided to start this program after noting that many girls drop out of school due to financial constraints and also a lack of role models, so we thought it was wise to start the scholarship program that provides an opportunity for girls to at least compete for their secondary education,” she said.

Sibande said their organization is determined to assist underprivileged students with school funds, sanitary products as well as school uniforms so that they can be able to stay in school.

She said apart from providing school materials, the organization also does mentorship sessions and motivational talks just to motivate and encourage learners.

Head teacher for Kauma primary Bertha Nyirenda hailed the organization for its invaluable support in assisting the learners.

“It’s heartwarming to see organizations working to empower girls and promote their education. This initiative has made a significant difference in the lives of these girls and we appreciate them for always providing the learners with different resources,” she said.

A Standard 8 learner Moreen Mituka thanked the organization for supporting her education through mentorship sessions and school resources which enabled her to continue her education.

 “This organization has helped in boosting my confidence. I am grateful for all the help we are getting from this organization, with the mentorship sessions I have learnt that despite my gender, I am capable of doing and be able to acquire whatever I want,” she said.

INDE Woman is a non-profit organization that aims to empower girls with financial, educational, and other resources and started its operations in 2021

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 9, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) programmes officer for Kasungu Gerald Chirwa has challenged the youths in the district to exercise the highest level of political tolerance in the run-up to the September General Elections.

Chirwa said in an interview on the sidelines of voter mobilisation activities in the district on Saturday that the youths must refuse to be used as agents of violence in the electoral process but that they must take productive roles.

“We reiterate our call for the youths and everyone else in general to take productive roles in the entire electoral process so that we have peaceful polls.

“The youths in particular should aim not only to vote but also contest for positions rather than just being used to fight opponents. They should express interest to contest whether as councillors, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the presidency as well," Chirwa said.

He said political leaders must also lead an issue-based campaign and avoid inflammatory remarks that would compromise the peace needed in the election process.

“This is a period dominated by campaign activities and our call for tolerance extends to the political leadership as well because violence leads to low participation in polls and consequently compromises the legitimacy of those elected,” he said.

Chairperson for Kasungu Civil Society Network, Braxton Banda said democracy can only thrive if people participate in the electing of leaders and therefore asked people to come out in large numbers during the polling day.

“We must guard our democracy and the only way to do that is to participate, and those contesting in leadership positions must be realistic in their campaigns by promising things they will do because, at the end of the day, they are to be held accountable for that.

“Unrealistic promises lead to frustration of voters, the very reason we see people shunning away from registering as voters today, so we must be honest enough in what we tell the people,” Banda said.

According to the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) consolidated preliminary figures of registered voters, at least 7,200,905 people are expected to cast their ballot to choose councillors, MPs and president.

By Yankho Kandio

Salima February 9, Mana: Officials from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) held a crucial meeting with stakeholders in Salima to assess the progress of the Lean Season Social Cash Transfer Programme.

The lean season response initiative aims to support vulnerable households affected by drought.

The program being implemented nationwide, varies in duration depending on the severity of need in each district.

Salima has been allocated four months of response assistance, with two months already completed.

Speaking during a council meeting, in the Salima district, Disaster Preparedness Officer Brian Zikamale provided a comprehensive update on the program's rollout plan.

 "In the past two months, each registered household including those under the El Niño disaster response program and those enrolled in the regular Social Cash Transfer Program received a 50kg bag of maize per month to help them cope with food shortages," he said.

“Salima has a total of 33,759 households enrolled in the program, directly benefiting an estimated 183,690 people. Among these, 10,877 households are part of the Social Cash Transfer Program and will now transition to receiving cash assistance instead of maize for the remaining two months of the response,” said Zikamale.

He said this shift will be supported by a budget allocation of K761 million ensuring that each household receives K70,000, equivalent to the market price of a 50kg bag of maize.

Officials agreed that this adjustment aims to offer greater flexibility for beneficiaries, allowing them to purchase food or other essential household items according to their specific needs.

It also aligns with efforts to promote financial inclusion by encouraging the use of mobile money services.

On his part, Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda, expressed satisfaction with the program's implementation, highlighting its role in improving the quality of life for affected households.

"The program has been crucial in providing relief to families struggling with food shortages due to the drought. This assistance has helped to ensure that vulnerable households have access to food and other necessities," Mwenda said.

While acknowledging the program’s success, Senior Chief Khombedza raised concerns about the need for transparency and inclusivity in the distribution process.

Khombedza urged DoDMA officials to ensure equitable access to support and emphasized the importance of effective communication with communities to prevent misunderstandings or exclusions.

Additionally, stakeholders proposed measures to improve programme’s efficiency, including strengthening beneficiary verification processes and enhancing collaboration between local leaders and program coordinators to ensure that support reaches those most in need.

By Catherine Chikopa

Thyolo, February 8, Mana:  South East Region Police has appealed to law enforcing agencies, community members and other stakeholders in Thyolo to strengthen collaboration in tackling security challenges to make the district crime free.

Speaking during a Station Executive Forum (SEF) meeting on Saturday, Police Commissioner for the South East Region, Dr. Noel Kayira said there was need to make Thyolo a safe haven conducive for all socio-economic activities.

“The police and community members must work as one to ensure a safe society. Conflicts should be resolved peacefully to prevent unnecessary loss of life and property,” he said.

Kayira said this this in reaction to several incidents of mob justice and torching of police facilities in Thyolo.

Thyolo Police, Station Executive Forum, Chairperson, Darlington Kawawa, said stakeholder collaboration was crucial in addressing insecurity issues in the district.

“The meeting enabled stakeholders to review past security measures and strategise for improved security and safety. Reports from community policing groups and security teams will help us develop effective crime prevention strategies,” he said.

He stressed the need to equip stakeholders with the necessary resources, saying that security was a collective responsibility.

Kawawa therefore condemned acts of mob justice, citing past incidents that led to the destruction of police posts in Thekerani and Bvumbwe.

Senior Chief Mchilamwera also urged community members to take an active role in combating crime.

 “We have challenges such as vandalism and theft. By working together with the police, we can protect our resources and ensure a safer district,” he said.

The meeting brought together traditional and faith leaders, business representatives, persons with albinism, estate managers, youth representatives, community policing members, police officers, and the media to discuss security concerns and enhance collaboration.

By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, February 8, Mana: Cluster Coordinating Office in the Southern Region took a monitoring tour of activities under Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) at Traditional Authority Changata in Thyolo to guide the programme’s participating communities on how best they should implement the social protection intervention.

 In the week, CS-EPWP, Southern Region, Cluster Coordinator, Henry Hunga, was at Chidzimbi and Nkoma catchments where he said there was need to monitor the activities to ensure high-quality work implemented by programme participants.

He noted that regular supervision helps to guide beneficiaries, Catchment committee and extension workers in their daily activities, ensuring that activities are implemented effectively and according to social protection guidelines.

“Supervision is key to achieving quality work. It also allows us to provide guidance, address challenges, and ensure that activities are being carried out correctly,” he added.

Hunga said monitoring projects during the rainy season aligns well with forestry season thereby offering participating communities chance to acquire better knowledge on environmental conservation.

 “The participating communities plant trees along riverbanks to protect water sources threatened by soil erosion. It is therefore crucial to assess progress and provide technical support where needed,” he said.

He urged the Thyolo District Council to continue regular supervision, emphasising that knowledge and best practices evolve over time.

CS-EPWP District Desk Officer in Thyolo, Francis Yohane, expressed satisfaction with the participants’ efforts in tree planting, describing it as a significant step toward land restoration.

“We are impressed by the collaborative efforts in restoring degraded land. The quality of work being done is commendable,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Chifuniro Manuelo from Chidzimbi catchment, said the CS-EPWP had been life-changing and that supervision plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainability.

 “Through the programme, we had gained valuable knowledge on conserving the environment, including protecting river banks. This will ensure that the project benefits future generations,” she said.

A foreman from Chidzimbi Catchment, Lucius Million, expressed optimism that planting trees along riverbanks will help prevent further land degradation along the river banks.

Nkoma Catchment Committee, Chairperson, Kingston Makuka, said CS-EPWP has positive impact, adding it improved soil fertility thereby revitalising banana cultivation in the area.

He therefore called on the CS-EPWP regional coordinating office and Thyolo District Council officials   to continue providing guidance in the programme implementation activities.

Chidzimbi and Nkoma Catchment Areas fall under Masambanjati Extension Planning Area (EPA) and have 1,298 and 500 participants respectively.

By Bazilio Chingoli

Ntcheu, February 8, Mana: Malawi Adventist University (MAU) students from the Lakeview campus in Ntcheu have asked well-wishers to assist them with financial support to purchase wheelchairs for a 15-year-old physically challenged girl, Mphatso Wilson and his father who are failing to walk due to cancer.

The students made the call when they donated some items to Mphatso's family at Kabwazi village in the area of Traditional Authority Njolomole in the district.

According to the student's Patron, Eluby Masauko, a Lecturer in the Department of Education at the University, after seeing Mphatso's condition, thought of contributing and sharing what they have with the family.

"As students, we believe in love and sharing little things that we have with others who are in need, hence we decided to contribute some items to share with Mphatso and her father", said Masauko.

William Thom, Chairperson of the Student'' asked well-wishers to come in with long-term support.

"We are asking those who can help with financial support to come in and assist us to purchase wheelchairs for Mphatso and his father so that they can be able to socialize,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alinafe Wilson, a mother to Mphatso commended the students for the support saying the help will address some problems she faces in taking care of her family.

Mphatso who was born with the problem is failing to access education and other social services due to mobility challenges.

Through their Reach Out and Touch club, the students donated sugar, Soap and clothes, among other items.

By Steve Chirombo

Dedza, February 8, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) have applauded government through the World Bank-supported initiative saying it is helping to restore devastated forests in the district.

The remarks were made during random interviews with some programme participants on Friday when authorities from Dedza district council were wrapping up a pay parade for phase 3 at the Mtakataka area under Senior Chief Kachindamoto in the district.

80-Year-Old Galizio Lifeyo who hails from Kabota Village in the area expressed satisfaction with the initiative saying the involvement of the elderly in making tree nurseries while receiving wages motivates them to help others on how to take care of the environment.

Lifeyo said: "I have received K48, 000 and this money will help my family. My husband died some years back and I live with my grandchildren. The money will therefore help my family buy food in this lean season."

Lifeyo further encouraged young people to cultivate the spirit of taking part in various development initiatives for the benefit of themselves and their communities.

She added: "Dedza is well known for its cold weather but it should be noted that this part of Dedza is always hot and requires proper management of trees that assist in lessening the heat wave."

Elenita Ausesiyo from Maliki village in the same area agreed with Lifeyo saying the money she received would help her support her family as well.

"Making of the swales has helped in controlling running water that has, previously destroyed our ridges. These strategies are protecting the soils from being washed away hence conserving the environment,” she said.

Dedza District Council, project facilitator for the programme, Jocaster Mnemba Khoriyo said the programme aims at transforming people's lives by empowering them to embrace ways of environmental sustainability and at the same time empowering them economically.

CS-EPWP is funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) to mitigate the effects of climate change while enhancing local livelihoods.

By Zenak Matekenya

Dedza, February 8, Mana: Deputy Minister for Local Government, Unity and Culture Joyce Chitsulo says completion of Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) projects should meet the stipulated three-month time frame noting that the funder, World Bank, disburse funds in time.

She made this statement on Friday in Dedza following her visit to new classroom blocks at Mwenje and Kabango Primary Schools as part of her familiarization tour to GESD projects in different districts.

While expressing satisfaction with the project’s quality of work, the minister expressed worry over councils' delay in paying contractors at certain levels of the work emphasizing that the donor's timely funding paves the way for swift implementation.

“Despite the outstanding quality of work, several councils are facing delays in project completion due to late disbursement of funds to contractors. Some projects have gone up to eight months without completion,” she said.

Chitsulo acknowledged that sometimes contractor capacity issues are to blame and urged councils to conduct thorough assessments of contractors’ capabilities to ensure timely project delivery.

The deputy minister also expressed concern over certain communities' reluctance to mobilize materials such as sand as their contribution yet they are the ones owning the projects.

Dedza District Council Chairperson Stanley Manase said in recent years, the council has made significant progress in overcoming challenges related to the GESD project and is optimistic that it will achieve 100 per cent efficiency.

He urged stakeholders to remain committed to the GESD project implementation, highlighting the transformative impact of newly constructed health facilities, classroom blocks, bridges, public servants' houses and other vital infrastructure on local livelihoods.

“For instance, the new classroom blocks visited today have responded to the challenge of school dropout by reducing distance barrier and providing good shelter as opposed to learning under a tree,” he said.

District Commissioner for Dedza District Council Thomas Chigwenembe commended the minister for the visit and assured that the council is leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of effective implementation of GESD and other projects.

He said the council conducts a verification process before disbursing funds to contractors.

He added that certain contractors’ actions were in direct contravention of their contract terms, as they demanded advance payments before commencing work.

“We have intensified our scrutiny of contractors’ capabilities and the progress is good. There is enough money for the implementation of GESD and DDF [District Development Fund] projects. Once the contractor has met the conditions of the contract, they are being paid,” he added.

Dedza District Council councilors praised the council's secretariat during a full council meeting last year for its strict measures and great progress in overseeing the implementation of infrastructure development projects.

The 2024/25 allocation for GESD projects in Dedza District totals about K1.5 billion with Kabango Primary School’s classroom blocks construction receiving over K98 million.

By Patience Harawa

Karonga, February 8, Mana: National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged political party leaders in Karonga District to support aspiring women candidates in readiness for the general elections slated for 16 September 2025.

NICE Trust District Programs Officer (DPO) for Karonga, Nathan Sakala said this on Friday during a multiparty liaison committee (MPLC) meeting held at NICE Trust offices in the district.

Sakala urged the MPLC members to utilize their positions in garnering support for aspiring women candidates from the political parties’ primaries up to the general elections.

“We want to see more women taking an interest in leadership positions and decision-making roles and we are working with party governors to break down the mental barriers that prevent women from taking on leadership roles,” said Sakala.

He said it is against this background that his organization, with financial support from the UNDP, is implementing a women empowerment project dubbed Nthawi Yawo Project that aims to encourage and support women to vie for political leadership positions.

"Mindset change is crucial in empowering women to vie for decision making positions but some of the things that hold women down are to do with self-belief.

“We are not just focusing on numbers; we are focusing on creating a mindset shift that will lead to sustainable change. Women need to believe in themselves that they can equally compete for leadership roles just like their male counterparts,” he added.

In her remarks, District Chairperson for the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Edda Mkwala said the meeting was an eye opener on how best they could enhance women’s participation in leadership and decision-making positions.

“This meeting has come at an opportune time especially now that we are gearing towards the primaries and general elections. As women in political leadership, we really have a role to play in empowering and supporting our fellow women aspiring candidates,” she said.

By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, February 8, Mana: Senior Forestry officer for Mzimba District, Masozi Shaba says her office has earmarked to plant five million trees in the 2025/2026 tree planting season.

In an interview on Friday ahead of the tree planting exercise set for Tuesday, Shaba has called upon all stakeholders to get involved in planting trees to bring back lost vegetative cover in the district.

‘‘As Mzimba district forestry office, we are committed to ensuring the preservation of our forests through offering protection to our forests and planting of trees. For the 2025/2026 tree planting season we are expected to plant 5,076, 577 trees in the various areas of the district’’, said Shaba.

She disclosed that her office has so far partnered with various organisations such as Ripple Africa, Plan Malawi International, Restore Africa, Adra Malawi, Find Your Feet and Malawi-Zambia Trans frontier Conservation Area Project in the tree planting exercise.

According to Shaba, the district’s official launch of tree planting season will take place at Magomelo Primary School in Traditional Authority Mpherembe and Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V will grace the occasion as guest of honour.

Wanton cutting down of trees has become one of the major concerns among forestry stakeholders in Mzimba and currently, effort to plant more tress has been heightened by various players to restore the lost vegetative cover.

Shaba said in 2024/2025 season, the district planted over 4,291,000 trees of which 67 percent survived.

She appealed to communities to take care of the trees to ensure control of runoff water.

Senior land resources officer for Mzimba, Olive Nyalira said there is need for effort aimed at bringing back lost vegetative cover.

He said the district has intensified tree planting programs to ensure that bare land is covered.

‘‘Programmes such as Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) where one component is tree planting are also complementing efforts by the Forestry department in ensuring we plant more trees.

“We urge communities to join these tree planting exercises and look after the planted trees to ensure they survive’’, said Nyalira.

An environmental advocate Mathews Malata has commended M’mbelwa District Council through its Forestry office for planning to plant five million trees to restore vegetative cover in the district.

‘‘But planting trees is one thing and looking after them to ensure they grow up to a level where they survive on their own is another. I therefore appeal to authorities to provide measures to ensure that the trees they plant survive particularly within the first five years. They should ensure trees are safe from goats and even fire’’, said Malata.