Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 5, Mana: District Forestry Officer for Kasungu, Fletcher Mhone, says the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) has significantly contributed towards achieving this year’s district target of planting at least 3 million trees.

Mhone made the remarks Tuesday when the District Environmental Subcommittee toured conservation works at Mwaeka Catchment in the area of Traditional Authority Wimbe in the district.

He revealed that over 750,000 trees, mainly under the CSPWP, have already been planted by the end of January, putting the district on the right curve to meeting its target.

“We are on the right trajectory towards achieving our district targets of 3 million trees this planting season as we are now nearing a million trees this early February.

“Most of the nurseries prepared under the CSPWP have been planted, although we still have some catchments that are still planting. We urge them to accelerate the exercise to ensure a high tree survival rate,” he said. 

Mhone encouraged the participants in the programme to carry out all the required woodlot management practices so that the planted trees survive.

“One of the tricks to ensure high survival rate of trees is to prepare nurseries early enough to accord the young trees a hardening off period before they are transplanted.

“This helps them to get accustomed to harsh conditions and when they are transplanted, they become resilient and survive,” he said.

Chairperson for the Vipingo Forestry Management Project under Mwaeka Catchment, Yohane Mwale, hailed the CSPWP for helping to restore degraded landscapes in the area and therefore called for its continuation.

“We are well aware of the programme’s objectives and its impact. This is why we have committed ourselves to it. Our plea is that it must be sustained,” he said.

The CSPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Project being funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

In Kasungu alone, the programme has enrolled 24,000 participants who are engaged in creating soil, land and forest conservation assets while also earning a living through the monthly K48 000 payment per participant

By Salome Gangire

Neno, February 5, Mana: Neno District Commissioner Rosemary Nawasha has urged participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) to invest their wages in small-scale businesses to improve their livelihoods.

Nawasha made the remarks on Tuesday at Ligowe in the area of Senior Chief Mlauli during the payment of wages to CS-EPWP participants.

She emphasized that the programme’s primary objective is to restore degraded landscapes while enhancing the livelihoods of participants.

"Please invest the money in small-scale businesses so that you can afford basic needs such as food, clothing, and school materials for your children while also boosting your household income," Nawasha said.

The District Commissioner highlighted that the project aims to create visible, durable, and high-quality assets within micro-catchments to improve household resilience to shocks, increase income levels, and enhance food security and seeks to reduce households' exposure to risks associated with climate change and its effects.

Nawasha revealed that the council is disbursing over K671 million in wages to participants working in all 14 catchments across the district.

She praised the programme for helping restore the district’s vegetative cover, contributing to environmental restoration.

A participant working at the Mwangisi Catchment from Zigwa Village under Senior Chief Mlauli, Aida Molosoni, expressed gratitude to the government for the wages.

She said the money had come at the right time and shared her plans to allocate the funds wisely.

"I am grateful to the government for this money. I will use part of it to buy food and invest the rest in my fritters business," she said.

According to CS-EPWP Project Facilitator for Neno, Chrissy Kamanga, there are 14,159 participants working across the district's 14 catchments and participants work for 30 paid days and 10 days of community contribution, earning K1,600 a day which translates to K48,000 per cycle.

The Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) is a key component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP). It is implemented by the Malawi Government, funded by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) and the World Bank and is facilitated by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) across all 28 district councils.

Lilongwe, February 5, Mana: The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwila on 4 February 2025 sent off 15 students to Morocco on a scholarship at Kamuzu International Airport.

Speaking during the event, Kabwila said the scholarship represents not just an individual achievement but a testament to their commitment to fostering educational excellence and international collaboration.

"As you embark on your journey to Morocco, remember you are ambassadors of Malawi fostering connections between our nations. Your experience will enhance your lives and reinforce the mutual respect and shared aspirations for progress that bind us together," she stated.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Naji Abdelkader emphasises that the event marks a significant milestone in their academic journeys as they embark on an exciting chapter in Morocco.

"The knowledge and experience you gain in Morocco will empower you to foster positive change in your communities, upon your return, you will be equipped to contribute significantly to Malawi's development and Progress

"On behalf of the Moroccan government and the people of Morocco, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you for being selected for this prestigious scholarship," he said.

So far 69 students have already been sent to Morocco, and 15 more students, totaling up to 84 students and 16 more will be sent next week to add up to 100 students. This initiative aims to enhance skills and foster international collaboration, benefiting both Nations.

Blantyre, February 4, Mana: Raj Nation music label has signed a Blantyre based musician, Man Chi real name Dalitso Chiwambo, as a way of promoting talent and supporting Malawian music industry.

The afro-dancehall artist has been making waves on the local music scene with his unique music and style, releasing successful singles like Amathoka Mwano, Sindinazikonde and Papaya.

Raj Nation music label Chief Executive Officer, Juma James Chisonga popularly known as Jay Jay Cee, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday that the music label decided to sign the artist after seeing great potential in him.

“After conducting a research, the team concluded that the artist’s skills and uniqueness could add value to the record label. We believe we will help his career grow by helping him with other costs, as well as giving him a salary to improve his financial status,” he said.

Man Chi expressed gratitude saying the deal will help him grow musically as he will have concentrated more on music.

“I am happy because with good management and promotion, l can go further with my career. They will help me reach levels that I could have never achieved on my own,” he said.

He, therefore, promised all music lovers of non-stop good music saying that it is his time to shine.

“With this motivation I will never disappear from the game again. From now on I am taking things seriously,” he said.

The deal will see the record label taking care of the artist’s promotions plus production costs for both audio and video.

Other artists under Raj Nation include Spy T and Jay Jay Cee.

By Petro Mkandawire

Blantyre, February 3, Mana: Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has disclosed that from February 3 to 9 the country should expect primarily warm to hot conditions, cloudy conditions and locally heavy rain which will increase the threat of flash floods.

The Department says rain along lakeshore areas will continue extending to many parts of the country, leading to heavy episodes of thunderstorm due to combined effects of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and a low pressure system in the Mozambique channel.

Director for DCCMS, Dr Lucy Mtilatila, asked people to be prepared for occasional rough conditions on Lake Malawi and other lakes.

She appealed to lake users to be aware of occasional rough waters and avoid crossing flooded areas.

“When thunderstorms are within our vicinity, people must stay indoors, avoid staying in open fields and closer to metal objects.

“On Wednesday expect cloudy and warm conditions coupled with scattered rain and thunderstorm mainly over central and northern areas later in the afternoon. As such, people should stay alert and remain cautious to avoid loss of life and property,” she said.

According to Mtilatila, the Department will keep on monitoring potential development of a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean and will provide updates as needed.

During the past week most areas experienced cloudy conditions with scattered rains which were heavy over some places resulting to flash flooding over Mangochi and Machinga.

The highest 24 hourly rainfall recorded was 211mm at Machinga Boma on January 30.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Spokesperson, Chipiliro Khamula, said currently the Department has a standby search and rescue team in place comprising of the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Marine Department, Malawi Red Cross Society and other stakeholders in case of flash floods.

“In collaboration with the DCCMS, DoDMA is conducting awareness on the prospects and implications of the current rainfall season and disseminating time-scaled seasonal forecasts as part of early warning to prevent loss of life as well as property,” Khamula said.

By Donald Zimba

Lilongwe, February 4, Mana: Minister of Labour, Vitumbiko Mumba, has directed Bishop McKenzie International School (BMIS) to reform key policies following concerns raised by employees regarding unfair labour practices.

During his visit to the institution on Monday, Mumba, alongside Secretary for Labour Chikondano Mussa and other government officials, held discussions with staff members to hear their grievances on working conditions.

 Among the major concerns raised were disparities in contracts between local and expatriate employees, lack of transparency in management decisions, and cases of unfair dismissal.

Workers raised concerns over unfair policies employees voiced frustrations over contract terms, alleging that local staff receive fewer benefits compared to their expatriate colleagues. They also decried the lack of career progression, with some holding the same positions for years without promotion.

Another key issue was the unilateral change of employment terms, with some workers claiming they were shifted from permanent to contract employment without consultation. Additionally, employees raised complaints about limited access to study leave and unfair termination of contracts.

Despite these concerns, Mumba praised BMIS for its approach to salary adjustments.

“We have had a fruitful discussion, and I want to inform the nation that we are impressed with some of the things happening here especially salary increments tied to inflation and devaluation. This is something we have not seen anywhere else,” he said.

Following the meeting, BMIS management assured the minister that they are revising policies to address staff concerns. They highlighted existing initiatives, including a mentorship program with Chancellor College and a career growth policy allowing employees to take salary advances for further studies.

Mumba, however, issued several directives to the school, including abolishing the existing health policy, which required annual medical tests for employees, as it was found to be inconsistent with labor laws.

“However, the new management has assured me that this policy is not in practice,” Mumba said.

Another directive was reducing the number of expatriate teachers, emphasizing that Malawi’s laws allow expatriates to work for a maximum of six years and must have a local understudy. BMIS currently employs 62 teachers, of which only seven are Malawian.

The minister also stated that his ministry will review all claims of unfair dismissals and ensure compliance with proper termination procedures.

Mumba reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring fair labor practices across all sectors.

“We cannot talk about job creation when jobs meant for Malawians are being taken by foreigners. We will ensure all organizations, whether schools, NGOs, or private companies, comply with the law,” he warned.

The Ministry of Labour says it will continue monitoring BMIS and other institutions to ensure compliance with labor regulations and fair treatment of employees.

By Namon Chitukuta

Mzuzu, February 4, Mana: Gabriel General Trading (GGT), a Mzuzu based commercial company, has pledged to support Zolozolo Police Unit in Mzuzu City as one way of fostering good working relationship between business community and the police.

Recently GGT donated a signpost to Mzuzu Police Unit.

A representative of the company, Aamire Ali, said the donation is an appreciation of the work that the Malawi Police does in maintaining peace and order in promoting secure business environment in the city.

“We believe in giving back to the community hence this donation,” Ali said.

He pledged that the company will further equip the unit with furniture for improved working conditions at the facility.

Officer in Charge for Zolozolo Police Unit, Inspector Paul Tembo, expressed gratitude towards the donation saying the signpost will help clients easily locate the unit in times of need.

“We appreciate this gesture and hope for continued partnership with GGT. The signpost will make our services more accessible and promote our visibility within our jurisdiction of duty,” Tembo said.

He said the donation is a sign of collaboration between business community and the police in fostering safety and security around the unit’s surrounding areas in particular and Mzuzu City as a whole.

By Brian Wasili

Mwanza, February 4, Mana: Mwanza District Council took a learning tour of Lilongwe to tap knowledge and experiences on strategies that has seen Lilongwe District Council a good performer in revenue mobilisation.

Lilongwe District Council Chairperson, Mathias Chiopsanjati, hailed Mwanza District Council for choosing Lilongwe as a learning point among other district councils saying the recognition is an honour.

“This signifies that performance of the Council on revenue collection is outstanding and is visible to other local authorities,” said Chiopsanjati.

The said the Council will keep on exploring other ways of improving revenue mobilisation, citing introduction of e-payment in most of its revenue collecting points.

Lilongwe District Council is one the outstanding councils in the country in local revenue generation such that by December 2024, the Council had already generated K1.2 billion against the projected K1.4 billion.

The Council chairperson disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage to construct more infrastructure such as modern toilets in markets to improve service delivery and local revenue.

Lilongwe District Council also introduced performance driven incentives among its revenue collectors.

Apart from listening to presentations by various council sectors on local revenue mobilisation, the hosts took the visiting team on a tour of market places, shops, lodges and recreational centres among others where Lilongwe District Council collects its revenue.

Mwanza District Council Chairperson, Emmanuel Kapawe, said knowledge gained from the tour will be applied to improve resource mobilisation.

“We will go for strategies that are applicable so that we should improve on local revenue both in short and long term,” said Kapawe.

He said Mwanza District Council mainly depends on fees generated from two major markets namely; Boma and Chipatala.

The Council also introduced border entry fee to improve revenue mobilisation.

“Revenue collection is so far not adequate for staff salaries and for effective service delivery,” said Kapawe. 

During the 2025/2026 budget hearing session in Blantyre, National Local Government Financial Committee hailed Lilongwe District Council for updating its Local Revenue Enhancement Strategic Plan (LRESP)

By Agatha Kadzinje

Blantyre, February 4, Mana: Christos Ambassadors Students Ministries (CASM) has organized a conference called Blantyre Secondary Schools Conference (BSSC), scheduled for February 8, 2025 at Blantyre Secondary School as a way of strengthening the spiritual and academic life of secondary school students.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday, CASM Vice Chairlady, Patience Chikwanda, said one of the major challenges secondary school students face is lack of direction in life.

Chikwanda said most students believe Christianity alone will make them excel, failing to recognize that faith must be accompanied by hard work for one to flourish.

She emphasized that the conference aims to enlighten secondary school students on how best they can succeed in academics.

“They will be motivated by representatives from different colleges across the country who will share their experiences on how they succeeded and reached where they are today.

“Students will learn how to achieve their academic goals despite their current academic state. One can easily be inspired when they see and hear from someone who has directly experienced similar challenges,” she said.

Chikwanda emphasized that attendees should look forward to learning new ways of navigating different aspects of life, as the wisdom shared at the conference will be guided by God’s grace.

The conference will include mentorship sessions, awards, music and arts performances, praise and worship and preaching of the Word of God.

In a separate interview founder and guest speaker for CASM, Kennie Mulinde, concurred with Chikwanda saying most secondary school students struggle to differentiate between influences that could impact their future positively or negatively.

Mulinde shared his personal story of how he once abused drugs and alcohol in secondary school until he attended a youth conference that challenged him to change his life.

“That experience inspired me to become the man I am today and establish my own ministry,” he said.

Last year’s conference was attended by over 300 secondary school students. CASM expects this year’s event to attract more participants and have a greater impact.

Mulinde called upon different ministries to initiate programs that guide students not only intellectually but also in various aspects of life, helping to build responsible citizens who can contribute to the country’s development.

CASM is an interdenominational, campus-based ministry and a branch of Christos Ambassadors Ministries International founded in 2023

By Patience Longwe

Lilongwe, February 4, Mana: Police in Kawale, Lilongwe have arrested 29-year-old, Mikel Juwawo, for attempting to have carnal knowledge with a three-year-old girl child.

According to Kawale Police Spokesperson, Precious Mabvuto Phiri, the incident occurred on February 2, 2025 within Kawale 2 location.

Reports indicate that on the aforementioned date the mother to the child heard an uncontrollable cry of the child in the maize field close to her house and immediately rushed there.

"As she approached the place where she heard the cry, she met Mikel who sensed danger. He was seen coming out of the maize garden while zipping up his trousers in haste.

“Being focused to see what was wrong with the child, she proceeded to where the child and found her alone without underwear,” she said.

Phiri said the suspect tried to escape from the jaws of angry villagers but it was too late as he found himselself in the hands of vigilant residents who brought him to Kawale Police for further action.

Juwa, who hails from Thabwa in Chikwawa will, after completion of paper work, appear in court soon to answer charges of indecent assault.