MANAonline
Mana engages its reporters in CPD sessions
By Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, April 29, Mana: The Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Tuesday engaged its reporters in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions at the institution’s headquarters in Lilongwe with an aim to sharpen the reporters’ writing skills.
Mana Deputy Managing Editor Chikondi Chimala said the learning and development process is important to the agency's editors and reporters, as it will help them to be familiar with the news agency’s house style when writing and editing news stories.
“The institution decided to hold the CPD training in order to help editors and reporters to be familiar with different ethics and principles that are used by journalists as one way of boosting their capabilities and skills.
“The trainings will be conducted in different phases and as a media house that is of national interest, we thought it wise to organize these trainings so that our reporters should be able to write good stories that engage readers on what is occurring in the country,” he said.
One of the reporters who attended the exercise, Pempho Kantayeni, commended the institution for organizing the training, saying it is important in improving writing skills.
The Malawi News Agency, which was established in 1966, continues to provide the most trustworthy news stories in the country.
Government gazettes 350 traditional leaders in Nkhata Bay
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, April 29, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa, has said government, through Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, has gazetted 350 traditional leaders in the district, who will immediately start receiving honoraria.
Newa was speaking Monday during a full council meeting, where council members deliberated on various reports from the council’s service committees.
According to Newa, the traditional leaders include 300 village heads and 50 group village heads, bringing the total number of gazetted chiefs in Nkhata Bay to 1,044 from 694.
"This entails that the leaders’ positions have been confirmed and provided with the official status. We expect that this development will motivate them in carrying out their roles in contributing to the country's development," said Newa.
In his remarks, Traditional Authority Fukamalaza commended government for placing the leaders on honoraria which he said is a step towards strengthening traditional leadership structures and promoting community development.
"I am excited because 12 of the newly gazetted leaders are from my area, out of which three are group village heads,” said Fukamalaza.
Mzuzu City Council calls for full devolution of DoDMA to local authorities
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, April 29, Mana: Mzuzu City Council Chief Executive Officer Gomezgani Nyasulu has appealed to government to fully devolve Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA) to local authorities.
Nyasulu was speaking Monday when DoDMA briefed members of Mzuzu City Executive Committee on Risk Informed Development Resilience Project which is expected to be implemented in some local authorities from 2025 to 2028.
He said the decentralized approach to Disaster Risk Management (DRM) to local authorities will empower the authorities in implementing their mandate in DRM related programmes.
“It will be efficient and cost effective to handle DRM issues if the department devolves some of its functions, including finances and personnel, to local authorities which are the nearest points of call on DRM related issues,” said Nyasulu.
He said, currently, the DRM desk officers are only provided with finances as other recurrent transactions without resources for operations.
The chief executive then commended DoDMA for the project which he said will go a long way in enhancing collaboration among various stakeholders, including local communities, in DRM.
“Knowledge gap in understanding risks and hazards is a major factor among others which blind communities from realizing potential risks in their disaster prone settlement areas.
“Most people get to know risks or hazards upon being hit by disasters, hence the project will be a viable intervention in addressing such challenges,” he said.
Director responsible for response at DoDMA, Moses Chimphepo, said that the project, which is financed by United Nations Development Programme enhance capacity building of various stakeholders and structures in DRM, among others.
“We would like communities to be knowledgeable of potential risks in the settlement areas, so that they develop resilience mechanism to shocks of disasters and how they can protect themselves from disasters.
“This project will enhance capacity and resilience in managing disaster risks at all levels. Responding to disasters is more expensive than empowering communities to understand potential hazards in their areas and how they can either avoid being affected by the same or reduce impact on their livelihoods,” said Chimphepo.
He then advised local authorities to be mainstreaming DRM activities in their development plans for them to effectively carry out disaster related activities besides complementing the project’s objectives.
The project targets Mzuzu City, Salima, Nkhotakota, Dedza and Zomba, as some of the disaster prone areas.
Nkhata Bay farmers advised against misusing micro-irrigation loan inputs
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, April 29, Mana: The Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (ADD) Programmes Manager Anderson Chikomola has advised farmers under Chombe Cooperative in Nkhata Bay not to sell or misuse micro-irrigation loan inputs.
Chikomola said this on Monday at Luwambaza Primary School ground in the area of Senior Chief Timbiri in Nkhata Bay during the launch of the 2025 Micro Irrigation Loan programme in the district by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
According to Chikomola, the programme aims to provide an opportunity to farmers who are in groups to access agriculture inputs, to supplement rain fed agriculture with winter cropping to increase crop yield and boost production.
"Today, we have witnessed 58 farmers from Chombe cooperative accessing 116 bags of fertilizers weighing 50 kilograms each and 302 kilograms of maize seed on loan worth K17.1 million which is so encouraging.
"I urge them to use these inputs wisely and not sell or misuse them, so we can achieve the program's goal of alleviating hunger in the country through winter cropping," he said.
He added that the programme aligns well with government's agenda of promoting climate-smart agriculture and building resilience in agriculture production to mitigate challenges associated with rain-fed agriculture.
NEEF Zonal Manager for Mzuzu, Amos Phiri, expressed optimism that the farmers will pay back the loan based on last years’ experience, when 96 percent of the K100 million loan farmers received in the district was repaid.
"In this programme, we are targeting farmers who have at least one acre of land to be in in groups of 50 to 100. So far, we have managed to mobilize about 17 groups who are yet to receive their inputs, with hope to reach out to more," he added.
District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa, commended the programme's timing, noting that farmers are currently harvesting their rain-fed crops, which makes it an ideal time to embark on irrigation farming.
He therefore urged NEEF to extend its reach to all cooperatives in the district, emphasizing that this would significantly contribute to achieving food security in the country.
Chairperson for Chombe Cooperative, Leftan Chituzu, expressed gratitude to the government for providing the loan opportunity through NEEF.
"As a group, we have put in place strategies to ensure timely repayment of the loan. Our goal is to qualify for another loan, specifically for machinery, and we are committed to making it happen," he added.
Through the micro-irrigation loan programme, NEEF aims to reach 200,000 farmers across the country.
Kunkuyu wins Dedza Mulunduni primaries
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, April 28, Mana: At exactly 10:15pm on Monday, Minister of Information and Digitization, Moses Kunkuyu, was declared winner for Dedza Mulunduni Constituency primaries.
The elections which were held at Dedza Stadium saw Kunkuyu amassing 1,073 votes beating the current Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Ishmael Onani, who got 273 votes.
The other two contesters got 19 and 15 votes respectively out of 1,404 votes cast.
On his part, Director of Political Affairs in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Maxwell Tcholera, who was also the team leader for the elections, described the voting process credible and transparent.
"I am very happy at the way we have conducted our elections here. They were peaceful despite starting late due to other unforeseen circumstances," he stated.
In Dedza, five constituencies that include; Mulunduni, Kasina, Chikoma, Mphunzi and Dzalanyama held primary elections on Monday.
MP Clement Mlombwa emerged victorious for Mphunzi constituency with 877 votes against other three contesters who got 74, 67 and 4 votes.
Dedza Chikoma has seen Honourable Ouzious Chidobvu winner after amassing 872 votes out of 994 with his contesters going home with 51 and 33 votes respectively.
Honourable Joshua Malango, MP for Dedza Kasina, has scooped 1,302 votes against other three contenders who got 1,079, 302 and 40 votes.
Vote counting for Dedza Dzalanyama Constituency was yet to start at the time of this publication.
Ndawambe communities celebrate first mobile network connection
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, April 28, Mana: Communities in Ndawambe, Mchinji, located near Zambia border, have, for the first time, gained access to a Malawian mobile network, opening up many new opportunities.
Through the Last Mile Rural Connectivity Project, a mobile tower has been installed in the area, allowing residents to access services through the TNM network.
Traditional Authority (T/A) Ndawambe hailed the landmark development, noting that beyond improving communication, the network will enable residents to conduct electronic transactions.
“I am very happy that this development has come to my area, where people have suffered for a very long time. Before the tower was installed, we relied solely on Zambian networks. Now, with the tower in place, we have a mobile network which has opened many possibilities,” said the chief.
Aspiring Member of Parliament for Mchinji West, John Paul, recalled meeting T/A Ndawambe last year, during which the lack of mobile network services was raised as a major concern.
“Since 1994, when democracy came, we have never had a chance to access a cellular phone network. I approached the government to request network services, and Huawei was selected to deliver the project. Today, we are happy that the network is now operational. It is now up to us to take care of the tower,” said Paul.
Principal Secretary for E-Government in the Ministry of Information and Digitalization, Stephen Mjuweni, said the Last Mile Rural Connectivity Project has, since 2024, facilitated the installation of mobile towers in five hard-to-reach areas of Mchinji, Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, Mwanza, and Chitipa.
“Towers like this one in Mchinji will benefit many sectors such as education, health, and agriculture, and even offer improved leisure opportunities. We are happy that this tower has connected people who previously had no access to a Malawian network,” said Mjuweni.
The Last Mile Rural Connectivity Project aims to provide universal access to telecommunication services in rural Malawi by constructing mobile network towers in underserved areas.
Katsonga urges Malawians to harness local resources to boost economy
By Salome Gangire
Neno, April 28, Mana: President of the People's Progressive Movement, Mark Katsonga has urged Malawians to utilize locally available resources to boost production and support the country’s economy.
he made the call on Monday during a rally held at Ligowe Community Ground in Neno District where he said Malawi is blessed with abundant resources including fertile land, minerals and abundant water bodies.
“Malawi continues to be poor when it shouldn't be. This has to change, we must start looking at our challenges positively because it is possible to turn things around,
“We do not need to import maize, millet, soya and other crops. All of these can be produced locally because we have the land and all we need is just to increase our production capacity.” Katsonga added.
He therefore urged Malawians not to look at tribe and region when electing leaders but choose leaders that will help the nation to go to greater heights.
Senior Chief Mlauli commended Katsonga for his remarks, saying increased agricultural production has potential to drive Malawi’s economy thereby reducing poverty among the vulnerable population.
He emphasized that Malawi’s vast land provides greater opportunity for it to achieve food security and economic stability.
Chiradzulu District Council impressed with GESD projects
By Blackson Mkupatira
Chiradzulu, April 28, Mana: Chiradzulu District Council’s Director of Planning and Development, Henderson Kaumi, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of various infrastructural projects being implemented under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project in the district.
Kaumi expressed the satisfaction during a recent supervisory tour of Mombezi concrete bridge and Mbulumbuzi youth skills development center in Traditional Authority (TA) Mpama, Nyandule classroom block construction at TA Sandarak and Chanza Health Post at TA Likoswe.
In an interview at Chanza Health Post, Kaumi said was optimistic that all the projects will be completed on time and will meet expected quality standards.
“Most of these projects were launched not long than 120 days ago but they are almost at completion level. This is the case because we have been strict when selecting contractors and we conduct regular monitoring and supervision visits,” he added.
The director therefore thanked contractors for their dedication and community members for their various contributions, saying dedication and community contribution have been crucial in ensuring timely completion of the projects which meet quality standards.
Kaumi also commended Government of Malawi and the World Bank for allocating resources to Chiradzulu District Council, saying many sectors faced challenges when delivering services to people in the district due to bad infrastructures.
“We receive a lot of funding from the World Bank under the GESD project and this enables us to construct various development infrastructures such as roads, bridges, school blocks, teachers’ houses, health posts, market sheds and toilets, among others.
“These projects were selected by the people and are responding to their needs. As a council, we are glad that they are taking shape,” he added and expressed hope that the projects will continue to improve service delivery especially in transport, health and education sectors,
On his part, Chiradzulu District Council, Director of Public Works, Francis M'baya said Chiradzulu being one of the districts prone to natural disasters, there was need to build infrastructures that should withstand disasters.
“After the community give us land, we conduct geological survey to assess type of soil and we start the actual construction with series of supervisions,” he added.
Village Head Ntauchira said the health post in his area will reduce challenges people faced when they needed medical services.
“When we provided land for construction of this facility, we did not believe that it will be constructed this soon. We thank government for responding to our needs” the local leader added and pledged to take good care of the facility once handed over to the community for use.
Kabwila wins MCP Primaries in Salima
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 28, Mana: Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwila, has won with a landslide in a highly contested Malawi Congress Party (MCP), primary parliamentary elections for Salima Central West Constituency.
Kabwila who has scooped 1310 votes out of 2050 votes will be the MCP torch bearer for the constituency, in the September general elections.
The Primary elections which took place at Mgoza Primary School ground, saw Kabwila going head to head with former Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale who is the sitting Member of Parliament for the area. Phale got 676 votes out of the 2050 votes cast.
Meanwhile, Micah Chisale has won against Francis Mphamba for the position of Ward Councilor for the Chitala area, while in the Namanda/Lipimbi area, Noel Kamanga has won against Ester Soko.
PRSAM embarks on administering national mock examinations
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Private Schools Association of Malawi (PRSAM) has started administering national mock examinations to its member schools in preparation for the upcoming national examinations.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, the association`s President, Ernest Kaonga said secondary school examinations for Form Four students will run between April 28 and May 8, 2025.
Kaonga said the initiative aims to ensure uniformity, quality performance and better preparedness among students.
He said: “We believe in quality. We want to see their level of preparedness ahead of the national examinations.
"The mock examinations will mirror the national examinations' format, content and assessment criteria. We want every student to participate to gain familiarity with the examination format, time management skills and insight into their strengths and weaknesses.
According to Kaonga, who is also Managing Director of Maranatha Private Schools Academy, PRSAM's goal is to enhance the overall performance of private schools in national examinations and promote academic excellence and competitiveness.
PRSAM undertook a similar exercise with Standard 8 students prior to the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examinations (PSLCE).
The association plans to continue with the exercise every year with the aim of providing students valuable experience and help schools identify areas for improvement.
