MANAonline
Balaka shines in SCTP and CSEPW E-Payment strategy
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, March 21, Mana: Balaka District Council has been applauded for successfully rolling out Electronic Payment (E-Payment) system on Social Cash Transfer (SCTP) and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works (CSEPW) programmes.
This was made on Thursday at the end of a three-day learning visit by Mulanje, Chikwawa and Nsanje District Council officials at Phalula Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Traditional Authority (TA) Phalula in Balaka.
One of the members from Department of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare from Mulanje District Council, Dave Nyasulu said their journey has been fruitful because they have learnt various techniques that Balaka District Council use for the successfulness of SCTP and CSEPW E-Payment strategy.
Among others, he noted that there is strong coordination among various stakeholders such as donors, payment services providers (TNM and Standard Bank), council officers, community leaders and the beneficiaries themselves and this makes the whole process easier.
"We have witnessed that E-Payment is ideal when disbursing funds to beneficiaries of SCTP and CSEPW because people from TA Phalula have testified that the system is time convenient, cost effective and secured from fraudulence.
"Through this system, we have also noted that there is a vibrant Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) whereby challenges among the beneficiaries are sorted out timely either during the cycle or when the funds are disbursed," he said.
Nyasulu therefore said he was ready to utilize the knowledge learnt during the tour in order to successfully implement a similar approach in Mulanje District which he said is still using the old way of distributing hard cash to over 17,000 SCTP beneficiaries in nine Traditional Authorities.
One of the beneficiaries of CSEPW, Liness Chimbuto from Phombeya Village in TA Phalula testified that she has not encountered any challenge since she started receiving the payment through her mobile phone.
She lauded the approach, highlighting that the K48, 000 she gets per cycle of 30 days helps her family to afford food and school materials for her children.
Balaka District Social Welfare Officer responsible for SCTP, Mphatso Chisepa has described the initiative as a life saver especially for marginalized groups such as women, elderly and people living with disabilities.
"Since the implementation of E-Payment system for SCTP in 2013, over 10,000 beneficiaries from 80 village clusters have welcomed the initiative,” she said.
Apart from district council members, the visit was also accompanied by officials from Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and donors from European Union and UNICEF.
Government in partnership with several donors introduced SCTP and CSEPW as part of social economic programs that would help to economically empower marginalized communities while also conserving the environment by planting trees and adopting modern farming techniques in order to address issues of climate change.
Chacha donates to elderly women in Blantyre
By Tikondane Vega
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: A Malawian woman based in the United States of America (USA), Chawezi Banda popularly known as Chacha, has extended a helping hand to elderly women in Chitawira, Blantyre by supplying them with essential goods to improve their daily lives.
The women are under an organization known as Women in Partnership Against HIV and AIDS in Malawi (WIPAM) under the guidance of Pastor Roselyn Lois Mankhwala.
Some of the items donated include 10 kilogrammes of flour, cooking oil, sugar, salt and soya pieces.
In a telephone interview from the USA, Banda said this was part of celebrating her 50th birthday.
Banda said she thought of celebrating her birthday with the elderly since most of them lack support.
"My mission goes beyond this donation. I support many people in need, including covering school fees for some girls. This contribution is a part of my commitment,” she said.
Banda recently donated various food items to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre and Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
In her remarks, WIPAM Execute Director Pastor Mankhwala hailed Banda for the support and urged her to continue supporting the needy.
MERA closes Total filling station at Mchinji Border for non-compliance
By Vincent Khonje
Mchinji, March 20, Mana: Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) has closed Total Filling Station at Mchinji Border for failing to comply with the authority's directives on restriction of selling fuel in jerry cans.
The move follows police operation that led to the arrest of five suspects and the confiscation of 42 jerry cans of fuel.
MERA Legal Officer, Clement Ng’ambi, said the filling station failed to comply by ignoring the order that fuel should only be sold directly into motor vehicles.
“As MERA, we urge all fuel service stations to adhere to our regulations. Selling fuel in jerry cans is strictly prohibited, fuel should be sold by directly fueling the motor vehicle,” said Ng’ambi.
Mchinji Police officers received intelligence about illegal fuel sales, launched a patrol operation, and impounded a vehicle used in the illicit activity.
Malawi Police Commissioner for Central West Region, Barbara Mchenga Tsiga, reaffirmed police’s commitment to enforce the law.
“Our job is to ensure that the law takes its course. We will enforce all necessary regulations to curb illegal fuel transactions. The filling station will remain closed until the suspension is lifted,” Tsiga said.
Recently Zambian social media have been awash with stories about cheap fuel being bought in Malawi.
Usi arrives in Namibia for presidential Inauguration
By Leah Malimbasa in Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek, March 20, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has arrived in Windhoek, Namibia for the inauguration of President-elect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Nandi-Ndaitwah won the November 2024 elections with 57 percent of the vote, making history as Namibia’s first female president succeeding Dr Nangolo Mbumba.
Usi is expected to join other African leaders and dignitaries at the inauguration ceremony in Windhoek on Friday.
Upon his arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport, Usi was welcomed by Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Hauya Ndau, and Namibia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Emma Kantema-Gaomas.
Astria E-learning expands in Malawi
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: Minister for Higher Education, Dr Jessie Kabwira says the launch of the Astria E-Learning second office in Lilongwe marks a significant milestone in Malawi's journey to enhance digital education.
She said the initiative is a testament to the country's commitment to leveraging technology to improve access to quality education in line with the National Education Sector Investment Plan (NESlP) 2020-2030.
Kabwila made the remarks Thursday during the official opening of Astria E-Learning second office in Lilongwe.
She said the integration of technology in higher education is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
The Astria Learning Office will provide cutting edge technology solutions, including Learning Management Systems, the Astria digital library, virtual labs and innovative ed-tech tools.
"These solutions will bridge the gap between learners and institutions, particularly in remote areas where physical access to higher education remains a challenge,” she said said.
Kabwila added that the partnership between Astria E-learning and universities, including the University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) will enhance e-learning for both students and faculty.
"This collaboration will improve the quality of education, foster research and collaboration, and position Malawi as a regional leader in digital education," she said.
She, therefore, said Government of Malawi has placed a strong emphasis on digital transformation in education and the launch of the Astria Learning office demonstrates government's commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance learning through technology.
"As Malawi celebrates this milestone, it is essential to reaffirm our commitment to embracing technology in education.
“Government urges universities and academic institutions to fully embrace the resources and expertise that Astria Learning brings to Malawi,” she said.
Astria E-Learning Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jeff Bordes, emphasized on the vital role of technology in modern education stating that traditional teaching methods can no longer keep pace with today's fast evolving world.
"Higher education is a key driver of economic growth and social progress. However, rapid evolution of technology presents new challenges and institutions must update their process to stay competitive globally,” he said.
Bordes added that the office is open to collaborate with more universities and institutions, offering its technology and expertise to support Malawi's education sector.
The said the initiative demonstrates a genuine commitment to Malawi's digital transformation and education sector, paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
Government advises farmers to shun vendors
By Pempho Nkhoma
Blantyre, March 20, Mana: Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has advised farmers in the country not to sell their farm produce to vendors to maintain their harvest for national food security.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, told Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday that as farmers in various parts of Malawi have started harvesting their produce there is need to guard their produce from unscrupulous vendors.
He said the ministry sees the importance of protecting farmers against exploitation and other unfair trading practices that rob them of their hard work.
“To address the tendency of some farmers selling their produce to vendors at low prices, often due to immediate financial pressures or lack of accessible markets, we are working closely with the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) to ensure that their depots are operational and ready to purchase produce, particularly maize, at competitive and fair prices,” he said.
Kawale said his ministry is enhancing structured market systems such as the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) and Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ACE), which allows farmers to sell their crops through a transparent platform that guarantees better prices and access to larger buyers.
“We are encouraging farmers to utilize these systems and providing training through our extension services to help them understand how to participate effectively.
“Additionally, the warehouse receipt system under ACE enables farmers to store their produce securely and sell when the market is favourable,” he said.
Kawale, therefore, assured farmers that the ministry will further regulate the market and protect them as government enforces measures that require all produce buyers to obtain permits from the Ministry of Agriculture, in line with the Agricultural General Purposes Act.
He said this ensures that only licensed traders, who are accountable to set standards can operate, reducing the influence of unscrupulous vendors.
“These efforts align with our broader vision under Malawi 2063 to transform agriculture into a commercialized, productive sector that ensures food security and improves livelihood.
“We remain committed to supporting farmers, who are the backbone of this nation, and I encourage them to reach out to district agricultural offices for assistance or clarification on these initiatives,” the minister said.
Agriculture expert, Tamani Nkhono Mvula, said apart from encouraging farmers to sell their produce to recommended markets, government should ensure that markets are open in time, offer good prices and open satellite markets closer to the farmers saying this will help reduce exploitation and unfair trading practices by vendors.
“The challenge has been that vendors, in most cases, are the only available buyers as ADMARC fail to open in time, or may be too far away from the farmers. Farmers, therefore, opt to sell their produce to vendors who mostly happen to be immediate buyers,” he said.
Ministry of Agriculture intensifies public awareness to sensitize farmers to retain some of their harvest for household food security and sell the surplus through official channels rather than to vendors offering exploitative prices.
Vice President Usi to attend Namibia’s Presidential Inauguration
By Leah Malimbasa
Windhoek, Namibia, March 20, Mana: Malawi’s Vice President, Dr. Michael Usi, is expected to arrive in Namibia this afternoon ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, scheduled for Friday.
The inauguration coincides with Namibia’s 35th Independence Anniversary, marking a significant moment in the country’s history as it welcomes its first female President.
Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Chiripo Ndau, emphasized the importance of Malawi’s presence at the event, highlighting the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“Malawi celebrates this achievement and recognizes the significance of having a female President, especially on Independence Day. This momentous occasion inspires us to reflect on our own journey towards gender equality and encourages us to continue working towards a more inclusive and equitable society,” said Ndau.
She further reiterated Malawi’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Namibia under the new leadership.
“Malawi and Namibia have enjoyed a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation. We look forward to strengthening our ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration under the leadership of the new President. Together, we can work towards a brighter future for our nations and the African continent as a whole,” she added.
Journalists asked to put own safety first
By Rose Cross Mahorya
Mzuzu, March 20, Mana: As September elections draw near, journalists in the country have been asked to put their safety first.
Speaking in Mzuzu on Wednesday during a one-day training on safety of journalists during elections, Media Council of Malawi (MCM) Executive Director, Moses Kaufa, emphasized the need for journalists to think security saying no story is worth their lives.
“As a Council, we believe that if journalists can think of their safety first before any reporting, it will help them avoid dangerous situations and even seek help or protection on time.
“We have noted that most times journalists, in a bid to get a good report, break news first or get a good story, find themselves in risky and dangerous environments. We are saying it is time they learnt to put their safety first and flee when their lives are believed to be at risk,” said Kaufa.
He said the Council has established agreements with concerned stakeholders to ensure journalists are safe before, during and after the elections.
Northern Region Police Public Relations Officer, Maurice Chapola, said they are already working hand in hand with MCM and Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter by developing proper guidelines on how the security agency can ably protect journalists from life threatening incidences.
“As a service, we are available anytime the media requires our service; we are also sharing safety guidelines with officers in our respective districts so that they can respond positively once approached by journalists.
“At the same time we are also sharing with them procedures they should and can take once they are in a situation that requires help,” said Chapola adding the guidelines are already being put into use as election processes are underway.
One of the journalists present for the training, Tiwonge Hara, said development of guidelines on how security agencies can work with the media to ensure their safety during elections is a welcome development because journalists are human first.
“No matter how hardworking you may be, life is something you cannot gamble with; therefore, journalists should think of their safety above everything else,” she said.
The training, which was conducted with support from United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), had representatives from all media institutions in the northern region.
NCIC launches national construction day
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, March 20, Mana: The National Construction Industry Council (NCIC) has organized a National Construction Day to recognize the construction sector’s role in shaping the nation’s environment and contributing to Malawi’s socioeconomic transformation in line with Malawi 2063.
The inaugural day will be held on May 20, 2025 at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday at NCIC offices in Lilongwe, NICC Chief Executive Officer, Gerald Khonje, said the event will feature exhibitions and showcase various development projects highlighting the industry's achievement and contributions.
"The day will celebrate the construction sector's crucial role in diversifying the economy, advancing technology, fostering national pride, economic growth and overall national development.
“The event will promote quality infrastructure, ethical conduct, integrity, partnerships, safety, sustainability, agility and innovation in construction,” he said.
Khonje said NCIC remains committed to ensuring the sector is transformed, quality driven and grows sustainably contributing to Malawi's development.
"The inaugural National Construction Day is a significant step towards achieving this goal" he said.
It is expected that President Dr Lazarus Chakwera will preside over the launch which will be held under the theme ‘Quality Driven Construction Industry building for generations.’
PCAM donates wheelchairs to children with cerebral palsy in Machinga
By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, March 20, Mana: Palliative Care Association of Malawi (PCAM) has distributed specially designed wheelchairs to 22 people with cerebral palsy in Machinga District to improve their mobility.
The recipients are 12 children and 10 adults.
Speaking during the distribution at Machinga District Hospital on Wednesday, PCAM Project Manager, Fred Chiputula, said although cerebral palsy cannot be cured, life of those with the condition can be improved through palliative care.
“Our goal is to provide holistic care, addressing physical, psychological and spiritual needs of people with cerebral palsy. We recognize that caregivers face immense challenges in providing round-the-clock care.
“The wheelchairs will go a long way in improving mobility and overall quality of life," he said.
According to Chiputula, 12 of the wheelchairs were donated by Malawi Against Physical Disabilities (MAPD), a non-profit organization that advocates for the welfare of people with disabilities.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to MAPD for the support and encouraged communities to consult the organization to learn how to make similar wheelchairs to improve mobility of people with cerebral palsy.
Machinga district Hospital Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Flossy Fatch, commended PCAM for reaching out to people with cerebral palsy saying the initiative will ease mobility of people with the condition and ease caregivers’ responsibility.
"The main cause of cerebral palsy is premature birth that goes with complications during delivery. These complications can cause brain damage, resulting in cerebral palsy,” Fatch explained.
She noted that many people with cerebral palsy face stigma and rejection in their communities, with some fathers abandoning their families due to misconceptions about the condition.
“It's essential to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and promote acceptance. We urge well-wishers to reach out to people with cerebral palsy as PCAM has done,” she said.
Catherine Sulani, a beneficiary from Traditional Authority Sitola, expressed gratitude to PCAM for the wheelchair saying it will enable her to care for her two-year-old son.
“The wheelchair is a huge relief to me. I will be able to do household chores and care for my son without having to carry him everywhere,” she said.
PCAM's efforts align with its mission to advocate for the availability and accessibility of palliative care services in Malawi.
It aims to improve the quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses.
