MANAonline
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets beat Baka City 2-1
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, April 28, Mana: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets spoiled Baka City’s day after a 2-1 defeat on Saturday at Kamuzu stadium in the first leg match of TNM super League.
Geoffrey Mwakyembe put the visitors ahead in first thirteen minutes of the game while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets defenders failed to clear good balls but later in the 21th minutes of the game, a brilliant equalizer came from Ephraim Kondowe followed by Chawanangwa Carzola Gumbo_in the 43th minutes to make it 2-1 on the last whistle at the disadvantage of Baka City’s part.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency, FCB head coach, Calisto Pasuwa expressed gratitude with the win saying it was a good pick considering that they didn't even know how Baka City plays.
He warned the team not to underrate any team and said he told the players to play with caution.
“I am glad that the players managed to pick points on a bad day. The team ran the whole match and Baka City boys came with energy since it was like a motivation to them.” said Pasuwa.
He added that considering that it was a fourth game of the league, FCB still needed to go more on finishing
Baka City Head coach. Davie Chimwemwe Muyombe said his squad did not perform well due to lack of concentration in the first half of the game and over confidence of the players considering that they were leading the game with a goal.
"We have learned and gained a lot of experience in today's match and It was a very good game which has taught us something’s, we have to build concentration because the game was our side but players didn't take it instead they felt like they had already won the game," said Muyombe.
In other match of Silver Stickers against Mafco FC ended 5-1 in favour of the bankers at Silver Stadium while Creck Sporting against Mzuzu City Hammers game ended 1-2 in favour of Mzuzu City Hammers.
Limbe Police nabs four men for series of robberies in town
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, 28 April, Mana; Police in Limbe have arrested four men for allegedly committing a series of robberies in Limbe township where they broke into houses and shops and got away with various items since February this year.
Limbe Police Deputy Spokesperson, Chibisa Mulimbika told Malawi News Agency that police received reports that on the night of March 8, 2024, the group of criminals armed with panga knives tied guards at Dika Construction House and broke into five shops and got away various Isuzu motor vehicle spare parts and nine car batteries.
‘We launched an investigation which led to the arrest of Saidi Mambo, 32, Victor Chamasowa, 28, Patrick Chingwalu, 25, and Andrew Juma, 26, and we recovered the stolen items,’ he said.
Mulimbika added that the four confessed to be responsible for series of robberies in Limbe Township including that of a residential house in Kanjedza where they damaged two Toyota Vits and stole items valued at K2 million on the night of February 7, 2024.
‘The suspects are in custody waiting to appear before court as soon once investigations to recover remaining items are completed,’ Limbe Police deputy publicist added.
Mambo comes from Kaipa Village, Traditional Authority Bwananyambi in Mangochi district while Chamasowa is from Macheso Village, Traditional Authority Kapeni in Blantyre district,
Chingwalu comes from Chide Village, Traditional Authority, Bvumbwe, in Thyolo district and Juma is from Kandeu Village, Traditional Authority Ganya in Ntcheu district.
Chinamwali CCAP inducts Women Guilds chair
By Evance Chisiano
Mana, April 28, Mana: Chinamwali CCAP congregation in Zomba on Sunday inducted Liny Matemba Mkwinda as Women Guilds chairperson and will be in charge of more than 600 women guild members.
Moderator of Chinamwali CCAP, Rev. James Mingu presided over the induction during a church service and called on Mkwinda to be dedicated in the women ministry to achieve what the Chinamwali Women Guilds also known as Mvano planned to do in her three years term of office,
“You’re now inducted to serve the Lord by being in charge of the women guild. This is God’s ministry and you are expected to serve the ministry with devotion and dedication. Be a visionary leader and always consult when you are not certain,” the moderator added,
Before the induction Mkwina attended leadership training at Chigodi Women’s Training Centre in Blantyre alongside other chairladies in the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP.
“You should be visionary and be an achiever in whatever you plan and. Let Chinamwali CCAP benefit from your leadership,” Rev Mingu said.
Zomba City Presbytery Women Desk Chairperson, Wezzie Ndawala called on Mkwinda to execute what she learnt at Chigodi Women Training Centre for the benefit of fellow women and entire Chinamwali CCAP congregation.
“Serve the ministry without discrimination. Accommodate every Mvano member regardless of her age and financial status,” Ndawala who is also in charge of Zomba CCAP Women Guilds added.
In an interview after the induction, Mkwinda said will be dedicated in the ministry and will do according to the will of God.
In her tenure of office she pledged to facilitate the construction of a kitchen at Chinamwali CCAP to facilitate all the church’s catering services.
“I will make sure that Mvano buy a coaster during my tenure of office to ease mobility,” Mkwinda added.
Representative of Zomba City Presbytery, Chingale Presbytery together with a choir from Chingale and friends and relatives attended Mkwinda’s induction.
Mkwinda has succeeded Jennifer Khanda who served as in charge of Chinamwali CCAP Women’s Guilds from 2016.
Chakwera leaves Malawi for Kenya for IDA summit
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe , April 28 Mana: President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Sunday left Malawi for the Republic of Kenya to attend the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) Summit which will be held in Nairobi slated for 28th April 2024.
In an interview Chakwera hailed World Bank for its consistent support whenever the country goes through challenging times.
He said the World Bank plays a crucial role in advancing Malawi's developmental projects, thus enhancing the country's resilience.
"We are grateful for World Bank and for always being there when we are facing challenges. World Bank is also helping us make strides in actual development issues that will make Malawi more resilient, and all the development projects for instance irrigation, this will help this country to produce more and add value," Chakwera said.
The World Bank has donated K100 billion Kwacha to support the country's challenges caused by natural disasters like El Niño. This assistance comes in response to the President's Declaration of Disaster in 23 districts affected by El Niño weather conditions.
President Lazarus Chakwera is expect to address the summit.
President Chakwera's participation follows an invitation extended by President of the Republic of Kenya William Samoei Ruto, in acknowledgment of the World Bank's recent approval of 100 billion Kwacha in support of Malawi's endeavors to achieve food security.
The International Development Association (IDA) is a pivotal arm of the World Bank dedicated to aiding the world's low-income countries. Through grants and low-interest loans, IDA facilitates investments in the future, enhances livelihoods, and fosters the creation of safer, more prosperous communities globally.
The Airplane carrying the Malawi leader departed the Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) at 14:00 hours and the President is expected to return home through the same airport on Monday 29th April 2024 at 17:00 hours.
Biwi market in a Clean-Up exercise
by Ousman Manda
Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Rotaract Club of Lilongwe, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Luanar, organised a Market Clean-up Day at Biwi market to address the issue of environmental degradation and promote community engagement in preserving the environment.
Speaking after the clean-up exercise on Saturday, President of Rotaract Club of Lilongwe, Esther Bonyonga reiterated the importance of environmental conservation in addressing the root causes of environmental degradation.
He said the clean-up efforts has not only addressed environmental concerns but also improved the overall cleanliness and appearance of Biwi market, in enhancing its hygiene and aesthetics.
The President also highlighted that the Market Clean-up Day at Biwi market showcased the Rotaract Club of Lilongwe's dedication to environmental stewardship and community service.
In a separate interview, President of the Rotaract club of Luanar, Makhalo Matola commended the market vendors for helping with the clean-up exercise, saying their involvement was key to making it successful.
"The positive response from the community has really indicated a growing awareness and willingness to contribute to environmental preservation efforts," Matola added.
The market clean-up initiative event was in line with this month's Rotary theme, which is 'Environment Month'.
Malawi Tourism Council urges private sectors' participation in MITE day
By Elia Chibwe
Lilongwe April 27 MANA: Malawi Tourism Council has urged people in private sector to use Malawi International Tourism Expo (MITE) as an opportunity in a year for showcasing their products to the local and international buyers.
Speaking during the 5th edition 2024 MITE celebrated under the theme’ ‘Takulandirani" in Lilongwe, Executive Director for Malawi Tourism Council, Memory Momba Kamthunzi said the event gives an opportunity to all private sectors including domestic tourism.
"As a council we would like to encourage you to say this expo is for us the people in private sector. This is the only opportunity that we have in a year, almost every April we are able to showcase the products. Let us make use of this opportunity," Kamthunzi said.
She added that starting from 2023, they have always been promoting domestic tourism.
Kamthunzi further said the objectives of the event have been achieved this year as more operators across the country have showcased their products, offering to the public and buyers.
"This year we have achieved our objectives, all establishments that showcased their products have been able to interact with the buyers that came through, and there was also a special day open for the public. Alot of people came to appreciate the products that different tourism enterprises offer here in Malawi," she said.
In a separate interview, Creative Director for Queen Tenge, Linda Zamaere said the event played a great role in increasing collaboration and brand awareness.
". For business people it is always good to be part of a special event because this enables us to network with other companies and other participants. This has also increased collaboration and brand awareness and a big patronage at our shops,” Zamaere said.
She further appreciated the growth of fashion industry in Malawi, saying for several years people did not see fashion as a career.
Products, marketing and Communications Manager for Sunbird Tourism, Widdey Nsona said it was a great opportunity to network and meet different potential clients.
"Those who missed the event, next year they should definitely come. It is a great opportunity to make new connections and network with buyers and different potential clients," Nsona said.
Malawi International Tourism Expo is held every year in every April. This year it was held from 25th to 27th April with the theme "Takulandirani"
Newly constructed Ntambanyama market expects to boost businesses in Thyolo
By Yamikani Yapuwa
Thyolo, April 28, Mana: Business operators around Ntambanyama market in Thyolo district have high hopes that the construction of market structure under Governance to Enabled Service Delivery (GESD) World Bank funded programme will boost their profits as the structure will give capacity for sellers to serve customers with all varieties of goods.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency on Saturday, Chairperson for the market, Wyson Unyolo said the new market structure has been built in a modern way because it has various sections that can accommodate all types of business.
“This market once opened will serve many people for example, communities from Semu, Chimbeta, Njobu and Mpeni villages with varieties of businesses like vegetables among others.” He said.
Unyolo added that currently people are selling their merchandise along the road exposing both vendors and customer to accidents that can happen along the road.
He however pleaded with the district council to fast track the opening of the market for people to start benefiting.
One of the fruit sellers from Traditional Authority (TA) Changata Mary Mokowa hailed the council for constructing the modern market which will provide them with safe space for business.
"Currently, my business does not realize more profits because when weather conditions are harsh, I am forced to leave the place because there is no shed to protect me," said Mokowa.
On his part, Barbershop operator Maxwell Mulinde said he anticipate his daily earnings to rise from K5, 000 to K8, 000.
Village Headman Semu from TA Khwethemule said the new market sets a milestone to wealth creation among people in his community.
"We are very grateful to government for giving us this market and as community leaders, we will ensure that there are strong measures that will protect the structure, “he said.
The newly constructed Ntambanyama market is among the GESD major developments such as school blocks, rehabilitation of irrigation schemes among others that are being done in Thyolo district.
Public university students' upkeep allowance adjusted upwards
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 27, Mana: The Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLGB) on Friday announced the upward adjustment of upkeep loan allowance for students in public universities from K280,000 to K560,000 effective April 1, 2024.
On March 6 this year, President Lazarus Chakwera, in his capacity as Chancellor for the public universities, directed the Ministers of Education and Finance to review the upkeep loans in light of changes in macroeconomic fundamentals.
Speaking at a press briefing in Salima, spokesperson for the Board of Directors of the HESLGB, Henry Chingaipe, said the application window for students who wish to be considered for the loans starts from May 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024.
"Stakeholders extensively deliberated on the scenarios that were provided to take into consideration before adjusting the upkeep allowance; specifically, we considered an average inflation rate of 30 percent and the last review of upkeep loans which happened in the academic year 2021/22," he said.
He added: "Ultimately, they decided on K560,000 as the new upkeep loan, which was derived from the calculation of the current inflation rate compounded over two outward years. This translates to a 60 percent upward adjustment applied to the current loan amount of K350,000."
He said it is worth noting that the K560,000 per student per academic year translates to K280,000 per semester of four months or K70,000 per month within a semester.
On this point, he revealed that World Bank, through a project called Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project, is further supporting students who are studying on the Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) mode in public universities in selected priority areas.
The priority areas are Education, Health, Agriculture, Energy, Information Communications Technology (ICT), and Industry.
Through the project, in the 2024/2025 loan cycle, HESLGB will consider 288 additional new female ODeL applicants in public universities in the mentioned priority study programmes.
Chingaipe, therefore, said that loans are only provided to students who apply and meet the eligibility criteria. Therefore, both existing and new ODeL beneficiary students must apply to express their interest to be considered for a loan for the 2024/2025 loan cycle.
HESLGB was established in 2015 as one of the reforms for the Ministry of Education in financing higher education. It is mandated to provide loans and award grants to needy and academically outstanding students, pursuing higher education in accredited institutions of higher learning in Malawi.
Ministry set for devolution process
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, April 27, Mana: Ministry of Information and Digitalization says the devolution process that it is undertaking will reduce numerous challenges that the District Information Offices encounter.
Director of Administration in the ministry, Hillary Namainja, made the remarks Saturday at Mponela in Dowa during the official opening of a day-long meeting aimed at validating guidelines for the devolution to the local authorities.
He said district offices are failing to access direct funding from central government and other development partners because they are not part of the devolved sectors at the council.
“As we are all aware, the benefits of devolution are enormous to all sectors. It helps the council to work as a single administrative unit.
“Devolution also improves and enhances service delivery to communities and other stakeholders in the districts,” he said.
Namainja further said through devolution, communities will easily and quickly access information and communication services aimed at promoting participation and development of the local authorities.
He then thanked the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture and National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) for the guidance they have been providing throughout the process.
Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA) Executive Director Hadrod Mkandawire commended government for finally moving to devolve District Information Offices, which he said are very critical in information management and dissemination in local authorities.
“As it is said, better late than never. We hope there won't be any more delays in the process so that the devolution takes place as soon as possible for the benefit of local authorities and the citizenry across the country.
“We believe this move will not only help in the provision of information to the masses, but also assist in promoting transparency and accountability," said Mkandawire.
Balaka District Information Officer (DIO) Mary Makhiringa thanked the ministry for the move, saying DIOs in some councils were not taken as part of the council because they were not devolved.
She said: “At times, we have been using our own resources to gather and transmit stories due to lack of resources.
“And in some councils, DIOs have been meeting some resistance from other devolved sector heads when we ask for their assistance like internet and vehicles to carry our duty.”
Government started devolving some powers to councils in 1998 and currently, 21 ministries, departments and agencies have already been decentralized.
Performance Based Grant enhances service delivery at Salima District Council
By Fostina Mkandawire
Salima, April 27, Mana: Director of Public Works at Salima District Council, Harris Kumwenda, has commended Performance Based Grant (PBG) supported by Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) for enhancing collaboration and accountability among sectors.
In an exclusive interview on Thursday, Kumwenda explained how Salima District Council ensures it qualifies for the Performance-Based Grant after being assessed through Local Authority Performance Assessments (LAPA).
The PBG, funded by the World Bank, incentivizes local authorities to manage resources effectively and deliver responsive services to citizens.
He said through PBG, it has been established that implementing flagship projects should not be compromised by spreading resources to implement small projects that do not have required facilities and amenities, in the long run not producing the desirable impact.
Kumwenda cited an example of the first project that Salima District Council implemented through the first grant that the district received under GESD, which is Mnema Maternity Wing in the area of Senior Chief Makanjira.
"Construction of Mnema maternity required essential facilities such as staff houses, a dispensary, water tank and proper toilets, for it to be certified as a proper health facility that can offer quality services to the community," he said.
The council works collectively with Members of Parliament, Councilors, and chiefs to ensure transparency and community-centric developments.
"It is collective responsibility for us to better serve people; we work as a team, every head of sector has been given a role to play to ensure that we do not backslide and miss out on the incentive that is much needed to develop the district," he said.
Kumwenda emphasized that the PBG has enhanced the council's skills in planning, investment, budgeting, and procurement processes, which must follow stringent guidelines.
He added: "Spending under PBG has to follow stringent guidelines; these guidelines have taught us that we have to trickle financial discipline to all projects we are implementing, even District Development Fund and Community Development Fund projects."
Ward Councilor for Lipimbi West located in Salima North West, Ephraim Manthepa, said PBG has indeed enhanced service delivery because all affiliations are left aside when identifying projects so that the district should develop impactful projects.
Manthepa was quick to mention that the LAPA brought misconceptions and fears, adding that through rigorous trainings and district engagements, the fears were cleared.
He further said when time to identify the first project to be implemented under GESD came, it was therefore not difficult to understand the modalities for selection.
District Community Development Officer for Salima Samuel Chimwaza hailed gains actualized through GESD and said that community aspirations are being achieved, citing an example of how Village Level Action Plans are also incorporated in planning for the implementation of projects.
Salima District Council was the most improved council in terms of service delivery in the 2021/2022 LAPA results, scoring 82 percent and securing second position among 28 districts.
Currently, the council is implementing several projects, including the construction of Mnema Maternity Clinic, Chagunda Police Station and the upgrading of Salima Community Ground, all funded through GESD.
