MANAonline
Nkhata Bay's K149 million council chamber boosts community engagement
By Chisomo Kambandanga,
Nkhata Bay, May 21, Mana: Councillor for Boma Ward in Nkhata Bay Central Constituency, Adamana Cyria Nyamwera, has described the newly constructed council chamber at Nkhata Bay District Council as a game-changer, promoting citizen participation and democracy.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Nyamwera said the chamber has already started bearing fruits, witnessed by citizens' participation during full council meetings, something that was not the case before due to limited space.
"I am impressed with how the new council chamber is constructed. So modern, timely, and spacious. Today, citizens are well-informed about local issues, policies, and decisions affecting their communities through their participation in the deliberations, hence promoting their democratic right to governance, which is a welcome development," he said.
According to Nyamwera, the new chamber represents the government's commitment to respecting its members by providing comfortable seating, accessible facilities, and state-of-the-art technology, which is a symbol of progress.
He therefore urged his fellow council members and all users to take care of the facility to ensure its longevity and continued service to the community.
In his remarks, Nkhata Bay District Council Director of Planning and Development, Edgar Chihana, said the construction of the new council chamber is a step towards achieving the MW2063.
"This current council chamber, which cost us about K149 million, is now accommodating over 60 people, unlike the previous one, which had a maximum of 30. We have space for all media houses during deliberations, contributing to access to information for the people," he said.
Chihana added that the facility has greatly helped to improve service delivery to the council because, apart from providing a conducive environment for deliberations, it has boosted revenue collection avenues for the council by hiring it out for other purposes.
He therefore expressed heartfelt appreciation to the council members for approving construction of the new council chamber and urged citizens to regularly attend council meetings to appreciate the deliberations.
The new council chamber was constructed through the National Local Government Finance Committee under District Development Fund.
Man nabbed in Limbe for impersonating MDF soldier
By Memory Khutuliwa
Blantyre, May 21, Mana; Police in Limbe are keeping in custody Emmanuel Davie, 24, for allegedly impersonating a soldier from Malawi Defense Force (MDF) and was collecting money from the public in Bangwe Township in Blantyre dressed in full military attire.
Deputy Public Relations Officer for Limbe Police Station, Sub-Inspector Chibisa Mulimbika, said the suspect was seen at Chipalanga location in Bangwe where he fraudulently collected money from people, promising them recruitment in the MDF in the near future.
“The incident was reported at Bangwe Police Post where detectives managed to arrest Davie after investigations including from the MDF where it was proved that the suspect is not their employee,” he added.
Mulimbika further explained that police investigations discovered that Davie had solicited over K500, 000 from the public, stating that the suspect is in custody waiting to answer charges of personating a public officer and obtaining money by false pretense.
Emmanuel Davie comes from Malata Village, Traditional Authority Makhuwira in Chikwawa District.
Mining key to revitalizing Malawi's economy – Zikhale Ng’oma
By George Mponda
Karonga, May 21, Mana: Minister of Mining, Kenneth Zikhale Ng'oma, has described the mining sector as a vital engine for the country's economic recovery and growth.
Ng'oma was speaking Wednesday in Karonga when he visited Kayelekera Uranium Mine to appreciate progress at the mine, which is set to resume production by September this year.
Ng'oma said: “I am so shocked because the investment here should be making money which could have benefited our country a lot.”
Production at the mine is expected to start between July to September, which, Zikhale Ng’oma said is a good sign that Malawi is taking mining seriously and is a great stride towards boosting the country’s economy.
Ng’oma promised to support operations of mining companies by getting rid of bottlenecks, which have the potential to reduce earnings from the industry.
"Government will also ensure that all information relating to the mining industry is readily available and things are done in a transparent manner,” he explained.
Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga and Chitipa called on operators of the Kayelekera Uranium Mine, Lotus Africa Limited, to ensure that Malawians benefit meaningfully from the natural resources extracted in their country.
He said; "Previous operators gave Malawians a raw deal during their time managing the mine.
“As custodians of the land, we want to see real change this time, and our people deserve better jobs, infrastructure, and a clean environment. We cannot continue to be spectators while others benefit from our resources.”
Managing Director for Lotus Africa Limited Corporate Department, Gregg Bittar, said the mine will deliver for the people of Malawi.
"Government is an important economic partner with a significant interest in the project. Through the Community Development Agreement, we will make sure that not only does Karonga and Chitipa benefit but the whole country," Bittar said.
Lotus Africa Limited took over operations of Kayelekera Uranium Mine from Paladin Limited after it went into care and maintenance in 2014 due to falling uranium prices.
NSPP tool for social protection programmes implementation in Balaka
By Andrew Phiri
Balaka, May 21, Mana: Department of Economic Planning and Development in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on Tuesday oriented Balaka District Council on National Social Protection Policy (NSPP).
NSSP is meant to create a more comprehensive and sustainable social protection system, focusing on reducing poverty, improving livelihood and increasing resilience for vulnerable groups.
Balaka District Community Development Officer, Macdonald Nyaka, welcomed the orientation saying the district looks forward to successful implementation of social protection programmes.
The district registered challenges in implementing Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) and other social protection programmes.
Weak instructional frameworks, limited resources, coordination issues and difficulties in reaching beneficiaries particularly in far to reach areas are some of the challenges faced in implementation of social protection programmes in Balaka.
“Despite the challenges, we foresee strong coordination, support and proper direction in all key sectors such as the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), nutrition, Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare and agriculture among others with one goal of eradicating poverty and empower vulnerable households across Balaka,” said Nyaka.
He, therefore, called for patriotism and dedication from all stakeholders so that all social protection programmes that are being rolled out in the district should ultimately focus on rescuing rural masses from poverty and other human challenges.
An economist in the Department of Economic Planning and Development, Laureen Kumwenda, said government recognizes the need for policy framework that guides designing and implementation of successful social protection programmes at district level.
She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to support NSPP, adding that the policy helps government and citizens to achieve human capital development, an enabler of Malawi 2063.
SADC TFCA members states called to critically conserve wildlife
By Mary Makhiringa in Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare, May 21, Mana: Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Mpedi Magosi, has called upon all SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCAs) to work towards conserving wildlife despite numerous challenges that the region is facing.
Magosi said the environment is currently facing serious change of environmental issues such as poaching, which is negatively affecting member states to embrace wildlife conservation.
He made the remarks Wednesday during the SADC TFCA Ministers of Environment, Natural Resources and Tourism in Harare, Zimbabwe where Malawi Minister of Tourism, Dr Vera Kamtukule, is in attendance.
The Ministerial meeting comes ahead of the SADC TFCAs Heads of State Summit slated for Friday, May 23.
The SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area program is driven by several key factors with member states benefits such as regional integration and cooperation, biodiversity conservation, social economic development and peace and stability among others things.
Said Magosi: “We have come a long way. Today we are saying we have been existing in this wildlife conservation business for the past 25 years.
“Let me urge you, honourable ministers, to work towards conserving the environment and wildlife rather that perusing for assertion of laws and signing of documents by our Presidents that we fail to refer to and uphold.”
Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Wildlife for Zimbabwe, Evelyn Ndlovu, said tourism is one of the promising ventures in job creation.
She said: “We need to use this platform to enhance coordination and we must move from dialogue to delivery to ensure that resolutions made here translate into tangible outcomes for our people in the ecosystems.”
Germany Ambassador to Zimbambwe, Udo Volz, pledged his government’s commitment towards SADC TFCAs.
“Powerful aspects of the TFCAs is the ability to generate sustainable development of the communities, sustainable agriculture community driven conservation projects, thereby creating more jobs which will boost the local communities.
“Because of all these, as EU, we made a conscious choice together with Germany; and since last year we allocated €33 million and US$36 million to support TFCAs and more is coming.”
The Ambassador, therefore, asked member states to deepen commitments by increasing protection of the wildlife and allocating more resources to strengthen government structures.
The Summit is being held under the theme: SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas 25 years of cooperation for regional Integration and Sustainable Development.
Minister wants fair wages, good working conditions for mine workers
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, May 21, Mana: Minister of Labour, Peter Dimba, on Tuesday called for favourable working conditions for mine workers in the country to enable them to live decent lives.
The Minister made the remarks when he visited Kaziwiziwi Coal Mine in Rumphi District to assess working conditions for miners.
He said mining is a lucrative industry, which earns investors in the sector huge profits, and it is only fair for workers to have a fair share of the profits to which they contribute so much to be realized.
He also said that while the mine is doing well in other areas, there were some worrying findings that need to be addressed urgently at the mine.
"We have noticed some violations at this mine. There are challenges to personal protective equipment [PPEs]. Most of the miners we met did not have proper gumboots, gloves and masks to protect them from coal dust, which can cause tuberculosis. Some are sharing gumboots, which is unacceptable.
"We also discovered that they do not provide for resting time. The law provides for one hour of resting time. They do not have that here. It's unfortunate. Mining is labour-intensive and workers need a break to rest," said Dimba.
He further said that his officers will be following up with the mine to ensure that the identified flaws are addressed including fair wages and ensuring that there are proper structures in place for workers claiming compensation after getting injured on duty.
He added that the basic pay of K112,000 for many of the miners is too low and needs to be addressed urgently.
Acting Manager for the mine, Befos Chakaka Nyirenda said his company will look into the issues the minister identified and find ways of addressing them.
"We have been struggling recently because there is currently water under Section 20 of the mine. We have not been operating since November last year and this has affected revenue flow. There is little money coming in.
"However, we will address the PPE issue within the next two weeks to ensure that our workers are protected. On compensation, there have been some delays in processing paperwork for them, but once that is done by the Labour Office, compensation will be paid," said Nyirenda.
There are currently 270 employees at Kaziwiziwi Coal Mine.
Malawi Records 10 Cases of Mpox
By Rennie Tembo and Eranivey Temani
Lilongwe, May 21, Mana; Lilongwe District Environmental Health Officer Chisomo Kankhwali has revealed that Malawi has recorded 10 cases of Mpox, with 8 cases reported in Lilongwe, from April to May 2025.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday during an engagement meeting with Stakeholders Kankhwali said the disease was first discovered at Bwaila District Hospital where 2 people were reported to have signs of the disease.
“On 20 March, 2025 Bwaila hospital reported a suspected case of Mpox involving a 30-year-old man and a 33-year-old man who came in with symptoms of malaria, but upon taking samples to National Rerefence Labolatory at the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM), it was discovered that the men had Mpox,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Kankhwali said in the past seven days, five new suspected cases of Mpox were identified, of which three have been confirmed.
“This only indicates that the virus is still spreading and the pandemic is out there and it is very worrisome, but we are working closely with the public health officials to monitor the situation and prevent further spreading of the disease,’’ he said.
Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Principal Communications Officer Grace Kapatuka said time has come for people in the country to take precautionary measures.
‘’We need to hold hands and sensitive people about the disease so that they should be aware and start following precautionary measures in order to contain further spreading of the pandemic,’’ she said.
Mpox is a viral infection which is caused by monkeypox virus, a type of orthopoxvirus and it can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids and respiratory tract.
Its signs and symptoms include fever, rash lesions, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2024 and currently at least 12 African countries have reported cases of Mpox, with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) being the most affected.
Currently, four Mpox patients have recovered while four others are still being monitored. Lilongwe District Health Office organized the meeting with financial support from UNICEF.
Nkhata Bay youths pleased with Maganga Community Ground fence
By Chisomo Kambandanga
Nkhata Bay, May 21, Mana: Youths in Nkhata Bay are pleased to see the completion of a perimeter fence surrounding Maganga Community Ground in the district.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency on Tuesday, Secretary for Nkhata Bay District Football Sports Committee, Chancy Harawa said that the fence will improve the ground’s conditions, thereby attracting more football games.
"Previously, we were making a makeshift fence each time we had training or games by covering the ground’s perimeter sacks just to ensure that we were not disturbed by passersby,” said Harawa.
According to Harawa, teams will now be able to generate income from games as there will be a single entry to ground, something he said football teams have been longing for a long time.
Another youth, Justice Nthozi said that the fence will also be a catalyst for income generation for sellers of food as football patrons will be buying such food staffs from them.
Sports Officer Nkhata Bay District Council, Ellen Ngwara said that she was optimistic that money generated through sales of gate tickets will be used to support welfare of players.
"Football is a career and players expect to earn a living. This fence will benefit both the council and teams,” said Ngwala.
Nkhata Bay District Council funded the K95 million fence construction project using District Development Fund.
Government disburses K1.5 billion to poor households in Kasungu
By Wanangwa Tembo
Kasungu, May 21, Mana: Government has disbursed K1.5 billion to 14,080 poor and labour-constrained families in Kasungu District as part of the Social Cash Transfer Programme covering the period from November 2024 to May 2025.
The funds, ranging from K60,000 to K241,500 per household, targeted newly enrolled beneficiaries following a retargeting exercise conducted last year to recruit new households and graduate others from the programme.
Receiving her money during a pay parade on Tuesday, one of the beneficiaries, Jessie Phiri from Traditional Authority Mwase, said she would use the money to start a business and acquire household assets.
“This money is enough to start a meaningful business venture and will go a long way in helping me buy essential items such as livestock for my family.
“We did not harvest enough maize for food as a family, so we also plan to use part of the money to buy maize to help us survive during the lean months,” Phiri said.
Another beneficiary, Wezi Banda, expressed gratitude to government saying while she waited for a long period, the money has accumulated to a significant figure that will help her invest in a village saving and loan group.
Social Welfare Officer for Kasungu District, Raphael Chitete, urged the new beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purpose to enable them improve their nutrition, which is essential for their health and well-being.
“We are confident that the programme is meeting its objectives of supporting the most vulnerable households in the district, providing them with a regular income to meet their basic needs including supporting children in school.
“Specifically, we can attest to the fact that there is a change in the nutritional status of beneficiary households because of the wealth creation made possible with investing the money they receive under this initiative,” Chitete said.
He said the social protection initiative has been instrumental in improving the lives of thousands of families in Kasungu, enabling them to access essential services and invest in their future.
Kasungu District has a total of 19,300 beneficiary households under the Social Cash Transfers Programme which is supported by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
NYCOM for youth empowerment through Youth Innovation Fund
By Doricah Mkwapatira
Machinga, May 20, Mana: The National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM) toured Machinga to celebrate and support youth-led innovations through Youth Innovation Fund (YIF), which is meant to drive Malawi’s economy.
The NYCM visited Community Change for Youth Development (CCYD), which is implementing an agro-based project at Paramount Chief Kawinga’s area in the district, where NYCOM Executive Director, Rex Chapota, lauded CCYD for being a model, a case of young people utilising their skills to drive positive change.
CCYD is a group of 26 members, comprising 15 females and 11 males, that grows rice, maize and tomatoes covering a total of 8 acres since 2021.
"We are very inspired by the agricultural innovations we have seen today. This shows that if youths are given a chance to participate in national development, they can make a difference. Our role is to scale up their work so that they can do more," he added
Chapota said that a tour of Machinga offered NYCOM an opportunity to appreciate the challenges youth organisations face in their strides for youth empowerment
He said there is YIF under NYCOM, which is meant to provide financial resources to youth organisations to meet their development aspirations in line with government development agenda.
“The grants are meant for the purchase of necessary machinery and warehouses for food manufacturing and processing,” he added and expressed hope that giving youth organisations grants through the YIF would empower young people in Malawi to become drivers of innovation, productivity, and economic transformation.
CCYD, Executive Director, Justin Chiwaya disclosed that the organisation will be given a grant meant to support the organisation towards economic empowerment.
"Our goals include increasing production capabilities to enable us to process, grade, and package high-quality products for major retailers in Malawi, ultimately export to global markets and generating forex,
"We, however, face challenges that hinder production and efficiency,” Chiwaya said, citing limited machines for food processing.
The YIF was launched at 2024 National Youth Summit at Bingu International Convention Center in Lilongwe to empower youth aged 10 to 35 years to drive innovation, job creation and economic transformation in agriculture, tourism, mining and manufacturing.
