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Social cash transfer programme disburses K3 billion in Rumphi
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, January 11, Mana: Rumphi District Council has disbursed at least K3 billion to at least 3600 beneficiaries under Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) since 2018 which has helped in improving the welfare of targeted group.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Coordinator of the Programme for Rumphi, Abel Ndlovu says a number of beneficiaries who have now been weaned off the programme have managed to build decent houses and established small scale businesses to support themselves.
He added that the economy of the district has also benefited as a majority of beneficiaries are farmers and are able to sell the surplus to others within and beyond which brings more money into the district.
"As a council we are happy with the transformation the programme has brought to a number of households in the district for the last cohort which has now graduated from the programme.
"We have currently enrolled at least 5600 new beneficiaries for the next phase and we hope they will also use the money productively to improve the welfare of their households," said Ndlovu.
One of the beneficiaries, Marry Kumwenda from Chikalamba Village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says the SCTP money has helped her establish a vegetable business which supports her children's school needs.
She has also managed to bring tap water to her house giving her access to clean and portable water for her household.
She added that business management training she received through her villages savings group also helps her to run her business profitably.
Another beneficiary, Flyness Mhone from Chuzu Village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe says the programme has enabled her to take care of her elderly mother, who is also mentally ill, through a small scale farming business.
Mhone grows maize and groundnuts which she sells to meet other needs of the house such as soap and other groceries in addition to fertilizers for her farm.
SCTP is Malawi Government programme under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP) which is funded by World Bank and Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
The programme targets the utra poor that are labour constrained including child headed families, elderly and people with physical disabilities, among others.
Magistrate court refers cop`s case to High Court for sentencing
By Emily M'mangisa
Zomba, January 11, Mana: The Zomba Magistrate Court on Friday referred to the High Court a case in which Twaliki Mpaweni, a Police Officer, was convicted for having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.
Principal Resident Magistrate, Martin Chipofya referred the case to the High Court for sentencing after his conviction.
According to the Magistrate, he looked at the nature of the crime, aggravating and mitigating factors before referring the matter to the High Court for sentencing and ruled that the convict should remaining in custody as he awaits the sentence.
Chipofya however acquitted Mpaweni on a charge of aiding a suspect to escape from lawful custody.
Vitumbiko Mbizi who represented the state in the case said he was looking forward to a stiffer penalty in the High Court, arguing that Mpaweni committed a serious crime that deserve a life sentence.
“Instead of taking care of the girl, he engaged into sexual activity, thereby aggravating the crime,” she added.
In mitigation, the defense through Principal Advocate, Hanleck Davie Ching'anda from the Legal Aid Bureau said Mpaweni was a first offender, has a family of three children and a wife apart from taking care of a 57-year-old mother.
He therefore asked the court to grant Mpaweni a lighter sentence.
Mpaweni was arrested in August 2023 for having sexual intercourse with a minor and was also accused of aiding her to escape from a police cell at Kachulu Police Post in Zomba where she was locked after being accused of stealing her friend’s clothes.
CSQ to walk from Blantyre to Thyolo
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, January 10, Mana: Cancer Survivors Quest (CSQ) will on February 2, 2025, conduct a 40 kilometres World Cancer Day walkathon from Blantyre Old Town Hall to Thyolo under the theme ‘United by Unique’ to raise cancer awareness.
CSQ Executive Director, Chikhulupiliro Ng’ombe told Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday that apart from raising cancer awareness, the walk to Thyolo n is meant to encourage cancer survivors and the general population to engage in physical exercises.
“We are holding the walkathon as a way of trying to raise funds to support cancer patients. In this year’s awareness, we have decided that the funds should go to the patient support programme,
“Through this big walk, we want people to see us, interact with us and share cancer messages to increase the desire for physical activity to the masses,” added Ng’ombe.
He disclosed that CSQ will also raise funds through a series of awareness to reach out to cancer patients considering that every year the organization supports five cancer patients.
Established in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day is commemorated every year on February 4 to mobilize global action towards cancer prevention and to address the global cancer epidemic.
One of the World Cancer Day walkathon participants, Isaac Naluso commended the CSQ for organizing the cancer awareness saying there was a need for wider awareness to mobilize support for cancer support.
“I am well prepared to walk this long distance because it is part of support towards those that are suffering from cancer.” added Naluso.
According to CSO, the theme; United by Unique; focuses on the fact that people have unique stories, needs, perspectives and situations that need to be taken into consideration when shaping care and the health system.
ADMARC starts selling maize in Rumphi
By Thula Chisamba
Rumphi, January 10, Mana: People in Rumphi can now afford a smile as the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) has started selling maize in the district's depots.
Locals in the district have expressed their happiness at the opportunity to buy maize at affordable prices having struggled to access the staple grain due to scarcity and high prices on the market.
Before ADMARC opened the market in the district, maize was selling at a minimum of K1000 per kilogram (kg) which made it difficult for low income earners to access it.
Spot checks conducted, on Friday, days after ADMARC opened its markets in the district established that vendors have reduced their prices to K900 per kg while ADMARC is selling at K790 per kilogram.
One of the buyers, Selifa Kaonga who came from Chatumbwa Village, Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe, expressed her excitement at the development.
"I am so happy that ADMARC has started selling maize here in Rumphi," she said. "I was struggling to find maize on the market, and even when I did, the prices were too high. But now, I can buy maize at a price that I can afford," said Kawonga.
In an interview on Friday, Rumphi Boma ADMARC depot committee secretary, Chrispin Msumba said that the depot has received a large consignment of maize, which is being sold to the public at a subsidized price.
"We are happy to announce that we have started selling maize at this depot. Since we commenced the exercise on Monday, we have not registered any serious challenges.
"We understand the struggles that people have been facing in accessing maize, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to this staple food," said Msumba.
He also warned vendors against buying maize from their depot in order to resell to people at higher prices.
Nsanje’s ex-Makhanga inhabitants appeal for an irrigation scheme
By Robert Nayeja
Nsanje, January 10, Mana: People who relocated from flood flood-prone areas of Makhanga to Milton Village, Traditional Authority Mbenje in Nsanje have appealed to government to construct an irrigation scheme so that they can be food secure.
Group Village head (GVH) Kalonga appealed on Thursday on behalf of her subjects when a high-level delegation from the British High Commission in Malawi, USAID and Department of Disaster Management Affairs, (DoDMA) officials visited the relocated community.
GVH Kalonga said that despite their settling at the upper land, her subjects have been hit hard by hunger following last year's dry spell.
“We have farmland at Makhanga but it is in water due to rising levels of water in Shire River,” she added.
She said once the scheme is constructed, families will be able to grow crops more than once a year, adding this will contribute to food security at the household level.
GVH Kalonga assured the delegation that the community will never go back to Makhanga after going through devastating floods every year.
She therefore praised a non-governmental organization called Give Direct for supporting the community with startup money which the community used to build houses at the new settlement area.
On this note, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Malawi, Olympia Wereko-Brobby, commended the community for using the donation wisely.
“I am impressed the way the community build its resilient following the effects of Cyclone Freddy,” she added.
Commissioner for Disaster, Charles Kalemba said the government was putting in place sustainable systems to ensure food security in the country.
“Such systems include irrigation schemes just like what we have seen at Chimwala mbango scheme which is gravity fed,” he added.
Kalemba assured the community that the government will continue supporting them with systems that will enhance food security in Nsanje
Women in Business urged to embrace digital financing system
By Andrew Mkonda
Lilongwe, January 10, Mana: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa-Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB) Malawi chapter have been urged to embrace digital banking and electronic transaction services in their business operations.
Digital Financial Services Team Leader for AC Consulting Dr. Ella Kangaude made the call Friday during the interaction session with different influential businesswomen applying their businesses in the country.
Kangaude said the time has come for businesspeople to avoid moving around with huge sums of money which she said in most cases the tendency has resulted in fraud and money laundering among others.
“With digital transactions, people will no longer be carrying huge sums of cash to and from the bank where in most cases, more especially women have been robbed of their cash and others even losing their lives.
“Apart from doing business transactions, this electronic system will also assist individuals to manage their finances more effectively, such as paying their utility bills while in their homes without losing any money on transport,” she said.
National Chairperson for COMFWB Sellina Mwenelupembe thanked government for promoting a digital financing system saying Malawi also needs to be part of the global village.
“As Federation, we promote cross border business and for our women to be oriented in digital financing services, it’s very crucial because it will assist in promoting their businesses as they are trading between other countries, and it will assist them to secure their money,” she said.
However, Mwenelupembe asked government and service providers to invest more in infrastructure, especially in bordering countries where in most cases network becomes a big challenge.
One of the women, Clara Nanchinga, Executive Director of JIA Consultants, said the digital financing system is so important because it saves time and reduces some of the expenses that transpire when conducting business transactions in person.
“Let me take this opportunity to ask service providers to improve efficiency by enabling the environment to attract more people to adopt this system.
“As you may be aware, if the systems are well put together and people have trust in the system, many will join and transact, the system will grow fast,” she said
The government through the Ministry of Finance and Reserve Bank of Malawi are doing awareness campaigns for the people in the country to embrace the use of digital financing systems.
Police in Rumphi hunt for woman suspected of killing baby
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, January 10, Mana: Police in Rumphi are looking for a woman suspected of killing a baby boy aged between four and seven days.
In an interview on Friday, Rumphi Police Station Public Relations Officer, Noel Kamchenga said the dead body of the baby was found wrapped in a plastic bag and dumped at Matunkha stream around the Boma on January 9, 2025.
He added that a postmortem conducted on the baby by medical officers from Rumphi District Hospital revealed that it died of suffocation.
He added that once the suspect is apprehended, she will answer a charge of killing an infant.
Chitipa Police, CCJP team up in fight against child abuse
By Aliko Munde
Chitipa, January 10, Mana: Chitipa Police Station and the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) have teamed up to conduct awareness campaigns on child rights in schools in Chitipa District.
Community Policing Coordinator for Chitipa Police Station, Inspector Frightone Kundimbule, said that the campaign is aimed at safeguarding the right of children to education in the Chitipa district.
In an interview after touring three schools namely; Naviziba, Yamba and Lufita Primary schools on Thursday, Kundimbule warned School Management Committees, Parent Teacher's Associations and learners on the dangers of early marriages, teen pregnancies and child trafficking.
“The law of the land will be applied to those involved in forcing children into early marriages. It is the responsibility of every person to protect children,” Kundimbule said.
He, therefore, advised learners on the importance of utilizing suggestion boxes, which have been placed in the schools to report any abuse they encounter for assistance.
On her part, Gender Coordinator for CCJP Karonga Diocese responsible for Chitipa, Janet Mhango, concurred with Kundimbule on the need to protect children from abuse.
Mhango highlighted children’s right to education and the negative effects of hiding cases of child abuse.
Headteacher for Lufita Primary School, Elifa Chiona, hailed Chitipa Police and CCJP for the awareness campaign targeting schools, which she said will help to foster a good relationship between teachers and learners.
“The awareness campaigns will help our learners as well as teachers to improve their relationships. Most of the learners have been reminded of their rights, which is paramount,” Chiona said.
CCJP is implementing a three-year Gender Sensibilisation and Safeguarding Project, which is being funded by Miserier in Germany in conjunction with the Diocese of Muenster.
Karonga CDSS seeks assistance with hall and perimeter fence construction
By George Mponda
Karonga, January 10, Mana: Karonga Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) is seeking assistance to construct a hall, fence, and provide desks, as the lack of these essential facilities is hindering its ability to provide quality education to its students.
Headteacher Howard Kumwenda told Malawi News Agency on Friday that the school which was established in 1960 is an examination centre but they have to book a hall somewhere else which is costly.
He said during examinations, they spend over K500,000 to book a hall elsewhere and the students have to carry desks on their heads to the venue since the school does not have money to hire a vehicle.
“Together with the community we have managed to raise some funds which we have started constructing a hall estimated to cost K140 million and currently we are at floor level.
“Our school is located right in the middle of Karonga Town and we receive a lot of students who want to enrol so we have been tirelessly advocating for support from local authorities, organizations, and well-wishers,” Kumwenda said.
He said, with the right resources, the school can provide a conducive learning environment for its students as evidenced by its 64 per cent pass rate in last year's Malawi School Certificate of Education results.
Board Chairperson for Karonga CDSS Komani Mzembe said another pressing issue facing the school is the shortage of desks.
"Students are forced to sit on the floor or share desks, making it difficult for them to focus on their studies. The school has over 1500 students but we have few desks available. It's heartbreaking to see our students struggling to learn due to lack of basic facilities," said Mzembe.
"In addition to desks, the school urgently needs two additional school blocks. The current blocks are few with the number of students we have to the point that a teacher barely has space to walk around in the classrooms which is not ideal for teaching," he said.
He said another critical issue facing the school is the lack of a secure fence, saying the school's perimeter is not fenced, making it vulnerable to intruders and roaming cattle.
“This has led to concerns about the students' safety and security. We need a secure fence to protect our students and prevent unauthorized access to the school," Mzembe stressed.
On his part,
Karonga CDSS Students Union President, Vincent Kumwenda said they urgently need assistance to address these pressing issues.
"We are appealing to anyone who can help us to come forward and support our school to ensure that we as students receive the quality education we deserve," Kumwenda pleaded.
The school's management committee estimates that it needs approximately K98 million to finish constructing the hall.
Flying Girls Malawi to launch My Tree My Shed
By Mtisunge Gwedeza
Blantyre, January 10, Mana: A local girl's organization in Blantyre under the banner of Flying Girls Malawi will undertake a tree planting launch called My Tree, My Shed on January 17 at Matope Primary School in Ndirande.
The launch will be done with the main goal of encouraging more tree planting as a strategy for reducing carbon dioxide that is also produced by girls because of burning sanitary pads each and every day.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Wednesday, the Project Coordinator of My Tree, My Shed, Souvenir Jana said although the project is led by girls, everyone is equally welcome to participate including boys.
“The project will not only involve Flying Girls, but it will also include Matope Primary School learners, people from the society and any other persons who would like to volunteer during the tree planting sessions to give them a chance to learn about the environment,” Jana said.
“On the issue of boys, some of them bully girls on matters concerning menstrual health, these boys lack knowledge on the topic, so involving them in this project together with girls will not only help them learn about tree planting but also menstrual health,” she added.
The Flying Girls Malawi has also partnered with Seoul Enterprise which produces tree seedlings.
In a separate interview, Seoul Enterprise representative, Kamuna Lizakuwa said it is important to teach children the importance of planting and keeping trees while they are young because they will grow with the same attitude towards the environment.
Lizakuwa added that this is not the same with adults, as it becomes something new for them to adopt.
“We produce different seedlings for various tree species and we are excited to partner with the Flying Girls Malawi,” Lizakuwa said.
“Unlike adults, a child is easy to teach and learn, so teaching them the importance of these trees at a young age will help them grow with this mindset, they will be able to know the role that the trees play in their livelihood and plant more trees as they grow,” he stated.
Under the My Tree, My Shed initiative, Flying Girls Malawi plans to plant 1000 trees as a solution to a limited number of classrooms in schools, provide a habitat for animals and create a fresh-aired atmosphere.
