By Loness Gwazanga Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Campaign Director, Moses Kunkuyu has said politicians have, for a long time, divided the youth in the country due to their greed. He said time has now come for the torch bearers to embrace all regardless of their political affiliation. Speaking recently in Blantyre when he visited vendors at Lunzu Market, Kunkuyu urged them not to be confused by politicians to the extent of breaching peace as their positions are not permanent. Kunkuyu’s visit came amidst the market’s leadership wrangles that saw some members obtaining an injunction restraining Blantyre District Council from holding the election of new office bearers on suspicion of foul play. “These issues were orchestrated by politicians and that is why we came with a message of unity to remind the vendors that politicians come and go. “Despite their political differences, there are many things that put them together such as Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), where the beneficiaries were identified without looking at their political colours. “I am now happy that we managed to make them speak the same language,” said Kunkuyu. Kunkuyu also encouraged the district’s political authorities not to force anyone to join their party but treat all people equally, saying it is the only gesture that can attract more followers. Lunzu Market Taskforce Chairperson, Frazer Njoloma, hoped for a better future as the case was now amicably tackled. “We had no one to bring us together because most of us don’t have conflict resolution skills. Moving forward, we shall sit down as vendors and will definitely move to make the injunction lifted to allow smooth elections,” Njoloma said. Earlier, Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Mussa Chikwakwa said the market wrangles affected the council considering that revenue collection dropped drastically. Chikwakwa, therefore, expressed optimism for a developed Lunzu, saying unity is power which will give them conducive environment to ply their trade.
Author: Leyman Publications
Chilima Lambasts BICC Management For Blackouts
By Mphatso Nkuonera Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima on Friday warned Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) Management for the power outages that occurs when various events are in session, branding it lack of seriousness. The Vice-President said BICC hosts several international events being at the centre of the country and at the hub of the capital city that makes it convenient for organisers of different levels of events, hence deserves spared attention. “To management of this facility, a word to them, I hope they are in here but if not in here then convey the message to them verbatim on a serious note, and I mean it. “This is an international facility, but this is now for the second time I have experienced blackouts in this auditorium while there is power in all other buildings around the facility, this means it’s not the normal load shading. “In that view, it shows lack of seriousness, so the management can allow others to come and manage it if you have failed us, because it’s not on,” the visibly charged Chilima said. Chilima who is also Minister of Economic Planning and Development, made the remarks at BICC during a ten-year cerebration of African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) operations in the country. BICC Management has declined to comment on the matter as they kept on pushing the reporter from one office to another.
Catholics Bid Archbishop Ziyaye Farewell
By Ireen Kayira Lilongwe, December 19, Mana: Catholics across the country on Saturday paid their last respects to Archbishop of Lilongwe Archdiocese, the Most Reverend Tarsizio Ziyaye who succumbed to Colon Cancer on December 13, 2020. Catholics from Chitipa to Nsanje flooded the Civo Stadium for the mass requiem before the burial ceremony at Maula Cathedral. Speaking during the Sermon, Rt Reverend Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese said late Ziyaye mate challenges in his life just like the way Daniel (in the Holy Bible) said about men of God, but he was never moved. He therefore said those that believe must make a choice to be in the presence of God with faith even in the time of trials and setbacks just like late Ziyaye did. He said the late Archbishop Ziyaye is amongst the people who lived on earth who despite facing challenges in life, chose to serve God. “He helped Christians to remain in faith and be of perseverance even in times of troubles at the same time defended the Catholic Faith,” he said. Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Chairperson, Archbishop Thomas Msusa described the late Ziyaye humble and at the same time, a leader who stood by the truth. Msusa said he knew late Ziyaye as one person who was concerned with the plight of the poor in the country. “He was concerned to see people spending days at depots to buy cheap fertilizers but there was no network at times,” he said. However, Msusa expressed hope improvement of the network would now ease problems the poor people face in accessing the cheap farm inputs. He, therefore, said the Catholic Church and the nation as a whole have suffered a huge loss through the untimely demise of Ziyaye. Late Archbishop Ziyaye was born on May 19, 1949 and was ordained as priest in 1977 at the age of 28. He has served as a leader of the Catholic Church for 43 years and died as an Archbishop of Lilongwe Archdiocese after serving for seven years in that capacity since 2013.
Lilongwe Schools Benefit From MK3.5 Million Grant From Edukans
By Trouble Ziba Lilongwe, December 18, Mana: Ten primary schools in traditional authorities Mazengela, Kalumbu and Chadza in Lilongwe District have received a grant to the tune of K3.5 million from Edukans for improvement of leadership and school management. The schools, each of which has received K350, 000, have benefited from the grant under ‘Star Leadership for Star Schools’ Project which runs from September, 2020 up to March, 2021. Head teachers of beneficiary schools received the money on behalf of their schools in the presence of school management committee (SMC) members of respective schools. Presenting the cheques at Mwatibu Primary School in Traditional Authority Chadza in the district on Thursday, Edukans country director representative, Limbani Nsapato said the “small grants” would foster leadership skills for proper school management in the schools. “As head teachers, you will be going to different schools. We want to assist government in providing good leadership in the schools,” he said. Nsapato added that the grants would also help check if the skills the head teachers learnt from trainings by Edukans on financial management are being utilized. To a representative of Lilongwe District Chief Education Officer, Peter Kadewere, the Edukans grant will add to the school improvement fund the schools normally get from government which he said is inadequate. “Those schools that have received the grants should take it (the gesture) as a golden chance to excel in their schools so that others not involved in the program can learn lessons from you,” said Kadewere. Kadewere, who was guest of honour at the cheque presentation ceremony, was full of praise for the grant, asking the beneficiary schools to be vigilant in the management of the funds. “The grants given today will add value to the management of the schools and improve the quality of education in the schools,” said Kadewere. The education official also commended Edukans for providing training to head teachers in the schools under the program on different areas such as resource mobilization, problem solving, situation analysis, planning, leadership and financial management among others. As an application for the grant, each school was required to submit a budget plan to Edukans, detailing the major problem the school was facing that it wanted to solve. Head teacher of Nathenje Primary School, one of the beneficiaries of the grant, Elizabeth Chimutu, said her school’s major problem was vandalism at the school. She said her school would use the money to buy iron window and door frames, strong door shutters and locks to try keep out those vandlising the school and stealing property. “We believe that once we fix these, vandalism and theft of school property will be reduced,” said Chimutu. According to the ‘Star Leadership for Star Schools’ project lead person, Yamikani Givah, the ten schools that received the grants are under ‘Star Schools’ Program which Edukans started in 2018. She said the ‘Star Leadership for ‘Star Schools’ project arose from school management problems identified under ‘Star Schools’ Program. “So we had a school improvement plan which focused on leadership involving head teachers and school management committees. “The project was welcomed so we were requested to extend it to Lilongwe rural east where they do not usually benefit from such projects,” said Givah. Edukans Foundation is an education specialist organisation funded by Humana People to People Education and Training Foundation. It works in 60 schools across Malawi. Apart from Nathenje, other schools that received the grants include Kalumbu, Nkhoma, Bango, Mwatibu, Mtenthera, Chigodi, Sonkhwe, Kapedzera and Mchuchu.
Malawi President Chakwera Advises Soldiers To Be Apolitical
By Grace Kapatuka Salima, December 18, Mana: State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has advised Malawi Defence Force (MDF) soldiers to be apolitical when discharging their duties, so that they continue to be accorded the respect they deserve. Chakwera, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Malawi Defense Force made the remarks on Friday in Salima, when he commissioned 56 officer cadets who have completed nine-month training at the Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO). He said the MDF is an institution that enjoys international acclaim as one of the most disciplined and professional forces in the world, hence the need to be respected. “It should go without saying, yet still must be said, that the success of the Malawi Defense Force stems, in large part, from the resolve of those in its ranks to remain apolitical. “Your clear demonstration of ideological neutrality and noninterference in domestic politics, have been key components of our effective system of Democratic Control of the armed forces,” he said. Chakwera added: “In practice, this means that neither the Malawi Defense Force as an institution nor its leaders attempt to influence domestic politics, no more than they abide any attempts by politicians themselves to interfere in the discharge of their duties. “It is this that has given the MDF its well-deserved accolade as the People’s Army.” The President advised the new officer cadets to uphold the legacy of the profession they have joined by not serving as soldiers only, but leaders as well. “As things stand, what each of you has joined today is more than a noble profession. “This is a legacy you must now do your part to uphold, not only as soldiers, but as leaders of other men and women in uniform sworn to do the same. “This is a huge responsibility, for it means putting duty to country above all things,” advised Chakwera. He then promised government’s support towards improving the living standards of the soldiers and all other security agencies in the country, so that they effectively discharge their constitutional mandate. “My administration is also committed to improving your living conditions so that they are commensurate with the services you render to country and citizens alike. “In saying this, I have in mind, for example, the housing deficiency you endure, which is why three days ago, I launched a project to construct 10,000 decent houses for the Malawi Defence Force and other security institutions. The president further revealed that his administration has also other projects in the pipeline, such as construction of another barracks at Meru in Chitipa District and the establishment of a Military Camp in Bandawe in Nkhata-Bay. Commander of the Malawi Defence Force, General Vincent Nundwe, said the Malawi Defence Force will remain committed and working hard in its strive to fulfill its constitutional mandate. He congratulated the new officer cadets for completing nine-month training, saying what they have achieved during the training will be remembered forever as per MDF’s motto which says Chaphunzilidwa Sichinatayike. During the function, Dr Chakwera presented a sword of honour and a trophy to Captain Steven Mussa and 2ndLiutenant Fiskani Nyirenda for emerging overall best performer and 2nd overall performer respectively. The 56 officer cadets commissioned included 40 males and 16 females who are Doctors, teachers and engineers.
TNM Donates Computer Sets to Yamba CDSS
By John Chihana Chitipa, December 18, Mana: Malawi’s premier mobile network and ICT services provider, Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) PLC has donated 12 computer sets with internet connectivity tools (Wi-Fi) to Yamba Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Chitipa. TNM’s Brand and Communication Manager, Limbani Nsapato, said the donation was part of the company’s ‘ICT for Schools’ Initiative, which will see selected public education institutions benefit from TNM’s digital literacy agenda. Nsapato said TNM acknowledges the digital gap in Malawi as most schools do not have access to ICT facilities, hence the donations in secondary schools to align them with world trends. “As a Malawian ICT company, TNM PLC is demonstrating its passion as a promoter of digital literacy in secondary schools through provision of ICT infrastructure. Like most community day secondary schools in Malawi, Yamba CDSS lacks ICT equipment to support the delivery of ICT education, so we believe the donation will equip students with requisite technological knowledge to support their education and skills development,” said Nsapato. Speaking when he received the donation, Head Teacher for Yamba CDSS, Mavuto Munyenyembe, commended TNM for the donation, saying the computers would help the students familiarize themselves with ICT before going to colleges where most of the learning has now gone digital. “We are grateful to TNM for the donation, and I am optimistic that the computers will improve the school’s academic performance as students will now be able to utilize internet services for their education. This was not possible in the past,” said Munyenyembe. In his remarks, District Education Manager for Chitipa, Votie Mboweni called on the students to take good care of the computers for them to last long. He also advised teachers to monitor the students and make sure the computers are used for education purposes only. Yamba CDSS was the third school to receive the donation from TNM. The first to benefit was Januwale CDSS in Thyolo, followed by Chayamba CDSS in Kasungu.
Gospel Song-Bird Ethel Kamwendo Banda Drops ‘Yesu Wabadwa’ Single
Celebrated gospel artist Dr. Ethel Kamwendo Banda has released a Christmas song entitled Yesu Wababwa (Jesus is born). Dr. Kamwendo announced the new release through his official facebook account on Thursday. According to Dr. Kamwendo, the new song is going at MK 500 (Five Hundred Malawi Kwacha).
Malawi Named Country Of The Year
Malawi has been named country of the year for “reviving democracy in an authoritarian region” by the Economist newspaper The newspaper cites the nullification of the 2019 presidential election results that were marred by irregularities. “The vote-count was rigged with correction fluid on the tally sheets. Foreign observers cynically approved it anyway. Malawians launched mass protests against the ‘Tipp-Ex election’. Malawian judges turned down suitcases of bribes and annulled it,” the Economist reports. The country held a presidential election re-run in June and President Peter Mutharika was beaten by President Lazarus Chakwera. The Economist says Freedom House’s report that democracy and respect for human rights regressed in 80 countries between the start of the pandemic and September but only improved in Malawi. “Malawi is still poor, but its people are citizens, not subjects,” the newspaper adds.-(Source:BBC AFRICA)
Kuwala FM Radio To Hit Airwaves In January- Bishop Msusa
By Arkangel Tembo Blantyre, Mana: Archbishop of Blantyre Diocese, Thomas Msusa has hinted that the Archdiocese’s upcoming Kuwala FM radio station will go on air next year in January. He disclosed this on during the ordination ceremony of four deacons to priesthood at St Montfort Parish in Blantyre. Archbishop Msusa said he was impressed with the progress of the project but urged the congregation from the archdiocese to contribute money in order to enable the completion of its studios at Limbe Cathedral. “I am impressed with the commitment of our Christians in all the parishes in the archdiocese. The progress made so far is impressive and by January our radio will hit the airwaves,” he said. Msusa said once the radio station hit the airwaves it would transform many Christians spiritually because they would be able to listen to the word of God from various priests plus fellow Christians. “Our main agenda of this Kuwala radio station is to broaden channels of evangelization within the Archdiocese and beyond. This is a community radio station and our Christians from this archdiocese will be able to access the radio station,” His Grace added. He described the radio project as a landmark and assured them of full support. Archdiocese of Blantyre Communications Coordinator, Fr. Frank Mwinganyama said all preparations for studio refurbishment, equipment purchases and co-sitting agreements are at an advanced stage. The Radio Station is expected to reach out to more than 2.5 million Christians in the Archdiocese of Blantyre and surrounding areas. Roman Catholic Church in the country has already some radio stations like: Alinafe of Lilongwe Archdiocese, Radio Tigabane of Mzuzu Diocese and Tuntufye FM of Karonga Diocese. The Church boasts of other Catholic media houses in the country which include Radio Maria Malawi, Luntha Television and Montfort Media.
Gender Minister Reproves Social Welfare, Child Protection Workforce
By Lily Kampani Lilongwe, Mana: Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Patricia Kaliati has called on social welfare and child protection workers for not delivering impressive and notable results in their expected roles of promoting social economic empowerment and protection of women and children using community and welfare approaches. The Minister made the remarks on Monday in Lilongwe as she launched the National Child Protection month intended to advocate for more resources for addressing child protection challenges facing children. “Social welfare officers are supposed to be monitoring every district, coordinating with community leaders, and collecting case reports which are not the case on the ground as people call me directly to give me case reports because the social welfare officers are not doing the work that they are supposed to,” she lamented. Kaliati added that with the launch of the new initiative would require reports from the social welfare officers in the districts or face removal to allow others who are committed to do the work. “Those who are the custodians and expected to bring peace, unity and provide protection to their subjects are the perpetrators of rape and defilement,” she stated. The Minister stated that defilement cases have increased from 1,293 in 2018 to 1,738 in 2020 including a specific case of a Village Headman from Madisi Dowa, who defiled a girl and was charged to only pay a goat as punishment. “The annual National Child Protection month will mobilize stakeholders including parents, Community Based Organizations(CBO), community leaders, religious leaders and the general public to take action in ensuring all children are protected from violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking and child marriage,” she explained. The Ministry has developed a public letter to be read in all churches and mosques, in addition to the use of other platforms such as social media, radio and television to call for action to protect the child.