By Ireen Kayira Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Local Artists have been drilled on how to safeguard their work and make a profit out of it through the international cultural marketing workshop. The two day workshop is a result of the idea hatched in 2018 by Vincent Maluwa and alumni of the United States Department of State Programme the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) by the American Embassy. In an Interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) in Lilongwe on Saturday during the opening of the workshop organiser of the event, Maluwa said creative’s have so long needed a platform where they could get insights on how to go about their work. He said the workshop would be very helpful to them citing they would learn a lot things that artists do not have access to intellectual property rights of which most of the times they are not well informed. “After this workshop they should be able to know how their intellectual property should be protected and how they can reap out of their creatives and talent. “They should able to understand issues of loyalties and how they can claim their loyalties from their artworks,” Maluwa said. He said they want to develop market links because they believe that talent alone was not enough but deliberate programs and initiatives should be key to making the talent bring out the desired returns. Presidential Advisor on Arts and Youth, Lucius Banda said the environment for artistic work to grow is betteras government has put a special interest in arts by putting an office. He said government was looking forward to people who could come up with ideas that would help an artist get his money from his artistic work such as that of the workshop. “I’m hopeful that this workshop is going to cover how we can retrieve our money on Tube, Facebook and wherever our works are being used,” Banda noted. Similar workshop will be held in southern and northern regions.
Author: Malawi News Agency
Get Parastatals Back On Feet – SPC Tells New Boards Of Directors
By Kondwani Magombo Mangochi, November 12, Mana: Secretary to President and Cabinet (SPC), Zangazanga Chikhosi, Wednesday challenged the newly appointed boards of directors to revitalize the country’s parastatals which, according to the SPC, are currently serving unsatisfactorily. The SPC made the call in Mangochi during the official opening of a three day workshop aimed at orientating the new boards of directors. Chikhosi said President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is “extremely excited” with the team and that nothing but success is expected of the new boards of directors. Said Chikhosi: “This is the first time we have, with due respect to the past, real boards; the President is extremely excited that he has a good team. You are game changers and the President expects nothing but to ensure that parastatals deliver.” “I can say, without batting an eyelid, that all parastatals are giving unsatisfactory services to the public. Admarc, MERA, Water Boards, Maneb and many more: the performance is wanting.” He said parastatals have, for a long time, been a frustration to clients and a drain of money that has been burdening government with bailouts. The SPC described the appointment of the boards as time for turnaround and he expressed optimism that Malawians will now begin to enjoy the services of their parastatals. He added that the Tonse Alliance government is working tirelessly to achieve the 1 million jobs and a better Malawi for all and that the appointed boards “should not be a hindrance” in their mandate. “Let us together bring back the lost trust in public parastatals and avoid self-enriching; most importantly, the President doesn’t want any politicization of public parastatals,” said Chikhosi. Earlier, Comptroller of Parastatals, Nwazi Mnthambala, also challenged the new boards to strive to “leave a legacy of excellent performance” and that “there’s no excuse for non-compliance” to stipulated rules and regulations of corporate governance. According to Mnthambala, the orientation will, among other areas, cover legislation in terms of corporate governance in Malawi and also the relevant legislation in terms of the 3 P Acts, namely: Procurement Act; Public Audit Act and Public Financial Management Act. One of the new board members, Ezaius Mkandawire, concurred with Chikhosi and Mthambala saying as new board members the challenge for them to turn around things is enormous. Mkandawire, who is board member for Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), noted that some boards have failed to perform because of political interference while others it’s because government owes them huge amounts of money. “We know there are statutory corporations that are heaving owed by central government and they cannot perform so it’s a question of putting up proper negotiation between the two sides so that the statutory corporations remain buoyant,” said Mkandawire on in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday. Mkandawire said, having been oriented, there’s a need for the boards to conduct functional review for them to fully understand the functions of the boards they are in and to appreciate previous performance to identify inefficiencies and what road to take to improve things.
Malawian Chief For Castration of Rapists
By Loness Gwazanga Blantyre, November 12, Mana: Senior Chief Kuntaja of Blantyre District has joined calls from various corners that all girl child abusers be castrated as a way of curbing the malpractice. This follows the sudden increase of rape cases among young girls in the country, a development that has been described as pathetic by both government and partners. The chief was speaking Thursday in Blantyre during a Child Protection quarterly review meeting by Blantyre District Council, supported by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). According to him, the laws that were designed to protect the rights of the girl child seem to have lost value hence need to come up with extra strict laws that will see the total end of girl child abuse cases such as rape. “I am in total support of castrating men that physically abuse the girl child in any form just like they do it in Kenya. Just recently, my young daughter lost her eye after one drunk man hit her with a bottle of alcohol when she had went to draw water at a nearby borehole. All this happened because the man wanted to have access to her body but she refused. So these kind of men need to be dealt with in a hard way so that such abuses are completely eliminated,” Kuntaja. Retired Justice, Esmie Tembenu, in her remarks said chances were very low that the chief’s proposal would be enacted as most parliamentarians find such laws offensive. Tembenu then suggested that judicial officer’s power be reduced to ensure mandatory minimum of sentencing, whereby a minimum of years is set for such offence and that the castration be the last resort. “I doubt if this can happen in Malawi because our parliament has more men than women. The current Child Protection and Justice Act was finalized in 2005 but was passed five years later because the parliamentarians refused to debate and pass it. I remember myself together Norwegian Church Aid held vigils at the parliament, forcing them to pass it but it took time. “So if they refused to pass that bill, what more the proposed one which can affect their bodies? However, I have spoken to the speaker of parliament, Honourable Catherine Gotani Hara, to map the way forward as things are now getting out of hand,” explained Tembenu. Speaking earlier, Blantyre District Commissioner Bennet Nkasala, said there was need for concerted efforts from all sectors, including chiefs to make sure that such cases are reduced in the district. Nkasala then hoped for a changed environment where rights of the girl child would be respected so that they have freedom and enjoy their rights without hindrance.
Malawi Veep Chilima Calls For Collective Action In Clean Up Exercise
By Memory Chatonda Blantyre, November 13, Mana: State Vice President, Saulos Klaus Chilima, has called for collective action in cleaning the country to make Malawi a better place to live. The Vice President made the call on Friday during the launch of Clean Up Initiative for Blantyre City at Nyambadwe Primary School. Chilima observed that Malawi cannot be called a safest place to live if people are not cleaning places where they live and manage waste to prevent outbreak of diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. “This is why this government is encouraging every person regardless of their political, social or cultural affiliations to take the responsibility of ensuring that their surroundings like homes, schools and hospitals are cleaned up,” he said. Chilima said the development is the only way of preventing diseases like cholera thereby saving money which would have been used to treat such diseases. The vice president then advised the general public to remain patient on promises which Tonse Alliance made during June’ fresh presidential elections campaign. “I know, we promised creation of one million jobs for the youth, provision of soft loans and reduction in passport fees among others. But I urge you to be at ease because different mechanisms are being put in place to make these a reality,” he said. In his remarks, Member of Parliament for Ndirande Malabada Constituency, Ismail Nkumba, thanked the Vice President for gracing the launch of the initiative in the area pledging, concerted efforts to keep the surrounding clean. “I believe cleaning up the area is a collective responsibility of everyone. As such, we will make sure that we spearhead the initiative at all places to promote health well-being of the communities,” he said. Mayor for Blantyre City, Wild Ndipo, emphasized that it is only healthy people who can meaningfully participate in the development of any country including Malawi. He, therefore, assured the gathering that the initiative will not die a natural death. Earlier on, the Vice President accompanied by other distinguished dignitaries participated in a cleaning exercise at Ndirande Post Office and also toured pavilions for waste recyclers and re-users. President Lazarus Chakwera launched national Clean Up Campaign on Wednesday in Lilongwe under the theme “A Clean Environment: My Right, My Responsibility”. The initiative will be conducted on Friday of second week of every month.
MSCE Leakage Still Under Investigation
By Solister Mogha Zomba, November 12, Mana: Deputy Minister of Education, Madalitso Kambuwa Wirima said on Wednesday that investigations on the leaked Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations are at an advanced stage and soon the nation would be communicated on the findings. Speaking in Zomba after meeting senior officers at the Malawi National Examination Board’s (MANEB) Head Office, Wirima was not ready to divulge details of the progress made so far but was optimistic of positive results. The minister said a number of players have been involved including security agents who are doing independent investigations. “I don’t want to say anything on the progress made so far concerning the leakage, but suffice to say, we are making strides and very soon the nation would be informed,” she said. Wirima has since urged Malawians to exercise patience as they wait for the outcome of the investigations. The Minister, however, said her visit to the institution was not on the leaked MSCE exams but to appreciate how the institution operates when it comes to award of grades to students particularly standard eight pupils. “As politicians sometimes we speak things without real information or knowledge of what actually happens. Today, I came so that I understand how MANEB grades students. Much of the things that were said during this meeting were technical in nature and as such, I cannot share with the public,” said Wirima. MANEB Executive Director, Gerald Chiunda, concurred with the Minister that investigations were at an advanced stage. Chiunda still believes the leakage was within MANEB and said the board will do everything possible to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. “Just as I said few days ago, this leakage is within MANEB and everyone here is at pain and wants those involved to be publicly known and arrested. “Preparing and administering exams is a very painful activity and there is no way one would just spoil our hard work just like that. Yes we had a case in 2000 but no one was exposed but this time around we will expose those who leaked the papers,” said Chiunda. MANEB cancelled the 2020 MSCE examinations on 4th November, 2020 after public outcry on massive leakage of the examination papers. Minister of Education Agnes NyaLonje made the announcement in Lilongwe during a press briefing about the cancellation and that new exams would be administered in March 2021. However, President Dr Lazarous Chakwera directed that the exams be retaken in January next year.
Malawian Writer Publishes Children’s Book: ‘The Adventures of Thoko: The Missing Meteorite’
By Mphatso Sam Blantyre, November 11, Mana: 21-year-old African Bible College graduate, Lindsay Katchika Jere has published a book in which she is exploring gaps in girl child education, promotion of local cultural heritage and children’s participation and empowerment. She recently launched her book series titled The Adventures of Thoko: The Missing Meteorite Book at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe where Deputy Minister of Labour, Vera Kamtukule, an author of six books, was Guest of Honour. In an interview on Monday, she said the book, which is her first publication, targets children from three years of age to 12 and seeks to promote a reading culture in young children and to act on issues affecting them. “There is a gap in local children’s literacy; there are not many young people or writers writing for children. “I saw the gap in children literacy, children’s education, specifically girls’ education, so that is what inspired me to write the book,” said Katchika Jere. After graduating from ABC with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, Katchika Jere worked with Chichiri Museum as a government intern for years where she discovered that there was limited literature on some of the artifacts. The published book, according to the author, seeks to empower young girls and children to act on issues that affect their communities saying: “‘The Missing Meteorite,’ is a story centred on meteorite (Nthandila) that fell in Machinga in 1981 and is now placed in the museum.” Running over 26 pages, the book is a story of a young girl, Thoko, who is passionate about meteorite, a piece of metal or rock that has fallen on earth from outer space as a meteor. Thoko visits Chichiri Museum in Malawi to have an encounter with a real meteorite. The protagonist finds the meteorite stolen and she decides to investigate the case where in the course, she discovers a secret that lands her in great trouble. Thoko is able to report the situation to authorities. The thieves are caught and Thoko is awarded and given the title of a museum hero. Katchika-Jere said people like Lupita Nyong’o, Maya Angelou, Matilda Phiri and Vera Kamtukule inspired her to write the book which has been published by Trumpet Media and is selling at K4, 000. She said over 300 people have already accessed the book.
Seed-Co To Host Golf Tournament In Lilongwe
By Moses Nyirenda Lilongwe, November 11, Mana: Seed-Co Malawi Limited says it is set to host this year’s open golf tournament scheduled to commence on November 13-15 at Lilongwe Golf Club. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Lilongwe, Seed-Co Commercial Director, Gift Kawamba, said everything is in place for the tournament to take place. “Seed-Co is very prepared for this tournament and it is a pleasure to us to have an opportunity to sponsor such an event. “As you are aware, we sponsor the event every year before rainy season starts in order to interact with our stakeholders, farmers, customers and other people who make decisions in the agriculture sector,” Kawamba said. He added that they have invited foreign professional golfers to participate in the tournament as one way of spicing up the event as well as giving local golfers a platform where they can learn new golf techniques. “As Seed-Co, we believe that for people to perform well they need to compete against the best and that is why we thought it as a good idea bringing in golf professionals from outside the country. “Among the foreign players we have invited is one professional golfer who was doing well in the Sunshine tour, so when that person comes with his high skills we want him to impart the same to our local golfers,” he said. Professional Golfers Association of Malawi President, General Henry Odillo, a retired soldier, appreciated Seed-Co for sponsoring the upcoming golf tournament. “We are extremely excited that Seed-Co has organized the big tournament. For a long time, our boys were starved of playing professional tournament due to COVID-19 pandemic, hence we appreciate Seed-Co sponsorship for the tournament,” Odillo explained. In his remarks, Lilongwe Golf Club Vice-Captain Duncan Chidzankufa said his club is prepared to participate in the forthcoming tournament. “As Lilongwe Golf Club, we are very much set for this tournament, the golf course is in very good shape and we are ready for everything,” Chidzankufa said. The tournament will be participated by local golfers as well as those from other countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The first winners will walk away with 1500 USD (about K1.14 million) and the second to the tenth winners will share 3500 USD (over K2.6 million).
Malawi Launches National Clean-Up Day
By Chimwemwe Njoloma Lilongwe, November 11, Mana: State President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday joined Malawians at Chinsapo UNICEF Ground in Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe where he presided over the official launch of National Clean-up Day. Organised under the theme, ‘A Clean Environment: My right, My Responsibility’, the event was aimed at promoting both organised and individual clean up events and volunteering to keep the outdoors clean. Joined by the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, the Vice-President Saulos Chilima, and other dignitaries, Chakwera arrived at Chinsapo dressed in a white protective helmet, white waste coat and white gumboots. He participated in the clean-up exercise before he proceeded to the venue of the launch where he toured pavilions for waste recyclers and re-users. Addressing the gathering, Chakwera said the clean-up day will be celebrated on every second Friday of every month and the launch means that every Malawian should commit to clean up their surroundings. He said there is need for mindset change, saying people do not care for their surroundings to the extent that some ease within habitable premises. He said this creates bad odour which poses a danger to one’s health. “This event is very important, so much that every person should take responsibility of their actions. Own your actions for your own sake and the people around you,” said Chakwera. He said the responsibility of a clean city and a clean environment should not be left to the city council only because that mindset will never correct the wrong that is there where people dump their waste everywhere expecting the city council to clean up for them. “As the theme suggests, a clean environment is the right and responsibility of every person. People dump their waste anywhere and everywhere. “That is wrong and very hazardous to our environment. Soon we will completely stop the use of plastic bags and migrate to environmental friendly carrier bags so that we protect our environment and our lives,” he said. On her part, Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nancy Tembo thanked the president for the commitment towards protecting and building back the environment. She said the launch of the initiative signifies a new beginning that will birth a healthy people and a prosperous nation. “A clean environment means no sicknesses and that allows people to take part in developmental activities benefitting the nation and their individual lives,” she said. Tembo said her ministry, the Ministry of Local Government and other line ministries commit to invest as much as they can to sustain the initiative, just like other countries like Uganda have been doing. She called upon all Malawians to join hands and support the initiative, saying it will go a long way saving souls through prevention of diseases that come as a result of not practicing good hygiene. She thanked partners like My Backs and Iman Investments which supported the initiative by providing resources used at the event and urged other stakeholders to support the ongoing initiative. The event was also graced by notable figures like Ben Phiri of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and other party member followers all dressed in their party regalia. In an interview, Phiri said he was glad to have joined the initiative which he said was not a political initiative but rather national building and national development. He said a clean country means a clean people and that he thought of joining the president on the launch because the initiative will go through in their constituencies. “We will have to carry the initiative through to our constituencies. You may want to appreciate as well that with COVID- 19, Malawians are adhering to cleanliness. “If we continue like this, we are not only going to avoid cholera, but will prevent all diseases related to hygiene,” said Phiri. He said that is why it was important for every leader to take the initiative seriously and drive the agenda to where ever it can go. The Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources has set Friday, November 13 to launch the initiative at district level where ministers, deputy ministers and members of parliament will preside over the event. Chakwera urged Malawians not connected to the electric power grid to consider using briquettes made from wastes and desist from using charcoal which promotes the cutting down of trees.
Phalombe CCAP Youth Clean-Up Exercise
By Sam Majamanda Phalombe, November 10, Mana: Phalombe Central Africa Presbyterian Church (CCAP) youth over the weekend put Bibles aside to preach the Word of God through sanitation activities in various places in the district. Among the cleaned places were Phalombe District Council office premises and parts of the Phalombe Boma Market. Speaking during the event, Chairperson for the grouping, Wonderful Njewa, said as the saying goes ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’, the initiative, which is conducted annually towards the rainy season, is both humane and Godly. “We believe by doing this, we are serving our community and want every young person to emulate the example so that we can create a safe environment where we can all live peacefully through the rainy season which is characterized by diarrhea diseases,” said Njewa. Phalombe District has for the past four years, not registered Cholera cases which has cleared its yearly Cholera history for years before 2016. Commenting on the clean-up exercise, Environmental Desk Officer (EDO) for Phalombe District Council, Davie Guta commended the church youth for supporting the district council in cleaning up its place, saying such was what the youth needed to be doing. Guta said as President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera introduced the National Clean-up Campaign; it is encouraging to see young people in the district taking responsibility over their environment. “We want to encourage all other youth groups across the district to emulate this gesture so that we support the national initiative as introduced by His Excellency the President,” Guta said.
Pan African Parliament Hails Malawi for Peaceful Transition
By Ireen Kayira Lilongwe, October 10, Mana: The Pan African Parliament (PAP) delegation has hailed Malawi for a peaceful transition after the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election held on June 23, this year. Pan African Parliament President, Bouras Djamel said this during the meeting he held with Malawi’s Minister of Justice on Monday in Lilongwe. He said as members of PAP, their goal and aim is to have stability and peaceful transitions in all African countries, citing Malawi as an example to follow. “As Members of Parliament, we are interested in having a peaceful transition in the continent as it will help in the fulfillment of the aspirations of the African people. “Additionally, governments in peaceful situations will be able to prosper, push and advance the agenda for the protection of families, children and creation of job opportunities in Africa,” he said. Djamel said the PAP delegation came in the country to discuss all subjects relating to the African people and the continent and the Malabo Protocol. Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo, said once the protocol is ratified, it will enable PAP pass laws that will be implemented in member states. “It is a process that we are going through and at the right time government will give the response on the question of ratification,” he said. The Malabo Protocol provides for the inclusion of criminal jurisdiction within the remit of the proposed African Court of Justice and Human Rights.