By Maxwell Kudzala Mangochi, Mana: Embassy of Iceland on Tuesday handed over 570 bicycles to the Ministry of Health to be used by health surveillance assistants (HSAs) in Mangochi which is meant to ease transport problems in reaching out to a population of 1.2 million with health services across the district. Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Charles Mwansambo hailed the Embassy of Iceland for the gesture following the bicycle donation at Makoli Health Post in Chief Chowe’s area in the district. Mwansambo called on other development partners to support government in addressing various challenges which affect health service delivery in the country, saying limited equipment and transport were some of the challenges facing the health service delivery in Malawi. “Realisation of universal health coverage can only be done if health services are delivered at household level in an integrated approach and in Malawi most of the health services reach households through HSAs,” he said. Mwansambo added: “Mangochi district is not exceptional because it faces the same challenges and I have been informed that the HSA population ratio for Mangochi is very high as one HSA serves 2,300 people as compared to the recommended ratio of one HSA to 1000 population.” He said the donations complement President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s initiative towards promotion of community health service delivery in the country. “We have been monitoring the community health support the health sector has been getting from the Government of Iceland, notably construction of health posts and staff houses, donation of equipment and transport to the HSAs and capacity building for HSAs and environmental health officers,” said Mwansambo. In her remarks, Head of Mission in the Embassy of Iceland, Inga Petursdottir said the Embassy of Iceland invested K1.5 billion kwacha in supporting the health sector in Mangochi. “In the last two years, we have built 16 health posts, five are about to be ready in the coming month, nine maternity wards, staff houses and trainings for the community structures,” said Petursdottir. Speaking earlier, Senior Chief Chowe applauded the Embassy of Iceland for constructing five health posts and two maternity wings in his area. Chowe also asked government and other development partners to construct a health post at a village called Bala Maliro. The Embassy of Iceland has been supporting Mangochi district for more than 30 years and is currently implementing Mangochi Basic Services Programme (MBSP) which is meant to improve provision and use of basic services, maternal health, family planning, water and sanitation and community development for men and women living in rural areas.
Mulanje launches initiative to support boys education
By Alinafe Nyanyale Mulanje, Mana: Mulanje District Assistant Social Welfare Officer, Davie Nyasulu has said it is important to support both boys and girls financially in their education to enhance attainment of the 50-50 campaign goal. Nyasulu was speaking on Monday during the launch of Mnyamata Education which was held at Namikhate Primary School in Mulanje district. He said most organizations in Malawi only focus on girl’s education, leaving more boys behind in the process. “There many organisations in Malawi and most of them only focus on girl’s education and the introduction of Mnyamata Education will balance up the advantages,” said Nyasulu. Director of Mnyamata Education, Chiyembekezo Chidziwe said the introduction of the initiative whose aim is to promote the boy child academically will make the nation move together without leaving anyone behind. “We do hope that this initiative will help in bringing equity in terms of educational opportunities for both girls and boys,” Chidziwe said. Primary Education Advisor for Masubi Zone, Winton Masuwa, said the organization will help boys to concentrate on their education. Masuwa said most of the boys in the zone were paying much attention to other activities like fishing due to lack of financial support towards their education. Mnyamata Education organization has supported 24 students with exercise books, pens, school uniforms, school bags, soap and masks with a budget of K400, 000.
Citadel in writing contest on issues of Covid 19 and mental health
By Enalla Mnyenyembe Mzuzu, Mana: African Citadel Publishing Press Company (Citadel) has organized a writing contest worth 1 million kwacha with the aim of promoting a writing culture among Malawians. Citadel Communications Director, Gift Muyayi, said they have organized the competition in order to encourage young Malawians to embrace the culture of writing. “The core reason Citadel has organized this competition is to encourage young people to have a culture of writing as we believe that through this competition young people will show case their creativity and be put on the spotlight” he said. He added that the contest is open to writers of all ages to give an opportunity to established writers and upcoming writers. “All entries for the competition will be about Covid 19 and mental health as the winners will have their work published in the African Firelight Health Magazine December edition and the best ten entries will share 1 million kwacha as prize,” he explained. Muyayi said categories for the competition range from non-fiction, poetry, feature articles, short play and many others. In an interview Joseph Loga, an avid writer, said there are many talented writers in Malawi that are hardly known to the world because of lack of initiatives and projects to promote both writing and reading culture. “The coming in of this competition will help in recognizing such talented writers that we have here in Malawi through this particular competition,” he said. He added to urge the Ministry of Education to be promoting the Malawian literature by including books published by Malawians in the syllabus. African Citadel Publishing Press (Citadel) is a publishing company whose vision is to groom a well-informed youthful generation on health-related issues among others.
Dan Chazama revamps with ‘Age and Season’ gospel album
By Esnath Kalawe Lilongwe, Mana: Gospel Musician, popularly known as Dan Chazama says he is back with his sixth gospel album titled Age and Season set to be launched on November 26 at Crossroads hotel in Lilongwe. Chazama came into music industry 21 years ago with his debut album Mudziyimbayimbabe which brought him into lime light. He later joined Armageddon Band which was owned by Billy Kaunda in 2000. His music career journey has not been all smooth as in 2003 he released a second album titled Mundiperekeze which was floppy as it did not do well on the market. The Musician however went on to produce further albums including Black against black in 2005, Nzeru in 2006 and Chinsinsi cha Moyo in 2018. Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Chazama said the new album, Age and Season comprises 15 tracks carrying a combination of messages on what is happening these days. “I choose the title track to be Age and Season looking at the instances that we are going through as a country as well as an individual. We are confronted with diverse challenges like COVID 19 which has caused havoc in our society as well as our country. “Many people have lost their lives, so the album a summation of what people are going through and has a strong inclination to insights from the bible so that people should stand firm as everything has got it’s time.” Chazama explained. Chazama further revealed that his songs portray messages of Love, peace, unity and perseverance among others saying people are expected to receive the best from the songs. “Preparations for the launch are going on well and we are expecting to dish out the best performance ever. It will be something that they never watched before. Our audience will never regret sparing their precious moments and money,” he said. The album has songs like Mtendere weniweni, Mama, Malonjezano, Give thanks &praise, Prodigal son, Nzeru, heroes and reggae, as well as Age and Season which is the title track among other songs. Other acts billed to spice up the launch include Piksy, Lulu, Ben Michael as well as Leslie just to mention a few. In a separate interview, musician Lulu of Mathumera band said it will be a great moment to perform during Chazama’s Album launch. The 15 songs album were produced by CL Studios, Lobodo records as well as Ralph records.
Springs of water set to premiere Atsikana movie
By Tinashe Mazombwe Lilongwe, mana: Lilongwe based audio visual production company, springs of water production is set to premiere a new movies titled ‘Atsikana’, on November 26, 2021 at Bingu International Convention center (BICC) in Lilongwe. The movie is about a girl child and a number of disadvantages she faces. In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), movie producer, Daina Zakochera, said that the movie is also addressing issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) among other things. “The movie has tackled issues such as gender based violence, human trafficking for sexual exploitation, some harmful cultural practices that deter the girl child and myths that talk about acquiring wealth when you sleep with a virgin,” Zakochera said. She added that the movie was inspired by true life stories of young girls who survived GBV saying it has been produced to empower girls to be able to fight GBV on their own. “Having the chance to talk with a number of girl, I found out that there are more girls who go through a lot and they fail to open up because they are scared or rather they protect their loved ones who are part of the malpractice. “The movie will bring a huge impact to girls to stand and fight against whatever they may encounter in life as it is a movie that is not only fighting malpractices but it gives hope,” she said. She urged the general public to join hands with organizations, companies, individuals and the government to fight against GBV in the country. One of Lilongwe based movie lovers, Gilbert Moyo said that he is ready to attend the forthcoming movie premier. “I am so hyped to see the movie because I am a fan of movies and I am also excited for female filmmakers who are doing great things in the film industry. “I also know there are great actors in the movie, so I am excited to see how they interpreted their roles, plus I watch every movie as a student so it is an opportunity to learn something new,” he said. The tickets will be sold in four categories, standard ticket at K15, 000, couple Ticket K25, 000, VIP ticket at K50, 000 and Anzanga tiyeni ticket of four people at K40, 000.
Inspirational Quotes for the WEEKEND
By Charles Leyman Kachitsa Nature and most things in nature thrive on the law of motion. Things move from one state to another and or change from one state to another dependent on the force that is being used. One dare say, money movement follows the same pattern as long as there are normal conditions. Where more force is being exerted, is where more money will follow if the conditions are normal. Of course all things have a source, we have to be certain of the source as it is where we need to connect in order to get whatever we desire. If you want money, identify with the source. A good example for the source of money is owning a business, or a job, or offering of a service. If all conditions are normal where one is offering their energy through doing business or a job, one expects to have money move to them. This is also true where one offers a service that others value, there will be movement of money towards them. At times it is better to present things this way, presenting them at a very domestic level. Man by his nature is a domestic animal if we have to take dwelling in houses as a qualification for a living thing to be termed domesticated. Like with all domesticated animals, order rules the way things are supposed to be conducted. Just as with all domesticated animals whose dictates include division of times into eating time, sleeping time, time to be locked away and time to appear to be exerting ones energy on some activity, motion means a lot. It follows that if you desire something, you have to know the order of its release. Money is no exception. The quotes this week are taken from a book written by one of the very successful chief executive of a growing international bank in modern times. He explains through the book what it takes to build a successful business empire. I am sure that the selected quotations below from the book will teach you one or two life lessons, read and enjoy: FANS NOT CUSTOMERS – HOW TO CREATE GROWTH COMPANIES IN A NO GROWTH WORLD by Vernon W. Hill II “It’s a customer service-centric business model that I believe can be applied to any business, in any industry. —— Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, believed in the highest possible levels of customer service but not necessarily in giving the customer what he thinks he wants. He told biographer Walter Isaacson, author of the 2011 bestseller Steve Jobs: —– Some people say, ‘Give the customers what they want.’ But that’s not my approach. Our job is to figure out what they’re going to want before they do. I think Henry Ford once said, ‘if I’d asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me, ‘A faster horse.’ People don’t know what they want until you show it to them. That’s why I never rely on market research. Our task is to read things that are not yet on the page.” “No model works without colleagues who believe and execute. We have recruited thousands of colleagues – and will recruit thousands more in the future – and they have seen the magic of a unique culture executing the right model. ——– In the retail business there are companies that grow rapidly, they attract attention because they create excitement. People want to get a thrill out of patronizing your business, whether it’s a bank, a retail store or even a pet insurance company. —– Metro Bank is on its way toward creating fans and redefining British banking. And I can’t wait to tell you how we do it. “ “We have never fired anybody for giving too much service. That will never happen. ——– In London, where customer service expectations in banks are so low, one of our CSRs started talking to a man about his background and where he grew up. Small talk, but he was so impressed by her genuine interest that he burst into tears of happiness in the store. He said that no one working in a bank had ever wanted to know that much about him.” “Any business can boast a great model with a reinforcing culture, but execution will determine its ultimate fate. Great retailers know that what happens at the store level – at the point of customer contact – and not at the corporate level, will determine the fate of a company. Retail is detail.”
KEYS OF LIGHT DEVOTION – 19th November, 2021. Friday
By Pastor Morgan Mataya WORRYING DOESN’T CHANGE THINGS Matthews 6:27. “And which of you by worrying can add even one hour to his life?” The verse above is clear about worrying, that it doesn’t change things. If it doesn’t change things then what does it do? Well, just as faith is a force, worry, fear, anxiety are also forces. Faith attracts God, while worry attracts the forces of Satan to work against you. Worry is a force that sinks you, it negatively affects your faith. Your faith can not work properly when worry is present. Therefore, you need to resist worrying. Always remember that by entertaining worry things will not change. For worrying doesn’t change things, but it sinks you deeper into your situation. References: Philippians 4:6, James 4:7 +265 999 629 623 matayamorgan@gmail.com
‘It is high time we started winning trophies at Olympics,’- Chilima
By Lydia Maganga Blantyre, Mana: Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima has urged the organising committee of the Olympic Games to find the solution to the country’s perennial failure to win medals at international tournaments. He said it was time to get serious and go back to the drawing table to try and take a different approach so that Malawian athletes bring medals back home from different tournaments. The Vice President was speaking on Tuesday when he presided over the Queen’s Baton Relay on behalf of Malawians at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre. Chilima who is also Minister of Economic Planning and Development and Public Sector Reforms emphasized that it was high time Malawians changed the approach from doing the same things as our performance has not been encouraging at the Commonwealth games. “We need to drop the usual approach and explore other avenues to see that we promote our flag outside the country. “Our performance has not been encouraging compared to other African countries who have managed to improve within the years and have brought trophies to their perspective countries,” he said. Chilima encouraged Malawi Olympic Committee (MOC) officials to get into serious planning in the games so that they win and make Malawians proud. “Considering that the 2022 Commonwealth Games are now drawing closer, let us get serious by practicing and planning so that we at least bring some trophies home,” he added. The Vice President pledged government’s commitment to the Commonwealth and its activities. MOC President, Jappie Mhango said it was a great honour for Malawi to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay. He said the Queen’s Baton would be in the country for three days and it would go to Zambia on Thursday, November 19,2021. Mhango said the Queen’s Baton has always been paraded in Lilongwe but this year they decided to change place to Blantyre for the first time. Spicing the ceremony was a netball game, a boxing fight and Judo. Some of the sporting disciplines that have qualified from Malawi for the 2022 Commonwealth Games to take place in Birmingham, United Kingdom include netball, boxing and marathon.
Rumphi Stadium Task Force on councils’ neck for stadium project delays
By Bridget Mwale Rumphi, Mana: Rumphi Stadium Task Force has presented a petition to Rumphi District Council demanding the resignation of councillors and transfers of some council officials Some of the council officials to be on transfer include the District Commissioner (DC), Director of Planning and Development (DPD), Director of Public Works (DPW) and Director of Administration (DOA) for failing to improve Rumphi stadium for the Super League games. Chairperson for the Task Force, Happy Chirambo Thursday said they want the council to address the challenges before the commencement of the Super League. He said Rumphi United Football Club should be able to use the stadium as their home ground and not play the games away from Rumphi transferring the revenues meant for the district to another district. “As a task force, we are not happy with the speed the project was progressing. Very soon Super League is expected to start and if we are not getting any response from the council, on November 26, 2021 we shall protest,” Chirambo said. DOA for Rumphi Council, Thomas Mwafongo explained to Malawi News Agency (Mana) that there are a number of projects the council was working on among which is the stadium project. “As a council, we have many projects at hand which cannot be done at once, there is need to give space to each project for a successful completion. We know how important the stadium is to the council and the people of Rumphi, we are working on that for the better of the council and the community at large,” he said. Mwafongo said that as a council they are not sleeping, but they are waiting for bills of quantity from Super League of Malawi (Sulom) which the council cannot work without. He said after a communication from Sulom, we surely are to give the project a new face, the bills of quantity will guide the council on areas that need attention and a Full Council is meeting this month to approve the budget. Over K 10 million was allocated for the project but the money is not enough depending on the resources required for the completion of the project as prices might have gone up, and there is need for enough time when working on projects to avoid substandard work to again raise questions. The project commenced in 2017 and this was not the first petition as they received one from Rumphi Youth Hub, the second one from Rumphi United Football Club and the recent one is from Rumphi Stadium Task Force, demanding the council to work at a speed on the project completion.
Airport Development Limited (ADL) signs a sub-lease agreement with InteGrow Capital Group
By, Maston Kaiya Mana: Airport Development Limited (ADL) and InteGrow Capital Group (ICG) have signed a sub lease agreement for 20 hectares of prime land situated next to Kamuzu International Airport in Lumbadzi, Dowa. ICG is the promoter of the Malawi Gold Project and is among the first few companies that have been granted licences by the Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) for cultivation, processing and selling of medicinal hemp and industrial cannabis in the country. ICG Chief Executive Officer Robert Wirima said the land at Lumbadzi has been dedicated as the center of excellence for medicinal cannabis cultivation and processing. “The company is excited about the strategic agreement signed with ADL because of the intrinsic value that the agreement brings to the shareholders of Malawi gold project and also ADL as a company,” said Wirima. Wirima disclosed that InteGrow Capital Group initiative created The Malawi Gold Project as an investment vehicle where Malawians and other like-minded investors can take up equity in the Project. “Formation of an SPV called Malawi Gold Limited is underway where all partners including InteGrow Capital Group will take up shares in the company. All investments will be channelled through this new company,” he said. He said activities on the land at KIA are expected to commence within the month and the company has plans to build one conventional greenhouse and three smart greenhouses, build a processing Centre, build a lab for testing products before shipping out, build storage facilities and build offices for staff. Wirima further disclosed that once settled, the company plan to work with local farmers through cooperatives to reinforce an inclusive approach that the company wants to take. On her part, ADL Public Relations Officer Wezzie Gondwe said sublease agreement with ICG to lease 20 hectares of its agricultural land which will be used for commercial farming by ICG. “The sublease agreement which is for 30 years is for land that is part of the airport titled land and is within the area zoned for agricultural activities,” said Gondwe. She said the utilisation of the land is very important as it is also part of the airport city program and it will increase the employment rate in the surrounding communities as well as the country at large Gondwe further disclosed that ICG will be required to pay monthly ground rentals and a concession fee to ADL based on the gross revenue of the farm produce.