By Mada Ziba Mangochi, Mana: Some girls below the age of 18 from Traditional Authorities Makanjira, Namavi, Mponda and Chowe in Mangochi are allegedly adjusting their ages upwards at National Registration Bureau (NRB) to justify their eligibility for marriage. District Manager for Youth Net and Counselling (YONECO) for Mangochi, Funny Chilembo, revealed this on Monday saying the practice is common in so many areas in the district. “In Traditional Authority Mponda, YONECO rescued a 15 year-old girl from an early marriage after she had managed to lie that she was 18 years old both on her ID card and in her health passport only to be intercepted later,” said Chilembo, adding that addressing early marriages especially in Makanjira area remains a challenge. “Whilst for T/A Makanjira, the area is close to Mozambique as such some girls who are not yet 18 years old escape into that country with the help of their parents where they join would-be husbands who often go there first upon an arrangement by parents from both sides,” said Chilembo. In reaction, Principal Registration Officer for NRB in Mangochi Boniface Butao, said that his office rarely encounter incidents of age-fabricating. “Since 2019, we have recorded two cases of such nature and where we are not sure about the age of some girls, we ask them to bring their health passports produced at least five years ago because it is very easy for someone to lie about their age when using a recent health passport,” said Butao. He said government’s community mass birth registration exercise targeting children below 16 years, which has so far been completed in Balaka and Ntcheu could therefore help in curbing the issue of faking age in the long term. “It is difficult for someone to lie about their age when they have a birth certificate and our friends in Mozambique have been using birth certificates for quite some time and they have proven to be very helpful,” said Butao. Commenting on the magnitude of the problem in his area, Senior Chief Chowe said it is possible that some girls are fabricating their age but said he is yet to handle such cases. He therefore advised others not to indulge in the malpractice, saying the best way to avoid going against the law is simply doing the right thing. Parliament amended the constitution of the Republic of Malawi in 2017, raising the age of marriage from 16 to 18.
The History of Liverpool F.C
By Michael Kachitsa Following the moving of Everton to Goodison Park in 1892, the club’s then-president John Houlding suddenly found himself with the rights to Anfield stadium and no team to play on it. Always a practical man, Houlding quickly decided to circumvent this problem by forming his own club – Liverpool (should not be confused with Liverpool Ramblers AFC that was founded ten years earlier). After becoming a member of the Football League in 1893, the team managed to get promoted to first division after one season in the second division. Early on, Liverpool established themselves as one of England’s top clubs, winning League titles in 1901, 1906, 1922 and 1923. In 1985, Liverpool faced Juventus in the European Cup final. Unfortunately, that match is now widely known as the scene of the Heysel disaster; after some unruly fans caused a perimeter wall to collapse, 39 fans were crushed to death. In the aftermath, considering the blame for the accident was placed solely on Liverpool fans, all English clubs were banned from European competitions for the next five years. In the absence of European games, Liverpool started focusing on the domestic competitions. But after winning two more League titles in 1986 and 1988 and an FA Cup in 1985, tragedy struck again. In the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, 94 fans died in a crowd crush only six minutes after the game had started. To this day, the Hillsborough disaster remains the worst stadium disaster in English football. Liverpool was close to win Premier League as runners up in 2002, 2014 and 2019. But in 2020 everything fall into place, Liverpool led by German coach Jürgen Klopp pulled away from the competition and the sky turned red when the league was finally decided, after being interrupted for a period due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Film Association of Malawi beckons youth participation
By Moses Nyirenda Lilongwe, Mana: The Film Association of Malawi (FAMA) President, Gift Sukez Sukali, says his association is geared to build up film production and acting skills among the youth as one way of increasing youth participation in film production and acting in the country. Sukali was speaking in Lilongwe after the signing of a one year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FAMA and Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute on the introduction of film production and acting short courses by FAMA at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute in Lilongwe. Sukali said FAMA decided to partner with Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute after noticing lack of schools in the country where people, particularly youths, can acquire film production and acting skills. He said: “In Malawi we do not have places where people especially youth can be able to learn technical skills regarding film production and acting, in an addition to that, we have also noted lack of professionalism among people who are doing video production for events such as weddings. For this reason, as an association, we thought it wise to partner with Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute to produce trained people, including the youth, who are skilled in film production and acting.” Sukali said the trainings for the program will start on December 20 at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute campus in Lilongwe and it will run for one week. The FAMA President has since urged the youth, including girls, who have interest in film production and acting, to participate in their large numbers. He further said facilitators of the trainings will be people who have been in film and acting industry for quite some time and they are doing great things in the industry. The fees for the training have been broken down in three categories according to Sukali. “Non-members of FAMA and those who are not students at Don Bosco Technical Institute will have to pay K30, 000, while those who are students and alumni at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute will have to pay K20, 000,” he explained, and continued, “FAMA members will have to pay K10, 000.” On the other hand, girls in all categories will pay their fees with 50 percent discount, as one way of encouraging them to participate in the trainings. Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute Vice Principal, Precious Chilupsya, has since applauded the introduction of film production and acting classes at Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute. “The introduction of film production and acting classes at our campus is very important initiative and great ambition to our mission. “With this new development we will be able to reach out many other young people who were left out because at our school we did not concentrate much on this other area of art,” Chilupsya said.
Makoloni to enrol for football coaching course in Ireland
By Blessings Kaunda Mzuzu, Mana: Former Flame’s and Mighty Wanderers striker, Gift Makoloni has said he will start coaching course in Ireland after a long break in football since 2004. Speaking from Ireland in an interview with Malawi News Agency, Makoloni said after retiring from football he relocated to Ireland for greener pasture. He said he has seen how football is growing in Malawi, hence the idea of becoming a coach so that he could in future contribute to the development of the football in the country. “I feel obliged to do something for my country. I know that my coaching career will benefit a lot of young talented footballers in my country,” said Makoloni. Makoloni further said Malawi put him on the map saying it is now time for him to pay back by grooming young football players through coaching. “I am where I am today because of Malawi Football so I want to do a little something to support football development. I have approached few people here in Ireland who have promised to help me with sporting materials such as sports attire, balls among others and will send these to Malawi,” he said. Makoloni then urged secondary school students to work hard in their academic studies as well as in sporting disciplines. Makoloni started his professional football career with Civo Service United FC when he was at at Mitundu Secondary School then played for wanderers and lastly he ended with Silver strikers. Former Civil Service United FC and Flames player, Peterkins Kaira said Football Association of Malawi (FAM) should be flexible to hire ex-players who have potential in football coaching. “FAM and football administrators and coaches are supposed to be recommending players who demonstrate to have the potential of becoming football coaches to coaching trainings. “For example when I was playing for Civo Service United FC in 1986, I was sent to a coaching course under Zolo Msiska,” Kaira said. He said players are motivated when they are being coached by a coach who was at one time a prolific footballer. “I therefore commend Makoloni for his aspiration especially that he wants train as a coach a in a country which is advanced in football, he is going to be an asset to football development in Malawi,” he said.
Likoma Community Technical College set to open in January
By Chikumbutso Mfune Likoma, Mana: Technical Entrepreneurial, Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) has said Likoma Community Technical College is set to open its corridors in January, 2022. During a recent supervision at the Technical College, Regional Manager for the North, Joseph Chikopa said they inspected the works which are taking place as one way of preparation for opening. “I am hopeful that we are going to open the college by January because water connection fee was already paid. What is remaining is to sort out some logistical issues regarding the place where pipes will pass through,” he added. Chikopa encouraged youth of Likoma to utilize the opportunity provided by government and make sure they enroll in large numbers and pursue the vocational training courses. Councilor for Likoma Ward, Ernest Banda commended TEVETA Authority for providing the facility. He assured that local leaders are trying to push and be mediators between the community land owners and government to ensure issue of compensations are dealt with before the college starts to operate.
The Prayer Language of a Worshiper
By Minister Collins Chingota It is important for every Christian to aspire to be a true worshiper, for the Father seeks true worshipers, to bless and use for his glory. One of the marks of a worshiper is that they have a prayer language that is different from others. Let us look at the prayer language of one worshiper, David 1 Sam 17:46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel The scripture above shows us the depth of the heart of David, a man after God’s own heart. He had a battle to face, perhaps the greatest battle he ever faced in life. But look at the declaration. His prayer was not that God will help defeat the giant and get the rewards that were promised. Not at all. Rather, his prayer was that the world will know the greatness of the God of Israel. Wow! What an attitude! May that be our language as well. Every prayer that we make, whether it concerns us, our neighbours, our nations, should be made with a focus of giving God the glory. That is the essence of worship. The prayer language of a worshiper is this: ‘Lord in all these, get all the glory! Email: collinchingota@gmail.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Worship-Minister-Collin-106224835075846
MTN selects Tecnotree to digitize operations across Africa and Middle East
By Michael Kachitsa Tecnotree, a global provider of business support systems for the telecom industry, has announced that MTN, the provider of mobile telecommunications services across Africa and the Middle East, has selected Tecnotree as the strategic partner for its Digital Transformation journey. MTN Ghana is the first country to commence the multi-phased Digital Transformation journey. Under the agreement with MTN Ghana, Tecnotree will deploy its Digital BSS Suite 5 to help accelerate the operator’s business growth as well as increase agility and operational efficiency of their IT systems. MTN embarks on a journey to lead and deliver to its customers a bold new digital world, by transforming itself from being a traditional Communications Service Provider to a Digital Services Provider. “This partnership represents another significant milestone in our digital transformation strategy at MTN Group. An integrated digital ecosystem is the cornerstone for delivering operational efficiencies and a more enhanced customer experience. Our digital self-service platforms make our customers lives a whole lot brighter through a more personalised and seamless experience. As we continue our digital transformation journey, we are able to be more agile, efficient and customer centric,” remarked Dirk Karl, Group Executive and Chief Procurement Officer at MTN Group. The new partnership agreement will help MTN to achieve this by enabling digital experiences across all its business processes and channels along with delivering a consistent, seamless and personalised customer experience. Apart from the key functionalities to help MTN manage their business goals and improve revenues, the multi-phased strategic transformation project will upgrade the existing Tecnotree systems to the state-of-the-art Tecnotree Digital stack comprising of Digital Customer Lifecycle Manager, Digital MyLife Dashboard, Digital Catalog Manager, Digital Convergent Billing System, Digital Order Manager, Digital Loyalty Manager and Digital Accelerator Platform. “We are delighted to continue partnering with MTN in their BRIGHT strategy leading to a digitally connected Africa over the next three years that aims to deliver brighter lives with greater coverage and connectivity as well as greater economic growth and employment. Our Tecnotree Digital BSS suite 5 is targeted to providing a world-class customer experience to their subscribers, help growth in their revenue through a digitally inclusive African market and achieve agility and superior operational efficiency. I am glad to see that Tecnotree enhances its partnership with MTN Ghana and facilitates the creation of a “Digital Model Opco” – the first of its kind in the region. Our long standing relationship of over two decades with the MTN Group is built on the basis of our in-depth knowledge of their operations across Africa and the Middle East region, understanding the needs of the customers and markets they serve and above all, a trusted partnership that is not just a desirable but necessary ingredient for delivering MTN’s intent that everyone deserves a digitally connected life.” comments Padma Ravichander, CEO of Tecnotree.
Blantyre Water Board launches five-year plan
By Lydia Maganga Blantyre, Mana: Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has launched a Five-year Strategic Plan (2020-2025) which aims at providing best services to residents within Blantyre City and surrounding areas. Speaking during the launch of the strategic plan on Monday in the city, the water board’s chairperson, George Mnesa, said they decided to launch the five-year plan to counter increasing social and economic challenges the organisation is facing due to urbanisation and the hostile economic operating environment. Mnesa said BWB currently owes Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) about K24 billion for pumping water which he said the water provision body is failing to pay. “We do not have enough [funds] to cover our monthly bills and at the moment, we owe ESCOM K24 billion accumulated in a space of two years. “We have asked government to help up settle this bill so that we can be operational and pay the monthly bills properly,” said Mnesa. The BWB Chairperson, however, stated that they are working tirelessly to reduce electricity bills by building their own solar plant. He also revealed that BWB wants to have a new pipeline from the new source of water from Nkula so that they can double the capacity and be able to meet the growing demand of water in the next five years. Mnesa then made another revelation that BWB will increase water tariffs in April 2022 by 10 per cent to be able to meet the demands of providing safe water and quality services to its customers. Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources, Nancy Tembo, who was guest of honour at the launch function, said the issue of raising water tariffs should not be a focus point, but rather making sure that the services being offered are satisfactory. She said BWB should also work hard in improving its infrastructure so that they meet the demands of the Malawi Vision 2063 which calls for improved water infrastructure development. “BWB is the oldest water body in the country, established in 1929 and you cannot expect the old same infrastructure to be operational now. We are now trying to find finances to help them replace these broken pipes,” she said. On bailing out BWB, the minister said the matter is in the hands of the Ministry of Finance, but her ministry is currently focusing on helping the water board to reduce its electricity bill.
Child abuse cases soar in child care institutions – The Malawi Human Rights Commission
By Moses Nyirenda Lilongwe, Mana: The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has bemoaned the increase of child abuse cases such as child trafficking among others in some Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in the country. Speaking on Thursday in Lilongwe during the program for dissemination of the report on monitoring the impact of Covid-19 in CCIs in Malawi, MHRC Commissioner, Dr. Bertha Sefu said that the development is worrisome. “We are worried with the increase of abuses in some CCIs, we have learnt with a great concern that in these institutions some children are being trafficked and others are beaten without proper reasons. “Due to the abuses, the mental capacity of the children from these institutions is not the same anymore some of them are even dropping out from school and some are running away from the CCIs because of the situation,” Sefu said. She added that, MHRC is currently monitoring the CCIs to make sure that they are following the required standards and children are being well protected. “The monitoring which we are doing in the CCIs is helping us to check how the institutions are operating and those that are below the required standards are being closed, our aim is to make sure that children’s safety in CCIs is being taken into consideration,” she said. In her remarks, Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Director of Social welfare, Dina Gumulira said that the Ministry of Gender is currently developing regulations that would help to protect children in the country’s CCIs. “As the ministry, we are currently forming new regulations through the child care, protection and justice Act of 2010 which gives an authority that children who have no support can be kept at CCIs. “Therefore the new regulations will be used in making sure that children in the CCIs are being protected from various forms of abuses and are being given necessary support that would help them to grow well and become responsible citizens of the country in future,” Gumulira said.
Machinga communities engaged in the fight against corruption
By Martin Chiwanda Machinga, Mana: Machinga District Council Director of Administration, Anthony Mapungwe Sunday said there was need for the Council to work with communities in fighting corruption if the battle was to be won. Mapungwe is Institution Integrity Committee Chairperson made the sentiments in an interview at the start of the council’s community awareness campaign in the fight against corruption in the district. “Fighting corruption is a national and district concern as corruption is done by both the rich and the poor, even though the poor are usually those who suffer the most. “People often think that corruption is just a way of life, but every society, sector and individual would benefit from saying “NO” to this crime. “This is the reason Machinga district council is reaching out to the communities with messages on the impact of corruption and how they can prevent it from happening at all levels,” Mapungwe said. He said raising awareness among the public about the costs of corruption was crucial in achieving the Malawi 2063. “We need to foster economic stability by enforcing zero tolerance practices towards corruption. And a transparent and open community is the cornerstone of any strong democracy,” the Director said. Motorcycle Operator, Jangiya Mustafa from Ntaja applauded the council for reaching them with the messages which would help them to fight against corruption practices happening in their localities. He said the corruption practices are making the poor to remain poorer since they had hardly have knowledge on where they can report such issues. “I am very happy that Machinga district council has decided to provide us with such messages. Corrupt practices are there and are hitting us hard on development. “I am a motorcycle operator and I get at least K500 per day. I had an opportunity of benefiting from the AIP. However when I went buy my affordable inputs, some officials demanded additional money from me to access it easily. I am already poor and some people had to put more misery on me. “By that time I had no knowledge on where I can report such malpractices but now with the messages from the council, my eyes have opened up. Be assured that those involved will be reported to relevant authorities for possible action,” Mustafa added. Machinga District Council is conducting awareness campaign on the impact of corruption with sector Other Recurrent Transaction funds one percent contribution.