By Fostina Mkandawire Lilongwe, Mana: Government has re-emphasized the need for equitable awarding of contracts through adherence to proper procedures and vetting processes for purposes of equitable wealth distribution. Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, made the remarks on Monday in Lilongwe during a press briefing held alongside Malawi’s Attorney General, Thabo Nyirenda, Kazako said there are a few individuals who have amassed wealth for a long time in the country to the disadvantage of most Malawians. He, therefore, said it was government’s wish to see that most Malawians own businesses and are awarded contracts instead of the current scenario where international investors own a larger chunk of the business environment. “We are against predominantly few families amassing wealth. These individuals and their families control every sector of the country; they even have the power to control the political landscape,” said the minister. “We want to break this cycle of having individuals who capture this country by using their wealth as a means of controlling Malawians,” Kazako added. He, therefore, revealed that there will be need to use National Identification cards during the vetting process as a control measure of identifying an individual’s background. The Information Minister said government’s stand is to see to it that 60 per cent of contracts should be awarded to Malawians and 40 per cent to international investors. “People who spoil this country do not belong here; we are not trying to be xenophobic, but we want to bring sanity in the country. “I wish to plead with citizens that they should not be taken by events by supporting greedy people who use the less privileged to demonstrate while they are achieving their hidden agendas,’’ he said. The minister then reassured Malawians that the challenges being currently faced would be addressed and so should be taken as temporary. The Attorney General, Thabo Nyirenda, said government is ready to address incidences of shady awarding of contracts and irregularities concerning procurement of government equipment. Nyirenda cited the awarding of a contract at the Department of Immigration as an unfair deal to Malawians because passport prices are high without taking into consideration that materials for processing a passport are cheaper. He said when awarding the contract, a feasibility study was not done and, therefore, government would probe into the matter until truth is established. The Attorney General said there are laws that govern the awarding of contracts, therefore, if not properly followed, Malawians are the ones to suffer the consequences. “The manner in which contracts are currently being awarded does not benefit Malawians. My office is allowed to impose restrictions in the manner in which these contracts are awarded with an aim of bringing sanity,” he said. Nyirenda, therefore, warned that all public officers who would cause government to lose money through their negligence would be held accountable. He reminded Malawians that negligence by a public officer is punishable by law, adding that all illegal wealth accumulation by public officers would be investigated. The Ministry of Information will be holding weekly media briefings as one way of addressing emerging issues affecting Malawians.
President Chakwera arrives in Botswana for SADC engagements
By Nellie Kapatuka in Gaborone, Botswana Gaborone, Mana: President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Sunday afternoon arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, for a working visit at the SADC Secretariat Headquarters. Upon arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the President was welcomed by SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias Mpedi Magosi, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elsenhower Mkaka and Botswana’s Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Lemogang Kwape, among other officials. Chakwera is expected to visit the SADC Secretariat on Monday to appreciate its work in facilitating the SADC regional integration agenda and provide guidance on the secretariat’s implementation of SADC programs in line with the theme under his leadership dubbed “Bolstering Productive Capacities in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic for Inclusive, Sustainable, Economic and Industrial Transformation”. According to a communique by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whilst there, the SADC Chairperson will unveil a placard symbolising his visit to the SADC Secretariat Headquarters before holding a meeting with members of staff where he will be briefed on the mandate, functions and the structure of the SADC Secretariat. On Tuesday, Chakwera will pay a courtesy call to Botswana’s President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. He is expected to return home on Wednesday, December 15. The visit to the SADC Headquarters by a sitting Chairperson is a tradition, according to the SADC secretariat, for them to appreciate and understand the organisation in order to efficiently lead it. The SADC Chairperson oversees the highest level of governance structure of SADC and among others, has a mandate of providing policy direction and controlling the functions of the regional body.
Join volunteerism for career development
By Nellie Kapatuka Lilongwe, Mana: Malawi joins the rest of the world in commemorating the international volunteer day, with a fresh call for youths in the country to embrace volunteerism as a pathway to their career development. The call was made on Tuesday in Lilongwe, during the international volunteer day commemoration. Minister of Trade, Roy Kachale Banda, who represented the country’s Vice President at the function, said volunteerism has great benefits for youths in terms of gaining what he called soft skills that are developed through interaction with other people. “Volunteerism develops a sense of responsibility within the job seeker when they do these selfless acts (volunteering) hence I fully subscribe to the idea and encourage our young people who are looking for jobs to also go for volunteerism as that will also help boost their CV,” said Banda. Concurring with Banda, Deputy Minister of Labour, Vera Kamtukule, said there are a lot of young people entering the job market every year with very good qualifications but the job market is not enough to accommodate them all due to lack of industrialization in the country. She said the Graduate Internship programme that Government is implementing is very close to volunteering work, where young people can gain the much-needed experience to set themselves up in industries and help government on its job creation agenda. Said Kamtukule: “The good work the interns perform, just like volunteers, cannot go unnoticed during this auspicious occasion. They are doing a good job to bridge the gap in the public service.” “We must therefore develop mechanisms that will replicate this even at community level. People are willing to volunteer their time and resources to advance good causes, we must endeavor to ensure that we direct and guide them accordingly for greater impact.” she said. United Nation resident coordinator, Shigeki Komatsubara, reiterated on the need for promotion of volunteerism in the country, saying it is an effective tool in steering the progression of socio-economic, environmental and also cultural development. “If we can mobilize more young people to intentionally sacrifice their time to work with us through formal and informal volunteerism, we can make things happen in a better and bigger way and I look forward on behalf of the UN, to promote volunteerism spirit for Malawi’s inclusive development,” he said. During the event which was held under the theme Volunteer now for our common future, the UN resident coordinator made a symbolic presentation to the guest of honour Hon. Kachale, of the 2022 state of the world’s volunteerism report which features a case study from Malawi.
Inspirational Quotes for the WEEKEND
By Charles Leyman Kachitsa Culture defines us and safe to say follows us where ever we are. It is interesting to have such questions as where did it all began, where did it all start for people to have different cultures? In searching for the answers, one explanation stood out as the most probable one especially that shade light as to why the differences, the environment and temperature one is born in determines the culture one adopts. Of course, it does not mean that those people born in hotter regions are predominantly hot tempered, experience would turn to dispute that. Nature has its own ways as the opposite may be true. People born in hot region may be the most cool headed while those from areas supposedly very cold, freezing as to cool off the head, may be the most hot tempered. The environment in affecting culture does that as it influences people’s choices. From such things as food to how people use time, is all dependent on the environment which then informs on the culture of the people. Perhaps this is why a lot of people insist on compliance and adjustment on ones conduct to suit the prevailing environment, as they say, ‘When in Rome do what the Romans do.’ The quotes this week are from an author who through his career memoirs open up the most amazing of insights on how really a diplomat in a foreign land views the host country. I am sure that the selected quotations from the book as listed below, will enlighten you to one or two diplomatic life lessons, read and enjoy: THE LAST POST – A MEMOIR OF A HIGH COMMISSIONER IN LONDON by Kena Mphonda “From another perspective, the common language for most heads of missions in London is asking about where you go next after a London posting. The obvious answer, indeed, amongst ourselves was always that there is no other place to go to since we regarded London as the ultimate and final post. Of course, a number of our colleagues moved on to other capitals, Lazarus himself moving on to New York in May 2018. My other close colleague Muyeba Chikonde, High Commissioner to Zambia also moved on which made quite a difference. I literally went to every corner of London using my official vehicle, the tube, taxis, uber, trains, and buses.” “My immediate neighbours, Ben and his wife Lesley, retired British citizens, were jovial and engaging personalities. They had lived in their home for more than 20 years. He loved his white dog, a herding dog, likely a Belgian Shepherd, like his other compatriots. The other next-door neighbour, a complete turnaround, was insulated and opaque. At one point, it had to take Ben to ask our other neighbour to stop parking their vehicle right in front of our house, as that was our only parking bay. In essence, our neighbour was using the parking for two cars. They obliged. I simply ignored the family, except once when we had to talk to the wife. I later realised that not talking to your neighbour is really not unusual, …………” “The British monarchy is perhaps the most active and noticeable monarchy worldwide, which gives an extra gear to diplomacy. It is also regarded as the most expensive of all European monarchies, with the Spanish monarchy as the least expensive. —— But what always mesmerised me is the reverence and how magnetised the society is to it, to the extent that it has become so embedded in British life. Somehow, some form of puffery. The British even looked towards them for leadership during the COVID-19 period.” “As a Malawian, I do not forget the fact that when the state of emergency was declared in Nyasaland on March 3, 1959, by Sir Robert Armitage, this resulted in the death of 44 persons and none of the British soldiers died. Even the soldiers who died during the World Wars died for the cause of the British and there has never been any compensation as was in Kenya. The Malawi soldiers and those who were killed should indeed be remembered, but not using the poppy, which is only symbolic.”
KEYS OF LIGHT DEVOTION – 10th December, 2021. Friday
By Pastor Morgan Mataya ENDURANCE IS REQUIRED James 1:12. _ “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” In the school of breaking through, the school of receiving from God, endurance is a requirement. Without which breakthroughs are hardly seen. Endurance is the ability not to change or bend when under pressure. The ability not to give up when things are not changing to your advantage. Many people have faith, but they lack endurance. No wonder they can not give a testimony of them triumphing in prayer, they can not show an answer that came out from their faith or prayers. Endurance is an important part when it comes to receiving from God, when it comes to breakthroughs. Endurance in faith is a requirement for breakthroughs. References: Hebrews 6:12, Hebrews 10:35-39 +265 999 629 623 matayamorgan@gmail.com
The Test of True Worship
By Minister Collins Chingota Is there a way we can tell true worship or a true worshiper? The Bible says God is looking for true worshipers, those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. It is therefore good for us to check ourselves if we are on the right track. James 1:27 The worship that God wants is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help and keeping yourself free from the world’s evil influence. This is the kind of worship that God accepts as pure and good. Looking at the scripture above, it is difficult to agree with the apostle James who defines true worship as taking care of the needy because it says nothing about God himself. Here is the thing: the first commandment as summarised by Jesus says, ‘Love God with all your heart, mind and strength’. But the second says, ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’. To be precise, commandment number 2 cannot happen before commandment number 1 is achieved. In other words, you can love others without loving God, but you cannot love God without loving others. That is why, the true test of loving God, or truly worshiping him loving other people. This should be food for thought for you and I. Many are the times we think worship is what we do in church, the music, the dancing, the giving. But all these things are nothing if we fail to prove our love to God by taking care of our sick neighbours, orphans and widows around us. Email: collinchingota@gmail.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Worship-Minister-Collin-106224835075846
The History of Aston Villa F.C
By Michael Kachitsa The Birmingham located Aston Villa Fotball Club was founded in 1874, by four cricket players who were looking for something to do during the winter break. The club was therefore founded approximately one year before the city rival Birmingham City (named Small Heath Alliance until 1905). In 1885, the club’s president, William McGregor, realized a need to keep the fans interested in the game; together with eleven other leading English clubs of that period, Villa founded the Football League in 1888. Led by George Ramsay they quickly proved to be the most dominant side of the Victorian era, claiming five First Division titles and three FA Cups before the turn of the century. With the rise of football’s popularity in the country, however, many other clubs started to emerge as contenders for the throne. Still, Villa remained a powerhouse; after winning another FA Cup in 1905, they followed it up with their sixth First Division title in 1910. After another two FA Cup victory in 1913, the club’s golden era ended at the outbreak of the First World War. While Villa had started off the post-war period by claiming another FA Cup in 1920, it soon became obvious that their best years were behind them. After a long period of decline, the club was relegated to the Second Division in 1936, for the first time in their history. They did not win another trophy until 1957 and a famous victory over the Busby Babes in the FA Cup final. In 1961, Villa added to their trophy room by winning the inaugural League Cup. After a new low for the club – a relegation to the Third Division in 1970 – Villa turned a new leaf by appointing Ron Saunders as coach. They were back in the First Division by 1975, the same year that saw them win another League Cup. With Saunders’ ability to spot a good player and his famous “no-nonsense” approach to coaching, Villa’s streak of good results continued into the 80s. After a League Cup victory in 1977 and an unpredicted First Division title in 1981, Villa won their first and only European Cup in 1982 by shocking the favored Bayern Munich in the Final. One of the heroes was the reserve goalkeeper Nigel Spink that replaced Jimmy Rimmer early in the match and made some astonishing saves. The last triumph was however made without Ron Saunders as the coach. Some months earlier, after a dispute with the chairman Ron Bendall at a time the team had a negative trend in the league Ron Saunders had decided to resign. The Premier League era has been filled with ups and downs for to Villa, they were placed second in 1993 and on the bottom of the table in 2016. They managed to claim two more League Cups in 1994 and 1996.
Malawi and Zambia – Chakwera and Hichilema talk business
By Okhifi Dimba Mana, Lilongwe: Malawi’s President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera together with his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, have vowed to promote and strengthen bilateral relations existing between the two countries. The bilateral talks were held on Tuesday when the Zambian President visited Malawi on a one-day state visit. Speaking at a joint press briefing, President Chakwera said progression of development activities between the two countries is inextricably linked, hence the need for the two countries to closely work together. “In our bilateral discussions today, we have agreed to fast-track the removal of all bottlenecks to cross-border trading, including a review of the existing simplified trade regime in order to expand the list of eligible products traded within this framework,” said Chakwera. According to Chakwera, harmonisation and simplification of border controls by jointly constructing one border post at Mchinji/Mwami border, is a clear testimony of the common convictions of the developmental linkages that the two countries have. On his part, Hichilema said the people of Zambia and Malawi are one, hence the need to ease trade and investment opportunities between them. “We have agreed that we must encourage business in both countries by taking joint risks to explore opportunities that exist between our two countries, some of which are anchored on natural resource endowment,” he said. The Zambian leader also took a chance to urge Zambians residing in the country to act responsibly at all times, saying their conduct gives a true reflection of Zambia as a whole. President Hichilema has since returned after holding successful bilateral engagements with Malawi President.
Women’s Hope for change reduces malnutrition, stunted growth in Chief Nyoka
By Brighton Thengoliweta Chimsinde Mchinji, Mana: Traditional Authority Nyoka of Mchinji District has commended Women’s Hope for Change (WHC), a local non-governmental organization, for reducing malnutrition and stunted growth prevalence rate in his area. The T/A made the remarks at a Nutrition Open Day organized by WHFC which was held on Sunday at Nyoka Health Clinic in Mchinji. He described the interventions undertaken by WHC through Supporting Nutrition Integrated Component (SNIC) project as unique considering its positive impact that has made in the area. “My area has plenty nutritious food like groundnuts, beans, soya, maize flour, vegetables but people had been lacking knowledge on how to prepare them yet the project has done tremendous job by enlightening people with skills and knowledge of utilising locally available farm produce into nutritious food for malnutrition and stunted growth children.” “It has also assisted to reduce absenteeism and also increase learners enrollment both in primary and secondary schools since it has lowered prevalence rate of malnutrition related illness in the area,” Chief Nyoka said. The chief further appealed to child bearing age groups to access modern family planning methods for them to have children by choice not by chance so that they have a manageable family which they can feed. “ I remind you all people in my area to take a responsibility of sourcing nutritious food and preparing them for your own children. And do not wait for government or NGOs to feed and care for them,” He said. Assistant District environmental Health Officer (DEHO) for Mchinji district hospital, Bright Mkomba said despite that Mchinji was a food-basket district in the country,t it was worrisome to notice that malnutrition cases were rampant in the district. “For instance National Statistics offices data indicates that stunted growth among under-five children in the district is at 44%, which is not good, hence I appeal to local NGOs to emulate example displayed by WHC to invest resources in fight against Malnutrition and Stunted growth in the district.” Said Mkomba WHC Executive Director Hellen Makukula thanked community leaders and local stakeholders for their support rendered towards the project. However, Makukula condemned some families who have tendency of selling all farm produce. She cautioned them to stop the tendency. “Selling farm produce without consent from your wives is evil and it is among gender based violence and you must abstain from such behavior with immediate effect,” Makukula said. According to WHC, the project started in 2016 after conducting assessment which revealed that Nyoka area had more stunted growth and malnutrition cases. The project used to mobilize women to Nkhali ya pamodzi communal cooking point where they learnt to prepare nutritious food and it also involves technocrats from Ministry of Agriculture to train them on how to make home-made manure and backyard garden that induced public demand on the ground. WHFC is implementing the SNIC Project with financial support from Focus for Health Foundation it has a hope that it shall continue supporting them up to 2022.
SAFCOIN launches Africa’s first blockchain-powered freelance jobs marketplace
By Michael Kachitsa SAFCOIN, an exclusive African cryptocurrency, has launched Africa’s first blockchain-powered micro jobs platform, aimed at connecting businesses and gig economy workers across Africa, for free. MobiJobs. Africa lets start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses list jobs, search freelancer profiles, and establish an online presence without set-up, hosting, or development costs. It also lets freelancers market their skills, build their experience, and “buy” listed jobs, even if they don’t have a bank account. There are no joining, account, or transaction fees, and jobs are paid for in SAFCOIN cryptocurrency. In the fourth quarter of 2019, over 40% of South Africa’s youth, aged between 15 and 34, were unemployed, and 13.4 million youth in Africa do not have jobs. Now, technology is enabling the growth of the freelance, or “gig” economy, with more people taking on short-term, flexible tasks to make money. In South Africa, 3.9 million people were in temporary employment in 2018, up from 2.6 million in 2017. In Africa, nearly 86% of employment is informal. MobiJobs aims to empower more Africans to access global work opportunities, grow their experience, and sell their skills and talent online. All they need is a mobile phone or laptop and connectivity. Jobseekers in Africa have, until now, been restricted from participating in digital shared labour platforms like MobiJobs because they had little or no access to bank accounts. In fact, around 1.7 billion, or 62% of sub-Saharan Africans, are unbanked. Those that do have bank accounts pay high transaction, pay-out, and commission fees, which eats into their freelance earnings. MobiJobs uses blockchain technology to eliminate banking fees. Powered by SAFCOIN cryptocurrency, it facilitates an easy, secure payment process between individuals and businesses through the SAFPay gateway. Payment is secured before the service provider begins the job, and is released once the job is marked as completed. Through the MobiJobs Workdesk, freelancers can manage their jobs, advertise their skills, communicate with clients, and rate their experience. Neil Ferreira, CEO of SAFCOIN, says: “Our goal with MobiJobs is to help individuals in Africa to take their skills and talents global, and to empower small businesses to tap into a global skills pool, as and when they need to. Through the platform, users can gain experience, build their internship hours while studying, ask for testimonials from businesses they’ve completed tasks for, and build relationships with companies across Africa. All this via a free cryptocurrency payment gateway that ensures they get paid quickly and securely, with zero transaction charges.” The Fourth Industrial Revolution has resulted in thousands of job losses as technology increasingly takes on roles traditionally performed by humans. But the benefit is that the same technology that drives this revolution can also empower individuals to access a global jobs marketplace and opportunities in less-penetrated e-commerce markets. MasterCard predicts that African e-commerce may generate over $500 billion a year by 2030, equivalent to nearly 10% of GDP, and the World Economic Forum says e-commerce will generate three million new jobs in Africa by 2025. “Combining cryptocurrency and the blockchain with e-commerce is a huge breakthrough for the industry. Adoption of cryptocurrency across Africa is increasing steadily and usage is arguably the highest among emerging markets,” says Ferreira. “Africa is evolving into the Fourth Industrial Revolution and we’re proud to be at the forefront, creating awareness, educating people, and connecting the youth and businesses through blockchain and cryptocurrency-powered platforms like SAFCOIN and MobiJobs.”