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Banda Drops Out Endorses Chakwera

By Gracian Lungu

Demonstrating a commitment towards building a new Malawi, former Malawi President Joyce Banda who is also People’s Party (PP) president has taken a bold decision by withdrawing from the presidential race and endorsing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and its 2019 tripartite elections presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera. Dr. Joyce Banda states that Lazarus Chakwera is the only presidential candidate who has the capacity to bring a government which can be enjoyed by all Malawians.

  While addressing journalists at a joint press conference between MCP and PP, PP’s Ibrahim Matola says the decision to join hands with MCP was arrived at after considering the need to build a new Malawi. This can only be achieved by Malawi Congress Party and its leader Lazarus Chakwera. Matola further says the discussions between the two parties to work together in building new Malawi dates back in 2015 when Dr. Joyce Banda was in America.

Rumors had been circulating around in different sections of Malawi as well as on different social media platforms. These rumors became reality Thursday when PP National Executive Committee (NEC) held a caucus with MCP envoy where the deal was sealed. The joint press briefing revealed Banda’s withdrawal from the forthcoming presidential elections race and the endorsement of Chakwera and MCP.

Many people have hailed Banda for her bold decision where she has forgone self-glorification, by endorsing a platform for other leaders to do their part for the development of the country. MCP’s Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka applauds PP for joining MCP to form a block which shall work very hard towards replacing the current government of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This move hopes to create a government which is good for all Malawians driven by Chakwera with his 5 concepts of servant leadership, uniting Malawi, prospering together, ending corruption and rule of law.

Banda Drops Out Endorses Chakwera was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Demonstrations Erupt Over Failure to Prosecute the Attacks on People with Albinism

By Alfred Mthandizi

People with albinism on Wednesday matched in the streets of Lilongwe demanding to force Government to establish special court and try all suspects arrested for albino killings.

The demonstrators have so far given President Mutharika to address their grievances within 48 hours. But demonstrators failed to access Statehouse because they were blocked by the security forces.

Almost 26 people of Albinism have been killed Since killed and 130 injured while scores of them are missing. Malawi’s Main opposition political party President Lazarus Chakwera has so far described the albino killings as barbaric and uncalled for. Chakwera says there is need for the Malawian President Peter Mutharika to use all his instruments at his disposal and stop the killing of people with Albinism.

There is strong belief that the bones from the people of albinism brings money after being sold. President Mutharika has several times appealed urged Malawians to stop killing people of albinism saying there is no market for their body parts. DPP running mate, who is also Minister of Civic Education, Everton Chimulirenji, condemned the killing of people with Albinism.

Chimulirenji while addressing the rally at Masintha said people with Albinism are human being and similar to anybody. Malawi nation wake up shocked in April 2018 to a news that a Catholic priest Father Thomas Muhosha of Mulombozi Parish in Zomba got arrested over the abduction and murder of a 22-year-old person with albinism, McDonald Masambuka of Machinga.

The matter is currently in court.

Masambuka’s body was found on April 1 by police who traced the body following confessions from suspects arrested in connection with the crime.

The suspects under arrest include a police officer and a clinician at Machinga District Hospital. Police confirmed the arrest of a priest saying the priest was being investigated by the Eastern Region Police after he was mentioned as one of the people who took part in the brutal killing of Masambuka.

The national police spokesperson James Kadadzera said currently, Father Muhosha is being kept by the Eastern Region Police where he is being questioned. Ms. Maria Jose Torres is United Nations Resident Coordinator.

In her statement during the World Zero discrimination Day which falls on 1 March, Under the leadership of the United Nations Joint Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), the UN has since 2014 dedicated 1st March as a day to renew global commitment to combat all forms of discrimination against people living with HIV and other vulnerable and marginalized groups.

The theme for the 2019 Zero Discrimination Campaign Day – “Act to Change Laws that Discriminate” – calls for urgent action to change discriminatory laws and policies that violate and threaten the rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Torres says there is need for collective action to ensure that no population is left behind in collective drive towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as Malawi implements the third Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS III).

The UN congratulates the Government and people of Malawi for the effort at eliminating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV through the enactment of HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management Act in 2018.

The Act seeks to ensure that all Malawians irrespective of age, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political or religious affiliation have access to HIV prevention and treatment services in an environment free of stigma and discrimination. The Act also provides stiffer punishment of MK5 million to MK10 million- or five-years jail term or both for various forms of stigma and discrimination by service providers. We must work together to ensure the full enforcement of the Act to promote and protect the rights of key populations, marginalized groups and people living with or affected by HIV.

Torres is also asking concerted effort to end stigma towards people of Albinism. “The United Nations in Malawi is concerned by the resurfacing of gruesome attacks on persons with albinism and strongly condemns the killings. The UN calls upon all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to implement the National Action Plan, which addresses the root causes of attacks on persons with albinism, including a nationwide awareness raising campaign, strengthened investigations and prosecutions, together with strengthened protection and victim assistance measures. If these measures are not put in place, we will continue registering violations on the rights of persons with albinism.”  Torres laments.

She says “We are concerned that persons entrusted with the responsibility of promoting and protecting the rights of all Malawians including persons with albinism are allegedly involved in the killing. We encourage the authorities to ensure a thorough, prompt and impartial investigation into the killings and bring the alleged perpetrators to justice.” She says.

The UN says remains committed to supporting the Government and people of Malawi to proactively promote and protect the rights of persons with albinism and ensure their full participation in the socioeconomic development of the country in an environment free of stigma, discrimination and physical attacks.

Currently, there are more than 20 Agencies and specialized organizations of the United Nations active in Malawi which, through their work, contribute to ensuring a better life for the people of Malawi. The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and Association of people living with albinism (APAM) are currently demonstrating and hold vigil at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

Persons with albinism organized the vigil in a bid to request President Peter Mutharika to institute a commission of inquiry on the recent attacks, abductions and killings of people with albinism to uncover alleged markets of their body parts and bring culprits to book.

Demonstrations Erupt Over Failure to Prosecute the Attacks on People with Albinism was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Malawi NGO Steps Up Efforts in Bailing Out Young Girls From Water Problems

By Alfred Mthandizi Tina Phiri, not real name woke up early in the morning. She starts her day with house shore cleaning and sweeping of surrounding gardens. Before going to school, Tina, who comes from the Area of Traditional Authority Mkukula in Dowa, travels 6 Kilometers to a nearby borehole in order to access water. While at the borehole Tina has to queue for a snake related line since the borehole is too small to contain the large number of women who travels long distance to access water which is life. After drawing water, Tina who is aged 16 has to hurry to prepare for her classes at Mkukula Primary School. She says her classes are disturbed with the travelling of such long distances as well.

Tina is not alone. She represents millions of people facing such challenges. We sought the views of Traditional Mkukula to give us the general picture of water problem in his area. “We are facing a lot of challenges in as far as water is concerned. We do not have adequate boreholes due to high population that we have in this area,” said Mkukula.

The chief commended the NGO known as Rhema for coming close with him in dealing with the problem. “We commend Rhema Institute for Development for its effort in providing clean water here.” Innocent Semu is the Executive Director of the institution called Rhema. Semu confirmed to our reporters that it is indeed true that his organization has spent huge amount of money in order to ensure that women and young girls are able to access the commodity. He said water is life hence the need to help the community with drilling of boreholes and maintaining.

Recently Villagers from the area of Group Village Headman Kapulula in the area of Traditional Authority Mkukula in Dowa were all smiling because they were rescued from drinking sewage contaminated water from the Lumbadzi river which is heavily polluted with sewer coming from broken pipes.

Senior Group Village Headman Kapulula could not hide his joy when asked his reaction soon after handing over the borehole after a five men and women delegation from Hope of the Child led by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Herrings had arrived in the country to appreciate the good work the organization is doing.

Herrings said Hope of the Child is committed to ensure that women and children are able to access clean and portable water within reach and walkable distances. Herrings commended Rhema a local NGO for successfully implementing the borehole drilling projects in the area. According to the CEO the project is to ensure that children, especially young girls, are safe from water borne diseases.

What Rhema is doing is in line with SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 6 which urges countries to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. According to the United Nations progress report on SDG number 6, it is said that too many people still lack access to safely managed water supplies and sanitation facilities.

Water scarcity, flooding and lack of proper wastewater management hinder social and economic development. According to the United Nations report, increasing water efficiency and improving water management are critical to balancing the competing and growing water demands from various sectors and users.

According to the report, in 2015, 29 per cent of the global population lacked safely managed drinking water supplies, and 61 per cent were without safely managed sanitation services. “In 22 countries, mostly in the Northern Africa and Western Asia region and in the Central and Southern Asia region, the water stress level is above 70 per cent, indicating the strong probability of future water scarcity.

In 2017–2018, 157 countries reported average implementation of integrated water resources management of 48 per cent. Based on data from 62 out of 153 countries sharing transboundary waters, the average percentage of national transboundary basins covered by an operational arrangement was only 59 per cent in 2017.” Reads the report in part. Situation water analysis by Pump Aid indicates that roughly 2.4 million people living in rural Malawi are without access to a safe water source, but the actual number may be twice as high – largely due to increasingly non-functional water points and a rapidly growing population.

The population of Malawi currently stands at 17.2 million and continues to rise, with 12.7% of the population lacking access to improved water sources, 69% without treated, sanitary drinking water and nearly half (47.7%) of rural populations having to travel 30 minutes or more to obtain their drinking water. “The fact that nearly 60% of Malawians are subsistence farmers, and a further 20% are small-scale farmers increases their vulnerability to the lack of access to safe water. These challenges make our efforts to bring sustainable water and sanitation solutions to vulnerable rural communities even more urgent.”

Pump Aid is working across the underfunded districts of Kasungu and Mchinji, building on its strong ties to local authorities and the environmental suitability for elephant pump technology. According to the Malawi Irrigation and Water Draft Sector Performance Report 2010, Lilongwe rural (69%), Kasungu (64%) and Mchinji (67%) Districts have the lowest access to safe water in Malawi, and receive the least investments in water and sanitation.

According to the latest UNICEF report, water-borne diarrheal diseases are the second biggest killer of children under 5 years in Malawi – making the need for Pump Aid’s work vital for millions of people.

With these findings donors and other NGOs are encouraged to visit Malawi and help the country to access water because water is life.

Malawi NGO Steps Up Efforts in Bailing Out Young Girls From Water Problems was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Headteacher Commits Suicide in Nkhotakota Over Pregnancy Scandal

By Alfred Mthandizi

Nkhotakota head teacher, based at Kaweluwelu Primary School has committed suicide after impregnating a 14-year-old girl, police have confirmed.

The headteacher, identified as Darwin Nkhoma, took his life following revelations that a fourteen-year girl, whom he was having sexual relations with, was now pregnant with his child. Malawi laws prohibits any form of canal knowledge with underaged persons.

Confirming the development, Khunga Police publicist Ignatius Esau said is true that a wife and her ten children in Nkhotakota have been rendered helpless after their only breadwinner Darwin Nkhoma committed suicide over a pregnancy scandal.

Twenty-three years ago, the Malawi government recruited Mr. Darwin Nkhoma as a primary school teacher. Over the years, Mr. Nkhoma rose through the ranks and became a headteacher.

Nine years ago, he was posted to Kaweluwelu primary school and during his stay at the school, he fell in love with a 14yr old girl whom he later impregnated (now three months pregnant according to hospital documents). The news spread around the area which later attracted the attention of activists who advocate for the advancement of girl-child education.

Esau said “On the morning of July 27, 2018 the activists visited the girl who later led them to the school where the actual ‘act’ took place. Sensing danger that the activists might later report the matter to police, the 49-year-old headteacher in the middle of the night told his wife that he was to attend to goats outside their house but he never returned.”

Two days later, Nkhoma who hails from Kamphandika village in the area of Traditional Authority Kafuzila in the district was found hanging dead in a nearby forest and a postmortem exam determined that suffocation was the major cause of the deceased’s death.

Headteacher Commits Suicide in Nkhotakota Over Pregnancy Scandal was originally published on The Malawi Star

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20-Year-Old School with Only Three Teachers

By Alfred Mthandizi

Driving South of Capital City Lilongwe, there is a district, called Dedza. The district is famous with Irish potato farming, cassava, tomato, cabbage and other types of vegetables. However, despite such overwhelming economic activities which this district is experiencing, one can’t believe to see a primary school that has only three teachers for their 397 students.

The development baffled the civil rights education group, Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC). Saturday, CSEC led a team of journalists from various media outlets to visit Khoche Junior Primary School located in the area of Traditional Authority Chauma. The trip was organized to appreciate challenges which the school is facing.

The School boarders with Chilanga, Kaphuka and Kazombwe Full Primary Schools which are located almost 10 Kilometers apart. Apart from lacking classrooms and Headteachers, the school has no teacher houses and has no adequate sanitary facilities.

Juliyo Simon, is Head teacher of the school who confirmed about the Development. “Yes, it’s true that indeed we are facing a lot of problems. Our children are learning under the trees since there is only one classroom block and cannot hold the 397 students,” Said Simon. Simon said the school has shortage of teachers saying they are just 3 in total. “It’s difficult for only three teachers to manage such big number of learners,” said Simon.

On top of that, the media and CSEC learnt that a Headteacher walks 10 Kilometers daily from his rented house to the school. Benedicto Kondowe is the CSEC Executive Director. “As CSEC we are saddened with what we have just witnessed here in Dedza. This is a very sad development considering the fact that the children of this area are human beings and should have good access to learning environment” said Kondowe.

He said his organization will sit down with donors so that learners are given equal opportunity to learn in good environment. He then commended World Bank who are supporting the community by erecting new structures which compromise of classroom blocks. The school combines learners from Mkanda, Kasulo, and Chilimata villages.

Swedish Development Partners (SDP) who focuses on girl child supported the visits

20-Year-Old School with Only Three Teachers was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Plight of Tenants in Malawi Under Microscope

By Alfred Mthandizi

It is not a secret that Malawi tenants are facing social and economic challenges. The Malawi Government in Ntchisi recently rescued over 600 children from the jaws of child labor.

International Labor Organization defines child labor as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development. It refers to work that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children.

Mayenje said the problem in Notches is that most parents do not appreciate importance of education that is why the he said it was not easy for Government to undertake the exercise.

Research by the International Labor Organizations (ILO) indicates that there are more children in the tobacco growing districts of Rumphi, Mzimba, Kasungu, Mchinji and Lilongwe. He said “most children here are mostly sent by parents themselves to work in the fields.” said Mayenje.

Mayenje has since commended other stakeholders for the job well done in enforcing the laws regarding the child labor. Rumphi Senior Labor Assistant officer, Antony Kalagho, confirmed to Nyasa Times that Rumphi alone has 6,000 children working in the Tobacco fields.

Kalagho said Rumphi District Labor office has set a district Taskforce aimed at dealing with child labor. “We are aware of child labor in tobacco estates. We have set up a District labor committee from various stakeholders and shortly we will start up efforts to rescue them, as you are aware this is not a small job,”

Wyson Chisale of Fundoimodzi Estate, a manager from Traditional Authority Katumbi, Rumphi said who is also a victim of child labor said he came to the estate in 2009 when he was only 16 years old but now he is a grown-up person married with three kids.

Raphael Sandram is General Secretary for Tobacco and Allied Union of Malawi. Sandram said there is need for government to put in stringent measures in dealing with issues of child labor. He said there is need for our Members of Parliament and others stakeholders to take delibarate measures in dealing with the problem.

Lucky Mfungwe, Economic Governance Program Officer at Centre for Social Concern. Mfungwe start the interview by Commending Media Network on Tobacco fir touring the Tobacco estates which has exposed the gray areas.

“The issue of tenancy and child labor is what we have been fighting. The tenant’s conditions are pathetic. As a Union, we see that there is a need to find solutions to deal with poor housing, food shortage and lack of schools including medication. As center we have advocated for the improvement of economic well-being of our tenants and explored ways on how to deal with child labor. We collaborated with Ministry of Labor to lobby and address the tenancy problem which harbors child labor. We are currently lobbying for an amendment to the employment act so that tenants should be able to receive money without necessarily waiting for 12 months.” said Mfungwe

Plight of Tenants in Malawi Under Microscope was originally published on The Malawi Star

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MP Rachael Nazombwe Zulu Geared to End Early Marriages

By Alfred Mthandizi

Former Minister of Tourism who is Member of Parliament for Mchinji Rachael Nazombwe Zulu, wife to prominent Politician George Zulu, has challenged girls to work had in school if they are to achieve meaningfulness in their lives. Zulu who lost her mother while in standard 7 and lost her father while in form 1 was speaking in an exclusive interview with our Reporters.

Zulu is MCP Deputy Organizing Secretary and having educated women is more productive for the nation. “My passion is to see girls finishing their education, I feel pain to see girls dropping out of school,” said Rachael Zulu. She said that her constituency already operates a well-organized committee which aims at advocating on issues to do with early marriages. “Currently, the committee has already recalled some girls from the early marriages and their families have paid goats to the chief as set by the committee.

Rachael Zulu is one of renowned and strong politician currently serving her second term in office as MP. Zulu in 2019 managed to floor Democratic Progressive Party candidate who at that time was a strong contender. Zulu is currently, pursuing BA Studies in Business Administration and is expected to graduate soon.

MP Rachael Nazombwe Zulu Geared to End Early Marriages was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Abida Mia Back in Blantyre Streets After Being Teargassed

By Alfred Mthandizi

Abida Mia, wife to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Vice President, Sidik Mia, on Friday stormed Blantyre streets where he distributed party materials in almost all minibuses. Malawi police in the commercial capital Blantyre on Thursday, fired tear gas and shot bullets in the air to disperse dozens of people opposing Malawi Congress Party (MCP). Supporters gathered at curios market (paz iboli boli) received party cloth from vice-president Mohammed Sidik Mia and his wife Abida.

Mia, addressed the supporters, vendors and shoppers appealing for them to support MCP as Malawi is heading to watershed elections next year in May. Police shot bullets in the air to disperse the opposition supporters, but they resisted to move until teargas cannisters were fired.

MCP members, shoppers and street vendors hurried for cover as police moved to break up the gathering. In an interview on Friday, Abida Mia said she cannot fail to visit people in the streets just because of a fear of the Police. “As a Malawian, there is no need to fear anybody. I will continue going in the streets chatting with people, without fear,” said bravery Abida Mia. Meanwhile, MCP Publicity Secretary, Reverend Maurice Munthali, says MCP is not disappointed with the conduct of Malawi Police.

In a statement released on Thursday, Munthali said;

“Having said about the two incidents we would also like to express our deepest concern over the recent incident where the Police recklessly and unprofessionally threw teargas at the Party’s First Vice President, Honorable Sidik Mia and our supporters in the city of Blantyre where he was peacefully and lawfully sharing light moments with the vendors.”

Munthali said MCP is deeply concerned, saddened and dismayed by the conduct of some Malawi Police Officers who continue to shamelessly torture innocent Malawians in this age and time. He said such brutal acts have spilled over to our own members of the media, the latest being journalists from Zodiak Broadcasting Station, who have been beaten up to the point of having their clothes torn apart by the men in uniform.

Abida Mia Back in Blantyre Streets After Being Teargassed was originally published on The Malawi Star

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HRCC, FND Petitions South Africa Government to Address Shephard Bushiri And Hawks Issues

By Alfred Mthandizi

Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and Forum for National Development (FND) has petitioned the South African Government over issues of Prophet Shepard Bushiri. The CSOs under Black empowerment Taskforce issued a petition to South African Human Rights Commission, Council of Churches and Independent Police Commission to address matters affecting the freedoms and rights of Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.

These organizations are concerned with the harassment and infringement of Prophet Shephard Bushiri and negative media coverage which dents the image of the said Malawian. “As regards to issues of Prophet Shephard Bushiri, it was discovered that the South African authorities have no issues with him as a person and there is cordial relationship between the two parties. However, just like any Malawian, Bushiri suffers abuse from the personnel working with the state agents especially the Home Affairs, Police and Hawks who often time overstep their mandate and infringe on his rights.

Based on its interface and discoveries in RSA about the rights infringements of Prophet Shephard Bushiri and other Malawians, the only appropriate decision to get responses from the South African Government through the Minister of Safety and Security.” Reads the joint petition. The Taskforce is worried that the Hawks have not been able to prosecute its officials implicated in the rights infringement and smear campaign against Bushiri.

The BEEA Taskforce also issued a statement and engaged with the South African High Commission to Malawi on the same. RSA security arm has been saying that it is investigating the man of God and yet till now the results of the investigations have not yet been made public.

Another area of concern according to the Taskforce was to call upon Ministries of Home affairs and International cooperation /Foreign Affairs Malawi to enter into negotiations with South African Government to review Conditions for Malawians travelling to and staying in RSA.

Details which the Taskforce has released comes from the BEEA taskforce meeting which was held on Tuesday the 19th of June 2018 where it reviews progress and matters affecting the cause.

Taskforce Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba says it is therefore being shared for purposes of updating Malawians and further enhancing accountability on the part of duty bearers. Mkwezalamba said most often than not, matters of diplomacy tend to receive cord shoulders hence it is desired to alert the public on matters on the table for wider awareness and speedy address.

“We have started the process of planning for a National Conference on Black Economic Empowerment scheduled to take place between 3rd and 4th of September 2018, we therefore call on all Malawians to be with us in these matters and take appropriate steps and stands for the realization of these goals in the best interest of Malawians.” Said Mkwezalamba.

To expound on these events the CSOS have extended the process to rights and accountability bodies in South Africa and the Government in order to get redress.

HRCC, FND Petitions South Africa Government to Address Shephard Bushiri And Hawks Issues was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Favoritism Exposed in Malawi Education Sector

Malawi media has exposed disparities in education projects distribution to the extent that two districts have received Lion’s share as seen in the report by Times Group. While there is a general outcry of unfair distribution of projects in the country, it has been learnt that the Ministry of Education has allocated most resources under the World Bank’s Malawi Education Sector Improvement Project (Mesip) to Thyolo and Machinga Districts.

Malawi News has learnt that the World Bank provided a Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Grant Number TFOA2913 to the Ministry of Education, advertised in newspapers on October 13, 2017. In the advertisement, the Ministry of Education stated that it had received financing in the amount of $44.9 million and part of the money would be used for the advertised projects.

According to the documentation we have seen, the Ministry was supposed to construct classroom blocks, pit latrines and water points in Chikwawa, Machinga, Mzimba South, Thyolo, Kasungu, Lilongwe Rural West, Dedza and Mangochi. However, the Ministry of Education allocated most of the resources to Thyolo and Machinga. Ironically, President Peter Mutharika comes from Thyolo, while Minister of Education, Bright Msaka, comes from Machinga.

According to Malawi News investigations, out of the 43 Mesip lots advertised, the Ministry awarded 22 lots to different contractors. The reason for awarding such few lots is said to be inadequate funding from donors. Malawi News has established that Machinga was allocated five lots with Thyolo as the second highest beneficiary — being allocated four lots. The rest of the districts (Mzimba South, Kasungu, Chikwawa and Mangochi) were allocated two lots each, except for Dedza districts which was allocated three.

We have established that the allocation of five lots to Machinga district would result in the construction of more than 30 school blocks, while four lots in Thyolo would result in over 20 school blocks. In their contribution to a debate on the budget statement Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe, delivered in Parliament about a month ago, Members of Parliament (MPs) for Kasungu North East, Elias Wakuda Kamanga and MCP spokesperson on finance, Alexander Kusamba Dzonzi described the distribution of the resources as unfair.

Civil Society Education Coalition Network Executive Director, Benedicto Kondowe, said it is saddening that such moves have become a tendency among government officials. “It could have been better if all targeted districts were allocated equal school blocks. All targeted districts lack school infrastructure the same way as the areas which have benefited from the project,” Kondowe said. He has, however, demanded that the exercise be reviewed.

When contacted, Msaka said he could not comment on the issue as he is not responsible for the allocation of development funds at the Ministry. Msaka referred Malawi News to his Principal Secretary, Justin Saidi, who said there was nothing wrong concerning the distribution of the projects. According to Saidi, the criterion used in the allocation of school blocks was explained to the donors. “As far as the issue is concerned, the matter has been sufficiently addressed,” Saidi said.

World Bank spokesperson Zeria Banda could not be drawn to immediately comment on the matter.

Favoritism Exposed in Malawi Education Sector was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Monsanto Malawi Launches New Maize Variety DK 777

By Alfred Mthandizi

Monsanto Malawi, has launched new Maize variety called DK777 at a function which took place in the area of Group Village Headman Chibamu in the area of Senior Chief Mabulabo in Mzimba. Monsanto Malawi Country Manager Gift Kawamba encouraged farmers to grow the variety because it is medium maturity with tolerant to cob rot. 

Kawamba said the variety is exceptionally of good grain texture and pound able. According to the Monsanto Director, the variety is potential of 80-85 Bags of 50 Kilograms per acre. “We are urging farmers to access this variety because it is reliable, disease tolerant and double cobbling potential,” said Kawamba. 

Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical Services Dr. Albert Changaya collaborated with the Monsanto Manager on the need of planting DKC777 saying the variety has been tested and it can resist from Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND). 

Changaya has since asked Malawians not just to bring foreign varieties to avoid bringing in the diseases like Lethal Necrosis. Changaya also promised that Government will help to promote the variety for the food security of Malawians. Two farmers Abgail Beza and Simon Moyo from the area said after trying the variety they are satisfied. The two farmers said they have been trying for different varieties but not they are safe with the new variety. 

Some of the seeds which Mosanto has been promoting include:

DKC 8053, DKC 8033, DKC80-53 Mkangala, DKC90-89 Fumba,

DKC81-81, DKC90-53 Nsangalabwi and DKC80-33 Mapasa 

Monsanto Malawi Launches New Maize Variety DK 777 was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Malawi CSOS Says Malawi Not Benefitting from Mining Sector

By Alfred Mthandizi

Malawi influential Civil Society Organizations Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace and Centre for environmental Policy and advocacy, says Malawi is not benefiting from mining sector. CCJP Karonga Desk Officer Louis Nkhata in an interview said the country is not benefiting because there is no transparency surrounding negotiations of mining deals.

Nkhata gave an example of the Kayerekera situation where the deal was discussed and reached only at top level. “Even the community never benefitted because of lack of these bonding agreements,” said Nkhata. Nkhata said it is unfortunate that Malawians themselves are being sidelined. “As citizens they are supposed even to follow the process which is not the case at the moment,” said Nkhata.

According to Nkhata there is need for free prior and informed consent and its practices. On top of free prior, Nkhata said there is also need for the community to access experts for professional advice. CEPA Program officer Cynthia Simkonda collaborated with Nkhata while urging the media to help in providing accurate information on mining issues.

Simkonda said that is the two organizations are implementing a joint program aimed at strengthening governance of extractive industry. “The project is aimed at equipping media with expertise to enable them enquire, investigate and reported EI accountability and transparency issues in the sector,” said Simkonda. Simkonda said the project is also aimed at engaging the media to stimulate debate on EI issues.

Malawi CSOS Says Malawi Not Benefitting from Mining Sector was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Hope for a Child construct ECD Centre in Lilongwe

By Alfred Mthandizi

UK based Charity Hope for a Child has constructed Early Childhood Education Development (ECD) Centre at GVH Mchepa which is aimed at accommodating 3,000 kids. Group Village Headman Mchepa the construction of the ECD Centre is historic in the area saying the community has never had such beautiful center before. 

“We are grateful to Hope for a Child because up to now the community were staying and learning in dilapidated buildings but now the buildings are just good and safe for our children,” said GVH Mchepa who was speaking on behalf of Chief Mkukula.

Commenting on the projected which Hope of the Child is implementing through Rhema Institute for Development, it’s CEO Herrings Thom said he was very happy to see successful completion of the projects. Thom said the organization is committed to ensure that plight of child is improved by among other things providing them with quality ECD facilities. 

Rhema Executive Director Innocent Semu said he is appreciative to Hope for the Child for the financial support for the construction of the facilities. Semu said children were attending classes in a building with no roof and with cracks. 

Just recently Villagers from the area of Group Village Headman Kapulura in the area of Traditional Authority Mkukula in Dowa were all smile after being rescued from drinking sewage contaminated water from the Lumbadzi river which is heavily polluted with sewer coming from broken pipes.

Senior Group Village Headman Kapulula could not hide his joy when asked his reaction soon after a five men and women delegation from Hope for a Child led by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Herrings handed over some boreholes. 

Herrings said Hope of the Child is committed to ensure that women and children are able to access clean and portable water within reach and walkable distances.

Herrings commended Rhema a local NGO for successfully implementing the borehole drilling projects in the area. According to the CEO the project is to ensure that children are safe from water borne diseases.

“We will continue assisting the community through various projects interventions which include water, sanitation and nutrition, the other thing is that we are very happy with our partners Rhema who are doing quite a good job, “said Herrings. 

Commenting on the project, Rhema Executive Director, Innocent Semu commended Hope for a Child for the support rendered to the community through the organization.

SGVH Kapulula said he was happy that his community which has 3,000 people will benefit from water courtesy of UK Charity Hope of the Child. Kapulula said he is happy that his people will now be drinking good and portable water. 

Hope for a Child construct ECD Centre in Lilongwe was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Minister Jappie Mhango says North Malawi is for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika

By Alfred Mthandizi

Democratic Progressive Party Campaign Director (DPP), Jappie Mhango has insisted that Northern region is for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika. 

Speaking in an exclusive interview in Lilongwe, Mhango who is also Minister of Transport and Public Works said whatever the case the position for the north remains clear that the region will support Mutharika and we will vote for him even at the convention. 

“You know DPP is the most democratic Party in the country by the virtue that we are endorsing him does not mean that we are not going to hold the convention, we will convene but what we are saying is that as a region we will support APM candidate. I think this should be made clearly,” said Mhango. 

Mhango said by the virtue that some members are endorsing Mutharika does not mean that other members are not allowed to contest at the convention. Mhango said Mutharika has performed beyond many people expectation. 

“Look how many roads have been upgraded just few years that he has been in power, check how many hospitals have been built and even the economy, has been going on very well.” said Mhango.

He also said after consulting the chiefs, the party members and the party members, the status is that Mutharika is the only person to represent the ruling party, the DPP. 

Speaking recently when commissioning Nkhatabay Jetty, Mhango accused some ungrateful DPP members for rising against APM and yet the same people are where they are because of the same Mutharika. Mhango said at length on the need to respect the President. 

Minister Jappie Mhango says North Malawi is for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was originally published on The Malawi Star

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UK Charity Hope of The Child Bails Dowa People from Drinking Contaminated Water by Drilling Boreholes

By Alfred Mthandizi

Villagers from the area of Group Village Headman Kapulura in the area of Traditional Authority Mkukula in Dowa are all smiling because of being rescued from drinking sewage contaminated water from the Lumbadzi river which is heavily polluted with sewer coming from broken pipes.

Senior Group Village Headman Kapulula could not hide his joy when asked his reaction soon after a five men and women delegation from Hope of the Child led by the organization’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Herrings just handed over some boreholes. Herrings said Hope of the Child is committed to ensure that women and children are able to access clean and portable water within reach and walkable distances.

Herrings commended Rhema a local NGO for successfully implementing the borehole drilling projects in the area. According to the CEO the project is to ensure that children are safe from water borne diseases. “We will continue assisting the community through various projects interventions which include water, sanitation and nutrition, the other thing is that we are very happy with our partners Rhema who are doing quite a good job,” said Herrings. 

Commenting on the project, Rhema Executive Director, Innocent Semu commended Hope of the Child for the support rendered to the community through the organization. SGVH Kapulula said he was happy that his community which has 3,000 people will benefit from water courtesy of UK Charity Hope of the Child. Kapulula said he is happy that his people will now be drinking good and portable water. 

UK Charity Hope of The Child Bails Dowa People from Drinking Contaminated Water by Drilling Boreholes was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Jappie Mhango Commissions Nkhata Bay Jetty

By Alfred Mthandizi

In a bid to lessen problems Nkhata Bay people and other businessmen and women have been facing, Minister of Transport and Public works, Jappie Mhango on Monday officially commissioned a long awaited Nkhatabay jetty. Nkhatabay has been without Jetty for long time.

Speaking during the function, Mhango who was accompanied by presidential advisor on national unity, Vuwa Kaunda said he decided to come and open the much-awaited facility after noting that Malawians were facing problems whenever embarking or disembarking the ship.

Mhango said Government of Professor Peter Mutharika is committed in ensuring that living standards of people everywhere is improved. Mhango said that is why everyone is endorsing him (Mutharika) as torch bearer come 2019. “This Facility will ease transport problems which people have been facing and on top of that this Facility will boost business in this area,”

Taking his turn, Kaunda echoed Mhango sentiments saying it is only Mutharika who can continue to develop this country. Kaunda gave examples of different developments which have taken shape at Nkhatabay Boma. “We have new Bus Depot, new Hospital, new Nkhatabay road, what else do we want, everything new,” said Kaunda.

In his speech Senior Chief Nkumbira commended Government for the jetty. Mkumbira pleaded with Mhango and Kaunda to ask President Mutharika to stand during the forthcoming general elections. “We pledge to vote for him and we will give him more votes come 2019 please tell him,” said the chief.

Jappie Mhango Commissions Nkhata Bay Jetty was originally published on The Malawi Star

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Kaliyeka Ward Residents Vows to Vote Again Their Councilor Richard Banda

By Alfred Mthandizi

Residents of Kaliyeka Ward in the Lilongwe City South East constituency on Sunday vowed to return their Councilor for the next five-year term in office following tremendous development which Councilor Richard Banda has shown in his area. 

Group of people who gathered during Commission of some foot Bridges in the area told our reporters that come rain come or shine, Banda needs another term in office to continue the development which he has just started in his first term in office. 

Group Village Headmen, block leaders, and local residents said before his coming into office people have been experiencing a lot of challenges such as portable water, and lack of basic to things like Bridges. “I remember losing some children because of this lack of Bridges thanks to Mr. Banda,” said One Chief, Kamwendo. 

Another Chief said even during the Masaf programs he is able to administer the program well without favoring any individual. Banda said his passion has been to serve people all the time even before he took over office. “I remember I could even come here and help people from their problems even when I was just without any position,” said Banda. 

Banda said he is ready to serve the community if he can be given another mandate in 2019. Banda has already built six Bridges while in office as a Ward Councilor.

Kaliyeka Ward Residents Vows to Vote Again Their Councilor Richard Banda was originally published on The Malawi Star