The Centre for Adolescent Girls and Young Women Initiative (CAGYWI), has rolled out an ambitious piggery pass-on project targeting girls and young women withdrawn from marriages.
CAGYWI is a newly-registered non-governmental organization (NGO) whose main objective is to empower girls and young women who have been withdrawn from early marriages.
Studies have shown that poverty and unemployment are the main causes of child marriages in Malawi. Child marriage perpetuates poverty, inequality and insecurity and is a violation of girls’ human rights to dignity, welfare and equal access to vital opportunities and services, given that, girls are deprived of their childhood and the option of education and find themselves in adult roles, including forced sex and pressure to bear children early.
CAGYWI Executive Director Stella Zimba-Wella said young women in Malawi are disproportionately affected by economic poverty, with many lacking access to resources and opportunities.
Zimba-Wella said it is against this background that her organization decided to roll out the piggery pass-on project to economically empower the survivors.
“We will also be involved in conducting research, offering reproductive health services and counseling through existing community structures. Currently, the project does not have a donor, so we are using our own resources to run it,” she said.
Zimba-Wella: We appeal to other organizations to join us in addressing their economic vulnerabilities
Meanwhile, the organization has distributed 12 pigs to the first beneficiaries in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chitseka in the outskirts of Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe.
Lilongwe Deputy District Social Welfare Officer, Kettie Simwaka, has commended the initiative, saying it will go a long way in building resilience and empowerment for the survivors of child marriages.
Simwaka promised her office’s commitment to working with CAGYWI in addressing challenges that the survivors are facing.
Chairperson for Chitseka Area Development Committee (ADC), Masautso Banda, expressed gratitude to CAGYWI for the introduction of the project in his area.
Banda said they expect the project to improve the welfare of the beneficiaries.
“We’re very grateful to the organization. As these pigs multiply, the beneficiaries will be able to sell and use the income to venture into other businesses,” she said.
Zimba-Wella has since appealed to like-minded organizations to join them in empowering child marriage survivors with economic activities and programmes.
State-funded National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) has announced the establishment of the Academy of Sciences, which is expected to play a key role in finding solutions to various challenges facing Malawi, including those related to science, technology and Innovation.
NCST Director General Gift Kadzamira made the announcement during a meeting with prominent scientists in Lilongwe on Wednesday.
Kadzamira said the Academy of Sciences will serve as a valuable resource for advising the government on policy-making decisions, particularly in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
“This is a new baby that needs a home. So when we give it a home, they will be able to establish visibility materials like websites so that people outside there are able to know what and how the academy of sciences in Malawi is doing. This meeting has helped people to come up with a strategic plan as well as activities that the Academy will be doing and then how we can establish corporate members to their academy,” he said.
Kadzamira further mentioned that the academy will align its research activities with the goals set in Malawi’s 2063 National Research Agenda, with a focus on addressing social, economic, and climate change-related issues.
“We are doing well, we are trying to solve our problems as a country, that’s why we have a national research agenda that was developed in alignment to Malawi 2063,” she said.
Kadzamira: We are doing well
Secretary General of the Academy of Sciences, Dr. Elizabeth Bandason, emphasized the importance of having a team of top scientists who can contribute significantly to addressing global technological advancements and formulating effective policies within the country.
Bandason mentioned that the meeting aimed to strategize on recruitment efforts and approve the outlined activities for the Academy over the next five years.
“We want to bring all scientists with different expertise in different areas together so that we can do research that is evidence based and be able to inform policy that is evidence based for better development of our country,” said Bandason.
The Academy of Sciences, established in 2021, comprises leading scientists from various higher education institutions in Malawi.
The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has urged young people in Malawi to be agents of peace as the country is preparing for the general elections slated for September 2025.
Speaking during an orientation for the youths from different political parties on the newly amended electoral laws, NICE District Programmes Officer for Dedza and Lilongwe Rural, Daniel Malango, said youths must not be used in perpetrating any form of violence but rather be agents of peace during the electoral period.
“Play your rightful role in politics of promoting peace by supporting your fellow youths who are contesting in the forthcoming elections,” explained Malango.
Participants to the orientation workshop organized by NICE Public Trust
Malango further urged the youths to be sensitizing their fellow youths to register in their large numbers during the registration exercise which Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) will commence in September, 2024.
“People need to be sensitized that registration for next year’s elections will commence in September, 2024 but only people with a valid national identity card will be allowed to register, according to the amended electoral laws” noted Malango adding “your duty therefore is to inform the people who do not have the National Identity cards to firstly register with National Registration Bureau so that they then register with MEC.
In addition, Malango explained that the laws are very clear on punishments that will be meted out to the perpetrators of violence during the electoral period.
“If you will be involved in any form of violence during the electoral process, the law will not spare you because you belong to any political party,” warned Malango.
However MCFoster Banda of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) observed that the youths have a duty of peacefully campaigning for their political parties so that they win in the forthcoming elections.
“If we promote violence, we may discourage some voters from casting their votes,” noted Banda.
But Layelo Kalulu of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) bemoaned that political parties in the country were not being treated equally when it comes to political violence.
“Some parties are spared by the police whenever they contravene the laws and this makes us feel insecure in the areas where these parties feel they are dominant,” noted Kalulu.
The orientation session drew participants from UTM, DPP, MCP and UDF and was supported by the European Union under the Chilungamo Program.
Erstwhile Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) continues to be bruised by resignations of its executive members, with former Deputy Director of Legal Affairs, Oscar Asima Taulo, being the latest to leave the party.
Taulo has since joined the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) as he embarks on a journey to drum up support for President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.
His defection to MCP comes barely days after DPP lost another senior member, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, to UTM Party. He resigned from the DPP in January 2024 and immediately announced his withdrawal of interest to contest at the party’s forthcoming convention.
Taulo – who deputized Charles Mhango in DPP – was officially welcomed into MCP fold on the sidelines of a whistle-stop tour President Chakwera conducted on his way to Mzuzu on Tuesday.
Taulo, has joined MCP
Speaking in an interview after being welcomed into the MCP fold, Taulo said he had decided to join the party because he is impressed with the infrastructure development projects the party is initiating and implementing across the country.
According to him, MCP – under President Chakwera – has demonstrated seriousness in transforming the nation, citing the modern roads the government is constructing in all the regions of the country.
“I am very happy to associate with a party that is doing great things for the nation. My plea to Malawians is that we should support President Chakwera wholeheartedly so that he continues with his vision of changing the face of Malawi,” said Taulo.
Meanwhile, highly placed sources in the DPP have disclosed that more executive members are expected to dump the party, citing lack of intra-party and dictatorial tendencies by the party leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Chibuku Products Limited (CPL) – Malawi’s leading producer of opaque beer – has yet again given the Ngoni cultural event, Umtheto, a boost by donating MK2 million to support activities at the feast.
The company’s Mzuzu Brewery had earlier donated MK500, 000 before the Head Office added MK1.5 million on Wednesday.
The donation demonstrates the company’s commitment to support community and traditional events. Umtheto Cultural Festival brings together diverse cultures to celebrate heritage, art, and community spirit.
This year’s festival, set to take place in Mzimba Hora Mountain, promises to be an exciting lineup of performances, food, and local crafts, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions celebrated by various communities.
In an interview on Wednesday, CPL Managing Director Gerald Bowler reiterated his company’s commitment to quality and community involvement.
Bowler said his company sees the festival as an essential platform for promoting cultural diversity and unity.
Bowler (right) presenting a dummy Cheque to Hara
“Supporting the Umtheto Cultural Festival aligns perfectly with our core values,” he said, adding: “We believe in celebrating roots and honoring the cultural contributions that enrich community. This festival not only highlights heritage, but also brings people together as they cerebrate while enjoying traditional beer Chibuku.”
Bowler stated that in line with their mission to enhance community livelihoods, Chibuku Products Limited is also interested to support local agriculture by growing maize and purchasing it directly from community farmers.
He said this initiative aims to create sustainable income sources for local households, promote food security, and strengthen the bonds within the community.
Receiving the donation, a representing Mzimba Festival Organizers, Sangwani Hara, said with the substantial contribution from Chibuku Products Limited, they will now work to improve the overall experience for their guests.
“We are incredibly grateful to Chibuku Products for their support and belief in the power of cultural celebration. The partnership between Chibuku Products Limited and Umtheto highlights a growing trend among businesses to invest in local community initiatives. By aligning t brand with cultural events, Chibuku not only foster good public relations but also contribute to the social fabric of the community, strengthening relationships with potential customers,” said Hara.
Recently, CPL also provided monetary assistance towards the preparations of a cultural event in Nsanje and Chikwawa districts.
One of the country’s governance and human rights advocate, Undule Mwakasungula, has described as illegal demands by the National Union for Concerned Citizens to change the country’s regime before elections.
The union has announced that it will hold nationwide shutdown demonstration on July 31, 2024, to force the current government to resign.
But Mwakasungula has questioned the purpose and motive behind the demand, arguing demanding regime change outside an election is unconstitutional.
He stated that as much as the constitution gives Malawians a right to organize demonstrations, it is equally important to consider the intent and impact of such actions on our nation’s stability, unity, development and progress.
“This approach is against the very democratic principles that allow such grievances to be voiced. Malawi is a constitutional democracy, and any attempt to forcefully remove a sitting government outside the electoral process is not only illegal but also set back to our national unity, peace and our international standing. We must not forget that we will be heading to the polls next year.
Mwakasungula: The demands are illegal
“The upcoming elections provide a legitimate and constitutional avenue for Malawians to express their voices and choose their leaders. Therefore, our efforts should be concentrated on preparing for these elections, ensuring they are free, fair, and credible, rather than resorting to measures that could plunge the nation into chaos and uncertainty,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges Malawians are going through, Mwakasungula said it is important to recognize the efforts President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his government are making to address them.
“So much is being done. The current administration has undertaken various initiatives aimed at improving governance, economic stability, infrastructure development and the social welfare of Malawians. As a nation we must always be reminded that peace is a cornerstone of any national development. Therefore, demonstrations that lead to a nationwide shutdown could have severe repercussions on the economy, social services, and the general well-being of the citizens. The potential for violence and disruption could be high, and the consequences will be a set back to the progress we have made as a nation,” stated Mwakasungula.
He urged the National Union for Concerned Citizens and other interest groups to engage with the government through established platforms for dialogue, stressing that it is only through constructive engagement that Malawi can find meaningful solutions and address the grievances without resorting to actions that could destabilize the nation.
“While the right to demonstrate is protected, it is important that such actions are conducted in good faith and with the broader national interest in mind. The call for an unconstitutional change of regime is unacceptable and counterproductive. We must work together to address our challenges through dialogue, engagement, and commitment to our democratic processes,” he said.
It was all smiles at Mwanza Police Station when Reunion Insurance Company Limited donated MK1.5 million worth of reams of plain papers to ease challenges the station faces to process cases.
The company’s Marketing and Business development Manager for the Company, Miller John Joshua, said the donation was in response to the request from Mwanza District Commissioner (DC) made recently.
In the request, the DC appealed for an urgent need for stationery at Mwanza Police Station to assist in their operations.
Joshua said their positive response to the appeal was part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Joshua (left) handing over the donation to Maigwa
“We have an office at Mwanza border as such Mwanza Police Plays an important role to ensure safety of our office and customers that’s why we did not hesitate to assist,” said Joshua.
Speaking on behalf of the District Commissioner, Director of Agriculture, Feston Kwezani, expressed gratitude for the good gesture that the Reunion Insurance showed to Mwanza police station.
In his remarks, the Station officer of Mwanza Police Station Senior Superintendent Master Nkhoma who spoke on behalf of the Officer in charge of Mwanza Police Station, Kelvin Maigwa, expressed gratitude for the donation.
“I am even speechless for this donation, which has come so quickly as we thought. Thanks to Reunion Insurance Management,” said Maigwa.
Mwanza Police Station has five police units under its jurisdiction, namely Thambani, Kalanga, Kunenekude, Tulonkhondo and border police and, in total, saves a population of 152, 000.
Additionally, it is a border district and as such it registers a high rate of crimes, especially theft cases, according to statistics from the station.
When the State House in Malawi announced that President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera would be visiting Mozambique in October 2020, his third international trip outside Malawi four months after his election in June 2020, very few Malawians saw the importance of the visit.
Prior to Chakwera’s election, Malawi and Mozambique did not enjoy healthy relationship owing to a number of reasons. The fragility of this relationship became worse during the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration when former president Bingu wa Mutharika wanted to cut corners in the implementation of the Nsanje Inland Port.
The historical election of Chakwera in the June 23, 2020, Fresh Presidential Election therefore set Malawi on a path to mending the strained relationship to ensure the people of the two Southern African countries are benefitting from each other’s natural resources.
During his first visit to Maputo, the Malawi leader emphasized to his Mozambican counterpart, President Filipe Nyusi, the significance of reviving and strengthening diplomatic ties between Lilongwe and Maputo.
The two presidents also discussed areas of mutual interest in the enhancement of bilateral relations between Malawi and the Mozambique.
During the solidarity visit, apart from holding bilateral talks with Mozambican president, Chakwera drummed up support for the development of the Malawi’s rail infrastructure.
Chakwera stated that his administration recognizes the potential to revolutionise the transportation sector through reduced costs, especially when moving cargo.
“A better rail network will help us reduce transport costs, lower commodity prices, and increase profits for our producers,” said Chakwera.
Amid growing doubts about the country’s capacity to revive the rail transport, Chakwera declared that revamping Malawi’s railway network remains a top priority for his administration.
His determination has now started bearing fruits. The recent investments in the rail sector have created a buzz of excitement from many and sundry. The revival of the rail networks, which were neglected and brought to rot for the past 30 years, is highly commendable.
Using rail for transportation of bulk weight and dry cargo is a very positive initiative as it has proven, globally, to be the most cost effective and efficient way of doing so. The following are the potential economic impacts fuel haulage by rail:
1. Overall reduction by an estimated 40% on the cost of transportation of fuel. This may lead to reduction of fuel prices at the pumps.
2. Lessened pressure on our road infrastructure. As a result there will be increased savings on road repairs and maintenance since there will be less damage through the reduction of road haulage by trucks.
3. Increased security and stability of fuel supply into the country since trains are less prone to breakdowns.
4. Increased job creation in the rail sector since rail is a labour intensive system.
5. Increased economic activity along the rail networks through revival of train stations.
6. Increase job creation in allied industries such as product distributors including small scale transporters, processors, storage, wholesalers and retailers, brokers, insurance, security.
7. In short, rail systems are massively suited for job creation, industrialisation and economic growth. Most developed countries catapulted their economic growth by investing in rail networks first.
The National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) is one of the beneficiaries of the investment made in the rail sector, as the revamping of the rail transport has helped the company to diversify its import routes.
NOCMA Chief Executive Officer Clement Kanyama said by December 2023, company increased volume to 11.4 percent of fuel hauled through rail transport from 0 percent in 2020.
Kanyama said there are prospects that NOCMA will achieve 30 percent use of rail towards fuel imports soon.
“Towards this goal, the Malawi Government through Ministry of Energy is engaging Mozambique Government on a plan to leverage on. We are also exploring the use of lower priced pipeline infrastructure from Beira – Feruka- Msasa, which is currently not operational,” he said.
Kanyama said this aligns with the vision of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his administration to revamp the rail infrastructure in an effort to reduce the cost of transporting goods and services to and from outside Malawi.
Speaking after receiving 20 wagons of fuel, with each loading around 40, 000 litres, NOCMA’s Depot Manager Michael Malanga said from August 2023 to June 2024 alone, the depot has received 23 million litres of diesel via the train.
“As NOCMA, we are having a number of initiatives to implement Malawi 2063, and one of them is to diversify our means of transporting fuel into the country. So apart from getting fuel through the road, we are also getting fuel from Nacala through rail transport,” he said.
Meanwhile NOCMA has announced that the first train carrying 16 tank wagons loaded with diesel will be arriving at Kanengo NOCMA Fuel Depot on Tuesday morning.
This follows the reopening of the Nkaya – Lilongwe route after the Central East African Railways (CEAR) successfully rehabilitated the railway line.
Subsequent fuel trains will continue bringing fuel to Lilongwe from Nacala Port.
Currently, CEAR is rehabilitating the railway line between Lilongwe and Mchinji in order to open connectivity by railway to Nacala Port for Zambia.
National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has called upon civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in Dedza District to collaborate in sensitizing Malawians about the importance of participating in the registration exercise in readiness for next year’s general elections.
NICE District Programs Officer for Dedza, Daniel Malango, made the call on the sidelines of the elections for the leadership of Dedza CSO network on Thursday.
Malango, who also presided over the elections, observed that many people in the district are ignorant about the registration exercise for the general elections will commence in September 2024.
“People in the district need to know that registration exercise in readiness for the next year’s general elections will start in September, 2024 and for one to register he or she must provide a valid national identity card as a proof of being a citizen of Malawi,” explained Malango.
Malango facilitating the meeting
Malango explained that the requirement to produce the national identity card during the registration exercise is based on the newly amended electoral laws.
It is important therefore, according to Malango, to raise awareness on the forthcoming registration exercise and also the issue of registering for the national identity cards for those who do not have.
Malango therefore urged CSOs in the district to join hands in sensitizing the masses about the forthcoming exercise.
“CSOs are operating in various parts of the district and regardless of their thematic areas, they need to be informing the people they work with about issues relating to the forthcoming electoral processes” noted Malango.
During the elections for the CSO network, Osborn Nyirongo of Eagle Relief was elected chairperson after beating Heston Nalikole who was acting as chairperson of the network.
In his acceptance speech, Nyirongo urged the network members to be united and avoid working in isolation because most of them have a common agenda.
Over twenty five CSO participated in the elections of their new office bearers who will serve for two years.
Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Tuesday joined the eucharistic celebration mass Catholic bishops from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe and lay Catholic faithful held at the National Police Headquarters in Lilongwe.
The Holy Mass was a precursor to the Sub-Region Catholic Bishops Conference, which Malawi is hosting under the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).
President Chakwera goes through the Catholic Hymn Book. Pic by Patricia Kapulula, MANA.
The conference gives a chance to bishops of the three countries to discuss issues such as strengthening pastoral leadership, promoting unity and addressing contemporary challenges.
The conference will run from 16th to 19th July 2024 and will be held under the theme “Building Bridges: Strengthening Faith, Unity and Service”
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