Nthanda Times

Blessings Tambala

  • Super Maheu commits to promoting literacy, education programmes

    Super Maheu, a leading manufacturer of nonalcoholic, refreshing and health drink, has expressed commitment to promoting literacy and education through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    The company’s Marketing Manager, Henry Mbweza, made the remarks when he presented a cash prize of MK1 million and commemorative Super Maheu t-shirts to winners of the National Spelling Bee Finals Competition and the participating students.

    The company has been a long-time supporter of various educational programs and initiatives aimed at empowering young people to develop their skills and achieve their goals.

    The National Spelling Bee Finals Competition, one of the most prestigious and coveted titles in the world of spelling, brought together top spellers from across the country to compete for the top prize. The competition was held at Umodzi Park in Lilongwe.

    “We are thrilled to be a part of this esteemed competition,” said Mbweza, adding: “We believe that promoting literacy and education is essential for the growth and development of our society.

    Mbweza (holding a dummy cheque) posing for a photo with the students

    Our company is committed to supporting initiatives that encourage young minds to develop their skills and reach their full potential.” 

    He thanked Managing Director for the company, Gerald Bowler, for his unweaving support and approval for support the events.

    As part of its sponsorship, Super Maheu provided a refreshing selection of its popular Maheu flavors to all participants and attendees at the competition.

    The company’s portfolio includes a range of Super Maheu flavorful and healthy drinks that are perfect for quenching thirst and rehydrating after a long day of spelling.

    “We are grateful for the support of Super Maheu,” said Andrew Chikho, the Director of the National Spelling Bee. “Their generosity has enabled us to provide an exceptional experience for our participants and spectators alike. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them in future years.”

    Super Maheu is a leading manufacturer of refreshing and healthy drinks that are enjoyed by people all over the Country. The company is committed to promoting literacy and education through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

  • Community of Sant’ Egidio opens house for street-connected children in Lilongwe

    Community of Sant’ Egidio on Tuesday inaugurated a house for street-connected children in Lilongwe City and its environs with an appeal to organizations and people of goodwill to help in uplifting lives of the underprivileged in their communities.

    The movement’s international president, Marco Impagllazzo, led the inauguration, which took place in Kachilele Village in the area of Traditional Authority M’bwatalika where the house is located. The house has been named “House of Hope”.

    Community of Sant’ Egidio is a global lay Catholic movement working to improve the welfare of the underprivileged people, including the elderly, street children, orphans and prisoners.

    In a brief interview with journalists after the ceremony, Impagliazzo implored organizations and people of goodwill to contribute their resources towards creating a nation free of poverty, which he singled out as a major factor fueling the influx of street children across the globe.

    Community of Sant’ Egidio international president, Marco Impagliazzo, interacting with the children at the house–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu

    “Unlike in Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, in Malawi, you have peace, which is a prerequisite for the social and economic development of any society. You don’t have to take this peace for granted. You have to work to maintain this peace. Community of Sant’ Egidio is here to support you to maintain this peace,” he said.

    Impagliazzo said with the inauguration of the House of Hope, his organization is looking forward to assisting hundreds of street-connected children to get access to various social and educational amenities.

    “We already have three street children living in this house already. And we expect more to join us,” he narrated.

    Community of Sant’ Egidio responsible for street-connected children, Kondwani Phiri, described the opening of the house as a ‘dream becoming a reality’ for the local community.

    Spiritual Director of the Community of Sant’ Egidio Father Ricardo Mensuali (in black clerical shirt) blessing the house–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu

    Phiri said for a decade, the community has been serving the street-connected children with meals every Wednesday right on the streets.

    “But we felt that was not enough. There was no tangible result because once we give them food, off they go to their homes and return tomorrow. So we have been dreaming of opening a house where we could rehabilitate them,” he said, stating that the House of Hope will accommodate 15 children.

    Assistant Social Welfare Officer at the Lilongwe District Council, Allan Kessam, disclosed that the population of street-connected children continues to rise in Lilongwe City and other major trading centres surrounding the capital.

    Kessam said the opening of the House of Hope will therefore provide a rare opportunity to those willing to go to school to access and enjoy their right to education.

  • Catholic Church intensifies fight against TB, leprosy in Malawi

    A Catholic priest serving at St. Joseph Chiphwanya Parish in Dedza Diocese, Father Gerald Malota, has disclosed that the church has intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy among communities in which they discharge their duties across Malawi.

    Malota made the remarks in Salima on Thursday during the biannual tour, which the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme (NTLEP) organized with financial support from the Global Fund.

    Nindi making a presentation before journalists and faith leaders
    Nindi making a presentation before journalists and faith leaders–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu/NthandaTimes

    He said the church has a critical role to play in demystifying traditional and spiritual beliefs, including superstitions and witchcraft, which are associated with TB and leprosy among most Malawians.

    “As a church, we believe that the human life has to be viewed and taken from a holistic point of view. So we don’t just concentrate on saving souls, but also we know that there is a body attached. So the human being is both body and soul. So we know that as we live our life here on earth, a human being will always have some difficulties and some of the difficulties or diseases that have been there, from even the biblical times of Jesus Christ,” said Malota.

    The cleric said the church has therefore intensified awareness campaign in order to bring enlightenment among the faithful about the diseases.

    Malota added that through its health facilities, the Catholic Church in Malawi teaches patients and guardians on how they can prevent the spread of the diseases.

    “We also encourage people through our homilies and talks that we have in the church. But this does not only just concentrate or focus on the Christians themselves, but also it is a responsibility that we take as priests, as religious leaders. We encourage each other to go for medical checkups so that we should know our status as far as tuberculosis and leprosy are concerned. So these are some of the strides that we have made,” he said.

    In her remarks, NTLEP Community Mobilization and Engagement Officer, Beatrice Nindi, said the objective of the biannual tour was to allow media practitioners to gather TB and leprosy materials to contribute towards community mobilization and sensitization on the fight against the two diseases.

    Participants to the tour were drawn from various media institutions across the country.

  • Finance Minister says debt restructuring negotiations start bearing fruits

    Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda has disclosed that negotiations with debtors over debt restructuring have started bearing fruits as Malawi has signed a supplemental debt pact with China.

    Chithyola Banda said this is a demonstration of confidence debtors and developed countries have in President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his administration.

    Chithyola Banda signing the agreement on behalf of the Government of Malawi
    Chithyola Banda signing the agreement on behalf of the Government of Malawi

    He made the sentiments in an interview with the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) on Thursday.

    The minister stated, among others, that the agreement with China spells out softer conditions such as the extension of the repayment period and revised interest rates for over MK390 billion, which Malawi owes the Asian country.

    Banda elaborated that this is a cushioning measure to Malawi’s unsustainable debt levels, while assuring Malawians of an economic breather.

    Reacting to the development, an economic expert, Christopher Mbukwa, congratulated President Chakwera and his administration for gaining bilateral and multilateral partner confidence.

    But Mbukwa emphasized the need for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to continue engaging other debtors on debt restructuring and indeed debt cancellation.

    Meanwhile, Chithyola Banda has disclosed that similar discussions are also underway with Exim bank of India, Afrexim Bank and OPEC, among others.

  • Undule against July 10 demos, calls for contact & dialogue

    Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has disapproved plans by the Concerned Citizens of Malawi to hold nationwide demonstrations on July 10, 2024, arguing the call for a protest is misplaced and not in the national interest.

    Mwakasungula told the Concerned Citizens of Malawi, led by Edward Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, that at a time when the nation is still grappling to come to terms with the loss of former Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima, and eight others, it was not appropriate to call for such a demonstration.

    Mwakasungula: Don't forget that we're a nation in mourning, let us give contact and dialogue a chance
    Mwakasungula: Don’t forget that we’re a nation in mourning, let us give contact and dialogue a chance

    He said he expected that the period of mourning should have been a time for national healing, unity, and respect for the lives lost.

    “Therefore, organizing demonstrations at this sensitive time is not only in poor taste but also deeply disrespectful to the memory of Dr. Chilima and the other victims. Our national values always emphasize on mourning with dignity, and it is therefore un-Malawian to disrupt this period with actions that could lead to further pain, distress and division.

    “The proposed demonstrations further disregard the solemnity of the national tragedy we are enduring. It is important to honor the contributions and legacies of those we have lost by allowing the nation to mourn without the added burden of chaos. Demonstrations at this time signal a lack of empathy and respect for the deceased and their families, undermining the unity and solidarity that we must adhere in this period of grief,” said Mwakasungula.

    He further reminds that as Malawians were known for resilience, patience, and peaceful disposition, the call for demonstrations amidst mourning would therefore contradict these values.

    “It is Malawian to maintain our national character by avoiding actions that could lead to chaos and conflict. Demonstrations, especially during a mourning period, do not reflect the spirit of Malawi, which is one of peace, respect, and unity. As we approach the 2025 general elections, it must be our priority to maintain stability and peace.

    “A national shutdown call could create unnecessary chaos and disrupt the preparations for a free, fair, and credible electoral process. It is counterproductive to undermine the democratic process with actions that could potentially destabilize the country.  Peace-loving Malawians should focus on constructive engagement and dialogue to address their concerns,” he emphasized.

    While acknowledging that the socio-economic challenges facing the country are not unique, as they are part of a broader global context, inducing devaluation, high cost of living, and governance concerns, it is important that civil society organizations exercise patience.

    The human rights and governance advocate said it would be dangerous for the activists to isolate Malawi’s challenges without considering the global context.

    He also called upon the Peace and Unity Commission in consultation with Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to organize an all-inclusive national conference to help facilitate an open and genuine dialogue among all stakeholders.

    Mwakasungula said through this conference, Malawians could collectively debate the challenges facing our nation and develop peaceful and lasting solutions.  Constructive engagement and collaboration are the keys to resolving our challenges.

    “Though demonstrations are a constitutional right, the most effective way address grievances is through genuine engagement and dialogue. It is key to utilize existing democratic structures and processes to voice concerns and seek redress.  Our government and relevant authorities must also continue to be willing to listen and respond to the legitimate demands of Malawians. While we must acknowledge the rights of citizens to protest, we must urge the people to consider the broader implications of such actions during this sensitive period”. 

  • Malawi to host ACWECA Plenary Assembly & Golden Jubilee Celebrations in Aug

    The Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) disclosed that its the forthcoming Plenary Assembly and Golden Jubilee Celebrations will be held in Malawi.

    The two-tier celebration will take place from August 18-24, 2024, in Lilongwe under the theme: “Transformative holistic formation for authentic living towards a deeper evangelization in the ACWECA region and beyond (John 14:16).”

    Sr Sakayombo (left) addressing journalists in Lilongwe on Tuesday
    Sr Sakayombo (left) addressing journalists in Lilongwe on Tuesday

    ACWECA president Sister Rosalia Sakayombo, from Zambia, told journalists in Lilongwe on Tuesday that the opening mass to usher in the celebrations will be held on Monday, 19th August 2024, at the Civil Stadium from 9.00 am and will be concelebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gianluca Perici and the Archbishop of Lilongwe, His Grace George Tambala, as well as other invited Bishops and clergy from AMECEA Region and beyond.

    “This year Plenary Assembly of ACWECA is special because it marks the 50th anniversary since the foundation of the Association. Therefore, we will have a two-tier celebration in August the Plenary Assembly, and the Golden jubilee. All this will be happening here, in Malawi. Thus, the celebrations are being organized by both the secretariat of ACWECA and that of the Catholic Sisters in Malawi, namely The Association of Women Religious Institutes of Malawi (AWRIM) whose chairperson is present here named St. Janepher Selmani of the Sisters of Our Lady of Amersfoort,” said Sakayombo.

    A plenary assembly is a high-level meeting that is held every three years. And as Sakayombo explained, the assembly brings together leaders of congregations in the ten countries to learn from and listen to each other, to discus and reflect on issues affecting religious life and the society in the region.

    “This year ACWECA marks its 19h Plenary Assembly. This Assembly also invites partners and collaborators from around the world, who support the work and the ministry of the Catholic Sisters in the 10 countries of ACWECA Membership. As an association, we believe that none of us can face the challenges of this world alone, therefore, our numbers and our togetherness gives us the power to have greater inmpact and transform the world through our missionary work and different apostolates,” she explained.

    The celebration’s budget chairperson, Sr. Marie Claire Kapachika, said they will need not less than US$300, 000 [approximately MK600 million] to have successful event.

    Kapachika therefore called upon Christians, organizations and people of goodwill to donate their financial and material resources towards the preparation of the celebration.

    Among others, the sisters have produced a celebration cloth, which is going at US$4 [MK6,000], as part of the resource mobilization initiative.

    ACWECA Sisters were known as AMECEA Sisters at foundation, since the membership of ACWECA is drawn from the countries that make up the AMECEA region. Thus we thank God for Malawi as it is here that also AMECEA Bishops inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Year of Small Christian Communities.

    ACWECA is a regional body comprising of National Associations of Consecrated Women or Catholic Sisters from ten (10) English speaking countries of Eastern and Central Africa.

    These countries are: Eritres, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sadan, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe as an associate member. ACWECA is made up of more than 300 Congregations and more than 30,000 sisters.

    ACWECA was founded in 1974 and its Vision is to empower Consecrated Women to become deeper Evangeliners.

    Catholic Sisters work with some of the most marginalized sections of people in our society Sisters are involved in all pastoral activities that pertain to the Catholic Church. They catechise the young and old, they are found in education, in health and in social ministry, among others.

    Their mission is to help the Conferences of Sisters in the respective countries to be able to promote the spirit of collaboration and sharing of spiritual, human and economic resources, among member conferences, to enhance religious formation and strengthen leadership capacity of the Sisters for deeper evangelization in the region.

  • Nurses, physicians applaud govt, for increasing top-up & professional allowances

    Nurses and physician assistants have commended President Lazarus Chakwera for listening to their plea to improve their welfare by increasing top-up and professional allowances.

    The commendation follows the announcement that government through the Ministry of Health has approved the adjustment of top-up and professional allowances for healthcare workers.

    In this file photo, healthcare workers were holding a peaceful march to push for the adjustment of their allowances

    In a communique to the Secretary for Health, the Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development, dated June 24, 2024, said the adjustments are effective July 1, 2024.

    The Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development further states that the terms and conditions for the eligibility of the top up allowances remain as communicated to the Secretary for Health in his letter dated July 4, 2017.

    “New rates show that those between Grade C and D will be getting the highest top up allowance of K526, 500 per month with workers on the lowest grade, M receiving K50, 000. For professional allowances, those between grades D and I will get the highest pay of K11, 500 with the lowest on grade L receiving K4, 000per month,” says the circular.

    The National Organization of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi (NONM) president Shouts Simeza was not immediately available for a comment, but reacting to the development, healthcare workers at the Kamuzu Central Hospital and CHAM hospitals commended the government for addressing their concerns.

    “We particularly thank President Chakwera and his government for implementing the adjustments,” said some of the nurses and midwives working at the KCH.

    A nurse-midwife working St. Chavara Health Centre in Lilongwe, Linda Mlandu, said the adjustments will motivate them to provide even improved services to their clients.

  • Zimbabwean Prophet Magaya set to hold 2-day conference in Malawi

    A popular Zimbabwean prophet, Dr. Walter Magaya, will hold a 2-day conference at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Good News Ministries (GNM) has announced.

    GNM founder and overseer, Prophet Patson Gondwe, made the announcement at a media briefing held in Lilongwe on Wednesday morning.

    Prophet Patson Gondwe (centre with microphone) addressing journalists in Lilongwe on Wednesday–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu

    Gondwe disclosed that the conference shall take place from 6-7 July 2024, adding that participants will be required to contribute a minimum of US$50 [MK100, 000] fee to attend.

    “He [Magaya] will be focusing on leadership teachings, mentoring leaders into becoming the best at their leadership ability. He will also be mentoring us spiritually. So for men of God, they will be taught on how to run a successful ministry. What kind of mistakes to avoid what to focus on in order to manifest the grace of the Lord in our lives,” he said.

    Prophet Gondwe further stated that Prophet Magaya, whom Gondwe describes as his spiritual father, will mentor participants in areas of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, healing and deliverance.

    In the business sector, Magaya is expected to impart knowledge and skills that can help local businesspeople to succeed in their various businesses.

    “So because it is a conference, it is strictly upon registration because we need to know which delegates are coming so that we can prepare even the resource packages that are available. So people are supposed to send us a WhatsApp message, or give us a call on 0999810981 so that we can tell them more details regarding what they need to do to prepare for the big conference,” explained Gondwe.

    He added, “Some people are giving more than the minimum fee, but it is a minimum of $50, which in our currency is like MK100, 000 for all the two days. And that does not include the one on one meeting with Prophet Magaya because that is part and parcel of the package.

    However, Prophet Gondwe encouraged those with less money to still call the number and be guided on how they can participate in the conference.

    “We encourage them to give us a call and send us a WhatsApp message. We will ask them what they believe they can manage and then we are going to guide them on how they should not miss this conference. Our wish is to make sure that everyone takes part in this powerful conference. But as you know, wisdom is the principal thing. The Bible says although it is expensive, we need to gain understanding. So this is a conference where we are going to be giving out books we’re going to be given out resource packages which are constituting this minimum amount, but the door is not closed for people can actually reach out to us on how we can get them to be part and parcel of this powerful moment,” emphasized Gondwe.

  • Zikhale Ng’oma forgives socialite Chidwala over defamatory rumours

    In a rare demonstration of fatherliness and parenthood, the Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, has forgiven socialite Alinafe Ziggy Chidwala who has been spreading false, destructive, and defamatory rumors about the minister.

    In her allegations, Chidwala claimed that Ng’oma was encroaching a land where she is sharing a boundary with him and that he has already started building a fence on the same land while the case is still in court.

    Taulo: My client has forgiven her
    Taulo: My client has forgiven her

    However, it turned out that the minister does not own any piece of land in the area she was mentioning.

    This prompted Ng’oma to instruct his lawyer, Oscar Taulo, to demand that she must cease and desist from posting defamatory statements about his client or risk paying MK200 million damages for defaming the minister.

    In his demand letter, Taulo warned Chidwala that under section 200 of Penal code Cap 7:01 of Laws of Malawi, it is against the law to write and post defamatory statements about someone.

    “Accordingly, we demand that you (a) immediately cease and desist your unlawful defamation of our Client and further we demand you to make a public apology of your defamatory statement against our Client within 24 hours in all social media platform that you have been using to damage our Client’s character and reputation. Kindly be advised that we are under legal instructions to seek available legal remedies including seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages of sum of MK 200 million if you fail to comply with our demand within 24 hours,” concludes Taulo.

    Alinafe Ziggy Chidwala's apology to Minister of Homeland Security Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng'oma
    Alinafe Ziggy Chidwala’s apology to Minister of Homeland Security Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng’oma

    Writing on her Facebook page a few hours after the publication of the story on our website, Chidwala offered her unreserved apology to Ng’oma, emphasizing that she did not have ill-feelings against him.

    “Ndikupepesa kwa Zikhale Ng’oma pa clip yomwe ndatumiza. Ndinalibe malingaliro woyipa ena aliwonse potumiza clipa,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

    Taulo said the minister has received the apology and forgiven the socialite.

    “I can confirm that she has retracted whatever defamatory statement she made about the minster and duly apologized. As a father and parent, Honourable Ng’oma has found it necessary to forgive her and forget about this issue,” said the lawyer.

  • Malawians, India commemorate International Day of Yoga

    Malawians and foreign dignitaries on Sunday joined the Indian Community in Malawi in commemorating this year’s International Day of Yoga.

    The United Nations (UN) proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 68/131. However, the Malawian Community shifted the commemoration to June 23 to honour the soul of the former Vice President, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, who died in a plane crash alongside eight others on June 10, 2024.

    The Indian High Commissioner of Malawi, S. Gopalakrishnan, granting an interview to journalists in Lilongwe

    Speaking to journalists at the commemoration, which took place at the Indian Country Club in Lilongwe, the Indian High Commissioner to Malawi, S. Gopalakrishnan, while describing yoga as the union of the body, mind and soul, said the sport has a lot of benefits for individuals as well as societies.

    “For individual. It brings a unique mind body and soul for the society. It brings a harmony between the human and the nature yoga though it is originated from India, it belongs to the Indian humanity. It is open to everybody as you see here today, there are schoolchildren who are practicing yoga, you see people over the age of more than 70, 80 years. So, it’s for everybody. It’s not for a particular nationality. It is for everybody talking about the mind Malawi has recently seen a very sharp rise,” said Gopalakrishnan.

    In her remarks, the Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Malawi, Dr. Nancy Saungweme, said the sport is an important instrument in strengthening bilateral relationships.

    “Actually, last year was I supposed to come and test, but I failed due to other problems. Yoga is the best solution because it is a healing for your body and just coming together as a community makes it very good,” said Saungweme.

    The Indian Country Club secretary, G. Kalyana Sundaram, said the International Yoga initiated by the Government of India and spread the message to the entire world about its goodness and goodness for help.

    Sundaram said the Indian Community in Malawi use the sport to interact with local communities as well as other local partners as much as working together to make their lives better. “For example, this International Yoga is in mental harmony. So, observing these Festiva observing this internationally regarded, we bring them all together in one day so that we show our guests that we all work in harmony the good health and good one visible existence of humanity is set by the government of India every year as a message to the worldwide through our yoga position,” he said.