National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE), a public trust entrusted with the responsibility of providing civic education activities in Malawi, has expressed disappointment with the existing tendencies among people to discriminate others based on their race, colour and ethnicity.
NICE Acting Executive Director Gray Kalindekafe observed despite countries taking steps to eliminate the vice, racial discrimination remains a global challenge undermining social cohesion, human rights, and sustainable development.
Kalindekafe made the remarks in a public statement he released on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which falls on March 20 every year.
The NICE acting Chief Executive Officer state that racial discrimination perpetuates inequality, exclusion and violence.
Kalindekafe: the vice remains a great challenge
“NICE stands united with other global bodies in its commitment to eradicate racial discrimination. On this auspicious occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, NICE reaffirms its dedication to promoting equality, understanding and unity among all Malawians,” said Kalindekafe.
He commended the Government of Malawi for enacting laws that safeguard against racial discrimination. However, he stressed the need for the government to ensure their implementation and enforcement to achieve the goal of eliminating racial discrimination.
“As we commemorate this day, NICE calls for robust measures to address hate crimes, xenophobia and bias. NICE supports international efforts to combat racism, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Decade for People of African Descent.
“On this solemn day, let us recommit ourselves to a Malawi free from discrimination — a nation where justice, compassion and unity prevail,” he added.
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has highlighted football as a uniting factor among people of different backgrounds, stressing that the sport helps in sharing joys and sorrows of shared humanity.
Chakwera made the sentiments at the presidential dinner in honour of the football teams in the four nations tournament. The dinner took place at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Thursday evening.
The four teams include Kenya’s Harambee Stars, Zambia’s Chipolopolo, Zimbabwe and Malawi, as the host of the contest.
President Chakwera said people’s shared love of football is more than the enjoyment of sports and the winning of trophies, saying the sport plays a key role in connecting people beyond nationalities.
“Football breaks down barriers by showing us that the good things we desire and long for as people are the same that other people long for. Football unites people of different backgrounds to share in the joys and sorrows of our shared humanity. Football teaches us anatomy, strategy, symmetry, artistry, chivalry, camaraderie, integrity, humility, and generosity.
President Chakwera with FAM President Fleetwood Haiya
“Football provides a powerful metaphor and model for all of life, for we all know that to live in this world victoriously involves mastering the multiple skills of knowing the rules of life, tackling opposition to defend your values without being disqualified, playing with less players than others when you suffer fouls, taking the penalties of life with composure, avoiding the offside traps and own goals that can punish us when we lose concentration, healing our injuries and wounds to stay in the game long term, and being a team player. Football is also an excellent training ground for giving everything we’ve got to achieve our dreams and learning to rise from death and defeat when our dreams come crashing down, because we must not forget the words of Coach Thobejane, who famously said that football can kill you a real death,” he said.
At this point, President Chakwera emphasized the need for countries to make huge investments in the sport, stating that what a nation invests in its sports is a reflection of how much value that nation places on its health, its unity, its sense of identity, its youth, and its place in the global village.
He said his administration is determined to take all the sports disciplines in which the country has a competitive advantage to the next level, with football being one of them.
He said this is why sports development is part of Malawi’s human capital development strategy at the heart of the Malawi 2063 vision.
“This determination is the reason why the development of sporting facilities such as the Griffin Saenda Complex, the National Aquatic Centre, the various stadia we are currently constructing in multiple districts across all three regions of Malawi are projects we are pursuing with focus. This determination is also the reason why we are eager to host international sporting competitions like this Four Nations Tournament to strengthen our ties with other nations that we want to do business with for the growth of our economy. And we will stay on this path for as long as it takes until that day in the future when we will have the capacity to not just host a 4nations cup like this one, but a 24-nations cup like the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Chakwera.
A consortium of civil society organizations (CSOs) implementing Breaking the Barriers Project has made an impassioned appeal to journalists to help in shaping the narrative on abortion in Malawi.
Breaking the Barriers Project is being implemented with financial support from Amplify Change – a United Kingdom (UK)-based fund that aims to empower young people, men and women to realise their sexual and reproductive rights.
In Malawi, the project is being implemented by the Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC), Malawi SRHR Alliance, Centre for Solutions Journalism (CSJ), Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) and Coalition for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion (COPUA).
Speaking at the opening of a day-long training workshop for members of Bwaila Media Club in Lilongwe on Wednesday, CHRR Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa bemoaned reluctance by the Government of Malawi to table Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Bill in parliament.
Kaiyatsa observed that despite the law restricting and criminalizing abortion, many women still access abortion services clandestinely.
Kaiyatsa: We want journalists to help us in moving the government and MPs to debate and enact TOP Bill into law–Photo by Watiapso Mzungu
“The Government of Malawi should therefore consider decriminalizing abortion and allow women access abortion services openly,” he said, adding that his organization is currently pursuing a case in which a little girl was impregnated after being defiled, but was denied access to safe abortion thereby endangering her life.
“This is a small girl who is still young and not ready to give birth. If you were a parent of that girl, what would you do? Wouldn’t you consider terminating the pregnancy, knowing that the pregnancy endangers her life? The parents and the girl are suing the government for denying her the right to safe abortion. There is no clarity on what preserving the life of a mother means,” he said.
The CHRR director further argued that the law is not clear on what ‘preserving the life of a mother’ means.
Kaiyatsa said not even a single legal luminary has ever defined what it means when the law says when the life of a mother is in danger.
He stated that it is the opinion of the CSOs that every woman is in danger and eligible for termination of pregnancy.
“We are advocating that the government should provide clarity on what preserving the mother’s life means. It’s unfortunate that there’s no political will among members of Parliament to debate the Termination of Pregnancy Bill in the august House. Yet it is an important bill because its aim is to preserve the mother’s life,” he narrated.
He vowed that the CSOs will continue pushing to ensure that the TOP Bill sees the light of the day, stressing that only then will Malawi comply with the international instruments it has signed, including the Maputo Protocol, which obliges countries to provide safe services to women whose pregnancies pose a risk to their health.
“Gender Equality Act also says women have the right to choose when to have children. They also have the right to choose to terminate pregnancy. We therefore think that the media has a very critical role to play, especially in shaping the narrative on safe abortion. We need you to shape perceptions on abortion. We are losing a lot of lives. Help us to move the government; help us to move the parliament,” emphasized Kaiyatsa.
Josephine Phumisa – a freelance journalist – assured the CSOs of the journalists’ commitment to partnering with the activists in disseminating correct information on safe abortion with an aim of changing people’s mindset.
“I believe we will achieve the goal,” said Phumisa.
Veteran journalist and media trainer Winston Mwale has described President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s comprehensive tour and inspection of development projects taking place in the north as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to developing the region.
For two solid weeks, President Chakwera operated from the Northern City of Mzuzu where he carried out a number of engagements with both public and private sector players.
While in the region, the President visited and donated relief items to families that were affected by floods in Karonga. The floods left around 4, 000 people in dire straits.
“After visiting one of the shelter camps were relocated communities have found temporary solace, I learnt first-hand the magnitude of the problem and what we need to continue doing as our immediate response and resilience-building plan,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Chakwera assured the survivors that his government would continue supporting them until they rebuild themselves.
From there, the President inspected Karonga Town Water Supply Project, Nthola-Ilola Irrigation Scheme, Marko Ifumbo Irrigation Scheme, Chitipa Stadium project, and the 110 staff houses at Meru Garrison.
He also inspected development projects underway in Rumphi and Mzimba districts.
In his analysis posted on AfricaBrief, Mwale – who happens to be the founder of AfricaBrief online publication – seems to commend the President for visiting the region.
“Chakwera’s comprehensive tour allowed him to review major development initiatives underway across northern Malawi, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing key sectors through strategic partnerships and a holistic approach to nation-building,” he said.
Mthunzi Funeral Services Company, a subsidiary of Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited, has stepped up efforts to ease the burden Malawians living in South Africa face during bereavement.
The company’s General Manager, Onismas Karadzai, led Mthunzi’s delegation at the Malawi Consulate General where among others met with representatives of the Malawi communities in South Africa.
According to Karadzai, Mthunzi Funeral Services Company is coming in to address the challenges that Malawians in diaspora, normally face when repatriating their loved ones’ remains.
“We have initiated discussions with the Malawi Consulate General and representatives of Malawian communities in South Africa. We are introducing Mthunzi Funeral Services’ operations and explore collaborative initiatives with the Consulate and potential partners. Additionally, we are also marketing Mthunzi’s services to South African-based Malawians and gain insights into their funeral needs,” he said.
Officials from Mthunzi Funeral Services Company and Malawi Consul General’s office pose for photo after the engagement
Karadzai said Mthunzi Funeral Services Company, is commitment to offering comprehensive services, including repatriation and other funeral expenses, to Malawians in South Africa, regardless of whether they are on insurance coverage or a cash basis.
In his remarks, Consul General for Malawi in South Africa Max Biwi, commended Mthunzi Funeral Services for the initiative, noting the significant number of Malawian deaths in South Africa of about 80 each month and the consulate’s role in repatriating bodies.
“We are pledging our support on raising awareness of Mthunzi’s services to all Malawians living in South Africa” he said.
In closing, Malawi’s High Commissioner in South Africa, Stella Ndau, praised Old Mutual for their planned assistance, affirming readiness to collaborate with any corporate entity supporting government’s sustainable and economic goals.
Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has condemned what it has described as the reprehensible act of vandalism at Kamwanya Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Mchinji.
During the vandalism, the students torched 7, 200 textbooks and while information and communication technologies (ICT) laboratories were maliciously damaged.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, and signed by CSEC Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe and the coalition’s board chairperson, Dr. Limbani Nsapato, observed that the deplorable incident follows a disturbing trend of school vandalism across the nation, with nine secondary schools already falling victim to such senseless acts.
“The destruction at Kamwanya CDSS, including the deliberate destruction of educational resources and infrastructure, is an affront to the values of education and progress. Barely two weeks after the appalling incident at Mphomwa CDSS in Kasungu district, where teaching and learning materials were damaged, the library at Kamwanya CDSS, stocked with invaluable textbooks, was reduced to ashes. Additionally, the newly built ICT laboratories were disfigured, further exacerbating the loss,” reads part of the statement.
Kamwanya Community Day Secondary School (CDSS)
Kondowe and Nsapato bemoaned that such acts occur when efforts are being made to improve educational facilities and opportunities for students.
They said the closure of schools in Ntcheu district due to similar acts of vandalism underscores the severity of this issue and its detrimental impact on education.
But the two education activists have commended the swift action taken by the Ministry of Education and law enforcement agencies in apprehending those responsible for this vandalism.
“The incarceration of nine students involved in the Kamwanya incident sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and appropriate consequences will be enforced. As CSEC, we are resolute in our commitment to uphold discipline and safeguard educational institutions from acts of vandalism. We urge parents, guardians, religious leaders, community members, NGOs and all stakeholders to collaborate with government in addressing the root causes of indiscipline in schools. Together, we must strive to create a conducive learning environment where respect, responsibility, and integrity are upheld,” they said.
“The repeated occurrences of vandalism in schools demand urgent attention and concerted efforts to address the underlying issues. We strongly advocate for stringent measures to hold perpetrators accountable, including criminal prosecution, financial restitution for damages, and expulsion from public institutions. Additionally, we emphasize the crucial role of parents in fostering ethical behavior and the responsibility of students to report misconduct. Teachers must also promote mechanisms for peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue,” stressed Kondowe and Nsapato, assuring that CSEC stands resolute in its condemnation of the reprehensible vandalism at Kamwanya CDSS in Mchinji.
In a bid to contribute to mentoring university students with real industry knowledge, one of the country’s leading financial services providers, Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited on Friday 15 March hosted over 70 students from the University of Malawi pursuing various ICT-related programs.
Among others, apart from getting exposure to the modern ICT infrastructure, the students were also taken through Old Mutual business operations, products, and services.
Speaking in an interview, Old Mutual Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Patience Chatsika, applauded the students for sparing time to appreciate the industry demands and have a hands-on feel of what the modern ICT world demands.
“As a responsible business, we are always committed to helping in nurturing, providing exposure and experience to students and fresh graduates. You may wish to know, within our business, we have interns from various institutions of higher learning, and additionally, we have a long-standing relationship with the University of Malawi’s Actuarial Science Department where we are providing internship opportunities” she said.
Chatsika: We’re committed to nurturing, providing exposure and experience to students and fresh graduates
Speaking on behalf of the visiting students, Rejoice Banda, a fourth-year Computer Engineering student, expressed gratitude for the eye-opening experience saying the visit has provided invaluable experience and knowledge.
The visit was organized to provide students with practical insights into the ICT industry and financial sector. The students had an opportunity to enjoy a free financial education session, ICT related exposure and Old Mutual products and services.
The event concluded with an interactive session where students participated in a question-and-answer session, with branded items awarded to winners as tokens of appreciation.
Old Mutual went for a career talk to ICT Students at the University on 12 October 2023 where the Head of ICT Gerald Chungu led the team of Old Mutual Malawi ICT professionals in the interactions.
In the wake of devastating floods that have swept through Malawi districts, leaving communities submerged and families displaced, the voices of children like James* and Lucy highlight the profound impact of the disaster on the most vulnerable.
Nkhotakota and Karonga are hardest hit districts.
James, a 14-year-old boy from Nkhotakota, recalls the harrowing night when the floods invaded his home.
“On the night of February 27th, I awoke to find my bed damp. I suspected that my young brother had bed wetted. I shared the bed with him. Upon waking him, we discovered water had flooded our room,” he recounts.
A trail of destruction that the March 2024 left in Nkhotakota
For four consecutive days, torrential rain had battered Nkhotakota relentlessly, causing the Dwangwa River to swell beyond its capacity. Eventually, it succumbed to the pressure, bursting its banks and unleashing floods into surrounding communities, leaving a devastating path of destruction in its wake.
The devastation was swift and severe.
“Hurriedly, we alerted our parents and realized the extent of the devastation as we made our way to higher ground. Our home was swept away.
“My father was successful businessman. He operated a thriving grocery store in our village, but it too and all the money kept in the home was swept away. “Our family now faces an uncertain future, grappling with the shock and grief of our sudden loss. Rebuilding will be challenging,” he says.
For a 13-year-old Lucy, the flooding has left her with sadness and longing.
“The flooding took away everything from me. Life in the camp is really boring. I don’t have any friends here, and I don’t have any clothes. I want to go back home and go back to school. School is very exciting for me. I wish I could have a uniform, pens, and books so I can go back to school”, she says.
James recalled how the harrowing floods devastated their community
Emily Nthala, the Chairperson of the camp where James and Lucy have sought refuge, highlights the grim conditions experienced by displaced children and families.
“With a population exceeding 2,400, the majority being children, the camp is facing significant hygiene issues due to inadequate toilet facilities, prompting fears of a potential outbreak. Moreover, food scarcity is a pressing issue. We can barely provide two meals a day. Additionally, the prevalence of mosquitoes in the camp exposes children to the risk of malaria”, she says.
The toll of the floods extends beyond displaced families, as highlighted by the Director of Planning and Economic Development for Nkhotakota district Davies Kavalo.
“The impact has been heavily felt in transport and logistics,” he acknowledges, pointing to the challenges hindering aid delivery and exacerbating the plight of affected communities.
“The livelihoods of communities have been severely affected, with rice irrigation schemes and fish dams being washed away, rendering families destitute,” he adds.
Save the Children has joined the response to the crisis. Senior Area Operations and Humanitarian Manager Steve Kamtimaleka, outlines their efforts.
“Have supported the Interagency Assessment. Four of our staff were deployed to Nkhotakota to take,” he explains.
“We have developed our response plan, focusing largely on Protection and Education. We need $250,000 to effectively respond. So far, we have only raised $100,000,” Steve reveals, appealing to generous donors to bolster their support for the affected communities.
As Malawi grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the voices of James, Lucy, and countless other children serve as poignant reminders of the human toll of natural disasters on account of climate change.
Save the Children is also implementing projects aimed at enhancing community resilience to climate change across Malawi.
Old Mutual Malawi continues to highlight the significance of women in our society as the world continues to celebrate Women’s Month which falls in March every year.
he celebration reached its climax on 8 March, when the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer Edith Jiya joined International Womens day celebrations at Puma Energy. Later in the day she led staff engagement activity marking the commencement of the commemoration of International Women’s Day at Old Mutual Malawi Headoffice in Blantyre.
Jiya encouraged the ladies to believe in their potential and never let any stereotypes pull them down.
Among others, the event featured a panel discussion on women’s inclusion where it was highlighted that emotional discipline and prioritization are key for success.
In the engagement , Jiya recounted her experience of stepping out of her comfort zone and developing new hobbies including an interest in soccer to facilitate conversations with other male CEOs.
Some of the women who participated in the IWD celebrations organized by Old Mutual Malawi Limited
“As women we need to be bold and take risks in our pursuit of greatness. Let us not only pursue opportunities for which we are 99% qualified but also dare to go after those for which we are only 50% or less qualified,” she said.
One of the participants, Gudrun Malunga, Sales Manager for Retail Mass Market, expressed her excitement and gratitude, thanking Old Mutual Malawi and the Old Mutual Women Network (OWN) for the opportunity and mentorship programs provided to women within the organization.
She stated, “The fact that I am here as one of the panellists is evident enough that there is inclusion within the organization.”
Apart from reaching out to its female staff, the company, through its Financial Education Manager, Benard Chiluzi, delivered a personal finance management workshop to women at Airport Development Limited (ADL), addressing topics such as financial mindset change, financial goal setting in the modern world, and the basic principles of personal money management.
The sessions were delivered to equip participants with the necessary knowledge to attain financial comfort, freedom, and wealth.
ADL Chief Executive Officer Thokozani Unyolo commended Old Mutual for the free financial education session which she said was enlightening and empowering.
Amidst harsh economic and climatic conditions Malawi is currently going through, President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has expressed optimism that the country will attain her social and economic aspirations spelt out in the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) agenda.
Chakwera has since appealed to Malawians to collaborate in addressing the barriers hindering progress the country so much desires.
The Malawi leader made the sentiments at Chitipa Boma when he addressed thousands of Malawians who had gathered to see and cheer him as he returned from inspecting Marko – Ifumbo Irrigation Scheme.
“I hope you are all aware of Malawi Vision 2063 Agenda and that despite all the challenges that we are facing, we will all work together to achieve it,” he told the gathering.
Chakwera said his administration is also implementing a social cash transfer to empower people, especially the elderly, so that they are able to meet their daily needs.
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