Nthanda Times

Brenda Sanudi

  • President Chakwera earns praise from CHRR for pardoning Linda Kunje’s driver Tewesa

    Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has earned praise from the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) for pardoning Jones Tewesa driver to former Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Linda Kunje.

    Tewesa was jailed for blocking President Chakwera’s convoy following an instruction from Kunje.

    While Kunje was pardoned in December 2022, the driver remained behind bars, a development that prompted CHRR to plead with the President to forgive him as well in ensuring that justice is served for both convicts.

    As if listening to the call from CHRR, President Chakwera on Easter Monday pardoned 200 prisoners, including Tewesa, Mussa John and former Minister of Homeland Security Uladi Mussa.

    Jones Tewesa (Left) has been pardoned from his sentence

    Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Homeland Security, Oliver Kumbambe, in a statement issued on Monday evening, disclosed that the pardoned inmates had met the requirements of the guidelines for the Granting of Pardon to Convicted prisoners and have demonstrated good behavioral reform while serving their sentences.

    “The pardon of the 200 prisoners by His Excellency the State President in an act of mercy during the Easter Holiday,” concluded his statement Kumbambe.

    In his reaction to the news on Monday, CHRR Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa described the development as highly commendable, stressing that President Chakwera had demonstrated that he is committed to ensuring that there is equali justice for all irrespective of their social and economic standing in the society.

    “As you might be aware, CHRR wrote the President to pardon him, but we were worried when we saw that only Kunje was pardoned, leaving her driver behind. So, we are very excited with news that finally Tewesa has been pardoned. We commended the President for ensuring that justice is served on every person, including the less privileged,” he reacted.

  • MP Werani Chilenga, Msonda dismiss APM endorsement in the Northern

    Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s most influential member of Parliament in the Northern Region, Werani Chilenga, has joined other concerned party followers in denouncing the endorsement of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as DPP torchbearer in the 2025 presidential election.

    Chilenga – who represents the people of Chitipa South in the National Assembly – dismissed reports that the party in the Northern Region had endorsed Mutharika as their presidential candidate.

    He made the sentiments at a press briefing held on Thursday. The presser was chaired by the DPP National Governing Council senior member Ken Msonda.

    The media interface follows an announcement by DPP vice president for the Northern Region, Goodall Gondwe, and the reinstated Regional Governor Christopher Mzomera Ngwira that the region would rally behind the candidacy of APM in the next presidential poll.

    Gondwe and Ngwira claimed that the party members had been consulted and made the endorsement.

    But addressing journalists on Thursday, the party’s Director of Research, Ken Msonda, said whatever Gondwe and Ngwira was a lie, insisting that the party was not consulted.

    From left to right, MP Werani Chilenga, Ken Msonda, and others refuting reports of APM endorsement in the North

    Msonda was, however, quick to point out that Mutharika had the right to stand as it is his right to do so and compete with other candidates interested in the seat.

    “The party is democratic and opens doors for everyone to take part in the presidential elections. But it’s not true that party members in the Northern Region had endorsed APM for the presidential candidacy for the next elections,” he said.

    Commenting on the matter, Chilenga said he was disappointed with the way Gondwe and Ngwira were handling the issue, fearing some members of the party are taking matters into their own hands without consulting the board.

    “As a party, we need to uphold the principles of democracy and inclusivity,” he said.

    The endorsement of Mutharika for the 2025 elections has caused further divisions within the party, with some members refuting the endorsement and calling for unity and adherence to democratic principles.

    The situation is expected to evolve as the party navigates its internal dynamics leading up to the 2025 general elections.

  • Govt commences construction of Salima-Nkhotakota Road

    After being cheated for decades by previous administrations, communities living and motorists driving along the M5 (Salima-Nkhotakota Road) can breathe a sigh of relief following the commencement of the construction work on the road.

    The incumbent administration set aside MK37 billion for the implementation of the project where the Malawi Government, through the Roads Authority, has partnered with China Railway 20 (CR20).

    Roads Authority has indicated that the project will be completed on November 17, 2024.

    The Authority has since started raising awareness among stakeholders and communities.

    Roads Authority Senior Public Relations Officer, Portia Kajanga, told stakeholders on Wednesday that they wanted the community to be well aware of the project and, of course, calling for support and collaboration so that the development meets their needs and priorities.”

    Kajanga (in a reflector) addressing community members living along the M5 Road

    Salima Social Welfare Officer Edwin Kasiyafumbi emphasized the need for a professional and ethical relationship between the community and the road contractors.

    Kasiyafumbi urged the community to refrain from engaging in sexual relationships or marriages with the contractors during the construction phase.

    “These, among other issues, put lives at risk of contracting existing or new diseases,” he emphasized.

    Traditional Authority Khombedza commended the government for the commencement of the project, saying the road has high economic value to the nation.

    Khombedza said when completed, the road will attract and boost businesses, creating new job opportunities and driving economic growth in both districts.

    The project, which has been eagerly awaited by local residents and commuters, is expected to improve traffic flow and spur economic development in the area.

  • Colorectal cancer becoming another public health problem in Malawi

    Latest studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) have revealed that colorectal cancer (CRC) claimed 234 lives of productive Malawians 2020 alone effectively becoming another pandemic on the go to the country.

    This represents 0.24 percent of total deaths the country registered in 2020. CRC (also known as bowel cancer) is the third most common cancer worldwide and it is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women.

    In 2020, there were more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer.

    Ironically, as findings of the studies indicate, there are low efforts and progress in CRC standard and qualitative care evidence-based early diagnosis and treatment, primary prevention of modifiable risk factors and implementation of secondary prevention modality in Malawi.

    Some of the people who attended the CRC awareness in Lilongwe

    The development has worried Women’s Coalition Against Cancer (WOCACA) whose Executive Director Maud Mwakasungula challenged journalists to take a leading role in creating awareness on the disease.

    Mwakasungula made the sentiments in Lilongwe on Friday when Malawi joined the Global Colon Cancer Association, colorectal cancer survivors, caregivers, health advocates in Blue Hat Bow Tie for CRC awareness to communities around the world.

    Mwakasungula observed that there is lack of awareness on the disease and, as a result, many people are suffering.

    “Evidence shows that there is fast rising burden of colorectal cancer due to increased prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle just to name a few. It is important for people to seek medical attention for further investigations when presented with signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer as early detection saves lives. She also urged people who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer to adhere to treatment for better health outcomes,” she said.

  • Ken Msonda, DPP Southern Region party followers oppose fielding of APM in 2025

    A senior member of the National Governing Council (NGC) in the erstwhile governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Ken Chitatata Msonda, has joined other party followers in the Southern Region in condemning people who are ‘influencing’ Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika to represent the party at the 2025 presidential election.

    Msonda and the concerned DPP followers argue that APM is ‘too old and frail’ to steer to prosperity having failed to do so while he was still active.

    The sentiments come barely a few days after Mutharika himself made a public confession during Times Television Exclusive Interview with Brian Banda that he had no solutions to the social and economic challenges weighing down Malawians at the moment.

    Ken sonda

    He said this is why he chickened out of an engagement President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera had organized for former presidents to discuss how they could mobilize resources for assisting survivors of the Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

    Msonda – who is also the Executive Director of Independent Political and Good Governance Analysts Think Tank – said he does not support the decision by DPP senior officials in the Northern Region to impose APM as the torchbearer of the party in the next presidential poll.

    He said this defeats the essence of democracy in a party. Msonda feared that DPP would perform poorly in the next election if it fields APM who was rejected in 2020.

    And writing on his Facebook page, Mulanje South West aspiring member of Parliament, Prince Mattaka, criticized DPP senior leaders for ‘trying to influence APM to stand again in their effort to continue stealing government money’.

    “I understand you’re busy influencing the great guy so that you can continue finishing your lodges and hotels pogula cement opanda tax as before which will not be possible this time. I am a loyal member of DPP koma nsimasekerera zopusa olo mutandiikira ndalama patebulo this is about Malawians and youths, generation as well.

    “Let the good man rest and enjoy his retirement muziganizira ali bambo anu muzingowayendesa kuwatukwanisa kwa ana osakhwima pamchombo just for your foolish personal gains,” says Mattaka.

  • NTLEP asks faith leaders to help demystify myths on leprosy

    National Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy Elimination Programme (NTLEP) has called upon religious leaders in Malawi to take a leading role in demystifying myths and false teachings surrounding leprosy disease.

    NTLEP Leprosy Coordinator Mercy Mziya made the call in Salima on Monday during a two-day biannual media training NTLEP organized with funding from the World Bank.

    The programme hosted interfaith and media training to enhance awareness of leprosy and dispel the discrimination that people affected by the disease face.

    Mziya observed that leprosy is the only disease that has a biblical history where lepers were regarded as cursed by God.

    NTLEP officials, faith leaders and the clergy pose for a photo after the training–Photo by Ayamba Kandodo

    She feared such teachings could promote stigma and discrimination; hence, the need for faith leaders to clear such misconceptions.

    Reverend Father Joseph Billiat of the Roman Catholic Church acknowledged that the church has a crucial role to play in the restoration of the human rights of persons affected by leprosy, emphasizing that the church does not condone stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.

    Billiat observed that people with leprosy suffer not only from physical disease, but also from harmful social stigmas, which can lead to mental illness.

    “The church is a key instrument in complementing government’s efforts to end leprosy and TB by 2030 as it has a direct link to the people. As such, we wish to commit ourselves to use the pulpits to demystify myths surrounding the disease,” he said.

    In his presentation, NTLEP TB/HIV Programmes Officer Henry Kanyerere said the programme is expanding and extending leprosy services to every corner of the country to ensure they are easily accessible to those who may need them.

    Kanyerere observed that centralized care for leprosy patients is one of the challenges hindering access to care and treatment for patients, especially those living in hard-to-reach areas.

    Meanwhile, NTLEP has reported that the number of new leprosy cases doubled from 235 in 2021 to 612 in 2022.

  • Undule excited with Chakwera’s planned visit to drought-stricken farmers in Karonga

    Malawi’s celebrated Governance and Human Rights Advocate Undule Mwakasungula has expressed excitement with the announcement by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera that he would be visiting drought-stricken farmers in Karonga.

    In March this year, Mwakasungula appealed to President Chakwera to visit the farmers to appreciate the damage the dry spell has made to the crops in the district.

    He said it was pleasing to note that the President recognizes the plight of people in Karonga, which suffering a dry spell for months, which affected crops and who are now affected by floods.

    “His acknowledgement on the plight of the people of Karonga is a good gesture and gives hope to the people in Karonga that they have not completely be forgotten by government,” he reacted.

    The human rights activist further commended the presidential initiative called Tingwirane Manja, saying it will help support ‘our brothers and sisters affected by the disasters in the country’.

    Mwakasungula: The president recognizes plight for people in Karonga

    He said the initiative is an indication of national concern and leadership by President Chakwera in trying to help those affected.

    “It’s an initiative worthy to be commended putting political difference aside,” said Mwakasungula.

    Chakwera on Monday announced that he would be visiting farmers in Karonga, stressing that it is not just the Southern Region that has been affected despite it remaining the epicenter of the devastation.

    The President stated that there is also climate change devastation unfolding in Karonga.

    “And I myself will be going there next week to inspect the drought and flooding that has affected Malawians there as part of the response we are coordinating. No matter where the climate change events are taking place, the urgent need of the hour is for all of us to work together in bringing relief to all of those affected according to their immediate needs, while we continue preparing our national recovery and reconstruction plan for rollout in the near future,” said Chakwera.

  • UTM lawmaker Kalamula-Kanyasho builds office block at Nthembo School

    UTM Party member of Parliament for Nkhata Bay North Constituency Chrissie Kanyasho on Monday handed over an office block for teachers at Nthembo Primary School in Nkhata Baya.

    The school has been operating without an office for 25 years. Hence, Kalamula-Kanyasho used K6.5 million from Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to construct the office.

    The legislator said she was excited that the school has an office block.

    Kalamula: Kanyasho (in UTM Party regalia) handing over the keys to the head teacher

    She expressed hope that the office will improve education standards in the area as teachers will now do their work with ease.

    Head teacher for the school, Muleka Khonje, hailed the legislator for the development, saying it will help the teachers to have “thorough preparations for class lessons unlike before when it was always a challenge for them in the absence of an office”.

    Usisya Area Development Committee (ADC) chairperson Mary Kuwali has applauded the parliamentarian for initiating a number of developmental projects currently underway in her constituency using the CDF.

  • Malawi gearing towards breakthrough on TB elimination by 2030

    Malawi is on steady path towards achieving the 2030 World Health Organization (WHO) goal for countries to end tuberculosis (TB) as latest studies show that the country registered a significant increase in notification of tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2022.

    This gave healthcare workers a chance to treat diagnosed cases early thereby reducing chances of spreading to others.

    TB/HIV Programmes Officer at the National TB and Leprosy Elimination Programme (NTLEP), Henry Kanyerere, attributed the increase in TB notification to increased funding and concerted awareness by media and healthcare workers on the disease.

    Kanyerere observed that there has been a good collaboration between his organization and the media in disseminating messages about TB and leprosy in the country.

    Kanyerere: The decline is a result of increase in funding towards TB elimination programmes–Photo by Ayamba Kandodo

    “This increase is attributed to increased funding to procure more platform to support testing for additional diseases,” he said.

    Kanyerere made the sentiments in Salima on Monday when he opened a two-day training workshop for journalists and faith leaders.

    Kanyere also disclosed that TB notification among children increased by nine percent, which is a reflection of an overall increase in case finding.

    He, however, emphasized the need for the country to improve on pediatric TB case finding.

    One of the participants at the training, Pastor Simon Msiska of the Malawi Assemblies of God Church, expressed faith leaders’ commitment to spreading the TB and leprosy messages alongside the Holy Scripture in their respective worship temples.

    Msiska acknowledged the difficult task they have to demystify myths and misinformation about leprosy owing to its biblical history where people regarded lepers as cursed by God.

  • DPP bows down to youths’ demand to fire Chirambo, Chikukula

    Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has appointed Christopher Mtambo and Constance Mwanyongo to replace former directors of youth Kelvin Chirambo and his women counterpart Joyce Chikukula, respectively.

    Chirambo and Chikukula were unceremoniously fired over the weekend for alleged abuse of party finances and causing commotion at the party’s meeting in Mzuzu on Saturday.

    On the sidelines of the meeting, DPP youths in the Northern Region bayed for the blood of the duo. The highly incensed youths also demanded immediate firing of the duo, which the party has duly obeyed.

    In a statement DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba shared on Monday, the party says it has appointed Mtambo and Mwanyongo as replacements for Chirambo and Chikukula.

    Infighting has been the order of the day in the DPP since the party lost the 2020 fresh presidential election to the nine-team Tonse Alliance under President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.