Nthanda Times

Brenda Sanudi

  • CfSC urges Malawi Government to enforce farm-gate prices compliance

    Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) has challenged the Malawi Government to enforce compliance to farm-gate prices, warning smallholder farmers will not benefit anything from the set down prices if authorities at the Capital Hill do not monitor the situation on the ground.

    CfSC Executive Director Reverend Father Dr. James Ngahy observed that poultry feed manufacturers have already increased the prices of the feed while smallholder farmers are not getting a fair share.

    He said this is exacerbating poverty and inequality. Ngahy makes the sentiments in a statement the Centre released on Friday morning.

    “CfSC strongly believes that without government intervention in ensuring access to profitable markets like ADMARC, smallholder farmers and ordinary Malawians will not benefit from the recently released farm gate prices. This is an appropriate time for the government to act accordingly in order to ensure food security for our nation, ‘the Warm Heart of Africa’, putting in mind that the cyclones too maybe here to stay in the near future! “Prevention is better than cure,” warns Father Ngahy.

    CfSC has also recommended that the government must ensure that ADMARC depots are sufficiently funded and open the markets on time in order to buy crops from farmers.

    Father Ngahy said this would ensure that vulnerable farmers are protected from unscrupulous traders who exploit them by offering low prices.

    Father Ngahy addressing journalists at one of the recent press conferences in Lilongwe

    “The government must not only encourage farmers but also empower them in bargaining for fair and just prices for their commodities which enable them to generate profit. CfSC believes that the increase and control in (and of) prices for farm produce will increase the disposable income that will support farmers in improving their standard of living, and thus, escaping from the jaws of poverty. CfSC is convinced that the provision of profitable markets will reduce the burden on the national budget due to increased demand for universal subsidies for food or farm inputs,” says Father Ngahy in the statement.

    He also called for the capitalization of ADMARC, stressing that a random survey revealed that most of its depots do not buy crops due to the unavailability of funds.

    Ngahy said CfSC believes that a reformed ADMARC must be able to buy crops from farmers at a price that those farmers are able to make a profit, which will, in turn, enable farmers to buy maize from ADMARC at a reasonable price.

    “Centre for Social Concern, therefore, is recommending that ADMARC depots should have enough money available to buy maize from farmers. Further, Centre for the Social Concern recommends that our honourable Members of Parliament should support the effort of the government, under the management of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to uproot corruption that is prevailing in ADMARC markets. The buying of maize must be done in a transparent manner in order to avoid ADMARC staff from forming cartels with the traders in view of monopolizing ADMARC markets,” he said.

    During the launch of ADMARC’s New Vision, the former Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Lobin Lowe, said it is sad that massive corruption at ADMARC has stood in the way of its progress.

    Lowe stated that ADMARC has gone through a lot of syndicates and corruption that needs to be dealt with at all levels. I have all the information that for example, the syndicates involved some ADMARC employees engaging vendors to buy from farmers at poor prices and in return, the vendors used to sell the produce to ADMARC at higher prices.

  • DPP cadet Fryson Chodzi stops banks from bankrolling Lake Malawi Water Supply Project

    Disgruntled Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) cadet Fryson Chodzi has put spanners to the Lake Malawi Water Supply Project after securing a court injunction that stops the government from borrowing money for the project.

    The development will further delay the commencement of the project, which was initiated to address water problems in Lilongwe City.

    Nthanda Times has confirmed that High Court judge Justice Ken Manda has granted Forum for National Development (FND) an interlocutory injunction stopping the commercial banks from lending the Malawi Government money for the implementation of the project.

    Commercial banks – NBS Bank and National Bank of Malawi Plc – and Khato Civis (Private) Limited are the defendants in the case.

    Members of Parliament (MPs) recently passed a bill authorizing the government to borrow MK105 billion to enable it commence the long-awaited water project.

    The project is billed to address water shortage problems in Lilongwe City and communities along the Lilongwe-Salima Road.

    But it would appear the development has not pleased the human rights organization – FND – which has now obtained an interlocutory injunction stopping the government from securing the loan.

    “This is interlocutory injunction made against the defendant on the 4th day of May 2023 by the Honourable Justice K.T. Manda on the application of the claimant. The judge read the sworn statement of Fryson Chodzi…This order was made at a hearing without notice to the defendants,” reads the order in part.

    “Until a further order of the court, the first and second defendants [NBS Bank and National Bank of Malawi plc] by themselves, their agents or whosoever be restrained from lending the Malawi Government the sum of MWK105, 000. 000, 000.00 or any amount at all on the basis of NBS Bank plc and National Bank of Malawi plc (Lake Malawi Water Supply Project) Loan Authorization Bill/Act, 2023, until a further order of the court,” it adds.

    However, the order states that the defendants have a right to apply to the court to vary or discharge the order.

  • Chakwera assures journalists of his administration’s commitment to promoting freedom of expression

    Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has assured journalists that his administration remains firm in upholding the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi by, among others, respecting and promoting freedom of expression.

    Chakwera was speaking at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Wednesday when he treated journalists to a sumptuous breakfast to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day, which falls on May 3 every

    The President said he remains committed to ensuring that Malawians enjoy freedom of expression, which said is a prerequisite in a democratic society.

    “And so I want to assure you today, that so long as I am President, I will continue to fulfill the oath that I took to uphold the Constitution of this our Republic, in which are enshrined all the freedoms and rights we enjoy, and my administration will continue to promote and protect freedom of expression because this is the driver of your ability as a free press to promote and protect all our other freedoms and rights,” he said.

    Contestants of MISA Malawi chairperson position Golden Matonga and Wonder Msiska pose for a photo with President Chakwera

    President Chakwera saluted journalists for the role they are playing in promoting freedom of expression in Malawi.

    He said the media demonstrated zeal to create space for free speech and allowing citizens to actively participate in the social and economic discourses.

    “My own interpretation of this is that no matter what other human rights we enjoy, we cannot promote or protect them without using our right to express ourselves freely. So if you want to protect or promote someone’s right to life, say it publicly and loudly. If you want to protect or promote someone’s right to movement, say it publicly and loudly. If you want to protect or promote someone’s right to associate with a group or religion of their choice, say it publicly and loudly,” he said.

    Added Chakwera, “If you want to protect or promote someone’s right to speak, say it publicly and loudly. If you want to protect or promote someone’s right to a fair trial, say it publicly and loudly. In other words, freedom of expression and freedom of the press is not just a right. It is a sacred responsibility we must take seriously because the promotion and protection of all other rights depends on it.”

    MISA chairperson Teresa Ndanga speaking on behalf of journalists at the presidential breakfast

    But the Malawi leader was quick to caution journalists against engaging in corruption practices, fearing this could derail the promotion of all human rights.

    ‘When all the weapons, all the money, all the laws, all the institutions, all the governments, and all the borders in the world are no longer available or able to defend, promote, and protect any of our rights, our freedom of expression and freedom of the press are our last line of defense, and if we allow our last line of defense to be abused, desecrated, or corrupted, then we leave the gates to all our other freedoms open to attack,” said Chakwera.

  • Govt urged to create structured markets for groundnuts

    MwAPATA Institute – a local agricultural policy think tank – has urged the Malawi Government to create structured markets for groundnuts, stressing that this is key in addressing challenges affecting groundnut value chain efforts.

    The institute makes the recommendation in a paper the institute has released after conducting a study on the Agricultural Diversification Challenges and Opportunities in the Malawian Groundnut Value Chain.

    The institute shared the findings of the study at a breakfast it hosted for editors and senior members of the media in Lilongwe on Wednesday.

    MwAPATA Institute Executive Director William Chadza (2nd from left) addressing journalists at the interactive breakfast in Lilongwe on May 3, 2023–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu

    According to the study, which was carried out by Dinah Salonga, Anderson Gondwe, and Joseph Goeb, groundnut has the potential to contribute to Malawi’s agricultural diversification agenda for both food and export purposes.

    However, the farmers highlighted high aflatoxin contamination, limited access to improved seed, and limited access to structured markets as some of the challenges hindering growth in the industry.

    The researchers observed that Malawi’s groundnut value chain showed strong growth in recent years as production and areas planted have steadily increased over the past 16 seasons.

    Ironically, the study found that yields fluctuated and lie well below the potential of between 1.5 tonnes per hectare and 2.5 hectares owing to adverse weather shocks, low and fluctuating prices, inadequate high-quality seed sullies, and poor crop production practices.

    Nation Publications Limited (NPL) News Analyst Clement Chinoko (left) was part of the participants at the interactive breakfast–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu

    “The government, the private sector, and other stakeholders should work collaboratively to address enabling barriers to both production and value addition, including lack of high-quality seed, high cost of electricity, and agricultural policy and regulation. There is also a need to improve communication channels with businesses, including consultation with stakeholders in the agri-food system, and streamline public-private policy engagement,” recommends the institute.

    MwAPATA Institute believes that the creation of structured markets would encourage more farmers to grow the crop thereby increasing volumes for export to other countries.

  • Chakwera mourns goalkeeper Boniface Maganga

    President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has expressed sadness over the demise of the legendary goalkeeper Boniface Maganga.

    Maganga played for the National Team – The Flames – and several other clubs, including Big Bullets and Wanderers. He is renowned for his exceptional skills on the sport, and his commitment to nurturing young talent.

    Maganga, to be laid to rest today

    In his statement issued on Tuesday, President Chakwera described his passing on as a great loss to the football community in Malawi and beyond.

    He said Maganga’s contribution to Malawian football shall forever be etched in the memory of Malawians, adding that he has left behind an enduring legacy in the realm of sport.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who knew him. May his soul rest in peace,” mourns Chakwera.

  • Chakwera recounts impact of Cyclone Freddy on workers in Malawi

    President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has disclosed that the Tropical Cyclone Freddy sunk more workers into unemployment and poverty, increased their food insecurity and malnutrition.

    Chakwera added that the story also reduced workers’ access to health, education, utility, transport, and sanitation services.

    He was speaking at Masintha Ground in Lilongwe when he led Malawians in the commemoration of this year’s Labour Day. The day this year was commemorated under the theme: “Natural Disasters, a Threat to Livelihoods and Decent Work: Creating Decent Jobs and Extending Social Protection is Key for Sustainable Recovery”.

    But Chakwera was quick to point out that natural disasters are not a threat to employment, but rather an affliction to the nation.

    “My understanding of a threat is that it is an impending danger or affliction that hasn’t happened yet. But that is not the situation we face. For us as a nation, natural disasters are not a threat to livelihoods and decent work. Natural disasters are an affliction that has already befallen us. They are not a possibility, but a certainty and a present continuous reality,” said the President.

    The Malawi leader therefore urged Malawians to desist from responding to the effects of natural disasters on workers as if the nation is under threat, stressing that the only response that is appropriate is that of Malawi under attack.

    President Chakwera with Vice President Chilima

    “We are under such heavy attack that we need reinforcements from other nations in order to not only mobilize the 107.3 million needed to respond to the humanitarian crisis at hand and the 700 billion needed to adequately recover and reconstruct what has been lost, but we also need the support of other nations to better prepare for and mitigate against the next disaster before it comes. This is why the state of national disaster that I declared on March 13th to call for international support remains in force, and why I will personally use a few upcoming international gatherings of world leaders to directly engage them with specific proposals on how they can support us with the daunting task we have going forward,” said Chakwera.

    He observed that the rights of many workers were already under duress before the natural disasters came, particularly for those in the informal economy. He said this therefore calls for collaborative efforts in pursuing and implementing policies and programs that address the challenges of youth employment, decent work environments, protection of workers’ rights and expanding social protection, all as part of our post-disaster recovery plan.

    He also directed the Minister of Labour to review the National Job Creation Strategy, which was launched in March 2022 in order to strengthen it to reflect the realities of the post-disaster period Malawi is in.

    “That review must include finding a mechanism for leveraging Malawi’s status as a pathfinder country of the Global Accelerator on Decent Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, which is a United Nations initiative I secured us a stake in when I was at the UN General Assembly last year,” so directed Chakwera.

  • Don’t challenge APM at convention or face humiliation – Namalomba warns Msaka

    Spokesperson for the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM), Shadric Namalomba, has warned member of Parliament for Machinga Likwenu, Bright Msaka, that he will face humiliation if he dares to contest against Mutharika at the convention.

    Confirmed reports indicate that Msaka is gearing to challenge AMP at the elective conference tentatively scheduled for July 2, 2023.

    This was APM, who all along has been supporting Msaka to take over leadership from him, reported sponsored the old guard of the party to start preparing the way for his reelection in 2025.

    Namalomba: who ever dares to compete with APM will be humiliated

    Inside sources say the Machinga Likwenu lawmaker is disappointed with APM’s decision to seek reelection and that he has since made his decision to challenge Mutharika at the convention.

    Reacting to the reports, Namalomba warned Msaka to brace for humiliation if he goes ahead with his intention to challenge the candidature of Mutharika who, until recently, had declared that he would not be seeking reelection after losing to President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

    Some of the MPs who are protesting against Mutharika’s comeback include Werani Chilenba, Nicholas Dausi, Joyce Chitsulo and Ralph Jooma, among others. They blame APM for the poor showing of the party at the Fresh Presidential Election.

  • Communities, health workers hail Breakthrough Action Project for reducing malaria incidences in Salima

    Health workers and community leaders in Salima have hailed the Breakthrough Action Project for reducing malaria incidences in the district.

    Breakthrough ACTION is a partnership led by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs in collaboration with Save the Children, ThinkAction, ideas42, Camber Collective, International Center for Research on Women, and Viamo.

    The project is aimed at empowering people through capacity building as far as health issues are concerned.

    Officials from Breakthrough Action Project and community leaders reviewing the impact of the project

    Salima District Malaria Coordinator, Frank Lizi, said the number of malaria cases has dropped through the initiative.

    “Malaria is the number one killer, and we are working hand in hand to minimize it,” said Lizi.

    Senior Chief Maganga applauded the project, saying its intervention has helped reduce the incidences of the disease in his area.

    “There is also a need to continue supporting us,” said Maganga.

    One of the beneficiaries, Dauda Lacks, said that people along the lakeshore areas are now aware of the importance of using mosquito nets appropriately.

    “In the first place, we were not focused on this issue, but through the intervention of Breakthrough Action, things have improved,” Lacks said.

    Kadzenje: The project has achieved a lot

    Breakthrough Action Project Manager, Victor Kadzenje, said on Wednesday that the project has achieved a lot ‘by strengthening the local and social factors that affect malaria mismanagement’.

    The project cost about $90,000.

    With its success, Breakthrough Action hopes to extend its activities to other parts of the district and eventually to other areas in Malawi

  • Malawi Government sets May 15-21 as Typhoid Vaccination Campaign days

    The Ministry of Health has set May 15-21, 2023, as the days it will conduct a Typhoid Vaccination Campaign targeting children from nine months to 15 years.

    The typhoid vaccination campaign follows a successful malaria vaccine campaign, which the Malawi Government is implementing in partnership with PATH Project and other partners.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day media orientation workshop in Salima on Saturday, Deputy Director of Preventive Health in the Ministry of Health, Mavuto Thomas, courted journalists to take a leading role in raising awareness on the immunization campaign.

    Thomas said the typhoid vaccination campaign will be implemented alongside the administration of measles and polio vaccines across the country.

    Thomas: Typhoid vaccination will be implemented alongside measles and polio immunization

    Typhoid is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. It results from drinking of unsafe water as well as inadequate sanitation and improper handling of food among food handlers.

    Its symptoms include a high fever of up to 104ºF, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. It can be life threatening if a person does not have early treatment with antibiotics.

    According to Thomas, immunization is the only way to prevent the disease.

    He therefore urged parents to come forward with their children in order for them to be vaccinated as the ministry will also be giving Vitamin A supplementation to the children during the same period.

    The launch for the campaign has been scheduled to take place on 12 May 2023 at Nkhonde Primary School Ground in Balaka.

  • Anti-malaria vaccine uptake triples in Mangochi

    Mangochi has registered an unprecedented rate in anti-malaria vaccine uptake owing to various interventions by healthcare workers in the district.

    Authorities at Mangochi District Council told journalists on a tour on Wednesday that caregivers have fully embraced the campaign and are flocking to their respective health facilities to get their children vaccinated.

    The authorities disclosed that most of the children have received all the four required doses of the vaccine.

    Health Surveillance Assistant (HSA) for Monkey Bay Community Hospital, Annie Matiasi, expressed satisfaction with the rate at which parents and guardians are getting their children vaccinated against malaria.

    Matiasi explaining how their interventions have helped demystify myths and beliefs on the malaria vaccine

    Matiasi said this gives hope that the district could eliminate the disease by 2030. She, however, disclosed that the campaign initially faced resistance due to social and religious beliefs, but this problem was overcome through sensitization.

    “Most caregivers now understand the need for the vaccine. And when we ask them to explain what we have been telling them they are able to do so; hence, the huge turnout because they are the same people who took the message out to others so that they should also come forward with their children,” she explained.

    Nankumba Health Centre HAS Robert Amisi shared Matiasi’s sentiments, stating that most community members could not appreciate the importance of the vaccine having come at the time Covid-19 vaccination campaign was also running.

    The Ministry of Health has put 11 districts on routine malaria vaccine programme. Some of the districts included in the programme are Nsanje, Machinga, Balaka and Mangochi.