Nthanda Times

Nthanda Times Reporter

  • Paak Foundation targets 100 underprivileged communities with improved water access

    Paak Foundation was registered in Malawi in 2022 as a charity organization to, among others, economically empower underprivileged youths and women from rural communities.

    On Friday, the organization handed over a modern borehole to the people of Santhe Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalolo in Lilongwe.

    Saqib tasting the water before handing over the borehole to the community–Photo by Seleman Njoka

    The borehole has cost the foundation K1.5 million to drill and install.

    The organization’s founder and director Talha Saqib said apart from working to economically empower rural communities, the desire of his organization is to ensure every community has access to safe and clean drinking water to prevent waterborne diseases.

    “This is a self-funded project. I am planning to put up 100 boreholes in the next two to three years. The idea is to alleviate the suffering among underprivileged communities,” said Saqib.

    He added, “I don’t take donations from anybody. I just want to send the message that we can make a difference with the little we have.”

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Janet Zakaria said the facility will reduce the distance women and girls used to cover to fetch water from the wells.

    “We used to spend hours to walk to and from wells. But this will not be the case anymore. We will now dedicate our time to do other productive activities,” said Zakaria.

    Village Head Santhe described the borehole as a huge relief to his subjects. He said for decades, his people have been relying on water drawn from unprotected sources, which also contributed to cases of waterborne diseases in the area.

    “We are very grateful to the foundation. This will greatly contribute to community efforts to eliminate cholera and diarrhea,” said the traditional leader.

    Meanwhile, Saqib has disclosed that the foundation will soon be rolling out a welding school at Nsaru Trading Centre targeting unemployed youths in the area.

  • President Chakwera, Polish and Maldives leaders discuss agriculture, tourism investment potential

    First on President Chakwera’s engagement list was President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, with whom they talked about industrialization and finding common ground between Malawi and Poland in the agricultural sector.

    President Chakwera emphasized that Poland’s vast experience in agricultural commercialization, is in line with Malawi’s 2063 development agenda and therefore poses an opportunity for Malawi to learn from the East European nation.

    The Malawi leader further expressed gratitude to Poland for its camaraderie during Malawi’s tenure as Chair of LDC, saying the development heralds a renaissance for diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    Earlier on, in the continued spirit of fostering relations, President Chakwera also had an audience with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.

    The two nations discussed strengthened relations and greater collaboration and coordination in the tourism sector.

    The World Bank classifies the Maldives as having an upper-middle income economy, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) nominal of US$5.502 billion and GDP per capita income of US$14,078 attributed mainly to its success in the tourism industry.

     

    LDCs KEY TO ACHIEVING SDGs-CHAKWERA

    President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has challenged rich nations, cautioning that it is impossible for them and the entire universe to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if the poorest nations operating under the LDCs banner are sidelined.

    Addressing a High-Level Thematic Roundtable Discussion on Sunday, the Malawi leader said it is important that no one is left behind, halfway through a journey towards achieving SDGs, as well as the agenda 2030.

    President Chakwera co-chaired the roundtable discussion (under the theme “Investing in People in the Least Developed Countries to Leave No-one Behind”) alongside Andrzej Duda who is Poland President.

    “LDCs represent unprecedented opportunity to address fundamental challenges facing the world. LDCs represent an opportunity for themselves as well as for the world at large…it is impossible to achieve agenda 2030 and SDGs without LDCs,” said Chakwera.

    Narrowing down to Malawi, Chakwera took advantage of the platform to inform the conference that his government has managed to craft a second long-term national development plan, Malawi Vision 2063, which he said has been aligned to many international blueprints such as the Agenda 2030.

    At this juncture, Chakwera reiterated the need for developed countries to elevate their support towards the poorest nations, while helping the LDCs reduce their level of vulnerabilities to multiple external shocks.

    President Duda expressed hope that the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (2022-2030), which was adopted last year in New York, will be crucial to bringing equality between rich and poor nations, going forward.

  • DPP gets vote of no confidence in Chikwawa as its councilors declare MCP MP their candidate for 2025 parliamentary poll

    This means the erstwhile governing party can as well forget about fielding a candidate for a parliamentary seat in Chikwawa Mkombezi in 2025 because he or she will not receive any support from the party’s councilors.

    The DPP councilors made the declaration on Sunday at a ground-breaking ceremony for a K79.6 million clinic project held at Goma Full Primary School.

    The councillors’ endorsement of Mia contradicts and transcends hatred DPP top leadership has had against MCP – the main partner in the Tonse Alliance government.

    Kholofati Malunga, councillor for Alumenda Ward, said Mia has brought tremendous development to the area during the short period she has been in the position; hence, their decision to rally behind her in the next election.

    “Miseu Folo has many water sources at closer distances, a police unit, and what was missing was the clinic,” he said.

    Abida Mia has stolen the hearts of DPP councillors in Chikwawa

    Councillor Aubrey Masanza of Mikalango Ward agreed, stating that Mia has not left any area of Chikwawa Nkombezi without development.

    “Abida Sidik Mia is using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) correctly, as most of the funds are used for the intended purposes,” he added.

    He also concurred with the endorsement of Mia as the 2025 candidate for the Chikwawa Nkombezi constituency.

    In her remarks, Mia welcomed the endorsement, saying she would continue to pump in developments regardless of the councillors’ political affiliation.

    Mia, who is also Malawi’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, said she was committed to serving the people of Chikwawa Mkombezi and Malawi as a whole.

    Senior Chief Ngabu, District Commissioner for Chikwawa, religious leaders and other senior officials from various spheres of life attended the event where the lawmaker was endorsed.

  • President Chakwera inspires hope for Least Developed Countries

    Chakwera said this on day two of the 5th Conference of the LDCs currently underway in Doha, Qatar.

    He said this in light of his acknowledgement to the LDCs development partners that have been supporting the LDCs throughout the years.

    Malawi leader President Chakwera addressing delegates to UN Conference for LDCs in Doha, Qatar

    “The enemy we need to be vigilant against is our own complacency.We must recognise that what we are doing here in Doha makes this pivotal point in the world history,” he said.

    President Chakwera expressed optimism that the pursuit of SDGs will spur the current LDCs to a brighter future.

    He said, “In our case, we have the Sustainable Development Goals as a reminder of the better days that lies ahead of us.So let us not give up.”

    The Doha summit is focusing on the pursuing the Plan of Action on how to the LDCs will collectively achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • President Chakwera lobbies for more funding from OPEC Fund

    Chakwera made the request on the sidelines of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) during a discussion with Abdulhamid Alkhalifa – the Director General of OPEC Fund for International Development.

    He said topping up the funding would go a long way in helping Malawi in its quest to graduate to a middle income country.

    President Chakwera shakes Abdulhamid Alkhalifa after the meeting in Doha, Qatar

    During the meeting, President Chakwera expressed his gratitude to OPEC Fund for its continued assistance to Malawi, which, in recent times, has seen the construction of Rumphi, Mchinji and Chikwawa Teachers Training Colleges and the construction of Karonga Town Water Supply Scheme.

    Established in 1976 by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC fund for International Development is a multilateral development finance institution.

  • Child rights literacy project reduces child abuse cases in Dedza

    The project, which is titled Legal Literacy Programme, aims to increase awareness of gender-related violence and is being supported by UNICEF.

    One of the volunteers Isdor Maposa disclosed that there is a significant reduction in cases of child rights violations in the district.

    Maposa added that the project has helped a lot as children are also able to understand the laws and report to relevant authorities at the school level when they are faced with a rights violation case.

    “We are putting suggestion boxes in all schools where students can drop whatever issues they are going through. Now children are able to report violations of their rights and the perpetrators are being brought to book,” he said.

    Peace Ketulo, a teacher at Tapezana Primary School in the district, said the project has empowered children to report cases of abuse in their societies.

    “As teachers, we have seen a great improvement on the part of the learners in reporting incidents, as in the past some could not perform well in class because they had been abused, but with these engagements, many children are able to participate,” said Ketulo.

    And speaking from Matewe Full Primary School, head teacher of the school, Brave Kuwache said child abuse is one of the contributing factors to low performance in class among children.

    Girls honing skills on how to safeguard and defend their rights from abusers

    Kuwache revealed that being a farming district, parents prefer sending their children to the farm at a time they were supposed to be in class.

    “But there has been an improvement in attendance since the start of this project,” he said.

    Chairperson for the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at Mitowi Primary School, Martha Isaac, said the project promises to improve girl child education in the areas it is being implemented.

    In his remarks, NICE Public Trust Civic Education Officer responsible for Lilongwe, Dedza and Ntcheu, Daniel Malango, said they hope that through the project, cases of child abuse will be reduced further.

    Malango said the programme is targeting the children so that they are made aware of their rights and that they can report to the authorities whenever they feel infringed.

    He, however, bemoaned the tendency of some parents and close relatives, who he said were perpetrators of abuse against children and warned that the law will take its course against such perpetrators.

    Legal Literacy Programme was launched in 2022 and students from 14 schools in the Traditional Authorities Kaphuka and Kachindamoto have benefited from the project.

  • Tech Trends: Keeping Up with the Hottest Gadgets in the Industry

    In the vast expanse of the cosmos, humanity has always been driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Science, innovation, and space exploration stand as the pillars of our progress, propelling us into a future filled with endless possibilities. In this blog article, we delve into the thrilling world where these three elements converge, shaping the way we perceive the universe and revolutionizing the world we live in.

    Innovation, the practical application of creative ideas, bridges the gap between knowledge and tangible solutions. In recent years, innovations such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy sources, and advanced healthcare systems have reshaped societies, offering glimpses into a future where the impossible becomes attainable.

    Gadgets: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Society

    Gadgets, the everyday marvels that shape our lives, bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and society. From smartphones and wearable devices to smart home appliances and virtual reality headsets, gadgets have become an integral part of modern existence. These devices not only facilitate communication and entertainment but also serve as essential tools for scientific research and space exploration.

    Imagine a world where space tourism is as accessible as a plane ticket, where innovative gadgets enable us to explore the farthest reaches of the universe from the comfort of our homes. Picture a future where sustainable technologies mitigate the impact of climate change and preserve our planet for generations to come. This vision of the future is not a distant dream but a tangible reality on the horizon, waiting to be shaped by the brilliant minds and innovative spirit of humanity.

    Innovation: Transforming Ideas into Reality

    • Problem-Solving: Innovation is not just about inventing new gadgets or technologies; it is primarily about creative problem-solving. Innovators identify existing challenges and develop novel solutions to address them.
    • Interdisciplinary Approach: Innovation flourishes when diverse minds collaborate and share their expertise. It thrives on interdisciplinary approaches that bring together individuals from various fields such as science, engineering, design, and business.
    • Continuous Improvement: Innovation is a dynamic and ongoing process that demands adaptability and a willingness to embrace change. Successful innovators understand the importance of continuous improvement.

    As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental issues, technology developers are focusing on creating gadgets that are not only advanced but also environmentally conscious. Solar-powered chargers, energy-efficient smart home devices, and biodegradable phone cases are just a few examples of how gadgets are evolving to reduce their ecological footprint.

    These innovations represent a significant shift in the tech industry, highlighting the potential for gadgets to not only improve our daily lives but also contribute positively to environmental conservation. By integrating green technologies into everyday devices, we are stepping into an era where gadgets not only bridge the gap between science and society but also play a vital role in fostering a sustainable future.

  • President Chakwera appoints Kent Mphepo as new State House Director of Communications

    Kampondeni announced on Monday during the quarterly State House briefing that he is leaving the office after serving for nearly three years, but did not state reasons for his resignation.

    But according to a communique by Anthony Kasunda, Presidential Press Secretary, Kampondeni has been removed from the post by President Chakwera.

    “The general public is hereby informed that His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has removed Mr. Sean Kampondeni as State House Director of Communications and appointed Mr. Kent Mphepo as his replacement,” reads part of the communique.

    The statement further states that Kampondeni will continue to work as Chakwera’s Executive Assistant and speechwriter in the office of President and will be assigned other duties going forward.

    Mphepo, the new State House Director of Communications

    “Mr. Mphepo, a Social and Behaviour Change Communications expert, replaces Mr. Kampondeni, who will continue to work as His Excellency’s Executive Assistant and Speechwriter in the office of the President and will be assigned other duties therein going forward,” reads the communique.

    Before his appointment, Mphepo who is also a governance commentator worked as an Executive Director for the Story Workshop Educational Trust.

    Mphepo also once served as a board member for the National Initiative Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust.

  • President Chakwera challenges LDCs to be determined in pursuing SDGs

    Chakwera made the remarks when he opened the 5th United Nations Conference on LDC 5.

    The Malawi leader urged poor nations to remain focused on pursuing responsive and responsible human development despite the odds against them within the global financial and economic systems.

    He expressed hope that the Doha Programme of Action (2022–2031) would facilitate the realization of sustainable development for respective populations.

    “I am also extremely encouraged by the assurance offered by the United Nations, through Secretary-General António Guterres, who in his remarks advocated for reformed global systems to make them inclusive and accommodating to everyone’s interests,” said Chakwera.

    As Malawi handed over the mantle of LDC chairmanship, Chakwera stated that his country remains resolute in supporting the implementation of the Doha Programme of Action and expects that every Malawian should benefit from the outcomes of the programme between now and 2031.

    Chakwera: I’m optimistic Malawi will benefit from outcomes of Doha Program of Action

    “We must all work together, both locally and globally, to create a sustainable future for all people. Malawi remains committed to this goal,” said Chakwera.

    The LDC 5 conference is being held virtually and brings together leaders from 46 countries categorized as the world’s poorest and most vulnerable.

     

  • Mzuni Central Region alumni partner Rab Processors to support young offenders

    Central Region Chapter of the Mzuzu University (Mzuni) Alumni Association in partnership with Rab Processors Limited on Friday donated assorted food and non-food items worth over MK400, 000 to Bzyanzi Young Offenders Reformatory Centre in Dowa.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony of the donation, Mzuni Central Region Chapter president, Robins Mwanga, said the donation is part of the activities the association lined up for its corporate social responsibility – giving back to the communities.

    “One of the initiatives in our corporate social responsibility is to relieve the suffering of various vulnerable groups,” he said.

    Mwanga said after learning that the young offenders lack basic things, particularly food, soap and exercise books, they mobilized themselves to respond to the needs.

    Mwanga (R) in a symbolic donation with the Centre’s Officer-In-Charge, Chrispin Msika

    Apart from the donation, the association has promised to help the young offenders with expertise in farming, animal husbandry and carpentry in an effort to make them productive citizens.

    The association also planted trees around the centre.

    On her part, Rab Processors Central region Marketing Officer, Sandra Banda, said the company will continue to help in alleviating the needs of the juveniles at the centre.

    “We have joined the association so that together we can help to reach out to the vulnerable children like these young offenders with some of the basic needs,” she said.

    The Centre’s Officer In-Charge, Chrispin Msika, expressed gratitude for the items given to the centre.

    “We are very thankful for the support given to our children at the centre,” he said.

    The centre is currently keeping 89 young offenders who are trained in various skills but they lack some basic needs.