Nthanda Times Reporter

  • Valentine’s Day: A Day to Celebrate Love and Affection

    Whether you are in a romantic relationship or simply appreciate the people in your life, Valentine’s Day provides an opportunity to show your affection and appreciation.

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    The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Roman times when a festival called Lupercalia was held in mid-February to celebrate fertility and the coming of spring. The festival involved the exchange of love notes and gifts, which evolved into the modern-day practice of sending Valentine’s Day cards.

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    Valentine’s Day is now celebrated globally and is a popular occasion for couples to express their love for each other. It is common for people to exchange gifts such as chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or a romantic dinner. Some people may also choose to write love letters or make grand gestures, such as proposing marriage.

    However, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day is not just for romantic couples. It’s a day to show love and appreciation for all the important people in your life, whether it’s your spouse, friends, family members, or anyone else you hold dear. This can be done through simple acts of kindness, such as cooking someone a special meal or sending a heartfelt message.

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    Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and affection and is a time for people to express their gratitude for the important people in their lives. Whether you choose to celebrate with a romantic partner or with friends and family, it’s a day to spread love and joy to those around you.

  • Cholera, Understanding the Disease and Prevention Measures

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    It is primarily spread through contaminated water and food and can cause severe dehydration and death if left untreated. Cholera outbreaks are a common occurrence in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water and proper sanitation is limited.

    The symptoms of cholera are usually noticeable within a few hours of infection and include watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the disease can progress rapidly and cause death within hours if not treated properly.

    There are several preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of cholera outbreaks. These include:

    Improving Access to Clean Water

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    Access to clean water is critical in preventing cholera outbreaks. In areas where clean water is not readily available, it is important to boil or chlorinate water before drinking it. Additionally, providing access to improved sanitation facilities can also help to reduce the spread of the disease.

    Proper Food Handling and Preparation

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    It is important to properly handle and prepare food to reduce the risk of cholera transmission. This includes washing hands thoroughly before handling food, cooking food thoroughly, and avoiding raw or undercooked seafood.

    Improving Sanitation

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    Improving sanitation facilities is essential in reducing the risk of cholera transmission. This includes providing access to proper toilets, garbage disposal facilities, and improved hygiene practices.

    Vaccination

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    Cholera vaccines are available and are an effective means of preventing cholera outbreaks. The World Health Organization recommends that cholera vaccines be given to individuals who are at high risk of infection, such as those living in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation.

    Education and Awareness

    Education and awareness are critical in preventing cholera outbreaks. This includes educating the public on the importance of hand washing, proper food handling, and access to clean water and sanitation. It also includes educating healthcare providers on how to diagnose and treat cholera effectively.

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    In the event of a cholera outbreak, it is important to take prompt action to contain the spread of the disease. This includes isolating individuals who are infected, providing prompt and effective treatment, and implementing measures to improve access to clean water and sanitation.

    Cholera is a highly contagious and life-threatening disease that can cause severe dehydration and death if left untreated. Preventive measures such as improving access to clean water, proper food handling, and sanitation, vaccination, and education and awareness are essential in reducing the risk of cholera outbreaks. In the event of an outbreak, prompt action is needed to contain the spread of the disease and provide effective treatment to those who are infected.

  • UNICEF steps up in Cholera outbreak fight in Malawi

    These additional supplies are set to arrive soon, according to a statement released by UNICEF Malawi.

    “More supplies worth about $1.2 million have been ordered and will arrive in the country soon,” a statement posted on the Unicef Malawi page reads.

    The organization highlights the ongoing challenge of insufficient cholera supplies in the country, which impairs the ability to provide quality healthcare.

    The situation remains dire, with 41,900 cumulative cases of cholera reported since the first case was discovered in March last year.

    972 patients have been admitted to treatment units, while the death toll stands at 1,368.

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    The highest number of cases has been recorded in Mangochi, with 7,511 cases and 121 deaths.

    The Health Minister, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has expressed concern about the lack of understanding in some sections of society about the importance of proper burial practices for individuals who have died from cholera.

    A Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) mounted by Unicef. Pic Curtsey of Unicef

    She noted that fear and misinformation about disease outbreaks have led to distrust and hostility towards healthcare workers, and in some cases, even harm and destruction of health facilities.

    “The aim of these measures is to reduce [the] further spread of the disease. Unfortunately, such misunderstanding has led to some communities harming our hardworking health workers and destroying health facilities,” she said.

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    Recently, community members in Mgona, Lilongwe became violent and vandalized the Area 25 Health Centre after blaming healthcare workers for the death of a resident who was diagnosed with cholera.

    In light of this situation, the National Organisation for Nurses and Midwives has called for increased security for its members.

    Oxfam has provided crucial support in the form of health, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, with a total value of over $470,000.

    The battle against cholera in Malawi continues, and organizations like UNICEF and Oxfam are working hard to ensure that the necessary resources are in place to combat this deadly disease.

  • Global Cybersecurity Measures Enhanced with New AI

    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.

  • Internal strife emerges within UDF as parallel structure forms in support of Atupele

    The group, known as “Friends of Atupele Muluzi”, is campaigning for the party’s former president, Atupele Muluzi, who resigned in May 2022, to run for the 2025 elections on UDF’s ticket.

    According to UDF Secretary General Kandi Padambo, the party is aware of the parallel structure but considers it illegal as any new structures within the party must receive blessings from his office.

    However, Padambo also stated that Atupele, who is the son of UDF’s founder and patron, Bakili Muluzi, is still a bona fide member of the party and free to contest any position of his choice.

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    “The group [Friends of Atupele Muluzi] can make those calls, I am sure it’s their right to do so. But when Right Honourable Atupele Muluzi decides to contest he will have to abide by the rules and procedures of the party. He will not contest because the grouping of Friends of Atupele Muluzi is making calls for him to contest but because he remains a member of the party and he will follow procedures that are in place for any member to contest for any position in the party,” said Padambo.

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    The Friends of Atupele Muluzi group has been holding meetings across the country, promoting Atupele as a clean and honest politician, untouched by corruption scandals. Atupele, who is yet to respond to requests for comment, announced his resignation as UDF president in a Facebook post on May 30th, 2022.

    Muluzi, resigned from active politics

    Political analyst Humphrey Mvula stated that the events in UDF could be a setback in the party’s rebuilding efforts. He added that as long as Atupele remains silent on whether he will form his own party or run as an independent, it could lead to further division within the party.

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    “Complicating the matter further is that Atupele has not said that he is forming a party or that he would like to stand as an independent president.”

    Governance experts Boniface Chibwana and Mavuto Bamusi weighed in on the situation, with Chibwana suggesting that Atupele may feel entitled to continue leading UDF due to the “founder syndrome.”

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    “The founder syndrome is also associated with the financial muscle of the individuals and families that founded those political parties and some supporters align themselves to that family or individuals. This is what is happening in the UDF. Atupele Muluzi will feel entitled to continue leading UDF on the premise of the founder syndrome because it was his father that founded the UDF,” Chibwana said.

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    Bamusi added that the situation may affect the party’s strategic direction and lead to intraparty wrangling, resulting in leadership deficit and democratic fragilities at the national level.

    UDF was the first political party to form a government after Malawi attained multiparty democracy in the 1990s. However, its popularity has waned in recent years, and experts are calling for the party to do some soul-searching and inject new leadership to reclaim its lost glory.

  • Suspension of Fertilizer Redemption Program Causes Concern for Malawi Farmers

    The suspension was announced a few weeks ago to clear a backlog of beneficiaries whose national IDs had been scanned.

    However, the president of the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM), Manes Nkhata, has expressed concerns over the impact this will have on farmers who rely on the AIP for access to affordable fertilizer.

    Nkhata has called on the government to take action to ensure all farmers benefit from this year’s program.

    Food security expert Ronald Chilumpha also weighed in on the situation, stating that the suspension will not help small-scale farmers achieve food security and could lead to food insecurity in the country.

    2023 AIP has faced many problems

    The farming community and those concerned with food security are closely watching the government’s response to the suspension of the fertilizer redemption program.

    Will the government take action to ensure all farmers have access to the inputs they need? Time will tell, but for now, the future of Malawi’s food security remains uncertain.

    Many farmers across the country are yet to access the fertilizer under the AIP 

  • DPP drops all charges against ACB Director Chizuma

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Masauko Chamkakala, confirmed the decision in a recent interview.

    Chamkakala stated that, as the DPP, he was appointed by the President to advance the Administration’s justice agenda in accordance with the rule of law.

    He added that removing impediments that stand in the way of institutions like the ACB is part of that agenda. After reviewing the case and consulting with the Attorney General, Chamkakala decided to discontinue the criminal case against Chizuma in line with the prescriptions of the Constitution and other relevant laws.

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    “As DPP, I was appointed by the President to advance the Administration’s agenda for Justice in accordance with the rule of law, and His Excellency has always made it clear that part of that agenda is removing all impediments that stand in the path of institutions like the ACB.

    “So, after reviewing the case and after consulting the Attorney General, I decided to discontinue the criminal case against Ms. Chizuma in line with the prescriptions of the Constitution and other relevant laws.”

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    Chizuma – all her charges dropped

    Chizuma was arrested on 6 December 2022 following a complaint by former DPP Steven Kayuni. Kayuni claimed that in a leaked audio, Chizuma described him as compromised and corrupt.

    In January this year, Chizuma was summoned to appear in court to answer charges of making a speech that could prejudice a person against a party to judicial proceedings.

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    She was also charged with making use of a speech that was calculated to lower the authority of a person before whom a judicial proceeding was being heard.

    On 31 January 2023, Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba released a communique on the interdiction of the ACB Czar with immediate effect until all court cases against her are completed, a development which brought mixed reactions from the public including the donor community.

  • Next-Gen Electric Vehicles: A Leap in Green Technology

    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.

  • Introducing “Life Purpose”, an Inspiring New Book by Ketson Kayuni

    In the “Life Purpose” book, Kayuni shares his insights on topics such as self-discovery, goal setting, and overcoming fears.

    The young author told Nthanda Times in an interview that he drew inspiration from the many challenges people face in life, as well as his own personal experiences, to create a book that is both informative and relatable.

    “Just want to let people know that a life with a purpose is worth risking because you know what you are doing and the benefits after that. You lose less. The other thing that inspired me most to write this book is that we all have a chance or option to choose who we want to become, but small things make us fail to reach our goal like “not knowing what to do” and “fear”.

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    “I just wanted to let people know that a life with a purpose is worth risking because you know what you are doing and the benefits after that. You lose less,” said Kayuni.

    The “Life Purpose” book by Ketson Kayuni

    As the founder of the fast-growing brand “Survivor 01”, Kayuni is a firm believer in supporting local talent and encourages readers to pick up a copy of “Life Purpose” and support Malawi’s writing industry.

    “I would recommend people to buy and read this book, not only because they will learn a lot, but they will also appreciate that in Malawi we can also write and produce good materials. It is my plea to the industry that they should support Malawian talent.

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    “It is high time we start reading our products/books than always spending money on Amazon and other means of buying books. We lose a lot from that. Let the talent pay the talented,” he pleaded.

    Despite the fact that the writing industry is still developing in the country, Kayuni who is inspired by Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) Chief Executive Officer Henry Kachaje says he is optimistic about its future and calls on the government to support and recognize young talents.

    Kayuni: Government must recognize young talent in the country

    “I have noted one problem.  The youths are not supported and the government does not recognize their talents. Writing is underestimated in our country and yet our friends are benefiting from such. It is so pathetic that even the literature we learn is from outside and yet we can learn from locally made books. The government should try trusting and supporting the youths in recognizing their talents,” he said.

    To aspiring authors, Kayuni offers words of encouragement, urging them to never give up on their writing and to always believe in themselves.

    “Know what you are doing. You will receive discouragement even from those you think will support you, that is part of the game. Writing is not easy, and it is easy if you take it right.

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    “Never give up on what you are writing. It might not be that book or piece of writing that will put you in a position of your interest, but the next one will always do. Don’t stop on the way,” he encouraged.

    After reading part of Kayuni’s book, author Kiran Ntapasha appreciated how it has been compacted.

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    “I will always turn to this book to remind myself that a life with purpose is worth risking, building, and living. There’s wisdom in the pages of this book.”

    The “Life Purpose” book is available at a lower price of MK5,000 and can be purchased through the “Survivors 01” Facebook page or by contacting the author at +265991945423.

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from one of Malawi’s up-and-coming talents. Order your copy of “Life Purpose” now!

  • DoDMA commissioner talks tough on poverty

    Kalemba made the remarks when he appreciated the distribution of cash to beneficiaries as a response to the lean season at Phata Camp in the area of Senior Chief Maseya in Chikwawa.

    He said the thinking in most people that because they are in villages and they have to be poor should be removed.

    “I think the poverty mentality must be dealt with and the people must start to believe in themselves and believe that as individuals they can be able to support themselves.

    “We must start to have a mindset that we can support ourselves rather than celebrating 57 years of independence yet we are still dependent,” he said.

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    Kalemba said as a department they are having a wider range of these discussions with the people so that they are able to move together towards attaining Malawi 2063 aspirations.

    On the lean season response program in Chikwawa, Kalemba said he was impressed with how it was going on mainly looking at the kind of beneficiaries who queued to access the support.

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    “If you look at the people who are beneficiaries, I think you can agree with me that the selection process is correct. There are old women and men and the rest of them have some insecurities in them making them deserving beneficiaries.

    “I think the process is going on well and we will continue in that direction until we finish the response period,” he said.

    Government contributes cash to the food insecure people in Chikwawa-(c) Abel Ikiloni, Mana

    Chikwawa District Council Director of Planning and Development, Thokozile Munthali said the council followed proper procedures in identifying the rightful beneficiaries.

    “You know we have what we call Unified Beneficiary Register where names of beneficiaries are drawn from and these are verified right in their communities to avoid irregularities,” she said.

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    According to Munthali, Chikwawa District has a total of 47,887 household beneficiaries in the lean season response of which 9,979 are benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer program.

    One of the beneficiaries, 51-year-old, Nasalina Sandilani hailed the government and the World Food Programme (WFP) for reaching out to her, saying it was like a dream coming true as support received goes towards supporting her household and the education of her children.

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    The WFP through World Vision Malawi is implementing the Cash Plus intervention in response to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) in Chikwawa which projected that 3.8 million people will be food insecure in 27 districts (except Likoma) and four cities of the country during the 2022/23 lean season (November 2022 to March 2023).