Nthanda Times

Nthanda Times Reporter

  • The Ultimate Gaming Setup: Essential Gear for Serious Gamers

    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.

  • Man sentenced to 18 months IHL over theft of NRB ID

    Mchinji Third Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced a 35-year-old man, Frank Tobias of Matutu Village, to 18 months imprisonment with hard labor for stealing a National Registration Bureau (NRB) Identity Card belonging to Elemensia Zitaye to access Affordable Input Program (AIP) fertilizer.

    {loadmoduleid 126}

    According to state prosecutor Sub Inspector Gerald Ngoma, the incident occurred on January 24, 2023, when the ACB was monitoring AIP fertilizer selling points in Mchinji.

    {loadmoduleid 126}

    Elemensia Zitaye reported to the officers that she was unable to redeem her fertilizer because her ID had been stolen. After follow-ups by Kamwendo Police Post, the suspect was traced where he was dragged before the court.

    {loadmoduleid 126}

    The accused has been convicted on his own plea of guilty and sentenced to 18 months IHL by T.G.M II Samuel Chakudza.

    Mchinji police therefore strictly warn all vendors that are not using their own IDs to access AIP fertilizer that once traced they will face the law.

    {loadmoduleid 126}

    Tobias hails from Matutu Village, Traditional Authority M’duwa in Mchinji district. 

  • Ministry of Education committed to prioritizing education

    The Ministry of Education has committed to prioritizing education in the country as an enabler of national development at a commemoration of the International Day of Education that took place in Lilongwe.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    Speaking at Mbinzi Secondary School under the theme ‘To invest in the people, priorities Education,’ former  Minister of Education Agnes NyaLonje, pointed out the need for Malawians to join hands in improving education in the country.

    “While the government is committed to mobilizing resources to promote education, we need to work together towards improving the education sector because our country cannot move forward without it,” she said.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    She said the ministry is looking into restructuring teaching methods for junior classes to lay the right foundation at the early stages of development of children by providing support and training for junior class teachers.

    NyaLonje: The ministry is looking at restructuring teaching methods Pic. By Kondwani Magombo – Mana

    “It is sad to note that there are high levels of illiteracy amongst our early learners from ages eight to ten, you find that they are unable to read,

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    To address such issues, as a ministry has taken a step to transform our education by revising our foundational learning as we look into how we can teach them reading and morality we have already done our research soon we will release a standard that will be followed to ensure that we no longer produce pupils that do not know how to read,” said NyaLonje.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    She also stated that the ministry is reviewing the schools’ curriculum to accommodate special needs students for inclusive education.

    The Minister further assured Malawians that the government has put in place a digital payment system for teachers to have easy access to salaries on time and enable them to work effectively.

    Re-living the past – Primary Education Advisors from Lilongwe clad in Primary School Uniforms share some jokes Pic. By Kondwani Magombo – Mana

    Commenting on the same, the Executive Dean for the School of Education at the University of Malawi, Dr. Peter Namphande, urged the government and stakeholders to move beyond examinations when reviewing the curriculum to ensure that it becomes relevant to Malawians.

    “Our curriculum appears to be academic where we have focused more on students passing exams and when they graduate, they sit at home waiting to be employed,

     While our economy is not generating jobs, government and stakeholders should consider incorporating entrepreneurial skills so that graduates become independent without waiting for employment,” said Namphande.

  • Kameza accident driver fined k600,000 for reckless driving

    Chisenjere First Grade Magistrate court on Tuesday ordered a 36-year-old driver, Tiyankhulenji Chitseko to pay a fine of Mk600,000 for causing death by reckless driving contrary to section 126(4c) of Road Traffic Act.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    The Court heard through police prosecutor Davie Malithano that the accused committed the offence on 25thJanuary, 2023.

    According to the state prosecutor, Chitseko was driving a motor vehicle registration number CZ 1479/CZ 4074 flat liner from the direction of Blantyre heading to Lunzu along Magalasi Dual Carriageway while carrying steel metal bars and flat sheets on its trailer.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    Upon arrival at Kameza Roundabout, he failed to negotiate the roundabout ring and proceeded to drive towards the overcrowded Chileka Bus stage hitting three female pedestrians before ramming into eight stationary vehicles.

    Malithano further said that due to the impact, pedestrian Teleza Paulo, aged 40 of Chemusa Village, T/A Machinjiri in Blantyre died on the same spot while the rest were rushed to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    During trial, Chitseko pleaded guilty to the charge of causing death by reckless driving.

    In his submission the state prosecutor, Malithano asked court to give a stiffer punishment as a warning to others since such cases were on the increase along the roads within Chileka.

    Passing the sentence, First Grade Magistrate George Chimombo concurred with the state and fined him Mk 600,000 of which Mk 300,000 would go to the relatives of deceased for compensation.

    Chitseko hails from Imedi village, Traditional Authority Mpama in Chiradzulu District.

  • MoE warns on corporal punishment in schools

    The Ministry of Education (MoE) has warned school administrators against issuing corporal punishment to learners in public and private schools in the country.

    In a press statement signed by the Secretary for Education Chikondano Mussa on Tuesday, the Ministry has learnt with deep concern the circulation of a video clip on social media purportedly from Mwitiya Primary School in Machinga in which a teacher is whipping a learner mercilessly with a rod in a classroom.

    The ministry would like to inform the general public that there is no school by such a name on its register of schools in Malawi.

    “The Ministry would like to take this opportunity to remind all schools proprietors, head teachers, principals, teachers, support staffs, parents, guardians and all stakeholders that corporal punishment is not allowed in schools, whether private or public,

    Children are entitled to be protected from any treatment that is, or is likely to be hazardous; interfere with their education or be harmful to their health or to their physical, mental or spiritual or social development. ” Reads the statement.

    Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa

    Research has shown that corporal punishment leads to dropout of learners from school which is contrary to the Ministry’s strategic priority of increasing equitable access to primary education by all school-age children in Malawi.

    Recently, the Malawi Human Rights Commission released an investigation report on a similar incident into allegations of corporal punishment and child sexual abuse at Kalibu Academy private school.

    In the report, the commission said it is carrying out sensitization meetings with school staff, and teachers on corporal punishment and good governance targeting all schools.

    The commission said it also advocates for the prohibition of corporal punishment in the laws as is the case with regional trends in Zambia and South Africa which have completely banned corporal punishment in schools and other settings.

  • Court in Lilongwe adjourns money laundering case

    The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate (SRM) court has adjourned a money laundering case involving a Sri-Lankan, Kankanige Anvra Piyaratana Avis (62), and three Chinese nationals namely; Lin Huixin (25), Li Hao Yuan (33) and Hua Qin Zhang (46).

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    Speaking on Tuesday in court Pililani Masanjala who represented the state said that the accused were charged of doing acts in Lilongwe that were contrary to section 42 (1)(b) of the Financial Crimes Act.

    Two of the three Chinese nationals who are being accused posing with their defense lawyer, Ndalama

     “Li Hao Yuan and Hua Qin Zhang between September 1, 2017 and November 26, 2020 were found in Lilongwe depositing and transacting money amounting to K200 million through account number 9100000342170 of Moni International Limited domiciled at Standard Bank Malawi.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    “In addition to that; Li Hao Yuan, Hua Qin Zhang, and Kankanige Anura Piyaratuna Alwis between December 5, 2017, and January 2021 at Marina Casino in Lilongwe city converted K128, 590, 518.00 into gambling chips,” said Masanjala.

    He further said that the third Chinese national, Lin Huixin was charged with exchanging foreign currency amounting to US 310, 000 dollars with a Sri Lankan, Kankanige Anura Piyaratuna Alwis without permission from the Ministry of Finance.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    On their part before the court, the three Chinese nationals pleaded guilty to their charges while a Sri Lankan pleaded not guilty to his charge.

    The Senior Resident Magistrate, Madalitso Khoswe Chimwaza adjourned the case involving a Sri Lankan to March 1, 2023, to pave way for the state to parade its witnesses regarding the case.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    She also adjoined the case involving three Chinese nationals to March 2, 2023, for sentencing submissions.

    In his comment, one of the defense lawyers, Chrispine Ndalama said that as the defense they were pleased with the decision that the Senior Resident Magistrate made.  

  • Ministry of Health committed to support HESNET

    Ministry of Health says it will do everything possible to support Health Services Manager’s Network (HESNET) with the aim of promoting policies and strategies in addressing some of the gaps observed in its Health Sector Strategic Plan three.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    The minister responsible, Enoch Phale made the remarks on Monday in Mzuzu when he opened a two-day HESNET first-ever annual general meeting alongside launching the health sector’s Best Local Authority Award which will be sponsored by Innobuild Limited Company.

    Phale: we need to reposition our health systems

    Phale said the ministry will ensure that the network’s structures are well-capacitated and supported for it to rise up to the challenges that the ministry continues to face, thereby improving health service delivery.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    “As a policyholder, we will link up with policy implementors so that they isolate issues that they can support from Health Sector Strategic Plan.

     This plan cannot be implemented by the ministry alone hence the call for both local and international development partners to support areas of their choice,” said Phale

    Regarding the shortage of health workers in the country, Phale said the ministry acknowledges that human resources was an important component for quality health services delivery, however, issues of wage bills which cause the problem in most cases go beyond the ministry’s capacity.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    “The ministry continues to lobby for resource mobilization to support such challenges among others besides advocating for practical policies providing guidance in the implementation of the plan,” he said.

    Phale also expressed concern over dilapidated health facility structures and urged local councils to be vigilant in rehabilitating the facilities.

    He said the ministry delegated rehabilitation of health facilities to local councils in the spirit of decentralization and it only intervenes when it comes to upgrading health centers and constructing new hospitals.

    In his remarks, Chairperson for HESNET, Dr. Henry Chibowa applauded the meeting, saying it has created a platform for stakeholders in the health sector to reposition health systems to be in line with the plan.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    Chibowa Jr making a presentation

    “The advent of Covid-19 and the current Chorela outbreak have devastated our health systems, hence the need to reposition them,” said Chibowa Jr.

    He however said the shortage of drugs and medical supplies in the country’s health facilities was a result of domination by Central Medical Stores Trust.

    {loadmoduleid 115}

    “There is a need for full decentralization of the drug budget. Currently, local authorities are given 10 percent of the total drug budget and our wish is that they should be given 50 percent and be at liberty to also buy drugs and medical supplies from pharmacies,” he said.

    The meeting was among others, attended by directors of health and leaders from local authorities across the country.

  • DoDMA relief food: a stitch in time

    The excitement on the people’s faces could be seen a mile off as they thronged Chawantha ADMARC located in Chawantha Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Kalolo, in Lilongwe on that Wednesday.

    These were hundreds of men, women, and youth, from surrounding villages under Chawantha Extension Planning Area (EPA) who had come to receive relief maize from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

    The members of the community had awaited this day for a long thus their jubilation was, in every sense, called for.

    “We cannot believe that after a long period, we are now going to have proper and regular meals,” Elesi John, mother of seven children, told this reporter while dancing and singing in praise of the support. “The situation had become so critical that we had been surviving on mangoes which are now out of season.”

    According to John, who hails from Manjawira Village, TA Kalolo, lately, the trending ‘meal’ in the villages had been boiled unripe mangoes which they could either boil as a whole, or they could peel and cut into small chips and boil for a change.

    An old man gets his share of the relief maize Pic. By Kondwani Magombo-Mana

    With such kind of food, malnutrition became a common sight among the people, old and young alike, according to her.

    A total of 1,377 people from the area are targeted in the Lean Period Food Security Response exercise, according to DoDMA Commissioner, Charles Kalemba.

    On this day, January 25, 2023, every beneficiary went home with two 50kg bags of maize to take them through February.

    Regarding the relief maize distribution exercise, Kalemba said his Department was on course and that everything was going according to plan.

    “We started with five councils in the south last week, then we went to all the councils in the southern region where the exercise is in progress,” explained Kalemba, adding: “We are now going into the second phase where we have now started with the centre and the north, distributing maize and cash transfers according to respective needs.”

    Kalemba (R). flanked by LL DC, Dr. Lawford Palani (C), during the food distribution exercise Pic. By Kondwani Magombo-Mana

    According to the commissioner, councils in the country are classified into three categories depending on their deficit periods which are three months, four months, and five months.

    As of Jan 25, 2023, DoDMA had already covered seven TAs in Lilongwe, which falls under the three-month deficit category.

    “For councils which had Five-month and Four month deficit periods, the first two months were covered and we are now going into the councils which have three-month deficit period, giving them food for two months so that we remain with March ration.”

    Elesi John (L) dances as fellow women join her, singing in praise for the much-awaited relief food Pic. By Kondwani Magombo-Mana

    The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) projected that a total of 3.8 million people in Malawi would be food insecure between November 2022 and March 2023.

    Malawi government, through DoDMA rolled out MK74billion 2022-23 lean season response programme to respond to the MVAC projections through humanitarian support in the form of cash and in-kind transfers to the affected Malawians.

    But while agreeing that food insecurity in the country remains inevitable every year due to catastrophes caused by climate change, and the country’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture, Kalemba observed loafing and non-productivity as main contributors to the situation.

    “As a country we are not supposed to be hungry: If you look at our terrain, those who did some research found that over 60 percent of this country is arable land and we have a lot of water deposit every season.

    “We have a big population with only 10-15 percent productive while the majority of the population loaf a lot,” observed Kalemba.

    The Commissioner said there’s no mathematical nor economic model that would support people’s tendency of working for three months only and expect to just be eating for the rest of the nine months in a year.

    Kalemba also cited abuse of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) where he said the aim of the initiative is frustrated by those who sell the inputs instead of using them in their gardens.

    The tendency, observed by the DoDMA Commissioner, leaves the government going in circles in terms of food security, instead of moving forward.

    “The aim of AIP is to ensure that those who get it should not be hungry the next year,” explained Kalemba. “But you’ll see that some of those who get the AIP are also among those in need of humanitarian food the next year because they sold the inputs: that type of equation doesn’t work for the good of the progress of the country.”

    He also urged chiefs in the country to institute strict measures against loafing and loitering so that people should be busy in their fields to realize enough food to feed their families.

    On the relief maize that is being distributed, Kalemba emphasized that whoever would be found selling it would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

    But as if responding to Kalemba’s caution, Elesi John, the mother of seven, said one would need to have their head examined to sell the maize after what they have gone through in the village over the past months.

    “Only a mad person would sell this free maize,” explained John. “We lived on mangoes and now the mangoes are gone and we were literary surviving on denje, bonongwe and nkhwani (vegetables that come with the rainy season).

    “Once detected, we’ll all rise up as a community and we’ll, immediately, report to the authorities such uncalled for and unappreciative behavior.”

  • Must-Have Tools for Professional and Amateur Photographers

    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.

  • Fitness Tech: Gear that’s Transforming Health and Exercise

    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.