Nthanda Times

Nthanda Times Reporter

  • Malawi signs 7th Cycle of Global Fund grant

    President Lazarus Chakwera has underscored government’s commitment to nurturing collaboration with the Global Fund to enhance the well-being of Malawians.

    He made the remarks during the official launch Global Fund Cycle 7 on HIV, TB and Malaria signing ceremony held at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

    President Chakwera highlighted that this grant signifies a huge commitment in the ongoing battle against various health challenges that have impeded the progress towards a healthier Malawian populace.

    He hailed the Global Fund for its unwavering support in combating HIV, TB, and Malaria, as well as its assistance in fortifying the healthcare systems in Malawi through diverse means.

    “Through the previous grants, we have expanded access health services, increased the availability of life savings and improved health infrastructure.

    “We have also procured ambulances and utility vehicles, gas plants and modern hospital equipment such as CT Scanners and the recruitment of thousands of health care workers,” disclosed Chakwera.

    Chakwera: We have expanded access health services, increased the availability of life savings and improved health infrastructure

    The President emphasized that this initiative will not only strengthen the country’s efforts in combating these diseases, but also contributes to the overall resilience and sustainability of Malawi’s healthcare infrastructure.

    Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda, described the occasion as a milestone, signifying a substantial financial commitment of $525 million dollars which is expected to run from 2024 to 2027 respectively.

    He affirmed Treasury’s dedication by allocating 12.5 percent of the national budget, aligning with the Abuja declaration to bolster resilience and sustainability in the healthcare sector.

    “The grant is pivotal in advancing the sustainable goals set forth in the fight against HIV, TB, and Malaria within the country” said Chithyola.

    The Minister further noted that the hosting of the Global Fund meeting underscores the donors’ confidence in the current administration led by President Chakwera.

    Head of Grant Management Unit, Mark Eldon Edinghton, lauded the ongoing collaboration between Malawi government and the Global Fund aimed at fortifying the national healthcare systems.

    Tchereni and Edington signing the agreement. Pics by Roy Nkosi MANA

    He expressed satisfaction with Malawi’s exceptional performance in implementing the Global Fund grants, describing it as remarkable.

    Edington provided a detailed progress report on the country’s achievements in managing HIV, TB, and Malaria, resulting in a notable decrease in disease burden.

    He commended all proactive stakeholders for their steadfast commitment and support in reducing the prevalence of such diseases in Malawi.

    In her address, the American Charge D’Affairs, Amy Diaz, highlighted the significant advancements made in HIV treatment through antiretroviral medication in 2022, emphasizing the substantial progress in combating the disease.

    She reaffirmed the American Government’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Malawian Government, particularly through the Global Fund, to ensure the effective allocation of resources towards HIV programs.

    Diaz emphasized the importance of initiatives such as establishing health center posts and providing technical support to enhance the quality of life for individuals in Malawi.

    Diaz (With microphone) speaking during the event

    She also disclosed that Malawi is poised to host a Global Fund meeting in November, underscoring the robust partnership between Malawi and the international community.

    The Japanese Charge D’Affaires, Seiji Tashira, commended the Malawi Government for successfully securing grants for HIV, TB, and Malaria, highlighting the substantial progress made in disease prevention.

    He stressed the necessity of sustained efforts in the fight against HIV to create a conducive environment, urging for continuous support to further advance Malawi’s healthcare sector.

    The British High Commissioner, Olympia Wereko Brobby, praised the Malawian Government for effectively fostering sustainable partnerships with the Global Fund, reflecting on the positive outcomes of their collaboration.

    The Norwegian Ambassador, Ingrid Marie Mikelsen commended all partners for their ongoing collaborative endeavors in maintaining sustainable partnerships, underscoring Norway’s significant contribution of 190 million euros towards strengthening healthcare systems in Malawi.

  • Some Form 4 teachers continue with exam marking boycott

    Despite Friday’s directive from the Ministry of Education asking teachers marking the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations, some of them have not returned to work.

    Some teachers started boycotting the marking process and the Education authorities came in to ask them to return assuring them their issues have been resolved.  

    The developments led to the closure of the St Mary’s Examinations Marking centre in Zomba by the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) who also suspended the marking exercise.

    Erick Lihonga a teacher’s representative in an interview monitored on ZBS said all the teachers that boycotted did not return and will not return as they are yet to receive official communication from the Education Ministry asking them to return to continue marking the exams.

    He indicated that he is not aware if the issues raised have indeed been resolved.

    One of the teachers captured leaving the Marking Centre. Pic courtesy of Nation Newspaper

    “We collected little money that it could not assist us to go back to the centre. The message which got us was the same message that was circulating that was demanding we markers who obliged to the ruling of the MANEB that we were supposed to go back. There is no other communication apart from that one”.

    Ministry of Education’s Spokesperson Mphatso Nkuonera insisted that all issues were resolved following a meeting with the teachers on the same day the centre was closed.

    Despite the protracted row, the Ministry maintains that results of the MSCE examinations will not be affected.

     “The teachers agreed with us to continue marking and marking continued immediately after the Ministry had intervened so we’re saying nothing will change the process and nothing will affect us in terms of the process of marking. We are so sure that the results will not be affected in any way”.

    The teachers among others are asking MANEB to revise upwards the marking fee which currently stands at K110 to K115 per paper and refund their transport.

  • Private School owners laud timely release of results

    Private Schools Owners Association of Malawi (PRISAM) has hailed the Ministry of Education and the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) for promptly releasing the 2024 Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) and Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) examination results.

    In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), PRISAM President Ernest Kaonga, described it as a significant improvement in the efficiency of the examination process.

    Kaonga emphasized that the early release of results will empower parents and guardians to make well-informed decisions concerning their children’s academic journeys.

    Kaonga: This early disclosure offers ample time for preparation and planning

    “I extend my gratitude to the government for ensuring the swift release of the PSLCE and JCE examination results.”

    “Delayed result announcements often place parents in a predicament, struggling to adapt to new educational requirements. This early disclosure offers ample time for preparation and planning for the next phase in their children’s education,” said Kaonga.

    On Friday, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with MANEB, announced the results for the 2023/2024 academic year, a development that has received widespread approval.

  • Man nabbed for trafficking in persons in Mchinji

    Police in Mchinji are keeping in custody a 30-year old man, Christopher William, for trafficking in persons.

    According to Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Limbani Mpinganjira, William was arrested on 13 August 2024 after it was established he recruited and provided transportation of three victims,two men and one woman ranging from the ages 20 to 24 in Somokera Village, Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe.

    William, in Police Custody. Pic curtsey of Mchinji PRO

    Mpinganjira told Nthanda Times that the law enforcers in the district were tipped off by wellwishers that William was taking the victims to work in a farm in Zambia.

    “Police learnt about the suspect through tips from well-wishers, upon intelligence gathering operation, police officers manning Chidiso Roadblock along Mchinji/Lilongwe M12 road intercepted the vehicle carrying the three victims,” said Mpinganjira.

    Mpinganjira added that the law enforcers managed to rescue the victims while the suspect is being kept in custody pending for a court appearance.

    Mpinganjira: the victims have been rescued

    Meanwhile, Mpinganjira says the law enforcers in the boarder district have intensified patrols and securities in all roadblocks to bring to an end the vice.

    “We have currently intensified our patrols and security in all our roadblocks, we are also engaging communities and chiefs on civic education and crime prevention outreach,” added Mpinganjira.

    Christopher William, the suspect, hails from Nayere Village, Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe.

  • Zambian, Malawian nabbed for trafficking in persons in Mchinji

    Police in Mchinji are keeping in custody two men, Symon Luka aged 37 and Msadalire Phiri aged 23 on human trafficking allegations.

    According to Mchinji Police Public Relations Officer Sergeant Limbani Mpinganjira, the suspects recruited people from Traditional Authority Kalumbu and Chadza in Lilongwe to go and work in farms in Zambia.

    Mpinganjira added that the suspects were arrested at Kamwendo Bus Deport in the district enroute to Zambia.

    Luka and Phiri

    “Police have established that the two suspects went to Lilongwe in the area of Traditional Authority Kalumbu and Chadza where they recruited people (victims) to go to Vubwi District in Zambia along with them to work in the farms.

    “Upon working on a tip, Kamwendo Police Post detectives organized an intelligence driven operation leading to the arrest of the two suspects at Kamwendo Bus Depot whilst in transit en route to Zambia (Vubwi),” said Mpinganjira.

    Mpinganjira: The two will appear before court

    Mpinganjira further added that the recruited persons include five men, one woman ranging from the age of 22 to 43 and three children below the age of eighteen from Lilongwe.

    Meanwhile the victims are being taken care of and the suspects are in police custody pending court appearance.

    The two suspects, Symon Luka hails from Kosamu Village, Traditional Authority Khongoni in Lilongwe while Msadalire Phiri hails from Manota Village, under Chief Pembamoyo, Vubwi District in Zambia.

  • Chilima’s last mile

    Nsipe Catholic Ground in Ntcheu hosted the last funeral ceremony of the late Vice President Saulos Chilima which pulled crowds from different backgrounds who travelled far and wide to bid farewell to the former business executive cum politician.

    The ceremony came against a background of overnight violence which left four people dead and 12 injured after some people attacked his funeral convoy coming from Lilongwe to Ntcheu on Sunday.

    Calls for an independent investigation into Monday’s June 10 air crash which killed Chilima and eight others have intensified to establish what led to the unfortunate incident.

    On Monday 17th June, there was heavy security presence with the deployment of officers from the Malawi Police service and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in the area.

    The arrival of immediate past President Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at Nsipe was welcomed with a standing ovation by UTM officials as they cheered him chanting “A Daddy a Daddy!” The same was repeated as he laid his wreath on Chilima’s final resting place.

    Former President Peter and his wife Gertrude

    This was in sharp contrast to President Lazarus Chakwera’s convoy which was greeted by chants from the Ngoni’s who sang “A Bhiyeni munaphera dala dzikoli mukhale nalo” as it sped through them to the venue.

    In her eulogy, a representative the bereaved family, Elizabeth Mkandawire Mwanga described the Late Vice President, as a happy, loving and charitable man, who was poised to come a global leader.

    She hailed the international community, Malawi government and church community for honouring him.

    “Allow me to thank United Transformation Movement (UTM) for the support rendered during the mourning period and thanks to chiefs for the love. I would like to thank the people of Malawi for the gesture during the mourning period.

    “I would like appeal to government to conduct the investigation to establish the truth and that such a tragedy should not happen again. Let me appeal to the Nation to keep the Chilima dream alive and not to give up hope so that his dreams become a reality. Osaopa, osatopa, osafooka,”Mwanga said.

    APM and Chakwera greet each other at Chilima’s burial service

    Another representative Dr. Ben Chilima acknowledged the presence of former Presidents Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda and Peter Mutharika.

    He wished it was possible to wake up from this dream nightmare of the demise of their relative.

    He further asked if it is possible to have a memorial right at the accident crash site at Chikangawa in future. “Kodi nkotheka kuzapanga chikumbutso Ku Chikangawako??

    Chilima stated that although the family has lost, but SKC will continue living in their hearts as his legacy lives forever.

    Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani the 5th described “Bhiyeni” as Chilima was fondly called by the Ngoni’s as a hard worker and loving person.

    Inkosi Ya Makhosi Gomani: Bhiyeni was our pride

    “Bhiyeni was our pride and I would constantly seek advice from him and I loved him” confessed the traditional leader.

    He commended the people for their support and love shown during this trying time.

    The Ngoni Paramount Chief cited the public lecture in Lilongwe where the late UTM leader emphasized on the need to prioritise the country above all else.

    A member of the officiating Clergy  Archbishop, Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Diocese expressed deep concern over the accident which claimed the life of the VP and eight others.

    Following the incident, he went to church and had a chat with God to ask him why he allowed it happened and got this response.

    UTM Secretary General chats with the Mutharika’s

    “You didn’t ask me why I allowed my beloved son to undergo all the suffering and be crucified. I have done this so that his glory may be manifested”.

    Archbishop Msusa said ever since the accident happened prayers have been ongoing in all parishes in Malawi

    He appealed to all those holding onto stones to throw them away because the late SKC propagated peace and unity to develop this nation.

    Born on 12th February 1973, Chilima, a Ngoni from Ntcheu was a devout Catholic who together with his wife Mary had two children Sean and Elizabeth.

    At 41, he was elected as Vice President in 2014 to 2019 under the presidency of Prof. Peter Mutharika before being elected again in 2020 on the Tonse Alliance ticket led by President Chakwera.

    The deceased wife Mary together with her children and other family members

    Throughout the two terms, apart from performing various delegated tasks, Dr. Chilima was instrumental in spearheading Public Sector Reforms.

    He did his Primary education at HHI and Dharap primary schools and his secondary at Marist Brothers Mtendere Secondary school

    The UTM President held a degree in Social Sciences from Chancellor College, Malawi, Master’s Degree in Economics and a PhD in Knowledge Management from the University of Bolton, United Kingdom.

    Prior to joining politics, Chilima was in the business sector where he made history to become the first Malawian to head Airtel Malawi, one of the leading international mobile telecommunication companies.

    Previously he held Senior Sales Marketing positions in the banking sector, Leasing and Finance Company, Unilever Malawi, Coca Cola and Carlsberg.

    He was well known and highly respected as a performer, workaholic and has been an achiever everywhere he has worked.

    The deceased also led the successful transition from Zain to Airtel and successfully steered the implementation of a unique and innovative outsource model in the telecoms space for Airtel in its Network, Call Centre and IT departments while at the same time ensuring there was minimal or no disruption in the business operations.

  • Stream & Download – Dzenza CCAP Station Choir Kulimbika Mtima Album

    The Dzenza CCAP Station Choir has officially released their highly anticipated second album, “Kulimbika Mtima”!

    This amazing album features a total of 10 soul-stirring tracks that are sure to uplift your spirits and soothe your soul.

    Now is your chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful harmonies and powerful melodies of the Dzenza CCAP Station Choir right from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this album is a must-listen for all music lovers!

    [ai_playlist id=”122039″]

  • Kuhes’ CSO conducts holds fundraising activity

    Catholic Students Organization (CSO) at Kamuzu University of   Health Sciences (Kuhes) on Tuesday provided blood pressure checks and health counseling to Catholics at Limbe Cathedral to fundraise for the organisation’s activities.

    Speaking with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Kuhes CSO’s Fundraising and Events Coordinator, Rosaria Nyondo said the students grouping has no sponsors and this was the reason for carrying out fundraising activities among them to help the needy.

    “As catholic university students, we do charity work and after every two weeks we invite a priest to hold a holy mass at the campus and for this, we need finances.” said Nyondo.

    Kuhes CSO doing BP testing . Pic Pempho Nkhoma (Mana)

    She said they came to Limbe Cathedral to take blood pressure testing, provide health talks and offer counseling services closer to the people who became aware of their health status.

    “This will help church members because they will know about healthy living and get advice without traveling,” Nyondo said.

    One of the participants, Limbani Mataya commended the students for taking the right step in sourcing resources other than calling for help without taking initiatives.

    “They chose a right way of doing things because they are giving a service to people,” he said.

  • CSOs pile pressure on ACB to expedite investigating Mkaka

    Sixteen local civil society organizations (CSOs) have piled pressure on the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to expedite investigations into allegations that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, Eseinhower Mkaka, received a Mercedes Benz from corruption suspect, Zuneth Sattar.

    The concerned CSOs expressed fear that delays in investing and prosecuting the case would give leeway to unscrupulous agents in the justice system and politicians to interfere thereby frustrating the cause of justice.

    They made their sentiments at a press briefing held in Lilongwe on Wednesday evening. The concerned CSOs include Youth and Society (YAS), Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), National Alliance Against Corruption (NAAC), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), Social Action for Development (SAfD), Centre for Civil Society Strengthening (CSS), Civil Society Coalition on Accountability and Transparency, Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRC) and Nyika Institute (NI).

    Others are NGO Gender Coordination Network (NGO GCN), Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC), Citizen Alliance (CA), Malawi Economic Justice Network (MEJN), Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) and NGO Coalition on Child Rights (NGO CCR).

    In his remarks, National Advocacy Platform (NAP) Board Chairperson, Benedicto Kondowe, said with the pace at which the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Masauko Chamkakala, is dropping cases, Malawians have every reason to be worried that all high profile corruption cases, including that of Mkaka, may be discontinued.

    “We urge ACB to make haste in investigating and prosecuting this case so that Malawians should know the truth,” he said.

    In October 2020, Mkaka announced on his Facebook Page that he had bought the second hand Mercedes Benz at a price of GBP45,000 (over K45 million).

    Mkaka, who was first appointed cabinet minister on July 8, 2020, said he ordered the car on July 5, 2020, and a few days later, he wrote the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) to ask for duty-free clearance, which the authority granted.

    Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General, Eseinhower Mkaka

    “I have several sources of income which enabled me to afford this car. At that point, I had been working as an MP for a year. Secondly, in June this year, I announced that my former employers, the First Merchant Bank, compensated me after winning a court case against them. I even announced this here on my Facebook page in June this year when I got the first tranche of the compensation. Thirdly, through my wife, I have been carrying out a business of agricultural commodities for years. All these made me afford to buy the car,” Mkaka posted in October 2020.

    But after being quizzed by the ACB, the MCP SG publicly acknowledged receiving a car from Zuneth Sattar, a confession that led to calls to have him removed from cabinet.

    Mkaka confessed to having received two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz, and a Range Rover, both of which were traced to Sattar’s list of shipped vehicles. The Investigator Magazine linked the Mercedes Benz chassis to the same one Mkaka had provided publicly that he had bought before he became a Minister.

    President Lazarus Chakwera fired Mkaka from the cabinet in January this year, but the ACB is yet to move on him, as their indications that another deal could be reached to save him from seeing any Police cells.

    At one time, ACB Principal Public Relations Officer, Egrita Ndala indicated that the Bureau was still looking into this matter.

    “We believe justice will be done on this matter,” said Ndala then.

  • President Chakwera woos US investors to invest in Malawi

    Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera, on Sunday met United States of America (USA) investors at the Malawi-Texas Roundtable in order to outline investment opportunities Malawi is having poised under Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM).

    During the meeting, the President underlined the urgent need for the country to break free from the shackles of poverty through strategic investments.

    Chakwera emphasized the significance of attracting investors who prioritise sustainable development over exploitation.

    “Malawi needs to get out of the poverty trap but only with trusted investors who are not interested in exploiting Malawi,” said President Chakwera during the event organised by Time to Revive, in Dallas, Texas, on the sidelines of the US-Africa Summit.

    The Malawi leader expressed gratitude to Dr. Martin, a key figure in organising the roundtable, for his consistent support towards Malawi’s development agenda.

    President Chakwera welcomed a diverse group of business leaders keen on exploring investment opportunities in priority sectors to Malawi’s growth and dubbed ATM Strategy (Agriculture, Tourism and Mining).

    “I have convened this Business Roundtable to provide a platform for you to present your companies and portfolios to my officials,” he said while emphasizing his administration’s commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for investment.

    Malawi President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera

    Under the ATM strategy, Malawi prioritises cooperation and investment in increasing productivity through commercialisation and digitisation, enhancing value through industrialisation and promoting sustainability through climate-smart business practices.

    He then said Malawi is actively collaborating with regional partners to facilitate access to emerging markets through its membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    Chakwera expressed optimism that the roundtable discussions, which attracted big companies in agriculture, oil and gas and media among others, would pave the way for mutually beneficial partnerships, driving sustainable economic growth and development in Malawi.

    In his remarks, Dr. Martin, Founder of Time to Revive, expressed excitement about the Malawian leader’s emphasis on mindset change as a fundamental aspect of realizing the Malawi 2063 vision.

    “We are here to explore avenues to further our partnership in realising the Malawi 2063 Vision. Mr. President, know that you have a dedicated team here in America ready to collaborate with you,” said Martin.

    “We pray in Jesus’s name that the gold, diamonds and other minerals will be revealed in Malawi to benefit the people,” he said.

    Addressing over 100 Malawians from Dallas, Texas and its environs on Sunday evening, President Chakwera stressed the vital role that every Malawian, including those living abroad, plays in the nation’s progress.

    “One person cannot fulfill the vision of the country if there is no collective responsibility. We need all hands on deck,” said President Chakwera, stressing the significance of unity and concerted efforts towards national development.