Southern Region Press Club (SRPC) has purchased a one-hectare piece of land worth K2.5 million as one way of establishing the club’s cooperatives.
The land, which is situated at Whayo Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Kapeni in Blantyre, will be turned into a poultry and piggery farm in order to improve living standards of media personnel.
SRPC President, Ronald Amos told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Monday that the vision of the club is to be innovative and create an environment where members of the press can attain economic growth and independence and be a vital link between financial stability and the ability of journalists to operate with autonomy and integrity.
“There is collusion between media freedom and lack of financial freedom because our media freedom is being compromised by lack of finances. As such, we want to empower journalists by having an entrepreneurship drive that would benefit them,” said Amos.
Amos, SRPC aspires for media economic independence. Pic Petro Mkandawire
SRPC members will be able to buy shares from the cooperatives and the cooperative will create a comprehensive business plan that outlines the goals, objectives, and strategies for the group.
According to Amos, the more shares a member buys the more the dividends he/she gets.
SRPC was established with a vision to foster solidarity and collaboration among media. It is rooted in a profound understanding that economic empowerment is the cornerstone of journalists’ independence as it unifies force for the journalist community in the southern and eastern parts of Malawi.
One of the SRPC members, Britta Mpata, who is also willing to join the cooperative said farming is a potential pathway for smallholder producers to gain access to more lucrative market opportunities thereby improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
“As a member, this is my opportunity to acquire new skills. Through these press cooperatives journalist poverty will be mitigated as it will boost life standards as well as food security,” said Mpata.
Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Ephraim Chivunde, has been accused of manipulating Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), Colleen Zamba, to make myopic decisions on behalf of the government.
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera appointed Zamba in June 2022, replacing Zangazanga Chikhosi who had been fired a few earlier in May the same year.
Since her appointment, the SPC has been mired in a number of high profile investigations involving procurement deals in some critical sectors of the economy such as energy and agriculture.
At the height of fuel crisis in the country, governance and economic commentators questioned her role as Board Chairperson of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), raising eyebrows on the level of powers she has and how she uses that power in executing her duties.
But now the accusing fingers are pointing at Chivunde as being the main culprit behind the terrible decisions Zamba has been making on behalf of the Government of Malawi.
Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Ephraim Chivunde
Our highly placed sources at the Capital Hill are, for instance, accusing the adviser of influencing the SPC to facilitate the signing of the ill-fated $6.8 billion (about K11.3 billion) deal with the Belgium-based Bridgin Foundation on November 28, 2022.
There has been dead silence on the future of the package, which was meant to finance projects in areas of health, education, energy and infrastructure development has no progress report.
“In a recent development, Chivunde influenced the SPC [Zamba] to seal a deal with East Bridge to supply fertilizer for the 2023-2024 Affordable Input Programme before entering into another agreement with a Botswana-based company, SG Global, to supply fertilizers and fuel to Malawi,” revealed our sources.
Furthermore, Chivunde influenced the awarding of contracts at Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) and Malawi Gaming Board to the Mpinganjira family to which he is related, our sources added.
Chivunde could not be immediately contacted for his comment.
Former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has described the year 2023 as the worst for Malawians, stating that Malawians went through unprecedented extent of suffering and hardship that confronted them in the year.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba – in a New Year statement – said the suffering and hardships Malawians faced in the year gone by were so unforeseeable and unbearable that the country’s grim of hope has reached its cul-de-sac.
Namalomba has attributed the suffering and hardships Malawians went through to the Tonse Alliance government, which he said lacked vision and clear policies for bailing citizens out of poverty.
“DPP and well-meaning Malawians know that the problems that entangled the country’s fabric of hope are man-made, largely emanating from incompetence, arrogance, corruption and prioritization of politics over development that were demonstrated distinguishably in the year by the MCP-led government. The DPP knows there are global issues affecting the global economy, but a basic analysis of those problems point to the fact that, as Malawians, we have suffered disproportionately a larger share than all our neighbors. The year 2023, we felt the economic punch of President Chakwera’s globetrotting and extravagance,” he said.
The DPP spokesperson further said that President Chakwera’s lust for frequent internal and external travels contributed to the dwindling of the economy, stating that the travels pushed the budget of the State Residence from MK4billion under His Excellency Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika’s regime to over MK30 billion under Chakwera administration.
“It’s clear, while the MCP government is asking Malawians to sacrifice, top leadership refuses to walk the talk, and is instead having ‘Father Christmas’ on a daily basis. Is this what MCP terms ‘servant leadership’?” he asked.
On the economic front, Namalomba says the Chakwera administration has delivered shambles contrary to the economic aspirations of Malawians.
Namalomba: Tonse Alliance has failed Malawians
He said the extent the economic mismanagement by the MCP-government in the year has been odd and spectacular, adding that several companies in their end of year Trading Statements have confessed how man-made devaluation, forex crisis and other poor economic policies have made them to register losses.
“Further, the year has been the toughest in memorable years for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises which were pushed to close down, scaled down or struggle for survival due to economic mismanagement of the MCP regime. While it is to be at the heart of each and every political regime to lead an economic transformation and renaissance that uplifts its people from jaws of poverty into economic stardom, the MCP government does not seem to care, and if it does, then it goes back to the question of their readiness, appropriateness and competence to govern. The year has been the worst for motorists who had to either queue for days to get fuel or who currently pay about MK2 600 to get just one litre of petrol or diesel. The DPP believes this outstanding lack of apathy and consideration by the MCP government is unacceptable,” reads the statement.
It continues, “Further, in the year 2023, the MCP government devalued the local currency by 67%. And even after devaluing the local currency, the country continues to be gripped in a protracted forex crisis. The question DPP and well-meaning Malawians continue to ask is: “If these unbearable economic problems were happening under DPP, what would President Chakwera have said”? When DPP left government, inflation was about 8%, and just three years into the MCP government, inflation is at more than 33%, and the second question, well-meaning Malawians would want to ask President Chakwera is: “What would you have said if His Excellency Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika had inherited an economy with 8% inflation, but lose hold of it and loose it to over 33%?”
On agriculture, Namalomba has expressed disappointment with the way the government has implemented the 2023 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), describing it a mess and a mere shadow of what it has been professed to be.
He expressed sadness that the very same fertilizer Malawians were promised to buy at MK4, 495 per 50kg is now pegged beyond an average Malawian’s reach. Presently, fertilizer is selling in excess of MK87 000 per bag.
He said even the intended beneficiaries of the programme cannot be traced.
“We have had AIP on paper but not on the ground. We mourn with Malawians for being betrayed. We cry with the common man and woman for being neglected by the very same regime he or she trusted. All we have gained in agriculture has been mere rhetoric. All we have seen has been endless launching of agricultural programs which are reflecting nothing on the ground. One wonders, what happened to effective project implementation. One wonders, do we have the much touted-reforms in the country?” said Namalomba.
Director of Preparedness and Response from the Department of Disaster and Management Affairs (DoDMA), Moses Chimphepo has cautioned communities in Thyolo district against constructing houses in disaster prone areas.
Chimphepo said this when a delegation from DoDMA and Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare toured Thyolo to appreciate how the Climate Smart Public Works Program (CSPWP) and Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) were progressing in the area of Traditional Authority Nsabwe.
“By avoiding constructing in disaster prone areas, we will also be saving financial resources that government spends in disaster response.
“Normally, the Department of Climate Change and Metrological Services releases information occurrences such as floods and droughts and they inform department of disaster which further releases the information to the public to relocate to safe areas., “said Chimphepo
He observed that some people opt to disregard such weather information saying there was need for communities to make use of weather information all the time.
On the SCTP and the CSPWP, Chimphepo said households will be able to recover from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Thyolo where 7,663 households are expected to benefit from the two programs.
“Each beneficiary has received K150,000 for three months to buy maize and other households necessities during the rainy season which is the most difficult time when most households lack food,” he added.
In his remarks, District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga applauded the two social interventions saying they were key in saving lives of people that could be lost due to hunger.
Kuphanga also appealed to government to revise the Universal Beneficiary Registry (UBR), saying many households from Traditional Authorities Thomas and Mpenda were not included, thereby denying them opportunities to benefit from most social protection programmes.
“Some villages were left out during the documentation of UBR and these are the same people that are not appearing on SCTP and CSPWP beneficiary list,
“Furthermore, the National IDs of many people were destroyed during Tropical Cyclone Freddy and this also cause some challenges when they want to cash,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Marita Masamba a mother of four children from Ndaona Village in Traditional Authority Nsabwe commended SCTP saying her household was able to buy fertilizer, food and also constructing good house.
Masamba advised fellow beneficiaries to use the funds prudently saying this would help them to improve their household income.
Government of Malawi with funding from the World Bank and UNICEF is giving K150,000 to beneficiaries and participants of SCTP and CSPWP who were affected by the Tropical Cyclone Freddy to help them recover from its effects.
A 42-year-old man identified as Bright Phiri died in Mzimba on Saturday after being hit by a Mercedes Benz CLA 180, registration number IT 7175 along M1 Road in the district.
Spokesperson for Jenda Police, Macfarlen Mseteka said the accident occurred when Kashum Kumar Rampariya was driving the motor vehicle heading towards Mzimba Boma from the direction of Jenda Trading Centre.
Spokesperson for Jenda Police, Macfarlen Mseteka
“Due to over speeding, upon reaching Kamanga area, Rampariya hit Phiri as he was attempting to cross the road from right,” said Mseteka.
Mseteka said Phiri was pronounced dead upon arrival at Jenda Rural Hospital and post-mortem results concluded that he died due to multiple fractures sustained on both legs and a deep cut on the head.
Phiri hailed from Mathotela Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mzikubola in Mzimba District.
Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has described the Malawi Space Agency as a game-changer in the communication sector.
speaking in Lilongwe this week, Malawi Space Agency Taskforce Chairperson, Thandie Chisala Mbvundula, said the agency will increase usage of resources and space technologies in various sectors, including climate and weather monitoring to access to health care and education, water management, efficiency in transportation and agriculture.
She said this space conference aligns perfectly with Malawi’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by Malawi in 2015.
Participants to the conference in Lilongwe
“These global objectives aim to eradicate poverty, protect our planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Our own Malawi’s 2063 Agenda, envisions a youth-centric, self reliant Malawi driven by industrialization, and a key avenue to achieve these goals is through the strategic use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), innovation and advancement in space technology to further enhance our digitalization programme,” Mbvundula said.
On her part, Director of Finance at MACRA, Mphatso Phiri, said MACRA envisages a digitally transformed nation through effective regulation, research and innovation.
“One key issue that will see the realization of this goal is the establishment of the Malawi Space Agency and the exploration of space resources. This can help a country to optimize the space industry by among others harnessing the potential benefits of space science and technology in addressing social-economic opportunities and challenges, ensuring access to space data by strengthening space missions and adopting good governance and best practices,” Phiri said.
The conference has seen participation of various euro space engineers from across the globe presenting on topics spanning from trends in satellite communication, applications and major benefits of space services for Malawi needs sectors like Agriculture, Mining as well as disaster management using available space data.
The conference will be held from 18th-20 October, 2023 under the theme: “Space Applications for Sustained Development”.
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.
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.
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.
Save the Children International (SCI) and its partners have been challenged to take a leading role in strengthening Child Protection Systems in their respective Country Offices, stressing that functioning child protection systems are key to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets.
Senior Child Protection Technical Expert at Save the Children Sweden, Mali Nilsson, cited SDG targets 5.2, which aims to to end all forms of violence against girls and women; 5.3; to eliminate harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation; and 8.7 whose attainment will depend on how countries’ policies respond to the rights of children.
Nilsson made the sentiments in Lilongwe during the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) CSO Programme Regional Learning Workshop.
Save the Children is a key partner in the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, led by UNICEF, which supports collaborative efforts to achieve SDG 16.2 and other related VAC targets.
The partnership has adopted the seven INSPIRE strategies for ending violence against children.
Nilsson emphasized that strengthening efforts for child protection systems should be based on every child’s non-negotiable right to be protected and cared for, ideally by their family or in a family setting.
Nilsson making her presentation during the regional learning workshop in Lilongwe–Photo by Watipaso Mzungu
“The system needs to be rooted in the socio-cultural context(s); building upon informal practices, local values, and beliefs in families and communities that already support the care and protection of girls and boys of different ages and backgrounds,” she said.
She also called for what she described as ‘Advocate & Campaign’ for improved policies and financing to end child marriage and other forms of violence against children.
Nilsson also appealed for the shift in power through a community-led children protection common approach and explore digital solutions to strengthening community social welfare workforce, building at least one digital tool to help protect children from digital harm.
The five-day regional learning workshop ends on Friday. It attracted participants from Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Malawi as a host.
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