Nthanda Times

Peter Ngwenyama

  • ZBS launches sexual harassment policy 

    Zodiak Broadcasting Corporation (ZBS) Limited has launched a Sexual Harassment Policy at workplace to guide on how to prevent and deal with sexual harassment.

    Speaking during the launch of the policy on Friday at Sigelege Beach Resort in Salima, Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara, described the policy as an important document to provide a safer working environment and safeguard human rights.

    “The policy is not only timely but a ray of hope in as far as the fight against sexual harassment in the work place is concerned,” she said.

    Sexual harassment remains a perennial issue for women and some in paid work adding the not only women are affected by the vice but are the ones that are more likely to be victims of sexual harassment because of lack of power than their men counterparts, vulnerable and insecure positions of power and influence.

    Gotani Hara said, as a woman, she knows how dehumanizing and traumatizing sexual harassment can be, as it leads to absenteeism, poor morale, loss of focus and legal consequences.

    The launch of the policy will help in spreading awareness around the different forms of sexual harassment that men and women continue to suffer at their different place of work.

    ZBS Board Chairperson, Beatrice Msindira, said the policy provides reporting guidelines and handling of reported cases to protect the rights of workers as well as the image of the company and creating awareness.

    Gotani Hara (L) showcases the policy while Msindira (R) looks on.

    “The key area that have been highlighted in the policy is bringing awareness about sexual harassment among workers,” she said.

    Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, commended the institution for coming up with the policy.

    “We are mandated to enforce the Gender Equality Act therefore we will visit every public institutions to see if they have sexual harassment policy,” she said.

    Osman added that from September, the Commission will start monitoring compliance on sexual harassment workplace policy.

    Earlier, ZBS staff were oriented by Women in News-Africa Region (WIN) Deputy Executive Director, Jane Godia on sexual harassment at the work place.

    According to her, it is reported that 41 per cent of media women in Malawi have faced physical or verbal harassment at the workplace.

  • Deputy Minister Mdooko presses for responsive National Population Policy

    Deputy Minister of Education, Nancy Chaula Mdooko has stressed the need to have a National Policy that address challenges of rapid population growth.

    Mdooko was speaking on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the launch of the revised National Population Policy.

    She said just like many other developing economies, the challenge makes it difficult for countries to fully meet the agricultural, educational, and economic needs of their population. 

    Further, she said, population growth has a profound impact across multiple sectors.

    ” For instance, high fertility rates imply growing demands for water, sanitation, energy, agriculture, housing, employment, health, and education,” Adding that there is a direct relationship between population and development. 

    Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaula Mdooko streesed the need to have a National Population Policy that addresses challenges of population growth

    Thus, why the National Population Policy has been developed to address such factors that undermine efforts towards sustainable economic and social development, she said.

    Mdooko said the policy focus is on the six priority areas of managing population growth, Inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized populations, climate change adaptation and resilience, information Management, financing, and capacity strengthening, linkages and coordination and all the six priorities are interlinked. 

    While the goal is to have a manageable population with adequate and high-quality social services and economic opportunities that can meaningfully contribute to national development. 

    Mdooko added that the education and health sectors have a role to play in the implementation of the Policy. 

    “The Policy will use the right-based approach rather than coercive measures.” 

    Therefore, she said, aiming at increasing access to voluntary family planning; encouraging female education and ensuring that girls stay in school; integrating demographic and population data to inform development planning across sectors can help ensure that key sectors of development, such as health, education, environmental protection, and infrastructure to sufficiently meet the needs of the current population while working toward a growth rate that is amenable to sustained economic and social development. 

    Mdooko observed that this can be achieved if all stakeholders in the sector combine efforts with a common goal.

    African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) Country Director, Dr Nyovani Madise said the policy is very progressive as it looks at a number of pillars including population, climate change and finance among others.

    “This policy also has information on how it can be implemented in order to achieve the aspirations,” she said.

    Academician from University of Malawi (UNIMA), Dr Monica Jamali Phiri said the country need to manage its rapid population growth.

    “There are number of factors that the academia can assist like coming up with statistics to give policy makers a picture on what is happening on population,” she said.

    Malawi developed the policy in 1994, revised in 2012 and revised again in 2023 to align it to Malawi 2063 vision.

  • AFIDEP scoops the 2023 UN Population Institutional Award 

    The 2023 United Nations (UN) Award has recognized the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) as the best institution for shaping policies and programmes in issues of population and sexual reproductive health in Africa. 

    According to a statement from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) available to Nthanda Times on Wednesday the institution plays a vital role in shaping policies and programmes that promote sustainable population growth on the continent. 

    “Their evidence-based approach and collaboration with governments, civil society organizations, and international partners has resulted in impactful programming and positive outcomes in areas such as family planning, maternal health, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and population dynamics across Africa,” it said.

    The statement further said AFIDEP’s work has contributed to improving the lives of individuals and communities and fostered sustainable development, empowering African nations to achieve their demographic and health goals.

    In his acceptance, AFIDEP Executive Director also Resident Representative for Malawi, Dr Eliya Msiyaphazi Zulu expressed gratitude for recognizing the institution with the award

    Zulu: The award reflects AFIDEP’s dedication and commitment

    “This award reflects our team’s tireless dedication and commitment to advancing evidence-informed solutions to population and sexual reproductive health challenges across Africa,” he said.

    The agency has also awarded Her Excellency Madam Angeline Ndayishimiye, the First Lady of Burundi, in the individual category.

    Madam Ndayishimiye is a tireless philanthropist and advocate for the rights of women and girls in Burundi, Madam Ndayishimiye has founded organizations including the Good Action Foundation “Umugiraneza”, which works to prevent and treat obstetric fistula, and the association “Femmes Intwari”, which brings together women ex-combatants and the wives of ex-combatants for peace and democracy. 

    The statement said among the many causes she is deeply committed to championing education for the country’s youth, addressing the causes and consequences of gender-based violence and supporting people facing stigmatized and under-serviced health conditions, such as obstetric fistula.

    Madam Ndayishimiye has also developed countless concrete solutions to these challenges, including establishing a psychiatry centre to support survivors of violence and numerous projects that provide information about sexual and reproductive health to marginalized communities across the Republic of Burundi, the statement said.

     In May 2023, the statement added that she was elected as the President of the Africa First Ladies’ Peace Mission (AFLPM).

    However, each year, the Committee for the United Nations Population Award honours an individual and or institution in recognition of outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health questions and to their solutions.

    The Award was established by the General Assembly in 1981.

  • Malawi’s supplementary polio immunization campaign starts July 12

    The Government of Malawi, through the Ministry of Health, has announced that it will kick-start the supplementary polio immunization campaign on 12 July 2023 and will run up to 15th July 2023.

    The campaign is targeting 8.8 million children of under 15 years of age.

    Speaking during a media orientation on the 2023 supplementary polio immunization campaign on Tuesday in Mponela, Dowa, Spokesperson in the Ministry of Health, Adrian Chikumbe, said the campaign comes at a time when the country continue to register polio cases within and the surrounding countries.

    “Polio virus is still circulating in our environment such that all children under the age of 15 are at risk of the disease,” he said.

    According to him, in addition to the index cases which was confirmed in February 2022 in under five child, two more cases were registered in February 2023 in the ages between 5-15 years.

    Chikumbe added the media is very crucial in this campaign to sensitize people on the benefits of taking their children for vaccination.

    Chikumbe: The campaign is targeting 8.8 million children

    In her presentation, Ministry of health Expanded Programne on Immunization Officer, Brenda Mhone assured the parents and guardians that the vaccine is safe and effective.

    “Parents should bring forward all eligible children for vaccination to protect them from the disease,” she said.adding that the disease is preventable through immunization as well as practicing food, personal hygiene and proper disposal of faeces and waste.

    World Health Organization (WHO) responsible Immunization Programme, Dr Boston Zimba said Malawi is at risk of having cases due to porous borders.

    “This increases the risk of transmission of the disease in the country,” he said.

    Zimba said they will continue rendering both financial and technical support to the country fight the disease to make sure children are protected from the disease.

    Polio is a disease caused by virus and is spread from person to person mainly through faecal oral transmission and can lead to paralysis.

  • Minister Matola challenges to advance power generation development 

     Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola challenged Electricity Generation Company (EGENCO) to develop a strategic plan that speaks to the aspirations of the country’s power generation development.

    Matola was speaking on Tuesday in Lilongwe during the processes of reviewing the Strategic Plan for EGENCO with its stakeholders.

    He said Malawi 2063 is very clear that it is the government’s intention to continue investing in the energy sector beyond hydro which is currently the main source of energy.

    “It is government’s wish that alternative sources of energy including solar, coal and thermal shall be tapped and used in sustainable manner that avoids or minimizes environmental degradation,” adding that as a nation we need to have sustainable power development.

    Matola added that it is his ministry’s responsibility and desire to completely mitigate any potential shortages in power generation that leads to frequent power outages and results in reduced investment in the growth of mining and Industry.

    Matola Speaking during the review meeting

    This is why EGENCO is supported to ensure that the company produces not just enough electricity but reliable, diversifies and affordable power for people, he explained.

    The minister further said despite alot of challenges the company faced, global and natural disasters, they came out of them hence the restoration of Kapichira and Tedzani power stations among others.

    In his remarks, EGENCO Chief Executive Officer, William Liabunya, said since the launch of their 2018-2033 strategic plan, five years of implementing there has been a number of achievements as well as challenges that necessitated the review of the plan inorder to align it with the new trends in the market and incorporate lessons learnt.

    “The plan provided a sense of direction in terms of the company’s investments, operations, projects and how to sustainably generate power for generations,” he said.

    However, he said, reviewing of the plan and contributions from stakeholders will not only lead to the company’s growth but also to that of the nation in developing sustainable and efficient power.

  • Chitipa legislators want government to halt relocation of refugees to the district

    Two legislators from Chitipa have asked government to halt the decision of relocating refugees from Dzaleka camp to the district until proper consultations are done.

    The duo, Member of Parliament for Chitipa Wenya, Davies Paulos Ng’ambi and Chitipa South, Welani Chilenga, told reporters in Lilongwe on Monday that they are against the decision by government to relocate refugees to the district.

    Ng’ambi argued that government did not consult the people neither the district council on the decision.

    “We are against the relocation of these refugees and the people of Chitipa are not happy,” he said, adding that they want development not refugees.

    Ng’ambi: Government did not consult people of Chitipa on the relocation

    Commenting on the same, Chitipa South legislator, said they share common concerns as they share a boundary with Wenya where the camp is expected to be constructed.

    “Although the camp will be in Wenya but these refugees will be all over the district and we cannot restrict their move,” he said.

    Chilenga further said people in the district depend on small scale businesses, with the coming of refugees they will suffocate these businesses living people in poverty.

    People of Chitipa are also concerned with the environment as most areas in the district are protected. “Our fear is that they will cause mass destruction to the forest.”

    Chilenga: The construction of the camp at Wenya will cause destruction of forests

    Chilenga however claimed that the district is 10 kilometers from Zambia border which is against United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recommended distance of 50 kilometers.

    Reacting to the sentiments from the two legislatures, Ministry of Homeland Security spokesperson, Patrick Botha said government will not reverse or halt the decision because consultations were made at district council level.

    “All what was required in consultations was fulfilled. We met all those who were supposed to give a nod to the decision,” he said.

    Some of the people consulted include Senior Chief Mwenewenya and his subjects, the District Commissioner, Chairperson for the district among others.

    On the distance, Botha said Chitipa is an eligible district to keep refugees and asylum seekers because it falls in the category of less than 50 kilometers from the border as per UNHCR requirements.

  • Innobuild boosts Kawale Police Station’s Commissioners Trophy ambitions with K1.1m sponsorship

    As one way of promoting sports, Innobuild Limited has stepped in to boost Kawale Police Commissioner’s trophy with a sponsorship worthy MK1.1m to boost police station’s football, and netball teams.

    In a ceremony, which took place at Inno build head office on Monday in Lilongwe, Innobuild Limited Managing Director, Billy Jonathan Chiotha, said his company has recognized the remarkable services the police render to society.

    “Most people only see the bad side of the police but to the greater extent they protect us and the nation,” he said.

    Kawale Police Station Officer in charge of Assistant Commissioner Aubrey Kawale in a symbolic handover with Innobuild’s Chiotha

    Chiotha, therefore, presented football kits to both football and netball teams of the police and also pledged to give K500,000 to the winning team if they win the trophy.

    Officer in charge of Kawale Police Station, Assistant Commissioner, Aubrey Kawale expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of sports in promoting a healthy work-life balance for the officers, enabling them to serve the community more effectively. 

    “There is a positive impact that sports can have on the overall well-being and morale of the police forces,” he said.

    “The support extends beyond the financial contribution, as it represents a strong partnership between the private sector and law enforcement, he said. 

    Such collaborations, Kawale said, help to build bridges between different sectors of society and foster mutual understanding and trust.

    This is the first time for Kawale Police to receive such a historic package of sponsorship from the private sector.

    Coach Sub Inspector Patrick Phambana commended the company for a huge sponsorship to the trophy.

    The Commissioner’s Trophy is a highly anticipated sporting event within the law enforcement community which provides an opportunity for stations like Kawale Police to showcase their talents and compete against other stations in the Central West region.

  • Sant’ Egidio president Impagliazzo satisfied with impact of projects in Malawi

    Global president of the Community of Sant’ Egidio, a lay movement of the Roman Catholic Church, Professor Marco Impagliazzo has expressed satisfaction with the projects his movement is implementing in Malawi.

    Impagliazzo is on a five-day mission from 5-10th July 2023 to some projects the movement is implementing in Malawi.

    Speaking to reporters on Friday after visiting some of the projects, Impagliazzo said he is impressed with the programs that are implemented of which some are to help people living with HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, fighting malnutrition as well as Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Malawi.

    “We are also into birth registration programs for children. I’m proud that the programs are really improving in these areas despite the effects of Covid-19 some few years back,” he said.

    Professor Marco Impagliazzo

    Impagliazzo added that they have also important programs that are to support the elderly people, prisoners and vulnerable children in the country.

    He, however, bemoaned the abuse and exploitation of elderly persons which come due to ignorance among the society.

    He therefore called upon the youths to take a leading role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of the elderly persons.

    On death penalty, he said, the movement is advocating to government to abolish it saying only God can decide the death of someone not a person.

    However, some of the projects the Community of Sant’ Egidio is implementing in Malawi including Birth Registration for All Versus Oblivion (BRAVO) and Drug Resource Enhancement against Aids and Malnutrition (DREAM) project to help in HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) care and treatment, NCD’s, distribution of food to malnourished DREAM patients and distribution of reconstruction materials and food to victims of cyclones Ana, Idai and Freddy.

  • Tanzania’s presence at independence celebrations signifies special friendship – Chakwera

    President Lazarus Chakwera has described the presence of Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 59th National Independence celebrations as a special friendship between the people of the two countries.

    President Chakwera was speaking on Thursday in Lilongwe during celebrations marking 59 years of independence from colonial rule.

    “I want you to know that our joy in hosting you a state visit and a guest of honour in our celebrations is an expression of our gratitude for the special friend we have in you and the Tanzanian people,” he said.

    Adding that fresh in memory and minds of all Malawians is the most recent example when Malawi was devasted by Tropical Cyclone Freddy and Tanzania was the first nation to come to the country’s aid with practical and material support.

    President Chakwera (R) with President Suluhu during the commemorations at Bingu National Stadium

    “It gives me great joy to tell you in front of and on behalf of all Malawians that you have the thanks if a grateful nation,” he said.

    The President therefore said it was fitting that all the presidents in the world and of all our friends in earth, it should be President Hassan and Tanzania people joining Malawi in this year’s independence celebrations.

    ” Your presence here has added so much flavour that it has deepened our happiness,” he said.

    The vising Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan commended Malawi for maintaining peace since attaining its independence.

    “We share common identities. We got our independence after you here,” she said.

    Meanwhile, President Chakwera and the visiting President Hassan will visit flood survivors of cyclone freddy on Friday.

  • Malawi, UNHCR repatriate 38 Burundians on voluntary basis

    The Ministry of Homeland Security in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has repatriated 38 Burundian nationals on voluntary basis.

    The first batch of the voluntary repatriation is composed of 11 families representing 38 individuals.

    The 38 left the country in the wee hours of today Tuesday through the Kamuzu International Airport- KIA in Lilongwe to Bujumbura in Burundi.

    Ministry of Homeland Security Public Relations Officer Patrick Botha has expressed satisfaction with the first cohort of the repatriation, saying that the repatriation is one of the durable solutions in refugee management.

    Botha added that more refugees are interested in going back to their respective countries.

    “We are happy as a Ministry that 38 individuals have decided to go back to their home country voluntarily, this is the beginning as about 170 refugees are eager to go back to their countries of origin,” he said.

    Botha has since thanked UNHCR for the support rendered during the repatriation process of the refugees.

    The Burundian nationals at KIA before being repatriated

    On her part country’s UNHCR Senior Protection Officer, Roberlin Tozwen stressed that the repatriated refugees went through a sensitization process, as a way of facilitating proper integration in their home country.

    Tozwen lamented that her organization is facing funding constraints, a situation she said has the potential to delay the repatriation processes of those interested to go back to their countries.

    Tozwen said, “The repatriation process is costly because the UNHCR provides various critical arrangements for the repatriation to take place, and money about K50 million has been used for the same”.

    Among others, the repatriation will help to decongest Dzaleka Refugee Camp in the Dowa district as well as enable the government to expedite the opening of a new refugee camp in Mbalizi area in Chitipa district.