Nthanda Times

Peter Ngwenyama

  • Govt launches the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, National Exploration Policy

    Government has expressed commitment to ensuring growth of the mining sector by launching the 2022 – 2027 Mining Strategic Plan alongside the National Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Policy.

    Speaking during the joint launch of the documents on Monday in Lilongwe, the Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’amuno, said the launch is an important step towards realizing the country’s aspirations of prosperous Malawi for all as espoused in the Malawi Vision 2063 and the First 10-year Implementation Plan (MIP 2030). 

    “The development of the ministry’s strategic plan follows government’s interest for the mining sector to contribute to the sustainable socio-economic growth and development of the country,” she said.

    Chang’amuno said the aim of the Strategic Plan is to promote growth and sustainable development of the mineral sector with a view to stimulating exports and contributing to import substitution.

    She said the Plan provides a new operational framework with a clear mission, vision and strategic objectives along with clear performance indicators. 

    Furthermore, she said, the Plan has taken into account economic challenges Malawi is facing both at micro and macro levels adding that the plan is, therefore, crafted in such a way that it should respond to these challenges for a better Malawi. 

    A comprehensive review will then follow to take stock of its implementation, learn from the mistakes made during implementation and build on the successes in developing a successor strategy, she said

    While the policy has been developed to provide policy direction and guidance in the implementation of the interventions in the upstream petroleum subsector. 

    Chang’amuno therefore appealed to the private sector, development partners and key stakeholders to support the ministry’s efforts to transform the economy of the country through modern, efficient and effective mining industry.

    One of the mining investors from Global Metals & Mining, Neville Huxham commended the government for coming up with the documents.

    “The release of these two documents is very important for Malawi but this can only benefit the country if there is action,” he said.

    Huxham advised the government to make sure that there is implementation of the documents.

  • Madam Chakwera challenges stakeholders to find solutions for addressing inequalities

    First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera has challenged stakeholders to find lasting solutions for addressing gender inequalities in Malawi.

    Chakwera was speaking on Friday night in Lilongwe when she presided over the book launch written by Dr Phoebe Chifungo titled “Let my People Go.”

    She said women and girls have been facing a lot of challenges compared to their male counterparts.

    Chakwera: Men and women have been facing many challenges

    “Let us practice equality at homes, churches, workplaces as well as in communities in order to achieve gender equality,” she said.

    Madam Chakwera encouraged church leaders, academia, policy makers to use the newly launched book as a guidance to empower women and girls at all levels.

    Phoebe Chifungo newly launched book

    The Author of the book, Dr Phoebe Chifungo her book is a collection of essays from the bible that explore the challenges faced by women and girls in Malawi and the world.

    “Women are not supposed to be oppressed by men, the church and the state. There is a new vision of liberation for women that is based on justice, equality and dignity,” she said.

    “Let My People Go,” is a powerful and important book that explains the role of women in the society.

  • Male, female TB patients share ward at Ntcheu District Hospital

    Male and female tuberculosis (TB) patients are sharing a ward at Ntcheu District Hospital, a situation that the hospital ombudsman, Beatrice Chimwala, says is compromising the patients privacy.

    Chimwala told reporters during a two-day media tour organized by National TB and Leprosy Elimination Program (NTLEP) that patients use one ward, which is demarcated by curtains.

    “Many patients both male and female admitted in the ward lose confidence as it is not common to share wards though curtains are used to separate them,” she said.

    Chimwala said other wards are well separated but it is only the TB ward adding the complaint has been reported to the relevant officials to solve the problem so that there can be two separate wards for female and male.

    According to her, in terms of treatment and care, the hospital has not received any complaint from TB patients.

    Assistant District TB Coordinator, Lameck Kanjika said despite few challenges faced at the  hospital,  there has been good progress in the fight against the disease.

    Assistant District TB Coordinator Lameck Kanjika

    Last year on average, he said, the district had over 100 TB cases while in the first quarter of 2023, they diagnosed 149 cases.

    “To us it is a great achievement because we are able to detect cases both in the communities and at the hospital,” he said.

    Kanjika added that with the treatment success rate, the district has done well at 90 per cent compared to previous rates which were at 80 per cent.

    According to him, during last year, out of 104 cases recorded, 94 got cured from TB.

    Kanjika added that the use of volunteers, Gene Xpert machines and opening of additional sputum point collection points has enabled the district to register success.

  • Court sends activist Agape Khombe on remand at Maula Prison

    The Lilongwe Senior Resident Magistrate Wanangwa Nyirenda has remanded activist Agape Khombe to Maula Prison until June 9, 2023, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl.

    Khombe was arrested on May 22, 2023, by Lilongwe Police.

    According to Lilongwe Police Publicist, Hastings Chigalu, the victim is currently pregnant.

    “The state through Lilongwe Police Station Prosecution Officer Assistant Superintendent Richard Kandeya, asked the court to grant the state additional days to finalize investigations of the case,” he said

    Chigalu said through his lawyer, Khwima Mchizi, Khombe applied for bail, a plea that was not sustained by the court.

    The Magistrate ruled in favour of the state to keep custody of Khombe until June 9, 2023 when the case will be back in court for plea, he said.

    Agape Khombe hails from Khombe Village, Traditional Authority Chakhadza in Dowa District.

  • Government not changing mind on relocation of refugees, asylum seekers

    Government has refused to bow down to pressure from United Nations (UN) agency and other stakeholders to reverse the exercise of relocating refugees and asylum seekers to Dzaleka Refugee Camp currently underway in the city of Lilongwe.

    Minister of Homeland Security, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, said in Lilongwe on Friday after meeting representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM ), National Registration Bureau (NRB), Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services and Small Scale Business Operators Association to find a better solution on the exercise.

    “As government, we are are doing a head count to know how many foreigners we have in the country and their reasons, of being found in the country,” he said.

    Ng’oma noted that some who are genuine refugees have gone back to the camp while others who are crime suspects and economic Refugees to trade in small scale businesses are taken to Maula Prison waiting to answer charges of illegal entry and then they will be deported.

    Zikhale briefing members of press

    According to him, there are 53,000 foreigners doing various small scale businesses which does not benefit the country.

    He further said following their lengthy discussion which took almost seven hours, the UN did not come up with a solutions to the decision only pleading with government to reconsider the refugees to go back to their homes in town.

    But, he said, Malawians are not happy to see foreigners playing the roles that are being covered by the local communities.

    “Malawi’s administration is based on rule of law, if followed then there are no issues with the government but when you break then issues arises,” he said.

    Ng’oma said foreigners want to make the country a lawless state which doesn’t follow its own laws as they stay and do their business without documentations.

    He therefore thanked the small scale businesses operators association for their calmness and support as the enforcement of the relocation of refugees and asylum seekers still continues in the districts but was however expressed disappointment to Malawians who are still harbouring illegal immigrants and shield them from law enforcers.

  • MACRA calls for accurate information on herbal medicines

    Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General, Daud Suleman has challenged stakeholders in the broadcasting, traditional and complementary medicines industry to ensure right information and messages are shared with consumers.

    Suleman made the remarks on Thursday in Lilongwe during a Central region interface meeting with stakeholders in the broadcasting and Traditional and Complementary Medicines (TCM) industry jointly organized with Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA).

    He said consumers have a right to have conducive information on all programs and adverts.

    “This means all products being advertised must be beyond a reasonable doubt to give a sense of hope and should avoid ambiguous messages,” he said. 

    Suleman said: “If there are adverts, they must only concentrate on the truth and nothing beyond that.”

    Therefore, he said, the forum is very critical to the Regulators and the practitioners to share experiences, and collaborate to ensure that consumers are provided with appropriate and relevant information.

    Daud Suleman, MACRA Director General urge broadcasters to ensure all content aired are true

    He said, “broadcasters have to ensure that all content aired is true and does not dupe consumers in any way but should rather present hope and comfort.”

    According to him, adverts provide the bulk of the business, however, the adverse effects of unjustified claims from medicinal adverts are having negative impacts on people’s lives which contradicts the 2nd schedule of the Communications Act clause 7, which empowers MACRA to regulate the advertisement of goods and products. We know that TCM advertising has always given broadcasters good business adding that MACRA will ensure that this continues but in an orderly manner.

    Director for PMRA, Dr John Mponda said they have joined the process of engaging stakeholders in the media and traditional medicines to make sure that herbal medicine is regulated in the country.  

    “It is important that these messages are regulated so that consumers get true messages as well as the right product,” he said.

    Mponda said together with MACRA they will present the process that should be undertaken by all adverts before they are aired and will continue enforcing the regulatory requirements on the right information for broadcasting.

  • Mining, Defense ministries sign MOU to promote, safeguard mines

    Ministries of Mining and Defense have signed an agreement to promote sustainable mining and safeguard national security.

    Minister of Mining Monica Chang’amuno said on Wednesday in Lilongwe during the signing ceremony that Malawi is endowed with abundant and diverse mineral resources which can significantly contribute to the national economic growth and development.

    Chang’anamuno, therefore, said there is need to jealously safeguard the God-given resources from the hands of illegal miners and mineral smugglers who also potentially jeopardize the national security.

    “Government will continue working very closely with security agencies, including the National Intelligence Service, the Malawi Immigration Service, the Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defense Force in order to curb illegal mining and mineral smuggling in this country,” she said.

    She added that the government attaches great importance and strong commitment to mining through various initiatives aimed at establishing a conducive environment for the mineral sector growth and development.

    Chang’amuno appealed to all the stakeholders, in both public and private sector, including development partners, to support her Ministry’s effort in order to realize a modern, efficient and effective mining sector, which is able to significantly contribute to the economy of this country.

    The MOU is expected to enhance security of the mining industry from the illegal miners that are excavating the precious stones in Malawi.  

    Minister of Mining, Monica Chang’anamuno and Minister of Defense, Harry Mkandawire agree to promote and safeguard mines in Malawi

    In his remarks, the Minister of Defense, Harry Mkandawire, assured Malawians that MDF will carry out joint activities with the ministry of mining in safeguarding minerals by curbing illegal mining. 

    “This agreement will also help MDF enforce sustainable mining practices from both artisan and big miners,” he said.

    Deputy Commander of the MDF Lieutenant General, Paul Phiri, said the soldiers are ready to protect Malawi’s precious minerals without fear or favour.

  • 2023 ICT Expo opens with a call to learn, connect, embrace digital technology

    The 2023 International ICT Expo has opened in Lilongwe with a call to Malawians to learn, connect and embrace the power of digital technology to build a more resilient and prosperous future for the country.

    Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu, made a call on Wednesday during the official opening of the 2023 International ICT Expo under the theme: “Building business resilience through digital technology.”

    Kunkuyu said one of the most critical prerequisites for a resilient society, government or business is continuous innovation to remain relevant in an ever changing environment.

    “We cannot talk of resilient economies without linking it to digital technology which is now the blood and driving force for innovation and economic growth,” he said.

    Kunkuyu visiting one of the pavilions during the launch

    According to him, middle and strong economies have taken advantage of digital technologies to define how business is undertaken from Government to Government (G2G), Business to Business (B2B) and Government to Citizens (G2C).

    Therefore, Kunkuyu said, this year’s expo is perfectly aligned with the national vision of becoming a digital and knowledge-based economy.

    The aspirations in Malawi 2063 will remain mere rhetoric if we are not embracing the power of technologies and building resilient businesses that can thrive in the face of future challenges, he said.

    Kunkuyu observed that there is a need to invest in ICT infrastructure, skills development, enabling policies and legislations that will support the growth of the digital economy.

    Adding that there is also a need to create an environment that is conducive to innovation, entrepreneurship and investments.

    In his remarks ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM) president Clarence Gama said this year’s expo is focusing on building business resilience through technology.

    “We would like to share that amidst economic difficulties, people should learn to adopt technologies in order to build resilience,” he said.

    During the event, ICTAM unveiled its new logo symbolizing Malawi (map) to show how the association is trying to leverage technology to change the nation.

  • Airtel Malawi rebrands from Smart phone to A reason to Imagine 

    Airtel Malawi plc, a leading network provider in Malawi, has rebranded its company strapline from the Smart phone network to “A reason to Imagine” with the main focus on young people.

    The company’s Managing Director, Charles Kamoto said in Lilongwe on Monday night during the unveiling of the new brand that the ‘Smartphone Network’ tagline has now evolved to align with the youth, whose influence, and impact on the future cannot be ignored. 

    “With ‘A Reason to Imagine’, our focus as Malawi’s preferred mobile network will be to provide the youth with the best mobile services and solutions that will enable them to connect, communicate and collaborate with anyone, anywhere and anytime by offering the youth easier access to platforms that suit their needs and preferences,” he said.

     Also by supporting the youth with innovative and relevant products and features that enhance their productivity, creativity, and skills. ‘

    He added that the new brand is a testament to their belief in young people, in their dreams, and in their potential and a quest to help them unleash it.

     He further said “A Reason to Imagine’ is celebrating the energy, creativity, and innovation of Malawi’s young people and will be an enabler of young people’s dreams and ambitions.

    The Managing Director said young people are the future of the society and economy. “They have the potential to make a positive difference in Malawi, Africa and the world with their ideas, talents, and passions.

    Kamoto believed that the Smartphone Network’ has been synonymous with their objective to set roots and establish themselves in Malawi.  

    The Smartphone Network’ has driven Airtel Malawi to achieve their current 1,000 plus network tower infrastructure across Malawi and connected over 6.5 million subscribers. 

    Airtel Malawi Customer from Lilongwe, Dana Domoya commended the company for bringing in the new brand to help young people.

    “We are looking forward for continued provision of the best services and opportunities for everyone,” she said.

    However, the unveiling of the strapline will kickstart a nationwide campaign to energize young people towards realizing their dreams.

  • Government launches 2023 Supplementary Immunization Campaign

    Government on Thursday launched the 2023 Supplementary Immunization Campaign, describing it as the most cost effective and sure way of preventing vaccine preventable diseases in children. 

    Secretary for Health, Dr Samson Mndolo, was speaking during the official launch of the 2023 Supplementary Immunization Campaign held at Mtaya School Ground in Balaka.

    The campaign which targets under-five children will run for seven days from 15th to 21st May, 2023 with vaccines delivered in all health facilities across the country.

    Mndolo said the government through the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that infants, toddlers, and of course children in general are protected from life threatening and disability causing illnesses. 

    “It is important that we work together to address these gaps and avoid catastrophic diseases. We must safeguard our health no matter the circumstances,” he said

    He added that children are supposed to be vaccinated against different diseases and not just once but even several times in their lifetime. 

    Secretary for Health Dr. Samson Mndolo giving vaccine to one of the children during the launch of 2023 Supplementary Immunization Campaign

    Diseases like measles, polio, typhoid, and diseases caused by Vitamin A deficiency are among diseases that are disabling and life-threatening, adding that Imagine a situation where we are not doing anything to prevent these diseases – the end result would be health facilities full of patients, he observed.

    However, measles-rubella and polio vaccinations are targeting children who are nine months up to 59 months while the Typhoid Conjugate vaccines are targeting children 9 months to 14 years of age.

    World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr Neema Kimambo, assured communities that immunization remains safe and has proven to reduce illnesses, disability, and death.

    “Let us all support efforts to reach every child and community with vaccines to ensure a healthier population for Malawi,” she said.

    According to her, the disease accounts for between 128 000 and 161 000 deaths annually across the globe and disproportionately affects Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Malawi reported about 32, 747 cases and 435 deaths. Of these cases, 61% of cases and 65% of deaths from typhoid occur in children less than 15 years of age.

     Also, she said, the country reports about 120 cases of intestinal perforations from typhoid.

    Kimambo, therefore, reiterated her organization’s continued support to the Ministry of Health to make sure that the routinization is smooth.