Category: National

By Vincent Khonje:

As some districts in the country struggle with cholera, Kasungu has also registered a case.

The case, which is from Kaswamchenje in the area of Sub Traditional Authority (STA) Mangwazu, was isolated and later discharged.

According to Kasungu District Health Office (DHO) Spokesperson, Catherine Yoweli, samples were collected and sent to Community Health Science Unit (CHSU).

“After identifying the suspected case, we went to the community for an assessment and health talk was given on hygiene and sanitation,” said Yoweli.

The community was also provided with chlorine for water treatment.

Yoweli said the health office is continuing monitoring the communities on possible resurgence of diarrhoea infection.

By Vincent Khonje:

First Lady Monica Chakwera has called for unity in ending child marriages in the country.

The First Lady made the remarks at Chinkhoma Primary School ground on Tuesday during the launch of Ending Child Marriages Campaign, which is part of OXFAM’s End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) campaign.

Chakwera said there is need for all stakeholders to come together in making sure that child marriages are eliminated in the country.

“When I was chosen as Ambassador for EVAWG I used to ask myself if I can succeed in leading the initiative, but I have realized that those that are playing a big role are many, meaning that this campaign will be successful because unity is strength,” said Chakwera.

She said that she was impressed also to see that traditional leaders are taking a leading role in making sure child marriages are ended, a thing which will ensure the issue is dealt with fully.

Chakwera said government has already put in place enabling laws but parents and guardians should make sure children are protected and not married off.

“Most parents marry off their children especially girls to gain benefits that are only enjoyed once but they do not know that if the children are educated the benefits will be enjoyed a lifetime. To end the abuses children face that contribute to them not continue with their education, there is need for all of us to work together, each one of us alone cannot succeed but non-governmental organisations, parents, traditional leaders and all of us should hold hands so that this exercise of ending child marriages is successful,” she said.

Statistics from Kasungu Social Welfare Office show that in Kasungu from 2018 to date there have been 1,872 early marriages registered of which 1,107 were rescued and 217 went back to school.

Assistant Social Welfare Officer Harrison Thindwa said there are several reasons that have caused the rise in figures of child marriages, however despite challenges the district has tried to act on the problem.

“The reasons for child marriages are poverty, Covid-19 pandemic which led to closure of schools, bad traditions and customs, and conflicting laws.

“With partners’ support we are trying our best to deal with the problem, but on our own as social welfare office we have little funding and few child protection workers,” said Thindwa.

Gracing the occasion as a role model, Inspector General of Police Merlyn Yolamu urged the children especially girls to be responsible for their future.

“As children take charge of your life and be responsible. Some of the girls who are impregnated do not take heed of advice from parents.
“Take the responsibility in your hands and you can be who you want to be, you just need to work hard,” said Yolamu.

Deputy Minister of Gender, Agnes Nkusa Nkhoma making her remarks tackled the issue of young girls being defiled and said the current laws give the offenders lengthy sentences however, there will be a bill taken to parliament to give the offenders life sentences.

“What is happening now is that we pray for offenders to have a very long custodial sentence but now let me assure you that when parliament meets we are going with a bill that will make sure that those who defile children are locked in for life,” said Nkusa Nkhoma.

OXFAM Country Director Lingalireni Mihowa said Covid-19 wreaked havoc in that it resulted in most children getting married and there was need to do something about it.

“We reached out to OXFAM Hong Kong and we sent a report about the situation in Malawi and we were supported with funds for the EVAWG campaign by having a special spike on ending child marriages.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic,we worked with the parliamentary women’s caucus to spread messages about the disease and encouraging girls back to school and this campaign decided to still work with those that we worked with already,this is the reason why we asked the First Lady to launch the campaign in the constituency of honourable Khumbize Chiponda in Kasungu South East, and later we will go to other constituencies so that the work reaches out to others,” said Mihowa.

During the launch some chiefs were presented with certificates and awards as EVAWG champions.

There was also presentation of job aids to women to champion the role of mothers in promoting girls’ education, presentation of job aids to community structures, learning materials to learners and motorcycles to police victim support units.

Speaker of Parlaiment Catherine Gotani Hara, women parliamentarians Roseby Gadama, Susan Dossi and Madalitso Wirima Kambauwa who is also Deputy Minister of Agriculture attended the launch.

Also in attendance was Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo as ‘he for she’ champion.

 

By Mphatso Nkuonera:

The commencement of Mpatamanga Hydro Power Project which will be adding 350 megawatts to the national grid is a sigh of relief.

The new project signed today (Tuesday) at Capita Sunbird Hotel, saw the Ministries of Energy and Ministry Finance and Economic Development, signing a Relationship Agreement for the Mpatamanga Peaking Hydropower Project.

Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola said there is need to work together in this flagship project so that we realize the MW 2063 Agenda.

“We need 1000 Megawatts by 2025, and I urge all stakeholders and development partners to join hands not only for this flagship project of Mpatamanga but for many other projects for the betterment of the citizenry,” Matola said.

Minister of Finance, Sosten Gwengwe said Malawi government has 30 per cent, International Finance Corporation has 15 per cent shares while Scatec and Electricite de France with a joint majority of 55 per cent shares.

“This project is pegged at One Billion USD and it a game changer,” he said.

World Banks Country Manager Malawi, Hugh Riddell said that, Mpatamanga project should be one of the important projects which should be a priority.

US Ambassador, David Young said America is committed to complementing efforts Malawi Government is making to develop the country in the power industry.

“We will continue to partner with Government and support it’s development projects in the energy sector and others so that together we promote Malawians.

” The US understands the impact of the damage that the cyclone Ana caused in January. We hope this Mpatamanga hydropower project will turn things around,” Young said.

Deputy British High Commissioner to Malawi, David Pert, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Charge d’affaires, Ornulf Strom, were among the high profile delegates who attended the signing ceremony.

 

By Staff Writer:

Conglomerate Press Corporation plc has registered a 24% profit after tax for the first half of the year despite operating in a challenging environment with severe foreign exchange scarcity and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement announcing the half year financial results ending 30 June 2022, Press Corporation plc said it has recorded a profit of K15.98 billion, up from K12.87 billion recorded at the same time the previous year representing 24% growth.

The statement signed by Press Corporation plc Board Chairman Randson Mwadiwa, Board Director Bettey Mahuka, Chief Finance and Administration Executive Moureen Mbeye and Acting Chief Executive Officer Lyton Chithambo also said the Board of Directors of the company resolved to pay an interim dividend amounting to K841.79 million (2021: K721.20 million) representing K7.00 per share (2021: K6.00 per share).

“The dividend will be paid on Friday, 28^th October 2022 to shareholders whose names appear on the register as at the close of business on 14^th October 2022,” reads the statement in part.

Press corporation plc notes in the statement that growth in profitability was driven by an 11 percent growth in revenue, improved gross profit margin by 4 percent and successful implementation of cost containment measures.

“Disposal of PTC has also contributed to the improved results as losses associated with this investment (2021: K2.3 billion) are no longer part of the Group results,” reads part of the statement.

On segmental performance, Press Corporation plc said in the financial segment, its subsidiary, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc posted a 78 percent growth in its profit after tax to K22.7 billion (2021: K12.8 billion) driven mainly by a 48 percent growth in net interest income and a 13 percent increase in trading income following increased level of deposits and a marked growth of the loan book of 34 percent and 31 percent respectively.

However, the telecommunications segment consisting of mobile phone company, TNM and fixed telephony and broadband company MTL registered a 168 percent decrease in profit after tax as both MTL and TNM registered losses during the reporting period.

“The losses were exacerbated by the devaluation of the local currency resulting in exchange losses of K2.2 billion for the period. The Group is confident that the segment will soon benefit from fresh strategies currently being implemented that seek to arrest the losses and reverse the segment’s performance. The search for equity investors in the fixed telephony business is continuing,” reads the statement in part.

The energy segment comprising PressCane and Ethanol Company Limited (Ethco)registered a 56 percent drop in its profitability from the prior period due to production start-up timing differences.

“In 2021, PressCane started production early compared to 2022 due to feedstock availability. Nevertheless, both companies are currently on track and it is expected that in the second half of the year, the overall performance will improve markedly as full production resumes and both companies are expected to meet their respective annual targets,” reads part of the statement.

“Press Properties Ltd registered a profit after tax of K0.5 billion (2021: K0.4 billion). The Foods Company on the other hand made a loss of K1.2 billion (2021: K1.1 billion) due to persistent interruption in the fish feeding regime resulting from supply chain challenges brought about by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increased finance cost.”

“The performance is expected to improve from the third quarter of the year as the company starts harvesting fish from its aquaculture operations. The critical project of establishing a floating feed mill is about to start. The feed mill will complement the aquaculture expansion program which is also currently being implemented,” reads the statement in part adding that the search for an equity investor in the Foods Company is on-going.

In joint ventures, PUMA delivered good performance when compared to the prior period because of increased volumes and expansion projects. Macsteel on the other hand was negatively impacted by high exchange losses following the devaluation of the Kwacha but the company has started making significant positive strides in the second half of the year.

On the associated companies, Press Corporation plc notes that Open Connect Limited continued reporting losses following strategic re-positioning i.e., product repricing to retain key customers and delay in commercialisation of key revenue generating projects but said the performance is expected to improve in the second half of the year following the commissioning of its flagship products.

“Results from tobacco processing and trading were affected by its seasonality and are expected to improve in the second half of the year. During the period, LifeCo Holdings performance grew significantly, and it surpassed the entire business volume underwritten in the whole of 2021,” reads the statement in part.

“The Group remains steadfast in delivering on its strategy despite operating in a very challenging environment. Scarcity of foreign exchange, the pressure on inflation and persistent power blackouts remain significant risks to Group performance.”

“The Group will continue implementing turnaround strategies in companies whose performance is unsatisfactory. Further investment opportunities are also being explored in various sectors to further diversify the Group and its portfolio mix in market presence. There has been significant progress in scoping for a 50MW solar power production project,” reads part of the statement.

By Peter Phiri:

Suspended employees of grain trader ADMARC have defied a call by Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa that they should return to work by Monday following government’s decision to indefinitely close the company.

On Wednesday last week government through Agriculture Minister Lobin Lowe announced ADMARC’s indefinite closure citing poor performance and that the company must undergo a complete overhaul.

However in a statement released on Friday, Nankhumwa ordered that all employees must return to work by Monday saying the Agriculture Minister has no powers to suspended operations of the grain trader.

But a snap check conducted by this publication around selected ADMARC offices has established that no employee has returned to work despite Nankhumwa’s call.

Meanwhile government says it will lay off close to 3000 employees to ensure that the company start functioning properly again.

Among others government has noted that the grain trader has been failing to function properly due to political interference.

This is not the first time that Nankhumwa’s directive has landed on deaf ears.

By Chancy Namadzunda:

Principal Secretary in the Ministry Trade and Industry, Christine Zakeyo has said the development of One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) across the borders of Malawi is one of the initiatives aimed at enhancing trade facilitation between Malawi and its trading partners including Zambia.

Zakeyo made the remarks in Lilongwe on Monday during media round table meeting on the soon to be operationalised Mchinji – Mwami One Stop Border Post (OSBP).

The round table discussion was aimed at creating awareness about the new (OSBP) and the benefits it brings to the country.

“This is one of the important components in the WTOs Agreement on Trade Facilitation that is aimed at overcoming the challenges associated with multiple stops that cross border traders encounter when crossing the borders, said Zakeyo

To maximize the full benefits of the facility, the secretary further urged farmers to be involved in value addition and the private sector particularly traders, to take advantage of the improvements at the border to export Malawian products to its trading partners including Zambia, DRC and Zimbabwe.

On his part, Malawi Revenue Authority Deputy Commissioner Responsible for Customs, Chimwemwe Kawalewale noted the impact on revenues that will be created by traders using the border post.

Efficiency of border operations is a significant contributor to the economy of a country. Efficiency gains will place Malawi as a key investment destination and thus promote economic competitiveness.

“Further, the presence of government agencies working together in a harmonized manner through simplified processes, use of modern infrastructure and facilities will also increase the level of security and order at our border points.  This will consequently reduce the time spent at the border and trade turnover will increase significantly, he said

TMEA Malawi Programmes Manager Victor Mponda Banda noted the key role played by the media in creating awareness about the OSBP.

“The media play a critical role in educating and disseminating correct information to the business community particularly the exporters. Given the fact that Malawi is landlinked with associated border Non -Tarriff Barriers, and that the OSBP is the first one and new for Malawi, it goes without saying the need for increased awareness of the new facility. We look forward to the optimal use of the Mchinji Mwami OSBP out of the awareness developed by the media houses, said Banda

He also noted previous engagements that have been carried out in collaboration with the Ministry including the development of the OSBP Manual and Curriculum, the related training of border officials and sensitization activities including engagements with the local business community in Mchinji.

The Mchinji Mwami OSBP, which is the first of its kind in Malawi, is expected to usher in a new chapter in the trade relations between Malawi and the region by boosting the volume of trade passing across the country.

Further, increased efficiency in doing business, improved community cohesion and development, and the strengthening of relationships between Malawi and her neighbours is expected as a result of the OSBP. Supported by the strong ties and trade relations between Malawi and other countries in the COMESA -SADC regions, this will collectively accelerate socio-economic transformation in the country.

An OSBP uses simplified and harmonized legal and institutional framework, facilities, and associated coordinated procedures and processes that enable goods, people, and vehicles crossing a border, to stop only once in the country of entry. They undergo necessary regulatory controls in line with applicable regional and national laws to the adjoining state.

The Mchinji Mwami OSBP is an inter – governmental project implemented by partners from the integrated border management, that is, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Border Management Secretariat, jointly with the Government of Zambia and Government of Malawi border regulatory agencies.

The construction component of the Mchinji Mwami OSBP was supported funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) while funding from the United Kingdoms Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), supported the Integrated Border Management component which included the development of the OSBP Procedures Manual, Curriculum, Training and the sensitization elements.

By Sapulain Chitonde Lee:

In it’s continued efforts of promoting and protecting artists , Copyright Society of Malawi has introduced a Copyright Fund which will among other things be awarding of grants to corporated companies, Charities, Societies ,trusts in cultural Sector,or any person Government ministry interested in cultural Sector ,etc.

In his welcoming remarks Mutty Munkhondia said it’s main objectives of the Copyright Fund will be enforcement of Copyright law , promotion and improvement of creativity and artistic skills , promotion and preservation of works which depict a cultural identity of Malawi and Civic education.

In his remarks ,the Fund Manager Mr. Blessings Botha said this is another door opening to artists in Malawi and this project will promote our tourism industry and boost our economy as Malawi will be able to preserve it’s culture and export it to other Countries.

The fund will support projects/activities aimed at developing capacity, quality and diversity of the Copyright industry, enhancing public education/awareness on Copyright matters, offering support for law enforcement initiatives, assisting in anti-piracy campaigns /activities, contributing towards conserving, protecting and promoting Malawi culture within the Copyright works.

Each project duration will be 24 months and subject to renewal.

In attendance was Secretary of Chewa Heritage, Mulhako o wa A Lhomwe,Chiwanja cha a Yao ,Tumbuka Heritage,Ngumano wa Mang’anja Na Asena , Writers Union
of Malawi , Poetry Union of Malawi Union of Academic and Non Fiction Authors , Sungani za kwathu and Musicians.

Ben Mankhamba representing Chingalire Homesty and Dr.Numeri Geresomo (Secretary General of Chewa Heritage Foundation) in separate interviews said Malawians have passion but lucks capacity. The coming in of this Copyright Fund will boost their talents .

Norwegian ambassador started the project in 2005 and signed a Memorandum of understanding with COSOMA to work together,this time around issues of Human rights has been included and it has been open to the public.

 

By Benjamin Maona:

Adolescent women and girls around Bangwe Township in Blantyre have been trained on mental health issues courtesy of Young Women Christian Association (YWCA).

On Wednesday, YWCA accompanied by Blantyre district social welfare office officials converged at Ntenje Clinic in the Township to equip the girls with mental health messages.

YWCA project officer, Gloria Makawa said their main aim is to support adolescent women, who are survivors of gender-based-violence, towards self-reliance through continued engagement with local governance structures for access to economic empowerment programmes, social protection services, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services.

“We want the girl child to to have information on gender-based violence and me talk health issues. This will also help them to share solutions with their fellows who face similar challenges in their communities.

“The girls will also be empowered economically so that they can venture into business since most of them are young mothers with nobody to provide for their kids,” Makawa said.

Blantyre district social welfare officer, Joseph Stephano said it is high time organisations invested in mental health issues especially the youths.

“Such initiatives provide platforms where adolescent girls open up on their mental health challenges and discuss possible solutions amongst themselves.

“Through these support groups, it is easy to link them to referral service providers where they can get further professional mental health services,” he said.

One of the participants, Rebecca Mawaya conceded that girls in Bangwe Township face alot of issues including abuse but are clueless on where they can get solution to their problems.

“Some girls are abused by their relations, but out of fear of being chased away from their homes, they conceal the problems and get damaged inside,” she said.

HER Voice Fund is a Global Fund project, funded by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action and implemented by Y+ Global across 13 priority countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe with the aim of supporting the meaningful engagement and leadership of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and community-based organizations serving AGYW within Global Fund and other related national processes.

By Mercy Garnet:

Thyolo South West Parliamentarian Chimwemwe Chipungu on Friday launched the construction of two primary schools : Mikulungu and Chikumba in the area of Traditional Authority Changata.

The construction of the two school blocks will be financed by Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in which K29.2 million and K29 million will be used for the construction of Mikulungu and Chikumba school blocks respectively.

Speaking during the launch Chipungu said during campaign he visited all the areas in his constituency where he observed the need for school blocks.

“I am happy that today I am launching a learning block at Mikulungu Primary School to replace  the old ones as they pose a great risk to pupil’s health,” Chipungu said.

He further said he wants to build many blocks across the constituency so that pupils especially girls should attend primary school and later go to secondary school.

Chipungu later also presided over the ground breaking ceremony of Chikumba Primary School learning block worth K29 million in the same traditional authority.

According to Chipungu, the school blocks will be ready in three months time and promised to bring piped water in the area.

District Commissioner (DC) for Thyolo, Douglas Moffati said the schools are in the annual investment plan financed by Constituency Development Fund and the aim is to increase learning space thereby decongesting classes.

By Erik Chiputula:

President Lazarus Chakwera has stressed the need for financial services to be made available to everyone in the country.

The President made the remarks on Saturday in Ntcheu at this year’s Umhlangano ceremony of the Maseko Ngoni held in Ntcheu District.

The annual festival brings together Maseko Ngonis from across the country and other relations from Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho.

Chakwera highlighted on the need to make financial services inclusive to anyone regardless of their political affiliation arguing this is the only way the country can achieve meaningful development.

“I know of the problem of the access to government services, starting with National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) loans, which some people are unjustly denied access to based on the political party they support,” said Chakwera.

The Malawi leader has since vowed to make sure that access to financial services are made available to anyone regardless of political allegiance.

Meanwhile, Chakwera has hailed the role chiefs are playing in the country towards national development..

“No matter what problems are happening in the coutry, you have always taken an approach of taking a practical contributions to the solutions,” said Chakwera.