By: Charles K. Banda

In a transformative move to address the pressing hunger crisis, the Malawi Government unveiled a robust initiative in providing free maize to less privilege families to ensure food security and alleviate the impact of scarcity on vulnerable communities.

Free maize distribution started on 17th January, 2024 in Mzuzu City, with the launch that took place at Mzuzu upper Stadium.

The initiative has now spread into locations where residents are , through their respective Block-leaders register their names and are verified by the Committee which is headed by a Ward Councillor to authenticate the names.

Speaking during the free maize distribution at Chibavi East in Mzuzu, Ward Councillor for the area Edward Kashololo said the arrangement is that two people from each Block-leader will share a 50kilogram bag of maize.

“The maize is specifically meant for the needy people but sometimes those entrusted with the task of identifying less privileged people comprise the exercise by including those not eligible. We thank the Government for the initiative which started some three years ago and it is helping those in need of food during this time of the season,” he said.

One of the beneficiary, Harrison Phiri expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, hopeful for a positive impact in the households who have received the maize.

He said: “This initiative shows a complete commitment by the government to bail out those in need during this difficult time. It is my appeal that nobody should be tempted to sale the maize so that the initiative drives it’s intended purpose.”

The humanitarian intervention is anticipated to improve food security, mitigate hunger-related challenges and provide temporary relief to needy households.

By: Charles K. Banda

Farmers in some parts of Mzimba have expressed worry with the delay by the government to start distribution of inputs ( fertilizer and seeds) under the Affordable Input Program(AIP).

Speaking during a symposium which was organized by Alliance One Tobacco Company at Malidadi in Mzimba, farmers said they expected to have redeemed their inputs before end of December, 2023 but the government, through the Agriculture Ministry has just been quiet.

“Yes, we understand that rains have not started in some parts of the Country, including here in Mzimba but this could have been an opportunity for the government to complete the distribution of the inputs before onset of the rains so that hard to reach areas during the rainy season should be served in time,” said Martin Maseko, a farmer based at Mpherembe trading Centre.

Concurring with Mr Maseko’s remarks, the Agricultural Extension Officer for the area, Shadreck Zulu admitted that there has been the delay in the rollout of AIP in some Districts but he was quick to defend the delay saying it was due to logistics challenges on the part of AIP Contracted transporters.

He said, “The Ministry initially arranged to start the distribution in September, 2023 and finish by early December, 2023 but the earlier agreement with some transporters was terminated at the eleventh hour because they failed to agree on the specific time frame for the exercise.”

Speaking during the symposium, the Area Manager for Alliance One Tobacco Company, Ambukire Katsache advised the farmers not to only rely on AIP and fertilizer they get from their Company but also to look for local alternative manures.

He said, “Its high time farmers needs to be reminded and encouraged to use locally available manure sources and that artificial fertilizers should just compliment what farmers have already prepared in their respective gardens. For instance, they can use chicken, goat and cattle wastes which are also effective in crop production.”

The symposium was organized to celebrate the New Year, 2024 together with farmers as a token of appreciation for being part of the Company’s growth and to encourage the farmers to be independent in their farming. The symposium drew farmers from Malidadi, Kazuni, Kabwafu, Kalinyeke and Mpherembe agricultural extension areas.

By: Charles K. Banda

In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves through the Mzuzu University community, a vibrant and ambitious fourth-year Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies Student, Boyd Mnyenyembe tragically lost his life in a heartbreaking road accident. The incident, which occurred on Monday, 25th December, 2023 along M1 road, plunged the campus into a state of mourning as friends, faculty, and family members struggled to come to terms with the abrupt loss of a young life filled with immense promise.

The Dean of Faculty said the student whose life was tragically cut short, was a vibrant and ambitious individual who had made significant contributions to both the academic and extracurricular aspects of university life.

“He was Known for his immense dedication and passion for his chosen field of study, and had consistently displayed exemplary performance and had been a source of inspiration for his peers and professors alike”, he said.

According to one Student representative, Martin Kadzitche, said Mnyenyembe met his fate along the M1 road when he was coming from nearby shop was hit by a speedy vehicle when he was crossing the road.

He said ” Beyond the confines of the classroom, the deceased was actively involved in various student clubs and organizations, where he played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of unity, creativity, and community engagement”.

As news of the devastating accident spread across the campus, an overwhelming sense of grief and sorrow enveloped Mzuzu University. Students, faculty members, and staff had come together in solidarity to mourn the loss of a promising young life while offering support to the grieving family.

Among other activities, some Students and Staff members who were joined by community members within Mzuzu University, lined up along M1 road on Monday afternoon collecting condolences from both pedestrians and motorists.

Burial was announced to take place on Tuesday, 26th December, 2023 in Nthalire- Chitipa District.

By: Charles K. Banda

The MK28 million Be Forward Bonanza came to an end on Sunday, 24th December, 2023 at Chiwavi School Primary School ground. The four sporting disciplines which reached the finals were football, netball, volleyball and bawo.

It was pre-Christmas gift for the people of Chiwavi and surrounding areas as Be forward stormed the township with Bonanza finals.

Guest of honor at the showdown was the Sports and Youth Minister, Hon Uchizi Mkandawire who was accompanied by the Mzuzu City Mayor, Councillor Desire Nyirenda.

“It’s an honor to witness the finals in all the four disciplines here today at Chiwavi Primary ground. As government we thank the Japanese Car dealers for their responsibility to give back to the Community for their overwhelming support and we hope others will emulate the gesture to hold similar activities in the near future,” said the Hon. Minister.

In his remarks, Be Forward Car Sales representative, Jacob Mtsiriza expressed satisfaction that the Bonanza has achieved it’s intended purpose of keeping the youth busy while nurturing the hidden talent.

He said” The Bonanza which started in November, 2023 has not only helped them to realize their social responsibility as a Company but also to give the Christmas gift to all participating teams”.

Winners Sonda Fc, Nsongwe, Zolozolo and Umodzi in football, volleyball, Netball and bawo respectively went away with the trophy and various prizes, including cash.

By: Charles K. Banda

The annual Malawi Police Service North Commissioner’s Trophy Finals, one of the most anticipated events in the region’s sporting calendar, kicked off with fervor and excitement in the morning of Wednesday, 8th November, 2023 at Katoto Secondary School ground in Mzuzu.

Teams from Jenda, Mzimba and Northern Region Police Headquarters converged at the illustrious Katoto ground, ready to compete for glory and the esteemed annual Commissioners Trophy. The finals promised a showdown of exceptional athleticism, skill, sportsmanship as well as unveiling the hidden talent among men in uniform.

Noel Kaira, Commissioner of Police for the Northern Region who was also guest of honor at the function said the initiative to hold Commissioner’s Trophy comes with several benefits, not only for the Police but also to the public.

“The trophy is a great milestone in the sporting discipline as it is helping to uncover hidden talent, promote teamwork among Police Officers, instil discipline, and create good relationship with the general public,” he said.

Fans were treated to a riveting battle between Northern Region Police Headquarters and Jenda Police Fc but at the end it was a display of extraordinary sportsmanship by the Jenda-based Police side who managed to secure a hard-fought victory.

Audraw Makonyola, Malawi Police Service National Sports Coordinator who previously served as Blue Eagles Coach said the event comes at a time when the Police are making strides to regain the lost trust from the public.

“The trophy has served as a platform to bring together Police Officers from different Police formations to interact and share various experiences, including the presence of the general public. This initiative has so far spread in all the regions across the Country,” he said.

Coach for Jenda Police Fc, Sub-Inspector Innocent Ngwala said the team played as a unit from the first whistle that is why they won the game.

” It was a memorable performance from the team and it feels great to be part of the victory at this year’s prestigious Commissioners Trophy. We are the Champions but after a high intensity of the game and we thank God for rewarding us with the Trophy which will be in our cabinet for a year to come,” said the winning Coach.

His counterpart, Coach for the losing football team, Inspector Alfred Chidzere accepted the defeat, describing it as a learning point.

“We faced a formidable opponent today, and despite our team’s hard work and determination, we fell short against the other team’s strength. It is a tough loss in the finals of the Commissioners Trophy but we will analyze our performance, learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in next year’s tournament,” he said.

The North Commissioner’s Trophy is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a reflection of the unity and teamwork within the law enforcement family and the general public. The winner of this year’s trophy, Jenda Police Fc went away with the trophy and K1.5 million prize money.

By: Charles K. Banda

Timber traders plying their business at Zigwagwa in Mzuzu are accusing Mzuzu City council officials for failing to address their concerns over unhygienic conditions at their business place.

Timber traders deputy chairperson Christina Nyirenda said the situation is bad as it is putting their lives, business and that of their customers at risk.

“Honestly we can not continue operating in such an environment, yet we pay a lot of money to the city but they are doing nothing in addressing our challenges. They are failing to provide us with sanitary materials so that we can be doing by ourselves. The situation is more worse during the rainy season which has started because there is no proper drainage”, she said.

Efforts to seek reaction from Mzuzu City Council public relations officer, Mac Donald Gondwe proved futile as his phone number could not be reached.

The traders are now planning to formally petition Mzuzu Council if their grievances are not addressed.

By: Charles K. Banda

Creativity and hard work are the pillars that have driven Nedman Phiri to what he is today.

Born 25 years ago, Phiri says after a one year of bicycle operating(commonly known as kabaza), profits realized were not enough to sustaining his ever family financial needs, hence the idea to start making fruit salad.

“I thought of doing this business of making and selling fruit salad because i saw potential in it. Currently am the only one doing the business on mobile basis, as people can only access the salad in well-established town restaurants. I combine sizeable pieces of pawpaw, pineapple, banana, carrot and watermelon then pack them in disposable plastic containers”, said Phiri.

The business has so far received good response from the customers. On a good day, the business man is able to make between K12,000 and K14,000. Phiri comes from Mulanje and is married, with one child now.

By Charles K. Banda

News that a woman (name withheld) from kavikontho village in Njuyu, gave birth in the bush has sparked debate among people in the village and sorrounding areas. The incident happened in the early hours of 13th October, 2023.

Despite the early day signs and feelings of delivery but the woman had no any option but to wait for her fate at home because the nearby health center is almost 35 kilometers away.

The villagers have since agreed to make another petition to their Member of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara ( MP) for the area and the District Health Officer (DHO) so that the area should have a health center.

” This is the third time to hear and witness such an embarrassing news in our village which we feel it is now enough. We will not stop pushing for this Noble cause until the health center is constructed here”, said the representative of the village head, Isaac Nyirongo.

The incident happened while the husband to the woman was away on a business errand.

By: Charles K. Banda

The graft bursting body in Malawi, the ACB celebrated it’s Silver Jubilee on the 28th of October, 2023 at Katoto Secondary School ground in Mzuzu where the guest of honor was the ACB Director, Miss Martha Chizuma.

Activities such as aerobics, drama, boxing, malipenga, poems, netball, football and several other sporting disciplines were lined up to spice the Anti-Corruption open day function.

The function drew people from different sectors in the public as well as the private sector. It was marvelous to see the positive patronage as people came in their large numbers despite the hot weather conditions.

On her opening remarks, the guest of honor who is also the Director of the Anti-Corruption Beaural, Miss Martha Chizuma said her Organization is always committed in the fight against corruption in the Country but was also quick to call for public support for the efforts to be meaningful.

“We need your tips, be it in writing or through our free toll numbers and even coming to our Offices which are well located in all the regions. Be agents of change and it should start by reporting corrupt activities happening in our respective work, business and residential places”, she said.

In the netball category, it was the usual old rivary between Civil servants teams, the Teacher’s Queens ladies select and the Revival Queens( Police, Immigration and Prison select). The battle for supremacy between the two teams dates back in 2020 during Mzuzu Mayor’s trophy, but since then they have been sharing the dominance in various competitions in the City.

During the match on Saturday, the Teacher’s Queens ladies select dominated proceedings from the first quarter up to the third quarter but they were outplayed by their counterparts in the last quarter and the scoreline was the Revival Queens 23 and the Teacher’s Queens ladies select 23. The match went on to extra time where the Revival Queens showed no mercy on their rivals by beating them 39 to 33 baskets.

Speaking after the match, Coach for the Revival Queens Chrissy Gondwe praised her charges for putting the grand fight, especially in the extra time which made them win the match.

“It was a tough encounter and it has always been a mountain to climb when we are playing the Teacher’s Queens. They are good with passionate and dedicated players but we are thankful to God for the victory,” she said with a beautiful smile on her face.

Coach for the losing side, Patricia Nyambose accepted the defeat attributing the loss to the hot weather and that her team players were tired.

“Congratulations to our colleagues for this well-deserved victory and we wish them well, hoping to meet them soon another competition, they should expect a revenge ,” she said. The winners went away with a trophy and medals while runners up were only given medals.

By: Charles K. Banda

Josephy Theu, a primary school teacher at Mchengautuwa 2 was over the moon on Saturday, 23rd September, 2023 after correctly predicting the selected English, Spanish and Bundesliga games that were played on Saturday.

Speaking after scanning his ticket on Sunday morning on his way from Church, Theu said he was sure that one of his three tickets could win because he selected only what he described as obvious winning games.

“Infact this is my secret and system of betting. Generally i chose few games that are performing better currently in different leagues but i put a reasonable stake of between K1000.00 to K5000.00. This is a third time i have won, the first amount was K180,000 then after a month later i also won K215,000.00 and i really thank God for guiding me”, he said.

Premier Bet has got the main office in the town of Mzuzu and three branches located at Tukumphire, Chiputula and old town but with several agents in Chibavi, Luwinga, Hilltop, Mchengautuwa, Masasa, Zolozolo and many other outlets.