The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) has reported a significant increase in the number of households affected by recurrent disasters in Malawi. As of today, Friday, the number of affected households has risen from 31,413 to 35,661, with a total of 35 deaths and 469 injuries recorded.
According to Chipiliro Khamula, DoDMA’s Principal Information Management Officer, approximately 160,475 people have been affected by various disasters, including stormy rains, hailstorms, heavy rains, floods, and lightning. The affected households have suffered significant damage, with 644 households displaced and forced to seek shelter in temporary camps.
Chipiliro Khamula
DoDMA has set up two active camps to provide assistance to the displaced households. The Mangochi camp is currently hosting 613 households, while another camp in Blantyre is hosting 31 households. The recent floods in these two districts have affected over 2000 households, with most of the deaths and injuries caused by lightning and damage to walls and roofs.
In response to the disaster, DoDMA is providing food and non-food items to the survivors. The department is working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the disasters and provide support to those affected. The rising toll of the disaster serves as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures in Malawi.
In a move aimed at bolstering its chances of success in the upcoming season, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers FC has finalized its technical team under the leadership of head coach Bob Mpinguraja. The team’s CEO, Panganeni Ndovi, had previously confirmed that Bob was given the autonomy to choose his backroom staff, and the experienced coach has wasted no time in assembling a star-studded technical team.
At the helm of the technical team is Bob Mpinguraja, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience in the local football scene. Bob’s appointment as head coach was met with widespread approval from the team’s fans and stakeholders, and he has quickly set about building a strong technical team around him.
Bob Mpinganjira
Assisting Bob in his coaching duties will be Macdonard Mtetemela, who has been appointed as the first vice coach. Mtetemela brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked with several top-flight teams in the country. He will be responsible for overseeing the team’s training sessions and providing tactical guidance during matches.
Sherrie Msuku has been appointed as the second vice coach, and will work closely with Mtetemela to provide additional coaching support to the team. Msuku is a highly respected coach in his own right, with a strong track record of developing young players and improving team performances.
In addition to the coaching staff, the team has also appointed a number of key support staff. Steve Madeira has been appointed as the team manager, and will be responsible for overseeing the team’s administrative and logistical arrangements. Madeira is a highly experienced administrator with a strong background in football management.
Simpex Nthala has been appointed as the team’s goalkeeper trainer, and will work closely with the goalkeepers to improve their technical skills and decision-making. Nthala is a highly respected goalkeeper coach with a strong track record of developing top-class goalkeepers.
The team has also appointed Peter Wadabwa as its strikers trainer, and Frances Mulimbika as its fitness trainer. Wadabwa is a highly experienced coach with a strong background in developing strikers, while Mulimbika is a qualified fitness trainer with a strong track record of improving team performances through tailored fitness programs.
In a surprise move, the team has also appointed Alfred Manyozo Junior, a former captain, as its data analyst. Manyozo Junior is a highly respected figure in Malawian football, and his appointment is seen as a major coup for the team. He will be responsible for analyzing team performances and providing data-driven insights to inform coaching decisions.
The appointment of this technical team is a clear indication of Mukuru Wanderers FC’s ambition to succeed in the upcoming season. With a strong coaching staff and support team in place, the team is well-equipped to challenge for top honors.
In a statement, CEO Panganeni Ndovi expressed his delight at the appointment of the technical team. “We are thrilled to have assembled such a strong technical team,” he said. “We believe that this team has the talent, experience, and expertise to help us achieve our goals, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have on the team’s performances.”
The appointment of the technical team is the latest in a series of positive developments for Mukuru Wanderers FC. The team has been busy strengthening its squad during the off-season, and has made a number of high-profile signings.
With the technical team now in place, attention will turn to the team’s pre-season preparations. The team is expected to embark on a series of friendly matches and training camps in the coming weeks, as they bid to build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new season.
Mukuru Wanderers FC fans will be eagerly anticipating the start of the new season, and will be hoping that the team’s new technical team can inspire them to success. With a strong squad and a talented coaching staff, the team has all the ingredients in place to make a serious challenge for top honors.
Only time will tell if Mukuru Wanderers FC can achieve their goals, but one thing is certain – the team’s fans will be eagerly watching every step of the way.
Students have been warned about the dangers of consuming excessive energy drinks in an attempt to stay awake and study for long hours. Dr. John Kasanga, an Internal Medicine Registrar at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, has cautioned against the misuse of these beverages, emphasizing that students can succeed academically without relying on artificial stimulants.
Speaking to ZNBC, Dr. Kasanga highlighted that many students turn to energy drinks believing they enhance alertness and concentration, but in reality, excessive consumption poses serious health risks. He explained that while these drinks may provide a temporary energy boost, they can lead to negative long-term effects on the body, particularly the heart and nervous system.
Dr John Kasanga
Dr. Kasanga expressed deep concern over the growing trend of students abusing energy drinks, stating that excessive consumption increases the risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular complications. He explained that high caffeine levels and artificial stimulants found in most energy drinks can overstimulate the heart, raise blood pressure, and disrupt normal sleep patterns, which ultimately affects a student’s overall well-being.
He emphasized that proper time management and adequate sleep are key to academic success. According to Dr. Kasanga, students should avoid using shortcuts like energy drinks and instead focus on effective study techniques, such as creating structured study schedules, taking regular breaks, and maintaining a healthy sleep routine. He stressed that sleep is essential for brain function, as it helps to process and retain information, improve memory, and maintain focus during exams.
“The human brain needs adequate rest to function optimally. Sleep allows the brain to reboot and store information more efficiently,” Dr. Kasanga explained. “Students should prioritize rest and adopt healthier study habits rather than jeopardizing their health by relying on energy drinks.”
The health expert further urged schools, parents, and policymakers to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive caffeine intake and to encourage students to adopt natural and healthier alternatives to maintain energy levels. He advised students to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly, all of which contribute to improved cognitive function and overall academic performance.
As energy drink consumption continues to rise among young people, Dr. Kasanga’s message serves as an important reminder that academic success should not come at the cost of one’s health. Students are encouraged to make informed choices and prioritize their well-being as they pursue their education.
Senior officials of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by Madam Navicha and Southern Region Governor Charles Mchacha, traveled to Chikwawa to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mary Katandula, the aunt of Hon. Linda Khembo.
The presence of the DPP leadership at the funeral demonstrated their solidarity and respect for Hon. Khembo and her family during this difficult time. As a party that values unity and cultural traditions, the officials expressed their deepest condolences and offered their support to the bereaved family.
Navicha at the funeral
Speaking at the funeral, Madam Navicha emphasized the importance of standing together in moments of grief and loss, noting that such gatherings strengthen community bonds and political unity. She acknowledged the contributions of the late Mrs. Mary Katandula to her family and community, describing her as a pillar of wisdom and guidance.
On his part, DPP Southern Region Governor Charles Mchacha extended his heartfelt sympathies to Hon. Khembo and her family. He encouraged them to find strength in faith and togetherness, reminding them that the late Mrs. Katandula’s legacy will live on through the values and love she instilled in those around her.
Several DPP members and supporters also attended the funeral to pay their last respects, underscoring the party’s commitment to supporting its members beyond politics.
The funeral was marked by prayers, tributes, and words of comfort from religious leaders, family members, and community representatives. As the mourners laid Mrs. Katandula to rest, the gathering reflected on her life and the impact she had on those who knew her.
Hon. Linda Khembo and her family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, particularly from the DPP leadership, who took the time to mourn with them. The event showcased the strong social fabric within the party and the broader community, reaffirming the significance of compassion and togetherness in times of sorrow.
Malawi’s First Lady, Madam Monica Chakwera, will tomorrow preside over a special awards ceremony in Lilongwe to honour the top-performing students in the 2024 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) examinations. The event will take place alongside the official launch of the Child Online Protection Initiative, spearheaded by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), where the First Lady serves as the initiative’s ambassador.
The awards will recognize students who achieved between 7 and 15 points in the MSCE examinations, celebrating their hard work and academic excellence. This initiative is part of Madam Chakwera’s broader efforts to promote education and inspire young learners to strive for academic success.
Madam Chakwera
In support of the First Lady’s initiative, Maranatha Private Academy Managing Director, Ernest Kaonga, has pledged to contribute towards rewarding the outstanding students. Speaking ahead of the event, Kaonga expressed his commitment to encouraging academic excellence and supporting the First Lady’s education-driven initiatives.
“I want to encourage students to work hard. I appreciate the good work that our First Lady is doing in promoting education through various initiatives, and I want to join her in this noble cause,” Kaonga said.
As part of his pledge, Kaonga will award K1 million to students who scored 7 points in the MSCE exams. Additionally, those who obtained 9 and 10 points will each receive K500,000, while students who attained between 11 and 15 points will be given K100,000 each.
At least 30 students are expected to be honoured at the event, with Maranatha Boys Academy leading the list of best-performing schools, followed closely by Dedza Secondary School.
The recognition of top-performing students is expected to motivate and inspire other learners to put more effort into their studies, knowing that their hard work can lead to national recognition and rewards. The event also underscores the importance of quality education in shaping the future of Malawi and aligns with national efforts to improve academic performance across the country.
This initiative, supported by both government and private stakeholders, highlights the transformative role of education and the collective responsibility to support and reward excellence in Malawi’s youth.
