In a bid to drive progress and development within communities in Malawi, the National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust has urged citizen forums in the country to actively engage with duty bearers to ensure accountability for their actions. This initiative aims to help the nation reach its development goals by fostering transparency, promoting responsible governance, and ultimately contributing to the overall advancement of the country.
The call for increased engagement between citizen forums and duty bearers was emphasized by Alinafe Chikakuda, a Civic Education expert in Dowa District. Chikakuda highlighted the importance of holding duty bearers accountable through regular interactions, stating that this proactive approach is key to driving progress and development within communities. By actively engaging with duty bearers, citizen forums can ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are heard and addressed, leading to more effective governance and improved service delivery.
Chikakuda
One such example of citizen engagement in action was seen at a recent Citizen Forum meeting held in Mponela under Traditional Authority Mponela in Dowa District. The forum members, led by Chikakuda, discussed various issues affecting their community and worked together to come up with solutions that could be presented to duty bearers. This collaborative approach not only increases transparency and accountability but also empowers citizens to be actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Jericho Chinkhadze, the chairperson of the Chilima Citizen Forum, expressed gratitude towards Dowa NICE for their interventions and support in facilitating these important discussions. The partnership between citizen forums and organizations like NICE is crucial in ensuring that communities have the necessary tools and resources to advocate for their rights and hold duty bearers accountable for their actions.
By empowering citizen forums to engage with duty bearers and advocate for their needs, Malawi is taking a significant step towards achieving its development goals. This grassroots approach to governance not only strengthens the relationship between citizens and their leaders but also ensures that development priorities are aligned with the needs of the community.
The proactive engagement of citizen forums with duty bearers is a vital step towards achieving accountability and development in Malawi. By fostering transparency, promoting responsible governance, and empowering communities to take an active role in decision-making processes, we can work towards a brighter future for all Malawians. It is through initiatives like these that we can build a more inclusive and prosperous nation, where every citizen has a voice and a stake in shaping the future of their country.
Minister of sports and youth affairs,Uchizi Mkandawire has emphasized the need for leaders to take a leading role in the development of different sporting activities in the country as this will help in developing Malawi across all sectors.
The minister retaliated that through sports, alot of people are able to generate huge amounts of money.
He was speaking this on Saturday March,23, 2024 when he presided over the Limbe Leaf tobacco company 2023 under 12 and 15 tournament finals in Lilongwe.
Uchizi Mkandawire
“What I mean is that, basically there is quiet alot that is happening in sports, whereby those that are participating as athletes are able to make earnings in form of money, but we also have football administrators, we have refrees, we have coaches, so this is a source of employment and other people which also do events management they find space,” Mkandawire said.
He also highlighted that when we talk of sports supporting various sectors one of it is tourism, as people travel from one destination to another alot of people generate revenue as well.
Managing Director of Limbe Leaf tobacco company Don McAlpin, articulated that Limbe Leaf has been investing heavily in this tournament in order to ensure that no primary school in communities lacks the opportunity to better its sports program or expose its players to the opportunities that sports affords.
“During the tournament last year, the company noticed that due to the shortage of sporting equipments in our schools, schools were willing to do anything to get into these positions and secure prizes, especially the sports kits, even under declaration of ages of players.
“To encourage good sportsmanship and maintain integrity of the tournament the company increased the budget of the tournament from $11,000 last year to $20,000 so that more teams could be afforded the opportunity to access the sporting kits and boots,” he said.
He also added that this 40th year tournament is an indication of the company’s commitment towards sports and education development in the local communities and they ensure that children are positively engaged inside and outside the classroom so that they are not used for labor anywhere including farms.
“Limbe leaf the past 10 years has invested alot in child labor prevention and detection programs to the point where we have almost eradicated it across our value chain, this is why the tournament continues to have our support each year as it is instrumental in preventing child labor in our communities by keeping children in our farming communities positively engaged,” McAlpin highlighted.
The tournament has been running for 39 years as of 2019 and they resumed this year after 3 years break due to outbreak of Covid-19 making this its 40th year of commemoration.
This year the preparation games involved 470 primary schools from rural and urban Lilongwe and the total number of participating students is 34,440 pupils.
During the tournament teams in position 1 to 4 were able to secure a sporting kit for their school and other prizes.
The following are the prizes in different categories;
Under 12 netball winners, Balango’mbe.
Under 12 Football winners, Tsabango Primary School.
Under 15 netball winners, Chidzingwe Primary school.
Under 15 Football winners, Kasiya Primary school.
Player of the Tournament, Under 12 netball ( Eunice Mataka from Balang’ombe).
Player of the Tournament, Under 12 Football ( Lloyd Zimba from Tsabango).
Player of the Tournament, Under 15 netball ( Patricia Songola from Chidzingwe).
Player of the Tournament Under 15 Football ( Mwamadi Hawadi from Kasiya).
Overall player of the Tournament, Netball ( Caroline Greenwell from Ndaula).
Managing director Limbe leaf tobacco company, Don McAlpin making delivering his speech
Malawi’s Junior Flames are the champions of the under 20 4 Nations tournament, after beating Kenya Under 20 3-1 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday afternoon.
Emmanuel Savieli opened the scoring in the 36th minute while Chifuniro Kamenya scored the second for the Junior Flames just some seconds before half time.
Kenya pulled one back through Dalphane Ezekiah in the 64th minute but Madaitso Safuli consolidated Malawi’s lead in the added time.
The Junior Flames have finished the tournament with six points followed by Kenya with 3 points and Zimbabwe who have finished the tournament with no point.
The tournament was supposed to have four teams but Zambia Under 20 pulled out in the last minute.
The Malawi Congress Party has gone full throttle in drumming up support for its candidates ahead of the by-elections that are due in Karonga.
The Party has urged prospective voters in Karonga local government by-elections to vote for it’s candidates in the Tuesday polls to be assured of meaningful development.
Speaking during a political rally held at Ntchowo primary school,MCP Director of Campaign,Moses Kunkuyu said the hiking the Constituency Development Fund in the current budget to K200 million is aimed at ensuring that development trickles to the rural communities.
Among other notable figures at the rally included, Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma, Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima and Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka.
The Malawi Congress Party will have it’s final rally at Ngalamu primary school.
The by-elections will take place in Rukuru, Chilanga and Kaporo wards.
In today’s interview I will be asking many questions. Some may be of a personal or intimate nature. I encourage you to be open and honest when answering questions. If you forget to tell me something today, you can always contact me. We can always set up another conversation.
Do people know you very well in your constituency? Yes, I am a well-known figure in my constituency and have been actively involved in community projects and advocacy work.
Walk me through your resume? My resume includes a background in journalism, where I have worked for several years covering important issues and holding those in power accountable. I have a passion for serving my community and making a positive impact.
How did you hear about this position? I heard about the position in Parliament through my involvement in local politics and my desire to create change at a higher level.
Why do you want to become a member of Parliament? I want to become a member of Parliament because I believe I have the skills, experience, and dedication needed to represent the people of my constituency effectively and bring about positive change.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I am committed to transparency, accountability, and working tirelessly to address the needs of our community.
What can you bring to the constituency? I can bring a fresh perspective, strong leadership skills, and a determination to advocate for the concerns of my constituents in Parliament.
Gadama, DPP Shadow MP for Mulanje Centra
What are your greatest strengths?
My strengths include strong communication skills, my ability to think critically, and my dedication to serving others.
What do you consider to be your weaknesses? I believe one of my weaknesses is sometimes being too detail-oriented and getting caught up in the minutiae of a situation.
What is your greatest professional achievement as a journalist?
As a journalist, my greatest professional achievement was uncovering a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of a high-ranking government official.
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced as a journalist, and how you dealt with it? One challenge I faced as a journalist was dealing with pressure from powerful individuals attempting to suppress my reporting, but I persevered by staying true to my principles and seeking support from my colleagues.
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills. I have demonstrated leadership skills by organizing community events, leading advocacy campaigns, and motivating others to take action.
What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work? There have been times where I have disagreed with editorial decisions at work, but I have always approached these situations professionally and worked to find a compromise.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake? Everyone makes mistakes, and I have learned valuable lessons from my errors in judgment as a journalist, such as not fact-checking thoroughly enough before publication.
*Q-* Tell me about a time you failed. *A-* Failure is a part of growth, and I have experienced setbacks in my career that have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of learning from mistakes.
*Q-* Why are you leaving journalism? *A-* I am leaving journalism to pursue a career in politics because I believe I can create a larger impact and effect meaningful change in the lives of the people I seek to represent.
*Q-* Have you been fired from employment before or not? *A-* I have never been fired from a job before and have always maintained a strong work ethic and commitment to my responsibilities.
*Q-* Can you explain why you changed career path if you ever did? *A-* I believe that changing career paths is a natural progression in one’s professional journey, and I am excited for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my political career.
*Q-* What is it that you have to make you campaign and win elections in 2025? *A-* I am confident in my ability to campaign vigorously and win in the upcoming elections, and I have the support of my community and dedicated team behind me.
*Q-* Are you a serious candidate who can be taken seriously in this campaign you have started? *A-* I am a serious candidate who is committed to serving the people of my constituency with integrity, transparency, and a strong work ethic.
*Q-* What do you like about your job as a journalist? *A-* I enjoy the dynamic nature of journalism but dislike the constraints of deadlines and the constant pressure to meet publishing requirements.
*Q-* What are you looking for in a new position of politics? *A-* In a new position of politics, I am looking for the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of the people I represent and advocate for positive change in our community.
*Q-* What type of work environment do you prefer? *A-* I prefer a work environment that is collaborative, open-minded, and focused on serving the needs of the constituents.
*Q-* What’s your work style? *A-* My work style is focused, driven, and detail-oriented, with a commitment to achieving results and making a meaningful impact.
*Q-* What’s your management style? *A-* My management style is inclusive, empowering, and focused on fostering a positive team dynamic to achieve common goals.
*Q-* How would your boss and coworkers describe you where you currently work? *A-* My boss and coworkers would describe me as dedicated, hard-working, and a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.
*Q-* How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? *A-* I deal with pressure by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from my team. I am also proactive in managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, and seeking balance in my personal and professional life.
*Q-* What do you like to do outside of work? *A-* Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, practicing yoga, and volunteering in my community to give back.
*Q-* How do you stay organized? *A-* I stay organized by using a combination of digital tools, calendars, and to-do lists to ensure that I stay on top of my responsibilities and prioritize tasks effectively.
*Q-* How do you prioritize your work? *A-* I prioritize my work based on urgency, impact, and alignment with my goals and values, ensuring that I focus on what matters most and where I can make the most difference.
*Q-* What are you passionate about? *A-* I am passionate about social justice, equality, and creating a better future for the next generation through advocacy, activism, and policy change.
*Q-* What motivates you? *A-* I am motivated by a deep sense of purpose, a desire to create positive change in the world, and a commitment to serving others.
*Q-* How do you like to be managed? *A-* I prefer to be managed in a supportive, empowering, and collaborative way that allows me to thrive, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the team and organization.
*Q-* Do you consider yourself successful? *A-* I consider myself successful in my career as a journalist, but I believe that success is an ongoing journey of growth, learning, and making a positive impact in the world.
*Q-* Where do you see yourself in five years from now? *A-* In five years, I see myself serving as a respected and effective member of Parliament, making a meaningful impact on the lives of my constituents and creating positive change in our community.
*Q-* How do you plan to achieve your political career goals? *A-* I plan to achieve my political career goals through dedication, hard work, collaboration, and a commitment to serving the needs of the people I represent with integrity and transparency.
*Q-* What are your aspirations in politics? *A-* My aspirations in politics are to advocate for social justice, equality, and good governance, to create policies that benefit the most vulnerable in society, and to be a voice for those who are marginalized and disenfranchised.
*Q-* What’s your dream in politics? *A-* My dream in politics is to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.
*Q-* What makes you unique? *A-* What makes me unique is my combination of journalism skills, advocacy experience, and commitment to public service, which I believe can make me an effective and impactful member of Parliament.
*Q-* What should I know that’s not on your resume? *A-* One thing that’s not on my resume is my passion for community organizing and grassroots activism, which has been a driving force in my career and my commitment to creating positive change.
*Q-* What would your first few months look like in Parliament should you win? *A-* In Parliament, my first few months would be focused on listening to the needs and concerns of my constituents, building relationships with colleagues, and advocating for policies that benefit the people I represent.
*Q-* What are your expectations from your constituency? *A-* I expect my constituency to hold me accountable, support my efforts to create positive change, and collaborate with me to address the challenges we face together.
*Q-* What do you think could done better or differently in your constituency? *A-* I believe that there is always room for improvement and innovation in any constituency, and I am committed to working with the community to identify areas for growth and development.
*Q-* Are you ready to serve your constituency? *A-* I am ready and willing to serve my constituency with dedication, integrity, and a commitment to creating positive change for the people I represent.
*Q-* Are you willing to transform your constituency? *A-* I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to transform my constituency, improve the lives of its residents, and create a better future for all who live there.
*Q-* Have you ever taken alcohol? *A-* I have taken alcohol in social settings but do not indulge excessively or irresponsibly.
*Q-* Have you ever shot a gun? *A-* I have never shot a gun and do not support the use of firearms as a means of conflict resolution.
*Q-* What’s your furniture food? *A-* My favourite food is traditional Malawian nsima with fish and vegetables, as it reminds me of home and brings me comfort.
*Q-* Do you listen to music? *A-* I do enjoy listening to music, particularly local Malawian artists who promote social justice, unity, and cultural pride.
*Q-* What is your favourite music or musician? *A-* My favourite singing group is *The Lilongwe Chronicles Band* alias in *TCL* led by *Chuma Anzathu Magulu* as their music is uplifting, inspirational, and reflects the spirit and resilience of the Malawian people.
*Q-* Is there anything else you’d like us to know? *A-* To know more about me, I would like to emphasize my commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in all that I do, both personally and professionally.
*Q-* Do you have any questions for us? *A-* As for any questions I have for you, I would like to know more about the issues and concerns facing the community you represent and how you plan to address them if elected to Parliament.
