Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza, has expressed concern over the persistent cases of child rights abuse and violation in the country, despite the presence of numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and stakeholders working to protect child rights.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of commissioners for the National Children’s Commission (NCC), Sendeza emphasized the need for accountability among stakeholders in safeguarding child rights and wellbeing.
Sendeza
“My message to you, Commissioners, is that today you have assumed overall coordination on all matters concerning children.Therefore, you are expected to hold different stakeholders accountable for failing to offer their services,” she said.
Sendeza also appealed to stakeholders implementing programs related to children to ensure that resources meant for children’s programs are utilized effectively and for the benefit of the children.
On his part,United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF) Deputy Country Representative, Gerrit Maritz, echoed Sendeza’s sentiments, noting that despite the presence of many institutions working on children’s issues and delivering great services, there has been no robust mechanism for accountability of institutions and the resources they receive.
He emphasized that the Commission will fill the existing gap by ensuring accountability towards the fulfillment of duties and obligations towards children.
Commissioner Benedicto Kondowe highlighted that the Commission has a vital role in ensuring that services supporting the needs of children across the country are meaningfully promoted
In 2019, the government, through Parliament, enacted and gazetted the NCC Act to monitor the implementation of child-related activities, protect, and promote children’s rights programs in the country.
In a candid post on his Facebook page, Allan Ngumuya expressed his admiration for Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and Dr. Mtumbuka, both contenders vying to be the United Transformation Movement’s (UTM) candidate for the 2025 General Elections. According to Ngumuya, both Kabambe and Mtumbuka are highly intelligent and professional individuals, embodying the vision that UTM offers for the future of Malawi. Ngumuya suggested that Kabambe, Mtumbuka, and Kambala should engage in meaningful discussions to avoid splitting votes, a move he believes would best serve UTM and the country.
Ngumuya praised Kabambe’s leadership style, experience, and understanding of Malawi’s economy, describing him as someone who could transform Malawi from the highest levels of government down to the grassroots. He emphasized Kabambe’s ability to clearly articulate the challenges facing the country, particularly the economic mismanagement under the current administration. Kabambe’s comments on Malawi’s currency exchange rate and his critique of the banking sector resonated strongly with Ngumuya. Kabambe highlighted the disparity between the parallel market’s exchange rate of K2,600 per dollar and the bank’s official rate of K1,700, pointing out that people naturally prefer the parallel market, which leads to further economic instability.
Mtumbuka
Ngumuya lauded Kabambe’s ability to communicate complex issues in a way that every Malawian could understand, regardless of their educational background. He appreciated Kabambe’s emphasis on practical solutions rather than mere suggestions, likening Malawi’s current situation to a broken-down car that mechanics don’t know how to fix. For Ngumuya, Kabambe’s clear vision and practical approach make him a standout leader who could bring tangible change to Malawi.
Ngumuya further argued that if Kabambe, Mtumbuka, and Kambala were to work together, Malawi could witness a united front capable of tackling the nation’s pressing challenges. He emphasized the representation of all regions within UTM’s leadership: Kabambe from the South, Mtumbuka from the North, and Kambala from the Central Region. In Ngumuya’s view, this regional diversity within UTM could help combat tribalism, nepotism, and corruption in Malawi, paving the way for a more united and prosperous future.
Concluding his post, Ngumuya declared that UTM has the best candidates for steering Malawi towards its rightful place on the global stage. He expressed confidence that, with its strong leadership, UTM will fight for the interests of all Malawians, promoting unity and transformation.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is set to hold a mega rally at Area 24 Market in Lilongwe on Sunday, September 15, 2024, starting at 13:00 hours. The event is expected to attract a large crowd, featuring speeches from top party officials and lively performances from renowned Malawian artists. The rally will be broadcast live on Times TV and Times Radio, ensuring that people across the country can tune in.
The rally will be hosted by influential MCP leaders, who are set to address important political and developmental issues:
Hon. Nancy Tembo – A senior MCP figure and the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, she is expected to speak on Malawi’s international relations and key government initiatives aimed at improving the country’s standing globally.
Hon. (DC) Matchumbuza – A respected leader within the MCP, Matchumbuza will speak on local governance and progress in Area 24, highlighting the party’s efforts to bring development to the community.
Hon. Chilondola – Another key figure in the MCP, Chilondola is anticipated to address national issues and the party’s vision for continued development under its leadership.
Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda, the Secretary General (SG) of MCP – As the Secretary General of the party, Chimwendo Banda will deliver a keynote address, focusing on the party’s achievements and its future plans. His speech will likely cover the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the economy.
The rally will also feature performances by some of Malawi’s top musical and cultural acts, promising a vibrant atmosphere:
Skeffa Chimoto – Known for his soulful and uplifting music, Skeffa Chimoto will entertain the crowd with some of his biggest hits, spreading a message of hope and unity.
Black Missionaries – Malawi’s iconic reggae band, the Black Missionaries, will perform their powerful songs that resonate with many Malawians due to their deep social and political messages.
Symon and Kendall – The popular duo will bring their signature humorous and lively style to the rally, adding an element of entertainment and engagement.
Traditional Dances – Various cultural groups will showcase traditional dances, adding to the celebration of Malawi’s rich cultural heritage.
Mbumba za Chakwera – A group of women loyal to President Lazarus Chakwera will perform, symbolizing their support for the MCP leadership and the party’s ongoing initiatives.
This rally is seen as an important opportunity for the MCP to reconnect with its grassroots supporters in the Area 24 community and beyond. It provides a platform for the party to update the public on its progress in implementing key projects and addressing national challenges. Additionally, it allows the party to outline its future plans as it looks ahead to the next phase of development.
The involvement of key party leaders, combined with the entertainment line-up, ensures that the rally will not only be politically significant but also a celebration of Malawian culture and unity.
For those unable to attend in person, the rally will be broadcast live on Times TV and Times Radio, making it accessible to all Malawians. This live coverage will allow people from across the country to hear the speeches and enjoy the performances, ensuring that MCP’s message reaches a broad audience.
In conclusion, the MCP mega rally at Area 24 Market in Lilongwe on Sunday, September 15, 2024, promises to be a major event, bringing together political leaders, artists, and supporters. With powerful speeches, entertainment from top musicians, and traditional performances, the rally will be a significant moment for the party to demonstrate its commitment to Malawi’s development and its connection to the people. As the rally approaches, anticipation is building for what is set to be a dynamic and impactful event.
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has returned to Lilongwe this afternoon, wrapping up a week-long tour of duty in various parts of Malawi’s Southern Region. The tour saw the President visiting key sites and engaging with different stakeholders as part of his administration’s efforts to monitor and boost development projects in the region.
A key highlight of the President’s tour was witnessing the arrival of train wagons carrying fuel from Mozambique. This development is a significant step toward improving fuel transportation and distribution in Malawi. By utilizing rail transport from Mozambique, Malawi stands to benefit from reduced transportation costs and enhanced efficiency in the delivery of fuel, which is vital for the country’s energy security.
The President emphasized the importance of this mode of transport in ensuring a steady fuel supply, which is crucial for powering industries, supporting economic activities, and reducing dependence on road transport, which is often more costly and less sustainable. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of improving infrastructure and regional connectivity with neighboring countries, particularly Mozambique.
As part of the tour, President Chakwera inspected 21 key projects across Nsanje and Chikwawa districts, focusing on development initiatives that aim to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region. These projects include infrastructure developments, agricultural initiatives, and climate resilience programs aimed at mitigating the impact of recurrent floods and droughts in the Lower Shire.
The President took time to assess the progress of these projects, urging contractors and local authorities to expedite their completion to ensure that the people of Nsanje and Chikwawa benefit from improved services. Some of the notable projects include the construction of new schools, health facilities, and roads that are expected to enhance accessibility and the overall quality of life for the residents.
Additionally, President Chakwera reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting agricultural activities in the region, particularly through irrigation schemes that will help farmers improve productivity and reduce the reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
President Chakwera concluded his tour with an engagement at Sanjika Palace, where he interacted with artists from Malawi’s creative and cultural industries. The meeting served as a platform for the President to hear from the country’s artistic community and to discuss ways to strengthen the creative sector.
The President recognized the vital role that artists play in preserving Malawi’s cultural heritage, promoting national identity, and contributing to the economy through creative industries. During the interaction, Chakwera encouraged artists to continue producing quality work that resonates both locally and internationally, promising that his government would work to create an enabling environment for the arts to thrive.
The President also highlighted the need for increased investment in the arts and culture sector, noting that creative industries have the potential to generate significant income and employment opportunities for young Malawians. His administration, he assured, is committed to supporting cultural programs and initiatives that can uplift the country’s rich heritage while fostering innovation and growth within the industry.
In conclusion, President Chakwera’s tour of the Southern Region demonstrates his administration’s focus on improving infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and fostering cultural development. From enhancing fuel transport with neighboring Mozambique to inspecting development projects in Nsanje and Chikwawa, the President has shown a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the region. His engagement with artists also signals his recognition of the importance of cultural industries in building a more vibrant and economically prosperous Malawi.
As the President returns to Lilongwe, the people of Southern Malawi are hopeful that these projects and initiatives will be implemented effectively, driving development and improving their quality of life in the years to come.
Dowa based non-governmental organization , Rhema Institute for Development, has embarked on free water connection in Dowa, a programme which is aimed at complementing government effort towards achieving clean and portable water all the time.
Rhema Executive Director Innocent Semu says he is doing all this as one way of completing Government effort towards achieving Sustainability Development goal number 8 which expresses the need for countries to ensure their people have access to clean water.
Semu same they have so far connected earmarked for 10 Houses which belongs to Chivala Agricultural Officials.
He said this is just a start since they aim at connecting more than this.
Experts have commended Rhema for the initiative.
Social and political commentator Dr Ben Dzolowere says water is life and any organisation helping the government on water has to be commended.
Dzolowere says, prioritizing on water and sanitation is so important because access to safe drinking water and good sanitation are vital for family well-being.
He said good water results in control of waterborne diseases and boosts child health.
He says existing statistics show that diarrheal diseases are the leading cause of death, particularly for children under five in Malawi.
So far, Hope Water Limited, with support from Hope for a Child UK, has connected Hope Water to 3,000 residents.
