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Revolutionizing Student Selection Process: Domasi College of Education Partners with NCHE

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Revolutionizing Student Selection Process: Domasi College of Education Partners with NCHE


By Twink Jones Gadama

In a groundbreaking move, Domasi College of Education (DCE) has joined hands with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to revolutionize its student selection process. The partnership, announced by Dr Yambani, DCE’s Principal, during the orientation of the new SRC members, aims to align the college’s admission procedures with NCHE’s standard approach. This collaboration marks a significant departure from DCE’s long-standing tradition of conducting entrance examinations, replacing it with NCHE’s merit-based selection system. The decision is expected to streamline the student enrollment process and bring it in line with other public higher education institutions in Malawi.

The New Student Selection Process

NCHE’s student selection process, currently employed by all public universities in Malawi, solely relies on Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) grades. Instead of conducting entrance examinations, DCE will now consider the students’ MSCE grades, specifically those accumulated in line with the desired program of study. This merit-based approach will ensure a fair and consistent evaluation of prospective students, eliminating the need for entrance exams and streamlining the admission process. Under this system, students with excellent academic performance will have a better chance of gaining admission into their preferred program at DCE.

Domasi College of Education

NCHE’s Commitment to Timeliness

To ensure a smooth transition, DCE has been assured by NCHE that the selection list will be made available by May, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. This commitment from NCHE plays a crucial role in maintaining the college’s academic calendar. Dr Yambani, however, acknowledged the possibility of a delay in the release of the selection list, which may disrupt the college’s schedule. He advised the new SRC members to exercise patience in such cases. Nonetheless, this partnership exhibits NCHE’s dedication to the timely processing of student selection and points towards a positive step in avoiding unnecessary delays.

Implications for Financial Support

One of the key advantages of DCE’s recognition by NCHE is its potential impact on the provision of student financial support. The Higher Education Students Loans and Grants Board (HESLEGB), responsible for providing upkeep allowances, has been offering limited financial assistance in recent years. This has hindered many deserving students from receiving the support they need to pursue their studies. HESLEGB’s decision to provide upkeep allowances was influenced by factors such as the availability of free meals and accommodation offered by DCE. However, with NCHE’s recognition, it is expected that the mist surrounding the provision of financial support will be clarified, benefiting a greater number of deserving students.

Continued Autonomy in Other Programs

While DCE has adopted NCHE’s student selection process for generic students, the college will independently continue recruiting students for Mature Entry and Economic Fee paying programs, as well as any other programs not covered under the generic category. This ensures that DCE maintains its autonomy and flexibility in selecting students for specialized programs, catering to a diverse range of educational needs within the institution.

NCHE’s Crucial Role in Education

The role of NCHE in harmonizing student selection across public higher education institutions is of utmost significance. As the sole authority responsible for ensuring a streamlined and consistent selection process, NCHE’s mandate directly impacts the future of aspiring students and the overall education system in Malawi. Since 2014, NCHE has actively worked towards harmonizing student selection across public universities, reinforcing its commitment to a fair and transparent selection process.

Conclusion

The partnership between DCE and NCHE demonstrates a significant step forward in aligning the college’s admission process with national norms. By embracing NCHE’s merit-based student selection system, DCE aims to streamline its enrollment process and provide opportunities for deserving students to access higher education. This collaboration not only abolishes entrance exams at DCE but also elevates the college’s status within the public higher education landscape of Malawi. With a clear vision for a more efficient and equitable student selection process, DCE and NCHE are forging a path towards a brighter future for education in Malawi.

Limpopo FM, Malawians lobbies for no presidential age limit

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Limpopo FM, Malawians lobbies for no presidential age limit

By Vincent Gunde

Limpopo FM radio and Malawians have vowed to hold hands to go to court to obtain an injunction stopping the Malawi Parliament not continue tampering with the supreme law of the country by enacting a bill about age limit of a presidential candidate.

Parliament is expected to convene from 9th February, 2024 where high on its agenda is to enact a law of limiting presidential age to 75 a development which has angered patriotic Malawians that the laws must not be changed over a night.

Mutharika- will age be a barrier to his candidacy?

It has been alleged that all efforts are being made by MPs from both government and opposition to block former President and DPP leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika from standing as DPP Presidential candidate in 2025 elections.

Many questions are being raised on why other political parties are involved in the age limit of Professor Mutharika who is over 80 years and is being described as an old person when the same laws allow the aged to go and cast their votes to elect a representative of their choice.

Interestingly, other parties have been speaking openly that DPP will lose miserably in the 2025 elections and nobody knows the motive behind that and the same that are preaching about DPP loss are blocking a presidential candidate who is not from their party from standing.

Limpopo FM joined by patriotic Malawians have made it clear that they don’t want war in Malawi claiming that in some countries there’s war started by politicians for enacting bills that promote party and individual interests.

Mrs. Esnath Kalimanjira of Area 49 in Lilongwe, has asked those that are preaching that DPP will lose the elections to come clear for the citizens to understand them on whether they are meaning DPP itself to lose the elections or Professor Mutharika to lose the elections.

Kalimanjira said if DPP loses for fielding Professor Mutharika as a presidential candidate the problem will be with the DPP and this should not affect other political parties who have their presidential candidates as well.

She observed that the country has been crying for youth empowerment that young leaders under 70 years be given a chance to rule the country but the country has gone to the dogs, there’s rampant corruption than ever before clearly speaking for itself that their leadership style cannot match with those who are above 70 years.

“Let Professor Mutharika stand and let him fail, that is democracy, people have the right to choose and not politicians deciding for the citizens,” she said.

Malawi-Israel Labor Exportation Deal: Addressing Unemployment Challenges and Ensuring Transparency in Recruitment Procedures

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Malawi-Israel Labor Exportation Deal: Addressing Unemployment Challenges and Ensuring Transparency in Recruitment Procedures

By Twink Jones Gadama

The labor exportation deal between Malawi and Israel governments has continued to attract attention as yet another group of 140 Malawian youths prepares to leave the country for employment opportunities in Israel. This initiative aims to tackle the persistently high unemployment rate in Malawi while providing a valuable source of human capital for Israeli farms. However, concerns have been raised regarding the recruitment procedure and the need for transparency in the process. This backgrounder feature aims to provide an extensive analysis of the facts surrounding this labor exportation deal, shedding light on the benefits, challenges, and the necessity for clear guidelines in recruitment procedures.

Unemployment Challenges in Malawi

Malawi, a landlocked country located in southeastern Africa, has been grappling with high unemployment rates for years. The lack of job opportunities, particularly for the youth, has led to significant economic and social consequences. With an economy heavily reliant on agriculture, Malawi has struggled to create enough productive jobs in various sectors to meet the demand for employment. The labor exportation deal with Israel provides an opportunity for Malawian youths to gain employment in the agricultural sector, both as a means of addressing unemployment and contributing to the country’s economic development.



Labor Exportation Deal between Malawi and Israel

The labor exportation deal between Malawi and Israel governments was first established to meet the labor requirements of Israeli farms. Under this agreement, Malawian youths are offered the chance to work in Israel for a fixed period, typically in the agricultural sector. The number of Malawian workers employed in Israel has been gradually increasing, with the latest group of 140 individuals scheduled to depart on Wednesday.

Role of Arama Employment Agency

Arama Employment Agency, headed by Justice Kangulu, has been at the forefront of facilitating the labor exportation process. Kangulu has confirmed the charter plane’s departure time and has stressed the importance of orienting prospective employees about their roles and responsibilities before signing contractual agreements. The agency plays a significant role in coordinating the recruitment process, ensuring that the selected individuals meet the requirements and are adequately prepared for their employment in Israel.

Current Situation and Impact on Unemployment

According to the Minister of Information, Moses Kumkuyu, over 700 Malawian youths are currently employed in Israel through this labor exportation program. This indicates that the initiative has been successful in providing employment opportunities for young Malawians, thus easing the unemployment burden. By working in Israeli farms, these individuals also gain valuable skills and knowledge in agriculture, which can be utilized upon their return to Malawi, potentially contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.

Human Rights Concerns and the Need for Transparency:

Although the labor exportation deal has shown promise in addressing unemployment, there are concerns surrounding the recruitment procedure and the need for transparency. Human rights activist Michael Kayiyatsa emphasizes the importance of the government providing detailed information regarding the recruitment process. This includes ensuring that the selection process is fair, the terms and conditions of employment are clearly communicated, and the rights of the workers are protected. Transparency and accountability in the recruitment procedure are essential to avoid potential exploitation and ensure the success of this labor exportation program.

Government Response and Enhancing Transparency

In response to concerns about the recruitment procedure, the government needs to provide comprehensive information regarding the selection process. This includes detailing the criteria for selection, the steps taken to ensure fair recruitment, and the mechanisms in place to protect the rights of the workers. Additionally, the government should establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the working conditions, welfare, and treatment of Malawian workers in Israel. Such measures would contribute to transparency, accountability, and the overall success of the labor exportation deal.

Conclusion

The labor exportation deal between Malawi and Israel presents an opportunity to address the country’s high unemployment rate while offering Malawian youths valuable employment experiences in the agricultural sector. However, it is crucial to ensure transparency in the recruitment process and protect the rights of the workers. Through clear guidelines and effective monitoring, the government can further enhance the implementation of this program, leading to a potential reduction in unemployment and improved economic prospects for both Malawi and its citizens.

Muvi wa Chilungamo says leadership is not about age but ability to lead

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Muvi wa Chilungamo says leadership is not about age but ability to lead

By Vincent Gunde

President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutioary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, says leadership is not about age but capacity and ability to lead proposing presidential age limit to start from 27 up to 100 years.

Jumah has demanded and commanded the August House convening on the 9th February, 2024 not to continue tampering with the supreme law of the country by enacting a bill about age limit of a presidential candidate.

Social media platforms have reported that Members of Parliament (MPs) both of government and opposition are strategizing to bring into the August House a bill of presidential age limit to bar DPP President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika from standing in the 2025 elections.

Writing in a statement, Jumah has observed that the country has had young leaders ever since 2020 all under 70 but their leadership style cannot surpass those who are above 70 today observing that this has been a disappointment.

Jumah said Malawi has had 60 years where its politicians are chameleonic, changing colours when they are outside government and becomes inky black when they are elected into government describing this as a worrisome development to all patriotic Malawians.

He has asked the Malawi Parliament not to amend, repeal, enact any bill without consulting the general consensus of citizens proposing that political parties outside Parliament must be given space twice or three times in every sitting of Parliament to contribute to the development of their country.

“It has been proved that the August House representatives don’t consult their constituents that voted for them, hence pertinent issues are remaining outside the House with the people,” reads Jumah’s statement in part.

He encouraged patriotic Malawians that the time for Revolution has come and it is time for Malawi to change and be different expressing his deep concern over rampant corruption which has spared no one in Malawi, all are corrupt.

The MRP President said corruption cannot be stopped or ended when the top or senior government officials are immune to prosecution, plunder of national resources and looting of citizens taxes cannot be stopped if and when the President, ministers, MPs are powerful to defeat the cause of justice and when the president is above the law, there is no rule of law and democracy.

Jumah has finally demanded for the Revival of National Executive Council (NEC) or National Consultative Council (NCC) Conference where all stakeholders and concerned citizens must gather together and solve the country’s anomalies observing that the future of Malawi relies in the hands of a Samaritan who is never going to appear in the country forever.

CDEDI demands the truth on sugar scarcity in Malawi

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CDEDI demands the truth on sugar scarcity in Malawi

By Vincent Gunde

The Centre for Democracy and Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has demanded the truth on sugar crisis urging Minister of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe and Illovo Sugar Company to come out and explain to Malawians what is really causing the current scarcity of the commodity on the market.

CDEDI has cautioned Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda that if nothing is done to this sugar crisis urgently, it will undermine efforts to recover the economy following the 44 percent devaluation of the Kwacha in December, 2023.

Namiwa

The organization says according to its investigations, the sugar crisis will torment Malawians until April this year when Illovo Sugar Company’s mill is expected to start running again expressing its deep concern that there’s rationing of the commodity and prices have gone up to between k2,750-k3,000 per one Kilogram packet.

In a statement dated January 29, 2024 signed by its Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa,the civil rights grouping says the scarcity of sugar in the country has been aggravated by Ministry of Trade and Industry’s failure to issue import licenses on time to interested businesspersons since sugar is a protected commodity.

CDEDI says the scarcity of sugar is unbelievably and laughably being blamed on the impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy which hit the country in March, 2023, and smuggling describing the reasons as lame and baseless.

The organization has also demanded government to tell Malawians when Illovo Sugar Company notified it about the impending sugar crisis and its justification and explain to Malawians the Ministry of Trade’s plan to contain the situation in the face of the prevailing forex.

“Government must provide documentary evidence of tonnage Sugar Illovo exported to neighboring Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania between May and December, 2023,” reads part of the statement the organization has released.

CDEDI has further asked Government to make public the quota allocated to the top-five sugar distributors that include Kalaria, Priceworth, and Simama General Dealers in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile, a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) diehard from Mvera area in Dowa district Rodgers Kamphangala, has asked President Chakwera to address Malawians through MBC TV and Radio on the same expressing fears that his continued silence on the issue, is giving a conclusion that he don’t have the welfare of the citizens at heart.

Kamphangala has expressed his sadness that President Chakwera is busy addressing Development Rallies and at no time he and his Ministers commented on the scarcity of sugar in Malawi describing this as a worrisome development as the country is heading to the General Elections in October, 2024.

“Malawians are already in pain and suffering, scarcity of sugar and prices have increased the citizens suffering to go beyond the reach of the poor making many to feel that they don’t have a government in Malawi,” he said.

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