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Malawi Government boosts constituency development allocation,MPs applaud bi-partisan support

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By Twink Jones Gadama

Malawi’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been a vital source of funding for local development projects in the country get.

The CDF is a government initiative that aims to empower Members of Parliament (MPs) to address the needs of their constituents and support local development projects.

In the latest development, the Malawi government has announced an increase in the CDF allocation, doubling it from 100 million Kwacha to 200 million Kwacha for the upcoming financial year of 2024/25.

Chithyola, delivered budget

This significant increase in funding has been met with resounding applause from all MPs, both from the ruling party and the opposition.

The Minister of Finance, Felix Chithyola, received a standing ovation from MPs across the political spectrum for this announcement, highlighting the bipartisan support for the decision.

The CDF plays a crucial role in empowering MPs to address the needs of their constituents and support local development initiatives. The fund is instrumental in funding various projects, such as infrastructure development, healthcare facilities, education initiatives, and other community-driven projects.

By increasing the CDF allocation, the government is providing MPs with more resources to make a meaningful impact on the communities they represent.

In a country like Malawi, where access to basic services and infrastructure is limited in many areas, the CDF serves as a lifeline for communities in need.

The fund allows MPs to prioritize local development projects, respond to community needs, and drive positive change at the grassroots level. With the increase in funding, MPs will have the resources necessary to address a wider range of issues and implement more impactful projects in their constituencies.

The announcement of the increased CDF allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to grassroots development and empowering MPs to make a difference in their constituencies.

By providing MPs with more resources, the government is enabling them to act as effective representatives for their constituents and drive sustainable development in their communities.

The decision to double the CDF allocation has been met with widespread approval from MPs, who see it as a significant step towards supporting local development efforts and addressing the needs of their constituents.

The standing ovation given to Minister Chithyola reflects the appreciation and support for this move, highlighting the unity and collaboration between MPs from different political parties.

With the increased funding, MPs will be able to embark on more ambitious projects, improve infrastructure, enhance healthcare services, and support education initiatives in their constituencies. The CDF serves as a crucial tool for local development and empowerment, and the government’s decision to boost its allocation will have a positive impact on communities across Malawi.

As the country moves forward into the 2024/25 financial year, the increased CDF allocation will provide MPs with the resources they need to drive meaningful change and make a tangible difference in the lives of their constituents.

This move represents a significant investment in grassroots development and underscores the government’s commitment to supporting local communities and fostering sustainable growth.

In conclusion, the decision to raise the Constituency Development Fund to 200 million Kwacha is a welcome development that will empower MPs to support local development projects and address the needs of their constituents.

The bipartisan support for this decision reflects the unity and collaboration among MPs in striving towards a common goal of driving positive change and sustainable development in Malawi.

With the increased funding, MPs are poised to make a significant impact on their communities and contribute to the overall development and well-being of the country.

Renowned Journalist Twink Jones Gadama shakes up Mulanje Central Politics

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By staff reporter

Renowned online journalist Twink Jones Gadama has recently made headlines with his decision to contest in the 2025 elections in Mulanje Central constituency. With a long and successful career in the media industry, Gadama has now set his sights on a new challenge – serving the people of his constituency as their member of parliament.

The decision to run for office came after local chiefs in his area approached Gadama, expressing their dissatisfaction with the incumbent member of parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa. According to the chiefs, the constituency has always been a stronghold of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and they believe that Gadama is the best candidate to maintain this status quo. Gadama, who has been a member of the DPP for many years, feels honored by the chiefs’ endorsement and is eager to represent the people of Mulanje Central in the upcoming elections.

Gadama-ready to shake things

In a recent interview with this publication, Gadama spoke passionately about his commitment to serving the people of his constituency. He sees himself as a servant of the people, dedicated to addressing their needs and concerns. Gadama’s long history with the DPP gives him a unique perspective on the issues facing Mulanje Central, and he is confident that he has the skills and experience necessary to make a positive impact as their representative in parliament.

While Gadama has not yet disclosed the names of the chiefs who approached him, he has hinted at their widespread support within the community. A recent survey conducted by Catholic University students in Mulanje Central revealed that Nankhumwa’s strength is closely tied to the DPP, and without the party’s backing, his chances of winning in 2025 are slim. This has created an opening for Gadama to step in and offer a new vision for the constituency.

Nankhumwa’s recent expulsion from the DPP has also weakened his political standing in Mulanje Central. Despite challenging his expulsion in court, Nankhumwa has faced criticism for failing to reign in his supporters who publicly burned DPP regalia. This has raised doubts about his ability to unite the party and rally support for his re-election bid. Many people in the constituency are now looking to Gadama as a fresh alternative, someone who can bring new ideas and energy to the table.

For Gadama, the opportunity to represent Mulanje Central in parliament is a deeply personal one. He has always been passionate about politics and has used his platform as a journalist to raise awareness about important issues affecting the community. Now, he sees the chance to make a real difference by taking on a more active role in shaping policy and advocating for change.

As Gadama prepares for the 2025 elections, he is focused on connecting with the people of Mulanje Central and learning more about their needs and priorities. He plans to run a grassroots campaign, engaging directly with voters and listening to their concerns. By building strong relationships with the community, Gadama hopes to earn their trust and support as he works towards a better future for Mulanje Central.

With his background in media and politics, Gadama brings a unique perspective to the race for Mulanje Central constituency. He has the skills, experience, and passion needed to be an effective leader, and he is determined to make a positive impact as a member of parliament. As the 2025 elections draw closer, all eyes will be on Gadama as he makes his case to the people of Mulanje Central.

Malawi serious about eliminating child labour

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By Tikondane Vega

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Wezi Kayira, says Malawi is making significant progress in fighting and eliminating child labour, adding this is in line with Agenda 2063.

Kayira said this in Blantyre on Thursday during a knowledge sharing workshop for workers, employers and government representatives from Malawi, Uganda and Kenya.

The meeting follows a study visit dubbed “Tea-Triangular: Kenya, Malawi and Uganda knowledge sharing to combat child labour in the Tea Value Chain” which officials from the targeted countries jointly conducted.

Speaking during the opening of the meeting, Kayira said government continues to put strong systems, interventions, as well as coming up with different policies aimed at protecting child labour in all places, including tea and coffee value chains.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Wezi Kayira, says Malawi is making significant progress in fighting and eliminating child labour, adding this is in line with Agenda 2063
Wezi Kayira

“International Labour Organisation (ILO) has been conducting Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL AFRICA) project for the past three year in three countries as mentioned.

“So, since the first phase of the project has come to an end, officials from the targeted countries jointly visited Malawi and then proceeded to Uganda before visiting Kenya.

“The aim was to appreciate successes, challenges and today they are here sharing experiences and strategies on how best countries can combat child labour. I must thank ILO for their support which has really accelerated elimination of child labour interventions in the country,” he said.

On his part, ILO ACCEL Africa Project Chief Technical Advisor Minoru Ogasawala said he is satisfied with how Malawi has implemented the project, adding there are more successes that other countries can learn.

He pointed out community engagement and strong stakeholders, among others, but urged authorities to continue raising awareness and law enforcement.

“The ACCEL Africa Project is entering its second phase with a strong commitment to eradicate child labour in supply chains across Africa. It is continuing to target the root causes of child labour in specific countries and supply chains.

“Building on the success of the first phase, the second phase will expand its efforts across multiple countries and sectors, fostering an integrated approach to eliminate child labour at sub-national, national, and global levels,” he said.

Deputy Labour Commissioner from Kenya, Christine Oheno, has since described the study visit as an eye opener, saying her country will replicate some interventions learnt from Malawi in order to achieve the project goal.

Civil Society hails government for recruiting, promoting teachers

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By Martha Simchimba


Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has hailed government for recruiting and promoting 9,753 teachers across the country saying the move will assist in improving quality of education in the country.

CSEC Executive Director, Benedicto Kondowe, expressed excitement with the move saying it will significantly contribute to positive strides towards improvement of education standards in the country.

“The infusion of 9,753 educators, alongside promotions, reflects a steadfast commitment to addressing the critical shortage of teachers nationwide which is essential for nurturing academic excellence and fostering effective teaching and learning environments,” he said.

Kondowe said, to further empower education standards in the country, CSEC advocates for sustained recruitment efforts, which is equitable distribution of teachers and strategic review of resource allocation between training and employment, in order to ensure that every student receives the much needed guidance to unlock their full potential.

Ministry of Education Public Relations Officer, Mphatso Nkuonera, said hiring and promotion of teachers will narrow down to proper teacher-student ratio in secondary schools.

“You are aware that in secondary school a teacher is supposed to handle 40 students per class but due to insufficient number of teachers, sometimes the ration goes to 50 students which is not a recommended standard.

“Government saw the need and decided to recruit a huge number of teachers to cover the gap,” he said.

Nkuonera pointed out that government promoted teachers as one way of motivating them thereby improving service delivery. 

In an intervuiew, Glory Kamwela, a teacher of Mnjiri Community Day Secondary School in Mzimba said work promotion is a motivation and recruiting new teachers minimises workload in schools thereby increasing performance.

In a separate interview, one of the promoted teachers, Joseph Silweya, was excited for the promotion saying it will go a long way in improving teaching and learning as teachers are motivated.

Ministry of Education recruited and promoted 9,753 secondary school teachers; 2,681 have been recruited and 2,259 promoted at TI and TJ grades while 3,997 teachers have been promoted as senior teachers, grade TH and 316 teachers to the position of heads of department which is grade TG and 500 teachers as head teachers (grade TG). 

Mzimba Communities applaud Chakwera for construction of Police House

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By Staff Reporter

Community members at Jenda in Mzimba District have applauded the Chakwera  administration for the construction of ten police houses, saying the development has boosted matters of security in the district.

Government, through the Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba officially handed over the houses in April 2023.

Speaking on Thursday in an interview, one of the residents at Jenda, Mwape Ngwira said before the construction of the houses, it was hard to get hold of police officers whenever matters of security arose.

“We are very happy with the construction of these houses which are within our reach. Prior to this development , we had to go to Champhira whenever we required the attention of the police. This was negativity affecting us,” said Ngwira.

Ngwira said acts of violence and mob justice have also decreased since the construction of the houses which enables residents to dwell without fear.

Ngwira, who is also a business woman, said those who ply their trade at Jenda Trading Centre no longer fear getting attacked or robbed at night as was the case in the past.

“Before this development, we used to close our businesses around 6 PM in the evening as we were scared of getting robbed. Now we are able to ply our trade until 8 PM which helps in boosting our profits,” she said.

In his remarks, Mzimba District Commissioner, Rodney Simwaka described the development as a milestone achievement in boosting security issues in the district, which is an essential component in spearheading the Malawi 2063 agenda.

“The population in Jenda is growing very fast and issues of security are a big concern. As such, the coming of the houses is an achievement as our officers have become motivated; thereby decreasing the rate of crime,” said Simwaka.

Officer-In-Charge for Jenda Police Station, Greadwick Mangazi said the station has a total of 97 officers and the development has helped to ease accommodation challenges for the officers.

“On the 10 houses, two are for senior officers whilst eight accommodate junior officers. We are now able to effectively reach out to members of the community.

“Besides that, these are quality houses and we have put in measures to ensure our officers take care of this development by conducting routine inspections,” said Mangazi.

Government plans on constructing a total of 10,000 houses for all security agencies across the country.

Officer-In-Charge for Jenda Police Station, Greadwick Mangazi