The Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba, has urged the newly recruited District Land Registrars and Land Clerks to execute their jobs professionally.
Gumba made the remarks in Blantyre on Tuesday during the official opening of the orientation for land clerks and land registrars.
The training is being offered by the Malawi School of Government.
Government, through the Ministry of Lands, facilitated recruitment of 34 District Land Registrars and 319 Land Clerks to help in dealing with lands issues in district councils across the country.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba
Gumba said the recruitment of new staff in the ministry will help the government improve service delivery at the local level and embrace decentralisation.
He urged the newly recruited officers to take the training seriously and execute their duties with competence.
“I want to have well trained officers who are conversant with Malawi land laws and regulations. It is my expectation that once these officers are inducted, I will have well trained officers who will assist to champion the country’s development,” said Gumba.
Secretary for Lands, Devie Chilonga, said land in Malawi is a very big issue in all the 35 councils hence recruiting the officers is a big achievement which will make a difference in all the councils on how to settle land matters.
Chilonga has advised the trainees to embrace discipline during their training and has instructed officials from Malawi School of Government to report any case of indiscipline.
“For all those who will not be serious with their training please inform management of the Ministry of Lands so that we can discipline such officers accordingly,” said Chilonga.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Dedza North, Savel Kafwafwa, has emphasized the need for more cassava farming interventions to ensure a household has food throughout the year.
Kafwafwa made the remarks when he led distribution of cassava cuttings to over 500 households at Senior Chief Tambala court in Dedza district on Monday.
He said hunger has been the story of each passing day in the area hence his intervention to ensure a more sustainable means of ensuring that households have something to eat every day.
“If you listen attentively, you will notice that the hunger stories are almost the same year in year out. And I thought it is now time to consider some more sustainable means because maize is more demanding. One needs new inputs every season,” he said.
Kafwafwa for cassava farming
The MP added that maize farming is weather sensitive such that if anything changes in terms of weather, people suffer while cassava farming survives any weather and keeps multiplying itself thereby benefitting others in the process.
The Dedza North legislator, who pumped in K1.5 million for the intervention, further said both weather and soil in the area favour cassava growing and that it is his vision to make the constituency famous for cassava growing.
Senior Group Village Headman Chibwana Mlozi, who is also Senior Counselor for Senior Chief Tambala, said hunger situation in the area is dire, adding, unlike in the past when people relied on mangoes and other fruits, communities are currently hands tied.
He hailed the MP for the strategy, saying it diversifies farming methods in the area and that any family that does not heed the call risks being disciplined.
Some of the beneficiaries, Manuella Thomas and Mussa Kausa, expressed gratitude at the initiative, saying cassava farming does not need much and is a great relief when it comes to hunger. They both promised to multiply the stems so that others also benefit from the same.
Dedza District Principal Agriculture Officer Lana Chikonkheni said currently, 15 percent of the households in the district are facing hunger. She, however, said the families have coping mechanisms; for example, doing some casual labour or being assisted by their neigbours which she said are not sustainable ways.
“One of the sustainable ways is what we have witnessed today where hundreds of families have received the cassava cuttings. Naturally, these do not need much labour which will be simple for families that are run by females or child headed.
“This initiative will go a long way in improving welfare of the households in the area and Dedza as a whole because the tuber itself can be sold, so too are the stems and the leaves. On top of that, these are hybrid; something that gives us an assurance that within six months, communities here will start harvesting,” said Chikonkheni.
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 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.
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.
