Social commentators have criticized former President and leader of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Peter Mutharika for using derogatory language to express his disapproval of the Tonse-led administration’s governance.
Writing on his Facebook page few days ago, Mutharika lamented the social ills Malawians face, stating that the country has been “left to the dogs.”
Mutharika
Mutharika cited maladministration at the Immigration department and rising poverty levels as indicators of the country’s struggles.
But speaking to this publication,social commentator Latimu Matenje faulted Mutharika for using the demeaning expression, urging him to provide constructive checks and balances instead.
Matenje called on both the government and opposition to collaborate in finding solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
Mutharika and his DPP got booted out of government in a court sanctioned presidential poll in June 2020.
He isn’t an ordinary kid, at the age of 11 Troy K Katantha a British Born Malawian is already making waves in the Karate field after a stellar performance at the European 2024 Martial arts games.
Troy, the only child of his family, showed an interest in Karate when he was 2 and half years old and started training at the age of three.Â
Now a holder of brown belt with black stripes,he has one more belt to get to black belt.
Troy Katantha
Katantha has a passion for karate and has grown to be a very confident young man. At the age of 11, Troy had attended many external competitions with the Dojo Karate centre which is the club he trains at. He has won 10 medals throughout the competitions.Â
Troy went through selection for Team GB martial arts team in February this year. After training so hard, he was successfully selected to join the team. He is now a member of the Great Britain Martial arts team and fights on external competitions representing Team GB. Â
Recently,On the 2nd to 4th Aug 24, Troy took part in the European 2024 Martial arts games in High wycombe,UK where his performance was exceptional.
 Troy appreciates the support he gets from family and the Malawians community in the UK.
A recent study conducted by the country’s agricultural research think tank,MwAPATA Institute, in collaboration with the National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), has revealed that youth engagement in agriculture over the past two decades has declined from 83% in 2010 to 76% in 2020.
Furthermore, the study found that youth access to credit and subsidy programs has also declined, with access to extension services and credit remaining at 32%, while the number of youths benefiting from the Affordable Input Programme has decreased to 28% in 2020 from 54% in 2010.
The study outlines several key recommendations to improve the situation, including the establishment of a special agricultural funding facility for youth, promotion of agricultural diversification, and inclusive commercialization among youth.
Speaking at the dissemination of the findings in Lilongwe on Monday, MwAPATA Institute Executive Director William Chadza said they are engaging various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the study’s recommendations.
“We are very concerned with the trend and something must be done to end the problem,” he said.
In his remarks,NYCOM Executive Director Rex Chapota said the findings are crucial, as they will help provide a foundation for their programs.
MwAPATA is an independent agricultural policy think tank in Malawi that addresses gaps in agricultural policy development in Malawi by supporting the government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in their common goal of increasing opportunity for a more diversified agricultural sector.
Vice President Dr.Michael Usi has spoken out against political interference in the operations of public institutions, such as the Immigration Department and Road Traffic Directorate.
During his visit to the two departments in Blantyre on Monday, Usi pledged that the government will soon address the systemic and technical challenges plaguing the Immigration Department.
Usi emphasized that politicians from all parties, including Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Transformation Movement (UTM), and Allowance for Democracy (AFORD), should refrain from interfering in the operational matters of these departments, particularly when it comes to job promotions.
Usi
He noted that political interference compromises the quality of services provided by the department, as employees may feel that their hard work will not be recognized or rewarded.
In his remarks,Homeland Security Principal Secretary, Steven Kayuni, echoed Usi’s sentiments, stating that the immigration department will address the bottlenecks hindering its progress within two months.
The Immigration Department has faced numerous challenges related to its passport issuance system since March this year, including allegations of hacking.
In an effort to address the pressing issues of unemployment and lack of vocational skills among young women in Machinjiri area 6 in Blantyre, a group of five youths is running a project called “Tailor Her Future”.
The project was launched on July 1, 2024.
In an interview with our journalist Chisomo Phiri, the project’s manager Daniel Wiseman Kaira said the project aims to provide training in tailoring and design to empower young women to become self-sufficient and economically independent.
He said the project targets young women aged 15-30 who struggle to find meaningful employment due to a lack of opportunities and skills.
Said Kaira:”By providing them with vocational training in tailoring, the project seeks to enhance their employability and economic opportunities.”
He said ten beneficiaries have already been selected based on criteria such as age, education, family background, gender, and economic status.
“The training sessions have been structured into several modules, covering different garment types and skills.
“Participants have successfully produced aprons, pillowcases, petticoats, skirts, dresses, and simple traditional blouses,” he said.
He however, indicated that the project has faced several challenges, including price fluctuations, limited resources, and schedule flexibility.
Said Kaira:”Despite these challenges, the project has made significant progress and plans to achieve the following tasks before its conclusion on September 4, 2024:Training participants to make school uniforms, sessions on creating trousers and shirts, designing and sewing gym dresses,registering the project as a Community-Based Organization (CBO), and awarding certificates to participants upon project completion.”
He explained that the “Tailor Her Future” project aligns with national development frameworks such as Vision 2063, the National Gender Policy, and the National Youth Policy, as well as global development frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The project is being funded by the Aspire Leaders program.
