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E-payment system a hit among social cash transfer beneficiaries in Neno

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E-payment system a hit among social cash transfer beneficiaries in Neno



By Jones Gadama

Beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Neno District have expressed satisfaction with the newly introduced e-payment system, citing its security and ease of access to financial support. Rose Zuze, a recipient from Chiomba 2 village, praised the availability of KAKU PAY agents within local markets, saying it has improved her experience and helps her manage her spending better.

Neno District Council Social Cash Transfer Programme Officer, Amos Chandilanga, noted that this is the first time Neno district is implementing e-payment for Social Cash Transfer, and the system is running smoothly.



Chandilanga emphasized that the programme aims to provide a safety net for vulnerable families and urged beneficiaries to invest the money wisely.

The e-payment system has addressed previous challenges, such as forgotten passwords, and increased agent coverage in trading centers has made it easier for beneficiaries to access their funds closer to home, according to Rhex Ndapasowa, Business Development Officer for KAKU-PAY in Neno.

The programme’s effectiveness is expected to be enhanced by the e-payment system, which provides a secure and efficient way for beneficiaries to receive their financial support.

By investing the money wisely, beneficiaries can improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.

The Social Cash Transfer Programme is a vital initiative that supports vulnerable families in Neno District, and the introduction of the e-payment system is a significant step towards improving the programme’s effectiveness and efficiency.

ISAPH project to boost nutrition in Mzimba

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ISAPH project to boost nutrition in Mzimba

By Jones Gadama

M’mbelwa District Council has welcomed a new project aimed at improving nutrition and health outcomes for local communities, particularly expectant women, mothers, and under-five children.

The project, titled “Model Project for Sustainable Health Group Nutrition Activities by Local Communities,” is being implemented by the International Support and Partnership for Health (ISAPH) in three areas of Mzimba District: Endindeni, Chikangawa, and Katete.

Sakuma Yamamoto



Gift Simkonda, Nutrition Officer for M’mbelwa District Council, expressed gratitude to ISAPH for introducing the project, which will run from April this year to 2028. Simkonda said the project will strengthen nutrition response and improve health outcomes for local communities.

“We are thrilled to partner with ISAPH on this project, which will help address the nutritional needs of our communities, particularly vulnerable groups such as expectant women, mothers, and under-five children,” Simkonda said.

The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the tune of K783.7 million.

According to Sakuma Yamamoto, ISAPH Country Director, the project aims to work with local communities to create sustainable food systems that promote healthy diets and reduce malnutrition.

“Our goal is to empower local communities to take ownership of their nutrition and health, and to create sustainable systems that will benefit them for years to come,” Yamamoto said.

John Banda, ISAPH Senior Field Coordinator, said the three-year project will help reduce stunted growth in pregnant women, mothers, and children under five.

“We believe that every child deserves a healthy start in life, and that nutrition plays a critical role in achieving this goal,” Banda said, adding that, “Our project will work with local communities to promote healthy diets and reduce malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups.”

The project will target areas under traditional authorities Chindi, Kampingo Sibande, and Mabilabo.

Local communities will be empowered to take ownership of their nutrition and health through sustainable food systems and health group nutrition activities.

The introduction of this project comes as a welcome relief to the district, which has been grappling with nutrition challenges, particularly among under-five children and expectant mothers.

With the support of ISAPH and JICA, Mzimba District is poised to make significant strides in improving nutrition and health outcomes for its communities.

As the project kicks off, local communities are eagerly awaiting the benefits it will bring.

“We are excited about the potential of this project to improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said a local resident,b adding that,,”We look forward to working with ISAPH and JICA to make this project a success.”

Court orders state to disclose key evidence in Phwedo defilement case

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Court orders state to disclose key evidence in Phwedo defilement case



By Jones Gadama

The High Court has made a significant ruling in the case of Tumpe Mtaya, popularly known as Phwedo, who is accused of defiling a girl. Chief Resident Magistrate Benjamin Chulu has ordered the state to serve the defense with the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) identification card used by the alleged victim last year.

The defense team, led by Lawyer Robert Kadzakumanja, had applied for the disclosure of the MSCE identification card, which is expected to provide crucial evidence in the case.

However, the Magistrate denied the defense application to order the state to disclose the age assessment report, deeming it premature.


The defense team has indicated that they will consult their client to determine whether to challenge the ruling that denies them access to the age assessment report. The prosecution was not available for comment on the court’s decision.

The case has been adjourned to June 12, 2025, when the hearing is expected to commence.

The court’s ruling is a significant development in the case, and the defense team will likely use the disclosed evidence to build their case.

The Phwedo case has generated significant public interest, and the court’s decision will be closely watched by many.

The case highlights the importance of ensuring that justice is served, particularly in cases involving vulnerable individuals.

As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the disclosed evidence will impact the outcome.

The court’s decision to order the state to disclose the MSCE identification card is a crucial step in ensuring that the case is heard and determined based on credible evidence.

Malawi takes a leap forward in agriculture with new extension policy

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Malawi takes a leap forward in agriculture with new extension policy



By Jones Gadama

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the National Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services Policy (2025-2030), a significant step towards promoting and strengthening quality and inclusive agriculture extension and advisory services in the country.

The policy’s launch coincided with the end of the 7th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW) 2025, a biannual continental event held for the first time in Malawi.

The policy aims to empower farmers with knowledge and innovative extension services, enabling them to achieve agricultural commercialization and industrialization as envisioned in the Malawi 2063.



Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale emphasized the policy’s importance in guiding key stakeholders in the provision of extension services that cater to the needs of farmers.

The policy’s launch was met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders, including the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) and the Civil Society Agriculture Network (CSAN).

FUM Executive Director Jacob Nyirongo stressed the need for collaboration and extension advisory services tailored to the specific needs and demands of farmers. CSAN National Director Elizabeth Namaona pledged the Network’s support to ensure the policy’s full implementation, describing it as transformative and responsive to the needs of farmers.

The 7th AAEW, which commenced on May 12, brought together policymakers, researchers, extension professionals, farmers, and development partners to discuss topics such as gender-responsive agricultural extension and agroecology.

The event highlighted the importance of inclusive and sustainable practices in agricultural development.

The new policy is expected to have a significant impact on Malawi’s agricultural sector, which is a key driver of the country’s economy. By providing farmers with access to quality extension services, the policy aims to increase agricultural productivity and promote sustainable food systems.

The policy’s focus on inclusivity and responsiveness to farmers’ needs is expected to benefit smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of Malawi’s agricultural sector.

The launch of the policy is a testament to the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector and achieving the goals outlined in the Malawi 2063.

The policy’s success will depend on the effective implementation and collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers’ organizations, and development partners.

As Malawi takes a leap forward in agriculture with this new policy, it is expected that the country will see significant improvements in agricultural productivity and food security.

The policy’s emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability is expected to benefit not only farmers but also the broader economy and society.

The launch of the National Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services Policy (2025-2030) marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s agricultural development.

With the support of stakeholders and effective implementation, the policy is expected to transform the agricultural sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.

Melinda Gates finds joy again: Embracing love and life with Philip Vaughn

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Melinda Gates finds joy again: Embracing love and life with Philip Vaughn

By Burnett Munthali

Melinda French Gates is stepping into a new chapter of her life with grace, confidence, and renewed happiness.

The businesswoman and philanthropist has revealed details about her evolving personal life following her divorce from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

After enduring what she has described as a difficult separation, Melinda is now in a relationship that she says brings her joy and clarity.

Melinda Gates with new love Phillip Vaughn


Her new partner, Philip Vaughn, has been seen publicly with her on several occasions, including a recent moment when the couple was photographed walking hand-in-hand through the streets of New York City.

This visible affection is just one reflection of the contentment she now feels.

Speaking on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,’ Melinda opened up about how her life has transformed post-divorce.

With a genuine smile, she shared that she has found happiness again in love.

When host Stephen Colbert congratulated her on her new romance, she responded simply but warmly: “Thank you!”

She added that life with Philip has been “pretty great,” suggesting that this relationship has brought meaningful fulfillment to her journey.

In recent interviews, Melinda has described her divorce as “necessary,” emphasizing the importance of personal growth and emotional well-being.

Now, she appears to be living more fully—rooted in clarity, self-empowerment, and love.

This new chapter for Melinda Gates not only marks a personal transformation but also signals a future driven by optimism, resilience, and the courage to find joy again.

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