National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Plc on Wednesday lived up to its promise by handing over three braille machines worth K9 million to Phalombe-based Nazombe School for the Blind.
The donation is a response to the call made by former cabinet minister, hiker, and renowned author, Ken Lipenga to the corporate world to assist in acquiring braille machines for the school earlier this year.
According to Lipenga, only NBM responded to his call, until Wednesday when it was time for the Bank to physically give the students the machines.
NBM Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said National Bank looks out to give to communities that are in need in the areas it serves.
“As National Bank of Malawi, we were approached by Dr [Ken] Lipenga and he emphasized to us the need that Nazombe School for the Blind has in terms of shortage of braille machines, and when he did that in line with our corporate social investment policy, we thought it wise to come to Nazombe and present the Braille machines,” said Hiwa.
The Resource Centre’s teacher-in-charge Nickson Chikapenga, thanked National Bank for being the only corporate entity that responded to the plea made on behalf of the school.
“This year we are accommodating 29 learners 15 boys and 14 girls and among the challenges we are facing are inadequate teaching and learning materials like braille typewriters, to cater for 22 learners who need this kind of typewriter.”
“I am very excited that National Bank has come to assist these learners. The three braille machines are going to assist us in examination preparation, by reducing teachers’ workload, and they help learners improve typing speed, accuracy, and efficiency,” said Chikapenga.
Lipenga also appreciated the kind gesture by NBM.
“I know that all companies know about the concept of corporate social responsibility and a lot of them do make an effort in that direction but not everyone gives back to the community, so National Bank is setting a very good example,” said Lipenga.
Nazombe School for the Blind, an appendage of Nazombe Full Primary School at Chiringa, Phalombe was established in the 1970s. The school also has some children living with albinism.
Its now days , weeks since Coca Cola has been trading on low supply. Senior Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi (CCBM) officials have confirmed about the development saying this is so because of forex shortages.
In a small response titled “Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi Ltd – Production Capacity” signed by CCBM General Manager Seutloadi Thaanyane, shortage of foreign currency is heavily attributed to the problem.
“Coca-Cola Beverages Malawi (CCBM) confirms that production of soft drinks is lower than expected due to the unavailability of spare parts in the country that are needed for the maintenance of production lines.This has been further impacted by the shortage of foreign exchange in Malawi to import the required parts, ” reads the statement in part
According to the statement, the team in Malawi has contingency plans in place to manage the issue.
“These plans include the upgrade to the glass bottle line that was completed in September and the investment to increase the number of glass bottles in the market, ” he said
In the statement, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, of which CCBM is a subsidiary, remains committed to Malawi as a long-term growth opportunity that will benefit its business as well as consumers in this market.
“Our recent investments in increased capacity and the refurbishment of our Lilongwe office demonstrate our commitment to growing our business and the local economy,” said Seutloadi Thaanyane, General Manager of CCBM.
Coca Cola is one of the most loved drink world wide including Malawi. Meanwhile consumers in the country are calling for the CCBM to rectify the situation.
“We are not happy with what is happening, we love Coca- Cola but this scarcity is not helping us,” he said.
Governance and Human Rights Expert Undule Mwakasungula has applauded President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for the appointment of the inaugural Commissioners of the newly established Peace and Unity Commission, stressing that the institution of the Commission is key towards peacebuilding and unity in Malawi.
Mwakasungula, in his statement shared with us on Saturday evening, expressed satisfaction with the criteria the government used to identify and choose the Commissioners.
Undule
“The commissioners have been chosen for their integrity, experience, and dedication to the cause of peace, reflecting the rich variety and unity of our nation. It’s against this background that I extend my sincerest congratulations to the newly appointed commissioners of the Malawi Peace and Unity Commission as they are poised to usher in a new era of peacebuilding and unity, a beacon of hope for our nation as we journey towards the 2025 elections and beyond,” he said.
The renowned fearless human rights fighter added that the establishment of the Peace and Unity Commission is a testament to Malawi’s commitment to fostering a stable and harmonious society since its role will not only symbolic, but important in navigating the challenges of conflict resolution, social justice, and national reconciliation.
But Mwakasungula was quick to tip the new Commissioners to exercise highest level of professionalism and integrity when discharging their duties.
He said as the first commissioners, they carry the weight of expectation from Malawians that yearns for enduring peace.
“Their task is to lay the cornerstone upon which the foundation of our collective aspirations for a peaceful Malawi will be built. The commission is an embodiment of our resolve to address the undercurrents that have historically challenged our peace and unity, and it is with this in mind that their roles take on such profound significance,” he said, “The nation will recognize that the path ahead will be full of challenges. Establishing trust, fostering dialogue among disparate groups, and cultivating an inclusive approach to peacebuilding are but a few of the tasks that lie before the Commission. The commissioner’s efforts to set a strong foundation will require national commitment, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of our nation.”
Mwakasungula further emphasized that the establishment of the Peace and Unity Commission is more critical now when Malawians approach the 2025 elections.
He observed that elections are always a moment of national reflection, choice, and often, heightened with tensions and that the Commission stands as a guardian of the country’s democratic values and as a mediator in times of potential conflict, ensuring that the will of the Malawians must be expressed and respected in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“Further, the work of the Commission adds significant value in addressing the challenges of peace and unity in Malawi. By promoting dialogue, engaging in conflict prevention, and advocating for equitable development, the Commission will contribute to a more resilient national fabric that will withstand the pressures of political, social, and economic challenges.
“In the quest to knit the fabric of a united Malawi, the Peace and Unity Commission must also serve as the custodian of our national identity, transcending political affiliations and partisan interests. It is crucial that the commission operates with impartiality, embodying the collective ethos of our nation rather than the divergent views of individual groups or parties. This nonpartisan approach is essential for fostering a sense of shared purpose and belonging among all Malawians, which is the bedrock upon which a peaceful and inclusive Malawi will be built,” he wrote.
He recommended that Commissioners should be entrusted with the responsibility of being the exemplars of objectivity, ensuring that every action taken and every decision made is in service of the greater good of our country.
He said by championing a national identity that celebrates diversity, peace and unity, the Peace and Unity Commission will pave the way for a legacy of harmony and solidarity, fortifying the foundations of our democracy as we move towards a future where every citizen is seen, heard, and valued.
“As the Commissioners embark on this noble journey, the people of Malawi, place their trust in the Commission ability to guide our nation towards a horizon of peace and prosperity. Therefore, the Commission actions must reflect the highest ideals of service to the nation, and their legacy be one of striving for unity, peace and hope for all Malawians,” said Mwakasungula.
Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma on Saturday, 4th November, 2023 challenged graduating prison warders to remain professional or else face long arm of the law themselves.
Speaking at Mapanga Prison Staff Training School when he presided over the pass out ceremony, Ng’oma emphasized on discipline among the staff, saying their discipline helps to mentor the inmates well so that they become good citizens once they are released out of prison.
Homeland security Minister Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma
He said every job has its own code of ethics and its a duty of everyone to adhere to the same.
Zikhale said the pass out of over 700 Prison Recruits is a great relief in boosting the operations of the Malawi Prison Service.
“We are building up more and more warders to increase security in terms of discipline because if you discipline inmate, when that inmate comes out, he becomes a good citizen and that creates an environment for good security in the country.
I am also urging our community to accept inmates and help them when they come out as they come out after being well mentored while in prison” Said the Minister.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner General for Malawi Prison, Masauko Wiscott described the coming out of the new recruits as a great relief, saying it will boost the staff the institution has across the country.
The ceremony was the first of its kind since the year 2017.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers shared the points in the TNM Super League after their entertaining Blantyre derby played at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre ended in a 1-all draw on Sunday afternoon.
Bullets were the first to knock on their opponents’ goal through Maxwell Phodo 9 minutes from kick-off but the Nomads defense did their best to deny Bullets an early lead.
Man of the match: Felix Zulu
Five minutes later the Nomads had their clear chance through defender Lawrence Chaziya who connected a Stanley Sanudi corner-kick but his header went over the cross bar.
Sanudi broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, putting his side in front with a beautiful strike outside the penalty box, beating Bullets goalkeeper Rabson Chiyenda.
After the goal, both Bullets and Wanderers did their best to create a number of scoring opportunities but it still ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors in the first half.
At the start of the second half, Bullets made two changes, bringing in the fresh legs of Precious Sambani and Hassan Kajoke and their introduction proved fruitful for the People’s team.
Kajoke had his first shot on target saved by Wanderers’ goalkeeper William Thole, only to find Phodo who made no mistake but to find the back of the net with a simple tap-in to level the scores in the 57th minute.
Both Bullets and Wanderers continued to press for the winner but it still ended 1-all with the Nomads enjoying possession for the good part of the game.
After the match, Wanderers midfielder Felix Zulu was voted man of the match.
Following the draw, Bullets and Wanderers are now level at 54 points after playing 25 and 28 games and they are on 1st and second position on the log table respectively.
Elsewhere, Kamuzu Barracks beat Blue Eagles 2-1 at Nankhaka Stadium with goals from man of the moment Olson Kanjira and Sherif Maulana. Christopher Gototo scored Eagles’ consolation.
In Rumphi, Moyale Barracks thumped fourth placed Chitipa United 4-1 in a match played at Rumphi Stadium.
Gastin Simkonda claimed a brace with other goals coming from Clifford Fukizi and Raphael Phiri while Ramadhan Ntafu scored for Chitipa United.
Moyale have now moved out of the relegation zone as they have accumulated 31 points, just a point above 14th placed Ekwendeni Hammers who got a 3-1 thumping at the hands of Silver Strikers on Saturday.
Both Moyale and Ekwendeni have so far played 28 games just like the two teams at the bottom of the table, Extreme FC and Red Lions.
