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NGORA set to establish K1 billion Kwacha NGO fund

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By Memory Kutengule Chatonda


NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) is set to establish an NGO fund worth K1 billion to support eligible NGOs in the country with capacity building.

The development follows a directive issued during the NGO Day last year by President Lazarus Chakwera to NGORA to institute a comprehensive capacity building program for the sector.

Speaking during the breakfast meeting with representatives from various NGOs on Tuesday in Blantyre, NGORA Chief Executive Officer, Edward Chileka-Banda said the regulatory authority is currently finalising necessary procedures and that upon the completion of the exercise, NGOs depending on their eligibility, will be invited to apply for the fund.

Edward Chileka Banda



“The NGO fund has been sourced from government subvention and NGO fees and it aims to create an enabling environment for NGOs’ operations in Malawi. The fund will be used to build institutional capacity of NGOs that will include system strengthening and compliance to NGO Act and policy.

“Therefore, only those NGOs that are registered and have valid annual licenses will qualify for the fund,” said Chileka-Banda indicating that so far 463 NGOs have obtained valid licenses for the year 2024. 

He urged all NGOs yet to renew their licenses to do so promptly.

According to Chileka-Banda, NGORA will collaborate with service providers including Malawi Revenue Authority, Immigration, Banks, district councils and the donor community to exclusively serve NGOs with valid licenses for the current year.

Commenting on the matter, Development Communications Trust, Programmes Manager, Bettie Chumbu commended NGORA for the interface meeting saying NGOs will do everything possible to comply with the Act and Policies set by the regulatory authority.

She also welcomed the NGO fund saying it has come at an opportune time as this will help support the NGOs within the sector with capacity building to among others improve service delivery.

Presidential advisor on NGOs, Martha Kwataine said government will continue to strengthen the cordial relationship with non-state actors in the country to better serve the Malawians.

Education Minister calls for more support towards education sector

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By Mphatso Nkuonera

More institutions have been called upon to rally behind the Ministry of Education in order to provide high quality education services to the nation.

Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima  made the remarks on  Tuesday, at Mbayani Primary School in Blantyre when she presided over a handover ceremony of classroom blocks built by Nico Group of Company.

Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa Wirima  made the remarks on  Tuesday, at Mbayani Primary School in Blantyre when she presided over a handover ceremony of classroom blocks built by Nico Group of Company.
Kambauwa at Mbayani Primary school



“We need more partners to build more classroom blocks for us in order to meet the teacher-pupil ratio of 1:60 at primary school. This school is the biggest in Malawi with an enrollment of over 7,000 learners and Nico’s gesture is timely to decongest the classrooms.

“I must ask you all here, the Local Chief in particular to guard this property against any vandalism. It pains hugely to see all these efforts been done today mercilessly and carelessly burnt to ashes because of very trivia issues,” Wirima said.

Speaking earlier, Managing Director for Nico Group, Vizenge Kumwenda said the construction of the classroom blocks is a clear indication of their commitment to complement the Government in the education sector.

According to ERIS Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Chipinduka Nyasulu, the twin one-storey classroom block which has been built at the cost of MK300 Million will increase learning space at the school by accomodating 240 learners.

NICO Group, which includes NBS Bank and Eris Properties, joins many other companies and Non-governmental organisations and individuals in complementing Government’s efforts.

The Minister was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, Director for Basic Education, Grace Milner, the Blantyre District Education Manager, Annita Kaliwu.

Also available was Blantyre City Council Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Chinsewu, Group Village Head Magasa  and Councilor for Mbayani Ward, Mngerezi Chinthuli among the many senior citizens who witnessed the handover ceremony.

MISA condemns the assault of Television reporter Yasim Limu by Wanderers supporters

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By Chisomo Phiri

MISA Malawi has strongly condemned the assault of Television Islam reporter Yasin Limu by three Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Football Club supporters.

In a statement, the media body’s chairperson Golden Matonga says the incident happened few minutes into a Super League of Malawi (SULOM) game between Wanderers FC and Kamuzu Barracks Football Club at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Yasin Limu



According to Matonga, in the assault, a TV Islam camera tripod and Limu’s wrist watch were damaged.

Says Matonga in a statement:”The assault happened when the supporters were chasing sports reporters out of an area normally reserved for the media covering games at the stadium.

“Two of the three supporters who assaulted Limu and damaged the items have been identified as Dolf and Harry.”

He adds:”Barbaric acts against journalists in their line of duty should not be tolerated. What the three supporters did is a violation of media freedom and the right to access information, fundamental rights enshrined in the Malawi Constitution.

“We demand disciplinary action on the supporters by the club. The Malawi Police should also investigate, arrest and prosecute the assailants.

“This is not the first time that supporters of a Super League club have assaulted a journalist. In 2023, Silver Strikers supporters also assaulted Smart Chalika of Kasupe Radio and the trend has a chilling effect on sports journalists.”

The MISA Malawi chairperson says football is a beautiful game that the media has covered for many years and that acts of barbarism that threaten the lives of reporters and football lovers need to be flushed out. 

He has however, called on football authorities in the country including Football Association of Malawi (FAM),SULOM and club administrators to take decisive action against individuals who are creating an environment of fear and intimidation for sports reporters and bringing the game into disrepute.

NPL journalist Macmillan Mhone released on bail

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By Chisomo Phiri

Nation Publications Limited(NPL) Journalist MacMillan Mhone, who was arrested on Monday over an online story published last year on Malawi24 concerning corrupt suspect Karim Batatawala, has been released on bail.

The arrest and the police’s handling of the matter has irked the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Malawi Chapter).

Mhone

According to MISA Chairperson Golden Matonga, the act smacks of torture and deliberate attempts to intimidate the journalist.

He has since called upon authorities to drop all charges against the Mhone.

Minister of Information and Digitalisation Moses Kunkuyu earlier told local media that government is discussing with the MISA to see how they can intervene in the arrest of the journalist.

The Minister indicated that Chakwera’s-led government remains committed in safeguarding press freedom; hence, it is exploring alternatives on how it can intervene on the arrest.

He said: “I have seen the communication from the Media Institute of Southern Africa Malawi Chapter and I have been in touch with their leadership to appreciate the full details of the matter and to see where our entry point could be as a ministry in a case where an individual feels aggrieved by a publication or a story.

“The police have confirmed receiving a complaint and moving in to make an arrest based on the complaint. I am waiting to get further updates on the matter.”

Rayoni Tourism Airline set to launch new airline service for tourists in Malawi and surrounding countries

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By Chisomo Phiri

Rayoni Tourism Airline, the premier hub for tourists, has announced that it will soon launch its new airline service catering to travel enthusiasts exploring the northern part of Malawi.

In a press statement, the company’s Public Relations Officer(PRO) Alex Splendor Ngulube says this exciting initiative will not only connect tourists within Malawi but will also provide seamless travel experiences for those looking to visit exotic destinations such as Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Alex Splendor Ngulube



“With direct flights from Tanzania to Mzuzu, vise versa, Rayoni Tourism Airline is poised to enhance the travel landscape, offering unparalleled convenience and comfort for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation.

“Upon arrival in Mzuzu, guests will be treated to an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking tourist attractions in northern Malawi. From the majestic Nyika National Park to the serene Likoma Island and the pristine beaches of Nkhata-bay along Lake Malawi, Rayoni will curate bespoke experiences that showcase the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region,” says Ngulube in a statement.

He adds that to ensure maximum comfort and convenience, the company will unveil the exquisite Rayoni Beach Hotel to overlook the stunning Lake Malawi, as well as a modern hotel in Mzuzu offering a diverse range of tourism experiences, including ecotourism, cultural tourism, conferencing facilities, exhibitions, and golfing opportunities.

According to Ngulube,the 194-room hotel will feature a cutting-edge conference centre with a capacity of 3,000 guests, a vibrant shopping mall, and a sustainable biogas plant, reflecting Rayoni’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

He says:”Moreover, Rayoni is proud to introduce the Rayoni International Convention Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to host meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions, setting a new standard for business tourism in the region.

“We are thrilled to launch these innovative services that will redefine the tourism experience in Malawi and beyond. Our goal is to provide guests with unparalleled travel experiences that blend luxury, sustainability, and cultural enrichment.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to explore the wonders of northern Malawi and beyond with Rayoni.

“Join us on this incredible journey to discover the hidden gems of Malawi and embark on unforgettable adventures with Rayoni Tourism Airline.”


Rayoni Tourism Airline is a leading provider of travel and tour packages, aircraft charter services dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for tourists exploring Malawi and beyond.

With a focus on sustainability, luxury, and cultural immersion, Rayoni aims to elevate the travel industry by offering innovative solutions and unparalleled hospitality.