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Women, girls challenged to embrace technology

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By Chisomo Phiri

Women and girls in the country have been challenged to embrace technology if they are to make significant contributions towards the growth of the local economy.

This was said yesterday during the commemoration of Girls in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Day held at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre

In his remarks, the Centre for Governance and Leadership (CEGOL) Executive director, Chimwemwe Kaonga quoted President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s speech at the Transform Africa Summit in Zimbabwe saying time is now to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields among girls in order to achieve sustainable development.

Kaonga



“When it comes to the socio-economic development of Africa and Malawi in particular, the
only way for us to catch up is to take a short cut, and the only short cut
available to us now are technologies that allow us to go digital in every
sector of our economy

“If we are to rise as a continent and leapfrog
into the 4th Industrial revolution powered by digitization, then we must
rise through technology, we must rise together and we must rise now,” he quoted.

He called on role models, tutors, and leaders in ICT to reshape Malawi’s digital
landscape, achieve national development goals, and strengthen
gender equality for the benefit of every Malawian citizen.

“I urge the private sector to invest in ICT and for government to look
into the education curriculum and incorporate issues of ICT at all
levels.

“Students from private schools are exposed to ICT much earlier and this leaves our less privileged girls at a disadvantage.

“We would also love to see our girls being exposed to ICT at earlier
stages of their education so that by the time they are in secondary
school, they should be well versed with issues if ICT,” he said.

He stressed that currently, the
majority of students encounter serious ICT lessons when in college, something he said is not good.

On his part,Chief Executive Officer for Public Private Partnership Commission, Patrick Kabambe who was the guest of honour at the event said it is sad to see the disparity between boys and girls in as far as access to digital skills is concerned.

He recalled Digital Skills Assessment commissioned by the PPPC and undertaken by Ernest and Young in 2019 as vey revealing.

He said :”An analysis of the foundational skills based on gender suggests foundational competency of females lags relatively behind the males.

“It was found that 46% of males in Malawi can operate a computer against 26% females.

“While more than half the female population knew how to operate a smartphone, but only 30% knew how to access internet and find information using smartphones.”

He said the foundational digital competency of females is now below the national average on most of the competency parameters with 20% female with no digital skills hence a need to break the gender divide.

“As I said, digital technology is not a luxury. A world bank study of 2020 found that a 10% increase in broadband penetration in Malawi can lead to US$189 million in additional GDP.

“This means that if girls are left out in acquiring these digital skills, they will be left out in economic activities and will thus be left out in reaping the benefits that the growth in the economy will bring,” he said.

Programmes Lead for Women for Social Change, Happiness Chinangwa, said recently there have been strides in as far as women’s contributions to issues of technology is concerned.

The event saw the unveiling of Her for Tech Magazine and Women and Girls Tech Awards.

It was organized by companies like Her for Tech, Women for Social Change (W4SC), Center for Governance and Leadership (CEGOL), Sparc Systems Limited, Inq,Digital Malawi and The Times Group.

The International Girls in ICT Day was designated in 2011 by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) which is an agency of the United Nations.

Mtambo The Missing Piece of the Jigsaw Puzzle

By Chisomo Majamanda

To understand this article deeply and meaningfully imagine the following anecdotes:
To begin with, a young charismatic diligent patriotic political incarnate gives up a bulk of money at the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation. He uses his resignation risks and buys oxygen cylinders for a vivid oxygenation of the political meaning of his country. He freely supports Tonse Alliance to the utmost and venereal excitement of the entire nation. Three years in government Malawians are still reciting a dead couplet:
“…desperation//
“…inspiration//
As this is not enough, the very same young politician endorses Tonse Alliance. He steps at each and every angle of his beloved Motherland arming a change-hungry population to trust Tonse Alliance. Three years down the line – the afflicted masses even fail to spell the word “inspiration”. The government in shambolic miseries cripple to pipeline the needful. This is the government he pivoted to usher at the Capital Hill. He later goes missing as a coin in a sea. An American poet Edgar Allan Poe’s “Bells” ring. Tired Malawians wake up and sing:
“…Hey, Mtambo do not be quiet as a cemetery//
‘…Hey, come out of your old cocoon heroically//

“In this life there are some great souls whose presence refresh broken bones and fresh with hope. Similarly, there are other mediocre minds whose presence brings ruin and plunge the society into irreparable destruction. One of the most important, noble and true sons of Mother Malawi is comrade Timothy Pagonachi Simbega Mtambo” observes conversant and patriotic Malawians.
This article brings to light a collection of voices of many Malawians who responded to the question: How do you miss the leadership voice of Mtambo?

Firstly, Andrew Lambulira of Kasakula in Ntchisi gives the first impression of Mtambo. He says, “We miss Mtambo because of his demonstrated anointed charisma, sacrifice and patriotism. Mtambo possesses such a rare wit of an ability to present himself as a lamb on the burning altar for the price of meaningful change. He is a man who is always ready to die for the better of the nation. Similarly, he puts Malawi on top of everything. He reminds me of Reverend John Nkolongo Chilembwe in his 1915 Uprising”.

Secondly, ability to take risks. A team of young Malawians trending as “Tovwirane Youth Group” in Mzimba comment, “Mtambo has an instinct of leading from the front. In all his endeavours he clings to his indisputable power of unlimited focus. He is a man of his words. Literally, this is excellently justified in his extraordinary strategy and consistency. These are the knacks that most human rights fighters and political leaders are deficient of. From the long past and the recent Malawians have witnessed the fall of many self-proclaimed rights defenders and parasitic politicians with money, lucrative opportunities, direct political connections but the power to influence the future of the nation remains a heavenly calling”.

Thirdly, a revolutionary trait. Another surprise comes from a remark of John Navicha, a true native of Goliati in Thyolo, who says, “For any nation to steer forward the hinge is philosophical and metamorphic thinking. This is a genetic variation Mtambo seems to have mastered in his mother’s womb. He is a keen student of the torridness of ancient philosophers and theorists whose brains curtailed the dreams of a just society built on excellently-brewed knowledge and understanding. He longs for a better Malawi and African continent as a whole. He envisions a living space in which everyone will be able to enjoy the material prosperity amid deep oceans of abundance not only a handful of self-centered politicians. He is a living testimony of a great but a gradual change that shall speak volumes on the peak of the political mountains at the anointed and heavenly-set hour of the life clock in Malawi and beyond”.
Fourthly, fearlessness and selflessness. “Malawians triumph to have witnessed the mightiness of Mtambo in his ironism and endurance. He goes through a rigorous series of geometric attacks but his vigour and passion never see the exit door labelled “Give Up”. He fights for a quality nation democratically. He demonstrates an understanding that Malawi is one and politics must not, even to the negative degree, be a divisor in the polynomial of the visions, dreams and interests of Malawi. The naked fact is that Mtambo originates from the north but his mixture and cohesion with every well-reasoning Malawian, be a leader or not cannot just go down the lane of hatred without being acknowledged” evaluates Yona Chimbaka, a Salima town kaunjika vendor.


Too, self-awareness. Mtambo understands himself. He recognises his own self and devotedly sharpens the spear of democracy effortlessly and selfishly in his homeland. He ensures active participation of all citizens.
Not only that but also gratitude. Mtambo’s voice is always marked with an element of gratitude. He is very thankful to all citizens who take part in demonstrations and gallant fights for good governance. It is self-evident that this leads Malawians to higher self-esteem. According to recent psychological findings, his gratitude assists to reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Mtambo proves to be a symbol of humility and honour.

In addition to that, most Malawians say they miss Mtambo’s learning agility. “Mtambo’s puzzle still remains in his ability to know what to do when he didn’t know what to do. It is of no wonder that his unbeatable excellence at unfamiliar circumstances still make Malawians to crave for more of his time” observe some youths at Chibavi township in the city of Mzuzu.

Furthermore, Malawians are sharing their miss of Mtambo’s influence. They say Mtambo has the rarest wit of convincing Malawians through influencing tactics of logical, emotional or cooperative appeals. Much of his effort are geared towards cultivation of an inspired youthful population.

And, Mtambo’s quality of delegation. Malawians say Mtambo practices delegation in highest order. They allude this does not only free him up but enables him to direct reports to grow and facilitate teamwork decisions.

Also, Malawians crave for more of Mtambo’s vitality on the ground of integrity. They say Mtambo is very excellent at charting strategic courses and makes some countless significant decisions whilst enforcing the importance of honesty and integrity to leaders at various levels.

The list is incomplete minus communication. People who truly love Malawi say Mtambo gives the nation an inspiration on the wheels of the fight for justice and accountability. They say he listens to the crying voices of Malawians and communicates with range of people across roles, geographies, social identities and more.

Also, Mtambo’s empathy will never go down in reasonable Malawians. Throughout his topflight human rights activism Mtambo expresses his complete emphatic behaviours towards directing Malawians on the right lane of democracy and futurism. One of his former dedicated colleague at Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, comments, “Mtambo demonstrated the magic of developing imperatives for not only improving workplace conditions but the Malawian socio-political setting as well”.

Last but one, courage is one of the reason why Malawian patriots are not getting tired of expressing their miss of Mtambo. A group of country lovers from Thyolo confided, “Amwene Chisomo, you know what, Mtambo speaks up at the cruel leaders. He voices his new ideas. He provides feedback. He is a flag of concern. He steps up in right direction”.

Last but not least, Malawians say Mtambo is a true definition of the virtue of respect. Mtambo eases tensions and conflicts. He creates trust in Malawians with a preached message of a possible change. He improves effectiveness. For example, Shamim Ibrahim, a mother of three of Kapoloma in Machinga says, “I miss Mtambo because of his listening skill. He has an ability to understand perspectives of others. He knows the needs of Malawians. He reflects the aspirations of the people”.

Mtambo molds through experience, continues study of Malawi’s political landscape in his dream of a democratically-adaptable nation. He has that heart-warming ambition of opening Malawi to enviable political growth and mutual self-improvement. He prioritises collaborations that build strong and effective leadership.
“Mtambo, is a social processor”, observes a 33-year-old Lilongwe City dweller, Davie Mpazira. He continues, “… a long standing pillar of role modelling and inspiration. He injects self-led learning of a society. He effectively communicates to the youth and ably actions the young Malawians to develop a true sense of national development with his classy self-motivation and group activities”.

In all his efforts Mtambo prepares the youth for the future through impartation of not only critical thinking and problem solving but also perseverance and sense of responsibility.
May Comrade Timothy Pagonachi Simbega Mtambo come out from where ever you are hiding. You inspired Malawians and now they demand implementation for their shared denotative belief is that: Inspiration alone is not enough, there is a need for implementation!!!

Namadingo bails out Lawi as he replaces Awilo at an exclusive dinner and dance

By Staff Reporter


Musician Patience Namadingo has announced that he has replaced Awilo Longomba at the Exclusive dinner and dance event that has been organized by Lawi in partnership with Umodzi Park on Saturday April 29, 2023.

The singer has also announced that him and Lawi will release and perform live their brand new song at the event which will take place at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC)

Initially it was announced that Congolese Rhumba icon Awilo Longomba will perform on the day but Lawi announced on Friday that the musician will not be part of the event despite making all arrangements for him to travel to Malawi.

Lawi said he sent Awilo and his crew about K25 million for them to perform at his show but rumour has it that the musician and his team are in Nigeria where they are going to perform on the same date.

No show- Awilo Longomba



Lawi, real name Francis Phiri, says apart from the money that he has invested in the event, he was also more worried about the partnership that he has with different companies and individuals that showed interest in supporting this particular event.

“For me it’s not all about the money, it’s about relationships, partnership and all the people that have put up their resources to make sure that the event is a success . A lot of people understood the importance of giving us support as a local brand to host an international event and for these guys to dishonor all that hard work and dedication, it’s a great disappointed,” said Lawi.

But Speaking through his Facebook page on Friday, Namadingo said he was willing to assist Lawi by performing at the show to replace Awilo and said he was going to do that free of charge.

The “Mapulani” hit-maker also announced that the two musician were working on the long awaited collaboration and revealed that their new song was going to be released during the show and that people should anticipate more surprises.

The event is expected to start at 6 O’clock in the evening and music lovers are expected to pay K20,000, K40,000 and K70,000 for standard, VIP and VVIP respectively.

Unemployed nurses push for quick employment

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By Staff Reporter

About 3260 unemployed nursing officers in the country have petitioned the ministry of health to enroll them into the public service, as some of them are alleging that they have stayed for more than three years without being employed.

Speaking during a press briefing in Blantyre, Frank Kamwendo, leader of the grouping said it is very pathetic that public hospitals are operating with limited numbers of nurses while the country has more trained people for the work.

Kamwendo also complained that nursing officers have been facing emotional torture and embarrassment during walk in interviews administered in different councils across Malawi where he said nursing officers are being ruled out for being overqualified.

Furthermore, Kamwendo said the grouping has also expressed concern over Pharmacy and Medicine Regulatory Authority (PMRA) revised act which bars nursing officers from using their licenses to open their own medicine stores.

According to Kamwendo the nursing officers have also petitioned ministry of health to provide them with relevant documentation for them to find employment in other countries, if their own government has failed to give them jobs failure to do so the grouping says it will take unspecified action.

According to Malawi’s National Organization for Nurses and Midwives, currently, more than 3,000 trained nurses in Malawi are unemployed.

Chakwera officially opens Lilongwe Institute of Orthopedics Neurosurgery

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By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera today April 28,2023 officially opened the Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (LION) in Lilongwe.

According to Chakwera, the facility which is within Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) premises is expected to improve the country’s capacity in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and nervous system ailments.

He described the construction of the facility as an incredible feat as for many years Malawi has grappled with the social and economic effects of ever increasing road traffic accidents, an occurrence that puts a huge strain on our health sector.

“It is for this reason that landmark investments like this hospital speak to our health sector agenda where Malawi envisions a healthy population as a fundamental component in building a more prosperous future for all.

“I am particularly pleased with the partnership and level of coordination between the Government of Malawi and other international stakeholders in realising this state-of-the-art facility,”said Chakwera.

The president extended his special thanks to Norwegian businessman and philanthropist, Trond Mohn, and his family for their enormous contribution towards construction of the institute.

“In addition, Malawians are grateful to the Government of Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, CBM and AO Alliance Foundation for their financial and operational collaboration,” he said.



Chakwera promised that his administration will continue cooperating with development partners in investing in the health sector so that it positively impacts the socioeconomic transformation of the country.

In fact,the opening of the Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera , is a significant development for healthcare in Malawi.

This state-of-the-art hospital is designed to provide specialized treatment for patients suffering from orthopedic and neurosurgical conditions.

Orthopedic conditions include bone and joint problems, while neurosurgical conditions are related to the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

The establishment of LION is also a major step towards improving the quality of healthcare in Malawi as previously, patients with orthopedic and neurosurgical conditions often had to travel outside the country to access specialized treatment, which was both costly and time-consuming.

However, with the opening of LION, patients in Malawi will now have access to world-class treatment locally, reducing the need for medical tourism and improving the country’s healthcare system.

In addition to providing specialized treatment, LION is also expected to contribute to medical research and training in the field of orthopedics and neurosurgery.

This is expected to enhance the skills of medical professionals in Malawi and improve the quality of healthcare in the country.