Wednesday, July 16, 2025
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NEEF’s Fertilizer loan program hits a snag

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By Shaffie A Mtambo

The National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) has been working tirelessly to empower Malawian farmers through its Farm Input Loan program.

However, the organization has expressed concern over some beneficiaries who are misusing the funds.

Therefore instead of using the fertilizer for food production, some individuals are selling it for personal gain.



NEEF’s Chief Executive Officer, Humphrey Mdyetseni, emphasized that the program’s primary goal is to achieve food security and contribute to the country’s economic revival.

“The fertilizer loan is meant to support farmers in producing food, not to generate personal income”Mdyetseni explained.

The program has had a positive impact on many lives. Davie Nkhoma, Chairperson for the Youth Forum in Dowa district, praised the loans for transforming the lives of people in the district.

However, he also urged beneficiaries to use the fertilizer loan for its intended purpose not selling.

NEEF plans to monitor the use of the fertilizer and ensure that it is being utilized for food production.


The organization is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Malawian farmers and the country’s economy as a whole.

CCAP Livingstonia Synod pushes for caregiver honorarium increase

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By Chisomo Phiri

The Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP ) has called on the government to increase the monthly honorarium for caregivers from K20,000 to K100,000.

The call to action was made by Executive Director for Early Childhood Development(ECD),Nase Chunga,during the graduation ceremony of 166 caregivers who completed a six-month training program via tablets on Monday.

Chunga



Chunga emphasized that the current honorarium is insufficient, making it challenging for caregivers to afford basic necessities.

He also highlighted that only 2,000 out of 36,000 caregivers in the country receive the honorarium, while the rest provide their services voluntarily.

In response, ECD Quality Control Officer at the Ministry of Social Welfare,Chikondi Chiumbuzo Mponda
,stated that her ministry has engaged parliament and is discussing with the Ministry of Finance to improve the payroll for more caregivers.


The training program was part of the ECD interventions financed by the Roger Federer Foundation.

The CCAP Synod of Livingstonia’s Early Childhood Department has been working to provide quality ECD services and ensure sustainable ECD centers across the synod.

Kamangila seeks MLS help in defamation battle with judge Manda

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By Chisomo Phiri

Lawyer and corruption whistleblower Alexious Kamangila has reached out to the Malawi Law Society (MLS) to represent him in a defamation case against High Court Commercial Division Judge Kenan Manda.

The development comes after Kamangila’s lawyer, Gift Dick Chimowa, requested to withdraw from the case due to alleged threats on his life.

Kamangila and Manda



In a letter to the MLS dated February 20, 2025, Kamangila seeks legal assistance and advocacy for private security for his family, Chimowa’s family, and everyone associated with him.

He emphasizes the need for protection, stating that involving the MLS committee on litigation/research would safeguard counsel from personal attacks.

The defamation case stems from Kamangila’s allegations of misconduct against Judge Manda, which led to the judge seeking K250 million in compensation and an apology.

The MLS previously petitioned the Judicial Service Commission to investigate Judge Manda’s conduct, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

NAP condemned Machinga Nselema DPP sponsored violence

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By Alfred Chauwa

National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has strongly condemned the destruction the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) vehicles  and brutal attacks on MCP members in Nselema, Machinga district on 23rd February, 2025.

In a press statement NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe says the reckless attacks and escalating violence, especially happening in an area known as Democratic Progressive Party stronghold, leaves a dangerous path towards national instability as the country is approaching to 16th September 2025 General Elections.



“This latest incident is part of worrying trend of political motivated violence that has occurred in Mbowe, Old Town and Msundwe in Lilongwe, Mponela in Dowa, Ndirande in Blantyre, Nsanje, Chikwawa and Mangochi,” reads part of the statement.

The statement further said that, these acts of violence reflect a deliberate systematic as well as efforts to instill fear, suppressing political involvement of children in violent acts that undermine democratic processes.

NAP is calling political parties to act responsibly and commit to de-escalation as the quest of power should come at the expense of unity, security and democratic principles that define Malawi.

NAP is therefore demanding swift actions from law enforcement agencies to investigate and hold accountability.

“We also urge the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Political leaders, Peace and Unity Commission, Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) and all stakeholders to actively promote peaceful engagement and ensure a safe electrol environment for all,” the statement concluded.

Ken Zikhale Ngo’ma highlights government’s development efforts at a  Thyolo rally

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By Burnett Munthali

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) senior official Ken Zikhale Ngo’ma has assured the people of Thyolo that President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has implemented several key projects aimed at improving their livelihoods.

Addressing a gathering at Luncheza sports ground, Ngo’ma emphasized that the government remains committed to uplifting rural communities through various development initiatives.



Among the notable achievements, he cited the construction of modern police houses, the expansion of electricity supply to rural areas through the Malawi Rural Electrification Programme (MAREP), and the implementation of Mtukula Pakhomo, a social cash transfer program benefiting vulnerable households.

According to Ngo’ma, these projects reflect the government’s dedication to addressing critical social and economic challenges affecting Malawians, particularly in Thyolo district.

He further assured residents that the government is aware of the food insecurity affecting many households across the country.

As a response, he announced that a large-scale maize distribution exercise would commence soon to alleviate hunger and ensure that families have access to staple food supplies.

The initiative is expected to target the most affected areas, providing much-needed relief to struggling communities.

Ngo’ma’s remarks come at a time when the government is under increasing pressure to deliver on its development promises, especially in rural districts that have long faced infrastructural and economic hardships.

His speech aimed to reassure the people of Thyolo that the Chakwera-led administration is actively working to address their needs through tangible projects and social programs.

The gathering at Luncheza attracted a significant number of residents eager to hear the government’s plans for the district.

Many expressed appreciation for the ongoing development projects but also called for more job opportunities, better road networks, and improved agricultural support to enhance their livelihoods further.

As the government continues rolling out its development agenda, the effectiveness of these initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping public perception ahead of the next elections.

The people of Thyolo will be keen to see whether these promises translate into lasting improvements in their daily lives.