In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing the education of visually impaired secondary school students, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the US-based Our Aim Foundation, is set to provide prescription eyeglasses to approximately 5,000 students across Malawi.
In an interview during the official opening of the MK700 million Nafuse Health Center in Mchinji,Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud, announced that the project, dubbed the “Eyewear Project,” will supply eyeglasses worth MK1.7 billion annually.
She said already, 200 pairs of glasses and a screening kit have been distributed as part of the pilot phase.
Halima Daud at the eyewear project
Daud emphasized the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
“This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing the educational challenges faced by students with visual impairments,” she said.
The newly opened Nafuse Health Center, also supported by Our Aim Foundation, will cater to the healthcare needs of over 35,000 people from more than 90 villages under Senior Chief Mkanda.
The center will offer essential services such as maternity care, emergency care, and radiography, significantly enhancing healthcare access in the region.
The Concerned Citizens of Malawi and Economic Freedom Movement will on 9th October, 2024 Shutdown Lilongwe to present a petition to the High Court of Malawi to decide as the final say for Malawians to vote in the 2025 elections with or without national Identity cards.
The two groups presented a petition to the Malawi Parliament at the just ended sitting of Parliament to deliberate on the Repeal of section 12 for being inconsistent with provisions of section 77 of the Republic of Malawi.
Beside assurance from the office of the Speaker of Parliament that a Private Members motion will be moved for Members of Parliament to deliberate on the amendment but this did not happen best explained by Parliament itself.
On the day of tabling the said private members motion, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Dr. George Chaponda chose to absent himself from presenting the motion levelling the accusations as true that parliamentarians pocket money for some bills to pass or not.
Leader of the Concerned Citizens of Malawi Activist Edwards Kambanje, has urged Malawians regardless of their political party affiliations to patronize the peaceful demonstrations march which is not going to the District Council offices as always be but the High Court of Malawi.
Kambanje expressed hope that after the two state institutions Parliament and National Registration Bureau (NRB) have failed to address the issue of the National IDs be the sole identification, the courts will stand with Malawians.
“The NRB has failed to register all eligible voters, figures registered are not matching with the previous elections, so many challenges, many Malawians will be barred from voting,” he said.
Speaking at AFORD’s elective conference held recently in Lilongwe, President of the party Enock Kamzingeni Chihana, said opposition parties are not trusting Mec and its Chairperson Justice Anabel Mtalimanja ready to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent 2025 elections in Malawi.
Chihana said Mec’s strategic positions appointments are on tribal lines-the Chewas observing that the current Mec is running the affairs of the MCP to rig the 2025 elections describing this as dangerous and a recipe for violence in Malawi.
He warned Mec that if it still insists that the 2025 elections voting be on the use of national Identity Cards (IDs), his party and other opposition parties will boycott the elections for the MCP to continue be in government through the window.
“What the opposition parties are after, is to see to it that all eligible voters with or without national IDs are allowed to take part in the voting processes and nothing else,” said Chihana.
On his part, President and Commander in Chief of Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP) Bantu Saunders Jumah, warned the MCP led government that if it does nowt bow down to the demands of Malawians of voting with or without national IDs, it should expect no government and no Parliament in 2025.
The National Initiative for Civic Education Trust (NICE) in Dowa, says the media acts as a platform for communities to share their stories and issues affecting the marginalized, and promotion of equality and justice.
The NICE Trust is providing support to the media notably investigative journalism and reporting to encourage the rights holders to demand transparency and accountability from duty bearers on the projects being implemented in Dowa district.
Speaking on Friday at Mponela during an interface meeting with a team of investigative journalists for the district, Nice Trust District Programmes Officer for Dowa Alinafe Chikakuda, said the meeting reflected on the progress done as a team investigating developmental issues affecting the people in the district.
Alinafe Chikakuda-CSOs are there complimenting what government is already doing in the district.
Chikakuda said when the information comes out from their investigation, it empowers the community who are the rights holders to be able to demand accountability from duty bearers so that whatever is being implemented in the district is in the interest of all.
She said the NICE in the district is very impressed with success stories coming out from their investigative journalism especially on the issue of James CDSS’s school Block construction project in the area of Traditional Authority Chiwere.
The officer said the school according to the District Development Plan (DDP), it was allocated K23 million for the construction of a school block in the 2020/2021 Financial Year but to this day, there is nothing on the ground.
She said journalists conducted the investigation at the school where it was established that Senior Group Village Headman James of the area has for five times been visiting the Dowa District Council offices but, this was to no avail.
“This necessitated the Nice office in the district to organize and conduct a public rally with the communities surrounding James CDSS and an interface meeting with the council on the way forward,” said Chikakuda.
She said the interface meeting with the council following the findings of the investigative journalists, it was resolved that the classroom block construction project should be done at the same village as previously arranged during the 2020/2021 Financial Year.
Chikakuda said the investigative team also discussed other areas of investigation such as a Health clinic at Nauchi in the area of Traditional Authority Chakhaza saying staff was deployed but there is nothing happening on the ground that the clinic is not functioning.
She said Kamwana school had its roof blown off by strong winds in 2021 saying the Member of Parliament for the area is claiming that roofing was done but the communities surrounding the school are claiming that there had been no roofing
The officer said the investigative journalists are intending to investigate Matekenya clinic in the area of Senior Chief Msakambewa which some years ago, appeared on the list of completed projects but the truth was that, there were drainages only and the Chimwaza-Nambma -Kasiya Road project.
Maxwell Thyolera, a prominent political figure in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has voiced strong concerns over the actions of other political parties, claiming they are undermining the democratic principles of the nation. He made these remarks during an MCP rally held in Mgona, Lilongwe.
Thyolera’s comments come amidst increasing political tension as the country approaches the upcoming elections. He stated that some opposition parties have resorted to “political trickery” that disrupts the democratic process. Thyolera emphasized the importance of integrity and respect in politics, urging citizens to remain vigilant against the misleading narratives propagated by these parties.
Mgona rally
Ken Msonda, another senior member of the MCP, echoed Thyolera’s sentiments, urging supporters to stay alert and not to be swayed by the claims made by opposition leaders who, he suggested, have no genuine intentions of aiding the country’s development. Msonda underscored the historical context, recalling how former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi faced significant challenges from opposition factions, and expressed disbelief at how those same parties now seek alliances with the United Democratic Front (UDF) as the nation gears up for elections.
The MCP leaders’ remarks highlight the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance while criticizing the tactics employed by rival parties. As they rally support for their platform, Thyolera and Msonda are encouraging Malawians to critically assess the political landscape and choose leaders who prioritize the nation’s welfare over self-interest.
The MCP rally at Mgona served as a reminder of the importance of active participation in the democratic process, and the leaders’ call to action aims to mobilize supporters ahead of the crucial electoral period. As the political climate continues to evolve, the MCP remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the values of democracy and foster a prosperous future for Malawi.
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) rally held at Mgona in Lilongwe was enlivened by the vibrant performance of renowned musician Joseph Nkasa. The event, which brought together party supporters and local leaders, showcased Nkasa’s popular songs that resonate with the aspirations and struggles of Malawians.
Nkasa, known for his ability to blend traditional melodies with contemporary sounds, captivated the audience with his energetic performance. His music, often laced with social commentary, not only entertained but also inspired the crowd, emphasizing themes of unity, resilience, and hope amidst the challenges faced by the nation.
Phungu Joseph Nkasa performing at MCP rally
The rally provided a platform for political leaders to address pressing issues while Nkasa’s performance offered a moment of joy and celebration for attendees. The combination of politics and music created a lively atmosphere, highlighting the cultural richness of Malawi and the importance of music in uniting people.
In between songs, Nkasa expressed his support for the MCP and its leadership under President Lazarus Chakwera, praising the government’s efforts to bring development and positive change to the country. His remarks resonated with many in attendance, as they rallied together to show their support for the party and its vision for a better Malawi.
As the event concluded, Nkasa’s performance remained a highlight, reminding everyone of the power of music to uplift spirits and foster a sense of community. The MCP Mgona Rally, featuring Nkasa, was not just a political gathering but a celebration of Malawian culture and unity, reinforcing the bond among the people as they look toward the future.
