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  Malawians' welfare is current govt.'s priority - UsiLilongwe, December 21, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi says th...
21/12/2024



Malawians' welfare is current govt.'s priority - Usi

Lilongwe, December 21, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi says the welfare of all Malawians is the current government’s priority, adding that given the challenges that Malawians are going through, it is naive to prioritize politics at the expense of the people's welfare.

Usi said this Friday at Chileka Community Day Secondary School Ground in the area of Senior Chief Kalolo in Lilongwe, where he interacted with chiefs and people, outlining government's commitment in solving the challenges facing Malawians.

Usi said this is why he's going out, reaching out to Malawians who are in need of support to complement government's efforts in uplifting the well being of Malawians.

"I'm not doing this to gain popularity, or to position myself for running mate candidacy: I'm doing it because it is the right thing to do, given what we are going through as a nation," said Usi.

He added that a leader with a sound mind ought to help people out at this moment, other than promising to do so when they take over government.

Usi told Malawians to be cautious, saying the forthcoming elections will be a make or break moment.

"I want you to listen to this very carefully: on September 16, 2025, you'll either curse yourselves, or bless yourselves," he cautioned.

The Vice President said there are no new challenges that the country is going through, adding that the current government is doing its best to solve the challenges and improve the welfare of all Malawians.

"We've had these problems all along and if there's a government that is ready to find solutions to these problems, then it's this current government," he said.

Usi further commended President Chakwera's fore-sightedness in implementing infrastructural developments that will benefit the current generation and generations to come.

The Vice President said Malawi has got a lot of developmental projects underway, and he warned Malawians "not to send a pregnant cow to the butchery".

Later, in his response to journalists' question on his political stand ahead of the September 2025 elections, Usi said what matters most to him, as Vice President, is to complement government's efforts in attending to the needs of Malawians now.

Earlier, Senior Chief Kalolo thanked government for a number of developments that are being implemented in his area, including construction of school blocks.

However, Kalolo asked government to open ADMARC depots to enable his subjects in the area access maize at a reasonable price compared to the price from vendors.

The chief also asked government to consider providing Namitete Police Station with, at least, an extra vehicle, saying the station has one vehicle only, despite the large area that the station commands.

By Kondwani Magombo

 Jetu to spend festive season at home, Bangwe Blantyre, December 20, Mana: One of the celebrated female artists, Jetu re...
20/12/2024



Jetu to spend festive season at home, Bangwe

Blantyre, December 20, Mana: One of the celebrated female artists, Jetu real name Christina Khoriyo is set to amuse fans at a music gathering dabbed Jetus Homecoming Party slated for December 24 at Zharein Garden in Bangwe Township, Blantyre.

Over the year Jetu had witnessed significant progress in her career through more YouTube views, performing in big shows and being nominated in several awards like MBC entertainers of the year and Maso awards.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Jetus Manager who is also her grandson Madalitso Kazembe, famously known as Emmu Dee said they have organised this Homecoming Party to give an opportunity to Jetu to spend the festive season and have fun with her fans.

“Since Jetu rose to fame, she had never performed in Bangwe, where she is based. After touring and performing in other places, we felt it was fitting for her to spend this festive season with her community,” he said.

Emmu Dee who recently was awarded by Royal Arts for his effort in protecting and supporting the elderly, urged people in Bangwe Township and all music enthusiasts to patronise the event promising a great experience saying that Jetu is ready to set the place ablaze and will give a special performance of her newly released song titled Waimanya.

“Entertainment lovers will have the privilege to watch Jetu performing Waimanya for the first time. The song has never been played on stage since its release,” he added.

Guntolah, one of the artists set to perform on the day, confirmed his participation, stating that it will be an opportunity to celebrate Jetus success.

He observed that the lineup is dominated by artists from Bangwe Township, signifying Jetus big celebration at home.

“People should come to celebrate with their artist. Jetus performance has been enjoyed by people from other areas while people from her home had never had a taste of it,” Guntolah added.

Other artists that will perform on the day include Zonke Too Fresh, Dyonkhwe, Inkosi Jay Vee, Mbuka Man, Bangwe King, Princo Beib and many more.

Similar event will also be held on Christmas day at Mulanje View Motel in Mulanje where Jetu used to stay before relocating to Bangwe.

By Pempho Nkhoma

 NPC cautions stakeholders of La Nina phenomenon impactsLilongwe, December 20, Mana: The Director of Research at the Nat...
20/12/2024



NPC cautions stakeholders of La Nina phenomenon impacts

Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: The Director of Research at the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Andrew Jamari, has called for multi-sector collaboration among various NPC stakeholders to implement anticipatory measures aimed at minimizing the impact of key economic indicators related to La Niña weather conditions, emphasizing on the need to assess local councils’ preparedness to address the potential effects of La Niña.

DR. Jamali made the remarks during research dissemination dialogue on the impact of the 2024/25 La Nina phenomenon forecast encompassing the effect of Mild La Nina forecast and Weak La Nina forecast both on the country’s food sufficiency, food prices, economic inequality and Gross Domestic Product(GDP) per capita.

Referring to the analysis made, Jamali stipulated the similarities associated with La Nina phenomenon forecast noting that every La Nina year is associated with an increase in the yield of maize or crop production, due to rains that are normally performed between normal to below normal or above normal.

“So in a normal context, where we are having La Nina year, we have noted that there is a 9 percent increase in crop yield. And when we did our analysis, we noted that our project, our analysis, and our focus towards the 2024/25 production year is showing that there's a little notch from 9 percent to 8 percent yield of maize. That entails we are likely to have a better yield if the conditions do not change,” he said.

He also said if the season performs well as forecasted, Malawi is likely to be food secure and self-sufficient hence likely to produce within the normal range of the country’s food requirement.

“But if things turn out to be bad, all factors constant, fertilizers, land and labor, all factors of production constant, then Malawi is going to experience the effects of what we call a strong La Nina that is associated with heavy rainfall and flooding, resulting in reduction in the yield of maize with compromised capacity,” Jamali added.

He further emphasized the need for multi-sector interventions to harness appropriate interventions ensuring support to small-scale farmers with appropriate inputs, technologies and appropriate systems.

To ensure the country’s food sustainability, Dr. Jamali stressed the need for the country to adopt a multi-prolonged in design and delivery of social protection interventions to address food shortages and building household productive capacities to adopt to livelihood challenges in the season.

“Development partners implementing social protection activities should consider extending their financial and relief support to local councils and communities, building capacities of communities on anticipatory responses to disasters, with a focus on adaptation and mitigation, anchored by productive than relief interventions as well as support resources mobilization for disaster response to adverse La Nina effects.

“The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) and Ministry of Agriculture should jointly monitor markets of food in the year, checking on unscrupulous local and cross-border marketing of maize that could affect supply and prices, further enforcing applicable restrictions on informal cross-border trading of essential food items, that is, maize,” he said.

Jan Duchoslav, research fellow at International Food Policy Research Institute heighted how crucial it is to support farmers facing La Nina phenomenon with inputs noting good weather conditions does not necessarily guarantee that harvesting above average as the report suggested but also appropriate support to small-holder farmers.

In his remarks, the Director of Knowledge and Learning, Dr. Joseph Nagoli, praised stakeholders for their efforts in fostering collaboration and coordination, as well as for their financial support of the initiative.
He further urged other development partners to align with the cause by contributing evidence through timely research outputs that can effectively guide actions in the country's development agenda.

“The results we are sharing this morning should not be treated as just another piece of news but should prompt us to take proactive steps in addressing the potential implications of various interventions in our context,” he said.

By Paul Madise

 National Bank and NEEF donate cleaning materials to Mwanza Council Mwanza, December 20, Mana: National Bank of Malawi, ...
20/12/2024



National Bank and NEEF donate cleaning materials to Mwanza Council

Mwanza, December 20, Mana: National Bank of Malawi, Mwanza Branch and National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) in the district jointly donated assorted working equipment and cleaning materials worth K550.000 to Mwanza District Council to be distributed to two major markets.

In an interview after receiving the donation on Thursday, Mwanza District Council, Chairperson Councilor Emmanuel Kapawe said National Bank of Malawi and NEEF contributed K300, 000 and K250, 000 respectively to purchase brooms, protective gloves, vim, gumboots and assorted types of soap among others to be distributed to a market at Mwanza Boma and Chipatala market.

“We are grateful to the two institutions for the donation that will help to improve sanitation and hygiene at the two marketplaces therefore reducing outbreak that may occur due to poor sanitation as we are in the rainy season when disease outbreaks are inevitable,” said Kapawe.

In his remarks, Chifundo Mangazi who represented the National Bank Mwanza Branch Manager said that the institution considered the request by Mwanza District Council for support.

He added that the bank took the request into consideration as issues of good sanitation and hygiene are crucial to human health.

“It is our corporate responsibility to ensure that our customers live in safer environment, free from poor sanitation and unhygienic related diseases.

“Toilets at the markets will be clean. Our customers that go to these two markets will be assured of good trading environment,” Mangazi added.

In his remarks, Mwanza Boma Market committee chairperson, Henderson Ganizani said cleaning the market was a challenge with no proper cleaning items in place.

He added that the donated items will improve sanitation and hygiene of the market place and commended working relationship between Mwanza District Council and its partners, National Bank and NEEF.

By Victor Amula

 Cancer center to open in January-ChimwendoLilongwe, December 20, Mana: Leader of Parliament, Hon. Richard Chimwendo Ban...
20/12/2024



Cancer center to open in January-Chimwendo

Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: Leader of Parliament, Hon. Richard Chimwendo Banda, has confirmed that the Cancer Center will open in the second week of January 2025.

Chimwendo made this announcement at Parliament in Lilongwe on Friday during the mid-year budget review.

He stated that the Cancer Center will be officially opened by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

"This is good news, especially for patients who have been traveling abroad for cancer treatment or struggling to access medication," he said.

Chimwendo also highlighted the government's effort in prioritizing healthcare projects. He said almost 135 health centers have been completed, and 40 new health centers will be constructed in the coming year.

In addition, Chimwendo mentioned the government's focus on agriculture, with over 400,000 Malawians benefiting from cooperatives and agriculture loans.

Chimwendo praised President Chakwera for increasing the welfare fund for students from K150,000 to K550,000. Adding that the number of students benefiting from loan boards has also increased from 9,000-10,000 to 30,000.

He emphasized that the prioritization of tertiary education is crucial, noting that no college—whether private or public—is now closing due to a lack of fees or resources.

Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition, George Chiponda, commended Parliament for bringing its proceedings closer to the people through the session they held at Dedza Stadium.

"This initiative was commendable, however, it lacked certain elements that would have made it a truly inclusive and engaging activity for the people. I hope that next year we can build on this foundation and do even better," he highlighted.

"I also commend the adherence to resolutions made by the Business Committee. Unlike the previous sitting, I have been impressed by the progress made, including the response to the opposition’s call for President Chakwera to appear in Parliament to answer questions under Standing Order 70," he said.

Today, Parliament adjourned, marking the conclusion of its four-week mid-year budget review session, which began on November 25, 2024.

By Pickson Chipeso & Patience Longwe

 Fish farmers excited with establishment of Mzuzu Fish Feed MillMzuzu, December 20, Mana: With scarcity and high cost of...
20/12/2024



Fish farmers excited with establishment of Mzuzu Fish Feed Mill

Mzuzu, December 20, Mana: With scarcity and high cost of fish feed, fish farmers around Mzuzu used to face huddles in prospering their business for the past years.

However, this is now history as a fish feed mill has recently been established and officially inaugurated at Luwinga Industrial Area in Mzuzu by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

In an interview on Friday, one of the fish farmers, Telita Chitsulo who owns fish ponds at Songwe and Mpamba in Nkhata Bay said that the establishment of the mill will go a long way in promoting fish farming for economic empowerment.

“We are also excited with the infrastructure as this will ease access to fish feed which we used to source from either Zambia or Lilongwe hence transport costs eating our expected profits,” said Chitsulo.

She added that fish farmers have been accorded an opportunity to use the machinery to produce their own fish feed using locally available raw materials, thereby leading to increased profits.

Public Relations Officer for Mzuzu Prison which has some fish ponds, Macbeth Wasambo said that the establishment of the mill will propel fish farming initiatives in the north and the country as a whole

He then concurred with Chitsulo that fish feed transportation costs from far areas away from Mzuzu will drastically be minimized, hence attracting more investors in fish farming entrepreneurship.

Fisheries Research Officer who is based at Mzuzu Aquaculture Centre, Silvester Jambo said that the establishment of the mill is the first of its kind as a public investment in Malawi.

"The mill is equipped with a specialized machine for producing floating feed suitable for fish at all stages of growth, particularly Tilapia species (Chambo),” said Jambo.

Jambo added that the feed will be of high quality as it will take into consideration crude protein composition for fish at various levels of growth and will be affordable.

He however said that at the moment the feed is not yet on commercial market as they are still in the early stages of economic planning and setting prices so that they meet the needs of all farmers.

Establishment of the mill which produces 5 tonnes of feed per hour, translating into 9,600 tonnes per year, has been financed by the African Development Bank under the Sustainable Fisheries Aquaculture Development Watershed Management.

By Stella Mwalwanda

 NCST and LCC partner to boost Malawi's tech advancement Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: The Director General of the Nation...
20/12/2024



NCST and LCC partner to boost Malawi's tech advancement

Lilongwe, December 20, Mana: The Director General of the National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST), Gift Kadzamira, emphasized that the collaboration between NCST and the Lilongwe City Council (LCC) is vital, as both organizations play significant roles in promoting innovation.

Speaking during the launch at sunbird hotel in Lilongwe, Kadzamira said that they would like to have a link that will provide a connection between the innovators and the industry, so that the industry is also able to give out grants to the innovators.

"As you are aware, one of the key pillars of the Malawi 2063 agenda is industrialization, and another is urbanization. Establishing a call center for the Lilongwe City Council will play a crucial role in supporting the urbanization of our communities," she said.

Her worship the Mayor, Concilor Esther Sagawa said through the initiative, citizens will now have a direct and reliable channel to report issues, request services, and offer feedback from waste management to infrastructure inquiries, from emergencies to general queries, and that their team will be just a phone call or a click away.

"I encourage you to make full use of these platforms. Your active participation is critical to the success of this initiative. To our staff, I urge you to serve with dedication, empathy, and professionalism. Together, let us create a culture of excellence in service delivery," she stated.

The Deputy Resident Representative in the Malawi Country Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Challa Getachew, stated that the platform will provide a space for innovators and investors to connect, enabling those with resources to discover and invest in promising ideas.

"The Malawi 2063 agenda is focused on transforming the nation and improving the quality of life. We achieve this through innovation by enhancing service delivery, facilitating transformation, and creating opportunities for innovators and young people to bring their ideas forward and contribute to Malawi's development," he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Education, Dr. Mangani Chilala Katundu commented that the new call centre and innovation portal would serve as vital tools in enhancing communication and promoting scientific research and supporting technological advancements.

"This entire process of developing the system is not limited to Lilongwe. We know that the town of Mwanza has also benefited from innovative software designed to enhance service delivery," he said.

By Patience Longwe

 Chiefs asked to lead the war against gender-based violenceKasungu, December 20, Mana: Group Village Head Uthonde of Tra...
20/12/2024



Chiefs asked to lead the war against gender-based violence

Kasungu, December 20, Mana: Group Village Head Uthonde of Traditional Authority Lukwa in Kasungu District has asked fellow traditional leaders to take a leading role in guarding against gender-based violence in families to ensure that women and girls are safe.

Uthonde made the remarks on Friday during a community awareness and sensitisation meeting on gender-based violence targeting group village heads in the area of Senior Chief Lukwa in the district.

Girl on the Lead, a nongovernmental organisation promoting girls' rights, organised the meeting as part of the activities of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

“There are many cases of violence against women and girls taking place in our communities which call for our action as traditional leaders. We must lead this war and help create safe homes where women and girls can live peacefully.

“It is only when our homes are peaceful that we can have productive family members working together to deal with poverty in the households,” Uthonde said.

She said violence robs the future of girls as they fail to proceed with their education when there are conflicts in their homes.

Project Coordinator for the organisation,Tapiwa Maulana said the sensitisation was part of the 16 days of activism where countries across the globe reflect and raise awareness on the evils of gender-based violence.

“Chiefs are important stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence, so we targeted them for the important role that they play in this campaign.

“Women and girls suffer the brunt of all forms of violence, so our mission is to contribute towards efforts to mitigate the vice,” she said.

Child Protection Officer at Kasungu Police Station, George Kantondo, hailed the organisation for organising the meeting saying gender-based violence needs concerted efforts by various stakeholders to fight it.

“We must all preach the messages against violence at the same time reminding each other of the need not to take the law into our own hands,” he said.

With funding from the African Women's Development Fund, Girl on the Lead is implementing activities to help people deal with violence and is also giving out business capital to girls so that they become independent.

By Martin Banda

 Farmers, WFP partnership improves school feeding programme Salima, December 20, Mana: Farmers in Salima District have e...
20/12/2024



Farmers, WFP partnership improves school feeding programme

Salima, December 20, Mana: Farmers in Salima District have expressed satisfaction with the readily available markets and farming skills provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) through the school feeding programme.

The homegrown school feeding programme being implemented by the Ministry of Education with financial support from WFP in Salima District provides meals in 52 primary schools.

Speaking on Thursday during a food exhibition open day organized by WFP, Chairperson for Linthipe Rice Farmers Club, Haroon Chapola, highlighted that aside from supplying food crops in schools which aims at improving cases of malnutrition, the corporative has also been empowered.

He said they are given a chance to bid for better prices on their produce.

However, Chapola emphasized the need for fair trade where all interested corporatives participate in the bid.

“In the past, we have been competing on everything but this time around we were told that we can bid on everything else except for rice which our corporative grows. So, we were surprised because there is a need to put the same conditions on every crop," he said.

Salima District Assistant Nutrition Coordinator, Kingsley Chizeze said the positive change recorded can never go unnoticed adding the district continues to record positive strides in nutrition due to the homegrown school feeding programme.

"The good partnership between WFP and farmers has paved the way for the success of this programme as far as reducing cases of malnutrition is concerned. We credit WFP and farmers partnership,” he said.

Chizeze said they are currently focusing on food systems, whereby the food chain is analyzed from the beginning to the time of harvesting because understanding the efforts that are put into making food available in schools and on the market, makes one appreciate the efforts of farmers.

"Farmers explain how they are growing their crops and finding markets. This has contributed to high enrollment in schools and the decline in the number of school dropouts. So WFP is implementing government efforts to increase literacy levels.

“The foods that are being supplied by these farmers are locally available and grown by the farmers from this area, so we are assured that nutrition will not be affected even when the project end," he said.

WFP is working with Mkundi irrigation scheme, Senga hero cooperative, Salima horticulture cooperative among others.

By Aisha Chiwaya

 All set for Amaryllis' New Years Eve Party; The Gatsby Gold Affair Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Amaryllis Hotel in part...
20/12/2024



All set for Amaryllis' New Years Eve Party; The Gatsby Gold Affair

Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Amaryllis Hotel in partnership with Stakeout Bar and Restaurant plus Entertainers Promotions will at the close of the year, December 31, hold a party dubbed; the Gatsby Gold Affair in Blantyre.

In an interview, Marketing Manager at Amaryllis Hotel, Georgina Gadama said the hotel intends to treat entertainment lovers with end of the year gathering.

Gadama said the hotel had been hosting the big white party for the past two years but decided to do something different this year thereby dubbing it to Gatsby Gold Affair.

“It will be an evening of The Great Gatsby full of glitz and golden vibes with dress code of gold and black. This will be a glamorous lifestyle event with bliss and glam.

“This time around, people will be able to have access to both stakeout and orchid venues where there will be different kinds of activities and performances happening,” added Gadama.

The manager said the hotel was trying to accommodate everybody such that there will be exquisite cuisine, lots of performances, live entertainment, fireworks and drinks just to get into the new year in style.

One of the entertainment lovers, Madalitso Banda said will make sure to be at Amaryllis Hotel on December 31 to enter the new year in a glamorous style.

“Without entertainment, life would be boring. We struggle and work hard for eleven months and December is our chance to celebrate, party, relax and ease stress,” said Banda.

In the spirit of celebrating with guests during the festive season, the hotel has lined up activities such as Christmas carols with live performances by Isaac Mc and Groove Blend Choir on December 25 according to the organisers.

By Milcah Mathias

 Youth empowerment takes centre stage in Salima Salima, December 20, Mana: Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership ...
20/12/2024



Youth empowerment takes centre stage in Salima

Salima, December 20, Mana: Ministry of Youth and Sports, in partnership with United Nations Children (UNICEF), has launched a groundbreaking initiative targeting the youth in Traditional Authorities Ndindi and Kambalame.

The programme, aimed at combating climate change, focuses on empowering young people through training in fruit tree planting, backyard gardening, and transformative leadership.

Speaking on Thursday, on the sidelines of a donation in the area of Traditional Authority Kambalame, District Youth Officer Sharon Kumwembe, highlighted the importance of empowering youths in different skills acquisition.

Kumwembe said at the heart of the initiative is the provision of seedlings, water cans, and buckets to facilitate practical skills development.

"By engaging the youth as active agents of change, the programme seeks to foster a culture of environmental responsibility while contributing to Malawis Vision 2063 goals,” she said.

She said the initiative has the potential to create long-term benefits for the youth and their communities.

“This programme equips young people with practical tools and knowledge, empowering them to tackle climate-related challenges while contributing to food security through sustainable agricultural practices," she said.

She added: "Its more than just planting trees; its about shaping a generation of leaders committed to transforming their communities."

District Community Development Officer, Samuel Chimwaza expressed optimism that the programme will enable the youths to gain transformative leadership skills.

"We are urging young people to take an active role in influencing change and aligning their efforts with national development goals,” he said.

On this point, Chimwaza said the initiative has taken a multifaceted approach and aims to not only mitigate the impacts of climate change but also create economic opportunities and build resilient communities in Salima.

"As the youth begin planting fruit trees and establishing backyard gardens, they are not only greening their environment but also setting an example of proactive citizenship, the legacy of todays efforts will benefit future generations,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries from the area of Traditional Authority Kambalame, Idrissa Mailosi, said he has gained important skills that will help him gain financial independence.

"I have received skills in backyard gardening, from which I will be selling some of the harvests, and also the skills will be spread to other farming ventures, " he said.

The initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar programmes across Malawi, inspiring other communities to prioritize youth-driven climate action as a pathway to sustainable development.

By Yankho Kandio

 Dedza police for enhanced security during the festive seasonDedza, December 20, Mana: Officer-In-Charge (OC) for Dedza ...
20/12/2024



Dedza police for enhanced security during the festive season

Dedza, December 20, Mana: Officer-In-Charge (OC) for Dedza Police Station, Dr. Gift Chiundira, says they have lined up several security efforts during the festive season so that lives are saved and property is protected.

Chiundira told Malawi News Agency (MANA) in an interview on Friday that at a time when people are closing for festive holidays; there are assumptions that people have money.

“We go on holiday and have some parties. We close our houses and offices and celebrate the festive season elsewhere. This time, criminalities take place, so let us leave everything in place to secure our houses as well as offices,” said Chiundira.

Among others, Chiundira said as a security organisation in the district; his office has organized vehicle traffic checks and warned residents to comply with all road traffic regulations.

“We have also increased our visibility by dividing Dedza into sections day and night. Lets be responsible for our property before police come in,” he pointed out.

He, however, said as a security agency, they cannot do everything on their own hence a need for well-wishers to support them with the necessary tools for their operation.

The OC said they need torches, whistles and other items to enhance their security efforts during the festive season.

“This is for our benefit and the people we serve,” he said.

By Steve Chirombo

 MACRA committed to alleviate cyber crimes Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACR...
20/12/2024



MACRA committed to alleviate cyber crimes

Blantyre, December 20, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has assured the general public that it is committed to fight against cyber crimes in order to create a safe cyber space for all.

The sentiments were made on Thursday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre during the official closing ceremony of 2024 cyber security awareness month.

Speaking at the event, Board Director for MACRA, Stella Chuthi said that the fight against cyber related crimes is an ongoing battle which needs collaborated efforts, citing that MACRA is working hand in hand with security agencies and other stakeholders to mitigate the vice.

“We are making strides with the strategy that we are using. For example we have worked with Malawi Prison Services to catch a guy who had one hundred sim cards which were brought to prison by his relatives and they were all arrested,” she said.

Director for Legal Affairs Services at MACRA, Thokozani Chimbe concured with Chuthi saying that the awareness month was set to emphasize on the importance of operating in a cyber space that is safe for everyone.

“During the past weeks MACRA and its stakeholders were involved in different activities to remind each other of our rights and responsibilities in making sure that our space is secure,” Chimbe said.

One of the youths who was reached with the message of cyber security, Fares Gondwe, a student at Ndirande Hill Secondary School singled out cyber bullying as something that hinders other people’s rights when using the internet.

“As youths we have a responsibility of taking care of the internet by not using it for wrong purposes and protecting other people so that they can use it safely,” she said.

The cyber security awareness month was declared to be a time dedicated by the public and private sector to work together in raising awareness about the importance of cyber security.

Reports from MACRA indicated that from January to October this year the country recorded 27, 000 attempted mobile money fraud cases.

By Pempho Nkhoma

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