After three years of waiting for employment offers,  a group of Concerned and Unemployed Nurses and Midwives (Cunm) yesterday held demonstrations in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre to force government to employ all 2 032 members.

In their petition, the Cunm members who downed tools on March 11 have given President Peter Mutharika a 30-day ultimatum to order massive recruitment of all nurse-midwives who are not officially employed by government but are working in such hospitals under what they call exploitative forms of locum, upkeeps and internships.

They have threatened a prolonged follow up series of demonstrations and withdrawal of labour if their demands are not met.

Reads the petition in part: “We demand total abolishment of internships in the nursing and midwifery discipline and that locum rates be raised to at least K10 000 per day and K15 000 per night.”

The part-time nurses and midwives are paid K3 000 for working at night and K2 500 per day besides student upkeep allowances of K30 000 for diploma holders and K50 000 for degree holders.

In Lilongwe, the unemployed nurses and midwives marched from the Lilongwe Community Ground through Mchesi to Kamuzu Central Hospital Roundabout via Lingadzi Roundabout to Parliament to deliver the petition at the civic offices.

In Blantyre, they marched from Chichiri Upper Stadium via Chipembere Highway to Civic Offices where they delivered the petition while in Mzuzu, they marched from Katoto Ground via Mzuzu Tower to Mzuzu High Court Roundabout to civic offices where the petition was delivered to Blantyre Cicty Council (BCC) director of administration services Lyton Nkata.

BCC public relations manager Anthony Kasunda said in an interview the council will deliver the petition to relevant authorities.

Since 2013, when government stopped direct recruitment of nurses and midwives, public hospitals have been using locum and student upkeep allowances to cover up the vacancy rates.

Ministry of Health spokesperson Joshua Malango said in an interview earlier the recruitment process has already started and some are attending interviews with the Local Government Service Commission while others, who were successful, were reporting for work. n

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The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it does not have the mandate to investigate the death of Buleya Lule, a suspect who allegedly offered to ‘buy’ a 14-year-old boy with albinism, Goodson Makanjira, for K800 000 in Dedza.

In a letter responding to a Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) query, the PSC further argues that it has not received any report implicating any police officer in the matter and, as a result, no disciplinary proceedings could be instituted.

Meanwhile, Malawi Police Service (MPS) national spokesperson James Kadadzera has said they are waiting for an autopsy report which the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) commissioned on the matter.

Kadadzera said the outcome of that report will determine the course of action the police will take, promising PSC will offer any support to ensure that truth prevails on the matter.

He also encouraged the citizenry to file complaints with MPS’ Professional Standards Unit which handles complaints against the service.

According to Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) president Overstone Kondowe, quoting an oral report of preliminary results from pathologists who include Dr. Charles Dzamalala, Lule was electrocuted and hit on the head with some metal bars.

“We had MHRC, family members and the police when the preliminary findings were shared. This is an oral report shared to interested parties.

“It was concluded that the late Lule was killed. They singled out the main cause as electrocution and there was also bleeding inside the brain because of pressure from a cylindrical bar which was used on his head,” he earlier told Nation on Sunday.

This prompted HRDC to write PSC to conduct a thorough investigation on the matter.

The HRDC chairperson Timothy Mtambo said the death smacks of foul play.

He said: “We at HRDC and indeed all well-meaning Malawians are tempted to think that those that we have entrusted with the responsibility of bringing the perpetrators of these inhumane acts are deliberately failing to do their job.”

But in a letter dated March 26 2019, PSC secretary Blessings Chilabade said the commission considered the matter during a meeting held on March 1 2019.

It reads: “The Commission observed that it does not have the mandate to arrest suspects and investigate crimes.

“However, the Commission had some indications that investigations are being carried out in the matter. The Commission was of the view that findings of such investigations would assist the Commission to understand what happened and who did it. After this the Commission may institute disciplinary proceedings against any police officer (s) who may be implicated in the matter.”

MHRC executive secretary, Nungu said they commissioned pathologist Charles Dzamalala to do the autopsy but the report was not yet out . He said they will be writing the pathologist today to remind them of the report.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Duncan Mwapasa said in an interview the report is not yet out.

“Once it is out, it will inform our decision on whether to investigate the matter or not,” he said.

Meanwhile, HRDC deputy chairperson Gift Trapence has said they will continue pushing “to bring to book those response for the killing of Mr Buleya Lule.” n

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Six prisoners have been released at Maula Prison following a court order to set them free because of being diagnosed with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Malawi Prison Services national spokesperson Chimwemwe Shaba has since confirmed the development, saying they are abiding by a court order given on February 25 this year.

He said: “We released them based on the court order. These are the six people that were diagnosed with TB last year, and have been on treatment ever since.”

MDR-TB is a form of TB infection caused by bacteria that are resistant to treatment of at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB medications (drugs), isoniazid and rifampin.

During a mass screening last September at Maula Prison, six inmates were diagnosed with MDR-TB.

In October last year, the High Court in Zomba gave relief to inmates diagnosed with MDBR-TB, ordering hospitals to stop returning them to prisons.

The ruling followed an appeal by six inmates from Maula and Mzimba prisons with support from the Centre for Human Rights, Education Advice and Assistance (Chreaa).

Commenting on the move by the prison, Chreaa executive director Victor Mhango said they are impressed but are still waiting for a court order to formalise the process.

“We are happy that they have been released. The court and government departments appear to share a sense of urgency and concern on the matter,” he said.

On his part, Ministry of Health spokesperson Joshua Malango, said the ministry has strengthened TB screening of inmates and staff in prisons and that those identified are promptly initiated on TB treatment where follow-ups are made until complete treatment.

A Prison and Police Cell monitoring report by Malawi Human Rights Commission states that prisons are congested, with Maula and Zomba prisons, which have a capacity of 800, keeping 2 855 inmates and 2 273, respectively. n

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One of the country’s dairy processors, Lilongwe Dairy (2001) Limited, is in discussion with Dairibord Malawi Limited (DML) for a possible takeover of its operations.

In a statement The Nation saw yesterday, the board and management of DML said the discussions follow the announcement by Dairibord Holdings Limited (DHL) that the company is a going concern.

“Significant progress on the transaction has been made and the parties are going through the motions to obtain compliance and regulatory approvals to finalise the transaction.

“Lilongwe Dairy [2001] Limited and DML remain committed to servicing all small-scale milk farmers and suppliers while ensuring little to no disruption in serving existing markets,” reads the statement in part.

DML corporate adviser Pistevo Capital director, Kudzanai Chiganze, while confirming the ongoing discussions yesterday, said temporary suspension of services will be necessary to pave the way for maintenance of plant and equipment.

DHL human resources and administration executive Gilbert Takabarasha confirmed the discussions yesterday, but said the company will be in a position to release details on the same later.

DHL company secretary Mercy Ndoro is quoted in the Zimbabwe Daily as having said Malawi is now regarded as a discontinued operation with the assets available for sale.

Ndoro said for the year ended December 31 2018, business posted a loss of $693 000 (about K508 million) which was an increase from the $594 000 (about K435 million) it incurred in 2017.

The decision left over 150 dairy farmers destitute as the company was collecting about 300 000 litres from nine milk bulking groups a month, which translated to an annual income of K612 million per year for the dairy farmers, according to the Malawi Milk Producers Association (Mmpa).

Mmpa national director Herbert Chagona saidon Monday that while the closure of the company means affected dairy farmers will now have to start looking for new markets, the situation could exert pressure on the remaining six milk processors which could as well negatively affect prices. n

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It is now official. Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development says the impact of recent floods that hit the country will reduce the bumper harvest earlier projected in the first round of crop production estimates.

In an interview yesterday, the ministry’s spokesperson Hamilton Chimala said the floods in 17 of the country’s 28 districts will affect crops, livestock and fisheries. He said the quantified losses would be communicated in due course.

He said: “We are also looking at irrigation infrastructure in terms of costing as they were also swept away. So, we believe there is a huge amount that will come out of that in terms of costing.”

In the meantime, Chimala said, the ministry is consolidating information on the damage across sectors and that a clear picture should be known this weekend.

In total, the floods washed away 71 111 hectares (ha) of food and cash crops earlier this month, translating to about 639 999 metric tonnes (MT) of potential crop production.

The loss of maize alone, the country’s staple grain, is estimated at 421 919MT in the five affected agricultural development divisions (ADDs), with Shire Valley, Machinga and Blantyre being the hardest hit.

The threat to crop production comes barely a month after Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Joseph Mwanamvekha announced a projected 25 percent increase in maize crop production which he attributed to the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) despite the initiative not yielding similar results in recent years.

In announcing the first round of crop estimates in Lilongwe, the minister said the estimates indicated that maize production would go up by 25 percent from 2.6 million MT to 3.3 million MT in 2018/19.

But, following the floods, the ministry’s assessment shows that 71 111ha of maize, rice and pigeon peas have been damaged and, in the process, putting 291 470 households at risk of harvesting nothing.

The report puts Shire Valley ADD which covers Chikwawa and Nsanje districts as the worst hit with 19 127ha and 59 870 households affected followed by Blantyre ADD with 13 860 ha washed away and 82 274 households rendered helpless. In Machinga ADD, 19 971ha has been lost while in Lilongwe ADD 13 418 ha was lost to floods.

In the Northern Region, Karonga ADD faces damage of 4 735 ha of crops washed away and 12 020 households requiring assistance.

Reacting to the development, African Institute on Corporate Citizenship (AICC) rice platform manager Leonard Chimwaza whose organisation works with rice farmers across the country, said the 8 000 ha damage of rice translates to a loss of about K24 billion.

He said farmers who depend on rice will not be food secure, a situation that will have a negative impact on their nutrition status.

The agricultural sector generates around a third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounts for 65 percent of employment and wires in around 60 percent of export earnings.

Maize is by far the most dominant crop grown by almost every farmer in Malawi and accounting for about 50 percent of the entire planted area.

The results of the first round of crop estimates showed that all eight ADDs will have an increase in maize and other crop production compared to the 2017/18 agricultural season.

Shire Valley ADD which experienced floods and harvested 67 360 MT had registered a 99 percent rise in projected production to 134 597 MT.

Blantyre ADD registered 705 133 MT in the first round compared to 445 038 MT in the final round in 2017/18 while Machinga ADD had gone up by 32 percent to 337 716 MT this first round.

The results were a reflection of cause and effect of good rainfall patterns and high yields.

Since 2014/15, crop production has continued to go down as a result of either dry spells, floods and in recent years, the infestation of fall armyworms.

The second round survey was scheduled to take place between February and March for purposes of verification and correction to inform policy decisions on projected crop production in the country.

The third round of the survey will run from April through to May and involves weighing of harvest to obtain actual yield of crops based on the sampled households.

The post-disaster needs assessment dated March 24 indicated a budget of K30 billion to respond to the needs of flood victims, including food and shelter. n

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Northern Region Water Board (NRWB) has appealed for chiefs’ support during the implementation of the K19.4 billion Water Supply Project set to benefit rural and urban communities.

Briefing the district executive committee (DEC) on Tuesday, NRWB assistant community mobilisation and training officer Jean Silumbu said chiefs are important stakeholders; hence, their participation is beneficial to the project.

“Chiefs are the custodians of the communities. They know the challenges communities are facing, including lack of potable water and we are hopeful that they will help us complete the project.

“The projects will involve digging the ground where main pipes will pass and this might affect people’s crops. We will make sure that compensation is paid accordingly and we will rely on chiefs on that,” she said.

Silumbu asked chiefs to take an active role in sensitising people to the project to encourage ownership.

The board’s infrastructure and planning manager, Edward Chirambo said the $26.7 million (about K19.4 billion) project is expected to improve access to potable water to 108 000 people around the boma and surrounding communities.

He said the US $26.7 million (about K19.4 billion) is being funded by Opec Fund for International Development (Ofid) and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea).   

Currently, the board is supplying water to 46 000 people around the Boma and surrounding communities. n

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The Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development says it needs about K400 million to vaccinate about 80 000 head of cattle in Mzimba South in the wake of the foot and mouth disease outbreak in the district.

The development follows a statement the Ministry of Agriculture issued on February 26 this year banning slaughter and movement of cattle in the district.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, deputy director for animal health (field services) Gilson Njunga said his office is currently running tests to establish the virus causing the disease in Mzimba.

The department has since ordered that no foot and mouth vaccine should be administered until after  tests results are out.

Njunga said: “We took samples in Mzimba in February and the first test confirmed that foot and mouth disease has hit the district. There are about five different viruses that cause this  disease. We are conducting tests to find the specific one.

“Then we will proceed to procure vaccines to run a vaccination campaign targeting about 80 000 cattle and that process will need K400 million. We are optimistic the ministry will support us in this.” 

Njunga said that the disease has now affected Jenda, Champhira, Emfeni, Bulala, Manyamula, Mqocha and Edingeni and appealed to all butchery entrepreneurs in the district to adhere to the ban.

Mzimba Butchers Association chairperson Gilbert Nyirenda said the ban has affected them economically and appealed to authorities to speed up the process and have the livestock vaccinated. n

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Just how could an individual love writing so much? That is the question most have when they look back at the life of Malawi’s devout writer and historian Desmond Dudwa Phiri (alias DD Phiri) who was buried on Tuesday at HHI cemetery in Blantyre. 

The long-time revered columnist gave in to a pneumonia bout in the early hours of Sunday at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre where he had been receiving treatment for three weeks. When news crept in that he was no-more, suddenly the value of his literal contribution in the eyes of many doubled.

By some strange tradition, it is hard for people to appreciate the shift that some individuals make in their various fields of expertise. There are individuals who have toiled, shown exceptional diligence and have sustained their passion in their own light but have hardly received the recognition they deserve.

Perhaps, to an extent, the 88-year-old fell in the bracket of such individuals. Sadly. Maybe because as a nation we are well-known to have a poor reading culture. Given that pedigree, it is almost impossible to honour a son whose life oozed writing and whose very soul comprised just ideas and knowledge he wanted to share with the world.

There was nothing he felt he knew better than writing. He therefore invested his life feeding his thirst for knowledge by reading and doing extensive research. He always shared with the world through the numerous books he published and his several weekly newspaper columns the rewards from his reading and research.

The truckloads of his literature informed varied sectors including economics, history, politics and arts.

Understandably, his death is a big loss. Every time you reached out to him for a news interview, he always brought out very interesting perspectives. He was a man who lived in his own world.

Having contributed to this publication through his columns since 1993, the Nation Publications brands will probably feel the strongest pitch. As many writers have come to appreciate, it is no easy thing to sustain a column. And DD Phiri churned out well-researched columns weekly, on very complicated topics for decades.

I do not think they are still made like that anymore. So, the task of finding his suitable replacement may take as long as his own life spanned. But before we even start grappling with the search for another able individual, for now let us celebrate his life.

His work and life touched many souls in different ways. Some who may never even have met the humble soul that was DD Phiri. Many just connected with him through his writings and to them too, he remains an icon.

But some got almost a first-hand effect of a genius and a selfless soul that lay in him. One such individual is ‘my landlord’ on this page, James Chavula. As editor for Features Desk at Nation Publications Limited, he was responsible for handling the raw copies from DD Phiri and processing them for publication.

It was a task he benefited from in as far as his Facebook eulogy attests: “He wrote and wrote when we thought his brain was going to rest. Here was a versatile author who wrote when and what he wanted when some politicians would have loved his to confine himself to some corner of trivialities.

“It was an uplifting privilege to edit the DD Phiri Column which always came fully edited, with a generous amount of tippex smears, words scratched out and best fits inserted in a Scotman’s classical scrawl. I will forever miss the challenge and insights DD Phiri brought to my world of editing.”

Here was DD Phiri, when comes another? Fare thee well distinguished son of the soil. We count ourselves lucky to have shared in your lifetime. n

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When the waters came in the dead of the night, 52-year-old grandmother Esnath Makumbi hardly had time to react.

She and her grandchildren were awakened by fellow villagers running away from the rising waters.

“We heard people shouting ‘water! water! water!’. But before we could do anything, the water was already making its way up our veranda and into the house. So, I just told the children to grab whatever they could and we ran off to seek shelter at a nearby school,” she explains of the floods that hit most parts of the Southern Region three weeks ago.

Makumbi hails from Chinkwangwa Village in T/A Mwambo in Zomba and takes care of one child and six grandchildren who have been living at Chinkwangwa Camp since the floods hit on May 8.

“When we came back to access the damage in the morning, the houses had fallen, the livestock had been washed away and all the crops were gone,” she said.

Such was the damage in Zomba that some old and frail villagers who had gathered to receive relief items at an impromptu camp at Chaweza Primary School in T/A Mwambo’s area in Zomba narrated how they had gone the whole day without food.

 “Yesterday I went to do some piecework sieving rice at the mill, so I managed to get a little food to feed the kids,” Makumbi said.

She wants to get back to her home quickly to try and rebuild her life.

“We will try to salvage what has been left of the house and try to rebuild,” she said.

Similarly, Luwiza Mateme, 80, was caught unawares when the floods hit Mwaliwa Village in T/A Chikowi, Zomba.

“I have never seen such devastation since I was born,” said the pigeon pea, maize and groundnuts farmer who looks after seven dependents.

Both women were part of 400 survivors in Zomba who received start-up relief items from the Pakistan Welfare Association to help the neediest households get back on their feet.

According to vice-chairperson Ali Akbar Kamdar, the association first surveys the affected areas, visiting their homes and assessing the needs of every victim before issuing a coupon for redeeming various relief items.

He states: “The basic thing is that we all are Malawians, we all are brothers. Our third generation is born here. So, Malawi is our home. This is not our second home anymore; this is our first home.

“So, when this disaster hit, we thought it was time we came out to help our fellow Malawians. But this is not only for the disaster. During the holy month of Ramadan, we have been doing the same,” he said.

The Pakistanis have so far spent over K22 million to aid 800 affected families in Chaweza and Kathebwe villages in Zomba as well as Chimombo, Phutheya and Malambwe villages in Phalombe.  The relief package included food, utensils, blankets, cash and clothes.

The association was created three years ago by Malawians of Pakistan origin. According to Kamdar, the funds for the relief items were sourced from members and friends both within and outside Malawi.

Group village head (GVH) Chaweza said the devastation floods Phalombe River caused in his area was gross. He appealed for more relief items, especially tents and building materials to enable the victims return to their villages to rebuild.

“The camp is not a place to live. As you can see, this is a school and it does not have the facilities to handle such crowds. Besides, it is inhuman. We have to move people out in the morning to enable the lessons to take place,” he said.

GVH Kathebwe hailed the Pakistanis, saying anyone who comes to assist one in need ceases to become a stranger.

“For what they have done in our time of need, they have become part of our extended family here in Zomba,” he said.

According to the traditional leader, heavy rains have damaged 562 houses in the area while over 400 houses were partially damaged.

Effects of heavy rains early this month affected about one million people in 14 districts in the Southern and Central regions. Fifty six people died while 577 were injured, with 125 000 displaced. n

The post When strangers become family appeared first on The Nation Online.

On June 14 1993, Malawians elected the lamp of democracy in protest to dictatorship.

Since its Greek origin, democracy has been pivotal for governing humans and delivering development.

However, the 2017 Lexical Index of Electoral Democracy shows that only 68 percent of countries on earth are governed by genuinely contested elections.

Last year, the UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) measured the state of democracy and governance in 167 countries, including Malawi which was classified as a “hybrid regime”.

This means the country is one of democracies blighted by consequential irregularities, including elections that are neither free nor fair.

Credible, free and fair elections form a pillar of democracy and citizens’ choices. It mirrors the aspiration of the people.

The lapses in the country’s democracy do not only create a governance crisis but also socio-economic challenges.

In the May 21 Tripartite Elections, the nation has a chance to elect a President, members of Parliament and councillors.

To make democracy work, the electorate need to be reminded what democracy is really about and how undemocratic candidates conduct themselves.

Clearly, the country does not need a government that will apply undue force to hush political opponents and muzzle the free press. Rather, we need a truly free and fair environment for voters to make informed decisions without being hoodwinked or pressurised.

In vibrant democracies, media houses play a critical role in furthering our democracy, transparency and accountability from selfish politicians who usually gag the press to keep the masses in the dark.

A democratic State will not squeeze opposition voices for the benefit of the governing party, but create political space for all political grouping to operate freely and lawfully.

Malawi needs a functioning democracy where the Judiciary is not merely an operative of the Executive, but a fearless watchdog of rule of law and citizens’ rights to ensure no one must cripple other arms of government for the selfish reasons.

Beyond May 21, Malawians deserve democratic leadership that will not tolerate widespread corruption that has paralysed government agencies and private sector. In the new Malawi, the President and Cabinet ministers must be ashamed of corrupt practices and lead by example to end the vice.

As citizens and voters, we must fight through the ballot knowing that corruption is an undemocratic conduct, it is an  absolute evil perpetuated by those who do not respect and care about the socioeconomic interests of the people.

Corruption undermines service provision, economic growth and human rights. As a democratic State that markets itself as a God-fearing nation, registered voters must elect leaders who will not put themselves above the law at all cost-and lawlessness must be punishable.

The rule of law induces discipline in public servants, compelling them to serve the interests of all. In this way, it triggers equality and quality service delivery.

Do we have this in Malawi?

If not, May 21offers an opportunity to restore democracy in full, for crumbs falling from the high table where selfish rulers share the loot are not good enough.

On the other hand, Malawians must participate fully to improve the situation because we all need a functioning government of the people, for the people and by the people.

The country needs politicians who accept democracy in its totality, not in slices.

The hybrid regime has allowed criminals with political influence and connections to oppress innocent citizens in the name of the democracy we wanted when we voted the lamp in June 1993 Referendum.

It is time to be united and objective in the fight for a good cause against all undesired agendas of the hybrid regime.

For the love of our lives, children and their children, let us hear out every politician and make informed decisions.

Come May 21, go and vote wisely to make democracy work.  n

The post So this is democracy? appeared first on The Nation Online.

It is no secret that visual arts in the country is hugely male-dominated and there are few women in the industry. However, visual artist and architect Lerato Upendo Honde believes women have what it takes to stand the heat. Recently, she hosted a solo exhibition titled Seasons at La Galleria (Old Town Mall) in Lilongwe. Our Arts Correspondent MPHATSO CHIWALA caught up with her to discuss her visual arts career and other issues.

Q

: Tell me more about yourself?

A

: My name is Lerato Upendo Honde. I am 21 years old and hails from Zomba and Lilongwe. Growing up, I have been to several schools, but recently I completed my bachelor’s in architectural studies at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and I will be graduating in April.

Q

: You hosted a solo exhibition titled Seasons recently. What is it all about?

A

: Seasons is an animated series which celebrates the beauty and versatility of African women. However, each animation is composed of a series of drawings scribbled with fine liner pens.

Q

: When did you start pursuing art?

A

: It’s been years. When I was a little girl, I used to lie on the floor for hours, drawing virtually everything with my late father. I believe I have always had a creative background which I explored through various mediums as a child.

Q

: What motivates you?

A

: My vision. I am a planner—I like to set goals in advance and, very accurately, plan how and when I can get to them. I often carry a sketchbook around with me because I tend to get all sorts of ideas about space, aesthetics, or the kind of message I would want to portray with me through a piece.

Q

: How would you define yourself and your works?

A

: It is God-given gift with a purpose far greater than me. In terms of defining myself, I believe my art has allowed me to locate myself in the spaces that I find myself worthy. I grew up in various cities around the world, as well as in Malawi. Each place and experience have stayed with me and contributed a lot.

Q

: Apart from art, what else do you do?

A

: Now, art is something I pursue outside of school and work. I am currently working as a senior architectural technologist in Lilongwe. I like to engage with other people and I find that this inspires my imagination.

Q

: Do you feel your art has changed anything?

A

: Of course, art is not just about recreating images in the form of a painting or drawing, but instead, art is about improving the quality of life. My art has provided a refreshing kind of perspective and therefore inspires people to cultivate their own talents.

Q

: You are treading in a career treaded by a few women. What is your impression?

A

:  I treat situations equally, I let works of my able hands speak for themselves. However, I don’t look down upon myself. I was born a fighter that’s why I strive for the best.

Q

: What materials do you use when doing your art?

A

: I use whatever material best fits my idea from plaster of Paris (PoP), to oil paint, fine liner pens, film – I do not limit myself. I like to experiment with the base I use when I am doing a painting – I have used floppy disks, CDs and a mannequin in the past to create a painting and a lampshade.

Q

: What inspires your art?

A

: I am inspired by my exploration of myself as a young Malawian female and how the context of my being changes according to the spaces I find myself in. I am inspired by the interactions I have with people from different and similar backgrounds and beliefs.

Q

: Which artists inspire you?

A

: There are several contemporary artists that inspire me with the way they explore contemporary techniques to reflect the times. That include Toyin Odutola from Nigeria and Ng’endo Mukii from Kenya. Deceased Mexican artist Frida Kahlo has also been a great source of inspiration.

Q

: In the next five years, where do you see yourself?

A

: I am looking forward to the future as I have plenty in store. Ultimately, I aim to pursue postgraduate education in architecture. Furthermore, I intend on carrying out various art projects, some of which I have already planned. I have some interesting collaborations happening and I am excited about. n

The post Breaking boundaries in visual arts appeared first on The Nation Online.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) says the academia is key to disaster risk management in the country as they have capacity to conduct research.

Principal Secretary and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni said this in Blantyre this week when he opened a five-day training with the academia on integrating disaster and climate risk in existing higher education curriculum.

He said Dodma faces challenges in implementing disaster risk management interventions because of limited resources and costly structural risk reduction measures.

Moleni observed that local research to guide the design of appropriate policies and interventions has been sketchy as most studies have focused on food security.

He said: “The level of awareness among [graduates] on risk avoidance behaviours has been very limited. Therefore, we felt we should interact with the academia, sensitise them to disaster risk management and start dialogue that should lead to promotion of practices and approaches that will contribute to building the nations resilience to floods.

“We want them to consider developing curricular to think about disaster management issues and do more research on the same.”

On his part, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre deputy executive director Aslam Perwaiz, who was among the speakers, stressed the need for government to invest in disaster risk management.

Government, through the department and other stakeholders, is taking measures to deal with impacts of disasters and build resilience of households and communities.

One such initiative is the Malawi Flood Recovery Project, a four-year project being implemented with financial support from the World Bank. n\

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Campaigning for the May 21 general elections is in full swing. Just like with other years, the canvassing has come in and with style.

While political parties, through their torchbearers, are outclassing each other with manifestoes, stalwarts are keeping fashion designers busy – making outstanding outfits.

Flipping through social media pages and watching political rallies on televisions, one gets greeted with mostly traditional but fancy and modernised attires created from party colours.

These compliment the concept of slogan T-shirts bearing political messages in bold graphic lettering which this year, have undergone a metamorphosis.

On top of that, the power of messaging through fashion has been driven a notch up as this campaign period has seen an increase of party regalia courtesy of items like beret, wilson and beanie hats and wristwatches.

One undisputable fact is that, the fashion industry is benefiting from the craze. And it is not just about money, but exposure, says Wyson Bowman of Nyalisa Wear.

“This period of elections is the best when it comes to fashion. If people were like this all the time, it would boost fashion in our country. Even people in the villages are trying to look stylish with their party garments.

“The industry is benefitting because the volume of people who are going to fashion designers is increasing. Even companies that are manufacturing the fabrics are benefiting a lot. This is a marketing platform where I can attract many people as I can, considering the competition out there. Meanwhile, by the end of the campaign period, many designers will be known out there,” he says.

Despite that politicians commemorate their reign, immortalise own glory, promote their agenda, or simply the most basic of all, promote themselves, fashion is one industry that tends to keep out political affairs explicitly.

Bowman says Nyalisa Wear has created several outfits for supporters of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), United Democratic Front (UDF), UTM Party and Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Closer home, South Africa’s Marxist-Leninist political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken southern Africa, if not the entire continent, by storm.

Their red jumpsuits or overalls as a uniform with beret hats have had a huge influence on the Malawi political scene. Almost all major local political parties have embraced the berets, with followers proudly donning them.

The political podiums have turned into ramps where supporters with the outstanding creations from the parties’ kit gets to be seen, a development that UTM Party supporter Elyn Matatiyo acknowledges.

“We just have to go with the trend while making the best of what can be viewed as the ordinary, in this case, party cloths. That is why, unlike in the past elections, the designs quality has improved, and one can see how the art of fashion is influencing the regalia. I have had outfits, designed by myself and taken to a fashion designer for actualisation,” she says

Even party leaders or those vying for positions no longer just wear berets or caps paired with a simple golf shirt. This year, people have been introduced to more interesting and fashionable pieces fully embodying today’s fashion trends.

Recently, award winning rapper Tay Grin was trending on social media when he posted two different stylish jackets created by Nyalisa Wear.

With the diverse political regalia that politicians and their parties’ supporters have worn this year, there is no doubt the outfits have changed political party fan walks into a catwalk.

Another fashion designer whose hands are busy with creating outfits from party regalia, Roy Banda believes the trend cements the fact that fashion is now in every aspect of life.

“Look at how today’s pastors and prophets dress, all football players, among others. So, elections or in general, politics cannot go without embracing fashion.

“The industry will fashion a lot from these elections especially in this campaign period as many politicians will try to look good in front of their supporters. Followers will also try to outshine each other in terms of dressing to show their loyalty to the party they support,” he says.

Luckily, Banda, who recently was voted the best fashion designer for the inaugural Urban Music People fashion awards, has been making political party outfits before the campaign period started.

“I have made a lot of outfits almost for all political parties; some politicians and supporters are regular customers. However, the desire for the outfits has grown due to campaign and I should admit that I am benefiting from this period. Some bring their ideas but mostly, I design myself and I love it when am given freedom to design,” he adds.  n

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Indigenous Businesses Association of Malawi (Ibam), a grouping of local business owners, says it is not convinced with political parties strategies to promote and protect indigenous businesses.

The sentiments come as politicians are making promises which include improving the business environment for local businesses to succeed and contribute to economic growth.

In an interview on Wednesday, Ibam president Mike Mlombwa said the  parties’ promises are not new and lack practical implementation strategies.

He said: “We are yearning for a difference this time. It could have been better if they  engaged us in a dialogue to understand our focus to make a difference. Small businesses are an economic engine room for the country, so neglecting us will be suicidal to the economy.”

On his part, Economics Association of Malawi  (Ecama) president Chikumbutso Kalilombe said on Wednesday Ibam’s sentiments are justified, adding that there is need to protect local businesses to boost the economy.

He, however, was quick to caution that small businesses need to have viable and sustainable plans to be supported by government. n

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National Planning Commission (NPC) says it will ensure that both sectoral and district development plans are in sync with Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDSIII) and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The commission, an independent think-tank established through an Act of Parliament and launched early last year, says as part of its mandate, it will identify the country’s socio-economic development priorities and formulate the national vision and strategy for socio-economic goals, taking into account the resource potential.

Newly-appointed NPC director general Thomas Munthali, in an interview in Lilongwe on Wednesday, outlined key priority development initiatives the commission plans to focus on in the medium to long-term.

MGDS III states that NPC will be responsible for coordinating implementation of the country’s projects and programmes.

Munthali said one of the core mandates of NPC is to develop  medium-term development plans that operationalise the long-term vision of the country and coordinate their implementation.

He said: “Ensuring that sectoral and local level plans talk to the MGDS III and national vision is important for ensuring a common vision.

“The commission has already started supporting training around localisation of the MGDS III and SDGs into district development plans and this will happen at sectoral level too.”

The SDGs are a collection of 17 goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 and will run up to 2030 while MGDS III, which will be implemented from 2017 to 2022, is a third medium-term national development strategy for Malawi aligned to the country’s long-term national development aspirations, espoused in Malawi’s Vision 2020.

Munthali explained that NPC will work with development partners and civil society organisations to align the country’s assistance strategies to national goals.

He said by collaborating with other stakeholders, together they will define areas of mutual interest within the country’s priorities.

“The NPC will coordinate the monitoring and evaluation of the MGDS III along with various partners in the areas of mutual interest. The idea is to understand what is working and not to inform future interventions, especially in MGDS III priority areas and flagship projects,” he said.

He said NPC will also ensure that political party manifestos speak to national development frameworks and agenda.

“However, as the NPC, we will help the governing party to focus on those priorities that have the most impact on poverty and inequality reduction,” said Munthali.

NPC has been operating without a director general before Munthali assumed office mid-March.

However, with only an interim secretariat, the NPC has, so far, registered tangible strides which include launching of the MGDS III and its wide dissemination, translation of a summary of the MGDS III into local languages, supporting training of trainers on the localisation of the development plan and SDGs in district development plans and also holding consultations with various stakeholders such as legislators, development partners, district councils, academia and civil society. n

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NBS Bank’s transformation drive has started bearing fruits as evidenced by the Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed bank’s return to profitability.

The bank has reported a K1.7 billion profit after-tax for the year ended December 31 2018.

The profit is a huge leap—a growth of over 250 percent—from a loss of K1.092 billion reported during the same period last year, according to audited financial results for the year ended December 31 2018 published yesterday.

There has been a lot of speculation in the market that NBS Bank would not survive due to a string of heavy losses it has been registering, which were unsustainable.

However, under new chief executive officer Kwanele Ngwenya, NBS Bank has managed to emerge stronger and healthier.

In the year under review, net interest income grew by 35 percent.

On the other hand, non-interest income increased by 52 percent year-on-year, according to the financial statement, supported by record growths from its foreign exchange-related business and transactional income.

“Recoveries of non-performing debt was flat. Operating expenditure was up but only by 14 percent compared to the prior year largely due to investments to support the bank’s transformation and investments in systems,” reads the statement accompanying the financial results.

The financials show that total customer deposits grew by 29 percent from K77 billion in 2017 to K100 billion in 2018.

The bank has attributed this growth to the support received from its customers but also the return of confidence in the bank, following various improvements it has made in its operations such as investments in new online and digital platforms, introduction of new innovative products and services and the launch of a customer call centre.

NBS Bank, with a market capitalisation of K28.8 billion on MSE, says one of its strategic goals and objectives is to become a digitally-driven transactional bank for both retail and corporate customers through a deeper understanding of their needs.

Reads the statement: “This distinction will be embodied in the bank’s entrepreneurial culture, balanced by a strong risk management discipline, client-centric approach and ability to be nimble, flexible and innovative.

“Our products will be designed to be easy to understand, easy to use, easy to access and easy on the pocket. In 2019, the bank will consolidate the gains made over the past two years to provide a platform for further growth.”

Looking into the future, the bank expects stable exchange rates and inflation, currently at 7.9 percent, to trend downwards.

The bank expects interest rates to also follow a similar trend in the next six months and that the reduction of interest rates will result in increased credit to the private sector inthe second half of 2019. n

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Silver Strikers have fulfilled 100 percent club licensing requirements in the TNM Super League as newly-promoted outfit Ntopwa FC emerged second best with 98 percent.

The two sides are among nine teams that have made the grade following a successful appeal to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Club Licencing System (CLS) Committee upon paying K50 000 fine each to join Nyasa Big Bullets and Moyale Barracks, who made the grade on time two weeks ago.

Now the number of fully licensed teams in the 16-team league stands at 11.

However, FAM licensing and compliance manager Casper Jangale said, overall, Bullets, who scored 92 percent, are still considered a side that did well in the exercise followed by Moyale (84 percent) because they were the first to pass the test.

 “Silver have fulfilled all the requirements and we applaud them for the feat. However, we encourage teams to make their submissions on time and, as such, we can say they still play second fiddle to Bullets and Moyale, whose compliance did not have to go through the appeal process,” he said.

Silver vice-general secretary Innocent Kadam’manja yesterday said they are excited with their achievement and attributed the delayed submission to the  transition process at the Central Bankers.

“We will do our best to maintain the 100 percent record next year,” he said.

“It was just unfortunate that we did not make our submissions on time due to other factors.”

Ntopwa FC owner Isaac ‘Jomo’ Osman yesterday said he felt proud to have defied the odds to outsmart established outfits.

“In fact, we could have achieved this feat without going through the appeal process had FAM made clarifications on all the required documents we were supposed to submit much earlier,” he said.

Silver and Ntopwa made successful appeal for full licences alongside Kamuzu Barracks (97 percent), Mighty Tigers (97 percent), Masters Security, Dwangwa United (95),  Be Forward Wanderers (93), Mlatho Mponela (85) and TN Stars (71).

Civil Sporting Club (66.4), Blue Eagles (64) and Chitipa United (60) have acquired provisional licences while Mzuni FC and Karonga United are pending as their files were turned back by the CLS committee and will have to wait for the First Instance Body’s (FIB) consideration next week.

Among the major requirements, the clubs were expected to have reserve and youth teams and developmental programme, infrastructure which requires clubs to have a training base and match venue, administrative personnel that incorporates players contracts, a secretariat and a minimum  CAF B coaching licence for the head coach and CAF A licence for the technical director.

They are also supposed to have a bank account.

In the just-ended season, teams such as Nchalo United, Karonga United and Kasungu-based TN Stars were given provisional licences and asked to complete the requirements before the start of the top-flight league’s second round or risk expulsion, but they completed their fixtures without facing any punishment.

But during a club licensing workshop in Lilongwe last month, head of FIB (FAM independent organ responsible for club licensing) Allan Muhome, said they have been tolerant in issuing licences in the past and would take a hard line in the 2019 season. n

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Flames on-and-off forward Atusaye Nyondo has complained to South Africa’s Players Union over unpaid dues at his National First Division club Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

The club has allegedly not been paying Nyondo, who signed a one-and-a-half-year deal with the club in January, his full salary.

Nyondo said he has only been receiving R10 000 (about K510 000) a month, which is less than half of what he agreed with TTM, according to South Africa publication www.kickoff.com.

 “I signed a one-and-a half-year contract and I still have a year to go. To be honest with you, it’s just so bad, where you see other players get paid. It’s me and Joseph [Kamwendo] where we don’t get paid. We don’t know what the problem is, because it’s from January up to now where we get small money. It’s not even half of your salary,” Atusaye was quoted as saying by Kickoff.com.

 The former Bloemfontein Celtic and University of Pretoria player said he has been asking for financial help from relations and friends or using his savings from back home.

“It’s a challenging situation, where you have to ask friends just to help you with something or I end up taking the money that I was keeping in my account back home just to survive,” Atusaye said.

The former Silver Strikers marksman has lodged a complaint with South Africa’s Players Union.

However, TTM team manager Livhuwani Madzuhe, said all players at the club are getting their salaries and that they were not aware of any complaint lodged with the Players Union.

“There is no such, that’s false accusations. I don’t know where it comes from, but that’s not true. All the players are happy and that’s why our team is doing well,” he said.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) player transfer system and compliance manager Casper Jangale said Atusaye has a right to terminate the contract.

“The new Fifa rules on players’ status state that if you are not getting paid for two months, you give your club 15 days notice. If they don’t pay you after 15 days, you can terminate the contract. Then you can sue the club for the unpaid dues,” he said.

Atusaye hinted on terminating his contract if the situation does not change.

“They have breached the contract, so that’s when the Players Union come in. If it does not work out, then there is always another opportunity somewhere,” he said.

Atusaye has been in the rainbow nation for 10 years after joining Carara Kicks in 2009 from Silver.

He joined SuperSport United in 2011 where he spent four years and was loaned out to Pretoria University in 2013-2014 season

After the loan, he signed permanently for Pretoria University where he spent two season before moving to Bloemfontein Celtic in 2016.

Celtic released him in June 2018. n

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Women’s football exports Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga arrived home yesterday and joined national women’s football team camp in Blantyre ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers first-leg against Mozambique on April 4.

The two sisters, who arrived through Chileka Airport before travelling to Kamuzu Stadium to watch the national team’s strength-testing match against Southern Region Football Association (SRFA) Division One side Kings United, said they are ready to make the country proud with their goal-scoring prowess.

“My target is to help the national team beat Mozambique by as many goals as possible so as to let the world know that there is women football in Malawi,” said Tabitha, the net-buster for Chinese top league side Jiangsu Sunning.

On her part, Temwa, who plays for Swedish second tier league side Kvarnsvedens IK, said: “I have gained a lot of experience after playing in Europe for a year now. I would like to apply the new techniques I have gained in the game against Mozambique.”

National team coach Abel Mkandawire said it is a big boost to have the free-scoring sisters in his squad, describing them as a solution to Malawi’s scoring struggles.

“Whenever the national team has the two sisters up front, we are always assured of goals and their release is a big relief for us,” he said.

The Chawinga sisters last featured for the national team at the 2017 Council for Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Women’s Championships.

In that competition, Tabitha was the competition’s second best scorer with eight goals, two goals behind eventual Golden winner Rutendo Makore of Zimbabwe.

During the 2018 Cosafa edition, Malawi only scored two goals in three matches and the Chawinga sisters’ absence, due to club commitments, was greatly felt.

Then Malawi lost 0-2 to Botswana and won by a similar margin against Madagascar. They also suffered a 0-6 defeat by South Africa.

Tabitha, who won the 2018 Women Footballer of the Year and Golden Boot Award in China with 17 goals, is so far leading the scorers’ chart in the 2019 Chinese National Women Championship with 12 goals in four games. n

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US-based physical education (PE) expert Kalekeni Mtalika Banda, founder of Bola Banda Foundation, has donated sports equipment to 34 primary schools in Nkhata Bay and Mzuzu.

 The equipment, comprising boots, jerseys and footballs, was sourced from well-wishers in the US.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Zolozolo Primary School ground in Mzuzu, Banda said they decided to reach out to four primary schools in Mzuzu to help more children.

He said they initiated the programme in primary schools to inculcate a sports culture among the youth.

“What is more important to me is that the children are given the resources to enjoy the game they love most. It is my hope that this donation will inspire them to pursue sports as a career,” Banda said.

The donation to Matope, Ching’ambo, Chiputula and Zolozolo Primary Schools  targeted women football teams.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Zolozolo Primary School sports prefect, Mirriam Simeza, said the gift will promote women’s football development.

On her part, Northern Region sports development officer Georgina Msowoya urged learners in the country to take sports seriously because they can make a career out of it.

 “Let the children play games apart from class work. Sports is a serious business. If you take it seriously, it can offer you with opportunities just as other white-collar jobs,” she said. n

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