NATIONAL NEWS | Zodiak Malawi OnlineZodiak Broadcasting Station. Zikachitika Mumvera kwa Ife. We are here to provide you with Breaking news, sport, TV and radio. To Educate, Inform and to Entertain you wherever you are.https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw-22024-03-29T08:41:43+00:00Joomla! - Open Source Content ManagementPE Youths Lauds Public Finance Management Tracking2022-01-19T16:03:11+00:002022-01-19T16:03:11+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4166-pe-youths-lauds-public-finance-management-trackingRonnex Chiwandanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/9acd39673b78814c9bb85f14f62c5956_XL.jpg" alt="Khalipwina" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Youths in Phalombe say public finance management tracking exercise they have been conducting in the district is bearing positive results.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Chairperson for Nyezelera Youth Network, Collins Khalipwina, has told Zodiak Online on Tuesday that restructuring of the bursary committee under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for Phalombe central constituency to include youths in the committee has greatly assisted to allow deserving needy youth benefit from the bursary.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Khalipwina says previously, youths have been sidelined to participate in the identification exercise, a development that affected youths in the district.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We engaged parliamentarian for Phalombe Central constituency in December 2021 on the inclusion of youths in bursary committees and the meetings bore results,” said Khalipwina.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that National Economic and Empowerment Fund (NEEF) officials are currently assessing youths led groups so that they should benefit from the fund.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Programs Officer of Centre for Social Concern (CfSC), Benard Mphepo, says the organization want to see youths demand transparency and accountability on public finance management.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mphepo has since challenged youths in the district to take public finance management tracking as part of their daily routine to ensure there is smooth implementation of government funded projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">CfSC is implementing a project dubbed building Covid-19 resilience through promoting transparency and accountability to reduce poverty and inequality in five districts including Phalombe.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/9acd39673b78814c9bb85f14f62c5956_XL.jpg" alt="Khalipwina" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Youths in Phalombe say public finance management tracking exercise they have been conducting in the district is bearing positive results.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Chairperson for Nyezelera Youth Network, Collins Khalipwina, has told Zodiak Online on Tuesday that restructuring of the bursary committee under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for Phalombe central constituency to include youths in the committee has greatly assisted to allow deserving needy youth benefit from the bursary.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Khalipwina says previously, youths have been sidelined to participate in the identification exercise, a development that affected youths in the district.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We engaged parliamentarian for Phalombe Central constituency in December 2021 on the inclusion of youths in bursary committees and the meetings bore results,” said Khalipwina.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that National Economic and Empowerment Fund (NEEF) officials are currently assessing youths led groups so that they should benefit from the fund.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Programs Officer of Centre for Social Concern (CfSC), Benard Mphepo, says the organization want to see youths demand transparency and accountability on public finance management.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mphepo has since challenged youths in the district to take public finance management tracking as part of their daily routine to ensure there is smooth implementation of government funded projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">CfSC is implementing a project dubbed building Covid-19 resilience through promoting transparency and accountability to reduce poverty and inequality in five districts including Phalombe.</p></div>Tea Expert Fears of Low Yields Due to Drought2022-01-19T15:48:35+00:002022-01-19T15:48:35+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4165-tea-expert-fears-of-low-yields-due-to-droughtHastings Jimaninyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>A senior agronomist at Tea Research Foundation for Central Africa (TRFCA) says the prolonged dry spell experienced in December last year has potential of contributing to reduction of tea yields during the 2021/2022 cropping season.</strong></p>
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<p>Chikondi Katungwe in an emailed response to our questionnaire on tea production and climate change said tea just like any other crop, has not been spared by effects of climate change.</p>
<p>“The consequences include rising temperatures, inconsistent rainfall patterns and amount and prolonged drought and due to these effects, between 8% and 26% of young tea has been dying in recent years,” said Katungwe.</p>
<p>She says for optimum growth and yield, tea requires between 1, 200 millimeters and 3000 millimeters of rainfall per annum and an optimum temperature range of 18℃ to 25 ℃ but like in December, Mimosa weather station which is within tea growing area in Mulanje and Thyolo recorded 78.1 millimeters while temperature was 33.1℃.</p>
<p>“In recent years, maximum temperatures exceeding 35℃ have been experienced on a number of days during the hot and dry months,” said Katungwe.</p>
<p>Meanwhile Katungwe says TRFCA recommends tea growers to plant the recently released eleven drought tolerant cultivars such as PC 401, PC 402, PC 302, PC 303, PC 168 and PC 185.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>A senior agronomist at Tea Research Foundation for Central Africa (TRFCA) says the prolonged dry spell experienced in December last year has potential of contributing to reduction of tea yields during the 2021/2022 cropping season.</strong></p>
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<p>Chikondi Katungwe in an emailed response to our questionnaire on tea production and climate change said tea just like any other crop, has not been spared by effects of climate change.</p>
<p>“The consequences include rising temperatures, inconsistent rainfall patterns and amount and prolonged drought and due to these effects, between 8% and 26% of young tea has been dying in recent years,” said Katungwe.</p>
<p>She says for optimum growth and yield, tea requires between 1, 200 millimeters and 3000 millimeters of rainfall per annum and an optimum temperature range of 18℃ to 25 ℃ but like in December, Mimosa weather station which is within tea growing area in Mulanje and Thyolo recorded 78.1 millimeters while temperature was 33.1℃.</p>
<p>“In recent years, maximum temperatures exceeding 35℃ have been experienced on a number of days during the hot and dry months,” said Katungwe.</p>
<p>Meanwhile Katungwe says TRFCA recommends tea growers to plant the recently released eleven drought tolerant cultivars such as PC 401, PC 402, PC 302, PC 303, PC 168 and PC 185.</p></div>VSLs Can Fuel Poverty If Poorly Managed - Expert2022-01-19T15:44:03+00:002022-01-19T15:44:03+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4164-vsls-can-fuel-poverty-if-poorly-managed-expertHastings Jimaninyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>An expert in Village Savings and Loans (VSLs) says if poorly managed, VSLs have potential of fueling poverty among their members especially those in credit base.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">But the expert, Boyce Mafeni, who is also a VSL trainer, says VSLs can turnaround the country’s economy and individual household economies as some are able to buy farm inputs, livestock and pay school fees for their children.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Some people join many VSL groups and end up accumulating huge debts which they struggle to remit as time to share the profits draws closer,” said Mafeni.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mafeni has since asked members to understand the concept of VSL before joining any group.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Almost every year end, both mainstream and social media are awash with stories of some individuals losing their property, others committing suicide after failing to remit their debts to VSLs.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>An expert in Village Savings and Loans (VSLs) says if poorly managed, VSLs have potential of fueling poverty among their members especially those in credit base.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">But the expert, Boyce Mafeni, who is also a VSL trainer, says VSLs can turnaround the country’s economy and individual household economies as some are able to buy farm inputs, livestock and pay school fees for their children.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Some people join many VSL groups and end up accumulating huge debts which they struggle to remit as time to share the profits draws closer,” said Mafeni.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mafeni has since asked members to understand the concept of VSL before joining any group.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Almost every year end, both mainstream and social media are awash with stories of some individuals losing their property, others committing suicide after failing to remit their debts to VSLs.</p></div>Refrain From Blame Game in Corruption Fight - FND2022-01-17T12:56:39+00:002022-01-17T12:56:39+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4163-refrain-from-blame-game-in-corruption-fight-fndElijah Phomphonyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Forum for National Development (FND) has urged people in the country to desist from regarding one particular section of the society as being orchestrators of corruption, saying the corruption fight requires unison approach to be won.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">His remarks come amid recent involvement of some Malawians of Asian origin in some corruption scandals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, speaking during an interview with Zodiak, Chairperson for the Human Rights grouping, Bright Kampaundi said the recent involvement of some Malawians of Asian origins in some corruption scandals, should not be viewed as if it is only one section which is orchestrating corruption in the country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kampaundi urged people in the country to treat the recent cases of corruption scandals by some members of the Asian community as isolated examples and never allow it to overcrowd the corruption fight.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Let us as a nation continue to fight corruption as one front. If we begin to blame one section of the society as being orchestrators of the vice, we will definitely lose the fight,” said Kampaundi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, social commentator, Wonderful Mkhutche, says it is high time government and all other stakeholders found a long-lasting solution to end racial prejudice which he said has been haunting the society for ages.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some Malawians of Asian origins have been embroiled in high-profile corruption cases recently, the matters which are since in the country's courts.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Forum for National Development (FND) has urged people in the country to desist from regarding one particular section of the society as being orchestrators of corruption, saying the corruption fight requires unison approach to be won.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">His remarks come amid recent involvement of some Malawians of Asian origin in some corruption scandals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, speaking during an interview with Zodiak, Chairperson for the Human Rights grouping, Bright Kampaundi said the recent involvement of some Malawians of Asian origins in some corruption scandals, should not be viewed as if it is only one section which is orchestrating corruption in the country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kampaundi urged people in the country to treat the recent cases of corruption scandals by some members of the Asian community as isolated examples and never allow it to overcrowd the corruption fight.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Let us as a nation continue to fight corruption as one front. If we begin to blame one section of the society as being orchestrators of the vice, we will definitely lose the fight,” said Kampaundi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, social commentator, Wonderful Mkhutche, says it is high time government and all other stakeholders found a long-lasting solution to end racial prejudice which he said has been haunting the society for ages.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some Malawians of Asian origins have been embroiled in high-profile corruption cases recently, the matters which are since in the country's courts.</p></div>Malawi Loses About 19 billion Cubic Meters of Rainwater Annually2022-01-17T11:32:10+00:002022-01-17T11:32:10+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4162-malawi-loses-about-19-billion-cubic-meters-of-rainwater-annuallyElijah Phomphonyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/140f23040038d34f840b3bb9672ae194_XL.jpg" alt="Malawi loses about 19 billion cubic meters of rainwater annually" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Rain Water Harvesting Association of Malawi has disclosed that the country loses bout 19 billion cubic meters of rain water every year as surface water run offs due to failure to invest in rain water harvesting techniques.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Chairperson for the Association, MacPherson Nthala, has disclosed this to Zodiak during an interview, describing the situation as worrisome, saying the wasted water is enough to meet the country's both domestic, agricultural as well as industrial demand during dry seasons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said apart from large dams, the rainwater can also be harvested through adoption of some agronomic practices such construction of some infiltration ponds and restoration of vegetation cover in their fields.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He has since called on people in the country to utilize this year's rain season to harvest as much rainwater as possible which he said can go a long way in averting some dry spells as well as over dependency on rain fed agriculture.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"You see, this year we have had delayed onset of rains. We are also likely to experience dry spells within this rain season. This would not have been a challenge if we are able to stock enough rain water during the previous season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Our crops should have been able to withstand these dry spells as our ground water systems should have been adequately restocked,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On her part Director of Water Services in the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, Modesta Kanjaye, conceded that the country has not done much in rain water harvesting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She has however disclosed that government intends to construct about 40 majors rain water harvesting dams across the country in the next two to three years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malawi's economy is largely agro- based with the sector employing about 80 percent of the country's total population.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, effects of climate change have brought about so many uncertainties in the sector making experts to argue that its high time that the country stops depending largely on rain fed agriculture.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/140f23040038d34f840b3bb9672ae194_XL.jpg" alt="Malawi loses about 19 billion cubic meters of rainwater annually" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Rain Water Harvesting Association of Malawi has disclosed that the country loses bout 19 billion cubic meters of rain water every year as surface water run offs due to failure to invest in rain water harvesting techniques.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Chairperson for the Association, MacPherson Nthala, has disclosed this to Zodiak during an interview, describing the situation as worrisome, saying the wasted water is enough to meet the country's both domestic, agricultural as well as industrial demand during dry seasons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said apart from large dams, the rainwater can also be harvested through adoption of some agronomic practices such construction of some infiltration ponds and restoration of vegetation cover in their fields.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He has since called on people in the country to utilize this year's rain season to harvest as much rainwater as possible which he said can go a long way in averting some dry spells as well as over dependency on rain fed agriculture.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"You see, this year we have had delayed onset of rains. We are also likely to experience dry spells within this rain season. This would not have been a challenge if we are able to stock enough rain water during the previous season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Our crops should have been able to withstand these dry spells as our ground water systems should have been adequately restocked,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On her part Director of Water Services in the Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources, Modesta Kanjaye, conceded that the country has not done much in rain water harvesting.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She has however disclosed that government intends to construct about 40 majors rain water harvesting dams across the country in the next two to three years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malawi's economy is largely agro- based with the sector employing about 80 percent of the country's total population.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, effects of climate change have brought about so many uncertainties in the sector making experts to argue that its high time that the country stops depending largely on rain fed agriculture.</p></div>BCC Proposes MK20 Billion Informal Settlements2022-01-16T11:52:24+00:002022-01-16T11:52:24+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4161-bcc-proposes-mk20-billion-informal-settlementsChristopher Sandenyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b038186ec492989d9c0c508951d41fd3_XL.jpg" alt="Chipepa (right) gets the donation" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Blantyre City Council (BCC) says it has made a proposal of MK20 billion to government and development partners to root out informal settlements in the city amid reports that such construction works along rivers are exposing people to floods.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">BCC Assistant Director of Environment William Chimzinga told Zodiak on Saturday that they are optimistic the request which the council has submitted to World Bank, Indian Government, Scotland and Japan international Cooperation Agency, once approved will assist them to relocate people living in prone areas and conserve Nasolo, Limbe and Mudi river.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“As Blantyre City Council, we are worried with frequent occurrences of floods that are largely being fueled by poor waste disposal and informal settlements. We hope that the proposal that we have submitted to various partners will assist to improve the current situation,” said Chimzinga.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He then added that the council will continue to conduct waste management awareness and education and implement clean up days in the city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The BCC’s proposal comes when Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) is currently engaging residents to move upland after floods damaged several houses and washed away property in Ndirande township a few weeks ago after Nasolo river broke its banks.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A few days ago, an official from MRCS Joseph Mwase told Zodiak after donating assorted items to 111 households that were affected by floods in Ndirande township that people need to adhere to calls for them to move away from flood prone areas in order to save lives and property.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One woman, from Makata in Ndirande township Kandechere Chipepa says it is difficult for her to move away from her current home because it requires a lot of money to settle at a new place.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I cannot manage to get a new home upland. While commending Malawi red Cross for supporting, we ask government and non-governmental organizations to provide us with starter parks to start small scale,” she said.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b038186ec492989d9c0c508951d41fd3_XL.jpg" alt="Chipepa (right) gets the donation" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Blantyre City Council (BCC) says it has made a proposal of MK20 billion to government and development partners to root out informal settlements in the city amid reports that such construction works along rivers are exposing people to floods.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">BCC Assistant Director of Environment William Chimzinga told Zodiak on Saturday that they are optimistic the request which the council has submitted to World Bank, Indian Government, Scotland and Japan international Cooperation Agency, once approved will assist them to relocate people living in prone areas and conserve Nasolo, Limbe and Mudi river.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“As Blantyre City Council, we are worried with frequent occurrences of floods that are largely being fueled by poor waste disposal and informal settlements. We hope that the proposal that we have submitted to various partners will assist to improve the current situation,” said Chimzinga.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He then added that the council will continue to conduct waste management awareness and education and implement clean up days in the city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The BCC’s proposal comes when Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) is currently engaging residents to move upland after floods damaged several houses and washed away property in Ndirande township a few weeks ago after Nasolo river broke its banks.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A few days ago, an official from MRCS Joseph Mwase told Zodiak after donating assorted items to 111 households that were affected by floods in Ndirande township that people need to adhere to calls for them to move away from flood prone areas in order to save lives and property.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One woman, from Makata in Ndirande township Kandechere Chipepa says it is difficult for her to move away from her current home because it requires a lot of money to settle at a new place.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I cannot manage to get a new home upland. While commending Malawi red Cross for supporting, we ask government and non-governmental organizations to provide us with starter parks to start small scale,” she said.</p></div>4 Drowned Boys Laid To Rest2022-01-14T06:10:06+00:002022-01-14T06:10:06+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/65-news-in-central-region/4155-4-drowned-boys-laid-to-restBlessings Kang'ombenyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b733bb99c3fbcf2996843c5cb1dcaff2_XL.jpg" alt="4 Drowned Boys Laid To Rest" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>The bodies of four boys that drowned in Linengwe River Tuesday in Ntcheu have been laid to rest at Mlambwadza 1 cemetery, Sub Traditional Authority - ST/A Mkutumula in the district.</strong></p>
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<p>In his eulogy, a representative of the deceased family members, Jay Kamvazakazi described the death of the boys as a tragic experience that will take longer for both family members and communities to forget.</p>
<p>"Loosing the four at once is a painful experience that will take long to heal amongst family members," said Kamvazakazi adding that the departure of the children must act as a deterrent to parents and guardians to jealously guard children during this rainy season.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Chikande Education Zone, Primary Education Advisor, Patrick Chiwaya says the education sector in the district has lost citizens that could have contributed to the development of their respective areas and nation in the future.</p>
<p>"The education sector has been dealt a blow, these children could have contributed a lot to their areas and nation at large," said Chiwaya.</p>
<p>Both Group Village headman Kadzani and Bwanje South, legislator Mwisho Alexander Chilikumtima called on parents to take full responsibility for their wards arguing such deaths are avoidable.</p>
<p>Aged between 7 to 11, the young boys have been identified as George Zakeyu, Thomas Sozoliyo, Mark Sozoliyo, and Mack Evans respectively.</p>
<p>They were standard two learners at Mapondera Primary School in the district.</p>
<p>District Police Spokesperson, Rabecca Kwisongole says the four died due to suffocation secondly to drowning.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b733bb99c3fbcf2996843c5cb1dcaff2_XL.jpg" alt="4 Drowned Boys Laid To Rest" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>The bodies of four boys that drowned in Linengwe River Tuesday in Ntcheu have been laid to rest at Mlambwadza 1 cemetery, Sub Traditional Authority - ST/A Mkutumula in the district.</strong></p>
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<p>In his eulogy, a representative of the deceased family members, Jay Kamvazakazi described the death of the boys as a tragic experience that will take longer for both family members and communities to forget.</p>
<p>"Loosing the four at once is a painful experience that will take long to heal amongst family members," said Kamvazakazi adding that the departure of the children must act as a deterrent to parents and guardians to jealously guard children during this rainy season.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Chikande Education Zone, Primary Education Advisor, Patrick Chiwaya says the education sector in the district has lost citizens that could have contributed to the development of their respective areas and nation in the future.</p>
<p>"The education sector has been dealt a blow, these children could have contributed a lot to their areas and nation at large," said Chiwaya.</p>
<p>Both Group Village headman Kadzani and Bwanje South, legislator Mwisho Alexander Chilikumtima called on parents to take full responsibility for their wards arguing such deaths are avoidable.</p>
<p>Aged between 7 to 11, the young boys have been identified as George Zakeyu, Thomas Sozoliyo, Mark Sozoliyo, and Mack Evans respectively.</p>
<p>They were standard two learners at Mapondera Primary School in the district.</p>
<p>District Police Spokesperson, Rabecca Kwisongole says the four died due to suffocation secondly to drowning.</p></div>Bermuda Oversees Mission feeds 500 families in Mulanje2022-01-13T08:58:50+00:002022-01-13T08:58:50+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4154-bermuda-oversees-mission-feeds-500-families-in-mulanjeHastings Jimaninyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/5ee4c505b6eebc63c100d449f7b255f4_XL.jpg" alt="Bokosi said there is need to join hands in feeding the hunger" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>At least 500 households in Mulanje have received maize rations of 20 kilograms each courtesy of a charitable organization, Bermuda Oversees Mission.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The households are from Muhiyo, Chisutu, Kane, Magaleta and Mwenekasi villages and each village had 100 beneficiaries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Bermuda Oversees Mission Country Representative Billy Bokosi told Zodiak Online that the organization was compelled to come up with the food relief initiative after realizing that a lot of households in the district have been hit by hunger.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said with the current crop situation, there are fears of a prolonged hunger situation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Already people have been hit by hunger following last farming season’s poor harvests and looking at the crop in most fields, chances of harvesting enough food this year are very minimal,” said Bokosi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said there is need to join hands in feeding the hunger.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the food recipients Ethel Bobo a single mother of three children from Muhiyo village said the little food she harvested last year ended three months ago and currently she has nothing to feed her children.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Right now, it is just hand to mouth and I depend on piece works to get money and buy food for my children,” said Bobo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On her part Village head Muhiyo said her village is prone to natural disasters such as dry spell and floods and this affect crop production.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I am very thankful to this organization for assisting my subjects with food and I call upon other well-wishers to emulate the gesture,” said VH Muhiyo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The core activities of Bermuda Oversees Mission according to Bokosi is supporting needy students with scholarships at secondary and tertiary levels, building houses for vulnerable households and water, sanitation and hygiene.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is funded by David Thomson, people of Bermuda and Christ Church.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/5ee4c505b6eebc63c100d449f7b255f4_XL.jpg" alt="Bokosi said there is need to join hands in feeding the hunger" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>At least 500 households in Mulanje have received maize rations of 20 kilograms each courtesy of a charitable organization, Bermuda Oversees Mission.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The households are from Muhiyo, Chisutu, Kane, Magaleta and Mwenekasi villages and each village had 100 beneficiaries.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Bermuda Oversees Mission Country Representative Billy Bokosi told Zodiak Online that the organization was compelled to come up with the food relief initiative after realizing that a lot of households in the district have been hit by hunger.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said with the current crop situation, there are fears of a prolonged hunger situation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Already people have been hit by hunger following last farming season’s poor harvests and looking at the crop in most fields, chances of harvesting enough food this year are very minimal,” said Bokosi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said there is need to join hands in feeding the hunger.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the food recipients Ethel Bobo a single mother of three children from Muhiyo village said the little food she harvested last year ended three months ago and currently she has nothing to feed her children.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Right now, it is just hand to mouth and I depend on piece works to get money and buy food for my children,” said Bobo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On her part Village head Muhiyo said her village is prone to natural disasters such as dry spell and floods and this affect crop production.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I am very thankful to this organization for assisting my subjects with food and I call upon other well-wishers to emulate the gesture,” said VH Muhiyo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The core activities of Bermuda Oversees Mission according to Bokosi is supporting needy students with scholarships at secondary and tertiary levels, building houses for vulnerable households and water, sanitation and hygiene.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is funded by David Thomson, people of Bermuda and Christ Church.</p></div>Blue Gum Pests Population Decreasing - FRIM2022-01-12T08:58:35+00:002022-01-12T08:58:35+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4153-blue-gum-pests-population-decreasing-frimRonnex Chiwandanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b4594c497ca6870fb60b146391a6f838_XL.jpg" alt="For the past ten years, the country saw introduction of three types of blue gum pests" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) says routine surveys have indicated a subsidized population level of two pests out of three that hit the country’s blue gum trees for the past ten years.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Plant Protection Officer for FRIM, Dave Moyo, has told Zodiak Online on Monday that the subsidized levels of the two pests is due to introduction of biological controls which were imported from South Africa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Moyo says the population of red gum lerp psyllid is not decreasing because its population is far much higher than the population levels of biological controls which were introduced.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"We are calling upon Blue gum farmers to be on alert and report to forestry offices once they have noticed an increase in pests’ population in their areas," said Moyo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that officers are on the ground monitoring the situation to ensure that the pests are contained.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the Blue gum farmers in Phalombe, Moses Kathumba, has concurred with Moyo on the subsidized population of some pests that attacked trees in the district.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kathumba says infestation of pests in his woodlot for the past five years brought fears of extinction.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Among others, brown leaves and drying of trees were some of the common signs of trees attacked by pests.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the past ten years, the country saw introduction of three types of blue gum pests, namely Bronze bug, Gall wasp and Red gum lerp psyllid.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b4594c497ca6870fb60b146391a6f838_XL.jpg" alt="For the past ten years, the country saw introduction of three types of blue gum pests" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) says routine surveys have indicated a subsidized population level of two pests out of three that hit the country’s blue gum trees for the past ten years.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Plant Protection Officer for FRIM, Dave Moyo, has told Zodiak Online on Monday that the subsidized levels of the two pests is due to introduction of biological controls which were imported from South Africa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Moyo says the population of red gum lerp psyllid is not decreasing because its population is far much higher than the population levels of biological controls which were introduced.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"We are calling upon Blue gum farmers to be on alert and report to forestry offices once they have noticed an increase in pests’ population in their areas," said Moyo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that officers are on the ground monitoring the situation to ensure that the pests are contained.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the Blue gum farmers in Phalombe, Moses Kathumba, has concurred with Moyo on the subsidized population of some pests that attacked trees in the district.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kathumba says infestation of pests in his woodlot for the past five years brought fears of extinction.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Among others, brown leaves and drying of trees were some of the common signs of trees attacked by pests.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the past ten years, the country saw introduction of three types of blue gum pests, namely Bronze bug, Gall wasp and Red gum lerp psyllid.</p></div>MUB Decries Delays to Amend Copyright Law2022-01-12T07:50:26+00:002022-01-12T07:50:26+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/4152-mub-decries-delays-to-amend-copyright-lawElijah Phomphonyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/472bc744c50d55efb981580cb709427a_XL.jpg" alt="Matenje added that the law in its current form hinders the organization to transcribe and import braille materials on its own" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) has decried delays by government to amend the country's Copyright law, a development, the organization says is hampering efforts to ensure equitable quality education among its members.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking during an interview with Zodiak, the organization’s programs Manager, Latimi Matenje, said despite his organization presenting the drafted bill to government in 2019, government is still dilly-dallying on the matter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Matenje added that the law in its current form hinders the organization to transcribe and import braille materials on its own without prior consent from government.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He says this is contributing to unavailability of teaching and learning materials for people with visual impairments in the country in form of braille.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"As a country, we are really lagging behind in ensuring equitable quality education among people with visual impairments. Our neighboring countries have gone further in ensuring that braille materials are even accessible online in form of refreshable braille,” he said.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/472bc744c50d55efb981580cb709427a_XL.jpg" alt="Matenje added that the law in its current form hinders the organization to transcribe and import braille materials on its own" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) has decried delays by government to amend the country's Copyright law, a development, the organization says is hampering efforts to ensure equitable quality education among its members.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking during an interview with Zodiak, the organization’s programs Manager, Latimi Matenje, said despite his organization presenting the drafted bill to government in 2019, government is still dilly-dallying on the matter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Matenje added that the law in its current form hinders the organization to transcribe and import braille materials on its own without prior consent from government.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He says this is contributing to unavailability of teaching and learning materials for people with visual impairments in the country in form of braille.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"As a country, we are really lagging behind in ensuring equitable quality education among people with visual impairments. Our neighboring countries have gone further in ensuring that braille materials are even accessible online in form of refreshable braille,” he said.</p></div>