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-22024-03-29T09:54:12+00:00Joomla! - Open Source Content ManagementRights Body Ask President Chakwera to Pardon a Prisoner2021-10-03T02:53:07+00:002021-10-03T02:53:07+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/64-news-in-northern-region/3953-rights-body-ask-president-chakwera-to-pardon-a-prisonerSteve Zimbanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Center for Human Rights Education, Advice, and Assistance has written President Lazarus Chakwera asking him to pardon a 19-old inmate at the Mzuzu Prison so that he continues with his education at the Mzuzu University after being selected to pursue his studies there.</strong></p>
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<p>Executive Director for the rights body, Victor Mhango has told Zodiak Online that the President has powers to pardon prisoners who have shown good character in prison hence we are asking him to pardon, Patrick Mwafulirwa who was arrested for defilement charges in 2018.</p>
<p>`` We are not saying Patrick did not commit the offense. But we want him not to lose the opportunity to continue his studies,’’ says Mhango.</p>
<p>Court sentenced Patrick to 9- years imprisonment with hard labor at the Mzuzu Prison where he immediately enrolled for secondary school studies. He has remained with 19 months before he finishes his sentence.</p>
<p>Four years into his sentence, Patrick sat for 2020, Malawi School Certificate of Education, and passed 17 points. He was later selected to pursue a Bachelor of Social Science in Nursing and Midwifery studies.</p>
<p>Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Kasunda has told us that the president’s office has received the letter which had now been referred to the Ministry of Justice for action.</p>
<p>Said Kasunda: ``The process of pardoning prisoners is done by the Ministry of Justice and this letter in question had been referred to the responsible office.</p>
<p>Reports show that Patrick Mwafulirwa is also taking part in teaching his fellow inmates at the Mzuzu Prison Secondary school.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Center for Human Rights Education, Advice, and Assistance has written President Lazarus Chakwera asking him to pardon a 19-old inmate at the Mzuzu Prison so that he continues with his education at the Mzuzu University after being selected to pursue his studies there.</strong></p>
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<p>Executive Director for the rights body, Victor Mhango has told Zodiak Online that the President has powers to pardon prisoners who have shown good character in prison hence we are asking him to pardon, Patrick Mwafulirwa who was arrested for defilement charges in 2018.</p>
<p>`` We are not saying Patrick did not commit the offense. But we want him not to lose the opportunity to continue his studies,’’ says Mhango.</p>
<p>Court sentenced Patrick to 9- years imprisonment with hard labor at the Mzuzu Prison where he immediately enrolled for secondary school studies. He has remained with 19 months before he finishes his sentence.</p>
<p>Four years into his sentence, Patrick sat for 2020, Malawi School Certificate of Education, and passed 17 points. He was later selected to pursue a Bachelor of Social Science in Nursing and Midwifery studies.</p>
<p>Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Kasunda has told us that the president’s office has received the letter which had now been referred to the Ministry of Justice for action.</p>
<p>Said Kasunda: ``The process of pardoning prisoners is done by the Ministry of Justice and this letter in question had been referred to the responsible office.</p>
<p>Reports show that Patrick Mwafulirwa is also taking part in teaching his fellow inmates at the Mzuzu Prison Secondary school.</p></div>Nkhatabay Sheikh arrested for Allegedly Trafficking 50 Children2021-10-02T08:44:45+00:002021-10-02T08:44:45+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/64-news-in-northern-region/3952-nkhatabay-sheikh-arrested-for-allegedly-trafficking-50-childrenSteve Zimbanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Police in Nkhatabay have arrested self-acclaimed Sheikh on suspicion that he trafficked 50 children, from Salima to Mpamba in the district.</strong></p>
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<p>Police Spokesperson for the district, Kondwani James has confirmed the incident saying Sheikh Osman Diki deceived the parents of the children that he would enrol their wards in a school of Madrasah.</p>
<p>``We launched investigations after we had received information that some children were being accommodated in appalling conditions at Mpamba mosque. And we followed up the matter that led to the arrest of Sheikh Osman. And now we are hunting for his accomplice only known as Nyakawa who is at large.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, all the children aged between 10 to18 have been repatriated to Salima where they were trafficked from.</p>
<p>Muslim Association of Malawi Publicity Secretary, Sheikh Dinala Chabulika has disowned Sheikh Osman.</p>
<p>Said Sheikh Chabulika: ``We don’t know Sheikh Osman. He is not even on the list of Sheikhs in the country.</p>
<p>Cases of human trafficking are becoming rampant in Malawi. Perpetrators of these cases and victims are being detained in the country's entry points. </p>
<p>Statistics from Mchinji Police Station, for example, shows that 27 perpetrators of human trafficking have been arrested between August and September this year, and 77 victims have been rescued in the same period.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Police in Nkhatabay have arrested self-acclaimed Sheikh on suspicion that he trafficked 50 children, from Salima to Mpamba in the district.</strong></p>
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<p>Police Spokesperson for the district, Kondwani James has confirmed the incident saying Sheikh Osman Diki deceived the parents of the children that he would enrol their wards in a school of Madrasah.</p>
<p>``We launched investigations after we had received information that some children were being accommodated in appalling conditions at Mpamba mosque. And we followed up the matter that led to the arrest of Sheikh Osman. And now we are hunting for his accomplice only known as Nyakawa who is at large.”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, all the children aged between 10 to18 have been repatriated to Salima where they were trafficked from.</p>
<p>Muslim Association of Malawi Publicity Secretary, Sheikh Dinala Chabulika has disowned Sheikh Osman.</p>
<p>Said Sheikh Chabulika: ``We don’t know Sheikh Osman. He is not even on the list of Sheikhs in the country.</p>
<p>Cases of human trafficking are becoming rampant in Malawi. Perpetrators of these cases and victims are being detained in the country's entry points. </p>
<p>Statistics from Mchinji Police Station, for example, shows that 27 perpetrators of human trafficking have been arrested between August and September this year, and 77 victims have been rescued in the same period.</p></div>NBM Donates K3 Million Towards IMM Conference2021-10-01T14:15:50+00:002021-10-01T14:15:50+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/business-news/22-business/3951-nbm-donates-k3-million-towards-imm-conferenceAndrew Maneyanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>National Bank of Malawi, (NBM) has donated 3 million kwacha to Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) to support IMM’s annual Lake conference to be held at Sunbird Waterfront in Salima in October.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking to journalists at National Bank in Blantyre, on Thursday during the presentation of the donation, NBM Development Bank, a subsidiary of the bank, General Manager, Lucius Mandala, said that marketing is the hotspot for national development and that Malawi needs skilled marketers to influence social and economic policies which will benefit the nation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We believe marketers are pivotal point when it comes to driving the economy because they are there to educate and inform consumers about the products and services and in the process, our economy is going to grow,” Mandala explained.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">IMM Director of Communication, Eric Mataka says the conference is aimed at bringing together local and international marketing experts to share various skills and knowledge in marketing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The theme for the conference is get set to reset, pivoting business for success. What we are looking at for us as marketers is to re-strategize on how best we can drive the profitability and success for our business,” Mataka explained.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mataka further explained that the theme will set tone for marketers to set back in preparation to the post Covid-19 era and he has also called upon more players to join the National Bank and other stakeholders in supporting the event which will provide an arena for different players to interact on how to recover businesses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The annual lake conference which is set for three days from 28th to 31st October this year will host 200 delegates and among other activities there will be presentation of marketing excellence awards to outstanding marketing achievers.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>National Bank of Malawi, (NBM) has donated 3 million kwacha to Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) to support IMM’s annual Lake conference to be held at Sunbird Waterfront in Salima in October.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking to journalists at National Bank in Blantyre, on Thursday during the presentation of the donation, NBM Development Bank, a subsidiary of the bank, General Manager, Lucius Mandala, said that marketing is the hotspot for national development and that Malawi needs skilled marketers to influence social and economic policies which will benefit the nation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We believe marketers are pivotal point when it comes to driving the economy because they are there to educate and inform consumers about the products and services and in the process, our economy is going to grow,” Mandala explained.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">IMM Director of Communication, Eric Mataka says the conference is aimed at bringing together local and international marketing experts to share various skills and knowledge in marketing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“The theme for the conference is get set to reset, pivoting business for success. What we are looking at for us as marketers is to re-strategize on how best we can drive the profitability and success for our business,” Mataka explained.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mataka further explained that the theme will set tone for marketers to set back in preparation to the post Covid-19 era and he has also called upon more players to join the National Bank and other stakeholders in supporting the event which will provide an arena for different players to interact on how to recover businesses.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The annual lake conference which is set for three days from 28th to 31st October this year will host 200 delegates and among other activities there will be presentation of marketing excellence awards to outstanding marketing achievers.</p></div>MHC Workers Down Tools Over Salary Increment2021-10-01T14:06:39+00:002021-10-01T14:06:39+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3950-mhc-workers-down-tools-over-salary-incrementAlfred Gutanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) workers have embarked on a nationwide strike to force the board to address their pension and salary structure issues.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">MHC Concession Workers’ Union General Secretary, Rachel Pilirani Nakomalimbe, has revealed to Zodiak that they had written a letter to management and board to address the raised issues by Thursday 30 September.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nakomalimbe said they got a response from the board which rebuffed their requests forcing them to down tools until their grievances were addressed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“It is true, I am not at the office but I have heard people at the office have closed the gate.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have had long standing issues and they include the meritorious awards for the year 2020-2021, we have salary structural issues, salary increment issues which the government has approved but have not been implemented.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“On top of that we have pension issues which include pension contributions, pension cover, pension migration from previous pension administrator to the current administrator.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We wrote management including the board so we served them a letter giving them up to 30 September at least to sort out some issues but they responded on the 30th saying they cannot sort these issues right now,” explained Nakomalimbe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She highlighted that the existing issues are too much and the response from the board is the reason why the workers have embarked on the strike.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“People are protesting now in response to what the board said yesterday. So, people are very angry because they are accusing the board of spending too much on themselves but failing to address their issues. This is what I can say right now,” she added. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Public Relations Officer for MHC Ernestina Lunguzi has said the board is holding discussions and will address the workers by the end of day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Right now, the issue is still under discussion at board level, and the workers are waiting for the outcome. In case of management there is also a discussion concerning the issues the workers have raised. The staff should be addressed by the end of the day,” explained Lunguzi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The MHC workers strike has come at the same time that truck drivers across the country were striking over non-implementation of salary hikes which has spanned over the week.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Malawi Housing Corporation (MHC) workers have embarked on a nationwide strike to force the board to address their pension and salary structure issues.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">MHC Concession Workers’ Union General Secretary, Rachel Pilirani Nakomalimbe, has revealed to Zodiak that they had written a letter to management and board to address the raised issues by Thursday 30 September.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nakomalimbe said they got a response from the board which rebuffed their requests forcing them to down tools until their grievances were addressed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“It is true, I am not at the office but I have heard people at the office have closed the gate.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have had long standing issues and they include the meritorious awards for the year 2020-2021, we have salary structural issues, salary increment issues which the government has approved but have not been implemented.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“On top of that we have pension issues which include pension contributions, pension cover, pension migration from previous pension administrator to the current administrator.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We wrote management including the board so we served them a letter giving them up to 30 September at least to sort out some issues but they responded on the 30th saying they cannot sort these issues right now,” explained Nakomalimbe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She highlighted that the existing issues are too much and the response from the board is the reason why the workers have embarked on the strike.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“People are protesting now in response to what the board said yesterday. So, people are very angry because they are accusing the board of spending too much on themselves but failing to address their issues. This is what I can say right now,” she added. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Public Relations Officer for MHC Ernestina Lunguzi has said the board is holding discussions and will address the workers by the end of day.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Right now, the issue is still under discussion at board level, and the workers are waiting for the outcome. In case of management there is also a discussion concerning the issues the workers have raised. The staff should be addressed by the end of the day,” explained Lunguzi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The MHC workers strike has come at the same time that truck drivers across the country were striking over non-implementation of salary hikes which has spanned over the week.</p></div>SVTP Construction to Miss Deadline2021-10-01T13:52:34+00:002021-10-01T13:52:34+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3949-svtp-construction-to-miss-deadlineAlfred Gutanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/a3d3006b022af92f9255b8a42d389e65_XL.jpg" alt="Nkusankhoma visited the project to appreciate progress" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Construction works of the intake and first 6 kilometers of the main canal under the multibillion-kwacha Shire Valley Transformation project, will miss the October 30, 2022 completion deadline, an expert says the works will be completed three or six months later.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Phase one of the project covers 52kms from the Intake at Kapichira Dam to Lengwe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Chief Inspector, working with a consultant supervising the works, Chitsanzo Kamowatimwa, says the works are at 50.2 percent.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"The works have delayed, Covid 19 affected operations as the site was closed twice and there were also delays in importing some essential materials from abroad due to some restrictions within countries," explained Kamowatimwa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He spoke Thursday when deputy Minister of Agriculture, Agnes Nkusankhoma visited the project to appreciate progress.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added, "works of such nature, when a consultant comes on site, they need to review the design according to the situation that is on the ground. The design is done considering certain specifications and then if those conditions are not met, you need to review and if necessary, redesign, so there have been some delays also that have come from the review of the designs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"So, all these are contributing to some delays that are there and that also might mean extension will be required."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Agnes Nkusankhoma, says she is impressed with the progress so far.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"I am very impressed because last time I came these structures we have seen today were not there. We have seen a lot of work which has been done here so I am really impressed and let's hope anytime soon we will start using some of the canals we have seen.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She said the project is "critical in boosting commercial agriculture in the Shire Valley where farmers usually face dry spells which affect their productivity."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile construction of the 46kms of the canal will commence in October 2021.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, the first phase is expected be completed by December 2023.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Intake plus first 6kms of the main canal is being constructed by Conduril Engenharia while Sinohydro will construct main canals 1 and 2 for a distance of 46kms.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The first phase of the Shire Valley Transformation Programme is being funded by the World Bank, Africa Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility, OFID and the Malawi Government to the tune of $223 million.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The programme once completed, will supply over 43,000 hectares of land according to the Engineer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He further disclosed that the program targets to benefit 223,000 people, in over 48,000 households, with 95,000 people targeted to benefit in the first phase.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/a3d3006b022af92f9255b8a42d389e65_XL.jpg" alt="Nkusankhoma visited the project to appreciate progress" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Construction works of the intake and first 6 kilometers of the main canal under the multibillion-kwacha Shire Valley Transformation project, will miss the October 30, 2022 completion deadline, an expert says the works will be completed three or six months later.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Phase one of the project covers 52kms from the Intake at Kapichira Dam to Lengwe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Chief Inspector, working with a consultant supervising the works, Chitsanzo Kamowatimwa, says the works are at 50.2 percent.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"The works have delayed, Covid 19 affected operations as the site was closed twice and there were also delays in importing some essential materials from abroad due to some restrictions within countries," explained Kamowatimwa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He spoke Thursday when deputy Minister of Agriculture, Agnes Nkusankhoma visited the project to appreciate progress.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added, "works of such nature, when a consultant comes on site, they need to review the design according to the situation that is on the ground. The design is done considering certain specifications and then if those conditions are not met, you need to review and if necessary, redesign, so there have been some delays also that have come from the review of the designs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"So, all these are contributing to some delays that are there and that also might mean extension will be required."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Agnes Nkusankhoma, says she is impressed with the progress so far.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"I am very impressed because last time I came these structures we have seen today were not there. We have seen a lot of work which has been done here so I am really impressed and let's hope anytime soon we will start using some of the canals we have seen.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She said the project is "critical in boosting commercial agriculture in the Shire Valley where farmers usually face dry spells which affect their productivity."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile construction of the 46kms of the canal will commence in October 2021.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, the first phase is expected be completed by December 2023.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Intake plus first 6kms of the main canal is being constructed by Conduril Engenharia while Sinohydro will construct main canals 1 and 2 for a distance of 46kms.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The first phase of the Shire Valley Transformation Programme is being funded by the World Bank, Africa Development Bank, the Global Environment Facility, OFID and the Malawi Government to the tune of $223 million.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The programme once completed, will supply over 43,000 hectares of land according to the Engineer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He further disclosed that the program targets to benefit 223,000 people, in over 48,000 households, with 95,000 people targeted to benefit in the first phase.</p></div>Bogus Teacher Arrested in Mulanje2021-10-01T13:46:17+00:002021-10-01T13:46:17+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3948-bogus-teacher-arrested-in-mulanjeHastings Jimaninyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/365e1c894653db3df15422863ba1cc45_XL.jpg" alt="Alfred Khembo, 31 hails from Namulu village in Traditional Authority Kadewere in Chiradzulu district" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A fake primary school student teacher has been arrested in Mulanje.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the teachers at Thawale 1 Primary School Vincent Tchera told us on 5th September this year, he received a visitor who described himself as Alfred Khembo, a student teacher from Blantyre Teachers’ College.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tchera said Khembo did not produce any document to substantiate his posting but he said the college already communicated everything to the school’s headteacher Mr. Friday Enock.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I called the head teacher and Primary Education Advisor for Namphungo Education Zone Mr. Dickens Hapala and both advised me to accept the teacher and he was given everything needed for a student teacher,” said Tchera.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Khembo was teaching Chichewa, mathematics and agriculture in standard seven and according to Tchera, he was a dedicated teacher.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, Tchera said Khembo had no scheme and was teaching without lesson plan which surprised fellow teachers and this was reported to the PEA who promised to take up the concern to the District Education Office.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Further investigations revealed that Blantyre Teachers’ College did not send any student teacher to our school and that was how we established that Khembo was a bogus teacher,” said Tchera.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson Gresham Ngwira who has confirmed the arrest of Khembo says the teacher is yet to be charged.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Alfred Khembo, 31 hails from Namulu village in Traditional Authority Kadewere in Chiradzulu district.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/365e1c894653db3df15422863ba1cc45_XL.jpg" alt="Alfred Khembo, 31 hails from Namulu village in Traditional Authority Kadewere in Chiradzulu district" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A fake primary school student teacher has been arrested in Mulanje.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the teachers at Thawale 1 Primary School Vincent Tchera told us on 5th September this year, he received a visitor who described himself as Alfred Khembo, a student teacher from Blantyre Teachers’ College.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tchera said Khembo did not produce any document to substantiate his posting but he said the college already communicated everything to the school’s headteacher Mr. Friday Enock.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I called the head teacher and Primary Education Advisor for Namphungo Education Zone Mr. Dickens Hapala and both advised me to accept the teacher and he was given everything needed for a student teacher,” said Tchera.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Khembo was teaching Chichewa, mathematics and agriculture in standard seven and according to Tchera, he was a dedicated teacher.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, Tchera said Khembo had no scheme and was teaching without lesson plan which surprised fellow teachers and this was reported to the PEA who promised to take up the concern to the District Education Office.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Further investigations revealed that Blantyre Teachers’ College did not send any student teacher to our school and that was how we established that Khembo was a bogus teacher,” said Tchera.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Police Spokesperson Gresham Ngwira who has confirmed the arrest of Khembo says the teacher is yet to be charged.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Alfred Khembo, 31 hails from Namulu village in Traditional Authority Kadewere in Chiradzulu district.</p></div>Dr Ngwale Calls for Action On Abortion Bill2021-09-30T07:27:39+00:002021-09-30T07:27:39+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3947-dr-ngwale-calls-for-action-on-abortion-billChristopher Sandenyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Dr Mathews Ngwale, has demanded a vigorous action from rural masses to create evidence of demand for legalization of abortion in Malawi amid resistance which the bill has been facing in parliament.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking during the safe abortion international commemoration Day at Nchalo in Chikwawa on Tuesday, Dr Ngwale said it is heartbreaking that Malawi is among the top countries registering high unsafe abortions related deaths currently hanging at 449 per 100, 000.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I ask you to mount pressure on your leaders. Take action. Show your Members of Parliament on the importance of this bill. The law cannot change if you do not exert pressure,” said Dr Ngwale.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that unlike Malawi, other countries like Zambia have done something to reduce unsafe abortions related deaths, recording 218 deaths per 100, 000.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Gender activist Emma Kaliya has asked Malawians to start reasoning in the interest of addressing sexual reproductive health rights of women and girls.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have developed a communication strategy. This will guide us to disseminate proper information to the masses to know the importance of the bill,” said Kaliya.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A 21-year-old girl, Merrie Phiri, from Malemia area in Nsanje, Chief Chimombo of Nsanje and Senior Chief Chapananga of Chikwawa have asked Members of Parliament to act fast by tabling and passing the abortion bill into law.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, some activists and many faith-based groups have strongly been opposing the passing of the abortion bill, saying doing so is tantamount to giving a person a license to kill and that it is a sin to take a life.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Health, Dr Mathews Ngwale, has demanded a vigorous action from rural masses to create evidence of demand for legalization of abortion in Malawi amid resistance which the bill has been facing in parliament.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking during the safe abortion international commemoration Day at Nchalo in Chikwawa on Tuesday, Dr Ngwale said it is heartbreaking that Malawi is among the top countries registering high unsafe abortions related deaths currently hanging at 449 per 100, 000.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I ask you to mount pressure on your leaders. Take action. Show your Members of Parliament on the importance of this bill. The law cannot change if you do not exert pressure,” said Dr Ngwale.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added that unlike Malawi, other countries like Zambia have done something to reduce unsafe abortions related deaths, recording 218 deaths per 100, 000.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Gender activist Emma Kaliya has asked Malawians to start reasoning in the interest of addressing sexual reproductive health rights of women and girls.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have developed a communication strategy. This will guide us to disseminate proper information to the masses to know the importance of the bill,” said Kaliya.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A 21-year-old girl, Merrie Phiri, from Malemia area in Nsanje, Chief Chimombo of Nsanje and Senior Chief Chapananga of Chikwawa have asked Members of Parliament to act fast by tabling and passing the abortion bill into law.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, some activists and many faith-based groups have strongly been opposing the passing of the abortion bill, saying doing so is tantamount to giving a person a license to kill and that it is a sin to take a life.</p></div>CHC Engages Communities on Covid-19 Vaccine2021-09-30T07:19:09+00:002021-09-30T07:19:09+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3946-chc-engages-communities-on-covid-19-vaccineRaphael Mlozoanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/2ded9d06202dff1f6b8071cb70aba6eb_XL.jpg" alt="Communities dancing and showing their covid-19 vaccine certificates after getting their jab" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In a move to increase uptake of Covid-19 vaccine in the country, the Catholic Health Commission (CHC) in Mangochi Diocese has started engaging communities in the rural areas to sensitize them about the vaccine.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the organization’s programmes manager, John Shaba, this follows growing myths, and misconceptions that people have on the vaccine, which they feel comes due to improper information.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shawa who was speaking at one of their sensitization meetings at Chisambamnopa in the area of Traditional Authority Mponda said they observed that few people from the rural communities are getting the jab, and through the initiative they have also observed that long distances to health facilities and lack of proper information are some of the contributing factors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“What we are doing is we are engaging communities in their areas in small numbers, so that we can ably explain to them and interact with them at the same time reduce overcrowding,” said Shaba.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the community members, Matola Bwanali, from Namakango, village who got the jab during the sensitization campaign said he was excited after getting the news that the vaccine is coming to their area because it was difficult to access the vaccine due to distance to the nearest health facility.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“As you can see, I am over 60 years old now, and I have been receiving different vaccines in my life. Today I have also received it because I believe in prevention rather than cure,” explained Bwanali.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added; “I also want to take advantage of this to explain to others that they should get jabbed now as the vaccine is just as safe as any vaccine.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Commenting on the initiative, Liya Brighton, Nurse and Midwife Technician at Mangochi District Hospital, commended CHC saying will reduce the misconceptions and myths about Covid-19 and the vaccine which she said have negatively affected the administration of the vaccine and other normal services at the hospital.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">CHC is implementing the initiative in communities around health facilities of Katema, Mulibwanji, Mangochi DHO, Phirilongwe, Nankumba, Malombe, Sister Martha and Ukulanga with financial support from European Union Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) through Trocaire.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/2ded9d06202dff1f6b8071cb70aba6eb_XL.jpg" alt="Communities dancing and showing their covid-19 vaccine certificates after getting their jab" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In a move to increase uptake of Covid-19 vaccine in the country, the Catholic Health Commission (CHC) in Mangochi Diocese has started engaging communities in the rural areas to sensitize them about the vaccine.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the organization’s programmes manager, John Shaba, this follows growing myths, and misconceptions that people have on the vaccine, which they feel comes due to improper information.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shawa who was speaking at one of their sensitization meetings at Chisambamnopa in the area of Traditional Authority Mponda said they observed that few people from the rural communities are getting the jab, and through the initiative they have also observed that long distances to health facilities and lack of proper information are some of the contributing factors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“What we are doing is we are engaging communities in their areas in small numbers, so that we can ably explain to them and interact with them at the same time reduce overcrowding,” said Shaba.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the community members, Matola Bwanali, from Namakango, village who got the jab during the sensitization campaign said he was excited after getting the news that the vaccine is coming to their area because it was difficult to access the vaccine due to distance to the nearest health facility.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“As you can see, I am over 60 years old now, and I have been receiving different vaccines in my life. Today I have also received it because I believe in prevention rather than cure,” explained Bwanali.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He added; “I also want to take advantage of this to explain to others that they should get jabbed now as the vaccine is just as safe as any vaccine.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Commenting on the initiative, Liya Brighton, Nurse and Midwife Technician at Mangochi District Hospital, commended CHC saying will reduce the misconceptions and myths about Covid-19 and the vaccine which she said have negatively affected the administration of the vaccine and other normal services at the hospital.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">CHC is implementing the initiative in communities around health facilities of Katema, Mulibwanji, Mangochi DHO, Phirilongwe, Nankumba, Malombe, Sister Martha and Ukulanga with financial support from European Union Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) through Trocaire.</p></div>FAM Optimistic of Raising K450 Million to Support Flames2021-09-30T06:59:00+00:002021-09-30T06:59:00+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/spnws/sports-news/28-sport/3945-fam-optimistic-of-raising-k450-million-to-support-flamesChristopher Sandenyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/88d9a0cb55d81b8a3601ff79f8d5c68d_XL.jpg" alt="NICO supported the Flames with K5 million" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has expressed hope that it will manage to raise K450 million to support the Flames to prepare and fully participate in the AFCON cup slated for 2022 in Cameroon.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking after receiving a K5 million donation from NICO Group on Wednesday, FAM First Vice President Justice Jabaar Alide said out of the K1.5 million budget for the Flames to participate, they currently have a deficit of K700 million after receiving a funding commitment from Government, corporate sponsor FDH and FIFA subsidies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Football unites us, let us support the team. We also urge all the citizens to come to the golf fundraising event slated for October, 2 this year in Lilongwe where we estimate to raise K30 million for the Flames. Through all fundraising activities, we want to at least raise K450million," said Alide.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">NICO Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Lorraine Phiri said they decided to step forward because they recognise that football is a great unifier.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Football is a platform that brings Malawians together and lift the national flag. As NICO Group celebrates 50 years, we want to show our commitment to support citizens in different development activities,” said Phiri</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She added that Flames qualification in the African cup of Nations is a pride for the country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Flames is scheduled to also play Ivory Coast in the World Cup qualifiers early October this year</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/88d9a0cb55d81b8a3601ff79f8d5c68d_XL.jpg" alt="NICO supported the Flames with K5 million" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has expressed hope that it will manage to raise K450 million to support the Flames to prepare and fully participate in the AFCON cup slated for 2022 in Cameroon.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking after receiving a K5 million donation from NICO Group on Wednesday, FAM First Vice President Justice Jabaar Alide said out of the K1.5 million budget for the Flames to participate, they currently have a deficit of K700 million after receiving a funding commitment from Government, corporate sponsor FDH and FIFA subsidies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Football unites us, let us support the team. We also urge all the citizens to come to the golf fundraising event slated for October, 2 this year in Lilongwe where we estimate to raise K30 million for the Flames. Through all fundraising activities, we want to at least raise K450million," said Alide.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">NICO Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Lorraine Phiri said they decided to step forward because they recognise that football is a great unifier.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Football is a platform that brings Malawians together and lift the national flag. As NICO Group celebrates 50 years, we want to show our commitment to support citizens in different development activities,” said Phiri</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">She added that Flames qualification in the African cup of Nations is a pride for the country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Flames is scheduled to also play Ivory Coast in the World Cup qualifiers early October this year</p></div>Save the Children Mentors Community Facilitators in NN2021-09-29T12:00:36+00:002021-09-29T12:00:36+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3944-save-the-children-mentors-community-facilitators-in-nnSteve Kalungwenyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/18104543d8ce827a7225e455a026090f_XL.jpg" alt="Save the Children International has drilled community facilitators in book story telling model" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In a bid to make sure that children who are unable to report cases of abuse to authorities are also given a different channel to use in reporting their issues, Save the Children International has drilled community facilitators in book story telling model.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The initiative, according to Save the Children's Early Childhood Development officer, Enela Kilembe, will help community facilitators to identify a child with a problem and intervene using child friendly mechanisms.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"What we want is to equip the facilitators with new ways, like giving children books to write on their stories and also use gestures to notice a child's state of mind," says Kilembe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kilembe continued to say that, apart from book telling, children are also being taught on methods of rejection and their rights so that they report to authorities if they face an abuse.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Commenting on the drilling, Neno district police prosecutor Sub-Inspector Golden Kakoma, said children are failing to open up to issues of child abuse as most of the times they are abused by their guardians who are supposed to be protectors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"At police we often receive cases of child abuse perpetrated by close relations and we hope this training on book story telling will help the children to start disclosing these ills through a booklet," said Kakoma.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Tresfore Kampeni, a teacher at Chikonde primary school, thanked Save the Children through NORAD for funding the activity saying he will transfer skills learnt to other teachers so that they create a safe haven for learners.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Now we have understood the concept of following up on each learner and how they are behaving so that we identify their individual problems and solve them", he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the moment, the district has registered twenty-six child related cases of child rights abuse from January to date, thus according to Neno District Social Welfare Officer Paul Sosono.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/18104543d8ce827a7225e455a026090f_XL.jpg" alt="Save the Children International has drilled community facilitators in book story telling model" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>In a bid to make sure that children who are unable to report cases of abuse to authorities are also given a different channel to use in reporting their issues, Save the Children International has drilled community facilitators in book story telling model.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">The initiative, according to Save the Children's Early Childhood Development officer, Enela Kilembe, will help community facilitators to identify a child with a problem and intervene using child friendly mechanisms.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"What we want is to equip the facilitators with new ways, like giving children books to write on their stories and also use gestures to notice a child's state of mind," says Kilembe.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kilembe continued to say that, apart from book telling, children are also being taught on methods of rejection and their rights so that they report to authorities if they face an abuse.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Commenting on the drilling, Neno district police prosecutor Sub-Inspector Golden Kakoma, said children are failing to open up to issues of child abuse as most of the times they are abused by their guardians who are supposed to be protectors.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"At police we often receive cases of child abuse perpetrated by close relations and we hope this training on book story telling will help the children to start disclosing these ills through a booklet," said Kakoma.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, Tresfore Kampeni, a teacher at Chikonde primary school, thanked Save the Children through NORAD for funding the activity saying he will transfer skills learnt to other teachers so that they create a safe haven for learners.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Now we have understood the concept of following up on each learner and how they are behaving so that we identify their individual problems and solve them", he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the moment, the district has registered twenty-six child related cases of child rights abuse from January to date, thus according to Neno District Social Welfare Officer Paul Sosono.</p></div>