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-22024-03-29T09:07:23+00:00Joomla! - Open Source Content ManagementMpinganjira Wants Judge Out of His Attempted Bribery Case2021-05-11T14:27:41+00:002021-05-11T14:27:41+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3422-mpinganjira-wants-judge-out-of-his-attempted-bribery-caseHappy Njalam'manonyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/ae02bd1f65ff61c6cce7afad93ab58d9_XL.jpg" alt="Nkhono did not disclose how much did the judge allegedly asked from the accused" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Businessman, Thomson Mpinganjira, wants high court judge Dorothy de Gabrielle to recuse herself from a case where he is being accused of attempting to bribe judges.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Through his lawyer Patrice Nkhono, Mpinganjira has laid down before the court in Blantyre serious allegations of impropriety against the judge and the chief judge of the High Court.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nkhono told the court on Tuesday that there is evidence in forms of phone call recordings, transcripts, text messages, among others, to prove that there was an arrangement where certain offers were made to the defendant to achieve favorable conclusion of the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Judge de Gabrielle found the defendant, Mpinganjira, with a case to answer in the case where he is being suspected to have attempted to bribe judges who presided over the presidential elections case to rule in favor of former president, Peter Mutharika and the Malawi Electoral Commission.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nkhono told the judge that “justice must not only be done, but must manifestly be seen to be done. There is reasonable likelihood of biasness.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Right to fair trial is fundamental and should not be subject to impropriety. We have text messages purportedly from you, my lord, granting assurance that it is made available.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“In order to preserve integrity of justice system, we pray that you consider to recuse yourself and allow another judge to proceed with the case.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Counsel Nkhono, however, refused to disclose to the media outside the court how much was the judge allegedly asked from the defendant to make a favorable conclusion of the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">State prosecutor and Solicitor General, Reyneck Matemba, however, described the application by Mpinganjira as wild and baseless “intended not only to delay the case, but also to derail the criminal proceeding.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Matemba told the court that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) which is prosecuting the matter only received the application from the defense yesterday [Monday] 4:30 PM.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We had no enough time to respond to the application but for the sake of progress, we will respond to some of the highlights in the application verbally.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“All these allegations are hearsays. Counsel is not stating facts. Throughout his submission, he has been mentioning ‘I was meant to believe, I was told that.’ This is a strategy by the accused to delay the case. Any accused person who foresees conviction can raise allegations against the judge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“There is no basis for you to recuse yourself. That will be a mockery to justice. Do not be moved by the allegations,” said Matemba.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In response, Nkhono dismissed Matemba’s sentiments, saying the allegations made are not hearsays and not intended to delay the case in any way.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have never sought any adjournment. We even indicated that we will be ready with our defense today,” said Nkhono.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Judge de Gabrielle has reserved her ruling on her recusal to Wednesday, 10 AM.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Initially, Nkhono questioned the presence of Matemba in the court who was the ACB Director General but he is now Solicitor General.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We find this unusual. ACB is an independent institution and ought to be seen as independent. ACB has powers to prosecute cases.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“When there is vacancy of the Director General, the Deputy Director General has powers to prosecute; therefore, there is no need for the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to be involved. This will be seen as interference in ACB’s operations and needs not to condoned,” Nkhono said. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Matemba, however, laughed off Nkhono’s arguments, saying that he was surprised that Nkhono saw his presence as unusual.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“There is nothing unusual here. I am surprised where the interference is coming from. Deputy Director General of ACB himself asked the DPP for my appointment. Only DPP has powers to appoint public prosecutors, not the Deputy Director General,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to Matemba, the ACB Director General, in this case being acted by the Deputy Director General, has powers to seek legal representation and the DPP can delegate powers to prosecute.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Powers to prosecute are delegatory. My presence here should not be a cause for concern to the defense. We already presented our evidence before the court and the court found the accused with a case to answer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“It is now for him to defend himself. I have no personal interest in the matter, apart from wanting justice to prevail,” he said.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/ae02bd1f65ff61c6cce7afad93ab58d9_XL.jpg" alt="Nkhono did not disclose how much did the judge allegedly asked from the accused" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Businessman, Thomson Mpinganjira, wants high court judge Dorothy de Gabrielle to recuse herself from a case where he is being accused of attempting to bribe judges.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Through his lawyer Patrice Nkhono, Mpinganjira has laid down before the court in Blantyre serious allegations of impropriety against the judge and the chief judge of the High Court.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nkhono told the court on Tuesday that there is evidence in forms of phone call recordings, transcripts, text messages, among others, to prove that there was an arrangement where certain offers were made to the defendant to achieve favorable conclusion of the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Judge de Gabrielle found the defendant, Mpinganjira, with a case to answer in the case where he is being suspected to have attempted to bribe judges who presided over the presidential elections case to rule in favor of former president, Peter Mutharika and the Malawi Electoral Commission.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nkhono told the judge that “justice must not only be done, but must manifestly be seen to be done. There is reasonable likelihood of biasness.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Right to fair trial is fundamental and should not be subject to impropriety. We have text messages purportedly from you, my lord, granting assurance that it is made available.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“In order to preserve integrity of justice system, we pray that you consider to recuse yourself and allow another judge to proceed with the case.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Counsel Nkhono, however, refused to disclose to the media outside the court how much was the judge allegedly asked from the defendant to make a favorable conclusion of the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">State prosecutor and Solicitor General, Reyneck Matemba, however, described the application by Mpinganjira as wild and baseless “intended not only to delay the case, but also to derail the criminal proceeding.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Matemba told the court that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) which is prosecuting the matter only received the application from the defense yesterday [Monday] 4:30 PM.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We had no enough time to respond to the application but for the sake of progress, we will respond to some of the highlights in the application verbally.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“All these allegations are hearsays. Counsel is not stating facts. Throughout his submission, he has been mentioning ‘I was meant to believe, I was told that.’ This is a strategy by the accused to delay the case. Any accused person who foresees conviction can raise allegations against the judge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“There is no basis for you to recuse yourself. That will be a mockery to justice. Do not be moved by the allegations,” said Matemba.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In response, Nkhono dismissed Matemba’s sentiments, saying the allegations made are not hearsays and not intended to delay the case in any way.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We have never sought any adjournment. We even indicated that we will be ready with our defense today,” said Nkhono.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Judge de Gabrielle has reserved her ruling on her recusal to Wednesday, 10 AM.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Initially, Nkhono questioned the presence of Matemba in the court who was the ACB Director General but he is now Solicitor General.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“We find this unusual. ACB is an independent institution and ought to be seen as independent. ACB has powers to prosecute cases.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“When there is vacancy of the Director General, the Deputy Director General has powers to prosecute; therefore, there is no need for the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to be involved. This will be seen as interference in ACB’s operations and needs not to condoned,” Nkhono said. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Matemba, however, laughed off Nkhono’s arguments, saying that he was surprised that Nkhono saw his presence as unusual.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“There is nothing unusual here. I am surprised where the interference is coming from. Deputy Director General of ACB himself asked the DPP for my appointment. Only DPP has powers to appoint public prosecutors, not the Deputy Director General,” he said.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to Matemba, the ACB Director General, in this case being acted by the Deputy Director General, has powers to seek legal representation and the DPP can delegate powers to prosecute.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Powers to prosecute are delegatory. My presence here should not be a cause for concern to the defense. We already presented our evidence before the court and the court found the accused with a case to answer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“It is now for him to defend himself. I have no personal interest in the matter, apart from wanting justice to prevail,” he said.</p></div>Court Orders Repatriation of 2 Rwandese2021-05-11T13:17:32+00:002021-05-11T13:17:32+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3421-court-orders-repatriation-of-2-rwandeseRaphael Mlozoanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/c3d592713db2726f26fdbd4e019aaf63_XL.jpg" alt="Court Orders Repatriation of 2 Rwandese" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on Monday ordered the repatriation of two Rwandese, Ufitese Celistin, 27, and Kacyatwa Sector, 35, to their country for staying in Malawi without proper papers contrary to Section 5(b) of the Immigration Act.</strong></p>
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<p>Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer, Assistant Superintendent Davie Banda, told the court that the foreign nationals who operate businesses at Makawa Trading Centre were arrested in the morning of May 5, 2021 after they failed to produce passports and other relevant documents.</p>
<p>Banda added that investigations also revealed that the duo entered into the country from Zambia in January 2021 without documents.</p>
<p>Appearing in court, the accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge and in mitigation, asked court to reverse the repatriation order, but Prosecutor Banda quashed their plea while justifying that the duo did not follow proper procedures since every nation has laws everyone must abide to.</p>
<p>First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state for a stiff penalty and ordered that they should be repatriated.</p>
<p>According to Mangochi Police Station Deputy Spokesperson, Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the accused are in prison waiting for arrangements from immigration office to process their repatriation.</p>
<p>Both Ufitese Celistin and Kacyatwa Sector hail from Kigali City in Rwanda.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/c3d592713db2726f26fdbd4e019aaf63_XL.jpg" alt="Court Orders Repatriation of 2 Rwandese" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Mangochi First Grade Magistrate’s Court on Monday ordered the repatriation of two Rwandese, Ufitese Celistin, 27, and Kacyatwa Sector, 35, to their country for staying in Malawi without proper papers contrary to Section 5(b) of the Immigration Act.</strong></p>
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<p>Mangochi Police Station Prosecution Officer, Assistant Superintendent Davie Banda, told the court that the foreign nationals who operate businesses at Makawa Trading Centre were arrested in the morning of May 5, 2021 after they failed to produce passports and other relevant documents.</p>
<p>Banda added that investigations also revealed that the duo entered into the country from Zambia in January 2021 without documents.</p>
<p>Appearing in court, the accused persons pleaded guilty to the charge and in mitigation, asked court to reverse the repatriation order, but Prosecutor Banda quashed their plea while justifying that the duo did not follow proper procedures since every nation has laws everyone must abide to.</p>
<p>First Grade Magistrate Mtunduwatha Mpasu concurred with the state for a stiff penalty and ordered that they should be repatriated.</p>
<p>According to Mangochi Police Station Deputy Spokesperson, Sub Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, the accused are in prison waiting for arrangements from immigration office to process their repatriation.</p>
<p>Both Ufitese Celistin and Kacyatwa Sector hail from Kigali City in Rwanda.</p></div>Future of Rural Growth Centre’s in Limbo2021-05-11T13:09:06+00:002021-05-11T13:09:06+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3420-future-of-rural-growth-centre-s-in-limboRaphael Mlozoanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Future of rural growth centers government started constructing in some districts about a decade ago remains uncertain as the ministry of local government says is still sorting out differences with contractors and looking for funds.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Spot checks in some project sites like Jenda in Mzimba, Malomo in Ntchisi, Monkey-bay in Mangochi and Chiteketsa in Phalombe that started around 2010 show that not everything planned was delivered completed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to our findings, at Jenda, under the project they managed to construct a bypass road, a depot, a market, a primary school and extended Jenda health center and a tele center.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But currently, the tele-center is not working, a stadium was not constructed, a small juice making factory is not operational and people are still shunning the market as they say it’s not strategically located.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At Malomo, in Ntchisi, the market has no electricity and the bus depot is not working, almost the same as Monkey bay in Mangochi, where a telecentre and rice milling factory are not working, while a stadium is yet to be finished.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In Phalombe, the project stalled in 2012 as there are issues with the contractor and up to now there are no signs of recommencing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">District’s Council Chairperson and Ward Councilor for Thundu, where the rural growth Centre is being constructed, Francis Nunkhazingwe, said the situation is retrogressive to development.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, spokesperson for the ministry of local government, Anjoya Kanyalika Mwanja, said no Rural Growth Centre has been abandoned and the government will finish the projects as soon as possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“As for Chitekesa, there were some contract issues with the contractor and that is being sorted out, once that is done works will commence,” She told Zodiak online.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“About works at Monkey Bay, has only a community ground that is yet to be completed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Initially, Monkey bay has been supported by a project at Local Development Fund (LDF) funded by African Development Bank (ADB) and due to contract issues that were in court, the works on the community ground was halted and unfortunately the project was closed,” explained Mwanza.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Of course, the communities would like to have some more structures like community ground and hall, funds permitting that will be considered,” said Kanyalika Mwanza.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Local Economic Development (LED) project, was designed to develop and sustain an entrepreneurship culture in individuals and groups for broad-based participation in economic growths.</p></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Future of rural growth centers government started constructing in some districts about a decade ago remains uncertain as the ministry of local government says is still sorting out differences with contractors and looking for funds.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Spot checks in some project sites like Jenda in Mzimba, Malomo in Ntchisi, Monkey-bay in Mangochi and Chiteketsa in Phalombe that started around 2010 show that not everything planned was delivered completed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to our findings, at Jenda, under the project they managed to construct a bypass road, a depot, a market, a primary school and extended Jenda health center and a tele center.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">But currently, the tele-center is not working, a stadium was not constructed, a small juice making factory is not operational and people are still shunning the market as they say it’s not strategically located.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At Malomo, in Ntchisi, the market has no electricity and the bus depot is not working, almost the same as Monkey bay in Mangochi, where a telecentre and rice milling factory are not working, while a stadium is yet to be finished.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In Phalombe, the project stalled in 2012 as there are issues with the contractor and up to now there are no signs of recommencing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">District’s Council Chairperson and Ward Councilor for Thundu, where the rural growth Centre is being constructed, Francis Nunkhazingwe, said the situation is retrogressive to development.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, spokesperson for the ministry of local government, Anjoya Kanyalika Mwanja, said no Rural Growth Centre has been abandoned and the government will finish the projects as soon as possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“As for Chitekesa, there were some contract issues with the contractor and that is being sorted out, once that is done works will commence,” She told Zodiak online.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“About works at Monkey Bay, has only a community ground that is yet to be completed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Initially, Monkey bay has been supported by a project at Local Development Fund (LDF) funded by African Development Bank (ADB) and due to contract issues that were in court, the works on the community ground was halted and unfortunately the project was closed,” explained Mwanza.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Of course, the communities would like to have some more structures like community ground and hall, funds permitting that will be considered,” said Kanyalika Mwanza.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Local Economic Development (LED) project, was designed to develop and sustain an entrepreneurship culture in individuals and groups for broad-based participation in economic growths.</p></div>Eastern Region Traffic Police Officers Warned2021-05-11T12:53:40+00:002021-05-11T12:53:40+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3417-eastern-region-traffic-police-officers-warnedMoses Masiyenyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/ff4dee1a1814d6b1a84fbb70ec9932c4_XL.jpg" alt="Commissioner Mkandawire made the stern warning on Monday after summoning traffic police officers from Zomba Police Station and Eastern Region Police Headquarters" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Eastern Region Police Commissioner, Happy Mkandawire, says more reports of corruption, especially among traffic police officers are denting the image of the service and has warned not to shield any officer found in the wrong.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Commissioner Mkandawire made the stern warning on Monday after summoning traffic police officers from Zomba Police Station and Eastern Region Police Headquarters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Reports are rife that traffic officers are at the helm of demanding bribes on the roads mostly from taxi operators.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Let me warn all of you that we will not shield anyone but arrest and prosecute any such officer implicated in the malpractice," said Commissioner Mkandawire.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said he is aware that they are exposed and tempted to many acts of corruption, but this is where they need to stand out and arrest those attempting to bribe them on the roads, saying this will deter those who intend to offer bribes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Eastern Region Traffic Officer, Superintendent Witness Kasonya, assured their commissioner that they will strive to execute their work professionally.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kasonya said: "The warning has come at the right time when issues if corruption involving us traffic officers are on the rise and will strive to ensure professionalism."</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/ff4dee1a1814d6b1a84fbb70ec9932c4_XL.jpg" alt="Commissioner Mkandawire made the stern warning on Monday after summoning traffic police officers from Zomba Police Station and Eastern Region Police Headquarters" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Eastern Region Police Commissioner, Happy Mkandawire, says more reports of corruption, especially among traffic police officers are denting the image of the service and has warned not to shield any officer found in the wrong.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Commissioner Mkandawire made the stern warning on Monday after summoning traffic police officers from Zomba Police Station and Eastern Region Police Headquarters.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Reports are rife that traffic officers are at the helm of demanding bribes on the roads mostly from taxi operators.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Let me warn all of you that we will not shield anyone but arrest and prosecute any such officer implicated in the malpractice," said Commissioner Mkandawire.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said he is aware that they are exposed and tempted to many acts of corruption, but this is where they need to stand out and arrest those attempting to bribe them on the roads, saying this will deter those who intend to offer bribes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Eastern Region Traffic Officer, Superintendent Witness Kasonya, assured their commissioner that they will strive to execute their work professionally.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kasonya said: "The warning has come at the right time when issues if corruption involving us traffic officers are on the rise and will strive to ensure professionalism."</p></div>Nsanje Authorities Decry Rampant GBV Cases2021-05-11T10:38:51+00:002021-05-11T10:38:51+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3415-nsanje-authorities-decry-rampant-gbv-casesAlfred Gutanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/192187ceac042fd8b48c50c03624e2c2_XL.jpg" alt="The orientation workshop underway " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><div class="adn ads" data-message-id="#msg-f:1699383336910836369" data-legacy-message-id="17956c2425c9d291">
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><strong>Authorities in Nsanje have deplored rampant Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases as the district is recording over 200 cases monthly.</strong></strong></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"></div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">District Social Welfare Officer Chikumbutso Salifu Zodiak online Monday, for example his office recorded 276 cases of such nature in March this year.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">Salifu described the trend as worrisome.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"It is a worrisome situation in light of the fact that efforts have been made to reverse the trend," lamented Salifu.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">According to the Nsanje District Social Welfare Officer, most of the cases being recorded are matrimonial conflicts adding that some are due to parents laxity in caring for their children.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"Some perpetrators take advantage of the situation to abuse the children. "The situation is unhealthy because in February this year we registered over 300 cases, "said Salifu.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">Chikumbutso Salifu also blamed the situation on Covid-19 pandemic.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"It was during this period where most of the abuses happened especially on the part of girl child. </div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"We are just coming from the closure of schools, so we have seen more defilement cases and a rise in pregnancies among the girl child, "said Salifu.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">He disclosed the development today in Nsanje, on the sidelines of Victim Support Unit (VSU) counselors orientation and refresher, under a Spotlight Initiative aimed at eliminating Gender Based Violence in the district.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">A Coordinator responsible for Community Policing and Victim Support Services under Nsanje police, Sub-Inspector Rex Mulawu told Zodiak, sexual abuse, economic abuse and psychological and emotional abuse are common forms abuses being recorded.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">Kachere Progressive Womens Group Executive Director Malango Maganga, one of Spotlight Implementing partners,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">believes such abuses can be eliminated by strengthening the capacity of various institutions and structures.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">" We are implementing the project as a consortium of three organizations namely; Kachere Progressive Women's group, Malawi Law Society and Church and Society under Blantyre synod.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"We are among other things accelerating efforts in eliminating GBV in Nsanje. We have structures such as Community VSU's that are working towards eliminating such cases but lack necessary skills for example on available laws governing their operations, " said Maganga.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">One of the participants, Christina Simenti, a member of mother group for Nyamadzere primary school, described the refresher as critical saying they lacked some skills.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"It's an eye opener to me personally. The knowledge we have acquired is crucial if we are to win the fight." Said Simenti.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">The K60 million project will run for four months.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><strong>Authorities in Nsanje have deplored rampant Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases as the district is recording over 200 cases monthly.</strong></strong></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"></div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">District Social Welfare Officer Chikumbutso Salifu Zodiak online Monday, for example his office recorded 276 cases of such nature in March this year.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">Salifu described the trend as worrisome.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"It is a worrisome situation in light of the fact that efforts have been made to reverse the trend," lamented Salifu.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">According to the Nsanje District Social Welfare Officer, most of the cases being recorded are matrimonial conflicts adding that some are due to parents laxity in caring for their children.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"Some perpetrators take advantage of the situation to abuse the children. "The situation is unhealthy because in February this year we registered over 300 cases, "said Salifu.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">Chikumbutso Salifu also blamed the situation on Covid-19 pandemic.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"It was during this period where most of the abuses happened especially on the part of girl child. </div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"We are just coming from the closure of schools, so we have seen more defilement cases and a rise in pregnancies among the girl child, "said Salifu.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">He disclosed the development today in Nsanje, on the sidelines of Victim Support Unit (VSU) counselors orientation and refresher, under a Spotlight Initiative aimed at eliminating Gender Based Violence in the district.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">A Coordinator responsible for Community Policing and Victim Support Services under Nsanje police, Sub-Inspector Rex Mulawu told Zodiak, sexual abuse, economic abuse and psychological and emotional abuse are common forms abuses being recorded.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">Kachere Progressive Womens Group Executive Director Malango Maganga, one of Spotlight Implementing partners,</div>
<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">believes such abuses can be eliminated by strengthening the capacity of various institutions and structures.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">" We are implementing the project as a consortium of three organizations namely; Kachere Progressive Women's group, Malawi Law Society and Church and Society under Blantyre synod.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"We are among other things accelerating efforts in eliminating GBV in Nsanje. We have structures such as Community VSU's that are working towards eliminating such cases but lack necessary skills for example on available laws governing their operations, " said Maganga.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">One of the participants, Christina Simenti, a member of mother group for Nyamadzere primary school, described the refresher as critical saying they lacked some skills.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">"It's an eye opener to me personally. The knowledge we have acquired is crucial if we are to win the fight." Said Simenti.</div>
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<div dir="auto" style="text-align: justify;">The K60 million project will run for four months.</div>
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<div class="gA gt acV"> </div></div>FC Under20 League to Kick-Off on 29 May2021-05-11T09:40:46+00:002021-05-11T09:40:46+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/spnws/sports-news/28-sport/3414-fc-under20-league-to-kick-off-on-29-mayBright Kanyamanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b42c2ed411780f9516ff77b8b3c9a925_XL.jpg" alt="Villah FC ready for the kickoff of the Under20 league " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>National Youth Football Association has announced that it will kick off its football activities on 29 May in 14 districts starting with the First Capital Under 20 League pending clearance from the Football Association of Malawi's Covid19 Taskforce.</strong></p>
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<p>NYFA’s general Secretary James Sewerengera told us that preparations are currently at an advanced stage and registration of players will begin next week.</p>
<p>“Starting from next week we are requesting all the teams to register their players before the league starts. We will make sure that those registered are eligible.</p>
<p>“We are going to use national identity cards, school numbers through Malawi Schools Sports Association (MASA) as First Capital Bank league is been played by school-going children.</p>
<p>He said the registration using IDs as well as the schools is to ensure that there is no age cheating.</p>
<p>“We are putting in place a mechanism on how we will be checking the age of those players registered. We want to make sure that we have the right players playing at the under 20 national league,” Sawelengera said.</p>
<p>Sawerengera added that they would, in future, want to introduce other leagues so that they are able to follow the development of players.</p>
<p>The national league is in the process of introducing other leagues starting from under 12, 14, 15, 17, and 19.</p>
<p>This according to sawerengera will help in making proper follow-up on each player. </p>
<p>Lilongwe-based Villah Football Club head coach Ozuka Chisambo who won the 2015 Lilongwe district Under20 football league edition says "we are very happy that the league is back and our boys are ready to compete from where we stopped last season."</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/b42c2ed411780f9516ff77b8b3c9a925_XL.jpg" alt="Villah FC ready for the kickoff of the Under20 league " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>National Youth Football Association has announced that it will kick off its football activities on 29 May in 14 districts starting with the First Capital Under 20 League pending clearance from the Football Association of Malawi's Covid19 Taskforce.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>NYFA’s general Secretary James Sewerengera told us that preparations are currently at an advanced stage and registration of players will begin next week.</p>
<p>“Starting from next week we are requesting all the teams to register their players before the league starts. We will make sure that those registered are eligible.</p>
<p>“We are going to use national identity cards, school numbers through Malawi Schools Sports Association (MASA) as First Capital Bank league is been played by school-going children.</p>
<p>He said the registration using IDs as well as the schools is to ensure that there is no age cheating.</p>
<p>“We are putting in place a mechanism on how we will be checking the age of those players registered. We want to make sure that we have the right players playing at the under 20 national league,” Sawelengera said.</p>
<p>Sawerengera added that they would, in future, want to introduce other leagues so that they are able to follow the development of players.</p>
<p>The national league is in the process of introducing other leagues starting from under 12, 14, 15, 17, and 19.</p>
<p>This according to sawerengera will help in making proper follow-up on each player. </p>
<p>Lilongwe-based Villah Football Club head coach Ozuka Chisambo who won the 2015 Lilongwe district Under20 football league edition says "we are very happy that the league is back and our boys are ready to compete from where we stopped last season."</p></div>Milton Obote’s Bodyguard Returns to Uganda After 51 Yrs in Tanzania2021-05-10T17:57:31+00:002021-05-10T17:57:31+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/65-news-in-central-region/3413-milton-obote-s-bodyguard-returns-to-uganda-after-51-yrs-in-tanzaniaOnline Journalistnyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/7e46dfd830734cbe3b036e6d86e5aa31_XL.jpg" alt="Vincent Obodo sits between his two wives Josephine Ariamo (right) and Anna Loyce Ideta as the family welcomed him back home in Agora Village, Soroti District, on Friday. Mr Obodo, a former President Milton Obote aide, had been in exile in Tanzania." /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Emotions run high in Agora Village in Soroti District on Friday afternoon as two wives were reunited with their husband, assumed dead for the past 51 years.</strong></p>
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<p>Mr Vincent Obodo, the personal overseer of late President Milton Obote’s security and family, went into exile in January 1971 after the late Idi Amin toppled his boss while in Singapore.</p>
<p>That was the last time his wives Josephine Ariamo, 76, and Anna Loyce Ideta, 71, set eyes on their husband.</p>
<p>The duo, their children, relatives, and Obodo’s agemates sobbed and yelled as the UNHCR staff vehicle strolled through Agora to bring back a man, who was struggling in Tanzania after failing to come to terms with the overthrow of his former boss.</p>
<p>Ms Ariamo, the elder wife, says they thought their husband was dead because there had never been any communication nor any clue of his whereabouts since 1971.</p>
<p>“In the earlier days when he went missing, we consulted with other UPC (Uganda Peoples Congress) stalwarts, but to no avail until last month when we received a call from the Soroti City West MP-elect (Jonathan Ebwalu) that our husband is alive, and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) was making arrangements of settling him home,” she told Daily Monitor at their home in Agora.</p>
<p>Ms Ariamo says when UNHCR communicated, it raised their anxiety when they remembered a man, who in his youthful days, was a breadwinner, a companion and a comforter.</p>
<p>“He equally loved us, he was a jolly man and passionately spoke great things about his former boss Obote. I believe coming to terms with the overthrow of his boss broke him, we thank God he is back,” she says. Obodo,81, is one of late Obote’s strongmen to return home alive.</p>
<p>Ms. Ideta, his second wife, says the reunion brings back the memories of their heydays as a young couple.</p>
<p>“It is hard to believe, but he is here, we thank those who have enabled him to arrive home,” Ms. Ideta says.</p>
<p>She adds that while he was away, they produced other children with other men but never moved out of the marital home.</p>
<p>“It shouldn’t have been so if those political dynamics, which set our husband to flee for his life, had never happened,” Ms. Ideta says.</p>
<p>Mr. John Ekoyu, his son, says when he was contacted about the arrangements, he sought help in Tanzania since he knew his father had already died.</p>
<p>“The call came on April 14 when I broke the news to my mothers, brothers, and sisters, they never took me seriously, they claimed I was reawakening the bad memories of my father’s death,” the 56-year-old recalls.</p>
<p>Mr Ekoyu says after the government okayed the UN flight for Obodo to return home, he recognized his father.</p>
<p>“His colour complexion, the eyes, and head resembled those of his cousins, so I knew that the person I was receiving was my biological father,” Mr Ekoyu says.</p>
<p>He adds that his father’s absence has been tormenting.</p>
<p>“I started being the head of the home at 10 years, building on resilience and undertaking the role of being a breadwinner for both my mothers during the most difficult times of insurgency in Teso. I thank the Almighty Lord for His grace that has enabled us see our father,” Mr Ekoyu says. Mr Ebwalu says it is a day of joy that one of the former Teso greats has returned home alive.</p>
<p>“Having served as an assistant commissioner under Bukedi District, it is our request that government advances him some support for his resettlement,” he says.</p>
<p>Recalling how he ended up in Tanzania, Mr Obodo says Obote never heeded to intelligence reports about the coup plot, and insisted on proceeding with his flight to Singapore. The next day, the government was toppled.</p>
<p>Mr Obodo says he ensured his boss landed safely in Kenya before president Julius Nyerere of Tanzania called his counterpart to immediately leave, citing security threats to Obote’s life.</p>
<p>“I arranged to whisk my boss to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for asylum in Tanzania. That is how I found myself in Tanzania,” he says.</p>
<p>Mr Obodo says when Obote regained power, he remained his emissary in Tanzania until he was overthrown.</p>
<p>“Life in exile has been a thicket of thorns,” he says, adding that it denied him the opportunity to do things that he should have had he been home.</p>
<p>The reunion was marked with a thanksgiving ceremony.</p>
<p>Ms Carol Kibuka Musoke, UNHCR Protection Associate, says the resettlement was made possible after work by both the government of Uganda and Tanzania. She says UNHCR continues to carry out voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin.</p>
<p><strong>Adopted from the Citizen</strong></p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/7e46dfd830734cbe3b036e6d86e5aa31_XL.jpg" alt="Vincent Obodo sits between his two wives Josephine Ariamo (right) and Anna Loyce Ideta as the family welcomed him back home in Agora Village, Soroti District, on Friday. Mr Obodo, a former President Milton Obote aide, had been in exile in Tanzania." /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Emotions run high in Agora Village in Soroti District on Friday afternoon as two wives were reunited with their husband, assumed dead for the past 51 years.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>Mr Vincent Obodo, the personal overseer of late President Milton Obote’s security and family, went into exile in January 1971 after the late Idi Amin toppled his boss while in Singapore.</p>
<p>That was the last time his wives Josephine Ariamo, 76, and Anna Loyce Ideta, 71, set eyes on their husband.</p>
<p>The duo, their children, relatives, and Obodo’s agemates sobbed and yelled as the UNHCR staff vehicle strolled through Agora to bring back a man, who was struggling in Tanzania after failing to come to terms with the overthrow of his former boss.</p>
<p>Ms Ariamo, the elder wife, says they thought their husband was dead because there had never been any communication nor any clue of his whereabouts since 1971.</p>
<p>“In the earlier days when he went missing, we consulted with other UPC (Uganda Peoples Congress) stalwarts, but to no avail until last month when we received a call from the Soroti City West MP-elect (Jonathan Ebwalu) that our husband is alive, and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) was making arrangements of settling him home,” she told Daily Monitor at their home in Agora.</p>
<p>Ms Ariamo says when UNHCR communicated, it raised their anxiety when they remembered a man, who in his youthful days, was a breadwinner, a companion and a comforter.</p>
<p>“He equally loved us, he was a jolly man and passionately spoke great things about his former boss Obote. I believe coming to terms with the overthrow of his boss broke him, we thank God he is back,” she says. Obodo,81, is one of late Obote’s strongmen to return home alive.</p>
<p>Ms. Ideta, his second wife, says the reunion brings back the memories of their heydays as a young couple.</p>
<p>“It is hard to believe, but he is here, we thank those who have enabled him to arrive home,” Ms. Ideta says.</p>
<p>She adds that while he was away, they produced other children with other men but never moved out of the marital home.</p>
<p>“It shouldn’t have been so if those political dynamics, which set our husband to flee for his life, had never happened,” Ms. Ideta says.</p>
<p>Mr. John Ekoyu, his son, says when he was contacted about the arrangements, he sought help in Tanzania since he knew his father had already died.</p>
<p>“The call came on April 14 when I broke the news to my mothers, brothers, and sisters, they never took me seriously, they claimed I was reawakening the bad memories of my father’s death,” the 56-year-old recalls.</p>
<p>Mr Ekoyu says after the government okayed the UN flight for Obodo to return home, he recognized his father.</p>
<p>“His colour complexion, the eyes, and head resembled those of his cousins, so I knew that the person I was receiving was my biological father,” Mr Ekoyu says.</p>
<p>He adds that his father’s absence has been tormenting.</p>
<p>“I started being the head of the home at 10 years, building on resilience and undertaking the role of being a breadwinner for both my mothers during the most difficult times of insurgency in Teso. I thank the Almighty Lord for His grace that has enabled us see our father,” Mr Ekoyu says. Mr Ebwalu says it is a day of joy that one of the former Teso greats has returned home alive.</p>
<p>“Having served as an assistant commissioner under Bukedi District, it is our request that government advances him some support for his resettlement,” he says.</p>
<p>Recalling how he ended up in Tanzania, Mr Obodo says Obote never heeded to intelligence reports about the coup plot, and insisted on proceeding with his flight to Singapore. The next day, the government was toppled.</p>
<p>Mr Obodo says he ensured his boss landed safely in Kenya before president Julius Nyerere of Tanzania called his counterpart to immediately leave, citing security threats to Obote’s life.</p>
<p>“I arranged to whisk my boss to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for asylum in Tanzania. That is how I found myself in Tanzania,” he says.</p>
<p>Mr Obodo says when Obote regained power, he remained his emissary in Tanzania until he was overthrown.</p>
<p>“Life in exile has been a thicket of thorns,” he says, adding that it denied him the opportunity to do things that he should have had he been home.</p>
<p>The reunion was marked with a thanksgiving ceremony.</p>
<p>Ms Carol Kibuka Musoke, UNHCR Protection Associate, says the resettlement was made possible after work by both the government of Uganda and Tanzania. She says UNHCR continues to carry out voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin.</p>
<p><strong>Adopted from the Citizen</strong></p></div>PMS Hands Over a House to a Beneficiary in LL2021-05-10T17:00:12+00:002021-05-10T17:00:12+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/65-news-in-central-region/3412-pms-hands-over-a-house-to-a-beneficiary-in-llAndrew Vianonyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/cce38c9ced11e434ea3309963bdf0ee5_XL.jpg" alt="Father Chikhasu (L) handing over keys to Katengeza (C)" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Damiano Katengeza was all smiles when the Catholic Church through the Pontifical Missionaries Society(PMS) handed over keys to his new house that was built in a space of less than a month.</strong></p>
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<p>Katengeza who is disabled and in his late 50s has been putting up in a dilapidated earth structure that some well-wishers built for him some 20 years ago.</p>
<p>The three-bedroomed house which PMS has built for Jehovah’s Witness devout Katengeza comes after well-wishers contributed towards the course.</p>
<p>PMS National Director, Father Vincent Mwakhwawa says the Church was compelled to come in and help Katengeza having noted the dire situation of the house which he was putting in.</p>
<p>“During the Lenten period, a few individuals came together and contributed towards the construction of this house. It is an initiative that a few individuals like Violet devoted their time and resources to see the completion of this house. We hope more people will come forward and help people of Katengeza type,” said Fr Mwakhwawa.</p>
<p>Speaking after receiving the keys for the house, Katengeza who was in all smiles thanked PMS for the initiative which will transform his life.</p>
<p>Katengeza also hailed the Catholic church for giving him a start-up capital for a business that will in future help him find basic necessities.</p>
<p>“This is one the happiest days of my life. I was living in a very dilapidated structure which I called a house. I thank Catholic Church for building this house for me. I hope this gesture does not stop here with me.” Said Katengeza who heads a grouping of about 20 other disabled persons from Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe.</p>
<p>The house which has been constructed to the tune of 1 million kwacha was handed over after Holy Mass that was celebrated by Parish Priest for Nathenje Parish in Lilongwe, Father Stephen Chikhasu.</p>
<p> </p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/cce38c9ced11e434ea3309963bdf0ee5_XL.jpg" alt="Father Chikhasu (L) handing over keys to Katengeza (C)" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>Damiano Katengeza was all smiles when the Catholic Church through the Pontifical Missionaries Society(PMS) handed over keys to his new house that was built in a space of less than a month.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p>Katengeza who is disabled and in his late 50s has been putting up in a dilapidated earth structure that some well-wishers built for him some 20 years ago.</p>
<p>The three-bedroomed house which PMS has built for Jehovah’s Witness devout Katengeza comes after well-wishers contributed towards the course.</p>
<p>PMS National Director, Father Vincent Mwakhwawa says the Church was compelled to come in and help Katengeza having noted the dire situation of the house which he was putting in.</p>
<p>“During the Lenten period, a few individuals came together and contributed towards the construction of this house. It is an initiative that a few individuals like Violet devoted their time and resources to see the completion of this house. We hope more people will come forward and help people of Katengeza type,” said Fr Mwakhwawa.</p>
<p>Speaking after receiving the keys for the house, Katengeza who was in all smiles thanked PMS for the initiative which will transform his life.</p>
<p>Katengeza also hailed the Catholic church for giving him a start-up capital for a business that will in future help him find basic necessities.</p>
<p>“This is one the happiest days of my life. I was living in a very dilapidated structure which I called a house. I thank Catholic Church for building this house for me. I hope this gesture does not stop here with me.” Said Katengeza who heads a grouping of about 20 other disabled persons from Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe.</p>
<p>The house which has been constructed to the tune of 1 million kwacha was handed over after Holy Mass that was celebrated by Parish Priest for Nathenje Parish in Lilongwe, Father Stephen Chikhasu.</p>
<p> </p></div>Mulanje Mission College of Nursing and Midwifery Graduates 1282021-05-10T16:13:24+00:002021-05-10T16:13:24+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3411-mulanje-mission-college-of-nursing-and-midwifery-graduates-128Hastings Jimaninyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/3de77962d019bc1159ce3deeb151a598_XL.jpg" alt="Ready to serve - the graduates " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mulanje Mission College of Nursing has graduated 128 nurses and midwives with diplomas during its 14th graduation.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking during the graduation, Moderator of Blantyre CCAP Synod, the college's proprietor Reverend Masauko Mbolembole said the synod has ambitious plans of introducing clinical and environmental health programmes at the College.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reverend Mbolembole said since early 1950s, the college has been introducing nurse and midwives only.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"As the church, we expect the nurses and midwives from our college to be exemplary because apart from the nursing and midwifery training, we also teach them love and biblical scriptures," said Reverend Mbolembole.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Executive Director of Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) Happy Makala told Zodiak Online that with 11 nursing and midwifery colleges, association is proud to contribute to the country’s health system</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"We have been registering dropouts in CHAM training institutions due to school fees and it is our plea to the corporate world to consider adopting needy students in our colleges as the significance of their services cannot be overemphasized," said Makala.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Principal of Mulanje Mission College of Nursing and Midwifery Keith Lipato said his students performed well during college examinations and he expressed hope that they will do well during the licensure examinations administered by the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Just like any other institution, COVID-19 affected the calendar, training delivery and concentration of the students, but we are glad to report that all 128 students have passed the college examinations and definitely they will do well during the council's examinations," said Lipato. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This year's graduation was held under the theme “nurses and midwives: the angels in the global health.”</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/3de77962d019bc1159ce3deeb151a598_XL.jpg" alt="Ready to serve - the graduates " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mulanje Mission College of Nursing has graduated 128 nurses and midwives with diplomas during its 14th graduation.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking during the graduation, Moderator of Blantyre CCAP Synod, the college's proprietor Reverend Masauko Mbolembole said the synod has ambitious plans of introducing clinical and environmental health programmes at the College.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Reverend Mbolembole said since early 1950s, the college has been introducing nurse and midwives only.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"As the church, we expect the nurses and midwives from our college to be exemplary because apart from the nursing and midwifery training, we also teach them love and biblical scriptures," said Reverend Mbolembole.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Executive Director of Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) Happy Makala told Zodiak Online that with 11 nursing and midwifery colleges, association is proud to contribute to the country’s health system</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"We have been registering dropouts in CHAM training institutions due to school fees and it is our plea to the corporate world to consider adopting needy students in our colleges as the significance of their services cannot be overemphasized," said Makala.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Principal of Mulanje Mission College of Nursing and Midwifery Keith Lipato said his students performed well during college examinations and he expressed hope that they will do well during the licensure examinations administered by the Nurses and Midwives Council of Malawi.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">"Just like any other institution, COVID-19 affected the calendar, training delivery and concentration of the students, but we are glad to report that all 128 students have passed the college examinations and definitely they will do well during the council's examinations," said Lipato. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This year's graduation was held under the theme “nurses and midwives: the angels in the global health.”</p></div>Phalombe Councilors Accuse Officials of Frustrating Development2021-05-10T16:05:33+00:002021-05-10T16:05:33+00:00https://zodiakmalawi.com/nw/national-news/66-news-in-southern-region/3410-phalombe-councilors-accuse-officials-of-frustrating-developmentRonnex Chiwandanyavatar10@gmail.com<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/dfd4b90a4a0d4b699e28ddc27224a498_XL.jpg" alt="Mkandawire " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ward councilors in Phalombe have taken a swipe at council's officials for frustrating implementation of development projects, six months after the council approved the projects.</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The council's chairperson, Francis Nunkhazingwe, says a full council meeting approved development projects under District Development Fund (DDF) in December, 2020 but to date, no project has been implemented.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nunkhazingwe says the council approved development projects to be initiated before this financial year winds up.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said; "with only a month remaining before the closure of the financial year, there are fears that the funds earmarked for the projects will be returned to the treasury."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nunkhazingwe says it is disheartening to note that the council has failed to utilize the money meant for development at a time most areas require development projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The council chair added that if left unchecked, the trend will frustrate development of the district.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Spokesperson for Phalombe District Council, Matthews Mkandawire, has confirmed the development, saying the projects in question were not in the District Development Plan (DDP), but was quick to say that newly identified projects will be implemented before the 2020/2021 financial year closes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mkandawire says a total of K60 million will be used to construct toilets in some markets and maintenance of roads in the district.</p></div><div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://zodiakmalawi.com/media/k2/items/cache/dfd4b90a4a0d4b699e28ddc27224a498_XL.jpg" alt="Mkandawire " /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ward councilors in Phalombe have taken a swipe at council's officials for frustrating implementation of development projects, six months after the council approved the projects.</strong></p>
</div><div class="K2FeedFullText">
<p style="text-align: justify;">The council's chairperson, Francis Nunkhazingwe, says a full council meeting approved development projects under District Development Fund (DDF) in December, 2020 but to date, no project has been implemented.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nunkhazingwe says the council approved development projects to be initiated before this financial year winds up.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He said; "with only a month remaining before the closure of the financial year, there are fears that the funds earmarked for the projects will be returned to the treasury."</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nunkhazingwe says it is disheartening to note that the council has failed to utilize the money meant for development at a time most areas require development projects.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The council chair added that if left unchecked, the trend will frustrate development of the district.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Spokesperson for Phalombe District Council, Matthews Mkandawire, has confirmed the development, saying the projects in question were not in the District Development Plan (DDP), but was quick to say that newly identified projects will be implemented before the 2020/2021 financial year closes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mkandawire says a total of K60 million will be used to construct toilets in some markets and maintenance of roads in the district.</p></div>