Chakwera commends Speaker of Parliament for professional conduct
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera has commended Malawi's Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara for exercising her constitutional authority and showing maturity in handling the matters of the August House during the time of intra-party wrangles in the opposition Democratic Progressive Party.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday 21st February 2024, when he appeared before Parliament to answer questions on the SONA, the President started by thanking Gotani Hara for her professional execution of duties as Speaker of the August House especially at the time of consequence.
Chakwera told the House that the Speaker has always remained resolute in enforcing rules and Standing Orders of the House without a modicum of partisan partiality.
"My past experience of serving as Member of this House, and my close monitoring of what has been transpiring here during this sitting fortifies me in belief that this is no easy Parliament to manage, and I can assure you Madam Speaker that you are doing such a fine job of it. So much, so that you can be assured of government support and submission to your constitutional authority as Speaker, even when you make decisions that go against us in the interest of upholding the rule of law" said the President.
Chakwera then called on all Members of Parliament to obey and respect the constitutional mandate of those holding various offices in the House.
Added President Chakwera; "As such Madam Speaker though it is sustained to this House that certain Members descended this House state of grave disorder on the afternoon of last week Monday, it is altogether comforting that you were decisive in using your constitutional authority to prevent this House from being turned into a warehouse of settling intra-party wrangles that have nothing to do with the business of this House or welfare of Malawian people.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday 21st February 2024, when he appeared before Parliament to answer questions on the SONA, the President started by thanking Gotani Hara for her professional execution of duties as Speaker of the August House especially at the time of consequence.
Chakwera told the House that the Speaker has always remained resolute in enforcing rules and Standing Orders of the House without a modicum of partisan partiality.
"My past experience of serving as Member of this House, and my close monitoring of what has been transpiring here during this sitting fortifies me in belief that this is no easy Parliament to manage, and I can assure you Madam Speaker that you are doing such a fine job of it. So much, so that you can be assured of government support and submission to your constitutional authority as Speaker, even when you make decisions that go against us in the interest of upholding the rule of law" said the President.
Chakwera then called on all Members of Parliament to obey and respect the constitutional mandate of those holding various offices in the House.
Added President Chakwera; "As such Madam Speaker though it is sustained to this House that certain Members descended this House state of grave disorder on the afternoon of last week Monday, it is altogether comforting that you were decisive in using your constitutional authority to prevent this House from being turned into a warehouse of settling intra-party wrangles that have nothing to do with the business of this House or welfare of Malawian people.
Posted by 22 February 2024
Malawi's First Lady calls on women to form more Zokonda Amayi groups
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
The First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera has called on women across the country to form more Zokonda Amayi groups, saying they have been very essential in grooming women to be social and economic independent.
Speaking on Sunday, 15th October,2023 during this year's Zokonda Amayi Macheza event held at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in the capital Lilongwe, Madame Chakwera said women shoulder huge responsibilities in both families and communities, hence a need to be in groups which do share encouragement and vision for prosperity.
"I am happy that you women came together and form groups to do things together. I must thank MBC for bringing us together from across the country on this auspicious day.
I know through your gathering you encourage each other and share vision of prosperity. Let us not be those who easily give up, we have to fight until we realize our dreams. So I encourage you to come up with more Zokonda Amayi groups" Said the First Lady.
Madame Chakwera who was the Guest of Honor on the day told the nation that through Zokonda Amayi groups, women are contributing a lot to education for children including the needy, family development, construction of bridges, school blocks, healthcare facilities, and other projects for national progress, urging women to be united so that the country quickly gets its social and economic prosperity.
However, Chakwera who is championing girl child education did not leave the podium without talking of promoting girl child education, saying women should be ambassadors of the initiative to make more girls productive for the nation.
In her remarks, Minister of Gender, and Community Development, Jean Sendeza said Zokonda Amayi program has brought together women from across Malawi.
"At my Ministry we are proud knowing that women are playing a very crucial role in various aspects life. It is therefore our wish to see these becoming village savings groups" Added Sendeza.
She then disclosed the inclusion of men through National Male Strategy to help advocating for women empowerment and protection from Gender Based Violence (GBVs).
Making his speech, Director General for MBC, George Kasakula said the theme "Amayi Sagonja" was chosen to appreciate the hard work women do in the country. He then thanked the First Lady for gracing the this year's event.
Rolled out 10 year's ago, Zokonda Amayi Macheza is a group aiming at encouraging Malawian Women to form groups and share vision for prospering together.
Speaking on Sunday, 15th October,2023 during this year's Zokonda Amayi Macheza event held at Bingu International Convention Center (BICC) in the capital Lilongwe, Madame Chakwera said women shoulder huge responsibilities in both families and communities, hence a need to be in groups which do share encouragement and vision for prosperity.
"I am happy that you women came together and form groups to do things together. I must thank MBC for bringing us together from across the country on this auspicious day.
I know through your gathering you encourage each other and share vision of prosperity. Let us not be those who easily give up, we have to fight until we realize our dreams. So I encourage you to come up with more Zokonda Amayi groups" Said the First Lady.
Madame Chakwera who was the Guest of Honor on the day told the nation that through Zokonda Amayi groups, women are contributing a lot to education for children including the needy, family development, construction of bridges, school blocks, healthcare facilities, and other projects for national progress, urging women to be united so that the country quickly gets its social and economic prosperity.
However, Chakwera who is championing girl child education did not leave the podium without talking of promoting girl child education, saying women should be ambassadors of the initiative to make more girls productive for the nation.
In her remarks, Minister of Gender, and Community Development, Jean Sendeza said Zokonda Amayi program has brought together women from across Malawi.
"At my Ministry we are proud knowing that women are playing a very crucial role in various aspects life. It is therefore our wish to see these becoming village savings groups" Added Sendeza.
She then disclosed the inclusion of men through National Male Strategy to help advocating for women empowerment and protection from Gender Based Violence (GBVs).
Making his speech, Director General for MBC, George Kasakula said the theme "Amayi Sagonja" was chosen to appreciate the hard work women do in the country. He then thanked the First Lady for gracing the this year's event.
Rolled out 10 year's ago, Zokonda Amayi Macheza is a group aiming at encouraging Malawian Women to form groups and share vision for prospering together.
22 February 2024.
Gotani Hara in a fashionable Mother's Day celebrations
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
Member of Parliament for Mzimba North-East Constituency, who is also Speaker of the National Assembly and First Deputy Secretary General for Malawi Congress Party, Catherine Gotani Hara on 15th October, 2023 which is the Mother's Day took down to her constituency to cheer the elderly as one way of celebrating the say in fashion.
Hara's visit which was taken by surprise said she did that as a surprise gift to the elderly whom she consider to be country's baskets of wisdom.
In a telephone interview from Ekwendeni, Hara said she thought of visiting the elderly in her area to encourage them that they are not rejected and forgotten in the society as they remain the basket of wisdom to the current generation.
"It is true, I am here in my constituency and I went down visiting the elderly as one way of celebrating this day.
It was not much, but to let them know that we still regard them as our pillars, and mentors in the community" Said the soft-spoken legislator who also heads the Legislative arm of Malawi Government.
During the interview, Gotani Hara joined President Lazarus Chakwera in wishing all women across Malawi, a Happy Mother's Day.
Posted by 16th October 2023.
Hara's visit which was taken by surprise said she did that as a surprise gift to the elderly whom she consider to be country's baskets of wisdom.
In a telephone interview from Ekwendeni, Hara said she thought of visiting the elderly in her area to encourage them that they are not rejected and forgotten in the society as they remain the basket of wisdom to the current generation.
"It is true, I am here in my constituency and I went down visiting the elderly as one way of celebrating this day.
It was not much, but to let them know that we still regard them as our pillars, and mentors in the community" Said the soft-spoken legislator who also heads the Legislative arm of Malawi Government.
During the interview, Gotani Hara joined President Lazarus Chakwera in wishing all women across Malawi, a Happy Mother's Day.
Posted by 16th October 2023.
Chakwera commends Mangochi Diocese for its role in devoloping Malawi
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday, 14th October 2023 commended the Mangochi Diocese of the Catholic Church for a great role it is playing in developing Malawi for the past 50 years it has been in existence.
Speaking at Mangochi Stadium during the Golden Jubilee celebrations and the Silver Jubilee for three Priests for the Diocese, President Chakwera thanked the diocese for working with government in sectors of health, education, and other social welfare of the citizenry, saying as a nation Malawi stands to achieve a lot ahead of realizing 2063 vision if all Malawians can hold hands.
Making reference to the scriptures read during the event, President Chakwera told the gathering that Malawi has the potential to set an example that other countries can emulate.
"We should not allow to be looked at as being not important, or feel inferior. As a nation, everyone is important and has a role in achieving our developmental aspirations regardless of any affiliation.
One reason I came here to attend the celebrations is to acknowledge the effort Diocese of Mangochi is putting in spreading the Gospel, promoting healthcare services, education, and social welfare of the common people and that together we can work hard to achieve our development agenda.
Malawi has potential to be a good example among other people to follow. Its good for us to be doing what other people can copy from" Said President Chakwera
He added that as a nation, Malawi can set standards of selfless people with a culture of living in unity and peace with all mankind, further urging them to take care of every resource God has blessed the country with for tourism, and to attract investors for Malawi's prosperity.
President Chakwera then urged Malawians to exercise justice, fairness, and desist from corruption practices.
The President has since appealed the church to continue praying for Malawi.
In his remarks, Archbishop Montfort Sitima of Mangochi Diocese said the Diocese will continue supporting government with developments in various sectors for the benefit of the citizenry.
Posted by 15th October 2023.
Speaking at Mangochi Stadium during the Golden Jubilee celebrations and the Silver Jubilee for three Priests for the Diocese, President Chakwera thanked the diocese for working with government in sectors of health, education, and other social welfare of the citizenry, saying as a nation Malawi stands to achieve a lot ahead of realizing 2063 vision if all Malawians can hold hands.
Making reference to the scriptures read during the event, President Chakwera told the gathering that Malawi has the potential to set an example that other countries can emulate.
"We should not allow to be looked at as being not important, or feel inferior. As a nation, everyone is important and has a role in achieving our developmental aspirations regardless of any affiliation.
One reason I came here to attend the celebrations is to acknowledge the effort Diocese of Mangochi is putting in spreading the Gospel, promoting healthcare services, education, and social welfare of the common people and that together we can work hard to achieve our development agenda.
Malawi has potential to be a good example among other people to follow. Its good for us to be doing what other people can copy from" Said President Chakwera
He added that as a nation, Malawi can set standards of selfless people with a culture of living in unity and peace with all mankind, further urging them to take care of every resource God has blessed the country with for tourism, and to attract investors for Malawi's prosperity.
President Chakwera then urged Malawians to exercise justice, fairness, and desist from corruption practices.
The President has since appealed the church to continue praying for Malawi.
In his remarks, Archbishop Montfort Sitima of Mangochi Diocese said the Diocese will continue supporting government with developments in various sectors for the benefit of the citizenry.
Posted by 15th October 2023.
UNHCR to allocate over $100,000 towards relocation of refugees in Malawi
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is the UN Refugee Agency, has pledged to its continuous support for Malawi Government towards the welfare of the refugees living in Malawi.
Speaking during the bilateral talks UNHCR, High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi held with Malawi' Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma in Geneva-Switzerland on the sidelines of UNHCR meeting, Grandi assured Ng'oma that his organ is committed to allocate about K100 million with immediate effect to Malawi to assist in the relocation exercise of refugees.
"We plan to provide $50,000 for the review of the Refugees Act, $50,000 for verification exercise of refugees, and in our next budget we table for at least $80 million for real resettlement exercise for the new refugee camp at Kayilizi in Chitipa district" Disclosed Grandi.
In his remarks, Zikhale Ng'oma expressed his gratitude for the commitment by UNHCR, saying government of Malawi under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera cherishes the assistance UNHCR offers.
"This assistance will go a long way in improving the welfare of refugees in Malawi and in our quest to have the camp relocated to Chitipa" Said Ng'oma.
The UNHCR meeting in Geneva is expected to end on 13th October, 2023.
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
Posted 12 October 2023.
Speaking during the bilateral talks UNHCR, High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi held with Malawi' Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng'oma in Geneva-Switzerland on the sidelines of UNHCR meeting, Grandi assured Ng'oma that his organ is committed to allocate about K100 million with immediate effect to Malawi to assist in the relocation exercise of refugees.
"We plan to provide $50,000 for the review of the Refugees Act, $50,000 for verification exercise of refugees, and in our next budget we table for at least $80 million for real resettlement exercise for the new refugee camp at Kayilizi in Chitipa district" Disclosed Grandi.
In his remarks, Zikhale Ng'oma expressed his gratitude for the commitment by UNHCR, saying government of Malawi under the leadership of President Lazarus Chakwera cherishes the assistance UNHCR offers.
"This assistance will go a long way in improving the welfare of refugees in Malawi and in our quest to have the camp relocated to Chitipa" Said Ng'oma.
The UNHCR meeting in Geneva is expected to end on 13th October, 2023.
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
Posted 12 October 2023.
Malawi-Tanzania Relation Strengthened
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has arrived in the country in the morning of Wednesday, 5th July, 2023 for her official visit at the invitation of Malawi's President, Lazarus Chakwera.
Upon arrival, Suluhu was taken to Civic Offices where she was handed a symbolic key as a citizen of Lilongwe City and as symbol of the strong bond between the two sister nations.
During her visit scheduled from 5th July to 7th July, 2023, Suluhu Hassan will among other engagements pay homage to the late Father and Founder of Malawi, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda' Mausoleum, visit Malawi Parliament, attend prayers and be a special guest during the commemoration of Malawi's 59th independence celebrations whose climax will be on 6th July at Bingu National Stadium in the capital Lilongwe.
Further, Suluhu Hassan is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Chakwera and pay a visit to the Southern Region of the country which was hit by Cyclone to appreciate the devastation that was caused by the catastrophe.
Tanzania was among the nations that provided assistance to Malawi during the catastrophic Cyclone Freddy few months ago, a gesture that reflected the spirit of solidarity and strong bond of relationship.
The visit by Suluhu signifies the cordial relationship that exists between her country and Malawi and is expected to strengthen the diplomatic ties that the two nations hold.
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Upon arrival, Suluhu was taken to Civic Offices where she was handed a symbolic key as a citizen of Lilongwe City and as symbol of the strong bond between the two sister nations.
During her visit scheduled from 5th July to 7th July, 2023, Suluhu Hassan will among other engagements pay homage to the late Father and Founder of Malawi, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda' Mausoleum, visit Malawi Parliament, attend prayers and be a special guest during the commemoration of Malawi's 59th independence celebrations whose climax will be on 6th July at Bingu National Stadium in the capital Lilongwe.
Further, Suluhu Hassan is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Chakwera and pay a visit to the Southern Region of the country which was hit by Cyclone to appreciate the devastation that was caused by the catastrophe.
Tanzania was among the nations that provided assistance to Malawi during the catastrophic Cyclone Freddy few months ago, a gesture that reflected the spirit of solidarity and strong bond of relationship.
The visit by Suluhu signifies the cordial relationship that exists between her country and Malawi and is expected to strengthen the diplomatic ties that the two nations hold.
©️ Copyright Power Global Media Limited. Company Limited by Guarantee (SC547426). All Rights Reserved.
Rural masses to directly benefit from China trip of President Chakwera:
By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
The recent China trip by President Lazarus Chakwera will directly have a positive impact on the livelihood of many rural people as they will be connected to the grid for electricity through the Rural Electrification Program under Huawei Technologies, a Chinese company.
This comes as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding that has been signed by Huawei Technologies and Malawi Government to facilitate rural electrification drive in Malawi.
President Chakwera who has always said he does not want to leave anyone behind in the aspirations towards making Malawi a middle-income nation with its citizens who are self-reliant, witnessed the signing ceremony in China.
Chakwera went to China as a special guest during this year's China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and has since returned home on Monday, 3rd July, 2023 via Kamuzu International Airport in the capital Lilongwe.
Speaking to reporters soon after touching down in Lilongwe, President Chakwera described the trip as a success for Malawi, saying various trade and economic development deals have been signed including acquisition of burley and flue-cured tobacco market in China for 10 million kilograms.
This tobacco market in China is likely to increase tobacco prices for the benefit of small holder farmers who are main suppliers of the main forex earning crop in Malawi.
This comes as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding that has been signed by Huawei Technologies and Malawi Government to facilitate rural electrification drive in Malawi.
President Chakwera who has always said he does not want to leave anyone behind in the aspirations towards making Malawi a middle-income nation with its citizens who are self-reliant, witnessed the signing ceremony in China.
Chakwera went to China as a special guest during this year's China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and has since returned home on Monday, 3rd July, 2023 via Kamuzu International Airport in the capital Lilongwe.
Speaking to reporters soon after touching down in Lilongwe, President Chakwera described the trip as a success for Malawi, saying various trade and economic development deals have been signed including acquisition of burley and flue-cured tobacco market in China for 10 million kilograms.
This tobacco market in China is likely to increase tobacco prices for the benefit of small holder farmers who are main suppliers of the main forex earning crop in Malawi.