Distribution Points: All District Council Offices; National Libraries; NICE Libraries; Book Shops, Islamic Information Bureau, Public & Private Universities, Libraries, Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies; Super Markets etc

Volume:02 Edition No: 5 “Development News & Analysis that Count” Second Quarter Edition Price: MK2000 It’s New Dawn

Walk the Talk Mr. President! “YOU PROMISED CHANGE, AND CHANGE YOU ARE GOING TO GIVE US ” ADVERTISEMENT

AD

12 The Messenger April - May 2020 CONTENTS Editor’s Note

Beating poverty in Capital City ---children instinctively switch into survival Chakwera’s maiden mode to fend for their families ------6 cabinet sparks mixed COVER STORY ------8 Chombe Foods Unveils reactions, a welcome New Packaging ------10 Rebranded TAMA goes commercial development in a democratic Malawi …develop a strategic plan to diversify to he year 2020 will be remembered as the time local electoral governing other cash crops …to source markets for body, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) facilitated free, fair and farmers commodity ------12 credible elections whose winner was Tonse Alliance’s torch bearer Building social blocks ------14 DTr. Lazarus Chakwera. It’s also the year that Malawians reacted differently when Chakwera announced his 31 member cabinet. PRESIDENTIAL NATIONAL Constipated with Malawian citizenry’s discontentment with Chakwera’s choice ADDRESS ------16 of ministers, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) met the president to Malawi’s ‘Access to Justice’ initiative tell him about mixed views from the populace. The bone of contention was that captures global eye the cabinet has couples, relations and most members from the central region where ---stakeholders in justice from other the president comes from. Some quarters concluded that Chakwera’s choice of countries flock to Malawi to learn ------18 ministers rested on appeasement. Some claimed that the president deliberately created the mess which he might fix after being reprimanded so that his Judith Foundation administration might appear like “the listening Government.’ ...a humanitarian effort that is making Gender activists described the cabinet as a raw deal, because they expected a difference by educating the needy ------20 that it might accommodate at least 40 percent women representation as Chakwera Beijing cracks down on illegal earlier promised. They expressed disappointment that most women in the cabinet wildlife trade are deputy ministers, no gender portfolio to clearly outline how gender, women and …imposes blanket ban on ivory trade children issues would be dealt with, as the created community development and animal killing …30 years maximum ministry is too general which ought to be narrowed down to specific ministries. jail term awaits offenders ------22 Tonse government supporters had mixed reactions on Chakwera’s maiden cabinet; some saying had no problems with the cabinet while others expressed Food For Soul: their dissatisfactions. Church Offering & Tithing ------24 This second quarter edition has provided enough space for articles and congratulatory messages focusing on the double cerebrations namely: president and Nutritional Talk vice president ascension to power and 56th independence anniversary. We also Coronavirus on magnet health have stories of general interest ranging from COVID-19 pandemic, Rebranding of point of view ------25 TAMA Farmers Trust, access to justice, police brutality, entertainment to sports. CSOs thwarting early marriage We promise, you, our valued readers and advertisers that we will keep on through 'Girls not Brides' initiative ------26 publishing well-researched, balanced and objective stories. Your support in terms of advertisements and advertorials is greatly appreciated. A botched dream or the price of arrogance? …the Nsanje Inland Port that was never to be ------28 Runnin g sports ministry is not rocket science ...Msungama responds to critics Joseph Mizimbe of his ministerial appointment ------30 Group Editor

Group Editor Contributors Marketing Executives Joseph Mizimbe Brown Mdalla - Lilongwe Aubrey Thom Vakhani +265 (0) 991 565 889 Aubrey Thom Vakhani - Mzuzu +265 (0) 999 403 583 (MZUZU) Pedzisai John Zembeneko - Lilongwe [email protected] Charles Nkula - Lilongwe Graphic Design & Layout ...... Charles Maida - Nsanje Chiku Jere +265 (0) 999 796 111

Editor On-line Edition Editorial Contacts Brian Kansichi Publisher: The Messenger Publications Chiku Jere +265 (0) 995 108 854 +265 (0) 888 896 111 P.O. Box 20176, Marketing Manager 999 038 428 Lilongwe2 Malawi. Edson Mizimbe +265 (0) 882 599 507 Website: www.themessenngermw.com +265 (0) 888 284 567 (BLANTYRE)

The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 3 NAVTIIEOWNAPLOFIENAT TURE

AD City Yanga.com

12 The Messenger April - June 2020 ADVERTISEMENT/CARTOON

CARTOON by Hendie Mawera

The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 5 NATIONAL FEATURE

Beating poverty in the Capital City ---children instinctively switch into survival mode to fend for their families By Pedzisai John Zembeneko - (Contributor ) Chilinde, Biwi and Area 36. Periodically, we t first glance he looks like any conduct meetings with parents, vendors and Rwandee nationals to ensure that everyone normal and happy Malawian joins in the fray to discourage these children child with the usual promise of from not absconding school,” Makwacha said. a bright future ahead. But The block leader also said during funeral Mandaaliza Bokosi (not real gatherings, parents and guardian who allow name) collects rice spill-overs at Mchesi children to go scavenging for rice droppings Market which sits on the edge of Lilongwe than being at school, are censored, condemned CAentral Business District. and sometimes, name-shamed. Mandaaliza does not scavenge alone as “We usually stress that rice traders other scores of children, ceaselessly, flood the operating in the area should not allow children market to have their pick for the day. to loiter around at their premises during school Mchesi Ward D, Block leader Rashid Issa hours. The future of the country depends on Makwacha said individual household poverty children hence the need to collectively channel levels in townships compel children to go them onto the right path, which is paved through foraging for survival means. education,” said Makwacha. “These children come from Kaliyeka, He also observed that video show rooms Makwacha: Poverty levels are just to high 6 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition NATIONAL FEATURE

Lad winowing rice picks ready for sell Time to sell, measuring from Chibuku pack Deal done! the boys get their money and pool tables are other factors that make “This business has made tremendous school going children abscond classes. different in my family. It helps me complement Mchesi market has a total of 7 running rice my husband’s efforts to feed the family and mills whose activities are coordinated by through it I also raise income which I use to chairpersons tasked to resolve challenges faced provide my children needs, such as clothes, by rice vendors and sometimes by buyers. school needs and others,” she explained. One rice mill chairmen, Daniel Nkhumbira Another client, a Mrs. Phakesa said she’s said the readily available market for rice drops been in the business for five years and like that these children picks makes it difficult to Bwanali, the business has full blessings from discourage the scavenging. their husbands who often top up their capitals ‘These children fall into three categories; in time of need, since they appreciate the those who collect rice spillages throughout to Counting the pick of the day benefits. sustain their daily needs in terms of money and “Some of us have even built houses from food, another group is of those who hunt on this trade and we believe that these children daily basis to raise pocket money while the last and their households also being assisted component is of those who succumb to peer financially,” she said. pressure though they come from financial She however explained that, as a group stable homes. The finally group only scavenge that buys rice collected by the children, they on weekends and holidays,’ explained decided to put it as a silent rule that they should Nkhumbira. only start conducting their business in the He said allowing these children to do afternoon when the schools have closed for whatever they are doing is also encouraging the day. the practice of theft and some youngsters has “This is a deliberate move allow these become petty thieves who move with knives or Time for a pool game on an improvised table children attend school first before they come to razorblade and in disguise of scavenging, they either through cash or food, explaining that on sell us the rice,” she said. crookedly gain access entry to warehouses to a good day he carts home over K3,000 raised By the look of things, these young rice literally steal in the commodity. from the picked rice sells. merchants are also well organized and they Once caught, Nkhumbira said, the already The Standard 4 pupil from Area 36-located indulge in other activities amongst themselves financially struggling guardians or parents are St John Primary School disclosed that he to top up their proceeds of the day. asked to pay for the cost of damage. only rests on Sundays to wash his clothes in On the side of place where they sell their “But out of compassion, most of times we readiness for a new week to repeat the same rice pick to the women, there is an improvised just confiscated the rice and strongly warn the circle of life. semblance of a pool table where games are concern lad not to come again,’ he concluded. Another shy-gripped boy aged about 10, played using small marble and sticks, with the Back to the trade that is attracting many donning ragged pair of shorts and thick winner earning money the casino way. despondent children to Mchesi, an empty 1 litre uncombed hair said he joined scavenging at a At this place, it is literally an interlinked Chibuku packet is a measurement tool for the tender age due to circumstances surrounding chain of small transactions which starts with rice spills and the cleaner the rice one picks the his home’s financial status. children collecting trashed rice from main higher the price it fetches per packet, but the ‘I come from a single parent headed family traders, polish it through winnowing and sell it charges fluctuates between K120 and K100 per and we stay at Kaliyeka. My mother runs a to vending women who in turn sell it to on full pack. small seasonal business selling green maize, makeshift restaurants operators elsewhere. The transactions by these little rice tomatoes, bananas, sugar cane, mangoes and The chaff from winnowing is heaped aside merchants with their clients, who are mainly sweet potatoes to feed the three of us. So my to decay and someone is also paid to shift it to women, occur before a background of heaps of scavenging complements her efforts to feed a trash bin nearby. Daily, the women have to filthy garbage left uncollected by the City and take care for us,” the boy explained. also part ways with a K100 fee each to the Assembly at the Mchesi Market, but this The little boy’s household’s economic owner of the place where the business is remain a story for the other day. predicaments are said to have prevented him conducted. Implicitly, each comrade in rice spillages and his siblings from attending school. International Monetary Fund (IMF) report you interact with has interesting, and others, a This narration remains common among many dated May 29, 2017 describes Malawi as one moving story to tell. of these little traders but somebody just warned of the poorest countries in the world with 50.7 “Basically, I don’t agree much that rice that believing these stories from everyone of percent of the population living below the hunting hinders education because it provides should not be a forgone conclusion as some of poverty line and 25 percent living in extreme my school needs; clothes and I know how to these children come from families with fair poverty. juggle between school and scavenging,” said financial capabilities on that peer pressure to And this story partly tells how people, let one of the 13-year-old who walks a 10km have own cash turns to play in this scenario. alone children who are caught up in this two way journey every day from Area 36 to One of the clients for these children is a quagmire, are instinctively devising ways to Mchesi to pry in the trade. Mrs. Bwanali, a resident from Area 36, who lessen the pangs of the poverty that Malawi He described what he does as ‘just a said she started the business in 2017 with a continues to be synonymous with 50 years after normal trend’ because his family benefits capital of K2000, which has now grown. independent. The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 7 COVER STORY

Walk the Talk

MBy Chiku Jere r. Prciting teheir belief tshat a justisocietydis not only ethe chop.nt! f the two newly elected leaders, President one in which familial, regional, and marital ties He said the main task of this maiden Lazarous MacCarthy Chakwera and his do not qualify you for service, but also one in Cabinet is to lay the groundwork for a Tonse Vice, Saulos Klaus Chilima, were testin g which those ties do not disqualify you for approach to managing government affairs, waters, then the message they got was service, but merit. which, among others, is to deal with the mess harshly loud and clear: “DO NOT The 6th Malawi leader asserted that the that has marred the ministries, such as wanton MESS WITH OUR VOTE! YOU PROMISED cabinet was picked based on how merit is wastage of resources, greedy monopoly in the US CHANGE, AND CHANGE YOU ARE defined in the Tonse Philosophy, which does awarding of contracts, incompetence in the GIOING TO GIVE US PERIOD!” not reduce merit to academic credentials and standard of work, and multiple systemic Few days into their presidency the two social media populism, but also a proven track inefficiencies. were made to taste the wrath of an angry record to lead people effectively in producing Chakwera said after five-month transitional nation, fed up with laissez-faire approach of results in the face of formidable odds and pe riod, top performers will be shortlisted utter neglect to government affairs by the political complexities. and publicly interviewed for a year-lon g ruling elite. “In the Tonse Philosophy we believe that appointment of the 2021 Cabinet. It only took a little misstep regarding Cabinet to be a Minister of Government is to accept He openly told the cabinet members to bear appointments for voters to administer a full the responsibility of national and political in mind that Malawians are not persuaded, as dose of revolt towards the new leadership, leadership,” he explained. he is, that they are the right people for this job, effectively prompting a presidential statement On other hand, Chakwera said all the and that the onus is on the them to prove and of justification and assurance, explaining his appointees and others who were on the list reaffirm that they have what it takes to deliver hindsight as to those individuals were favoured. passed the test because their combination is a the Tonse Transformation that Malawians have The public outcry was triggered by the representation of the strategic strengths of the long cried, prayed, and fought for. appointment of individual with vested interests, member parties of the Tonse Alliance. “Contrary to public opinion, I am not family members and spouses into the cabinet, About issue of several of my Cabinet beholden to any of you, nor do I have any of which threatened the return to the business as appointees having conflicts of interest, the you to appease, for I owe both my election and usual of state capture by cronies of the power president acknowledged being fully aware of allegiance to God and the Malawian people,” that be. these interests through background checks that said the blunt Chakwera. But addressing the concerns, Chakwera was done on each candidate, but said there will His sentiment may have had a pacifying highlighted that serious consultation with his be a special code of conduct devised to keep effect on the agitated public whose trust vice, Chilima and others that wish this country the Cabinet members from using their public towards politicians appears to have diminished well was deployed to come up with the ‘Tonse office for the advancement of private interests. over the years of misgoverning, but the new Cabinet’. The president revealed that what he has put administration need to tread carefully from The president assured Malawians that in in place is only a ‘Transitional Cabinet’ that now onwards because accumulative of misstep making any appointments, they did not and I will have to serve a five-month probation and will prove suicidal once the prevailing will never in future consider family or region produce results that will give Malawians goodwill among the large chunk of the public one comes from nor whom one is married to, confidence that change has come or else face evaporates. 8 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition COVER STORY

Serious business: President Chakwera and his Vice Chilima hitting the ground running

TONSE PROMISES and endure the pain of systemic surgery, inflict acted swiftly in addressing the nation on the In his inauguration address Chakwera necessary pains on the fractured attitudes and matter as failure to do that would have sent highlighted some of the Tonse alliance actions of those around us if we ever want to wrong signals. promises which he said will only be fulfilled see them whole as citizens.” Magangani said the president showed upon the achievement of the Tonse government Chakwera then apportioned collective maturity and signs of a leader who stands to by main goal, which is accomplishing economic responsibility to the problems Malawi is decision. liberation that has eluded Malawi for the past facing to every citizen saying we are each in "It strong and resolute leaders need make 26 years of since the dawn of democracy. some way part of the problems and must each decision and live with it until proven He said one administration after another in some way be part of solution. “We cannot otherwise. All one needs to do is to explain has been shifting post to the next election, absolve ourselves of responsibility for the convincingly why one has chosen that path promising prosperity but delivering poverty; maladministration we have allowed to happen and be able to own the decisions if something promising nationalism but delivering division; on our watch for close to three decades any goes wrong,” said the Bishop who is also promising political tolerance but delivering more than we can renege on our responsibility chairperson of the Anglican Council in human rights abuses; promising good governance to make amends,” he said Malawi. but delivering corruption; promising He said he was sure that the Tonse He added that electorates appointed the institutional autonomy but delivering state philosophy is the key to success for the nation president to lead the nation, hence he should capture which has left the country unbuilt, but going forward because it has been the key to left to do so aided by people he can trust. also in ruins. our success thus far. Nevertheless, as promising, sweet and “It is because of these ruins that our first Chakwera said the philosophy kept the reassuring Chakwera’s words may sound, what task in building a new Malawi is clearing the people demonstrating in the streets for close to will matter remains in the pudding. rubble of corruption, laziness, passivism, donor a year until the victory was achieved. It also If really Chakwera will walk the talk and dependency, regionalism, negativity, impunity, galvanized unrelenting and indispensable wave do his best to be a servant leader by submitting unprofessionalism and incompetence,” Chakwera of contributions through various sacrifices by constitutional processes, provisions, and said adding that his generation of politicians Malawians in quest for electoral justice and institutions that are designed to ensure that are the ones who have ruined this country and the battle was won. And it also led others to the President and Vice President are always that he is bound by God to confess and bound forfeit their political aspirations to forge an at their best, then the long time lost soul of by Malawian people to correct. unbeatable partnership at the polls. this country will be restored. He however called upon Malawians to “The Tonse Philosophy of collective As he promised, all he has to commit to is endure pain as the process of correcting the responsibility that brought us to this milestone to sincerely declare his assets each year, go to past ills and misgoverning begins. and it is that same philosophy that will bring Parliament to be questioned by the People He turned metaphoric as well as philosophic: us to the next,” he said. about my handling of state affairs, earnestly “We must accept that the national bones we Chakwera’s open hearted approach to reduce the powers of the presidency and have dislocated cannot be corrected without criticism has earned some guarded praise from empower institutions to operate independently, suffering. In our quest to heal our fractured the Right Reverend Fanuel Magangani, Bishop and end the error of government secrecy nation and governance system over the next of Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi who and usher in the dawn of transparency and five years, we must have the courage to face observed that it was good that the president accountability. The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 9 ADVERTORIAL Chombe Foods Unveils New Look Packaging Bora: Chombe General Manager

Mchenga: Sales and Marketing Manager field under a beautiful blue sky. “The new packaging reinforces our belief that food products should be smart and inviting. As a market leader, we are inspired by the quest of being the first in innovation and creativity,” said Bora. “Our new design reflects our values as Chombe Foods Limited. We are changing the way we showcase our product quality, starting with the first impression of the product on the shelves. The visual identity and packaging tell the story of the product’s quality and the dedicated people behind the brand,” he said. According to the company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Frank Mchenga, the new packaging is in response to customer’s demands and to reposition the brand on the market. “As Chombe Foods Limited we are always looking forward to adding value to our products and to meet customer’s satisfaction. Our new packs are designed to stand the test of time and respond to our customers’ needs,” said Mchenga. He explained that the new look follows Chombe Tea new package thorough research and careful consideration of hombe Foods Limited has unveiled Chombe Foods Limited also produces the market dynamics. a new look Chombe Economy tea Chombe Aromatic rice. “Chombe Tea is a truly Malawi tea that is in its efforts to bring people close According to the company’s General locally grown, processed and blended by the to the brand they love. Manager, Maqsood Rehman Bora, Chombe local tea experts. Every purchase your make As a pioneer in tea production for decades, Foods Limited has developed the new directly goes towards the Malawi economy Chombe Foods Limited has always been packaging to better reflect the company’s and improves livelihoods of our local committed to producing food products aimed growth and maintain its market leadership growers,” he said. at improving people lives at an affordable position . Chombe Tea is sold in three variants price. The new design features an inviting hot which are Economy Tea, Export Tea and Tea Apart from its renowned tea products, cup of tea against a well-tendered greeny tea Bags.

10 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition ADVERTISEMENT

Sex workers and Police devising ways how they can collabolate to end abuses

Sex workers showcasing condoms they had received

The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 11 AGRO-ECONOMICS

Rebranded T goes comme …develop a strategic plan to diversify to othe …to source markets for farmers commodity

By Chiku Jere TAMA Farmers Trust has since established a new Department of Business Development TAMA Farmers Trust which recently and Marketing within its structure that will be rebranded from Tobacco Association of responsible for implementation of the strategic Malawi says it plans to go big in terms of plan that will oversee the crop diversification promoting commercial farming and marketing and promotion drive. of a diverse of cash crops in order to assist The PRO explained that the new initiative in economic growth of both farmers and the is not only envisaged at affording farmers with country as whole. opportunities to generate substantial income to Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the uplift their livelihoods, but also at increasing Trust Sam Kalimba disclosed this during an farmers’ contribution towards the growth of exclusive interview with The Messenger in Malawi’s economy through exports. which he said they want to achieve this feat “We believe that through the drive, which through a well thought of strategic plan that will involve finding reliable markets for will enhance serious commodity exporting. farmers’ produce and value-added products, “What we want is that farmers should not farmers’ earnings, let alone country’s forex only just end as primary producers but earnings, will be boosted, effectively, helping exporters as well. And we believe this will to reduce existing trade imbalances that the TAMA PRO Kalima: We are going big enable them achieve maximized benefits from country is wallowing in,” said the publicist. phase will utilize already existing 49 TAMA their hard work in the field,” he said. To begin with, Kalimba said, the pilot Cooperatives that were trained and certified by 12 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition AGRO-ECONOMICS

TAMA Farmers Trust officially launched TAMA

TAMA President Kalima Banda (center) is joined by other officials for a toast issues, as a result, they were failing to promote whose fruits manifest in the fact that 50 to 60 other crops and as well, finding it difficult to percent of the country’s foreign exchange engage with other important partners outside earnings is derived from tobacco. the tobacco farming, hence name changing was “This is a no mean achievement from a inevitable. single crop and tobacco will remain the pillar Kalimba also revealed that the global of the country’s economy for the foreseeable ercial anti-tobacco smoking lobby also played a future, with TAMA as one of the country’s major role in propelling organisation’s decision important social economic development r cash crops to re-strategise. partners,” boasted TAMA President. “We didn’t want to be caught in a scenario He proceeded with an explanation that whereby our farmers will be left with no the organization shall continue to be a focal readily available alternative cash crop to fall on institution in matters of representing the tobacco the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and are if the worse was to happen in terms of the farmer in the country, but in order to sustain the already focusing at other optional cash crops tobacco market, so we decided to take this path, long term contribution to the country’s economy, complimentary to tobacco. which we believe is the creation of an escape the organisation’s Board and Congress of “This is the reason why we decided to route for our members in case of negative 2019 agreed that it is high time they adopted a come with ‘TAMA Farmers Trust’ as the eventualities with tobacco,” the PRO said. slight shift, from looking at tobacco only, to organisation’s new name. We needed to The official rebranding launch of ‘TAMA encompassing other value chains. change the logo and name to reflect on our new Famers Trust’ took place at TAMA Building, “As intelligent as farmers are, they have direction,” he elaborated. City Centre, Lilongwe, on December 29 last already been doing that, but what lacked was However, he expounded that they could not year at a ceremony that also celebrated the 90th organizational support, especially for the small get rid of the word TAMA entirely because Anniversary of the association. to medium scale farmers, that is why we are doing so could have confused their members In his remarks, the organisation’s President coming in,” he said. and partners since they have been identified as Abiel Masache Kalima Banda saluted the Kalima Banda said the trust will be such for 90 plus 1 years. founding fathers of TAMA for their wisdom looking into the issue of value addition to the “So we decided to maintain word ‘TAMA’ and dynamism in creating the association way non – tobacco crops, so that farmers should not as an abbreviation, but just an identity back in 1929 with the aim of safeguarding and not only just end as primary producers but because it has grown to be a household name promoting the interests of the tobacco dependent exporters as well. that the organization has been identified with population and that of the country at large. He also noted that organized markets for for ages,” he said. Since its establishment, Kalima Banda said , the non – tobacco crops are a problem and in Further, the publicist explained that the TAMA has worked tirelessly in conjunction this respect, the new TAMA would work with name ‘Tobacco Association of Malawi’ itself, with Government, the industry’s stakeholders interested bodies, including government arms, was confining the organisation to tobacco and support agents to achieve its mission to foster structured markets. The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 13 LABOUR ISSUES By Charles Mkula he reality that Malawi is vulnerable to income and dignity reducing shocks frequently stares at the nation. It recently appeared in the economic crisis that left hundreds Building social jobless, the floods and famine that saw thousands homeless and destitute and the sTuffering of many workers due to lack of workplace and family security. Social security, is a basic human right that is important for workers, their families and the entire community. It is supposed to be an security blocks indispensable part of government social policy and an important instrument for poverty alleviation, sustainable social and economic development. A social security system enhances productivity through the provision of health care, income security and social services for workers. The Malawi Decent Work Country Programme (M-DWCP), a development agenda for improved, gainful, secure and rights-based employment, observes that “Lack of social protection remains one of the most challenging decent work deficient in Malawi.” Despite taunting donor-driven social protection programmes (the Social Cash Transfer and the Public Works Programmes) for the poor and vulnerable, Malawi’s social expenditure does not include any social security expenses as the country has few decent jobs that cover health services, pension, invalidity, death, unemployment, sickness , or maternity – employment injuries or employment-related diseases. However, even where these jobs exists, some groups, especially women, have less employment and income security. According to the Malawi Labour force Survey of 2013, only 5.5 million people out of the 7 million people between the age group 15-64 in the labour force are in paid employment. Of these, only two percent are employed as managers, technicians and associated professional occupations while, 89 per cent, are in the informal sector. Women constitute 30 percent of total wage employment in non-agriculture. Malawi’s workforce does not have a National Social Security System to protect them against job insecurities. Recently the Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA) released a statement calling for the State to take a major role of providing a framework in the establishment of a National Some of the risks that journalists face in the line of duty Social Security System that would mitigate benefits, largely serve the formal economy, the specific health and safety needs of against contraction of industries, firms and although basic healthcare is technically free of journalists and other professions. occupations and ensure that employers insure charge at point of care. JUMA notes that the situation is even their employees against work related hazards. Health insurance is provided by non-state worse outside the formal sector where there are Currently, Pensions insurance in Malawi is operators and largely targets the formal private no pension, health and disability insurances. provided through the Government Public sector. The M-DWCP says that even the The union, therefore, feels that Malawi’s Pension Scheme and National Pension Scheme country’s largest employer, the civil service, social security system requires to be tuned to (statutory pension in the formal economy). does not have a health insurance provider. meet the ILO Convention 102 and Social In 2013, about 5.8 percent employees According to JUMA, though the country Protection Floor (Recommendation 202) which contributed to a pension scheme while only has the Occupational Safety and Health Policy inspires nations to provide universal access to about 11 percent were eligible to benefit from aimed at reducing occupational and accidents medical care and contingency benefits for workers compensation, an indication that and work related diseases, the document employment injury, invalidity, maternity, old social security including medical and maternity requires further review since it does not address age, family and survivors after death. 14 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition ADVERTISEMENT

The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 15 NATIONAL ADDRESS What a Speech Mr. President! ...but we will wait for action but also in ruins. It is because of these ruins that our first task in building a new Malawi is clearing the rubble. Before we can begin to rebuild, we must clear the rubble of corruption, for it has left our taxes in ruins; we must clear the rubble of laziness, for it has left our infrastructure in ruins; we must clear the rubble of passivism, for it has left our rights in ruins; we must clear the rubble of donor dependency, for it has left our dignity in ruins; we must clear the rubble of regionalism, for it has left our nationhood in ruins; we must clear the rubble of negativity, for it has left our resolve in ruins; we must clear the rubble of impunity, for it has left our governance institutions in ruins; and we must clear the rubble of unprofessionalism and incompetence, for it has left our services in ruins. The ruining of national treasures of both nature and state is a sin of my generation that I am bound by God to confess and bound by you to correct. For this reason, we must not imagine that it is possible to make these corrections without pain. We must accept that the national bones we have dislocated cannot be corrected without suffering. I was reminded of this truth three months ago when my 12-year-old grandson suffered a greenstick fracture in both arms after falling badly in school. To straighten the bones, an orthopedic surgeon at Kamuzu Central Hospital had to apply enough pressure to the arms to administer healing through pain and tears. In our quest to heal our fractured nation and governance system over the next five years, we must do the same. We must have the courage to face and endure the pain of systemic surgery if we ever want to enjoy wholeness as a nation. We must have the courage to inflict necessary pains on the fractured attitudes and actions of those around us if we ever want to see them whole as citizens. In this transaction, we must each accept that in the context of Malawi’s recovery and transformation, we are each a patient with a bone that needs straightening and each a physician with a duty to straighten the bones of others. We are each in some way part of Malawi’s problems and must each in some way be part of her solution. We cannot absolve our - selves of responsibility for the maladministration we have allowed to happen on our watch for close to three decades any more than we can renege on our responsibility to make amends. My Fellow Citizens, If this collective sense of responsibility over our national sins and Two score and sixteen years ago, our nation was born. It was a birth that national solutions seems unnecessary to you, then I put it to you that it I myself bore witness to, for not only was I a young boy of nine on that is not only a necessary path, but the only path. I put it to you that there day; I was also one of only 4 million people to have gone to bed a Nyasa can be no new Malawi if the only people deemed guilty of ruining this the night before and rise the next morning a Malawian. country are those who lost the recent election. I put it to you that there can be no new Malawi if the only people deemed responsible for fixing Of that generation, only half of us remain, and with each passing year, this country are those who won the recent election. I put it to you that our numbers fall as we continue to pass the baton of turning our land there can be no new Malawi if the only people to build it are Chakwera into a great nation to the next generation. To facilitate this transfer, four and Chilima. No! So long as I am President, I will insist that no new men and one woman from among those of us who were the last to be Malawi must be built except that which is built by Malawians. called Nyasas have thus far been entrusted with the presidency of Malawi. In joining that cohort as the sixth President of Malawi, I am The collective ownership of our problems and collective participation fully aware that I may very well be the last member of that fading in fixing them is the bedrock of our Tonse philosophy. When we promise generation to hold this office. I am fully aware that it has fallen to me to to create 1million jobs, we do not just mean that we will create programs complete the transfer of this mantle of nation-building to a rising to employ you, but also that we will challenge you stop seeing yourself generation of Malawians born free. I am fully aware that while our as a job seeker and start seeing yourself as a job creator. When we promise founding fathers and mothers accomplished their goal of national to ensure that every household is able to eat three meals a day, we do not liberation and their sons and daughters accomplished their goal of just mean that we will give you cheap fertilizer to increase food political liberation, it is your generation that must accomplish the goal production, but also that we will challenge you to work three times as of economic liberation. hard in your fields as before. When we promise to increase your earnings, we do not just mean that we will increase the minimum wage and It is no secret that this goal has been elusive for 26 years. It is no secret remove income taxes for those at the bottom of Malawi’s pay scale, that we have had one administration after another shifting its post to the but also that we will challenge you make yourself competitive in the next election, promising prosperity but delivering poverty; promising workplace. When we promise to build new homes with a solid roof, nationalism but delivering division; promising political tolerance but electricity, and tap water, we do not just mean that we will bring investors delivering human rights abuses; promising good governance but to make this happen, but also that we will challenge you to work towards delivering corruption; promising institutional autonomy but delivering owning that home. When we promise to give 1 million youth and women state capture. And now, after 26 years of false starts and stale finishes, capital to start their own businesses, we do not just mean that we will link it is no secret that my generation has not only left our homeland unbuilt, them to markets and banks to leverage their gains, but also that we will 16 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition NATIONAL ADDRESS

challenge them to pay back the loan so that another person has access Tonse Philosophy of collective responsibility that brought us to this to the same opportunity. The Tonse philosophy is not a campaign milestone and it is that same philosophy that will bring us to the next. gimmick, but a governing philosophy that says: we either build together Building a New Malawi will have to be a team effort every step of the or crumble together. way. And when we have differences, we will still have to listen to each other and accommodate each other, for we have no other compatriots in I know that this Tonse philosophy is the key to our success going all the world than each other. And when you see another citizen who is forward because it has been the key to our success thus far. To reach not doing their part in the work that is in front of us, accept it as your this inauguration as State President and State Vice President, Dr. Chilima duty to the country to rebuke them and help them reengage in the process and I have ridden the wave of indispensable contributions made by of nation-building. In the same way, when you see another citizen who is fellow Malawians who each rose to the occasion in different capacities making great strides in transforming their home, or their neighborhood, to lend their hand to the cause of justice. Without the patriotic efforts or their village, or their workplace, or their business, or their country, and sacrifices of these Malawians, none of us would be here. If it were accept it as your duty to the country to celebrate and reward them without not for the courage of over one hundred Malawians who toiled through succumbing to jealousy and mudslinging. In equal measure, whether you the night to gather evidence of electoral fraud so that our court petition live here or abroad, when you see a foreigner exploiting any of your against the 2019 election was built on facts, none of us would be here. fellow citizens or trashing the country you call home, accept it as your If it were not for the courage of over twenty witnesses who submitted duty to the country to stand up for the flag and speak of the unsung testimony to the court in the face of death threats, none of us would be beauties of this land God has preserved as our national inheritance. We here. If it were not for the courage of over a dozen lawyers who stood up must each give our best for Malawi and do our best for Malawians. to the abuse of office and misuse of the law by a politically compromised Attorney General, none of us would be here. If it were not for the Today, I too promise to give this country my best and do my best for courage of the five judges of the Constitutional Court to do right by law you as your servant. More importantly, I promise to set a good example despite attempts to bribe them in the interest of subverting justice, none of submitting myself to the constitutional processes, provisions, and of us would be here. If it were not for the courage of the Human Rights institutions that are designed to ensure that the President and Vice Defenders Coalition galvanizing citizens across the country to sustain President are always at their best. This means that as required by law, protests for ten months straight despite the constant threat of arrest and I will make a full declaration of my assets each year; I will go to Parliament cloud of teargas under which they marched, none of us would be here. to be questioned by the People about my handling of state affairs; I will If it were not for the courage of the Supreme Court to uphold and buttress propose legislation to reduce the powers of the presidency and empower the just ruling of the lower court in correcting both a constitutional institutions to operate independently, including Parliament and the anomaly regarding how a mandate to govern is secured and a Anti-Corruption Bureau; I will meet with the Leader of Opposition constitutional crisis fashioned by one of their own, none of us would be personally every three months to listen to alternative ways of running here. If it were not for the courage of media houses to broadcast the government affairs; and I will operationalize the Access to Information election court case in the face of government threats to close their Act in order to end the era of government secrecy and usher in the dawn stations, none of us would be here. If it were not for the courage of of government accountability. dozens of legislators and warding off ridicule and payoffs to reform our electoral laws, none of us would be here. If it were not for hundreds of As I seek to be at my best through these measures, you can also count businesspersons and workers donating their own resources and money on me to challenge all of you to be at your best. I will challenge the to give wings to our campaign so that we could reach voters in far flung leadership of the judiciary to do more to root out the culture of places, none of us would be here. If it were not for the courage of corruption and selective justice that has shipwrecked too many of our thousands of volunteers going door to door, village to village, city to lowest courts. I will challenge those who sit in Parliament to act city, to reach voters that Dr. Chilima and I could not, none of us would professionally, put away childish ways, and repeal and replace the bad be here. If it were not for the courage of the new leadership of the laws that remain on our books. I will challenge civil society organization Electoral Commission to deliver a credible election with limited to maintain a culture of robust protest, not just against governance resources and limited time, none of us would be here. If it were not for institutions, but against any entity that is on the wrong side of justice. I the courage of soldiers and police officers in uniform defying political will challenge our development partners to respect our vision and plans orders to fulfil their oath to defend the constitution and protect citizens, for our own country and to partner with us in ways that respect our none of us would be here. If it were not for Dr. Chilima and the other dignity and sovereignty, not ways that undermine it. I will challenge all party presidents of the Tonse Alliance forfeiting their political of you as citizens to work hard, work hard, work hard, work hard, and aspirations to forge an unbeatable partnership at the polls, none of us work hard. The time of giving free handouts and rewarding noise would be here. If it were not for thousands of knees scraping floors makers and handclappers who are too lazy to work is past. We have a across this country in night long prayers that gave heaven no rest until country to build and not a moment to waste. So, let’s all get to work. God’s kingdom came, none of us would be here. Thank you for your attention. I could go on and on, but the point would remain the same, that it is the God bless you and God bless our Republic The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 17 HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE Malawi’s ‘Access to Justice’ initiative captures global eye ---stakeholders in justice from other countries flock to Malawi to learn By Joseph Mizimbe Programme (UNDP) under the Chilungamo alawi’s Paralegal Advisory (Justice and Accountability) Programme. Service Institute’s (PASI)- One aspect of the initiative ensures that led access to justice initia - serious criminal cases go to police and courts, tive has attracted attention but it diverts civil and criminal disputes away from the world across with from the formal justice to a village mediation countries sending representatives into Malawi on process that sees family and friends restore learning tour to allow them to effectively im - relations after a dispute. pMlement the programme in their countries. National Programmes Coordinator, Village Mediation Service (VMS) is one of Chimwemwe Ndalahoma said the project has the two major PASI interventions under Access been greatly successful and the Malawi model to Justice through Village Mediation and has even attracted admirers from other African Paralegal Services Project which empowers countries such as Benin, Kenya, Uganda, communities to resolve criminal and non- Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia that criminal issues at village level resulting in less have accommodated it within their respective expensive, more culturally acceptable, and judicial system. more approachable access to justice. “Due to the applicability, success and The four-year January 21, 2018 to Decem - simplicity, other countries are expressing interest ber 31, 2021 project targeting vulnerable in replicating our polished version of this village groups, especially women and children as main mediation service including Bangladesh which beneficiaries, is funded by the European Union happens to be a country where the initiative (EU) and the United Nations Development was hatched in the first place,” he said. Ndalahoma: Countries are leaning from us 18 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE

of settlement are to ensure accountability, avoidance of impunity and respect for human rights. However in a scenario whereby the matter is not resolved through mediation, the National Programmes Coordinator said the issue is returned to the police. PASI has 36 paralegals who provide legal advice, assistance and empowerment to people in conflict with the law in 36 police stations’ cells and in 22 prisons and they are currently working in magistrates’ courts providing various justice delivery interventions. At the meantime, Village Mediation Service is in effect in 12 districts covering 24 Traditional Authorities where it collaborates stakeholders such as social workers and community policing members in providing responsive support to victims. So far, Ndalahoma said village mediators A team of representatives from Bangladesh and PASI visiting Lilongwe Police Station have successfully resolved 25,073 cases He also said Malawi PASI was called to working at grassroots level, who are now between January 2018 and December 2019 Sierra Leone in 2010 and Enugu State in Nigeria incorporating the approaches in their activities. and they are expected to provide mediation in 2013 to impart technical support and Ndalahoma also said some donors are quite services to resolve at least 58,000 disputes. knowledge on the implementation of the impressed with the assistance towards earning Formerly Paralegal Advisory Service (PAS), project. justice the project is giving to the once vulnerable PASI is a non-governmental organisation that Ndalahoma said, largely, the project’s individuals to the extended that they are begun as a programme of Penal Reform beneficiaries include women because of seeking to help PASI roll it out in every district International (PRI) in 2000 and became significant gender disparities that continue to of Malawi and other countries across the globe. independent in 2007. exist when it comes to easy access to justice, According to the National Programmes The programme was in cooperation with exacerbated by practices that demote the Coordinator PASI paralegals are always on the PRI in the provision of paralegal services in dignity of women such as gender-based ground working in police stations, assisting law police stations, courts, and prisons through violence (GBV), sexual violence, lack of enforcers in identifying cases suitable for working closely with the Ministry of Justice, maintenance and divorce related problems. referral to the PASI Village Mediation Service. the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and Among other benefits, the project empowers “The converse applies: the VMS identifies Traditional Authorities (TAs). women to be involved in village courts ( bwalo ) cases such as rape, murder and serious assaults The concept of Village Mediation Service which ensures fairness in resolving disputes in the community which need to be handled by was originally inspired by the Madaripur that involve them and children. the formal justice and ensures through its links Mediation Model (MMM) in Bangladesh, and “Since we started implementing the within PASI that these cases are reported; that in 2007, PRI commissioned a study to programme approaches, there has been procedures are followed correctly; and that determine if the model could be applied t o tremendous improvement in terms of access to legal representation is provided if necessary,” Malawi. justice and the testimony lies with those whose he explained. The recommendation from the study lives have witness a difference,” he said. To protect the confidential nature of the revealed that with certain modifications, The mediation service has also caught mediation process, Ndalahoma said details of the the initiative was applicable, hence its the attention of human rights organisations mediation are not made public, only the terms commencement in 2008.

Part of Chichiri Prison wall The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 19 HUMANITARIAN Judith Foundation - a humanitarian effort that is making a difference by educating the needy By Aubrey Thom Vakhani - Mzuzu also provides school uniforms, learning materials udith Foundation is Mzuzu-based charitable as well as paying examination fees for 130 students organization which started its activities from six secondary schools namely: Katoto, in the year 2010 and decade down the line , Zololozolo CDSS, Msongwe CDSS, Nkhorongo it has touched many lives, effectively, CDSS, Luwinga and Chikwawa CDSS in giving a sense of hope to the once hopeless. Rumphi and twenty learners in four primary schools - Katoto, Kauwa, Masasa and Doroba. With a humble beginning in 2017, the So far, the bursary has produced four students foundation introduced, among its humanitarian who are pursuing tertiary education at Chancellor interventions, a bursary program, then, paying J College (Chanco), Malawi University of Science school fees for one needy secondary school student and Technology (Must), The Polytechnic and Mzuzu at Katoto Secondary School in Mzuzu City. University and are christened ambassadors of Three years down the line, the program is Judith Foundation. now a household scholarship provider in schools One of the beneficiaries, Ruth Gondwe, a first around the city and districts in the northern year student at The Polytechnic pursuing Bachelor's region, aiding more than 150 learners. in Environmental Health studies, is all thanks to “We came up with a bursary program to Judith Foundation for supporting her. assist needy and deserving students pursue their The former a student at Luwinga Secondary studies and become responsible citizens in the School in Mzuzu says they only way she could future,” explains Executive Director, Judith thank repay the foundation is by working hard in Chibambo: Judith Foundation founder Chibambo, who is also the Foundation’s founder her studies. She urged fellow beneficiaries to do The idea in these sessions is to offer healing in an exclusive interview with The Messenger the same in order to uphold the success story of process and share working solutions that Magazine . the foundation. individuals, families and communities learn She says a research they did revealed that Sylvester Mababi, a teacher at Zolozolo from victims and survivors. most students were struggling to pay school fees Community Day Secondary School, attests to According to Judith Foundation website, the leading to high levels of school drop outs. the fact that the bursary program from Judith basic target groups are youths in schools, the “That's why we decided to come up with Foundation, has kept most of the needy students abused children and other vulnerable groups this program despite little resources we have. at school compared to the past when most were who are experiencing various degrees of abuse Principally, here at the foundation we believe tha t dropping out due to their inability to raise school and other social-economic threats. education is a backbone for national development fees. The foundation also tackle cultural challenges and it is powerful tool of eradicating poverty "The program is really helping and it worth which put the vulnerable groups at risk and hence our decision to intervene," says Chibambo. commending by any person of goodwill. The abuse. She also reveals to have personally encounter role this foundation is playing in supporting the The foundation approach is to involve the same situation of her parent struggling to students can’t be overemphasized. If we can survivors in mentoring session to help not only raise school fees that it took the help from well-wishers for her to complete her studies. Chibambo says the criteria of picking beneficiaries is either through direct application to the foundation or identification through teachers in respective schools. "We also accommodate those referred to us by the Social Welfare office and they all go through an assessment and vetting process to insure we enroll the neediest and deserving students,” she says. Chibambo says the vetting process involve checking would-be beneficiaries school reports to identify weaknesses for proper assistance. She emphasizes that the bursary is largely performance based with those with outstanding performance having high chances of qualifying for sponsorship. This far, Judith Foundation does not support university students but plans are in the hatching Bursary beneficiaries pose after receiving solar lamps from the foundation to have them accommodated. have plenty of such interventions the nation is to build trust but also provide better realities in "We really appreciate the fact that there is assured of a future of more knowledgeable citizens the restoration process of those abused and need to continue sponsoring students through who will be able to help in the development efforts victimized. tertiary education so what we currently do is to of this nation," said Mababi whose school has In this quest the foundation has reached out link up such students to other organisations that twenty one students who are benefiting from the to over 7000 vulnerable groups among them; provide university scholarships," she explains. bursary. children from under five years of age, adolescent Chibambo says they aspire to stretch their Apart from the bursary program, the Judith girls and young women, women groups, among arm of help to benefit students from other parts Foundation also conducts mentorship sessions other groups in different communities. of the country but their financial limitations which bring forth forums where people share The foundation get support from Spanish remain a hindering factor. lifetime experience, real struggles and discuss based Association Luenalde and some individuals Apart from pay school fees, the Foundation possible solutions. of goodwill. 20 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition ADVERTISEMENT

The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 21 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Beijing cracks down on illegal wildlife trade ---imposes blanket ban on ivory trade and animal killing ---30 years maximum jail term awaits offenders

By Chiku Jere contravenes the legislation. measures to protect wildlife, we’ll encourage espite ivory carving being China’s In statement released to the media, the prosecution and stiffer punishment on any of our intangible cultural heritage, Embassy said its move has turned China into citizen found on the wrong side of the law in Chinese Embassy in Malawi says the most rigorous country in cracking down on this regard,” emphasises the Deputy Ambassador. Beijing has imposed a blanket- illegal ivory trading, effectively setting an Xiusheng says China believes wildlife ban on ivory and ivory products, example for the whole world to emulate. species needs all the protection it can get as it and stopped all commercial ivory processing to This might sound as some crude joke coming remains a precious resource endowed by nature show its resolute opposition to illegal wildlife from China whose several of its nationals have and a necessary condition for the survival and Dtrade. recently been caught in Malawi smuggling development of mankind. This was disclosed during a media briefing ivory, protected fish and other animals, but However, the embassy acknowledges that held at Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe where it Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Malawi Wang at present the phenomenon of wildlife theft and was revealed that the ban led to closure of 34 Xiusheng says, as it is expected of any country, poaching in Africa is indeed rampant, and the ivory processing sites as well as 143 sales sites China also has some rogue elements. vice is being exacerbated by acts of trophy in People’s Republic of China. “As an Embassy, we’ll not protect any of hunting, which allows the wanton killing of Beijing is implementing a series of tough our nationals who will be caught in any illegal animals and carrying them home as souvenirs. laws and regulations that mete jail terms of dealings, being it in wildlife or anything else. “China holds that the practice of capturing up to 30 years maximum, on anyone who And as a country that subscribes to drastic and selling wildlife, poaching, as well as hunting

22 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS strengthening cooperation with African countries in the field of wildlife conservation and we’ve formed an effective mechanism to jointly fight poaching and illegal trade,” the deputy ambassador states. This stems back from 2013 when China and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding to protect wildlife and for over the years, this has seen Beijing providing financial support to African countries for the task. In 2014 China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration together with General Administration of Customs visited Malawi to hold seminars themed ‘Endangered Species Conservation’ which called on the public to stay away from illegal trade of ivory and other wildlife products. The journey also saw the delegation visiting other countries in the region such as China about to destroy confisticated ivory and ivory carvings Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia. Other African countries that this group of representatives from China on wildlife protection visited on a similar mission included Uganda and Ethiopia. The Embassy says most recently, China has initiated the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an important platform for China and African countries to strengthen law enforcement cooperation to combat illegal wildlife trade. During 2015 FOCAC gathering in Johannesburg Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the China-Africa Green Development Cooperation Plan that pledged 100 projects for wildlife conservation and ecological environment improvement in Africa. “Through this cooperation, and with financial support from China and personnel training Poachers carry ivory after killing an elephat programs, many African countries have effectively improved their ability in law enforcement and capacity building for wildlife conservation,” the Embassy says. In 2018, during the FOCAC Beijing Summit, the Chinese leader Xi followed up the efforts towards a greener Africa by proposing Green Development Initiative, which guarantees China’s assistance in the implementation of 50 green development and eco-environmental projects in Africa. According to the embassy, China is one of the countries with richest wildlife species and attaches great importance to conservation and biodiversity maintenance. “Since ancient times, our country has valued the idea of animal welfare and conservation, the essence of which is that human beings should have compassion and love for animals, because we believe that advocating coexistence Illegal ivory and ivory carving being destroyed at a crusher in China between human and nature is an important part game for pleasure is extremely cruel; let alone, trafficking and poaching, and this is the of China’s efforts in upholding and developing damaging to the ecological environment in Africa reason, among many, why China joined the socialism with Chinese characteristics in the and elsewhere, as it cause demonstrative Convention on International Trade in new era,” Deputy Ambassador Xiusheng says. effects that endanger wildlife reproduction, Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora The Embassy says authorities in China hence the need for concerted and coordinated (CITES) way back in 1980. are saddened with a development which efforts by countries to stop this,” the deputy Since then, the embassy says, China has shows that around the world, wildlife species ambassador says. been actively participating in CITES activities have declined by 44% in the past four decades Further, the statement says that China regards among which is carrying out anti-smuggling through illegal trade and poaching driven wildlife as a common wealth of mankind whose endangered species operations with many other by people’s selfish interests, and called for protection call for common responsibility. countries in Africa, Asia, North America and enforcement of drastic and effective measures It explains that international cooperation other international organisations. to stop this environmentally dangerous practice in the regard is key to combating wildlife “We actually attach great importance to world across. 22 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 23 FAITH & BELIEF Food for Soul With Prophet Dr. Rex Kalolo Church Offering & Tithing A giver is a person who gives generously in accordance to the Word of The most weapon the devil uses nowadays is to make Christians murmur God. about giving in church and tithing, he makes them have doubts and confuse them in whether to tithe or not. Acts 5:3-10 explains why A giver makes it a point on duty to pay his/her first fruits and tithes, Ananias and Sapphira died. They died because they lied about an gives offerings and makes other necessary financial contributions to offering they were making. God did not do anything to them but they his/her local church. caused their own death, they violated a spiritual principle when they lied to the Holy Spirit. The violation of any God ordained principle Matthew 6:2, Jesus said to His disciples "when you give" and not" if you brings the promised penalty. give" meaning giving is not an option but essential. Malachi 3:9 says "You are under a curse - the whole nation of you - Jeremiah 29:12 " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, because you are robbing me "A whole nation in this case refers to your plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a generation. Abraham tithes to Melchizedek that is according to Genesis future." Tithing is one of the most important thing you must do to live the 14: 14-20 and Hebrews 7:4. We all know it takes money to send the abundant life God has planned for you. Malachi 3:10 the Bible says gospel throughout the world. Acts 20:35 the Bible says "...it is more "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my blessed to give than to receive." house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out do much blessings that you will Non tithers, non-givers close their heaven doors thereby robbing God the not have room enough for it." God tells us how He will supply all the privilege of blessing them and also robbing God the benefit of saving blessings this scripture is promising. He will give them to us from heaven many lost souls. through the windows that our tithes have opened. Regardless of your reason for not giving or tithing in the past, God wants you to know that total restoration of all that the moths ate are available It is clear then that if tithing will open the windows of heaven then if you desire (Malachi 3: 7, 8,10). Make a decision to be a tither from not tithing will close them. When you realize that all of God's many today onwards. Try God today and see. blessings come to you from heaven, you will insist upon having an open heaven. James 1:17 says " Every good and perfect thing is from above Luke 6:38 "Give and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. like shifting shadows" and Luke 12:33-34 "...for where your treasure is, For with a measure you use, it will be measured to you." there your heart will also be." God bless you.

25 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 25 HEALTH ISSUES

NUTRITIONAL TALK with Dr. Humphrey Nali Coronavirus on magnetic health point of view Since the virus is new, it is grouped into undisclosed hyperventilation can complicate into a condition illness. called polycythemia which increase the total volume This virus is able to complicate human health of unwanted red blood cells. into multiple organ failure within a short time. It So we can win coronavirus problem with another attack anyone of any age group but those with poor problem. immune and vitality are at risk. Coronavirus or any other virus has common The virus produce toxic chemicals that short behavior of producing toxic chemicals that hack cells circuit magnetic waves in the brain which make the in body. One of the organ whose cells are hacked is brain fail to repair, then loses timing. the Brain, which result in short circuit magnetic When the brain loses timing, it also loses oxygen waves or nervous system. In this condition, the intake system which is controlled by adrenal brain loses signals to control air intake system which glands found close to kidneys. The patient develop regulated by adrenal glands found close to kidneys. respiratory distress which complicate heart functions This eventually complicate into multiple organ and heart problem called angina pectoris sets which failure within a short time, and death follows. brings the patient into multiple organ failure. The only methods to clear toxic chemicals is by The best solutions is to restore repairing system Dr. Humphrey Nali: detoxification program which is nutritional in nature. so that the brain should be able to control air intake Nutritional Therapist After detox, the immune system can be strengthened system. Repairing system occur between 11pm and by vitamin c, also known as ascorbic acid. Then the 3 am and at this time, all electronic gadgets must be switched off. patient must be given enough rest at a place away from magnetic Ventilators can be fatal because the brain can capture wrong pollution with all electronic gadgets switch off to allow enough information which will make the brain to switch off normal air intake repairing system which occur between 11pm and 3am. Preventive system and relay on ventilators. WHO recommends wearing face masks, measures like taking vitamin c and switching off electronic gadgets at washing hands with sanitisers, social distances and lockdown as night is encouraged besides what is already used internationally. preventive measures. But face masks manufactured locally have no This is how the Chinese won the war quickly against coronavirus. specific material standard. Poor materials can reduce adequate oxygen They combined medical, nutrition and magnetic theories to combat the intake into the lungs which can cause hyperventilation. If not controlled, coronavirus.

25 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 25 EDUCATION CSOs thwarting early marriage through 'Girls not Brides' initiative Most African countries including Malawi have deep-rooted traditions of forcing girls into marriages for various reasons. But this trend is believed to be one of the infringements to the rights and lives of the girls. Other rights that are infringed upon through child marriage include the right to education; the right to protection from physical and mental violence, injury or abuse, including sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation; the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health; the right to self-determination; the right to rest, leisure; and to participate freely in cultural life as well as the right to not be separated from parents against the child's will. Girls Not Brides Malawi is one of the projects being implemented in the country with the aim of wiping out the malpractice. JOSEPH MIZIMBE caught up with Girls not Brides Malawi National Coordinator WESTON MSOWOYA to shade more light about the project. Msowoya: Girls Not Brides’s National coordinator

Q: Would you explain the background of Girls not Brides Malawi passing of Marriage, Divorce and Family Relation Act, National policy initiative? on ending Child Marriage Strategy, Revision of child age definition from 16 to 18 in the constitution among others. A: Yes, Girls Not Brides Malawi is now registered as a national Girls Not Brides Malawi is currently working towards influencing partnership of 93 local CSOs across Malawi. It is currently coordinated practical resourcing, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the by Centre for Community and Youth Development (CCYD), the three national policy instruments. organization I head and by virtue of that I am the National Coordinator for it, Chaired by Livingstonia CCAP Church and Society, deputized by Q: Anything important you would like to add? Action-Aid Malawi. A: Girls Not Brides Malawi through a partnership of CSOs has adopted Q: What are the initiative’s core focus? several approaches for the purpose of raising awareness on child A: Girls not Brides Malawi’s business focus on the following: marriage. For example they use commemoration of International Day 1. National policy, legal frameworks and implementation of legal of Girl Child and the Day of the African Child to raise the awareness. instruments advocacy by duty bearers i.e. government; The initiative maximises messages against child marriage by producing 2. Coordinating CSOs that are working toward in ending child marriages Daily News Pull-Outs as well organising commemoration activities at a in Malawi; and local level which are marked with traditional or cultural performances, 3. We are a capacity building and information sharing platform of CSOs poetry recitals and quiz competitions. on emerging practices on ending child marriages through promotion of Girls Not Brides Malawi recently organised the first ever Regional girls’ education, gender equality and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Symposiums with the view of sharing best practices with all players (SRHR). in the area of addressing child marriage and proceeded on to develop mechanisms for ensuring that all players are coordinating and Q: Since the initiative started, what has been the complimenting each other. underlining factors for increased child mar - riages? A: There are many factors but main ones cutting across the board are deep rooted harmful cultural practices and social norms that take a girl or woman as docile human being, poor education standards and structures not motivating and supportive to girls’ needs hence drop outs. Other factors include high education drop outs that create enabling environment for girls as liveli - hood option, high levels of poverty that create girls vulnerability to sexual abuse and does not support girls education needs, low investments by public purse in girls’ SRHR, family planning, readmission in schools.

Q: How influential the CSOs partnership has been in ensuring girls are protected and not forced into marriage? A: The partnership has been influencing the Girls pose after recieving learning materials from Girls Not Brides 26 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 27 ADVERTISEMENT

Msowoya: Girls Not Brides’s National coordinator

26 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 27 DEVELOPMENT A botched dream or the price of arrogance? …the Nsanje Inland Port that was never to be By Charles Maida Party’s flagship project has been dormant for port, let alone alcohol selling, saying the f Nsanje Inland Port was to come to be, over 10 years, but now some individual have council is still working on modalities on how it it could have been hailed as one of the decided to make use of it. can address the issue. beautiful dream come to reality of a A visit by this reporter revealed well He also waved away suggestions that the patronized makeshift drinking joints at the port, taunted development-oriented and dy - council should just collecting revenue from where people sale alcohol through cooler boxes namic leader, Malawi’s 3rd President, businesses operating at the port, saying the a development is starving bars at the boma of late Bingu wa Mutharika, but the project turned council will only do so once the port is patronage. into a $6 billion debacle after he let his designated as a legal spot for businesses by Reports also indicate that some are using government. Iarrogance take the better of him. the syrub for weddings and other events a A local leader James Maluwa who has Bingu chose to bully Mozambique, a development that has prompted the Nsanje would-be willing partner with indispensable knowledge of how the Shire and Zambezi District Council authorities to discourage the rivers connect said the only way the project leverage, into accepting his way an approach practice as it contravenes the by-laws. that was bound to fail as the then President of was to be realized is through a proper Michael Khotani who owns Zatonse agreement between the Government of Malawi Mozambique Armando Guebuza insisted on Bottlestore at the boma lamented that the port conducting environmental and feasibility and that of Mozambique. is taking away their customers which has “The project involves water for both Shire studies before taking part in the project. dramatically dwindled their sales. and Zambezi, so a prior agreement would However, Mutharika wanted to still have "Things are not as they were in the past, in have been ideal, rather that some unilateral his way and went ahead anyway in October fact, am just selling half what I was selling decision,” explained Maluwa. 2010 to preside over a lavish official “opening” before the port came," On his part, a Mozambican national, ceremony of the port that was attended by the He said it was an unfair business practice Zambian and Zimbabwean presidents and a for the district council to tolerate the selling of Joseph Chakwamba the port is a dead dream large crowd of townsfolk that include top alcohol at the port because on the part they pay that will not come to pass. government and party officials as well as tax and council rates but yet their businesses According to the 60-year-old, if the project is business captains. Conspicuously missing were are not protected. to happen at all, the Government of Mozambique representatives from Mozambique. Khotani said the affected business people has to sacrifice a lot, including getting rid of The event was supposed to be spiced by the in the district have been engaging the council to big Donayana Bridge Mutalala District and arrival of the first barge but Maputo could not find an amicable solution about the matter but Khaya Bridge in Sofala District, all of which be harassed into letting Bingu, who was then nothing has come to fruition. lie along the proposed waterway. holding the rotating chairpersonship of the However, an interview with a regular patron The port was meant to link the town of regional trade block the Southern Africa at the port, Peter Zacharia, revealed that people Nsanje through the Shire-Zambezi River to Development Community (SADC), have his flock to the spot because it cooler than pubs. C h i n d e in Mozambique, a development that way, so they detained the barge and arrested "As you are aware, in this part of Malawi could have reduced travel costs by about $200 the crew. we endure high temperatures almost around the million, comparative to the only way Malawi That was it, billions of kwachas and efforts year, so this is the only spot around where can import and export goods through Beria, a were wasted in electing a useless cement block temperatures are a bit low and we get a relief round trip of 1,200 kilometers. that still stand mockingly strong, just because from some breeze whilst having one or two An agreement signed by Malawi, one egocentric man who happened to hold cold ones here,” he added. Mozambique and Zambia in 2007 show that the power then failed to tame his ego. On his part, Nsanje District Council African Development Bank (AfDB) allocated The multi-billion kwacha rubble which Public Relations officer, Martin Chiwanda $3.5 million for the task which continue to was meant to be the Democratic Progressive acknowledged the illegality of activities at the remains a fading dream as years pass by. 28 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 29 ADVERTISEMENT

28 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 29 SPORTS Running sports ministry Msungama responds to critics of his ministerial is not rocket science appointment

By Brown Mdalla lot was said when the youthful minister of Sports and Youth Development Ulemu Msungama was appointed to head the ministry, with some saying the guy is completely blank on sports issues and the youth’s needs and that President Lazarus CAhakwera flopped when he appointed him to lead the ministry. However, some quarter of society are saying dissatisfaction on Msungama appointment is misplaced and an indication that people do not clearly understand sports administration. Their common point of argument is that anybody who is an astute administrator can run ably run the sports ministry and the fact that he will be guided by technocrats the points raised by the critics are rendered redundant. Msungama has since backed his appointment saying one does not need to be a sports man or a sports fan to qualify for minister of sports Msungama says he is capable Msungama watching Arsenal game post, but what matters is how that particular He also said he will engage Super League He said what this government is determined person will respond to issues related to the job sponsors to increase winner’s prize from the to do is construct national stadiums in all the at hand. current K15 million to K100 million thereabout cities of the country, community stadiums in He said he is a sports follower who has as well as do everything possible to preside all districts and an in-door court for the Malawi been instrumental in among others convincing over the introduction of several well sponsored Netball Queens. his fellow legislators to form teams of different tournaments as a way of growing the sport and Speaking more on addressing the Queens sporting disciplines as a way of parliamentarians other equally important disciplines. plight, Msungama emphasized the need to put having fun during their spare time. The minister then took the opportunity to more resources in the development of netball “I also encouraged my fellow legislators to urge more companies and individuals to join in the country as well as support the Malawi engage with teams of different disciplines of the fray of supporting different types of sport if netball national team saying the girls have been their liking across the country and find out their the country is to improve its ranking in this the pride of the nation. needs and present those issue to parliament for respect. “Our unorthodox style of play is admired consideration, the idea that was not presented “I want to preside over the injection of across the world, even by the so-called before the house before and I was applauded massive sponsorship towards sports in this developed netball national, but they would for that,” he said. country because I know that local football and be disappointed if they come here to see Besides the facilitation in the formation of any other sport cannot develop fully with little quality of our training facilities. As the parliamentary teams Msungama also said he investment. Football cannot reach the standards minister responsible, definitely push strong is a keen follower of football and that he we all aspire if teams only rely on Super to address this injustice that netball and our personally goes to Europe to watch competitive League alone. So as the new government heroines have been subjected to,” declared games in European Leagues, something he said and minister of sports in particular, I’ll do Msungama. has enhanced his love for sports. everything possible to attract more sponsors to On youth development, the minister said he “I believe that the president noticed help in the promotion of all sports disciplines,” would separate the aspect of Sports from Youth something peculiar in me to appoint as Sports Msungama said. Development and then tackle the two areas minister. I suspect that he saw how I mobilized Regarding the controversial issue of separately as he understands that not all the fellow youthful parliamentarians to establish government construction stadiums for Nyasa youths are sports fans, which he said was not teams that have been playing with the country’s Big Bullets and Be- Forward Wanders using the case with the previous administrations. renowned sides,” said Msungama. public funds, Msungama categorically stated He promised to do everything possible The youthful minister then disclosed that that the idea was a non-starter in the first place to ensure that young people are equipped he recently went to Russia where he met that and a mere campaign gimmick by the previous economically through the Malawi Enterprise country’s leader Vladimir Putin and convinced administration. Development Fund (MEDEF). him to support the developing of sports in He said constructing stadiums for two “All we need to do is remove the element Malawi. privately owned teams might just frustrate of politics from the fund so that it benefits Msungama asserts that he has been a sport other privately owned clubs that equally everyone in the spirit of Tonse philosophy,” he fan since his childhood and his premier task deserve some financial support. said. will be to work towards helping the Malawi However Msungama was quick to say that Msungama believes that there are several National Football Team to reclaim its lost government is ready to allocate plots to the areas of life that affect youth development that glory. team for stadium constructions. his ministry is determined to alleviate. 30 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 31 ADVERTISEMENT

30 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 31 NATIONAL FEATURE

12 The Messenger Second Quarter Edition The Messenger Second Quarter Edition 13