Malawi researchers in vaginal ring study to prevent HIV infection

Malawi researchers are currently into an MTN 020 (ASPIRE), a
microbicide study to determine whether a woman's use of a vaginal ring
containing the antiretroviral (ARV) drug dapivirine, which is not
currently used for treatment, is a safe and effective method for
protecting against HIV infection in women when inserted in the vagina
once every 4 weeks.

Don't intimidate those commenting on federalism-Chakwera

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Dr Lazarus Chakwela has called
for inclusive and issue based discussions on federalism other than
intimidating those of opposing views.

Commenting for the first time on the issue, Chakwera said although MCP
has no stand on federal system of government, its members are free to
discuss it.

Star FM brings family poetry festival to Lilongwe

One of Malawi's private radio stations Star FM has lined up a Family Poetry Festival dubbed 'Chiphwando cha Ndatakatulo' at Summit Cultural Center in Lilongwe on November 30.

With Bicco International and Super Sapuwa as main sponsors, the festival, according to Star FM's Marketing Manager Brian Chamgomo is aimed at giving an early Christmas to the radio's listeners.

FND slams ACB, government on selective justice, demands progress on K92 cashgate progress

Forum for National Development (FND) has slammed the Anti-Corruption
Bureau (ACB) and government for what it termed as selective justice in
prosecuting people who are allegedly involved in cashgate.

In a statement signed by Chairperson Bright Kampaundi and National
Coordinator Fryson Chodzi, the organization said it has noted that its
easier to prosecute people from other political parties than those
aligned to the ruling party.

DPP's six months in office unproductive - MCP

The main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has
described the six months of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
leadership as unproductive with little intervention on issues of
national importance.

Briefing the press Wednesday at the party's headquarters in Lilongwe,
MCP president Dr Lazarus Chakwela said they are disturbed with
increased cost of living, lack of financial prudence and delay in
implementing FISP program as some programs which government is failing
to successfully implement.

PP goes into rebuilding process after elections

The opposition Peoples Party (PP) will now go into the rebuilding
process after it was booted out of government during the May 20
Tripartite Elections.

In an interview with Nyasa Time after the second Budget meeting of the
45th session of parliament, PP leader in the August house Uladi Mussa
said the party interns to take stock on what went wrong and what
should be done to be successful during the next election, in 2019.

Ebola cost Malawi Luciano's show

Ebola outbreak in West Africa has cost Malawi the first ever show of
the Jamaican reggae artist Luciano.

According to The Jamaica Observer, Luciano has been forced to cancel
plans to travel to Africa for his upcoming tour due to warnings from
Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson that entertainers should avoid to
travel to Ebola affected countries of West Africa.

Airtel Malawi partners Trace, Akon on mobile music competition

Airtel Malawi has partnered with Trace Music Star and international
music super star Akon to roll out a mobile music competition in the
country.

Dubbed 'Airtel Trace Music Star,' the overall winner in the country
will win K14 million plus given a chance to compete with other African
winners at a Pan African Concert.

Budget allocation on Health slash a result of cashgate- Minister

Minister of Health Dr Jean Kalirani has disclosed that a slash on
health allocation from thwarting 2014/15 fiscal year budget is a
result of cashgate which resulted into donors withholding aid.

"That the budget allocation to health is true but we must read the
facts in the context that we are just coming out of a period which
government money was being looted.

Malawi ready to prevent and contain Ebola spread

The Ministry of Health has said a number of strategies have been put in place to prevent its occurrence and also contain its spread should it be reported in Malawi following the reported Ebola Virus Outbreak in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

In a statement signed by Secretary for Health Chris Kang’ombe, the ministry said it has a robust Integrated Diseases Surveillance and Response programme that provides on strategies to manage outbreaks such as Ebola and other notifiable diseases.

TNM pumps K4m towards Operation Smile surgeries

Premier mobile service provider Telecom Networks Malawi (TNM) Sunday
donated K4 million to Operation Smile, a South African based team of
surgeons who are in the country to undertake free screening and
surgeries at Kamuzu Central Hospital.

Govt yet to assist 15 Kasungu homeless families

Government is yet to assist 15 homeless Kasungu families whose
houseswere set on fire due to land disagreements.

According to witnesses, about 30 heavily armed police officers hiredby
Monica Makamu who claims for about 140 hectares of land set ablazethe
houses on July 12.

"We were each give 3 minutes to remove our belongings but they
couldstop us and handcuffed my husband before burning down the house,"
saidLucia Banda, a mother to four children.

Queens sponsors impressed with performance

Airtel Malawi, the sponsors of Malawi Netball Queens have said they
are impressed with the that's performance at the on going commonwealth
games.

The company's country Director Andrew Santhe made the remarks in
Lilongwe at a press briefing he held with Netball Association of
Malawi president Rose Chinunda.

This life, our life

In a round-mud-grass-thatched house

They all sleep on the floor

Parents and children separated by chitenje

Next to them are just a few kitchen utensils

Of course, mtondo, musi, lichelo and dengu

All standing in for pillars of the wall

A wall made up of sticks,

Some grass and mated with mud

 a mansion for healthy termites.

Lake of Stars Announces Host Venue and First Sponsor

Lake of Stars will return to the incredible Sunbird Nkopola Lodge this September for the 10^th edition of the award winning arts event, rated amongst the top festivals in Africa by CNN and Metro. 

The partnership between Sunbird and LOS began in 2008 when the event took place at Livingstonia Beach.  Nkopola Lodge is located in the southern lakeshore area near the town of Mangochi with a good range of accommodation in the area from on-site camping to beachside hotels. Contact the festival direct for bookings festivaltravel@lakeofstars.org
 

Nkhoma CCAP clergy likened JB leadership to Manasseh in the Bible

Nkhoma CCAP Church Reverend Adiel Sasu on Sunday likened the Joyce Banda
leadership with the Biblical reign of Manasseh King of Judah.

Quoting the Bible books of 2 Kings 22 verses 1-13 and 2 John 13, Sasu
said just like the problems Malawi is going through, Manasseh imitated on the very worst kings of Israel.

Chimunthu Banda's book to be launched Wednesday

The outgoing Malawi National Assembly Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda will  launch his book on Wednesday at the Bingu International Conference Center (BICC).

PP thugs attack Mutharika's aide, critically ill at Mwaiwathu Hospital

Some people deemed to be Peoples Party (PP) agents on Monday night
attacked Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president's Peter
Mutharika's personal Assistant Ben Phiri and dumped him at Kamba in
Blantyre City.

UIP president wants Kayelera mine closure scrutinized

United Independent Party (UIP) President Hellen Sighn want government to
 scrutinize the closure of the country largest mine, Kayelekera which
was being run by Paladin Africa.

In an interview with Nyasa Times, Sighn demands that government should
cross check if the mine's closure was done following the international
standards that will not have effects on the people.

Chiefs, politicians fight over JB relief maize to Nkhatabay

There are disagreements as to who is supposed to distribute the relief maize which President Joyce Banda dished over the weekend in Nkhatabay.

According to some sources who confided to Nyasa Times, Chief feel that they are the ones who are supposed to distribute the maize which is currently under the custody of Peoples Party (PP) parliamentary hopefuls  in the forth coming elections.

UDF appoint Dr Chapola as Atupele running mate

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has taken on board Dr Godfrey Chapola as the party's running mate in the forthcoming elections.

Announcing the appointment in Lilongwe, UDF President Atupele Muluzi said Dr Chapola is a visionary man.

Muluzi who was accompanied by the party's Vice President Iqbar Omar, Lilian Patel and Kandi Padambo among other top officials said the criteria of selecting the candidate should be visionary, committed,
Plugged into what Malawians want and need, dedication and transformative.

Kombucha health Juice distribution reaches Northern and Southern regions

Kambucha Health Juice, a product of Nutri.com has now expanded its market base, reaching as far as the

 Speaking in Lilongwe, Nutri.com Marketing Manager Peter Ndalama said this follows the juice’s high demand in the regions.

UIP censors JB aid over remarks on hunger related deaths

United Independence Party (UIP) president Hellen Sighn has registered her concerns over remarks made by President Dr Joyce Banda's aide Wakuda  Kamanga on reports that people are dying of hunger.

Kamanga was reported on Galaxy FM that people should not be amused with the deaths report as it was reported in the Bible that every man has the time of death.

Airtel Malawi boost music awards with K5m sponsorship

Airtel Malawi has boosted the Music Association of Malawi (MAM) awards with a sponsorship of K5 million.

Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony at the company's office in Lilongwe, Airtel Marketing Manager Tanmoiy Saha said the sponsorship shows the company's commitment towards the development of music talent in Malawi.

Malawi opposition leaders treason case adjourned

High Court Judge Esme Chombo has adjourned the treason case involving Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika and six other officials.

Chakwela says god-like-leaders root cause of Malawi poverty

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr Lazarus Chakwela said the root cause to the country's poverty is the tendency leaders who look upon themselves and gods.

He made the remarks on Sunday at Nathenje, Lilongwe when the party officials went to welcome him from a week long southern region campaign trail.

Remember

July 4, 2012 at 7:54am

The time I will not forget
When we cradled together
Like toddlers playing with mwantche
Along Mtoso river
As mpoloni shrubs
Like censers, breath out their smells
And the wind caressing our bodies
Drifting them way
With the flow of admiration

Kaliati says hands off Mutharika, JB affects women politicians

Kaliati says she has affected women politicians

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Director of Women Patricia Kaliati has called on Malawians to leave the party president Peter Mutharika alone.

She was commenting on stories that Mutharika has been going out of the country for almost three weeks seeking medical treatment.

Mutharika speaks on illness and allegiance to US, says ready to offer advice to government

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Professor Peter Muthalika on Sunday took time to speak on speculations going around, among them rumors of his illness, possible alliance and his will to advice the government on various problems.

Addressing the press in Lilongwe, Mutharika said as far as he is concerned, he is a health person.

International nurses body pens health minister on upgrading program

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) through its Chief Executive Officer David Benton has written a letter to Malawi Minister of Health Catherine Gotani Hara registering its disappointment on the obstructions their counter parts are meeting with on the intended upgrading program of nurse-midwife technicians (NMTs) to Registered Nurse diploma.

British envoy says too early to determine whether Malawi is doing great on Cash Gate

British envoy to Malawi Michael Nevin said it’s too early to determine whether the country is making strides on the Cash Gate issue.

Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times in Lilongwe, Nevin acknowledged the efforts government has put so far to make sure that those involved on the issue are brought to book.

Black water

You think I am crying? 

Debased and defeated? 

Or you look upon me a shrink? 

Maybe I will just vanish into the thin air? 

No, I will not cower 

Lulu arrested, victim withdraw case

Lilongwe based urban musician Lulu was on Thursday night arrested Kawale Township drinking after he injured a friend over a prostitute.

According to eye witnesses, Lulu came at a joint with two girls, after sometime, another imbiber who is a Brundian started making advances to one girl who accompanied the musician.

Apparently, annoyed with the development, the musician exchanged some bitter words before they exchanged blows.

Nurses give govt 48 hrs on upgrading program or face a country wide strike

Nurses in the country through the National Organization of Nurses and Midwives of Malawi (NONM) have given the government 48 hours to act on the cancelled upgrading program for whereby Nurse and Midwife technicians (NMTs) are to be upgraded to Registered Nurses and Midwives (RNM) at diploma level.

Landing on the moon

Endlessly, I rejoice when I look back

The path that had led me here

The passion that kept me near

The wishes of a swollen heart so clear

Hard and bumpy not with hatred of a bear

Nor abhorrence of sneer

And not even detestation

But wants of love and perfection

Climate diplomacy can build the trust needed to secure our common future

For the past decade Pa Ousman Jarju, Special Climate Envoy for The Gambia and former chair of the Least Developed Countries group at the UN climate change negotiations travelled to meeting after meeting of the UN climate change talks as a national negotiator for The Gambia, as chair of the Least Developed Countries group, and now as Gambia’s Special Climate Envoy, He now writes his experience.

This journey has taught me that diplomacy is the key that can unlock the treasure chest of ambition we need to tackle climate change. 

MHRC report on allegations of prisoners dying because of hunger at Maula Prison in Lilongwe

The Malawi Human Rights Commission, “the Commission” learnt from a radio broadcast on Zodiak Broadcasting Station that alleged that four  prisoners had died at Maula Prison in Lilongwe because of food shortage at the facility.

The Commission sent its investigators immediately to verify the allegations with reference to its constitutional mandate of protecting human rights and investigating human rights violations.

Katsonga calls on Reserve Bank Governor resignation

Chipani Cha Pfuko (CCP) President Davies Katsonga has called on Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Charles Chuka to resign following the massive looting of money at Capital Hill.

In an interview with Studio13 Magazine's Ecram Mpita, Katsonga said as a custodian of government money and that it got stolen under his nose, is a valid reason for him to stand aside.

MHRC report confirms hunger at Maula Prison, no death reported

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Brief Investigations Report on allegations of prisoners dying because of hunger at Maula Prison in Lilongwe has found that although the inmates spent three days without  food, there were no deaths of emanating from the alleged shortage of  food.

The only reported death, according to the report,  was that of a
prisoner a sixty year old Buziel Kapalamula who was said to have been

A prostitute

The thing was too small
Too thin a last finger's size
She knew it was a token
An easy ride
And she was determined
After seeing a lot
With different sizes
Different body builds
Muscles too

A flower in my garden

So pure and clean

Pretty and shining
Beaming into my eyes
Glows so slowly, lovely and catchy
Lighting my life so right
As it frees my mind
It settles centrally on my heart
Soothing me anytime any weather
Faith is here

Warning over race to reshape African cities as “urban fantasies”

Plans to reshape cities across Africa in the style of Dubai and Singapore threaten to deepen social inequalities and could prove costly to both investors and city authorities, according to a paper in the April 2014 edition of Environment and Urbanization.  
The paper, by Professor Vanessa Watson of the University of Cape Town, reviews plans to renew, extend or replace cities in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Watson notes that the planned modernist skyscrapers and landscaped freeways have been dreamt up not in Africa but in the offices of international architects and engineers. They appear to ignore the fact that the majority of people in African cities have low-incomes, live in informal housing and lack land rights. They also do nothing to address the large deficits in provision for basic services.

DPP maize and medical donation to Maula Prison blocked

Party (DPP) maize and medical donation worth K1 million to Maula
Prison.

According to DPP president Peter Mutharika's Personal Assistant Ben
Phiri, who led the delegation to the prison, the official cited the
use of party vehicles and availability of some top party official.

 "Following the media reports which indicated that there is acute food
shortage at the prison, our president saw it fit to share some food
and medication to prisoners but we were saddened to hear that we
cannot donate the food.

Ma Blacks cherish 2013, bemoans lack of music distributors

The country's top Reggae outfit the Black Missionaries have said 2013
was a success although lack of music distributors was a major problems.

Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times, the Band Leader Angiru
Fumulani cited positive reception from the fans and the international
exposure as some of the successes.

Pro-government NGO funded by Malawi State House

Forum for National Development (FND) is being linked with the State
House as sponsors.

According to information from top government officials, FND Chairperson
Bright Kampaundi and member Annold Mnelemba met President Joyce Banda at
 Sanjika Palace on Sunday where they pocketed K7 million.