First Reflections
I can’t really figure out what to write about my experience so far in Africa. It could be the excitement of the first few days or crazy Scots we met and befriended at the guest house. It could be the people, who are all so friendly and welcoming, or the adventure on my first full day where Hussein and I walked the entire length of Lilongwe, to the amazement of many of the locals. It could even be the shock I experienced when I discovered where and how I would be living for the next two and a half months. But I’m not going to write about any of those experiences; I’ll save them for another day. I’m going to write about the time I came to realise the reality of where I was.
Darkness had just fallen as I departed Chancy’s house in Naperi, a quit(er) neighbourhood not far from Blantyre city centre. I boarded the minibus at Kambo, where the passengers were tightly packed into this rickety death trap. Hussein was already on the bus, having traveled all they way from Kenneth’s house in Chilobwe. I found a seat in the back of the bus, next to a scraggy, faint looking man. I didn’t expect what would happen next.
I glanced over at the scraggy man and quickly gazed into his eyes; they were almost devoid of life, struggling, desperate. It was then I realized what was happening. The man, wheezing and struggling for each breath, was in need of immediate medical attention. I sat next to him, frozen, not knowing what to do next. After several of the other passengers spoke amongst themselves in Chichewa, a man in front of me informed me that we had to make a detour to the hospital so the man could seek help. I turned again to the sick man, seeing his misfortune and desperation, wanting to help, but unable to act.
The man continued wheezing as we made our way to the hospital. After what seemed like an eternity, we finally arrived. Unable to get up on his own off the bus, I as well as several of the other passengers assisted him. The minibus’ doorman carried the man into the hospital as the minibus turned around. As soon as the doorman was back on board, we left the hospital and continued on our way. It was business as usual.
After we arrived at our destination, Hussein informed me that the man was so weak that he had to be carried onto the bus by his friends, which took a fair bit of time. Unable to afford more than one fare, they sent him on his own, hoping he would make it in time to the hospital and get the medicine he needed to survive. I reflected for a second, and then it occurred to me: if the minibuses hadn’t been running or the man had lived in a rural area, he would have never made it to the medicine in time. Ambulances are non-existent and few people have access to an automobile. He was lucky the asthma hadn’t killed him.
Thinking about the experience, I understand it to be the first time I realized where I was. I was in one of the poorest countries in the world, shattered by poverty and more than half of the population living below the poverty line. I was in a land devastated by HIV/AIDS, stagnated by unfair agricultural trading polices enacted by richer nations, and threatened by poor government planning and deficient development policies. I was witnessing the reality faced by billions of people on a daily basis. I was in Malawi; I wasn’t home anymore
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Malawi throws out bid to revive graft charges against ex-president
A court of appeal in Malawi threw out a fresh bid by the country's graft-busting agency to revive charges against ex-president Bakili Muluzi, court officials said Tuesday.
The charges relate to alleged siphoning off millions of dollars in aid and state funds for personal use three years ago.
Court officials told AFP that the supreme court of appeal dismissed the bid by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACB) to re-question Muluzi over the charges which were dropped three years ago.
In July 2006, Muluzi was arrested by the ACB and charged with 42 counts of corruption, theft and breach of trust for allegedly siphoning off 12 million dollars (9.5 million euros) of aid funds.
The country's top prosecutor later dropped all charges of corruption against Muluzi, saying there was no director at the ACB at that time to prosecute Muluzi.
Muluzi, who was head of state from 1994 to 2004, denied all the charges.
He was the most senior figure to face graft charges in a sweeping anti-graft campaign launched by President Bingu wa Mutharika, his successor and estranged protege.
Corruption was rampant during Muluzi's era.
Muluzi remains popular and holds the influential position of party chairman of the now opposition United Democratic Front.
The front has chosen Muluzi as its presidential candidate against incumbent Mutharika in next year's fourth general elections since 1994 in the former British colony.
The charges relate to alleged siphoning off millions of dollars in aid and state funds for personal use three years ago.
Court officials told AFP that the supreme court of appeal dismissed the bid by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACB) to re-question Muluzi over the charges which were dropped three years ago.
In July 2006, Muluzi was arrested by the ACB and charged with 42 counts of corruption, theft and breach of trust for allegedly siphoning off 12 million dollars (9.5 million euros) of aid funds.
The country's top prosecutor later dropped all charges of corruption against Muluzi, saying there was no director at the ACB at that time to prosecute Muluzi.
Muluzi, who was head of state from 1994 to 2004, denied all the charges.
He was the most senior figure to face graft charges in a sweeping anti-graft campaign launched by President Bingu wa Mutharika, his successor and estranged protege.
Corruption was rampant during Muluzi's era.
Muluzi remains popular and holds the influential position of party chairman of the now opposition United Democratic Front.
The front has chosen Muluzi as its presidential candidate against incumbent Mutharika in next year's fourth general elections since 1994 in the former British colony.
Malawi needs to strengthen public financial management
Malawi's economic growth is expected to maintain average level in the coming year, despite shocks experienced as a result of oil and commodities high prices. However, the southern African state has been advised to pay special attention in reducing its domestic debt in order to support and steadily build-up its international reserves.
According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Malawi will immediately need to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability over coming year, especially in view of pressures created on the fiscal position and balance of payments by recent price shocks.
IMF has further observed that Malawi has relatively low reserves in comparison with most its peers in the region, saying it was also important that ongoing structural reforms, notably public financial management and monetary and financial system, should be strengthened.
"Malawi continues to demonstrate strong economic performance. Growth is estimated to have been 8.6 percent in 2007 - supported by ongoing strength in agricultural sector and growing contributions from construction, manufacturing, and services - and is projected to be 8.7 percent in 2008," said IMF at end of its mission today which was aimed at discussing a new arrangement between government of Malawi and IMF.
The IMF mission also noted that while government was this year planning to meet its people half way in food production, especially with increased fertiliser prices, it was also prudent that improvements are made in domestic revenue performance, and exercising spending restraint elsewhere in budget.
"The mission fully supports government's intentions to adhere to fiscal framework underlying 2008/09 budget recently passed by National Assembly and to further reduce domestic public debt. Reduction in public debt, both domestic and external, since 2005 has generated savings of around 4 percent of GDP in debt service costs-releasing these funds for poverty reduction and other high priority spending activities," observed IMF mission.
IMF further observed improved and favourable export trends in Malawi, saying exports have almost doubled over the last 4 years and are expected to receive a further boost from 2009 on as uranium production comes on stream. "While inflation has been rising over recent months, this largely reflects the upward move in international oil prices. With support from moderation of oil prices, adequate domestic food supplies, and ongoing monetary restraint, inflation is expected to return to the 7 to 8 percent range," concluded IMF mission, which also expressed optimism of signing of a new arrangement by October during the annual IMF-World Bank meetings in Washington.
During their almost two weeks visit to Malawi, IMF mission headed by Mr Andrew Berg, held extensive discussions with Minister of Finance, Governor of Reserve Bank, and senior government officials. The team also met with representatives from donor community, civil society, and private sector. Malawi has recently successfully completed three-year arrangement under Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) of IMF.
According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Malawi will immediately need to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability over coming year, especially in view of pressures created on the fiscal position and balance of payments by recent price shocks.
IMF has further observed that Malawi has relatively low reserves in comparison with most its peers in the region, saying it was also important that ongoing structural reforms, notably public financial management and monetary and financial system, should be strengthened.
"Malawi continues to demonstrate strong economic performance. Growth is estimated to have been 8.6 percent in 2007 - supported by ongoing strength in agricultural sector and growing contributions from construction, manufacturing, and services - and is projected to be 8.7 percent in 2008," said IMF at end of its mission today which was aimed at discussing a new arrangement between government of Malawi and IMF.
The IMF mission also noted that while government was this year planning to meet its people half way in food production, especially with increased fertiliser prices, it was also prudent that improvements are made in domestic revenue performance, and exercising spending restraint elsewhere in budget.
"The mission fully supports government's intentions to adhere to fiscal framework underlying 2008/09 budget recently passed by National Assembly and to further reduce domestic public debt. Reduction in public debt, both domestic and external, since 2005 has generated savings of around 4 percent of GDP in debt service costs-releasing these funds for poverty reduction and other high priority spending activities," observed IMF mission.
IMF further observed improved and favourable export trends in Malawi, saying exports have almost doubled over the last 4 years and are expected to receive a further boost from 2009 on as uranium production comes on stream. "While inflation has been rising over recent months, this largely reflects the upward move in international oil prices. With support from moderation of oil prices, adequate domestic food supplies, and ongoing monetary restraint, inflation is expected to return to the 7 to 8 percent range," concluded IMF mission, which also expressed optimism of signing of a new arrangement by October during the annual IMF-World Bank meetings in Washington.
During their almost two weeks visit to Malawi, IMF mission headed by Mr Andrew Berg, held extensive discussions with Minister of Finance, Governor of Reserve Bank, and senior government officials. The team also met with representatives from donor community, civil society, and private sector. Malawi has recently successfully completed three-year arrangement under Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) of IMF.
More Teenagers Taking HIV Tests In Malawi
An increasing percentage of teenagers in Malawi have taken an HIV test during the past two years, according to a Welfare Monitoring Survey recently released by the National Statistical Office, Malawi's Nation Reporter reports. According to the survey, the percentage of Malawians older than age 15 who have ever received an HIV test increased from 20% in 2006 to 34% in 2007.
The age group surveyed is the most affected by the disease, which has led to losses for Malawi's work force and contributed to an increase in AIDS orphans in the country, according to the Reporter. Mary Shawa -- principal secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for HIV/AIDS and nutrition -- said that the increase in testing is because of government initiatives aimed at combating the disease.
Read more about:
HIV AIDS
"The initiatives government has set such as testing week, the decentralization of testing centers and the introduction and intensification of prevention of mother-to-child transmission are some of the factors that have led to this," Shawa said, adding, "The existence of mobile test centers and the lobbying of people to get tested through open days where testing facilities are available also encourage people to get tested." According to Shawa, the availability of antiretroviral therapy also has contributed to people's willingness to receive HIV tests.
According to the survey, among participants who responded that they had not been tested, 32% said they were not at risk of HIV, while 38% said they were not interested. The survey also found that 10% of participants who had not been tested said they feared the outcome of the test. Shawa said that to address these issues, the government will bolster community-based services and make testing centers more accessible to people who are unable to travel long distances to receive HIV tests (Nation Reporter, 9/15).
Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, search the archives, and sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork.org/email . The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
The age group surveyed is the most affected by the disease, which has led to losses for Malawi's work force and contributed to an increase in AIDS orphans in the country, according to the Reporter. Mary Shawa -- principal secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for HIV/AIDS and nutrition -- said that the increase in testing is because of government initiatives aimed at combating the disease.
Read more about:
HIV AIDS
"The initiatives government has set such as testing week, the decentralization of testing centers and the introduction and intensification of prevention of mother-to-child transmission are some of the factors that have led to this," Shawa said, adding, "The existence of mobile test centers and the lobbying of people to get tested through open days where testing facilities are available also encourage people to get tested." According to Shawa, the availability of antiretroviral therapy also has contributed to people's willingness to receive HIV tests.
According to the survey, among participants who responded that they had not been tested, 32% said they were not at risk of HIV, while 38% said they were not interested. The survey also found that 10% of participants who had not been tested said they feared the outcome of the test. Shawa said that to address these issues, the government will bolster community-based services and make testing centers more accessible to people who are unable to travel long distances to receive HIV tests (Nation Reporter, 9/15).
Reprinted with permission from kaisernetwork.org. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, search the archives, and sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork.org/email . The Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report is published for kaisernetwork.org, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
UNDP, donor partners fund Malawi\’s electoral process
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and other donor partners have contributed US$21 million in support of the 2009 Malawi presidential and parliamentary elections process, APA learnt here Tuesday.
Speaking to journalists in Lilongwe on Tuesday, UNDP Resident Representative Joseph Mugore said the funding will enable the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to run future elections more effectively.
"We are committed to support MEC in its implementation of the electoral process leading to a successful conduct of the forthcoming elections in the country," he said.
He said the funds would, among other things, support the development of MEC’s website, internet and intranet in order to enhance the commission’s information dissemination system to the general public.
Other donor partners who have made financial commitments towards the electoral process include Norway, United Kingdom, European Union, Ireland, Germany, Canada and the United States.
Malawi is currently conducting a voter registration exercise of seven million voters.
Speaking to journalists in Lilongwe on Tuesday, UNDP Resident Representative Joseph Mugore said the funding will enable the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to run future elections more effectively.
"We are committed to support MEC in its implementation of the electoral process leading to a successful conduct of the forthcoming elections in the country," he said.
He said the funds would, among other things, support the development of MEC’s website, internet and intranet in order to enhance the commission’s information dissemination system to the general public.
Other donor partners who have made financial commitments towards the electoral process include Norway, United Kingdom, European Union, Ireland, Germany, Canada and the United States.
Malawi is currently conducting a voter registration exercise of seven million voters.
Malawi / IOM Co-Hosts Consultations on Challenges of HIV & Migration
Tomorrow and Thursday IOM will host consultations in Lilongwe, Malawi on HIV dynamics and responses in the commercial agriculture, transport and informal cross border trade sectors - all of which are characterized by mobility and migration.
The consultations, which are co-hosted by the Government of Malawi, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the UN World Food Programme, will bring together stakeholders from the Malawi government, commercial agriculture, road transport, informal cross border trade and civil society, as well as international organisations operating in Malawi.
The gathering will provide a forum for stakeholders working with HIV to share best practices and aims to facilitate improved coordination and cooperation in the southern African nation, where some 14% of the adult population is HIV positive.
“Malawi is a big exporter of labour in the region and is also seeing increased levels of internal migration, as people move within the country to look for work or to trade goods. We need a coordinated approach on HIV response among mobile and migrant workers and this meeting will offer a platform for discussion,” says Julia Hill-Mlati, regional project manager for IOM’s Partnership on HIV and Mobility in Southern Africa (PHAMSA).
The consultations are part of PHAMSA, a regional programme implemented by IOM’s Regional Office for Southern Africa, which aims to reduce the HIV incidence and impact of AIDS among migrant and mobile workers and their families.
Active since 2004, PHAMSA targets sectors that are characterised by high levels of population mobility, including the construction, transport, commercial agriculture, fisheries and mining sectors, as well as cross-border sites. PHAMSA is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA.)
The consultations, which are co-hosted by the Government of Malawi, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation and the UN World Food Programme, will bring together stakeholders from the Malawi government, commercial agriculture, road transport, informal cross border trade and civil society, as well as international organisations operating in Malawi.
The gathering will provide a forum for stakeholders working with HIV to share best practices and aims to facilitate improved coordination and cooperation in the southern African nation, where some 14% of the adult population is HIV positive.
“Malawi is a big exporter of labour in the region and is also seeing increased levels of internal migration, as people move within the country to look for work or to trade goods. We need a coordinated approach on HIV response among mobile and migrant workers and this meeting will offer a platform for discussion,” says Julia Hill-Mlati, regional project manager for IOM’s Partnership on HIV and Mobility in Southern Africa (PHAMSA).
The consultations are part of PHAMSA, a regional programme implemented by IOM’s Regional Office for Southern Africa, which aims to reduce the HIV incidence and impact of AIDS among migrant and mobile workers and their families.
Active since 2004, PHAMSA targets sectors that are characterised by high levels of population mobility, including the construction, transport, commercial agriculture, fisheries and mining sectors, as well as cross-border sites. PHAMSA is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA.)
Malawian children out of HIV care
Madalitso Kateta, AfricaNews reporter in Lilongwe, Malawi Photo: Roel Burglar
Malawian children appealed to the government to review policies that would make more anti-retroviral drugs available to HIV/AIDS positive children. They said adults have been given preference at the expense of them. The call was made at the close of the 7th Malawi Children's Parliament in Lilongwe.
A resolution passed by the children parliamentarians observed that children have been given a raw deal in the Malawi National HIV/AIDS Response Programmes. Most Malawian hospitals taking care of HIV/AIDS patients have run out of stock of ARVs.
“Considering the devastating effects and untold misery that HIV/AIDS is having on Malawian children the seventh children’s parliament observes that there are a lot of areas that the government needs to handle in order to address the children’s suffering,” read part of the resolution.
The young parliamentarians also bemoaned little participation of children in the response towards the HIV/AIDS pandemic although the young generation is at greater risk of contracting the virus.
“As much as government and other stakeholders are doing anything possible in coming up with policies to reduce the prevalence rate and effects of the pandemic, the participation of children in the policy development is still minimal,” they noted.
While shedding concern on the increasing HIV infections among the younger generation, the junior parliament alerted the government of the irresponsible behavior of some adults, who could be blamed for the increasing infections in the youthful generation.
Meanwhile Plan Malawi, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Every Child and World Vision International – sponsors of the junior parliament - have partnered with others to protect the rights of children.
Malawian children appealed to the government to review policies that would make more anti-retroviral drugs available to HIV/AIDS positive children. They said adults have been given preference at the expense of them. The call was made at the close of the 7th Malawi Children's Parliament in Lilongwe.
A resolution passed by the children parliamentarians observed that children have been given a raw deal in the Malawi National HIV/AIDS Response Programmes. Most Malawian hospitals taking care of HIV/AIDS patients have run out of stock of ARVs.
“Considering the devastating effects and untold misery that HIV/AIDS is having on Malawian children the seventh children’s parliament observes that there are a lot of areas that the government needs to handle in order to address the children’s suffering,” read part of the resolution.
The young parliamentarians also bemoaned little participation of children in the response towards the HIV/AIDS pandemic although the young generation is at greater risk of contracting the virus.
“As much as government and other stakeholders are doing anything possible in coming up with policies to reduce the prevalence rate and effects of the pandemic, the participation of children in the policy development is still minimal,” they noted.
While shedding concern on the increasing HIV infections among the younger generation, the junior parliament alerted the government of the irresponsible behavior of some adults, who could be blamed for the increasing infections in the youthful generation.
Meanwhile Plan Malawi, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Every Child and World Vision International – sponsors of the junior parliament - have partnered with others to protect the rights of children.
Harry nuts about fairtrade venture
Harry nuts about fairtrade venture
5 hours ago
Comedian Harry Hill launched his own fairtrade food venture on Tuesday and joked: "This is the closest I'll get to being Paul Newman."
The 43-year-old TV Burp host flew out to meet nut farmers in Malawi after being inspired by the success of the Hollywood actor's Newman's Own salad dressing.
Hill, who will not make any money from the enterprise, told how he hopes his salted peanuts will become a household name and benefit thousands of families in Africa.
Speaking at a reception at London Zoo, Hill, a former hospital doctor, said: "It would be great if it could take off like Paul Newman's salad dressing.
"Every penny possible is going to support fairtrade peanut farmers and their communities like the one I recently visited in Mchinji, Malawi.
"The farmers used the extra money which comes with fairtrade to build a desperately needed shelter for the friends and family of hospital patients. They travelled long distances to give support and nursing help but often had to sleep outdoors at the mercy of the elements.
"I was particularly struck by how positively the peanut farmers viewed the chance to get their nuts on to the fairtrade scheme and the real difference it seemed to be making to their lives."
The Bafta award-winning entertainer worked with Liberation, a new 100% fairtrade nut company supported by Comic Relief, on the product.
He became one of the first celebrities to endorse the fairtrade industry when he visited banana and coco farmers in Ghana in 2002.
Ceri Willmott, managing director of Liberation, said: "We are delighted to be working with Harry on this project which will be of tremendous benefit to farmers in Malawi and Nicaragua."
5 hours ago
Comedian Harry Hill launched his own fairtrade food venture on Tuesday and joked: "This is the closest I'll get to being Paul Newman."
The 43-year-old TV Burp host flew out to meet nut farmers in Malawi after being inspired by the success of the Hollywood actor's Newman's Own salad dressing.
Hill, who will not make any money from the enterprise, told how he hopes his salted peanuts will become a household name and benefit thousands of families in Africa.
Speaking at a reception at London Zoo, Hill, a former hospital doctor, said: "It would be great if it could take off like Paul Newman's salad dressing.
"Every penny possible is going to support fairtrade peanut farmers and their communities like the one I recently visited in Mchinji, Malawi.
"The farmers used the extra money which comes with fairtrade to build a desperately needed shelter for the friends and family of hospital patients. They travelled long distances to give support and nursing help but often had to sleep outdoors at the mercy of the elements.
"I was particularly struck by how positively the peanut farmers viewed the chance to get their nuts on to the fairtrade scheme and the real difference it seemed to be making to their lives."
The Bafta award-winning entertainer worked with Liberation, a new 100% fairtrade nut company supported by Comic Relief, on the product.
He became one of the first celebrities to endorse the fairtrade industry when he visited banana and coco farmers in Ghana in 2002.
Ceri Willmott, managing director of Liberation, said: "We are delighted to be working with Harry on this project which will be of tremendous benefit to farmers in Malawi and Nicaragua."
Harry nuts about fairtrade venture
Comedian Harry Hill launched his own fairtrade food venture on Tuesday and joked: "This is the closest I'll get to being Paul Newman."
The 43-year-old TV Burp host flew out to meet nut farmers in Malawi after being inspired by the success of the Hollywood actor's Newman's Own salad dressing.
Hill, who will not make any money from the enterprise, told how he hopes his salted peanuts will become a household name and benefit thousands of families in Africa.
Speaking at a reception at London Zoo, Hill, a former hospital doctor, said: "It would be great if it could take off like Paul Newman's salad dressing.
"Every penny possible is going to support fairtrade peanut farmers and their communities like the one I recently visited in Mchinji, Malawi.
"The farmers used the extra money which comes with fairtrade to build a desperately needed shelter for the friends and family of hospital patients. They travelled long distances to give support and nursing help but often had to sleep outdoors at the mercy of the elements.
"I was particularly struck by how positively the peanut farmers viewed the chance to get their nuts on to the fairtrade scheme and the real difference it seemed to be making to their lives."
The Bafta award-winning entertainer worked with Liberation, a new 100% fairtrade nut company supported by Comic Relief, on the product.
He became one of the first celebrities to endorse the fairtrade industry when he visited banana and coco farmers in Ghana in 2002.
Ceri Willmott, managing director of Liberation, said: "We are delighted to be working with Harry on this project which will be of tremendous benefit to farmers in Malawi and Nicaragua."
The 43-year-old TV Burp host flew out to meet nut farmers in Malawi after being inspired by the success of the Hollywood actor's Newman's Own salad dressing.
Hill, who will not make any money from the enterprise, told how he hopes his salted peanuts will become a household name and benefit thousands of families in Africa.
Speaking at a reception at London Zoo, Hill, a former hospital doctor, said: "It would be great if it could take off like Paul Newman's salad dressing.
"Every penny possible is going to support fairtrade peanut farmers and their communities like the one I recently visited in Mchinji, Malawi.
"The farmers used the extra money which comes with fairtrade to build a desperately needed shelter for the friends and family of hospital patients. They travelled long distances to give support and nursing help but often had to sleep outdoors at the mercy of the elements.
"I was particularly struck by how positively the peanut farmers viewed the chance to get their nuts on to the fairtrade scheme and the real difference it seemed to be making to their lives."
The Bafta award-winning entertainer worked with Liberation, a new 100% fairtrade nut company supported by Comic Relief, on the product.
He became one of the first celebrities to endorse the fairtrade industry when he visited banana and coco farmers in Ghana in 2002.
Ceri Willmott, managing director of Liberation, said: "We are delighted to be working with Harry on this project which will be of tremendous benefit to farmers in Malawi and Nicaragua."
Malawi hails Zimbabwe for signing a power-sharing-deal
Malawi on Tuesday hailed Zimbabwe’s leaders for signing a historical power-sharing-deal which symbolises the end of political squabbles between President Robert Mugabe and his rival, Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in that country.
Malawi Minister of Information and government’s spokesperson, Patricia Kaliati, said in Lilongwe that the development made by the two leaders showed that they had the people\’s welfare at heart.
"These are the type of leaders which Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, would like to have. These are leaders who realise that their people need food, health care, water, education and other basic necessities – and not squabbles," she said.
She said countries in Africa should emulate the good example of Zimbabwe which has resolved its political conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation.
Malawi Minister of Information and government’s spokesperson, Patricia Kaliati, said in Lilongwe that the development made by the two leaders showed that they had the people\’s welfare at heart.
"These are the type of leaders which Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, would like to have. These are leaders who realise that their people need food, health care, water, education and other basic necessities – and not squabbles," she said.
She said countries in Africa should emulate the good example of Zimbabwe which has resolved its political conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation.
Malawi teacher arrives for exchange visit
Visit cements long-standing Moray links with African country
WELCOME VISITOR: Exchange teacher Eliza Phiri from Malawi who is visiting Speyside High School.
A TEACHER from Malawi arrived at Aberlour yesterday to take part in a two-week exchange programme at a Moray school.
Eliza Phiri, an English teacher from the Blantyre region in the south of Malawi, will teach children at Speyside High School and take part in pupil activities.
The visit had been arranged after Speyside High’s physical education teacher Hilary Dawson last year went to Soche Hill High School, where Mrs Phiri teaches.
The link had been set up by retired Speyside High teacher Sheena Nicolson, who has spent the last three years working in Malawi on a teacher training scheme through a Voluntary Service Overseas project.
Activities arranged for Mrs Phiri’s visit include meeting former First Minister Jack McConnell, taking part in a sponsored walk, and being introduced to the school’s Malawi pen-pal group.
Malawi boxer beats Ghanaina in RSA
Malawian boxer living in South Africa Isaac Chilemba has won Africa Union Super middleweight championship after defeating an opponent Charles Adamu from Ghana in a ten round bout.
According to Ses’fikile Sport wrap website of SABC, Chilemba beat the Ghanaian fighter Adamu to win the African Super title on points.
Chilemba left Malawi two years ago for South Africa to join a boxing club after obtaining a professional license from Malawi Boxing Association of Malawi (MABA), where he is also a registered member.
He grew up in Blantyre where he was trained by former Malawi national boxing coach Anderson Kazembe at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC).
The SABC report said the two finished all the ten rounds prompting the judges to screen their points where Malawian accumulated more than the Ghanaian.
Making a comment, his mentor and coach Kazembe said he is not surprised with the news because Chilemba is becoming a master in modern fighting skills. He said he thinks if the boxer carries on his rhythm, he would be an ideal candidate for Olympic 2012 in London United Kingdom.
Kazembe said the past six weeks he has been in South Africa where he managed to watch some non title bouts involving Chilemba and some South Africa fighters, saying he is confident the lad would rise to great heights.
Kazembe said he also visited Durundt Boxing club where Chilemba is plying his trade as a professional fighter.
“Chilemba is a determined, focused and ambitious boxer; it is not surprising that he has now started realizing his dreams. And in South Africa the environment is good for boxing, so personally I expect more from Chilemba,” he said.
Kazembe has locally produced a number of boxers including the current undefeated local fighter Wilson Masamba, Osgood Kayuni, Isaac Mazinyane (currently in South Africa), and Chilemba among others.
According to Ses’fikile Sport wrap website of SABC, Chilemba beat the Ghanaian fighter Adamu to win the African Super title on points.
Chilemba left Malawi two years ago for South Africa to join a boxing club after obtaining a professional license from Malawi Boxing Association of Malawi (MABA), where he is also a registered member.
He grew up in Blantyre where he was trained by former Malawi national boxing coach Anderson Kazembe at Blantyre Youth Centre (BYC).
The SABC report said the two finished all the ten rounds prompting the judges to screen their points where Malawian accumulated more than the Ghanaian.
Making a comment, his mentor and coach Kazembe said he is not surprised with the news because Chilemba is becoming a master in modern fighting skills. He said he thinks if the boxer carries on his rhythm, he would be an ideal candidate for Olympic 2012 in London United Kingdom.
Kazembe said the past six weeks he has been in South Africa where he managed to watch some non title bouts involving Chilemba and some South Africa fighters, saying he is confident the lad would rise to great heights.
Kazembe said he also visited Durundt Boxing club where Chilemba is plying his trade as a professional fighter.
“Chilemba is a determined, focused and ambitious boxer; it is not surprising that he has now started realizing his dreams. And in South Africa the environment is good for boxing, so personally I expect more from Chilemba,” he said.
Kazembe has locally produced a number of boxers including the current undefeated local fighter Wilson Masamba, Osgood Kayuni, Isaac Mazinyane (currently in South Africa), and Chilemba among others.
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