Balaka District Council

31/07/2026

Balaka District Council Bids Farewell to Two Community Development Officers

Balaka District Council on Friday held a farewell ceremony in honour of Principal Community Development Officer McDonald Nyaka, who has been transferred to Lilongwe, and Community Development Assistant Ida Chifika, who has retired from the civil service.

The ceremony brought together members of the council’s management and staff to appreciate the two officers for their commitment and dedicated service during their time in Balaka.

Speaking during the event, District Environmental Health Officer Thomson Kajombo, who represented the District Commissioner, commended Nyaka and Chifika for their professionalism and hard work.

Kajombo said the two officers made significant contributions to community development and wished them success in their future endeavours.

In his remarks, Nyaka thanked the Balaka District Council management and staff for the support they rendered to him throughout his stay in the district.

He said the management team played a key role in shaping his career and expressed satisfaction with the relationships and achievements made during his tenure.

“I am leaving Balaka a happy man because of the support and cooperation I received from management and fellow members of staff,” said Nyaka.

Speaking on behalf of retirees, Chifika thanked everyone who spared time to attend the farewell function, saying she felt honoured by the gesture.

She said the support and appreciation shown by colleagues would remain one of the memorable moments of her career in the civil service.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of gifts and best wishes to the two officers as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Mary Makhiringa captured the moments

31/07/2026

Community seed bank to strengthens food security in Balaka

A community seed bank established through the Transforming Landscapes and Livelihoods Programme (TLLP) is enhancing food security and conserving indigenous seed varieties in Balaka District.

The seed bank, managed by the Chisomo Tipindule Group, of Kalapuma Village in Balaka preserves and multiplies quality seeds, giving farmers access to diverse, climate-resilient crop varieties.

During a monitoring visit, Senior Programmes Officer at the SADC Plant Genetic Resources Centre through the National Seed Bank, Tilabilenji Phiri, described the facility as a foundation for food security, saying it helps preserve quality and indigenous seed varieties while strengthening resilience to climate change.

Phiri also encouraged the community to deposit duplicate seed samples with the National Seed Bank for long-term conservation.

Chairperson of the Chisomo Tipindule Group, Tonex Ndau, said the group's 65 members combine seed conservation with environmental restoration activities such as tree planting and soil conservation to support sustainable agriculture.

Ndau said members borrow seeds free of charge and return larger quantities after harvest, while non-members pay a small fee. He added that the seed bank currently stores 47 seed varieties, reducing dependence on external seed supplies during difficult seasons.

He thanked TLLP for supporting construction of the facility, saying it has strengthened the community's resilience to climate-related challenges.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

31/07/2026

Balaka District Commissioner Bibu Yusufu Mdala has commended the collective efforts of council staff, councillors, development partners and the community after the council received recognition for attaining a clean audit and demonstrating outstanding performance in the implementation of the Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA).

The local community members should expect more meaningful developmental activities through the MK 1.1 Billion the council has secured through Governance to Enable Service Derivery (GESD).

Balaka council has also received funds amounting to MK 264 Million for the implementation of the Regional Climate Resilience Project (RCRP).

The achievements reflect the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, while ensuring quality service delivery to the people of Balaka.

The DC further pledge that the council will maintain the high standards by strengthening financial management systems, promoting good governance and continuing to improve service delivery for sustainable development across the district.

CONGRATULATIONS TO US….

30/07/2026

Balaka farmers urged to adopt integrated agriculture

Balaka District Director of Agriculture Services, David Ali, on Thursday urged farmers to embrace integrated agriculture and environmental conservation to withstand the projected Super El Niño during the 2026/2027 farming season.

Ali made the remarks during the launch of the 2026 Catchment Conservation Campaign at Mapando Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Amidu, saying weather projections by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, indicate that Malawi is likely to experience Super El Niño conditions that could affect crop production.

He urged farmers to diversify farming activities and adopt climate-smart technologies that improve soil fertility, conserve moisture and protect the environment.

"Integrated agriculture increases productivity while reducing the risks associated with unpredictable weather patterns," said Ali.

He also encouraged tree planting, minimum soil disturbance, construction of soil conservation structures and proper livestock management to reduce land degradation.

Speaking on behalf of farmers, Group Village Head Mapando said communities are committed to conservation farming but face challenges including deforestation, uncontrolled livestock grazing, bush fires and theft of farm produce and tree seedlings.

He appealed for stronger enforcement of environmental by-laws, increased community awareness and greater support for conservation activities.

Balaka District Commissioner Bibu Yusuf Mdala said environmental conservation remains a district priority because agriculture, the main source of livelihoods, depends on a healthy environment.

Mdala said the council, in collaboration with Council Chairperson Hastings Maluwa, traditional leaders and development partners, will strengthen local environmental conservation committees to promote community ownership in protecting natural resources.

The 2026 Catchment Conservation Campaign was launched under the theme; 'Strengthening Catchment Conservation and Water Harvesting for El Niño Resilience and Sustained Livelihoods.'

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

30/07/2026

NAYORG launches CARE project to strengthen youth participation in governance

Nkhadze Alive Youth Organization (NAYORG), with support from international development organization Hivos, on Thursday launched a four-month Civic Action for Rights Through Engagement (CARE) project aimed at strengthening civic participation and promoting accountable governance in Balaka District.

The project, which will be implemented in the areas of Traditional Authorities Nsamala and Phalula, seeks to empower youth and communities to safely monitor civic space, influence governance processes and promote inclusive development.

Speaking during the launch, NAYORG Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Rodrick Milanzi said the project will establish functional civic space monitoring systems through which trained youth and community members will document and analyse issues affecting their communities to generate evidence for advocacy and policy engagement.

"As part of the implementation, 15 youth monitors and 15 members of Community Civic Space Monitoring Committees (CCSMCs) will be recruited and trained in the two targeted traditional authorities," said Milanzi.

He added that project activities will include civic space governance baseline assessments, community-led data collection, establishment and training of monitoring committees, radio programmes, and engagement with district and national stakeholders.

In an interview, NAYORG Executive Director Charles Sineta said the project will focus on promoting freedom of expression, participation and inclusion.

"We will conduct a governance survey to establish the state of civic space in the targeted areas. We want to understand whether people are actively participating and are included in decision-making structures," said Sineta.

He said the four-month project forms part of the broader Connect, Defend and Act (CDA) Programme, which runs from 2025 to 2029, adding that issues identified during the implementation period will inform long-term interventions aimed at improving civic space across all traditional authorities in Balaka District.

Balaka District Labour Officer Patricia Lembo welcomed the initiative, saying it will promote meaningful youth participation in governance by enabling young people to voice their concerns and contribute to policy-making processes, in line with government's community development efforts.

She also urged NAYORG to adhere to proper coordination and monitoring procedures during the implementation of the project.
The CARE project is funded with 17,000 Euros through support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Government of Ireland.

Reported by Everlyn Sambani

21/07/2026

Minister commends Portland Cement's K200 billion Balaka investment

Minister of Mining, Thoko Tembo, has commended Portland Cement Malawi Limited for its K200 billion investment in the mining and manufacturing sectors, describing it as a major contribution towards Malawi's industrialisation, employment creation and economic growth.

Tembo made the remarks on Monday after touring the company's cement manufacturing plant and limestone mining operations in Balaka. The visit was attended by government officials, including representatives from Balaka District Council.

The Minister said the investment is supporting the country's industrialisation agenda through increased local cement production while creating employment and business opportunities for Malawians.

"This investment demonstrates the important role the private sector plays in driving economic transformation. It is encouraging to see a company of this magnitude investing in value addition, creating jobs and contributing to Malawi's industrial growth," said Tembo.

He said Portland Cement's production capacity has strengthened the country's ability to meet local cement demand while creating prospects for exporting cement to neighbouring countries.

"The company's capacity is sufficient to satisfy the local market and has the potential to generate foreign exchange through exports. Such investments are key to strengthening Malawi's economy and improving our competitiveness in the region," he added.

Tembo further commended the company for promoting responsible mining and sustainable business practices.

"Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors. The Ministry of Mining will continue working closely with Portland Cement and other investors to promote sustainable mining, value addition and industrial growth," he said.

Speaking during the visit, Portland Cement Malawi Limited Chief Executive Officer Liu Jianguo thanked the Minister and his delegation for visiting the Balaka Plant and reaffirmed the company's commitment to quality production and regulatory compliance.

"We are grateful for the Government's continued support. Portland Cement remains committed to producing high-quality cement products that meet national standards while fully complying with all regulatory requirements," said Jianguo.

He said the company places great importance on environmental protection, responsible mining and workplace safety.

"Beyond our business operations, we are committed to improving the welfare of surrounding communities through various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives aimed at enhancing education, livelihoods and socio-economic development," he added.
Balaka District Council Vice Chairperson, Councillor Tiyanjane Chisowile, described the investment as a major boost to the district's socio-economic development.

"Portland Cement has created employment opportunities for our people and continues to demonstrate its commitment to community development. We are particularly pleased with the planned construction of classroom blocks at Ngonga Primary School, which will improve the learning environment for learners in the area," said Chisowile.

The company has a capacity of 800 million tonnes per year.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

17/07/2026

Nkasi CDSS - a beacon of hope for students in Balaka

Students at Mpilisi, a rural setting of Balaka District faced an insurmountable challenge of enduring over 15 kilometers daily to access secondary education.

The long and often perilous journey discouraged many from continuing with their education and in the process leading to high dropout rates, particularly among girls.

However, a transformative initiative under the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project has changed the narrative of education in the area.

The newly constructed Nkasi Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) stands as a beacon of hope and progress. It is the first-ever secondary school in the area, bringing education closer to students who once struggled to pursue their academic dreams.

Before Nkasi CDSS was established, students had no choice but to enroll with distant schools such as Ulongwe CDSS which lies 10 kilometres away from the area, Mpilisi CDSS which is 15 kilometers away and Kapire which borders Balaka and Mangochi further to the west.

“The long distances were not only draining but also increased their vulnerability to road accidents and other distractions. Many parents, fearing for their children’s safety, opted to keep them at home, effectively cutting short their education,” said Hendreson Kamwana, one of the community members who once made her daughter withdraw from school due to the tiresome distance.

However, the establishment of Nkasi CDSS with its first enrollment in 2025, a new chapter has been written giving hope to the hopeless as now secondary school education is within reach offering a conducive learning environment and which will, in turn, significantly reduce the number of school dropouts and increase enrollment rates, especially among girls.

“I count myself lucky to be among the pioneers of this school, we are the first cohort to be selected to this school and we hold the history of this school. As pioneers, we are all striving to push harder so that our results are impressive,” explained Emmanuel Beliso, a Form two student at Nkasi.

For students like Beliso, the school infrastructure is a dream come true.

“My elder sister used to wake up as early as 4 AM to start her journey to school. By the time she arrived, she was already exhausted and concentration in class was difficult. This led to her interest in school to wane slowly until she dropped out and got married.

“But see how things have turned out for me now, I can attend school without worrying about the long journey,” he said, with a tinge of pride in his smile.

Head Teacher for the school, Gomezgani Chiumia disclosed that the school has enrolled 110 students, now in form one and two against five teachers and the community members are their best allies and easy to go along with.

The construction of Nkasi CDSS was made possible through the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) initiative, a programme financed by the World Bank and championed by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NGLFC) designed to enhance local governance and improve service delivery in Malawi.

District Commissioner for Balaka Bibu Yusufu Mdala underscored the importance of such initiatives.

“Good governance means listening to the needs of the people. Nkasi CDSS is a testament to what can be achieved when government and communities work together. Nkasi CDSS is an on-going project, we want to make it a complete package as we are adding one more class room block, two teachers houses, a borehole and all amenities that a DCSS requires,” Mdala pointed out.

With Nkasi CDSS now operational, the outlook for education in the area has significantly improved. More students are enrolling, academic performance is expected to rise and the burden on parents has eased.

The school also serves as a model for future development projects, proving that investment in education is one of the most effective ways to uplift communities.

As the sun sets over Mpilisi, the sight of students walking home this time from a school within their reach is a reminder of how governance, when executed effectively, can change lives.


Reported by Mary Makhiringa

14/07/2026

01/07/2026

First blast marks commencement of mining at Kangankundi Rare Earth Project

Mining activities at the Kangankundi Rare Earth Project in Traditional Authority Chanthunya, Balaka District, officially commenced on Wednesday with the first ceremonial blast.

Director of Administration in the Ministry of Labour, George Masinga, representing the Principal Secretary for Labour, performed the symbolic button press that triggered the first blast, marking the official commissioning of mining works at the site.

Speaking during the ceremony, Masinga said the project reflects the government's commitment to promoting the mining sector as a key driver of economic growth, employment creation and national development.

Community members, traditional leaders and government officials witnessed the event and expressed optimism that the project will create jobs and improve livelihoods in Balaka District.

Kangankundi mining will be producing rare earth mineral which is mostly used in technology such as phones etc

Reported by Mary Makhiringa

25/06/2026

SCTP beneficiaries thrive through Village Savings and Loan group

Village Savings and Loan Groups (VSLGs) under the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) through the Social Protection for Gender Empowerment and Resilience SP-GEAR Project are transforming the lives of beneficiaries in Balaka District.

A visit by media to Kaphiri VSLG Friday found a group of 20 members making remarkable progress through poultry farming and small-scale businesses thereby building resilience and improve household incomes through collective savings and businesses.

According to the groups Chair Patuma Amini revelled that currently the group owns 150 chickens, an initiative that is helping members generate income and improve food security at household level.

She said: “We started our group in August 2024 with six men and 14 women and we are all Social Cash Transfer Program Banebeficiaries.”

Apart from the poultry project, members are also running individual businesses using loans obtained from the group savings.

One of the members, Everson Louis, is successfully engaged in irrigation farming where he grows tomatoes for sale.

Speaking about his irrigation farming venture, Everson Louis said the loans and savings from the group helped him venture into tomato farming, which is now giving him hope for a better future.

“I invested about K600,000 into tomato farming this season and I am expecting to realize around K8 million when I start selling the tomatoes this July,” said Louis.

He added that being part of the Village Savings and Loan Group has helped him access capital easily and encouraged him to think beyond depending only on social cash transfers.

“Before joining the group, I had no capital to start a business. But now I am able to do farming commercially and support my family,” he said.

The group also received seed capital amounting to 400 US dollars from the SP-GEAR Project to boost their economic activities which together are building a big house to be keeping their chickens in.

Through continuous savings and lending among members, the group has so far accumulated MK2,172,330 which they will share come December depending on how many shares one has.

Speaking in an interview, SP-GEAR Project Officer at Find Your Feet, Jean Chitule, said the project encourages beneficiaries to work together in savings groups so that they can support one another financially and strengthen their resilience.

“We encourage members to save together and lend money among themselves so that they are able to start businesses and withstand economic shocks. We are pleased that many groups are showing positive results both at household and group level,” said Chitule.

The SP-GEAR Project is being implemented with support from the European Union and the Irish Government through UNICEF.

Reported by Mary Makhiringa