Chiradzulu District Council

31/07/2025

In today's The Nation newspaper

25/07/2025

22/07/2025

CAVWOC Commends Rising Number of Female Aspirants in Chiradzulu

Chiradzulu, July 22: Centre for Alternatives for Victimised Women and Children (CAVWOC) has commended the increasing number of women collecting nomination forms in Chiradzulu District ahead of the September 16 General Elections.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Monday, CAVWOC Sponsorship Coordinator Virginia Lozo Nyirenda said the trend is encouraging and a sign that more women are beginning to believe in their ability to participate in leadership.

“It’s really encouraging to see this number of women collecting nomination forms. Most women tend to underestimate themselves, but this is a sign of progress and will inspire others to step forward,” said Nyirenda.

She called on the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) and other stakeholders to ensure a fair, safe, and violence-free electoral environment, particularly for female aspirants.

Since the collection of nomination forms began on June 10, 2025, a total of 61 aspirants have shown interest in contesting various positions in Chiradzulu.

According to District Elections Officer Elijah Kashamba, the group comprises 13 women and 48 men.

"This demonstrate strides toward the 50-50 campaign. Out of the total, 36 are aspiring councillors while 25 are parliamentary hopefuls.

“We have recorded no challenges so far. Everything is progressing smoothly, and we expect more female aspirants to come forward,” said Kashamba.

One of the female candidates, Susan Kachione, who is vying for the Nyungwe Constituency, urged fellow women to join the race and push for gender equality in leadership.

“Women should be encouraged to collect nomination forms. Even though we are only required to pay half of the K2.5 million male candidates pay, some still find it difficult to raise the funds,” she said.

25/06/2025

In today's The Nation newspaper

18/06/2025

In today's The Nation Newspaper...

13/06/2025

VP commends Chiradzulu District Council on reforms

Chiradzulu, June 12: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi on Thursday met with the Chiradzulu District Council, where he appreciated the council’s progress on public reforms aimed at improving service delivery to meet the people’s satisfaction in the district.

Usi had an interface meeting with the council’s authorities, who met to review reform progress at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre.

Usi had an interface meeting with the council’s authorities, who met to review the progress of the reform at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre.

He observed that the council’s reform agenda aligns well with both national priorities and the District Development Plan.

He, therefore, hailed the Council for its commitment and clear vision in implementing public sector reforms aimed at improving service delivery.

Usi urged council officials not to treat the reforms as mere tasks but fully believe in them to achieve meaningful transformation for the good of the local authority and the people it serves.

He pointed out the importance of upholding professionalism and ethical values, saying these are crucial to the successful implementation of reforms.

“You also have to map all the NGOs and stakeholders operating in your district and ensure that their interventions are in line with both national and district plans,” he said.

Presenting the council’s progress, Director of Planning and Development Henderson Kaumi said, since April 2022, the Council has made notable strides in most of its six key implementation areas.

"We are focusing on urban planning, agricultural commercialisation, quality education, youth employment, environmental conservation, and financial sustainability,

And we have performed well in most of them, except for financial sustainability,” said Kaumi.

He pointed out challenges that affect implementation of the reforms, citing delays in approving by-laws, insufficient funding, shortage of staff in key sectors, lack of transport for staff, and limited disaster risk reduction (DRR) resources.

“So, we are lobbying for support from partners and strengthening stakeholder collaboration to address these issues,” he added.

Chiradzulu District Commissioner, Francis Matewere, expressed gratitude over the Vice President’s feedback, saying the Council will meet to review and integrate recommendations made at the review meeting.

“We are committed to continuous improvement and will take the advice seriously to ensure we keep progressing as a district,” he said.

12/06/2025

MEC Briefs Aspiring Candidates Ahead of 2025 Elections in Chiradzulu

Chiradzulu, June 11: Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has called on all aspiring candidates in Chiradzulu District to adhere to electoral laws and nomination procedures as preparations intensify for the 2025 General Elections.

The Commission made the call on Tuesday during a district-level briefing session held at the Chiradzulu District Council chamber, aimed at sensitising candidates, political parties and other stakeholders on nomination requirements and electoral regulations.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Chiradzulu District Elections Officer, Elijah Kashamba, said the meeting was critical in ensuring that all potential candidates understand and follow the correct procedures.

“This session serves as a timely reminder for all aspiring candidates to observe the laws and procedures guiding the nomination process, so that we can have peaceful, credible and inclusive elections,” said Kashamba.

He added that the session provided an opportunity for candidates to ask questions and receive clarification on areas with which they were not familiar.

He added that the session provided an opportunity for candidates to ask questions and receive clarification on areas they were not familiar with.

“We are pleased that most candidates asked relevant questions and were satisfied with the responses, which shows that they are now better equipped to complete the nomination process properly,” he said.

Among the key topics discussed were eligibility criteria, disqualification grounds, correct completion of nomination forms, and procedures for certifying candidates with disabilities.

Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) District Rehabilitation Officer for Chiradzulu, Alice Magombo, urged all aspiring candidates with disabilities to visit MACODA offices for assessment and certification.

"This will confirm their status and ensure they are given the necessary support during the nomination period," she said.

One of the aspiring candidates with a disability, William Ntingala, who is contesting as a councillor under the UTM Party in Nyungwe Ward, commended MEC for ensuring inclusivity in the electoral process.

“People with disabilities should be encouraged to participate in elections because we have the same potential to lead and make meaningful contributions in our communities,” said Ntingala.

The briefing is part of MEC’s ongoing national initiative to ensure that all stakeholders are fully prepared and comply with the legal requirements ahead of the September 2025 elections.
Mana/YM/BM

12/06/2025

In today's The Nation Newspaper

08/06/2025

JCE Exams Continue on Monday, 9th June 2025

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education informs all candidates, parents, guardians, and stakeholders that Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) exams will proceed as scheduled on Monday, 9th June 2025, despite the Eid ul Adha holiday.

- Exam timetable remains unchanged.
- Students and staff must report to their exam centers on time.
- Oher school activities will be paused for the public holiday.

08/06/2025

Public Holiday Alert – Eid ul Adha 2025

The Government of Malawi has declared Monday, 9th June 2025 a public holiday in observance of Eidu ul Adha.

Wishing all Muslims in Malawi a blessed and joyful Eid ul Adha!

23/05/2025

MP Disburses K20 Million to Empower VSL Groups in Chiradzulu Thumbwe

Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu Thumbwe Constituency, Joseph Nomale, has disbursed K20 million in loans through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to 45 Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups in the area.

Speaking recently during a cheque handover ceremony held at Thumbwe Secondary School in Traditional Authority (TA) Kadewere, Nomale expressed optimism that the funds will improve the lives of the beneficiaries.

“There are a lot of challenges that these people face due to the effects of climate change, which hinder their ability to produce enough food for their families," he said. "I believe this money will help them boost their small businesses and enable them to buy food for their households."

Chiradzulu District Council Community Development Officer, Lovemore Kachala, echoed Nomale's sentiments, urging VSL groups to invest wisely to ensure sustainability of the fund.

“This is a revolving fund, and we are working hand in hand with our extension workers to make sure every beneficiary passes on the opportunity to others in the community,” Kachala said.

One of the beneficiaries, Eggery Chisulu from Likoko Village in TA Kadewere and a member of the Talandira group which received K300,000 said the funds will help them rebuild their businesses.

“We plan to invest in selling food crops and will reinvest our profits to repay the loan with interest, allowing us to grow our earnings,” she said.

The initiative is part of the government's Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Fund, aimed at uplifting livelihoods and enhancing economic resilience in local communities.