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The AfricaNews articles of Mtheto Lungu

  1. Foreigners fear SA 2010WC xenophobic aftermath attacks

    09-03-2010 13:37 door Mtheto Lungu

    - Foreigners, both legal and illegally staying in economic power hub, South Africa, say they fear another wave of xenophobic attacks. The end of the South Africa hosted World Cup 2010 series will signify the start. Speaking from Johannesburg, Grace Sundu (not real name) from Malawi say there are already rumours indigenants are planning to attack right after the games. "I live in a poshy house. Big with five rooms. They are not happy about this and I have information they are only waiting for the end of the World Cup to attack us," she said. Sundu added many foreigners have already started sending their belongings homw and that some are leaving the country. "We have no choice but…

  2. Dead Mulanje Mt. tourist's body finders get reward

    09-03-2010 13:05 door Mtheto Lungu

    - For wto Mulanje based poor subsistence farmers, finding the body of a dead tourist last year meant more than good will. The duo, Benard Nyowe and Luka White, it now has become a one way ticket out of poverty. They are now US$5,000 richer and planning big. White and Nyowe found the decomposing body of Brazillian-French Gabriel Buchmann after twenty days of frantic rescue search. The tourist went missing up the mysterious Mulanje Mountain on 16 July 2009. Programme Officer responsible for Environmental Education and Communications at the Mulanje Mountain Conservation Trust (MMCT), Hastings Maloya, said the family was greatful for what the two did. "We have waited for the promise of …

  3. AU to end Zimbabwe, Kenya conflicts

    09-03-2010 12:47 door Mtheto Lungu

    The Norwegian Minister of Environment and Development Cooperation, Erik Solheim, had asked the African Union (AU) leader, Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika to do all he can to ensure conflicts in Zimbabwe and Kenya ended amicably. - In Zimbabwe, Tsvangirai and long-stayed President Robert Mugabe are sharing a government of national unity (GoU). Tension is however not completely gone between the two arch-rivals. Solheim told reporters during his visit to Lilongwe that Africa had suffered deep conflicts and it was Mutharika's responsibility as AU leader to help find solutions. "We want President Mutharika to take a leading role in solving conflicts in Africa," he said, singling out Zim…

  4. Secrecy shrouds Malawi flag change

    06-03-2010 10:06 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. Within the period that government publicised its intention to change the national flag to 'suit current socio economic and political' developments, it has surfaced Capital Hill already ordered the drafting of a Bill which was, allegations point, expected to have been discussed in the current sitting of Parliament. However, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Reckford Thotho, insists Lilongwe is still carrying out consultations on the proposed change which have now trickled down to chiefs in all districts. The Bill drafted last year, which top officials from the Judiciary, government, and parliament are shaky to comment on, failed to make it into the Chamber last…

  5. NGOs criticize Malawi gov’t over abuse

    26-02-2010 11:25 door Mtheto Lungu

    A grouping of seventy local and international non-governmental organizations has asked government to desist from forcing teachers and pupils to presidential and political functions. The Civil society coalition for Basic Education (CSQBE) said this is one of the main reasons education standards in Malawi are going down. - A press release from CSQBE on this said: “We have noted with regret that as a country we are sliding back to the times of the one party dictatorship when schools spent a lot of their precious time attending presidential rallies and dancing before the president.” However government spokesman, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Leckford Thotho, argues …

  6. Malawi: Envoy lashes out at media

    26-02-2010 10:57 door Mtheto Lungu

    British ambassador to Malawi asked government media to desist from lacing negative government issues with 'kid gloves'. Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet was speaking when the local media watchdog, the Media Council of Malawi (MCM), sensitized stakeholders on its new set of Accreditation Policy and Procedures and Press Card Scheme in the capital Lilongwe. - Dyet was also quick to ask members of the press to desist from sensational reporting. As of now, added the Ambassador, Malawi’s media has a bright international image. “You do not get into journalism when you are not ready to be credible and responsible. The same goes for politicians who should not get into politics if they…

  7. Mobile company hikes rates despite poor service delivery

    25-02-2010 11:04 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. The Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) and the general public have voiced out their shock at the decision by Zain Malawi, one of Malawi’s only two mobile communication companies, to hike its rates by about 20%. In a public announcement, Zain says its recharge vouchers of 25 – 2,000 units have jumped from MK35 to MK40 and MK2, 800 to MK3, 200 respectively with effect from 22nd February 2010. “Why is ZAIN reacting to the US dollar every time? Why are they hyped by the dollar?” wondered CAMA executive director, John Kapito. Often times Zain is continuously said to be ‘upgrading its services or ‘network’, giving customers a ra…

  8. Malawi: MPs suspended over dissenting views

    19-02-2010 15:42 door Mtheto Lungu

    The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Malawi has suspended three of its parliamentarians over dissenting comments made in the just-ended August sitting. The MPs voiced their views against the recent controversial directive by Mutharika to impose the infamous quota system of education. - The quota system seeks to have an equal number of the first ten students from each of the districts of the landlocked country access to university selection. Ironically, the AU aims at uniting and building coherent consensus on the African continent in all matters of governance, democracy and self-sustenance. Mutharika said he was committed to ensuring the objectives of the continental body …

  9. Malawi: Hailstorms kill one, damage property

    03-02-2010 09:36 door Mtheto Lungu

    A second wave of hailstorms hit the northern region's capital of Mzuzu killing a child and damaging property worth millions. This comes after a first injured one man and damaged even more property last month. - A tree fell on a stationery vehicle and there was a blackout in the city after the hailstorm hit, killing 8-year-old Marcella Kalowekamo as she returned from school. The girl hails from Karonga, some 300 kilometres from the city where earthquakes killed four people, injured hundreds, displaced over 6,000 and affected over 16,000 people - damaging property including banks, churches, schools and households worth millions. The girl tried to cross a drift full of water and was swept aw…

  10. AU brings cash pressure on Malawi's budget

    03-02-2010 09:16 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. Barely a few days after President Bingu wa Mutharika beat former African Union (AU) chairperson Colonel Muamar Gadafi to the top continental chair, the ministry of finance is looking for an additional MK950 million to the national budget to support the AU's activities. Minister Ken Kandodo told Parliament meeting in the capital Lilongwe that as chairperson, Mutharika and Malawi, "the budget will also enable Malawi host AU ministerial meetings during the first half of the calendar year." He said there was also need for a further MK450 million to go into his ministry to meet costs for the upcoming February AU Finance and Planning Ministers' meeting. Commentators reacted…

  11. SADC NGO's pressure Malawi on gay couple

    01-02-2010 10:52 door Mtheto Lungu

    About thirty-five Southern African non-governmental organizations want arrested gay couple Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza released without condition. The NGOs argue the arrest and trial on suspected homosexuality compromises the fight against HIV/AIDS and mostly violates fundamental rights. - Under sections 153 and 156 of the Penal Code, homosexuality is against the laws of Malawi. “These laws must be repealed as they are discriminatory,” said the NGO’s umbrella body, Aids and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa. Last week Malawi’s lawmakers meeting in the capital Lilongwe bashed European parliamentarians of trying to work against the enshrined laws of a…

  12. Malawi lambasts British, Scottish MPs

    28-01-2010 15:20 door Mtheto Lungu

    Members of Parliament in Malawi have criticised British and Scottish MPs for meddling in a sovereign state's affairs. The western law makers, particularly the Scotts, continue to discuss and criticise Malawi for the arrest of gay couple Steve Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. - Kondwani Nankuluma of the Legal Affairs committee of parliament said it was wrong for the Scottish MPs to meddle in Malawi's business. "We are following our laws and proceeding with the case for the two in the courts. They have no part in this business as we have laws and we are following it. Why do they keep pestering us to release the two?" he said. Monjeza and Chimbalanga were arrested a day after openly holdi…

  13. Equal education rights for Rastas

    28-01-2010 14:08 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. There are exciting developments just a day after President Bingu wa Mutharika opened the first Parliament sitting this year. The Rastafari for unity in Malawi, an organisation for the dreadlocked men and women in the country, are demanding for their right to education. National Assembly Speaker Chimunthu Banda has yet to respond to the group's letter delivered to his chambers Tuesday, arguing there have been instances where rastafari followers have been sent back from school for wearing dreadlocks - which he says is a violation of their education right. "This is killing out future. We are citizens of Malawi who also deserve the rights enjoyed by everyone else," said lea…

  14. Malawi: Genocide suspect slips out to US

    19-01-2010 12:09 door Mtheto Lungu

    Rwandan officials have pursued their Malawian counterparts on the whereabouts of a 1994 Rwandese genocide suspect, Vincent Nzigiyimfura who was last freely conducting business in the country. Rwandan prosecutor General Martin Ngoga said the suspect was last reported in Malawi under the name Vincent Nzigiye. - He added that the Africa Rights, a non-governmental organisation and his country officials were convinced the man had sneaked out to the United States of America. "We do not know under what circumstances he managed to sneak out of Malawi and end up in the US," he said. Malawian authorities, however, said they were investigating the matter through the Malawi Police but that this is…

  15. Aloe Vera products to improve immunity system

    19-01-2010 11:45 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. Dr. Mary Shaba, Principle Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) responsible for Nutrition and HIV and AIDS, gave a go ahead to an aloe vera products manufacturing company after extensive tests. Forever Living Company, whose main ingredient in its products is aloe vera, passed tests conducted by the Malawi Bureau of Standards and the Pharmacy, Poisons and Medicines Board to manufacture and sell the products in the country. "Government has given Forever Living Company a go-ahead because it is satisfied with the contents of the products which are not dangerous to people. They had to go through the certification process so that Malawians are assured of t…

  16. Hailstorms hits Malawi as armyworms march on 14 districts

    19-01-2010 11:21 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. Landlocked Malawi has now been hit by a hailstorm in the northern city of Mzuzu, wounding several and admitting one in hospital. The country has also experienced its early New Year's share of a brutal army worms attack in fourteen of its 28 districts. The hailstorm, which damaged several houses and property worth millions, blowing off roofs and felling walls in the process, struck the afternoon of Saturday and lasted about an hour and a half. One man was saved by a television screen he tried to rescue when his house wall fell on him. Hundreds were left homeless and with no help. "Without the screen I do not know what was going to happen to me. The entire wall collapse…

  17. Malawi searches for 10 more quake monitors

    16-01-2010 17:14 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. The Malawi geological officials have said Malawi requires at least 10 Seismonitors to use for determination of possinle earthquakes. The country, recently hit by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in the north and a 4.8 earth tremour in the central region since November 6th last year, currently has only two monitors. Dr. Leonard Kalindekafe, director for the Geological Surveys, told the local press Malawi is currently utilising two earthquake monitoring machines hired from USA's Florida University. The two were earlier placed in centrel city of Zomba and northern city of Mzuzu but have since been transfered to earthquake hit Karonga district. Two US geologists have said Malawi i…

  18. Malawi: Earth tremor hits again

    13-01-2010 11:44 door Mtheto Lungu

    A heavy earth tremor hit the central region of Malawi in the early hours of 0100 and 0200 CAT on Thursday. Residents in the capital Lilongwe, in Dedza and other parts of the region took to their heels as houses tremble and threatened to collapse. The magnitude was 3.8. No casualties have been reported. - “I was at work when this happened. We were all outside the buildings. It was a big tremor,” said Airport Police Sgt. Thandi Singano resident in Lumbadzi and working at the Kamuzu International Airport. Ken Mwanyongo, resident some 25 kilometers away from the airport in the heart of the city, said he was awakened by the tremors and he rushed outside with his dependents. R…

  19. Shock earth-tremors hit Malawi’s central region

    13-01-2010 11:38 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. As hundreds were pronounced dead in the island nation of Haiti last night, which hit heavily 15km southwest of Port-au-Prince amid continued rescue missions, the central region of Malawi experienced a heavy tremor the early hours between 0100 and 0200 CAT. Residents in the capital Lilongwe, in Dedza and other parts of the region woke and run out of their trembling houses as the land moved, threatening to collapse buildings. “I was at work when this happened. We were all outside buildings. It was a big tremor,” said Airport Police Sgt. Thandi Singano resident in Lumbadzi and working at the Kamuzu International Airport. CAOS – ALE team leader, Ken Mwan…

  20. Malawi: One dies in wild celebrations

    12-01-2010 12:36 door Mtheto Lungu

    What started as celebrations after Malawi beat Algeria 3-0 turned ugly when a child was hit dead by a vehicle. Another person was injured when a car tyre run over his foot. Both incidents which took place in populous townships of Mchesi and Kawale, were a result of excited Malawi national team supporters crowding the streets to cheer their team. - A police vehicle from Kawali unit also joined the frenzy as it drove about, lights on, horns blaring and passengers that included children shouted their love for the Flames. Low density area of Bwandilo Area 47 was no different. Ecstatic drivers and pedestrians flashed three fingers symbolizing the three goals and the three points of Bwandilo ti…

  21. Angola 2010: Malawi crucify Algeria

    11-01-2010 15:36 door Mtheto Lungu

    Minnows Malawi humiliated World Cup 2010 bound Algeria by a three goals to nil in their opening Group A match to the surprise of many football pundits. The results sparked thunderous joy in the southern African country contrary to their fear as the Algerians dominated the game. - Malawi's Flames scored their first goal through a hot shot from Russel Mwafulirwa just after the 16 minutes past the Algerian goalkeeper at the ongoing African Cup of Nations. The second came in after a beautiful shot from Elvis Kafoteka which was connected into the net making it two zero within the first half. The second half saw Malawi looking increasing confident on the ball, with players like Josephy Kamw…

  22. Kerosene still in short supply in malawi

    11-01-2010 13:04 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. Barely a few weeks after fuel (petrol and diesel) shortage eased in the land-locked Malawi, paraffin scarcity refuses to leave the limelight - filling stations still seem to have short supplies. Goevernment however has said import of the product has normalised with Natural Resources, energy and Environment minister, Grain Malunga, saying he was not aware of the situation. "It is a querstion of logistical problems with the local supply companies. They have their own suppliers," he said. High density areas in the commercial city of Blantyre and the capital Lilongwe are affected by the shortage. Malawi experienced an acute fuel shortage around the months of November a…

  23. My trip to Karonga earthquake camp in pictures

    08-01-2010 12:05 door Mtheto Lungu

    - I travelled to Karonga with a team of well-wishers from the capital city, Lilongwe, who went to entertain and donate a few relief items to the earthquake victims in the district. The Camp Alive Open Shows (CAOS) who utilises the Aftermath Live Entertainment (ALE) initiative to bring hope and compassion amongst natural disaster victims through entertainment, held a film show on a giant screen, and held a disco which comprised dance competitions amongst elderly women, elderly men, girls, children, men and other groups. Competition winners went away with plastic plates, sppons, bowls and mattresses. A few drinks were also given out free of charge. The group also donated mattresses to…

  24. Malawi: Briton on holiday drowns in lake

    08-01-2010 11:14 door Mtheto Lungu

    A Briton Abid Ibrahim Harrim drowned when the speed boat he and his nephew were sailing in on Lake Malawi capsized. His nephew who had a lifejacket on survived. - The 51-year-old Briton met his fate at Senga-Bay in Salima District last Sunday while in the southern African country for the New Year festivities, reported the Malawi News Agency (MANA). Senior Superintendent of Police Peter Chinseu said the deceased arrived in the country on 31st December from Dubai on holiday. “It is true that Harrim died mainly because he was not in a life jacket as was the case with his nephew who survived,” he said, adding the deceased's body was found the same day after hours of search. …

  25. India VP in Malawi, donates MK140 million to quake victims

    08-01-2010 10:31 door Mtheto Lungu

    - LILONGWE. The visiting Indian Vice President, leading a delegation of businesspeople, investors and development strategists, has donated over MK140 million towards victims of the Karonga earthquake. He made the plea during a State Dinner hosted by President Bingu wa Mutharika at Capital Hotel in the capital Lilongwe. Vice President Shri M. Hamid Ansari said his government has today (7th January) announced the grant of US $ 1 million as emergency relief for rehabilitation following the series of earthquakes that caused loss of life and property in Malawi. "In addition, we have also announced US $ 4 million in grants to support Malawi’s development in agriculture, health and …

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