Malawi President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has pleaded with Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdrawal Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
President Chakwera, who is also Chairperson for Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), made the plea in a statement posted on his official facebook page.
In the statement Chakwera described the declaration and acts of war by Russia against Ukraine as a disturbing and destabilizing development.
“Since Malawi’s national anthem is a prayer petitioning God for peace over our land, we pray for peace for the people of Russia and Ukraine and their lands. We also call on the Russian Government to use its might and means to find a peaceful resolution to its grievances against Ukraine.
“We do this in recognition of the fact that Malawi’s peaceful posture towards other nations involves promoting peace between all nations.
“We also do this as a nation that has maintained peaceful relations with its neighbors throughout its history, as a peaceful regional leader in Southern Africa, and as a peacemaking member of the UN Human Rights Council,” reads the statement
On Thursday, African Union condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine and called for an “immediate ceasefire”, saying the situation risked escalating into “a planetary conflict”.
The bloc’s current chair, Senegalese President Macky Sall, and Moussa Faki Mahamat, chair of the African Union Commission, said in a joint statement they were “extremely concerned” by the invasion.
They called on Russia to “respect international law, the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine”.
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, killing dozens as airstrikes hit military installations and ground forces moved in from the north, south and east.
The AU leaders said the “very serious and dangerous situation” should be resolved via “political negotiations” overseen by the United Nations.
The Mo626 College basketball ‘elite eight’ games return to the courts in Blantyre tomorrow (Saturday) to identify the ‘elite four’ who will battle it out in the semifinals and eventual finals next month.
Eight teams in both men’s and women’s categories are expected to battle it out for honours at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) basketball courts as well as Blantyre Youth Centre and the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) courts in Blantyre.
The ‘elite eight’ in the men’s category include MUBAS Wildcats, MUST Gorillas, ABC Lions, Bunda Buffalos, UNIMA Hawks, KUHES Lumbricals, MAGU Wolves and Mzuni Panthers. In the women’s category, the teams include HUHES Ganglions, MUST Asterix, MAGU She-Wolves, ABC Lady Lions, UNILIA Dark Roses, MUBAS Lady Cats, UNIMA Hawks and Bunda Olivettes.
NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said in an interview yesterday that as sponsors they are excited that the games are now coming to an end to conclude season three of the tournament which was delayed by almost two years due to restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The college basketball season gives students something to work towards and look forward to. Right now, teams are training every day and keeping fit. This fits perfectly with our intentions for Mo626 College basketball – which is to build well rounded individuals within tertiary institutions. You will recall that NBM plc offers scholarships and also awards best performing students. The latter was established over 30 year ago. College basketball helps ensure that students are both mentally and physically active,” Hiwa explained.
NBM plc entered into a partnership with the Basketball Association of Malawi (Basmal) to sponsor the college basketball tournament for three years in 2017 and successfully staged the two seasons in 2018 and 2019 before being delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic to finish season three of the K63.5 million tournament.
Basmal Vice President Banthari Banda said in an interview yesterday that they are ready for the ‘elite eight’ games saying there will be a total of 20 exciting games spread across four basketball courts in Blantyre.
“We are prepared for the games, we will have a total of 20 games, 10 each for the men’s and women’s categories and we have spread them across four courts at Kuhesi (both in-door and out-door) and Mubas and Blantyre Youth Centre and we will have our officiating panel coming from across the country.”
Part of the action in the Mo626 Pa Mo Basketball Bonanza
“We will use the double knock out format to give a chance to all the teams. So, even if a team loses one game, it will have a chance of qualifying for the semifinals by winning the remaining games. It will be an exciting weekend of basketball. We want to thank NBM plc for this sponsorship which is unearthing talent,” said Banda.
MAGU Wolves Captain Thokozani Sinababa said they are confident of progressing through to the next round because of the experience that they have gained in the past.
“We have some experience in this tournament, last time we were in fourth position after losing to Mubas but now we have new players who have brought in some positive energy in the team. We are going to give a good fight,” declared Sinababa.
Mubas Wildcats versatile player Timothy Banda said they are prepared to ‘bring it home’ this time round.
“We are very prepared, we have been working hard even prior to this tournament and we are pretty sure that this time we are bringing it home because last time we were in third position and this time we are going all the way,” said Banda.
The semifinals and finals of the tournament are expected to be played in Lilongwe during the weekend of 19 March 2022.
HARRY MUKAKA: Small World Money Transfer has a diverse network of institutional clients and corresponding payers in six continents with operations in 180 countries
Listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has partnered with Small World Money Transfers (SWMT) thereby increasing the number of platforms on which customers can receive and send money outside the country.
Speaking in Blantyre, NBM plc Head of Treasury and Investment Banking, Harry Mukaka, said the new product is ready and running and that Cashiers throughout the NBM plc network have already been trained for the operations of SWMT.
“SWMT is accessible in three ways namely Teller transactions, Swift and Wallet transactions. Currently, this product is accessed through Teller transactions only as we are still working on integrating the service to our digital systems Mo626Digital+and Wallet,” said Mukaka.
Mukaka added that being a global brand, Small World brings value to customers through the existence of multiple channels through which they can send/ receive money.
“Small World Money Transfer has a diverse network of institutional clients and corresponding payers in six continents with operations in 180 countries. It has more than 230,000 pay out locations worldwide which makes it easier to move money across the borders quickly and at a low cost,” said Mukaka.
In addition to the Small World Money Transfer platform, NBM plc provides money transfer services through MoneyGram and Western Union platforms.
A representative of Small World Money Transfer Maureen Mugoh said they are excited to partner with NBM plc.
“We have more than 3 million customers worldwide and these customers have been trusting us to handle their payment needs for 13 years. We are happy that we have added customers from Malawi to our vast network,” said Mugoh.
Shesaid Small World has become one of the leading cross-border payment providers, and continues to expand its global reach and market share providing payment services direct to bank account, cash pick-up and mobile wallet in more than 80 countries worldwide.
“In this competitive market, Small World’srange of services, innovative technology platform, relationships with partner banks, and a strong focus on regulatory compliance have proven invaluable in propelling the business forward, and are crucial in enabling Small Worldto deliver the speed, value and convenience that customers require,” said Mugoh.
Phillip Madinga: Our digital banking is helping promote tax compliance as taxpayers experience flexibility, efficiency and convenience
On February 18, 2022, Finance Minister Sosten Gwengwe (MP) tabled his maiden national budget for 2022/23 FY of MWK2.84 Trillion. In its first reaction to the budget, Standard Bank Plc says the budget has set the tone for further recovery of the economy and reasserted the authorities’ commitment towards making cost of funds to the private sector cheaper. Chief Executive Phillip Madinga (PM) weighs in on the budget. Excerpts:
Q1: The 2022/23 budget has not covered much on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two consecutive years. In your opinion how has Covid affected our economy?
PM: Much of the impact on the economy was felt in 2020, and the GDP estimate of 0.9 percent for that year supports this. Hence, we expect the impact of COVID to have been more of an issue in the just ended 2020/21 fiscus.
Globally economies were hit as a result of health restrictions imposed by most countries and regions, and Malawi is no exception. Effects of the pandemic on the economy included restrictions in trade, which reduced supplies of goods resulting in some price spikes leading to inflationary pressures on some import-reliant economies. In the first to second year of the pandemic, the fiscus experienced increased demand for financial resources to support the health sector which were material and, in a way, derailed achievement of some of the economic targets.
Q2: The economy grew from 0.8% in 2020 to 3.9% in 2021, driven by Mining, Quarrying, Manufacturing and the Hospitality sector. What was the bank’s role in those sectors?
PM: Growth in these sectors reflects an attempt to returning to normalcy, but it is not extraordinary growth. The bank continues to support these sectors through financing, banking and digital solutions to enhance their operations and efficiencies.
Q3: The 2022/23 budget sets a GDP growth projection of 4% on the basis of an anticipated increase economic activities in selected sectors. Do you think this growth is achievable?
PM: It can be achieved however, recent damage from the Tropic Cyclone Anna may adversely affect the projections. Another key assumption to this growth forecast being that the trajectory of the pandemic in months ahead will not be too disruptive to the economy.
Q4: The budget has underlined mining and quarrying as some of the contributors to the projected GDP growth. Are these sectors the new economic frontiers? What opportunities does the bank see in those sectors.
PM: We see an opportunity to diversify export proceeds and bolster the foreign exchange reserves position. Recently we have seen some positive strides with regards to improving the country’s capacity to better manage its natural endowments. For instance, the Reserve Bank of Malawi has started buying gold through its subsidiary, the Export Development Fund. We also note that a new owner has stepped in to restore affairs of Kayekera Uranium mine in Karonga. Malawi has long suffered trade deficits due to lack of productive capacities. What we are seeing in the mining sector is an encouraging indicator that there is an opportunity to create jobs and partner with the investors for the benefit of Malawi.
Q5: The budget has an estimated deficit of K884 billion or 7.7% of GDP, which is seen to be relatively lower than last fiscal year as government seeks to reduce on borrowing and control expenditures. How will this approach affect private sector?
PM: We expect that this should increase funds available to lend to the private sector and over time it may reduce cost of funds, though that may take material reduction in domestic borrowing. Where the market fully dictates prices, level of interest rates should reflect the status of determinants of interest rates. As much as the economic goals we have set around infrastructure development, food security and others would be best delivered in a low interest rate environment, it is detrimental to force the market to ‘give’ low interest rates whilst the determinants are off track.
Q6: The 2022/23 budget sets a domestic revenue target of MWK1.636 Trillion to be raised. How will this affect people’s livelihoods?
PM: Key here is what is the return on investments made out of these resources, the more transformative they are, the more they may compensate for the cost and price that Malawians will pay. The budget intends to improve rural livelihoods through the Constituency Development Fund-CDF line which has been increased, it is expected to create special economic zones which should support the small businesses and we feel these are some of the ways it will improve livelihoods. I believe this increase would or may complement very well the planned activities and establishment of secondary cities as espoused in the MW2063 by the National Planning Commission.
Q7: In what way will Standard Bank’s assist government achieve its revenue ambitions?
PM: Our digital banking platforms, namely 247 Online, Enterprise Online and Business Online for large business and corporates now make it easier for our customers to pay tax and for MRA to collect the revenue. Our digital banking is helping promote tax compliance as taxpayers experience flexibility, efficiency and convenience. Our channels are all inclusive cutting across different layers of client portfolios and ensuring seamless transactions for tax settlements and other statutory payments.
Q8: The Finance Minister, Sosten Gwengwe recognized foreign currency shortages and the country’s low forex reserves position as a key pressure point in budget implementation. In the 2020/21 fiscal year, the Malawi Kwacha lost value by about 7%. What do you think needs to be done to stabilize the local currency and restock forex reserves?
PM: The budget recognizes foreign exchange supply constraints that are affecting the country and improving that is key to getting to the desired outcome. It intends to encourage import substitution partly through establishment of special economic zones. It is also encouraging speedy implementation of donor funded projects to realize the foreign exchange flows attached to that. We need urgent and impactful actions to address current shortages and we believe the budget is setting that tone. Further to the provisions in the budget, we can do more to diversify export base through production of high value export crops, supporting production of goods for export. Restoring donor confidence and getting an IMF program fully back on track will be critical in obtaining stability in the markets.
When one wants to annihilate a stubborn and unwanted tree for once and for all, they destroy the underground roots of the tree not by plucking the fruits of the tree expecting the tree to die slowly, silently and forever.
I find the reason behind this mobilization of funds to host a demonstration against an individual who in earnest does not hold any appointed or employed public or civil servant position in Malawi extremely baseless, stupid and time-wasting. Simply fruitless. A wishful thinking it is.
I admire the zeal, determination and seemingly patriotic spirit in those who are believed to be organizers of this up-coming event.
Onjezani Kenani, Idriss Ali Nassah and Joshua Chisa Mbele are well learned, informed and exposed but am flabbergasted by their recent activities which seem to be ill-advised and missing the appropriate target of their intent.
It appears, trio musketeers are only bent to fight an Asian businessman named Zunneth Sattar who is a Malawian, born and raised in Malawi from an Asian family. Zunneth late father was among the contractors who built the Kamuzu International Airport under Kamuzu Banda’s administration and contributed to many other infrastructure developments we are able to enjoy and be proud of now. Their narrative has gone further to display xenophobic and demeaning utterances towards the Asian Business community in Malawi, translating into character assassination as well infringing the rights of the minority. Is this revolution of Anti-Asian Campaign?
My elder Idriss, for a minute he was all over town fighting for the release of expenditure report of Covid-19 funds which has two budgets of MK17 billion and MK6.9 billion. Both budgets were alleged to have been misused and defrauded by some government employees including those well known to be close associates of Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera. No Asian Business man was ever alleged or suspected to have partook in the looting. The alleged corrupt acts were perpetrated by ORIGINAL BLACK MALAWIANS. And, the trio never thought it wise to mobilize funds to hold protest against this impunity committed by their fellow black people.
It’s almost 5 months since the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation promised to release the expenditure report of the SADC SUMMIT which was held in Lilongwe funded through taxpayer’s money. The trio again are silent on this matter or expressed any interest to protest at the Ministry’s office. And the ministry is run and managed by Black Malawians, no single Asian person is employed there.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka built houses on public land in Area 43 and it is a known fact that some statehouse officials stole public land in area 49. These are your fellow black Malawians; will you not protest against them at their offices?
We have several issues happening in the country involving Black Malawians, we have several court cases been heard on corruption charges alleged to have been committed by Black Malawians. The trio once again deem the black Malawians as saints and no need to protest against this impunity.
The Secretary to the government, Zangazanga Chinkhosi is speculated to be involved in several matters in which some people are thinking that it’s the cause of the numerous problems we are currently facing as the nation. The trio have never for a minute expressed any interest to protest against this impunity at capitol hill were the Office of the President is situated. Is it because Chinkhosi is a black Malawian?
The President of Malawi and his vice during the campaign period promised heaven on earth and after two years there is nothing to write home about. The trio have never for once protested at Kamuzu Palace or at Veep’s residence. Is it because they’re black Malawians?
The Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau was recorded in a whatsApp conversation dishing out unnecessary and disheartening words towards the judges, lawyers and the President including his vice plus the Religious fraternity. Kenani, Mbele and Adriss have not expressed any intent to ask DG of ACB to apologize or at least to reveal the identity of the person she was conversing with to dig deeper to investigate the people behind this incident. Simply because Martha and her friend are black Malawians?
Ashok sued Martha for her defamatory words upon him. This trio finds it patriotic enough to be intimidating, threatening and calling Ashok with insulting words because he is an Asian. Martha is allowed to say anything because she is a Black Malawian, is this fair justice?
Conclusion
My Elders I beseech you to uproot the tree of corruption, impunity and all bad things by getting down to the bottom of the root cause of this sickening culture. You should be fair, democratic, empathetic and remove any xenophobic attitude. Avoid showing trends of propagating a self-based political agenda.
Zunneth Sattar and associates are individuals working in the private sector, awawa ndi anthu business chabe! They never awarded any contract to themselves it was awarded to them by public or civil servants who are black Malawians, therefore it is wise to expose the names of these enablers/accomplices and you must as well protest at their respective offices.
Why are you only attacking and targeting Sattar leaving behind the people or the institutions he did business with? Does Sattar work at MDF or MPS or immigration department or at any public institution, kodi macontract iwo amazipasa yekha? Enawo simukuwatchula kozi ndi anthu okuda skin?
Pali milandu ya mbili yokhuzana ndi katangale ndipo oganizilidwawo ndi anthu okuda ngati inuyo,bwanji simukuwatchula mayina awo ndikupitaso kuma office awo kukawonetsa kwiyo wanuwo?
I urge you to sit-down and go back to drawing board. Some of us we cannot participate in such protest that are clearly indicating they’re nothing but racial profiling, xenophobic and fight against one individual. STANLEY, IDRISS AND JOSHUA. Let me be frank with you all this is pure SELECTIVE JUSTICE and the impunity you are talking is within you guys. Please remove it, it’s too stinky!
The country political activist Bon Kalindo popularly known as Winiko has come out cocoon defending Ashok for suing Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General Martha Chizuma over leaked audio.
Kalindo argues that Ashok suing Chizuma is nothing to do with ACB office. The former UTM Youth Director wonders how some civil society organizations and individuals are confusing the nation with the wrong court summon on ACB office.
Kalindo blushed purportedly demonstration against Ashok who has been injured with Chizuma’s allegation of corruption.
In an audio to the public on Thursday, February 24, 2022, he hinted that his grouping could not be part demonstration which are contempt of court saying the matter has not yet heard by the sitting judge.
“I have been forced to retaliate on the questions people have been asking on why i was not present on the press briefing on the matter of Martha Chizuma being sued. “I just don’t act any how; I follow the laws of the land. This issue does not concern the country. It’s about a person suing another person. If it was that it was ACB that was involved I could be on the forefront backing the matter,” says Kalindo.
He added, “This is a personal matter. If you remember after the audio was leaked I released a statement telling Martha Chizuma to tell the nation the truth but instead Malawians on social media rebuked me without mercy and understanding. “I say over and over again that office that Chizuma is holding needs someone who is able to keep secrets, someone with integrity but because Malawians act without understanding the matter and because you said I have been eating Ashok’s money, now am quite” Concludes Kalindo, “If you want, go to the streets but this is useless to me, leave me alone. Chizuma just showed the nation that she cannot hold that position”.
Chizuma is currently facing three legal battles over the leaked phone conversation last month.
First lawsuit comes from Ashok Nair, seeking damages over alleged defamatory statements emanating from the audio and this was filed at Lilongwe Magistrates court.
A grouping called Forum for National Development and Rafiq Nembo are also pushing for criminal case against Chizuma.
Judiciary Spokesperson Gladys Gondwe confirmed that the complaint was filed at the Chief Resident Magistrate court in Blantyre.
NAMIWA: Malawi has needlessly lost lives due to road accidents because of poor conditions of the roads and washed-away bridges
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has come flat on its watchdog role by demanding audits of questionable water projects as well as disclosure of contractual agreements.
This comes as the organisation believes situations Malawi is experiencing due natural disasters, lately Cyclone Ana, provide an opportunity for the country to raise the standards of public infrastructure, and fight the nauseating deep-rooted corruption entrenched in the construction industry.
In a statement made available to this publication, CDEDI is, challenging Malawians to be keeping a keen eye on public infrastructure projects being implemented in their areas as one way of guaranteeing value for the money spent on the projects, such as roads, railways and bridges.
“CDEDI has noted with great concern that the heavy rains the country is experiencing have exposed poor workmanship, negligence and outright disregard of contractual details in the implementation of some projects,” reads the statement signed by CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa.
Adding that it does not need emphasis that a good road network is a catalyst for development.
He said Malawi has needlessly lost lives due to road accidents because of poor conditions of the roads and washed-away bridges saying although the impact of the cyclones and tropical storms has been devastating, Malawians are their own witnesses that, to a large extent, the losses of lives, and government finances are due to poor workmanship.
“It is against this background that CDEDI is challenging the Roads Authority (RA) to audit projects under its jurisdiction against details of signed contracts for the same, and give feedback on the same,” he said.
For interest of transparency and accountability, CDEDI has also demanded the disclosure of contractual agreements for Jenda-Edingeni, Karonga -Songwe, Mzimba-Mzarangwe, Kapiri-Mkanda, Ntchisi -Malomo, Kenyatta Drive & Sharrar Street not to mention of Ntcheu-Tsangano, Nsanje -Marka and Nsanama -Nayuchi roads.
CDEDI has since given the NRA seven (7) days to provide the requested information.
The NGO further wishes to implore that going forward, Malawi must deploy due diligence in tender processes for all projects.
“One such project is the 72-kilometre Nsanje-Marka railway line whose tender process is underway. CDEDI calls upon the Ministry of Transport and Public Works to provide adequate soul searching and due diligence to ensure that the company it hires for the project is of impeccable expertise and good repute,” Namiwa calls.
Above all, CDEDI also calls for audits by relevant authorities on projects in the water and sanitation sector, which is another sector that needs constant check to ensure that Malawians have access to potable water.
“Projects for which we demand audits include the Karonga Water Supply and Nkhata Bay Water Supply Project. CDEDI hereby requests the Northern Region Water Board to institute audits in regard to these projects as soon as possible.
Both RA and NRWB are yet to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile Malawians of goodwill are planning to demonstrate against corruption and impunity on the protests slated for March 2, 2022.
TAMANDA LONGWE: NBM Bank plc Head of Marketing and Customer Experience
Listed commercial bank, NBS Bank plc has launched a new promotion where a lucky customer will win a vehicle as a grand prize and other customers will win various items like upright fridges and cash among others.
NBM Bank plc Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Tamanda Ng’ombe-Longwe said in Blantyre that the promotion will run from 20th February to 30th June 2022.
“We thought of coming up with this promotion as one way of encouraging customers to use the Bank as a convenient financial solutions provider by opening an account with us and depositing or simply depositing as well as using our digital platforms. Going digital is also one way of saving our customers’ time as well as preventing the spread of Covid-19,” said Ng’ombe-Longwe.
The promotion is for both existing and new customers and the grand prize will be a Toyota Vitz vehicle and other prizes will include 4 upright fridges which will be given each month and K50,000 monthly cash prizes and other branded items, according to Ng’ombe-Longwe.
For new customers, all they need to do is open a savings or current account and register at least two digital products and deposit a minimum of K50,000 to enter the promotion.
“To qualify for the monthly draw, new customers must maintain the deposit for at least a month and perform at least three digital transactions. To qualify for the grand prize, they must maintain the deposit in their account till the end of the promotion and perform at least three digital transactions every month,” explained Ng’ombe-Longwe.
Similarly, existing customers should deposit a minimum of K50,000 in their account and register for two digital products and also maintain the deposit for at least a month and perform at least three digital transactions for them to enter the monthly draw, she added.
For existing customers to qualify for the final draw, they too need to maintain the deposit in their account till the end of the promotion and perform at least three digital transactions every month.
Ng’ombe-Longwe also said customers can also deposit a minimum of K200,000 into their fixed accounts and maintain it for at least a month to enter the promotion.
“The more and the longer the deposit is maintained in the account, the higher the chances of winning,” added Ng’ombe-Longwe.
Leader of opposition in Parliament, Dr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, has made some significant changes to his Shadow Cabinet, replacing those who have recently resigned with new blood.
Amongst those who have recently resigned due to pressure from above are Bright Msaka, Joseph Mwanamvekha, Jappie Mhango, Vuwa Kaunda both from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Ishmael Mkumba of United Democratic Front (UDF).
Nankhumwa, who is also DPP’s Vice President for the Southern Region, has since promoted Lawyer Yusuf Nthenda to the position of Shadow Minister of Justice replacing Msaka.
Workaholic DPP’s Member of Parliament Mary Thom Navicha has been moved from shadow Minister of Water and Sanitation to Shadow Minister of Health replacing Jappie Mhango.
Vuwa Kaunda has been replaced by Nickson Chilenga as shadow Minister of Defence Minister while Ralph Jooma takes over from Mwanamveka as Shadow Finance Minister.
Reuben Kanyama is now Deputy Shadow Minister of Education a position which was being held by Ishmael Mkumba.
Chakaniza plants a tree during the event as pupils look on
Ethanol distiller, Ethanol Company Limited (EthCo) on Saturday planted 2,000 trees in partnership with Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) and Majiga Community Day Secondary School in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota.
Speaking during the tree planting event at Majiga Community Day Secondary School in Dwangwa, EthCo Chief Executive Officer Lusubilo Chakaniza said the company deals in renewable energy hence their interest in conserving the environment.
“We take the issues of the environment seriously because our product is renewable energy hence our support together with the community to create a shared value as long as issues of environmental conservation are concerned. This is why you have seen EthCo employees together with their spouses taking part in this event, it is everybody’s responsibility to take care of the environment,” said Chakaniza.
She said their partnership with WESM has been going on for some years where every year they make sure that they plant more than 2,000 trees but for the past two years, they were impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chakaniza (right) gestures after planting a tree helped by Malandula (left)
“We will continue our partnership with WESM because it is our responsibility to take care of the environment and operate our business in a sustainable manner, said Chakaniza.
WESM Branch Manager for Nkhotakota Yasin Rashid Malandula thanked EthCo for the support that it gives to the tree planting exercise saying they are targeting to plant 500,000 trees in the Dwangwa area and are on course.
“We have a target of planting 1.5 million trees as a district and we are encouraging people that not only should they plant trees but they should also take care of them so that they survive for the benefit of our country,” said Malandula.
Chairperson of Majiga CDSS Wildlife Club Elizabeth Mawere also hailed EthCo and WESM for the tree planting exercise at the school saying trees help the students in many ways including provision of shade and clean air.
