LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-President Lazarus Chakwera on Wednesday night, December 11, 2024 appointment engineer Vitumbiko Mumba as Labour Minister with immediate effect.
Mumba replaces Agnes NyaLonje who resigned over the weekend citing former Vice President Saulos Chilima death as one reason.
Addressing the nation at Kamuzu Palace in the capital Lilongwe, Chakwera expects Mumba to serve the national diligently.
The Malawi leader says Mbumba’s appointment following resignation request from NyaLonje who is UTM member, the party that walked away from Tonse Alliance government.
Mumba once contested for Malawi Congress Party (MCP) convention as Vice President but lost to Catherine Gotani Hara.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Labour, Agnes Makonda Nyalonje has resigned from President Lazarus Chakwera’s Cabinet with immediate effect.
NyaLonje has three reasons of quitting Chakwera’s cabinet including death of Vice President Saulos Chilima, corruption and Israel labour export deal which saw Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials demand inclusion of their relations, The Maravi Post has established.
“I can confirm I have resigned from the Cabinet. SKC’s death changed the situation for me”, confirmed NyaLonje.
She added: “I first submitted my resignation back in July but was asked to delay its enactment. His Excellency has now kindly accepted my resignation.”
Her party , UTM, was a key partner in the Tonse Alliance administration until few months ago when it opted out of the alliance
According to sources within Chakwera cabinet while ontemplating of quitting the cabinet post, the powerful Minister of Local Chimwendo Banda is alleged to have offered “K60 million to K100 million” to senior UTM officials including a cabinet post “after dropping NyaLonje” which has contributed to the former Mzimba North legislator to throw in the towel.
The immediate aftermath of the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima was the declaration by his ardent followers that they were leaving Tonse Alliance- the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) panicked, and it started making political overtures to key personnel in the UTM.
There was no immediate reaction from government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu on NyaLonje’s resignation.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Minister of Labour and Manpower Development, Agnes NyaLonje on Monday, January 29, 2024, disclosed the much-awaited Workers’ Compensation Fund is at an advanced stage of establishment.
NyaLonje revealed that the Workers’ Compensation Fund had delayed to rollout because of a lack of political will by the previous administrations.
The Minister spoke after officially opening an orientation workshop for the first cohort of the Trustees of the Board of the Workers’ Compensation Fund in the capital Lilongwe.
The European Union (EU) facilitated technical and financial support to the workshop through its Zantchito Skills for Jobs Programme.
“The reason this workshop has become necessary is that 24 years after the Workers’ Compensation Act was enacted, the Workers’ Compensation Fund has still not been established. Over the years, various reasons have been advanced to explain this failure to establish the Fund.
“However, when all is said and done, the 24 years of waiting for this Fund signify a lack of political will. However, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the Tonse Alliance Government is committed to establishing the Fund,” she said.
NyaLonje stated that Malawi is now the only country in the SADC region that is yet to set up an employment injury fund, a development she said advantages workers.
She therefore added that the delay in setting up the fund has increased the individual-employer liability system whereby each employer individually bears the burden of paying compensation in the form of a lump sum.
Among others, the Workers’ Compensation Fund is designed to address the foregoing challenges of individual-employer liability.
The Fund would require monthly contributions from employers to cover the cost of claims.
This will allow for the pooling of risks thereby moderating the impact of the risks on individual employers.
The Fund would make periodical payments to the injured for life in the case of permanent incapacity.
Employees would be assured of compensation even after the closure or winding up of a business as long as the employer had been contributing to the Fund.
Nyalonje, Chiponda and Mia addressing the media on Cholera updates
By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi government on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 announced closure of secondary and primary schools for two weeks over cholera outbreak.
This comes barely hours after second term was opened across the country apart from Lilongwe and Blantyre cities.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponde told face the press that ministry of Unity will be sensitizing the general public on cholera preventation measures.
She said government is doing everything to contain the outbreak and the public will be updated continuously on the progress.
The minister added that government will re-open the schools as soon possible for learners safety.
Minister of Education, Agness Nyalonje added the the move is inline with thCOVID-19 task force command on closing schools due to cholera.
Nyalonje said health issues are priorities in all sectors of life hence supporting the decision.
Echoing on the same, Minister of Water and sanitation, Abida Mia disclosed that all disconnected kiosks have been reconnected until the pandemic is over.
She therefore called upon stakeholders’ support as the ministry needs US$ 20,809.013 for the procurement of wash Cholera supplies.
As of January 2, 2023, 18,222 cases with 620 deaths have been reported since the onset of the outbreak in March last year.
The fatality rate is at 3.4%, which is higher than the recommended rate of less than 1%.
In the past 7 days, Malawi has reported 2,773 cases and 137 deaths.
Out of these, Blantyre and Lilongwe have contributed 47% of the new cases and 53% respectively.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-As one way of showing its commitment in providing improved access, quality, efficiency and management of the Malawi’s Primary Education, Germany government under Improving Primary School Education (IPSE) project on Tuesday April 26, 2022 handed over MK25 billion to the Ministry of Education meant for school blocks and teachers’ houses infrastructure works.
Nyalonje and Germany Ambassador Ralph Timmerman
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Mitundu Primary school in Lllongwe, Minister of Education Agnes Nyalonje lauds the Germany Government for the support, saying it will go a long way to improve the learning environment in schools.
The minister said was pleased to learn that the project had already improved the learning environment in three Teacher Training Colleges ( TTCs) and sixty Teaching Practice Schools (TPSs) in the country.
“I am pleased to learn that through this project, Blantyre , St. Joseph’s and Lilongwe TTCs, have their sewage systems and sanitary facilities rehabilitated.
“In addition, I have also learnt that a total of 60 TPSs located in seven districts of Salima, Dowa, Lilongwe, Blantyre, Mchinji, Dedza and Ntcheu have been provided with, among other things.
“A total of 308 furnished classrooms, 60 administration blocks, 60 solar powered semi-detached teacher’s houses and 60 solar powered hostels for student teachers who are doing school-based training,” said Nyalonje.
She added that the completion of the project reinforces what president Chakwera said when he was launching the MWV 2063, where he made it very clear that this country is on journey to achieve great things in education sector.
Nyalonje also disclosed that the new infrastructure also represents the forward thinking of the ministry’s regards in the construction of top quality resilient structures.
“Infrastructure has either been built or improved afresh. These are solid blocks and have followed specifications that my ministry has put forward.
“And as we go forward, we must have resilient infrastructure that withstands cyclone like Ana, Idai, and other storms that come due to climate change,” she said.
Ralph Timmerman, Germany Ambassador to Malawi said his government is committed to support Malawi through its development endeavors since Malawi got Independence.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Following the hiccups brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of education has revealed the plans to set up an educational radio station to be used to teach students in their homes.
Education Minister Agnes Nyalonje disclosed to The Maravi Post on Thursday, February 17, 2022 in an interview.
Nyalonje said the closure of schools has impacted a lot on students’ performances hence the need for government to put in place alternative ways to improve students performance.
The minister added that the ministry has secured a licence from Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to set up the station which is expected to start soon.
She said the Ministry has opted for a radio which is cheaper than computers which can take time to procure.
Nyalonje also said the ministry will try its best to make sure that most of the schools have radios which will be used to access the educational programs.
In her remarks Member of Parliament for Machinga East ,Ester Jolobala, who rose on a point of order asked the ministry to extend classroom blocks in her area.
She said the minister’s point was a welcome idea amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jolobala observed that it is sad for her to witness secondary school students learning under a tree at Nakunyu Community Day secondary school in her area and with the radio initiative, it will create a conducive environment for them.
The lawmaker also asked government to consider building of additional classroom blocks apart from the radio initiative.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In an effort to create a safe, conducive and positive learning and work environment among the learners and teachers in the country, Minister of Education Agnes Nyalonje on Monday, February 14, 2022 presided over the launch of Teachers’ Code of Conduct at Bingu International Conversation Centre( BICC) in Lilongwe.
In her remarks, Nyalonje said her Ministry will work closely with the Teacher’ Union of Malawi (TUM) to ensure that the launched Nation Teachers’ Code of Conduct is used as a positive tool to promote professional behavior amongst teachers and not as a means of exacting punitive on sanctions on teachers.
Teachers Code of conduct in place
She said the National Teachers’ Code of Conduct is meant to be a composite of rules and norms of behaviors to create a safe , conducive and positive learning learning environment.
She therefore, requested all District Education Managers to ensure that every teacher has access to the National Teachers’ Code of Conduct and is aware of what is contained therein.
” My Ministry is working hard to ensure that teachers’ working conditions are improved. We are cognizant of the fact that without teachers. We cannot provide quality education that Malawi wants.
“Without teachers, we cannot achieve Malawi 2063. Teachers are the centre all that we do in education system. We need a professional and motivated workforce to ensure that our children are served well,” said Nyalonje.
According to Nyalonje, the National Teachers’Code of Conduct will assist to regulate the professional conduct of teachers in the country.
In attendance of the function was Deputy Education Minister Monica Chang’anamuno, TUM General Secretary Charles Kumchenga Development Partners, Learners, Teachers, and other stakeholders.
Before the launch, the Ministry officials and other stakeholders had a big walk from capital Hill to BICC.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Education Agnes Nyalonje on Friday, February 11, 2022 told legislators in the August house that the Ministry will look into charges of fees of National Examinations.
Nyalonje was responding to concerns from legislators that some parents and guardians may not afford afford to pay for the exams as well as school fees due to challenges brought about by COVID-19 and natural disasters.
The Parliamentarians also raised the issue of of need to regulate the examination fees especially in Private Schools who are allegedly charging twice more than Public Schools for Students to register for exams.
She said the ministry will take it up with the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) and the the inspection department within the Ministry to get to the bottom of the issue especially on the overcharging.
Responding on allegations that some private schools are charging twice more than government schools, Nyalonje said, “If we are talking of National Examinations administered by MANEB, the fees are not different for students regardless of where they are writing examinations from.
“However, my Ministry will look into it to see what exactly is going on. If fees are varied as my honourable colleague is saying, then we have a problem…That cannot be right”.
On need to waive fees, Nyalonje said exams registration were underway that time was limited process to reverse fees hike but assured to talk with MANEB.
” But what we commit to do is to ask MANEB to look at the issue and see If there is anything that can be done. Keeping in mind that the reason there are these fees is to allow for process to be done. The money is used for examination processes.
“So, saying those fees will be waived just like that would create problems elsewhere, so we will look at it and we will come with a response,” said Nyalonje.
MANEB pegged examinations fees ranging from MK26,000 and MK30,000 depending on weather one has taken science lane or humanity lane.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The ministry of education has disclosed that treasury has provided funds to keep auxiliary teachers in school up until March next year before being incorporated in the national budget.
The minister said this in Mzuzu yesterday on the sidelines of an interaction with education officials from Mzimba North, Mzimba South, Likoma, Mzuzu City and Nkhata Bay education zones.
The development comes at a time when Initial primary teachers have been asking government to employ them after finishing their studies at various teachers training colleges.
According to Agnes Nyalonje, minister of education, treasury has agreed to give the ministry of education money to keep the auxiliary teachers on board before being incorporated into the budget.
Nyalonje said the ministry is fighting to keep the teachers permanently, as other sectors are also fighting to get clearance to employ their staffs.
She has since disclosed that a teachers council will be established soon to address critical issues in the profession including their welfare.
The teachers under the Initial Primary Teacher Education 13 cohort were recruited in February 2021, as part of efforts to de-congest classrooms to reduce the further spread of COVI-19.
NyaLonje said: “It is not that straightforward to get resources for education because resources needed are massive.
“We fought and fought to bring auxiliary teachers on board, keep them on board, and as at last night, Treasury agreed to give us further money.
The minister said the resources will enable the ministry to keep them on board until March when they will be incorporated into the budget.
She said: “For these teachers, it is not given that the money was there, it wasn’t. We fought and we have gone to the ends of the earth to find the money, and we have been given this final stretch until the next budget.”
NyaLonje further said they are hoping to incorporate them permanently in the next budget and they are working hard to get that done.
However, the minister did not provide the exact amount that Treasury will provide. They receive MK80 000 each, meaning government parting with MK261.6 million monthly.
The auxiliary teachers were first given a five-month contract in February, which was later extended to August after its expiry in June.
They have since been pushing for permanent employment
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-About 411 students have been graduated with Degrees and Diplomas in various programmmes at Malawi’s Domasi College of Education amid shortage of teachers in public schools.
Minister of Education,Agnes Nyalonje on Friday, September 10, 2021 presided over a graduation ceremony at Domasi college campus in Zomba.
Nyalonje said the ministry will work on supporting teachers, classroom shortages, construction of new secondary schools and establishment of the Teacher’s Council before end of this year.
“In keeping with Government’s commitment to uplift the teaching profession, I can announce today that we are developing plans to recruit more primary and secondary school teachers to begin to address the challenges faced by our schools,” assures the minister.
Domasi College has always distinguished itself with a strong institutional emphasis on integrity, maturity, discipline, and hard work.
She added, “As we celebrate the landmark achievement of 402 graduates, we also celebrate the achievements of Domasi College and look forward to its continued future development as a centre of excellence for teacher education”.
Over the years, Domasi College has been responsible for providing many of the secondary school teachers across Malawi schools, including many head teachers.
Speaking at the graduation acting principal of Domasi college Davis Mina listed some of the problems they are facing as an institution.
“The function we are holding today, could have happened sometime back. However, this was not the case because DCE, like any other learning institution, suffered closure due to the pandemic. This has delayed the progress of studies at this College.
“The JICA sponsored DCE expansion project I referred to earlier on was supposed to be handed over in December 2020, but was stopped for some time due to the pandemic. By now we could have been using the facilities that are still under construction,” said Mina
He added, “Another challenge that DCE is experiencing is loss of lecturers to other institutions in search for greener pastures, Yes, they continue serving Malawians, but the college loses out, We appreciate the efforts being made in promoting staff, but even the promoted are leaving. There is need to do more”.
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