Illiteracy frustrating SMEs in Chiradzulu—DC

Chiradzulu district commissioner (DC) Bennet Nkasala has said illiteracy is frustrating small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the southern Malawi district.

Nkasala said this at Saint Michael Primary School where activities to mark the World Literacy Day in the district were held.

During the day, certificates were presented to 647 people who underwent a 10-month adult literacy classes.

Nkasala said most shops in the district do not last because owners do not know how to read and write.

“If you go to our trading centres, you will discover that most shops are not running because owners failed to run them because of illiteracy,” he said.

Nkasala said a businessperson needs some education to calculate profits and losses.

He urged people in the district to enrol for adult literacy classes, saying only those who know how to read and write can contribute positively to the socioeconomic development of the country.

Nkasala said although government, through different programmes is trying to empower people, the initiatives are being frustrated by illiteracy.

“This is why government introduced adult literacy programme to ensure that illiteracy levels in the country drop so that the country can achieve meaningful development,” he said.

Chiradzulu district community development officer Topsy Kachere bemoaned low turn up of men during adult literacy classes.

Kachere said it is sad to note that out of the 647 graduates, only 26 are men.

“Adult literacy programme empowers and gives people confidence to play an active role in decision-making,” he said.

Chiradzulu has 157 adult literacy classes. According to statistics from the National Statistical Office (NSO), 83 percent of men and 75 percent of women are literate in the district.—Mana

Zomba vendors want to meet JB

Vendors in Zomba have asked for an audience with President Joyce Banda to discuss challenges they face when doing business in the city.

The vendors made the request at a consultative meeting they had with Minister of Local Government Grace Maseko who toured some markets in the city.

Chairperson of vendors in the city, Ayatu Chidothi, said they wanted the President to help them access loans to boost their businesses.

He said although they were invited to State House on January 2, they had no opportunity to discuss business with the President.

Chidothi also stressed the need for government to make markets conducive places for doing business.

He said some markets in the city do not have electricity, toilets and fences, creating pathetic conditions for vendors.

Maseko assured the vendors that the matter will be presented to the President and as minister she will facilitate their meeting.

“The President met vendors in Mzuzu and Lilongwe. There is nothing to stop you from meeting the President so long as protocol is followed,” she said.

Maseko said government is eager to develop Zomba so that services rendered should be those befitting a city.

On Matawale Market which has remained closed for some time, the minister said she will ensure that everything is in place so that it is reopened.

The vendors came from Zomba City Flea Market, Chinamwali, Sadzi, Chipatala and Mpondabwino markets.–Mana