The Government of Malawi, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), has distributed 12,000 bags of maize to households affected by hunger in Traditional Authority Nanseta, Thyolo District.

Speaking to the Malawi News Agency (MANA) during the distribution exercise at Luchenza Primary School on Sunday, Thyolo District Commissioner Hudson Kuphanga said the hunger situation in the area is dire.

“This maize distribution is a response to our request to DoDMA for food relief in Luchenza and Mangunda, areas heavily affected after our assessment,” Kuphanga said.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the maize wisely and not sell it to vendors, as this would send a wrong message to the government.

“The government is here to help, and we urge you to be responsible with this relief. Selling it to vendors undermines these efforts,” he added.

Kuphanga further revealed that the government plans to distribute lean season relief to 58,000 people in the district.

Deputy Commissioner of Police for the South Eastern Region, Stain Chaima, condemned the practice of selling relief maize, warning that those caught engaging in such activities would face legal consequences.

“It is unacceptable for vendors to buy maize intended for the needy. We all know the acute hunger we are facing, particularly in this area. Selling relief maize is strongly discouraged,” Chaima warned.

One of the beneficiaries, Gine George from Chilomo Village in Traditional Authority Nanseta, expressed her gratitude for the timely aid.

“The devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy and the severe drought have left our community struggling with famine. This maize brings much-needed relief and hope,” George said.

Thyolo District has approximately 70,000 people in need of food items.