On January 12, 2026, Ungweru Organisation attended a meeting with Vuna cooperative at Palango Mhango Village, bringing together members from Palango Mhango, Telu Kamanga, and Jailos Mhlanga villages. The meeting aimed to address key challenges facing the cooperative, with a focus on leadership, membership contributions, and access to financial support.

Speaking at the meeting, Noel Kumwenda, Programs Officer at Ungweru Organisation, emphasised the importance of adaptive leadership by urging the cooperative to assess and adjust their leadership approach to facilitate active participation.

“Where leadership is not working, it is crucial to revisit and adjust for the benefit of all members. Active and committed leadership is key to unlocking the cooperative’s potential,” He said, echoing sentiments from the members.

Mr. Kumwenda (Programs Officer) addressing the farmers

The cooperative committee was empowered to engage members on contribution of the membership fees, with Palango Mhango group contributing MK2, 619, 500. Groups from Telu Kamanga and Jailos Mhlanga are set to be encouraged to make their membership contribution, hence the call for active cooperative leadership.

Members sought clarity on accessing loans from NEEF, and the status of the certificates. Ungweru organization which is following up on the certificate assured farmers that the certificate is on its way and that once leadership is strengthened and members are contributing their membership, the cooperative will be linked with NEEF.

Chairperson of the Cooperative, Leonard Kamanga, assured members of the committee’s commitment to ensure the success of the cooperative. “The committee will meet before Monday 19^th January 2026, to strategise the way forward for the cooperative to the benefit of all members” said Kamanga.

“We take the cooperative’s progress seriously. We will ensure active engagement across all villages for smooth operations and growth,” he added.

Chairperson Leonard Kamanga addressing cooperative members with enthusiasm

Members reached a consensus on the need for good leadership and pledged to support their leaders in delivering results.

“We have agreed to work together, support our leaders, and ensure our cooperative moves forward,” said Dickson Gondwe.

Gondwe urges his fellow members to support leaders for smooth running of the cooperative

Concluding the meeting, Group Village Headman, Palango Mhango said the cooperative has a big role to play in developing the area. Leadership and members have to work together to ensure that aspirations the group has comes to fruition.

Group Village Headman Palango urges unity for cooperative success