Looking Back: TAML's Lifeline to Cyclone Freddy Survivors in Thyolo and Mulanje (2023)

In April 2023, Malawi faced one of its most devastating natural disasters in recent memory, Cyclone Freddy. The impact was catastrophic: over 679 lives were lost, 511 people reported missing, and more than 2,000 injured, as reported by the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

Among the hardest hit were smallholder tea farmers and communities in Thyolo and Mulanje, districts prioritized by the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) due to the severity of the damage. In these two districts alone, over 2,200 individuals were displaced into various camps.

In response, the Tea Association of Malawi Limited (TAML) mobilized over MWK 25.3 million from its members and partners to provide emergency relief.

Picture shows some of the beneficiaries from Thyolo with TAML Team and Trust Africa Representative

TAML’s Emergency Response Initiative

The relief effort aimed to:

• Support smallholder tea farmers and other vulnerable community members affected by Cyclone Freddy

• Restore hope to communities devastated by the disaster

This critical intervention took place on:

• 6th April 2023 in Thyolo District

• 14th April 2023 in Mulanje District

TAML worked closely with traditional leaders, local authorities, and camp committees to verify beneficiaries and ensure transparency in the distribution process.

In order to deal away with ghost beneficiaries, TAML conducted verification of names from the camps including the tea small holder farmers before the distribution day. The data was entered in TAML database. The verification aimed at identifying beneficiaries that are eligible to receive the relief items.

Table 1:  illustrates the number of households that were selected and benefited from the relief items in each district.

District	Camp/cooperative	Number of households
Thyolo	Nyodola camp	110
Thyolo	Mangwalala camp	165
Thyolo	Mtendere	20
Thyolo	Chizunga	55
Thyolo	Nsuwazi	30
Mulanje	Thuchila	100
Mulanje	Sukambizi	250
Total		730

What Was Provided

Each household received a package consisting of:

• Maize flour (5kg)• Likuni Phala (2kg)• Cooking oil (1 liter)• Soya pieces (5 packets) • Sugar (1kg)• Salt (500g)• Bucket (20 liters), plates (2), cups (2)• Tablet soap (1), milk sachet (100g)• Reusable sanitary pads (3)

Community Reflections

Traditional leaders and government officials applauded TAML’s swift and thoughtful intervention.

“The cyclone devastated our communities, but TAML brought us hope,” said GVH Mangwalala. Thyolo District Commissioner, Mrs. Rosemary Nawasha, emphasized the significance of TAML’s support: “Your commitment to reach even the most inaccessible areas is commendable.”

In Mulanje, the Chairperson of Thuchila Cooperative expressed deep appreciation and urged TAML to continue standing by tea farmers.

TAML’s leadership echoed this commitment. CEO Mr. Tonda Chinangwa conveyed heartfelt condolences and assured continued support.

Board Chairperson Mr. Sangwani Hara thanked key partners including Solidaridad, Trust Africa, Ethical Tea Partnership, East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA), Zoona Trading, Makandi, and Satemwa Tea Estate for their contributions.

While two years have passed since this intervention, the memory of TAML’s response remains strong in the hearts of the survivors. It was more than a distribution, it was a demonstration of compassion, unity, and leadership in a time of great need.

TAML remains committed to supporting tea communities through crisis and beyond, building resilience, dignity, and hope.

Picture 2 shows a cross-section of beneficiaries at Mangwalala camp