Cabinet Secretaries Challenged To Provide Evidence Based Policies For Africa To Move Forward

President Peter Mutharika has stressed that Cabinet Secretaries have capacity to help African Governments move the right direction by providing the cabinets with evidence based policies.

Mutharika was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday when opening Third Africa Cabinet Secretaries Roundtable Workshop expected to end on 22nd April 2016.

Delegates from fourteen African countries are participating in the workshop themed: Enhancing Government’s Effectiveness through Evidence-informed Policy-making. 

Mutharika said the conference comes at a time when many African Governments are trying to develop and implement policies that will bear fruits for their citizens particularly policies that directly address poverty, inequality, as well as corruption. 

He emphasized that problems facing the continent of Africa can be addressed adequately through evidence based decisions and therefore “without evidence as the basis, policies are bound to be theoretical and unpractical” that “simply end up on book shelves, left to gather dust”

“Cabinet Secretaries fulfill a very critical role in the policy-making process.” Said Mutharika

“It is your duty to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in Cabinet decision making. It is your duty to ensure availability of evidence to Cabinet. This includes, among other things, making sure that all relevant stakeholders at all levels, including the beneficiaries of the policies, are engaged sufficiently in the development of the policy process.  It is your duty to ensure that appropriate procedures are developed to guide the policy-making process.” He said 

“If Africa is to move forward, we cannot tolerate haphazard policy development. We cannot accept policies that do not listen to the people, to the procedures, and to evidence.” Stressed Mutharika

He then reminded the delegates that “Africa is waiting for the results” and that Council of African Cabinet Secretaries is a living symbol of African government’s commitment to strengthen decision-making processes. He therefore urged delegates to seize this opportunity to engage adequately with each other and put together the best lessons they can. 

“What we bind in union cannot be unbound easily. This is your moment to form strong networks for sharing ideas and experiences. This is your moment to partake in the refocusing of the African vision. Show us the path of effective decision-making; and Africa will follow.” added Mutharika

Among others Mutharika said Malawi is making efforts to enhance the policy-making process. He pointed out the recently launched ‘Public Policy Research and Analysis Project’ aimed at strengthen the development and implementation of policies that are based on evidence as well as the development of a Policy Manual called ‘The Guide to Executive Decision-making Process’ a reference tool for all those who are involved in policy formulation and implementation. 

Dr. Ernest Surrur, President of the Council of African Cabinet Secretaries said the meeting will deliberate on policy formulation with focus on evidence and that the second agenda is on Role of Cabinet Secretaries in political transitions.

He also mentioned that the third agenda seeks to invite some Cabinet Ministers to better understand their perspectives in the decision making processes.

“One question for this discussion, is how to foster an evidence culture in cabinet where ministers will question their colleagues about the evidence to support the proposals from the perspective of the broader interest of Government rather than political point scoring as they compete with one another for financial resources and also for approvals of the President.” said Dr. Ernest Surrur, 

Dr. Surrur, said the network is supporting African Cabinet processes including strengthen capacity of secretariats to better support cabinet members on making better informed and collective decisions.

The first meeting of this kind was held in Ethiopia in 2014 while Ghana hosted second meeting in 2015.

The network was established in 2004 with a group of Secretaries to Government or Chief Secretaries where they meet periodically and consult each other and also mobilize resources for the trainings of the staff in the Cabinet Secretariat.

George Mkondiwa Chief Secretary to Malawi Government said Malawi has benefited immensely through the trainings from the network among others he said there is now a cabinet calendar where everyone would know when is cabinet meeting going to take place.

Mkondiwa also mentioned the trainings have led to the development of a Policy Manual called ‘The Guide to Executive Decision-making Process’ 

Delegates to the workshop include Cabinet Secretaries or their representatives and other senior officials from Cabinet Offices of Botswana, Ghana, Lesotho, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar and Malawi.

The workshop is an initiative of the Africa Cabinet Government Network (ACGN) which was established in 2014 as a voluntary organization for Cabinet Secretaries.The ACGN, whose headquarters is in Freetown, Sierra Leone, serves as a platform for cross-country collaboration on evidence-based decision making and Cabinet procedures. 

The network was created out of necessity to provide formal and informal opportunities for the collaboration, mutual support and sharing of practical experiences.The network was as well established to provide technical assistance to the cabinet secretaries and others involved in managing the cabinet processes in Africa in order to facilitate evidence informed collective decision making bygovernments and effective implementation of their decisions.

Mphwiyo Shooting Case: Mpinganjira Fails To Appear In LL Court

Brown James Mpinganjira, has failed to appear before Lilongwe High Court Office to testify on attempted murder case of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo.

Court ruled to subpoenaed Mpinganjira following testimonies which are connecting him to the case. Victim, Mphwiyo said Mpinganjira had sent him early warning of plans to murder him.

At the beginning of the case this morning, however, Director of Public Prosecution, Mary Kachale informed court that Mpinganjira will not make it to the court because he did not receive the summon.

She said the office of the registrar acknowledged that they had sent the summon very late and that the registrar had not received acknowledgement of receipt of the summon from Mpinganjira.

Kachale said Mpinganjira will testify in the next sitting of court expected  from 27, 28 and 29 January, 2016

Mkondiwa

Later, Chief Secretary to the Government, George Mkondiwa who testified around ministerial engagements which Kasambara had starting on 13th September 2013 the day Paul Mphwiyo was shot and on 14th of September.

Mkondiwa replied to Kasambara during cross examination that it would be surprising to hear someone stating that on 13th September Kasambara was with Mphwiyo around 3pm.

Later, the court heard testimony from Mercy Mwadiwa from Reserve Bank whose testimony concur with that made on yesterday by an economist Daniel Jenya that there was investigative meetings early September on suspicious rise in government expenditure.

Malawi Prepares ICT Experts in Cyber Security Threats

George Mkondiwa: Government
 is trying to fight cyber crimes 

Cyber Security issues have not spared Malawi, with the boom in mobile and computer use some Malawians have experienced hacking, online data theft and proliferation of destructive malware, these events and future serious cyber threats have forced Malawi Government to embark on training aimed at raising awareness among ICT Executives and Policy Makers on cyber security so that they know the need for urgency in making policies relating to cyber crime.

The workshop has began on Tuesday in the Capital Lilongwe following a study by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) that established that member states, including Malawi, were lagging behind in the formulation of policies and legislation that deals with cyber crime as well as lack of awareness among government policy makers and top executives on the need to urgently formulate and pass laws relating to cyber crime.

Chief Secretary to the Government Mr. George Mkondiwa when opening the training said, Malawi is trying to ready itself from future possible cyber attacks following the emerging computers and cellphones in the country and that the workshop marks the beginning to talk and make Malawians aware of threats brought by ICT and know how to prevent them.

He said Malawi government recognise the role the ICT-revolution plays to national development and is harnessing the  ICT through putting in place regulatory and legislative frameworks intended to ensure that Malawi makes the most of this revolution in its efforts to transform the country from poverty to prosperity.

"However, the Malawi Government is aware that the emergence of the ICTs has brought along with it the concern of cyber threats." Says Mkondiwa, 

"As highlighted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and even if at a  relatively lower scale compared to what is happening in the developed world, Malawi is also today facing the same problems of identity and data theft, proliferation of destructive malware and denial-of service attacks which the ICT sector world over is facing. Needless to say, that these threats are a virus that can undermine the role of ICTs as a tool critical to national development and, at the same time, inhibit the growth of the ICT sector itself." 

But he said Malawi is commited to spare no effort in tackling these crimes, especially so because "ICTs are the superhighway toward transformation of education, commerce and and other sectors" among others.

"This is why the Malawi government, like a good general at the battle front,

has taken the leading role in enhancing cyber security in the country through drafting the Electronic Transaction Bill.

Among many other things, the bill provides for investment in Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), that will ensure secure exchange of data between and

among computer users. The Electronic Transaction Bill also proposes the formation of Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Malawi which will be handling internet security issues. The government believes that once passed into law, and working in harmony with several other ICT- related legislation already in place, this bill will address issues related to cyber threats, thereby enabling the country to maximise the usage of ICTs."

The Malawi Government Chief Secretary then assured the meeting that the administration of Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, will do all it can to create an environment that "provides a powerful arsenal to this war." 

"The government will continue to provide direction, undertake reforms and make necessary investments in requisite skills and infrastructure for the consolidation and further development of the ICT sector in the country."

Andrew Kumbatira 

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has partners with COMESA in training the officers.

MACRA's Director General Mr. Andrew Kumbatira said Cyber security is an area that has not been explored extensively in Malawi and there is need for awareness as the nation is experiencing increasing electronic transactions, which in turn will enhance economic activity of the country.

He said though Malawi has not yet experienced a very serious cyber threats, but with emerging cellphones and computers it is apparent that the country will in two year period experience the worst if ICT experts are not trained in how to secure Malawi cyber space.

The three day training has drawn High Level Executives and Policy Makers including Government officials responsible for ICTs, Legal Experts and the ICT/IT and Telecommunications Experts.

Bishop Zuza

Who Was He?

Late Bishop Zuza: his
death is a great shock

Thursday 15 January 2015 am on holiday, its John Chilembwe day. I cannot remember the exact time by now, but I’m convinced must be around 16:00hrs when my former colleague at Radio Maria Malawi met me somewhere at Area 18 in the Capital Lilongwe. In simple and straightforward but hard to believe “Akuti ambuye Zuza amwalira pangozi” (Bishop Zuza has died in an accident)

I got my phone and call Acting Secretary for Episcopal Conference of Malawi Fr. Emmanuel Chimombo because I knew his response will be authentic.

“Yes, His Lordship Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza was involved in an accident and was taken to hospital some few hours ago.” He responded “And has passed on” he said in his second sentence and said he is sending me an email announcing the death of the Bishop I have known for a very long time.

4:46 PM email Subject: Death Announcement - Bishop Zuza

Dear brethren,

Find attached sad news from the ECM.

Please help us inform Christians and all people who should know

                                Death Announcement

                     BISHOP JOSEPH MUKASA ZUZA

The Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi regrets to announce the tragic death of Rite Reverend Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza, who was bishop of Mzuzu Diocese and Chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

According to report, Bishop Zuza was involved in a road accident and has passed on while being attended in Mzuzu.

More information and details shall follow later.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE

____________________________________________

                                  UTHENGA WACHISONI

                      AMBUYE JOSEPH MUKASA ZUZA

Bungwe la Maepiskopi a Mpingo Wa Katolika - Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) – ili ndi chisoni kukudziwitsani za imfa ya Olemekezeka Ambuye Joseph Mukasa ZUZA amene anali episkopi wa Dayosizi ya Mzuzu komanso Wapampando wa Bungwe la Maepiskopi aKatolika m’Malawi (ECM).

Malinga ndi uthenga umene talandira, Ambuye Zuza anachita ngozi ya galimoto ndipo amwalira pamene anali kulandira hithandizo kuchipatala ku Mzuzu.

Fr Andrew KAUFA

COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY – ECM

That was the exact content of the message

This was a shocking message, at 16:24 George Mkondiwa, Chief Secretary to the Government, responded “Fr., Received with immense sadness.”

Later, 19:25 hrs another email from government

H.E CONDOLENCE MESSAGE  ON DEATH OF BISHOP ZUZA

His Excellency the President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has learnt with deep shock at the untimely death of the Right Reverend Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza, of Mzuzu Diocese of the Catholic Church and current Chairman of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi who died in a tragic car accident on Thursday, 15^th January 2015.

The President joins all Malawians in expressing condolences and great sympathy to the family, the Catholic Church and the greater Malawi on the loss of a patriotic and development conscious Church Leader who was a partner of Government. The President is greatly saddened by this loss and joins all Malawians in mourning the passing of one the finest sons of the Nation.

The Government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Catholic Church and all Malawians during this difficult moment for our country.

May His Soul Rest in Peace

KONDWANI NANKHUMWA, MP

MINISTER OF INFORMATION, TOURISM & CULTURE

GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

15^TH JANUARY 2015

The death of Bishop Zuza is a great shock to both Catholics and non Catholics. He was a great Bishop who at an appropriate time could bravely speak against every wrong doing by government without fear or favour. Could applaud government when indeed the church saw it necessary to do so. He always ensured that there is justice.

Late Bishop Zuza
(pic by ECM)

The Late Zuza made Catholic faithful in Malawi Proud mid 2014 when Malawi hosted AMECEA plenary! The list of Late Bishop Zuza’s achievements is endless.

According to ECM Communication Officer Mr. Prince Henderson Rt. Rev Bishop Zuza was driving to his base, Mzuzu, from visiting his home village, Mhlafuta in Embangeni Mzimba “The Bishop's car registration number,MZ 6022 rear tyre burst causing the vehicle to swerve and get out of his control. His Lordship was in the process forced out of the car. This took place at Nthungwa, in the Chikangawa forest Reserve.”

In an updated death announcement Catholic Secretariat of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) His Lordship Joseph Mukasa Zuza, Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Mzuzu and Chairman for ECM. Bishop Zuza passed on at Saint John Hospital on 15th January 2015.

According to ECM Information Officer In 2010 Bishop Zuza's diocese was split, partly out of a desire to ease transportation problems in the area.

Mr. Henderson’s information pertaining to the life of Bishop Zuza indicates that when the Diocese of Karonga was erected that year from territory of the Mzuzu diocese, Bishop Zuza said the split was "necessary, because it is quite taxing to travel to some places from headquarters." He described difficult travel on poor roads in all-terrain vehicles to parishes as far as 250 miles away.

He said in addition to having been Bishop of Mzuzu, in Malawi's north, Bishop Zuza was, until his death, president of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, since 2011.

He pointed out that Bishop Zuza participated in the extraordinary Synod on Family that concluded last October, where he spoke up for Catholic teaching on family sought to uphold the sanctity of the Sacrament of marriage. A conservative and promoter of culture and traditions, the African prelate had expressed concerns over Western influence affecting African culture, particularly on the issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

He also mention that during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Mzuzu Diocese, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli, then Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi, lauded Bishop Zuza's pastoral initiatives for the faithful, saying that "during these years of visiting Mzuzu, the diocese has been very well managed and very well organized."

The Prefecture Apostolic of Northern Malawi was erected in 1947, and was elevated to the status of the Diocese of Mzuzu in 1961. It currently holds a Catholic population of 400,000.

In addition ECM has also pointed number of positions Bishop Zuza’s has held in the Church on local and regional (AMECEA) level.

On local level, he once served as Vice Chairman of ECM; Chairman for Justice and Peace Commission (CCJP); Chairman for Education Commission; Chairman for the Mixed Commission. On regional level he once served as Malawi Delegate in the AMECEA Executive Board; Chairman of AMECEA Staffing Committee (2008 – 2011); As Chairman for ECM Right Rev. Joseph Mukasa Zuza has died while serving as Chancelor of the Catholic University of Malawi (CUNIMA). On Saturday, 10th January, Bishop Zuza inaugurated the Jubilee Year for Kachebere Major Seminary.

Requiem Mass

Requiem mass for his repose shall be held on Monday, 19th January 2015, at St Peters Cathedral in Mzuzu, starting from 10.00 AM. Burial shall be held at Katoto, near the bishop’s house.

His Excellency, The Most Reverend Archbishop Julio Murat, The Apostolic Nuncio for Malawi and Zambia will preside the Requiem mass.

Right Reverend Zuza was born on 22 October 1955 at Malembo Village, T.A. Chief Mbelwa, Mzimba District; ordained priest on 25 July 1982; appointed Bishop of Mzuzu on 9th March 1995 by Saint. John Paul II and consecrated on 6th May 1995.

“The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) shall remember him as a Bishop who waskind-hearted, cheerful and always available to everyone.” Reads the announcement signed by Fr Emmanuel Chimombo Acting Secretary General

May the Soul of Right Rev. Joseph Mukasa Zuza Rest in Eternal Peace.

Mutharika Defers Proposed Salary Hike

Mutharika Defers Proposed Salary Hike

The Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) says President Peter Mutharika, has deferred implementation of his proposed salary increment and that of the Vice President, Right Honourable Saulos Klaus Chilima, until the country’s economy recovers.

President Mutharika defers Pay Hike

“The OPC wishes to further advise that while the proposed salary increase may be justified, the President has decided to forego the increase at this time.

The President made this decision in solidarity with Malawians, who are presently undergoing very tough economic hardship.” Reads the statement dated 6^th December 

The statement says “President assures the Nation that he has people’s best interest at heart and he fully appreciates the suffering that ordinary Malawians are going through as a result of the suspension of aid by the country’s bilateral donors due to massive looting of public resources (Cashgate) at Capital Hill.”

“President Mutharika and his Government pledge to continue working tirelessly to bring the confidence of the country’s development partners back into the economy and improve the living standards of ordinary Malawians.” Says the statement signed by George Mkondiwa Chief Secretary to the government

The new salary structure was implemented from October 1, 2014, and in line with the 2014/2015 budget.

The president’s salary which remained unchanged since 2009, has 80% increment, meaning Mutharika would have been pocketing K2.7 million per month from MK1.5 million while his vice president Chilima would have been getting K1.8 million per month in addition to fuel coupons amounting to 1500 litres and will remain getting K1 million.

Dr. Lazarus Chakwera
MCP & Leader of Opposition
will also benefit from the effect
of the pay hike

 Leader of Opposition, Lazarous Chakwera whose salary is pegged at that of the cabinet ministers will together with the Ministers be getting K1 608 million K600 000 per month a 168% rise. Will also be getting fuel coupons of 1 000 litres per month and K350 000 as housing allowance.

Deputy Minister’s salaries have been raised to K800 000 from K428 000, representing 87 percent with fuel coupon of 1 000 litres and will be paid K250 000 if they are not living in a government house per month.

The parliamentarians will be getting K600 000 per month from K126 000, a 376% increment in addition to 1 000 litres of fuel per month and K350 000 as housing allowance.