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.

Dr. Jean Kalilani ‘K2 Million’ Trophy To Encourage Dowa Central Youth Stay Health, Avoid Criminal Acts

Kalilani accompanied
by Grace Chiumia meeting
With players 

Dowa Central constituency legislature, Dr. Jean Kalilani, has launched football and netball league worth K2 million in order to encourage young people in her constituency live a healthy life style through sporting activities as well as keep them busy so that they do not engage in criminal activities.

Kalilani& Chiumia pose
with Black Rhino team

Kalilani pose with
Mponela United 

Kalilani well known in her constituency as ‘A Nachika’, launched the trophy at Mponela football ground on Saturday.

“The reason we put this league is to keep the youth busy and stay away from behaviors that would bring problems to their health” said Kalilani, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare 

Kalilani with Dowa Governors for DPP

Kalilani with Patriotic Democratic Cadets

“Going smoking will bring problems to their lungs and going after girls or men they will get sexual transmitted diseases like HIV or even going for stealing, it will not help them. But when they are busy with football and netball, they will stay fit and their mind will be busy focusing on sporting activities.” explained Kalilani 

Kalilani added that the league will further help to unearth talent needed in both netball and football national team.

Grace Chiumia

Minister of Sports and Culture, Grace Chiumia, a guest of honor at the launch commended Dr. Jean ‘A Nachika’ Kalilani for promoting sports in her constituency.

“This is quite important” she said, “Let me thank Dr. Jean Kalilani for launching this trophy, this is one way of helping the youth to avoid other behaviors. You know, by now others would have been drunk or fighting but are here to watch or to play games. And also this is a way where youth are showcasing their skills. So, it is quite wonderful”

Kalilani ready to score

Chiumia also encourage other Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers to emulate what Dr. Kalilani has done.

At the launch of the league which is estimated to run for a period of three months, people watched a netball game and two football matches where each winning team got K50 thousand prize while the second position team went home with K25 thousand.

Kalilani is set to score as
goalkeeper is
getting instructions 

For Netball game, Mponera Police Officers lost to Sambani Sisters while football games, DPP Governors from Dowa district lost to Patriotic Democratic Cadets (PDC) from Blantyre and Black Rhino from Blantyre lost to Mponela United.

Its a Goal! By Jean Kalilani

UN Rights Expert To Assess Situation Of Attacks Of Albinos in Malawi

Ikponwosa Ero

United Nations Independent Expert Ikponwosa Ero will visit the country to assess the human rights situation of the people with Albinism.

A statement from Geneva dated April 14th 2016, indicates that the monitoring visit by Ms. Ero from 18 to 29 April 2016, comes as reports of the attacks of persons with albinism and the sale of their body parts continue to surface in the country.

“I look forward to this first official mission to evaluate the situation of human rights of persons with albinism in Malawi, make concrete recommendations, and identify good practices to promote regionally,” said Ms. Ero, who visits the country at the invitation of the Government.

UN says this is the first country visit ever by the UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism since the Human Rights Council established the mandate in March 2015.

“Attacks of persons with albinism and the sale of their body parts will be one of the main focusses of my visit. Yet, I cannot separate these crimes from other relevant and contributing human rights issues faced by this group in the spheres of health, disability, education, harmful traditional practices, among others,” she stressed.

The Independent Expert is tasked to report on developments and obstacles to enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism; identify and promote good practices; and combat stereotypes, prejudices, harmful traditional practices and beliefs that hinder the enjoyment of their human rights.

During her two-week visit, the human rights expert will travel to Lilongwe, Machinga, Zomba, Phalombe and Kasungu. She will meet with representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches, local and territorial authorities, the Malawi Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, including organisations of persons with albinism, and members of the diplomatic community. 

“I also give particular importance to meeting with persons with albinism as well as families affected by violations of the human rights of persons with albinism,” Ms. Ero added.

At the end of her visit, on Friday 29 April 2016, the expert will share with the media her preliminary observations at a press conference but will present a comprehensive report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2017. 

Ms. Ikponwosa Ero from Nigeria was designated in June 2015 as the first UN Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism by the Human Rights Council.

Malawi Launches Short Video On Anti-Illegal Wildlife Trade Campaign

Malawi Government has launched a video clip to be used for the anti-wildlife trade campaign.

Launching the ‘Say No to Ivory Trade Campaign’ video on Thursday afternoon at Kamuzu Palace, President Peter Mutharika committed that his government will do its best to end wildlife crimes in the country.

The clip features President Peter Mutharika and 15 foreign ambassadors mainly informing people of the importance of wildlife and dangers of illegal wildlife trade.

 

 

At the very beginning of the video, President Mutharika encourages people not to tolerate wildlife crimes followed by messages from foreign ambassadors and it ends with the president Mutharika pleading with people to say “No” to wildlife crime. The english messages in the video have also been translated into official languages for each foreign ambassador featured in the clip but for Malawi it is Chichewa.

15 foreign ambassadors who featured in the video are directing messages to their own citizens both visiting and working in Malawi to support the country’s effort to protect its natural assets and fight international wildlife crime.

 

The launched video mainly focusing on Elephant poaching and illegal ivory trade will be shown in the airports and sent out on social media.

“It is so sad of what is going on and am sure we will do our best to make sure that we stop this savage and criminal behavior globally” reacted President Mutharika after watching the video clip which was played along with a short film from Kenya which is highlighting the impact of the ivory trade and how purchase of ivory products is linked to organized crime which is fueling elephant crisis.

 

 

President Mutharika said the video launched sends the strong warning to wildlife criminals that he will not under his watch allow natural resources plundered for the benefit of few and further warned that Malawi will not accept criminals to use the country for illegal trade or operate within its borders.

The Malawi President noted that survival of human kind also depends on the ability to protect natural heritage and that protecting animals is an economic-social and environmental responsibility.

He emphasized that failure to save Africa’s majestic species such as elephants and rhinos erode hope for the rest of the wildlife.

He said failure to act in combating illegal ivory trade and poaching now, Malawi will lose wildlife species, biodiversity as well a loss of opportunities for development through tourism and the associated impacts on agriculture and human health.

He said wildlife crime fight will be his Government priority and committed to do his best to make sure that wildlife criminal behavior is stopped.

“My Government is working hard to combat wildlife crime. We are adapting to the growing threat by strengthening our laws, improving law enforcement and increasing our inter-agency and cross-border cooperation among so many other strategies.” He said

Mutharika called on Malawians to be vigilant and work together to stop plunder of the God given natural heritage by urging every citizen to say no to illegal ivory trade and report any suspicious activity.

Malawi Requires Food Response! President Declare State of National Disaster

 

Problem of hunger in Malawi refusing to die as President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday declared the country, ‘State of National Disaster’, following Agricultural Production Estimates Survey by Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development which has projected that the country will face a maize deficit of more than 1 million Metric Tons (MT). 

The 2015/2016 growing season was marred with erratic rains across most parts of the Southern and Central regions of the country caused by strong El Nino conditions resulting in the drying of crops.

President Peter Mutharika announced on Tuesday that the second round Agricultural Production Estimates Survey done between mid-February and March this year indicates that there is 12.4 percent decline in production as compared to the 2014/2015 final round estimate.

The country’s maize requirement for all uses including human consumption is currently estimated at 3. 2 million MT but this year’s production is around 2. 4 million MT meaning the projected deficit is about 1. 072 million MT. 

This has forced President Peter Mutharika to declare State of National Disaster and appeal for humanitarian relief assistance. 

Mutharika: Asks people to help

“In the circumstances, it is very clear that we have food shortage in the country which will affect a considerable number of our fellow citizens. Accordingly, and in accordance with powers conferred upon me by Section 32(1) of the Disaster Preparedness and Relief Act, I declare a State of National disaster effective from today, 12th April, 2016.” He declared

“I fully appreciate all the previous assistance Malawi has been receiving when affected by disasters, including support for the on-going humanitarian response programme. However, I appeal for humanitarian relief assistance from the International donor community, the relevant United Nations agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector as well as all fellow citizens of goodwill, so that, together, we can contribute in alleviating suffering on the part of people who have been affected by the food shortage.”

Mutharika said donations in cash or in-kind should be sent to the Secretary to the Vice President and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Private Bag 336, Lilongwe 3.

He indicated that Ministry of Agriculture projects that the affected population will require about 790,000 MT of relief food. 

However, he said the Ministry will announce the actual deficit in June after third round production estimates while the actual number of the affected population will be determined by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee in due course.

On part of Government he said there are plans to restock the Strategic Grain Reserve and ADMARC both with a total of 250,000 MT.

But, President Mutharika said, to avert a food crisis in the season requires total maize of 1.3 million MT.

He promised that Government will make sure that all affected people are taken care of and that the remaining part of food items from Government will be distributed to the affected people.

Last growing season of 2014 and 2015 the country also faced with sharp decline in maize production due to floods and erratic rains rendering 2.8 million people in 25 districts food insecure.

PAC Not Contented With Speaker Intervention On Audit Backlog

Alekeni Menyani

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament says will have two more discussion meetings with Parliament Secretariat on the way forward how the Committee will have to handle nine year stacks of audit reports.

This follows another unsatisfactory meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly on Thursday evening also just the committee had in the morning summoned Clerk of Parliament.

Members of PAC members are outraged by the National Assembly decision to allocate five working days for the Committee to handle the backlog of audit that was done for the past nine years in the district councils.

“These issues are still ongoing.” Confirmed Alekeni Menyani, Chairperson for PAC

He said “Meanwhile we are not satisfied with interventions that is there but it has been opened up and there will be further two meetings during which time we will be able to finalise this issue because the issue of committee work oversight is call and central to the work of the National Assembly”

The committee is concerned that is not practical for the committee to finalise looking at such a pile of reports within a week hence the arrangement to meet with the Speaker to pronounce himself to the prioritization for the work that directly benefits Malawians.

He even did indicate that they are not only ones frustrated with the National Assembly decision saying the Auditor General whose office produce such audits is equally concerned  

“As a committee, our work emanates from the National Audit Office by the Auditor General himself. Auditor General has also expressed himself to the Speaker” disclosed Menyani “He said as Parliamentary Auditor General he is not being given enough resources to work with the committee because he can only finalize his work if he brings reports to the committee”

“Our work is not tailored by ourselves it is tailored by the executive arm of Government and when we asked the executive arm as to why the Committees are not given funds, the executive arm of Government told us clearly that they are giving funds to National Assembly but that the prioritization here at the National Assembly is one that is upside down. 

This is why we summoned Clerk of Parliament on procedure for the prioritization of committee work and the Clerk ably expressed herself on this and also presented to us the strategic plan that is to be used for the prioritization of committee meetings.”

“And so because the figure head of this institution is the Speaker, members made an arrangement also to have him here so that he explains himself to us as to whether what Executive is saying that it is him who is not giving to commitment to committee work and he is the one failing in his duties to prioritise his work.  

Mw Govt. Says Discipline Is Answer To Health Sector Woes

Kumpalume:we are instilling discipline 

Government says instilling discipline in the health sector will help to end current health sector woes.

Minister of Health, Peter Kumpalume said in an interview after listening to the presentation of findings and recommendations from the Parliamentary Health Committee following visits to various districts on quality of health service delivery.

Kumpalume while acknowledging the existence of the problems and issues presented by the Committee, said there is nothing new as the ministry already knows all problems in the sector.

He therefore said the only remedy to put to an end most of the challenges is to brining in discipline in the sector as the Ministry established that the biggest problem is about the attitudes.

“The biggest problem that we face in the health sector is not so much that people are not doing anything. We as the Ministry are addressing those problems” he said 

Then explained; “The biggest problem in the Ministry is not so much say about money, at the end of the day the biggest problem is about the attitudes. 

We have talked about discipline and we have talked about powers concentration at headquarters. But when we had one party state, power was even more concentrated at Capital Hill, and things were working because people knew that there were consequences if they don’t perform and somehow, we have run away from that, and that is kind of discipline that I want to institute in the Ministry of Health”

He said since appointed as head for the ministry, he has successfully instituted discipline especially strong punishments on drug theft as well as for underperformances and that there are indicators that the Ministry is now well disciplined.

“To me by far the biggest problem is the change of attitudes. When the President says let’s have a change of mindset, that is very important because it is only then we can truly transform the health sector.”

He said there are more reforms taking place in the Ministry of Health. Added that there are several achievements including signing of MOU with CHAM, implementation of some of the suggested  areas for health reform, for hospital operations and autonomy have been already been worked on.

Lunguzi

Honorable Juliana Lunguzi, Chairperson for the Parliamentary Health Committee said findings of the Committee following field trips as regards quality of health service delivery established that there are still problems in the health sector.

Unavailability of drugs, lack of enough workers and the need for the autonomy of the central hospitals are among cited problems in the Committee report.

“On equipment and supplies, we found out that in most of our health facilities we get equipment but repairing is a nightmare. We hardly repair our equipment we just dump the equipment, we also don’t have reagents and is an issue that needs to be looked into.” Said Lunguzi

“We are hoping that we will get solutions on how best we can address these issues.” She hoped

The Parliamentary Committee on Health Reform Symposium Agenda, discussed findings of the Health Committee field trips as regards quality of health service delivery, analyzed the Ministry of Health led health reforms and how they address service delivery challenges. 

The meeting also was organized to agree specific actions that need to be covered in the Health Reform process with timeframes and Parliamentary Health Committee oversight.