Traditional Leaders Urged to Promote Unity, Combat Corruption in Malawi
The ceremony included elevating two village headmen to sub-traditional authority status, symbolizing a restructuring of local governance.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda called on traditional leaders Saturday to foster unity and development, condemning corruption within chieftaincy ranks, writes Andrew Mkonda, MANA.
Speaking at Kabudula primary school during a leadership installation ceremony, Chimwendo Banda emphasized that traditional leaders are "custodians of development, social cohesion and cultural heritage preservation."
The minister directly challenged traditional leaders to facilitate community development projects, including infrastructure like bridges, clinics, and markets.
Senior Chief Khongoni welcomed government intervention in local chieftaincy disputes that had disrupted community leadership since 2020.
The new chief of Kabudula was installed following years of internal family conflicts.
Defense Minister Monica Chang'anamuno praised the leadership transition, noting previous difficulties working with the community due to leadership instability.
The ceremony included elevating two village headmen to sub-traditional authority status, symbolizing a restructuring of local governance.
Chimwendo Banda stressed that unity remains critical to achieving meaningful community progress, urging leaders to prioritize collective development over personal interests.