Youths Demand Role in Fighting Corruption at Religious Institutions
BLANTYRE, Malawi— Young people from various religious congregations in Malawi have expressed concerns about being sidelined on financial management issues, amid rising cases of corruption affecting religious institutions in the country, writes Tinnah Kumwenda.
Speaking to reporters on May 9, University of Malawi CCAP Students Organization Treasurer Raymond Bvalani said a lack of accountability systems has allowed corruption to fester in religious bodies.
"Corruption is affecting religious institutions as there are inappropriate systems to hold the office bearers accountable and to be transparent in how they are handling the financial resources," Bvalani said.
University of Malawi SDA Elders representative Dennis Bakaya agreed, saying, "The youth have a greater role to play in as far as fighting corruption in religious institutions is concerned."
Stella Nampota, treasurer of the University of Malawi Catholic Students Organization, suggested youths should remain vigilant and speak out against suspected corrupt practices.
However, Shawwal Mustarpher, chairperson of the University of Malawi Muslim Association, disclosed that out of around 300 members in religious student bodies on campus, only about five youths hold leadership roles.
"Corruption is done through misuse of money, selling religious materials, sexual abuse among others," Mustarpher said.
"To fight it, everyone should be responsible for one another."
Rev. Chikondi Kadzako of the Evangelical Association of Malawi said many religious institutions sideline youths from financial matters, believing they lack the capacity.
But he insisted youths must be prepared as future leaders.
"When corruption is taking place in these religious institutions, youths are also highly affected," Kadzako said.
"There is hope the act of corruption can be defeated if everyone joins the fight, including youths."