Malawi has a new Anti-Corruption Czar – Her name is Martha Chizuma
The Public Appointments Committee (PAC), meeting on Monday, has eventually confirmed ombudsman Martha Chizuma as director general for graft-busting body the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) after it had earlier rejected her with abysmal scores.
Last week PAC, using a scoring procedure during interview confirmation, scored Chizuma 14.9 which was less than the minimum 17 mark required for her to be confirmed for the ACB job.
But her rejection did not amuse Malawians, including the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) which threatened a march to parliament on Tuesday, May 18 and Dowa North West Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislator and chief whip who gave a notice Sunday that a motion to rescind the decision of not confirming Chizuma be moved in the PAC meeting slated for Monday, May 17.
Nyasa Times can confirm that out of the members present during the Monday meeting, 12 voted in favour of Chizuma’s confirmation; 1 abstained and 4 members of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) walked out, according to PAC chairperson Joyce Chitsulo.
Chitsulo said she was “personally happy, and I have been saying this that I for one would love to see Chizuma confirmed.”
She said the walking out of the 4 DPP members was ineffectual because the quorum formed.
Writing on his Facebook page, Stanley Onjezani Kenani, simply said: “We took the fight to the wire—and won.”
A member of the Bar Association of Malawi, Women Lawyers Association of Malawi and Women Judges Association of Malawi (founding member and ex-officio), Martha Chizuma holds a Master of Law degree in International Economic Law from the University of East London and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Malawi, Chancellor College.
She has practised law for 18 years having previously worked with Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company as Legal Counsel, Deputy Chairperson of Industrial Relations Court (IRC), Assistant Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal and Senior Resident Magistrate.
Congratulations madam Chizuma for being selected to be the new head of the ACB. You have a very important and responsible job which we hope you will discharge without fear or favour. The huge ‘theft’ of sacred public money should be stopped to enable the government spend that money for the betterment of the ordinary men and women of Malawi. May God protect you and bless you in your endeavours.
Increase her security because corrupted enemies will be on her neck.Make them independent
Those who perceive her as an under dog you better watch out. She will prove soon how strong and determined she is to work as the ACB Director.
Just take cover all you corrupt idiots but remember with Martha at the helm, we will get you where ever you are going to hide.
All the best madam Martha Chizuma, may God be with you to lead by example…
Congratulations Madam…
Give her the necessary resources and adequate security. The corrupt kings alimva kununkha dzikoli.
Please intensify Martha chizumas security judging by what happened l think her enemies might try other means of removing her.Martha make corruption uncomfortable in Malawi viva Martha viva
wachepa sangathane nazo za malawi uyu you will agree with me just wait and c