Minister Namalomba issues stark warning to parastatals: shape up or face the consequences

• Shadric Namalomba tells communications sector bosses that ‘culture of routine’ must end, as he demands efficiency, innovation and measurable results

Minister of Information and Communications Technology Shadric Namalomba has issued a stark warning to parastatals, demanding improved performance and greater accountability – and cautioning that institutions failing to deliver results will face corrective action.

Namalomba insisted that heads of institutions must take personal responsibility for meeting targets, monitoring progress, and correcting weaknesses within their organisations.

‘We cannot afford a culture of routine’

The minister delivered his warning in Blantyre while opening a meeting between the ministry and parastatals operating in the communications sector.

“We cannot afford a culture where institutions continue to operate on the basis of routine simply because that is how things have always been done,” Namalomba declared.

“We must demand efficiency, innovation, responsiveness and measurable results. Where performance is below expectation, corrective measures must be taken,” he added.

Calls for unity among parastatals

Deputy Chief Secretary to the Government and Comptroller of Statutory Corporations Stuart Ligomeka echoed the minister’s sentiments, urging parastatals to work together and support one another in order to achieve effective service delivery.

Macra chief: ‘We have an obligation to Malawians’

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) board chairperson Chancy Gondwe also weighed in, reminding fellow parastatals that their role extended far beyond simply existing as institutions or ticking off individual programmes.

“We have an obligation to fully discharge the mandates for which these institutions were established and to demonstrate measurable value to Malawians,” Gondwe said.

The meeting brought together key players in Malawi’s communications sector, including Macra, the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Malawi Posts Corporation, and Malawi Digital Broadcasting Network Limited.