Nepotism in Mutharika’s govt, the worst in Malawi’s history: Catholic bishop speaks out

As President Peter Mutharika has been coming under heavy criticism that the country is experiencing the worst form of nepotism in the history of government, head  of the Catholic Church in Malawi, Archbishop Thomas Msusa has  weighed in on the matter, condemning nepotism  and discrimination.

There is a general perception in the country that  since 2014 when Mutharika was elected as President, a number of appointments to public office have unfortunately been tainted with nepotism and regionalism.

Activists have been appealing to government that appointments to the civil service and diplomatic postings should be transparent, devoid of political patronage, nepotism and regionalism.

Mutharika has also been asked to be more inclusive when making ministerial and other appointments to public office.

And speaking during a homily he delivered  at the official opening of the 2016 African Region (WUCWO) International Conference held at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe,  His Grace Msusa said: “In government we have cases of capable people who have been denied the opportunity to serve in various positions because  of where they come from. This is bad.”

Msusa said  the problem was also creeping into the Church as some people are bing denied entry into priesthood because of nepotism.

Chairman for the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) pointed that Malawi is failing to register a meaningful social and economic transformation partly because of nepotism.

He said time has come for Malawi to relect the love of God which transcends all boundaries.

Msusa also bemoaned high levels of gender inequalities.

President Mutharika and vice president Saulos Chilima attended the  event and in his speech, the Malawi leader hailed the agenda being pursued by the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation (WUCWO) saying it was in the interest of Malawi, and the continent.

“If Africa is to make progress, we must confront the questions of the Youth and poverty, gender equality and women empowerment.

“We must confront the problem of children and trafficking – because our children are the reason why the future exists,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika said as Global Champion for HeforShe Campaign, the mission for WOCWU Africa International Conference made the burden of his task easier.

The WUCWO African Region International Conference also awarded medals of honour to President Mutharika, Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima, and Minister of Gender, Disability, Women and Children, Jean Kalilani.

The conference has drawn participants from 25 countries across Africa and it will run up to September 4 under the theme: Women of Africa, Proclaimers of Mercy.

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