His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera says he is satisfied with the trajectory the country has taken in the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the opening and closing of the National Anti-Corruption Conference in Blantyre, the President outlined several levels of commitment by various government agencies and non-governmental stakeholders in the fight against the vice.
He views these strides as critical in setting the right tone and building stable foundations to clear Malawi of corruption and set it on the path of sustainable growth.
“I want to thank all our Anti-Corruption Champions in the country for their courage and leadership so far. I especially want to single out Ms. Martha Chizuma, who has done an inspiring job so far of raising the level of public engagement in the fight against corruption. The country has never taken an interest in seeing the Government cleaned up and freed of corruption as much as it is now, and Ms. Chizuma’s fierce passion for this cause has been a major factor in that situation,” said the Malawi leader.
A day earlier, at the official opening of the conference, President Chakwera called upon all stakeholders to coordinate and remain on course in this fight.
“We need a new Anti-Corruption message that fuels a new Anti-Corruption campaign involving everyone: Faith community leaders, traditional leaders, political party leaders, media houses, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, development partners, independent state institutions, Cabinet members, online publications, private sector players, district councils, parents in the homes, social media influencers, and even the diaspora.”
The conference was held under the theme “Resetting the nation’s moral tone”
At the end of the meeting, the twelve pillars of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy II (NACS II) announced and signed statements of commitment that will guide their participation going forward.
The twelve pillars are the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Academia, Local government, Private sector, Media, Civil society, Traditional leaders, Youth, Women and Faith-based organisations.
Following the conference will be a 20-week campaign in which the stakeholders will start implementing their respective interventions as per the statements of commitment signed.
President Chakwera has since themed the campaign “Corruption is our biggest enemy and it is not welcome here”
The conference was sponsored by government and the Chandler Foundation. Other collaborators were the American Government, the British Government, the United Nations, and the European Union.
