‘Councillors will have a lot to do’

During the on-going campaign for next week’s tripartite elections, not much has been heard about councillors that are contesting in the elections and their agenda. Some have even argued that they do not know most of the candidates that are contesting the Local Government Elections in their constituencies. I talk to Sunduzwayo Jere, aspiring councillor for Blantyre City Central Ward, on why he wants to contest for the ‘volunteer’ position.

Q. Briefly, explain why have you decided to go for councillorship-a job mostly associated with retired people?

A.

I decided to contest as a councillor because I feel that I can contribute to my country more effectively at local government level due to my vast experience in community projects implementation as a Rotarian and my long business experience in ICT. It is a wrong perception to view councillorship as a retiree position because it carries a huge responsibility of delivering development to our people and enhancing democratic values at grass roots level. I am getting involved in politics from a humanitarian perspective. After implementing the Phase 1 of the Mudi Cleanup Campaign, I came to realise that we would have been more effective to clean up Mudi River if I had the political and financial authority over the city council. For me, councillorship would be one of my ways of giving back to my country just like I do in charity work.

Q. What do you have in store for Blantyre City?

A.

There are a lot of initiatives and positive changes that I plan to bring to Blantyre across all sectors such as security enhancement, environmental protection and management, public health and education services delivery, infrastructural development and enhancement of social life in the city. The changes I have on my plan will need collective effort from both individual and corporate residents of the city. We need to formulate a new plan for the city and start implementing it immediately. This plan should be based on the needs and aspirations of the residents from now up to the next 20 years.

Q. Why do you think we need strong councillors in Malawi’s governance system, especially in the cities?

A.

I feel we need strong councillors both in cities and rural areas because they are the real custodians of development for the people. Each councillor will have a ward to manage and that allows central government to micro-manage the national development agenda at household level.

In brief, strong councillors will do the following: (i). Identify and highlight major challenges that people face without fear of the Executive and Parliament, (ii) Ensure accountability and transparency in the management of projects, (iii) Enhance basic democratic values, (iv) Promote the rule of law.

Q. There are arguments regarding the ‘volunteerism’ nature of the councillor job which, some argue, can be demotivating to councillors. What is your view on this? Should councillors be on salary?

A.

It is very important that Malawians realise the importance of ‘volunteerism’ as you put it. In life, we all have to share or give others something of value for free. As a Christian, giving is one of the strongest pillars of my faith. For others with different beliefs, in volunteering for any cause there are a lot of benefits that you get as a giver e.g as a councillor, you will have the opportunity to learn other skills apart from your profession as you interact with different stakeholders such as business captains, civil servants and other interest groups. You can also increase your social capital through networking with different people.

Q. How does a councillor who has no salary handle millions of kwacha of projects money when they have no benefits? Will this not encourage corruption?

A.

The President, parliamentarians and councillors will all be elected by our people and so must have varying benefits befitting their offices. Personally, I m comfortable to work without any salary as I have a source of income to sustain me but for the greater good of the nation, the soon-to-be elected Parliament will have to amend the Local Government Act to address this anomaly.

Q. The 2012 Amendment to the Local Government Act gives power to MPs to be voting members at the council level. Some argue that this will create a power tussle between MPs and councillors at the council. What are your views on this?

A.

This is another amendment that was done out of greed by the previous Parliament. It must be reversed if we are to have a better Malawi for all, as it will definitely be a catalyst for arguments within the local councils. MPs should be allowed to attend meetings and not vote just like chiefs.

Q. Do you think the requirements as stipulated by law for someone to be a councillor are enough for the country to produce good councillors?

A.

The requirements are not adequate but considering the high illiteracy rates in our country, we have to maintain them for a while. However, there is need to revise them upwards in the near future

Q. Anything you want to add?

A.

Our democracy still thrives on strong elements of poverty, tribalism, fear and greed with very little regard to the rule of law by the political elite. As a nation, we must strive to eliminate such elements. We need to implement the new Land Act as our people are still losing such a great resource to foreigners. We must also prioritise high quality education and promote a strong spirit of patriotism among our people in order to develop our country. Lastly, we need to urgently devise and implement our own economic empowerment system for our indigenous people if Malawians are to get out of abject poverty.