Dedza DC cautions chiefs

Dedza district commissioner (DC) James Kanyangalazi has advised traditional authorities (T/As) in the district against removing and installing village heads without following  procedures.

In an interview on Saturday, the DC said some T/As are being influenced by royal family members without notifying his office.

He acknowledged that royal family members have a right to choose a different leader whenever there is a vacancy or when there are some controversies concerning the incumbent, but he said there are set procedures to be followed.

“Due process requires that when need arises to replace a traditional leader, the royal family has to identify the desired person and notify the T/A in writing. The T/A should write the DC who should write the Ministry [of Local Government and Rural Development],” Kanyangalazi said.

He said only the minister can remove village chiefs on recommendation from the T/A and the DC.

“However, what is happening is that some T/As are rushing to replace village heads whenever they are involved in wrangles with royal family members. That is not acceptable; all levels of administration are supposed to be involved up to the ministry level,” he said, adding that such cases are rampant in T/A Kaphuka.

Kanyangalazi said his office is using various forums to sensitise and remind chiefs of rightful procedures when replacing traditional leaders.

T/A Kaphuka admitted in a telephone interview to have replaced some village heads in his area without engaging the office of the DC.

However, he justified the move saying he does that after being asked by royal family members and also when the reasons for (dismissing the village heads) are valid. n