Experts speak on smart leadership in parties, CSOs

Sir Andrew Cubie, chairperson of the joint council of Scottish public universities, has said smart leadership is important in political parties as well as in civil society organisations (CSOs).

He made the sentiments in Lilongwe on Tuesday during a public lecture on leadership, good governance and the role of CSOs, which was moderated by British High Commissioner Michael Nevin.

Cubie, a former head of British Council, said a good succession plan is critical in ensuring progress and urged CSOs to be transparent and accountable to avoid creating loopholes for government’s meddling and accusations of double standards.

Taking his turn, social commentator Henry Chingaipe said leadership in Malawi has been reduced to holding a functional position as the country has been lacking leaders who can move the country towards achieving its national goals.

He said: “Judging on the basis of outcomes of the leaderships, no leadership has been able to deliver on the twin objectives of the country’s political project, namely the socio-economic development and democratic governance.” n