Msusa decries nepotism in Govt, church

Head of the Catholic Church in Malawi, Archbishop Thomas Msusa, has decried high levels of nepotism and discrimination, emphasising the two vices are robbing the country of its development opportunities.

He was speaking yesterday during a homily he delivered at the opening of the World Union of Catholic Women Organisation (Wucwo) conference in Lilongwe.

President Peter Mutharika and Vice-President Saulos Chilima attended the event, which attracted delegates from various countries globally.

Msusa, who based his sermon on  John 4:5 – 15, 21- 29, said the four vices are manifesting themselves in various ways, including in the recruitment of people in different portfolios in government, the church and other institutions.

Said the archbishop: “We have cases of some people being denied entry into priesthood because they don’t come from the same area with the one responsible for recruiting. In government, and faith-based institutions, 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 and needs to be stopped at all costs.”

He emphasised that Malawi is failing to register a meaningful social and economic transformation partly because of this culture which, he observed, is entrenched in the country.

Msusa said time had come for Malawians to reflect on the love of God which transcends all boundaries.

He also denounced the high levels of gender inequalities, saying this is disadvantaging many capable women in the society.

In his remarks, President Peter Mutharika said he hoped the outcomes of the conference would contribute towards improving lives of women and children.

He observed that from colonial times,women and children have been at the periphery ofdevelopment activities because of unfavourable laws.

“My government is undertaking various initiatives aimed to turning around this situation,” said Mutharika.

Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Jean Kalilani, commended the Catholic Church for the various development projects it is implementing in the country to complement government efforts in uplifting lives of Malawians, including women.

“Government remains committed to working with the church in transforming the socio-economic status of all Malawians,” said Kalilani.