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Put chiefs on salary, pension—MP

Member of Parliament (MP) for Salima Central Felix Jumbe (Malawi Congress Party-MCP), on Wednesday asked government to put chiefs on salaries and pensions in recognition of State functions they undertake.
In his supplementary question to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Trasizio Gowelo, Jumbe argued that chiefs in the country work full time.

Jumbe: Wants chiefs on on salary and pension
Jumbe: Wants chiefs on on salary and pension
Said Jumbe: “Chiefs are engaged in meetings either at the district council, with politicians, non-governmental organisations [NGOs] or in project launches. Attendance at all these State functions makes them public servants.”
Jumbe also observed that putting chiefs on pension would significantly tame corrupt practices among them.
Said Jumbe: “This system is working in some neighbouring countries where a chief is the lowest ranked civil servant and reports to the district commissioner [DC].”
In his response, Gowelo said it is difficult to balance and implement Jumbe’s proposals since chiefs are supposed to perform traditional roles.
Said Gowelo: “The Chiefs Act stipulates that chief’s functions shall be to preserve public peace as well as carry out traditional activities of their office under customary law. Are we not trying to convert chiefs into civil servants here?”

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