Deputy Minister of Local Government Unity and Culture Joyce Chitsulo says traditional leaders play a pivotal role in spearheading government's development agenda of promoting unity and coexistence as bedrock of socioeconomic transformation.
Chitsulo was speaking on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 in Thyolo during the installation of Traditional Authority Chimaliro 6 whose real is Robert Kaphiyo.
In her remarks, Chitsulo said traditional leaders are critical in ensuring that citizens live in peace and harmony and that socioeconomic development is taking place.
"We need traditional leaders to help government in promoting justice and development. It is government's position that our local leaders are the "officers of all Malawians" as such they are required to have a blind eye when adjusting civil cases. They are also charged to defend the voiceless such as the elderly and the orphans by not grabbing their land," said Chitsulo.
Taking his turn, DC for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga said traditional leaders are their to lessen the burdens of their people but among others encourage them with development projects.
Robert Kaphiyo was born on June 24, 1982. He replaces Taurayi Kaphiyo who died in 2023 in a road accident.