Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Joyce Chitsulo, has warned chiefs in Kasungu not to engage in acts of corruption and favoritism in identifying beneficiaries of social protection initiatives.
Chitsulo made the call on Friday when she presided over the installation of Traditional Authority (T/A) Nyaza and Sub-Traditional Authority (STA) Sindemba at Lunju Headquarters in Kasungu.
She said while chiefs deserve respect, they also must respect and serve their people with honesty and diligence.
“You are chiefs because people have trust in you, hence you must reciprocate that with service leadership, and that you do not favour your families when there are opportunities to be shared by the entire community.
“A good chief does not engage in corruption, but promotes good cultural values ensuring that our traditions are sustained,” Chitsulo said.
She also challenged the traditional leaders to be conversant with government policies and funding opportunities available at district level so that they meaningfully participate in the development of their communities.
In his remarks, Senior Chief Lukwa, who represented the most senior Chewa chief Kalonga Gawa Undi, thanked government for promoting traditional leaders in all the regions of the country and asked the gathering to support and have trust in its leadership.
Gideon Nserebo and Lameck Manda were installed T/A Nyaza and STA Sindemba in that order, following the deaths of their predecessors.
Government has planned to introduce at least 20,000 new chiefs on honorarium in the new financial year and has since raised their monthly stipend by 100 percent.