Civil society organisations (CSOs) have been criticised for their divisions which have affected their various roles in society.

This was discussed at a training workshop in Blantyre on Tuesday organised by the Leadership Institute for Transparency and Accountability (Lita) on building leadership and resilience towards democracy consolidation.

Lita executive director Goodwell Logeya said despite CSOs having different perspectives as regards to their focus areas, they need to unite to effectively carry out their respective roles.

He said CSOs must be resilient to avoid manipulation from external players such as politicians.

Said Logeya: “We need to come together for a common cause. There is power in voice of reason. So, there is need to build resilience and develop methods of collaboration.”

The activist further said there is need for CSOs to adapt to dynamic changes in society, some of which emanate from the State that end up dividing them.

Logeya, who stressed that CSOs are crucial players in ensuring good governance in a democratic society like Malawi, applauded the media for exposing rot within the State machinery.

On his part, National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust district and civic education officer for Neno and Mwanza, Wallace Kudzala, said CSOs have a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability.

He said CSOs must ensure that they do not abandon their oversight role and pursue their own agenda.

“We need to enhance transparency and accountability and as CSOs this is our role because we represent the people,” said Kudzala.

In her contribution, Malawi Institute of Journalism journalist Bernadetta Chiwanda Mia said it is sad that CSOs are divided when they are supposed to play a critical oversight role.

The training brought together various CSOs and journalists, and it provided a platform where, among other issues, they debated how best they can both play an integral role in strengthening democracy, among other issues. n

and supplies it to Lilongwe Dairy.

“The dairy farmers that supply milk to Okhalhavo come from the areas of Senior Chief Chimaliro, Chief Ngolongoliwa, sub chiefs January, Kamoto, Mangazi and Chidothe.

“These areas were affected by the cyclone, and as farmers we closely work with, it was important for us to be with them in their time of need,” said Mulumbe.

Shira Phiri, a representative of Lilongwe Diary, told the cyclone survivors, her company was with them.

“We will continue to stand with you until your lives return to normal again,” she said. Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi on March 12 2023 killing 667 and displacing over half a million people.

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