In a twist of events, government has reversed the appointment of information and communications technology expert Mayamiko Nkoloma as commissioner of the National Planning Commission (NPC), but no reason has been advanced.

Nkoloma, founder of one of the country’s leading digital technology start-ups iMoSyS and teaches at the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, was awaiting a confirmation by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament alongside other appointees.

In a letter dated June 14 2023 addressed to Nkoloma, Comptroller of Statutory Corporation Peter Simbani said the decision to rescind the appointment is with immediate effect.

He said: “I trust there will be an opportunity for you to offer services to government in future.”

In an interview last evening, Simbani gave no reason for the U-turn.

Not available for comment: Nkoloma

“No reason has been given by government on the decision to rescind the appointment,” he said.

Last month, Simbani said government had appointed Nkoloma as NPC commissioner effective May 3 2023, but was subject to confirmation by PAC, according to a copy of the appointment letter dated May 29, 2023.

Nkoloma’s tenure would have expired in May 2028 as the tenure of the commission is five years.

In a separate interview yesterday, PAC chairperson Joyce Chitsulo said Nkoloma’s confirmation was one of the agenda items for the second quarterly meeting which starts on July 3.

She said: “They appoint, we confirm.  So if they have felt otherwise,  sitingawaletse [we cannot intervene].”

On his part, legal mind Justin Dzonzi said appointment to public offices which are not based on interviews are at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

He said: “Since the appointee does not earn the appointment, the appointing authority is free to rescind the appointment at will. This is true for Cabinet ministers, board members and commissioners. So, disappointing as this may be, there are no legal consequences.”

Nkoloma was not immediately available for comment yesterday.

In August last year, NPC named Nkoloma as one of the economic infrastructure development champions to drive the Malawi 2063 agenda, describing him as one of the people “contributing significantly in the development of future ICT engineers in the country who are key to the realisation of Malawi 2063”. His innovations include a water kiosk management system that is currently being used by various water boards in the country.

The NPC board has a chairperson appointed by the President. The other members of the board are also appointed by the President in consultation with relevant professional and other bodies.

Currently, the NPC board is chaired by Professor Richard Mkandawire. The other members are Mercy Masso, Evance Mwathunga, Phillip Madinga and Natasha Nsamala.

All appointments are confirmed by PAC of Parliament.

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