Good governance crucial for development—Nice

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust says observing principles of good governance such as rule of law, transparency and citizen participation is key to achieving the aspirations of the Malawi 2063.

Kasungu district civic education officer Pilirani Chaguza said this on Monday at Chalizya in Kasungu East Constituency during a training for local leaders on good governance and the Malawi 2063, the country’s long-term development strategy.

He said the country’s 2063 blueprint cannot be achieved if there is no citizen participation, accountability and rule of law at all levels of governance, including in community structures.

Petulo: We will influence mindset change

Chaguza said: “We all agree that the Malawi 2063 is the right path the country must take if it is to graduate from the current status to become a wealthy middle-income economy.

“However, no matter how good a policy or programme can be, it cannot bring any result if people are not participating or supporting it. The country’s vision as espoused in the Malawi 2063 document calls for citizen participation if it is to be realised.”

Village head Petulo of Sub-Traditional Authority Chitanthamapiri said the linkage between good governance and the Malawi 2063 was an eye-opener.

“As traditional leaders, we will encourage our communities to change their mindset on how they approach various family practices such as farming, health and participation,” he said.

Pastor William Mwale of the Seventh Day Adventist church said lack of good produce markets in the district threatens the realisation of agriculture commercialisation, which is one of the guiding pillars of the Malawi 2063.

The training, which drew faith and traditional leaders, youth groups, teachers and leaders of community development structures, was organised to raise awareness about the roles of communities in the realisation of the Malawi 2063.

Nice is engaging communities in the country on mindset change, one of the enablers to help the country achieve its aspirations outlined in the Malawi 2063.

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