Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-06 06:31:34
President Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to withhold the release of a report on the review of Public Service systems has raised eyebrows due to the lack of progress in implementing the recommendations. Since receiving the report in May 2021, the President has only addressed two issues out of many proposed reforms by the Public Service Systems Review Taskforce led by Vice President Saulos Chilima.
The report highlighted various areas for improvement, such as allowances for Members of Parliament, subsistence allowances, employment contracts, and salaries in the Public Service. For instance, it recommended that the Parliamentary Service Commission eliminate double payments of sitting allowances for MPs and staff. It also proposed reforms to subsistence allowances to reduce abuse and improve accountability.
In terms of employment contracts, the report highlighted the need for better enforcement of existing laws and regulations, especially for presidential appointees and parastatal appointments. The Taskforce recommended aligning the length of employment contracts with the terms of office of the appointees and ensuring adherence to legal procedures.
Regarding salaries, the report called for an improvement in public servant salaries to ensure that the lowest-paid employees can meet their basic needs. It emphasized the need to address disparities in salaries across different sectors of the public service and ensure fair remuneration based on work value.
The Taskforce also addressed issues related to political influence on the recruitment process and performance appraisal in the Public Service. It recommended terminating irregular contracts, implementing performance appraisals for top officials, and introducing mechanisms for rewarding high achievers and sanctioning poor performers.
Moreover, the report highlighted the importance of restoring moral values in the public service and society at large. Recommendations included developing programs to promote integrity, ethics, and discipline, as well as ensuring public officers receive training on the Code of Conduct and Ethics.
In terms of school fees benefits for children of executive management in parastatals, the Taskforce recommended abolishing the benefit to achieve parity in the public service and revising employment contracts accordingly.
Overall, the report underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in the Public Service to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability. President Chakwera’s slow progress in implementing these recommendations has left many questioning his commitment to uplifting the public service sector in Malawi. It is crucial for the government to prioritize these reforms to ensure a more effective and responsive Public Service for the benefit of the country as a whole.
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