By Leah Malimbasa

Chikwawa, March 22, Mana: Principal Secretary for National Unity in the Ministry of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Dr Elizabeth Gomani Chindebvu, has called on traditional leaders and religious leaders to take a leading role in mind-set change for Malawi to achieve the Malawi 2063(MW2063).

Chindebvu was speaking Thursday in Chikwawa during a training workshop for traditional leaders and religious leaders which focused on mind-set change, hard work, wealth creation, prosperity and self-reliance.

“It is important to adopt a new mind-set to drive Malawi’s development forward. Malawi’s development blueprint, MW2063, has three pillars and seven enablers and among these enablers, mind-set change stands out as a crucial aspect championed by the ministry,” Chindebvu said.

She said Ministry of Local Government engaged traditional and religious leaders to align them with the MW2063 and empower them to guide their subjects and congregants towards prosperity and self-reliance.

She expressed optimism that messages that promote hard work will effectively be conveyed.

Senior Chief Ngabu acknowledged that leaders have the responsibility to encourage their subject to change their mind set towards sustainable development.

“Self-reliance is important. We should do away with dependence on hand-outs from government and organisations,” he said.

The Senior Chief added that people should contribute towards development and good policies should be put in place to encourage community participation.

Senior Chief Mlilima said Malawi needs concerted efforts and active citizen participation to achieve meaningful development.

Apart from Ngabu and Mlilima other traditional leaders that attended the meeting were senior chiefs Kasisi and Makhuwira as well as Traditional Authority Ngowe.

Faith leaders from African Evangelical Church, Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) Apostolic Faith Mission of Malawi and Living Waters Church also attended the meeting.