By Memory Chatonda

Blantyre, February 10, Mana: Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Richard Chimwendo Banda has advised the newly installed Traditional Authority (T/A) Makata V to lead by example by uniting his subjects and fighting against corruption at the community level.

Chimwendo Banda made the remarks on Sunday in Blantyre during the installation ceremony of T/A Makata V, whose real name is Peter Jonamu.

The minister observed that for years, the area under T/A Makata has been shrouded with chieftaincy wrangles; hence, the need for the newly installed chief to leave aside vengeance and advocate for peace and unity among his subjects.

"We are happy that finally, we have a designated T/A Makata in this area and the message from President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera to the newly installed Chief is that he should be an instrument of promoting hardworking spirit, unity, peace, tolerance, and justice among the people he leads and above all, promote sustainable development in the area," he said.

Chimwendo Banda also advised all traditional leaders in the country to promote transparency and accountability in the provision of social protection programmes and the distribution of maize and fertilizers to vulnerable families.

Blantyre District Council Chairperson, Elson Dumuka congratulated T/A Makata V for attaining the chieftain position.

"We are delighted by this development considering that Blantyre District Council works with chiefs to spearhead development that benefit communities at all levels. So, in areas where there are no chiefs, people in such places get deprived of development," Dumuka said.

In his remarks, T/A Makata V hailed government for the ceremony and pledged to take all the advice given with seriousness and work in accordance with the laws of Malawi.

The installation of Traditional Authority Makata V follows the death of T/A Makata IV, Diston Andrea on July 24, 2021.