By Sellah Chunda

Lilongwe, August 6, Mana: Vice President Dr Michael Usi has called upon chaplains across the country to embrace mindset change in order for the country to achieve its aspirations as enshrined in the Malawi 2063 (MW2063).

He was speaking Tuesday at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe during the opening of the Council of Chaplaincy Ministry (COCHAM) stakeholders conference.

Usi emphasized the council's crucial role in providing invaluable professional development services to chaplains across both public and private institutions, aligning with the MW2063 as a guiding bridge.

"One of the preconditions for fulfilling our development agenda is mindset change. This involves a shift from the traditional ways of conducting business in both government and the private sector. It's about diagnosing and addressing the undesirable behaviors that undermine our progress,” he said.

National Planning Commission (NPC) Director General, Dr Thomas Munthali, described the meeting as important in steering mindset change.

He concurred with Usi on the importance of chaplaincy in addressing mindset change issues hence the need to engage them.

"We are making progress, but it is slow due to the 'business as usual' mindset prevalent in both state and non-state actor sectors. If people are not in the right mindset and are influenced by false narratives, it hinders progress,” he said.

He appealed to men of God not to be compromised when they encounter powerful politicians but must deliver a clear message to change ways with integrity.

He said chaplaincy plays a vital role in providing quality and professional psychosocial and spiritual care which is essential for the nation's progress.

"If we have a positive mindset change, our public sector will improve and civil servants will start thinking differently thereby enhancing governance and human control,” Munthali said.

COCHAM Executive Director, Mavuto Chipeta, said chaplains have accepted to play the crucial role in changing people’s mindsets.

The inaugural COCHAM conference was held under the theme ‘Chaplaincy as a Vehicle for Malawi 2063.