Government assures on Auditor General hiring

By Cathy Maulidi:

Finance Minister Sosten Gwengwe says the government will recruit an Auditor General (AG) soon.

Gwengwe’s remarks came after some members of Parliament, including Zomba Chisi lawmaker Mark Botomani, expressed worry over delays to appoint a permanent AG.

“It is worrisome that government is not showing interest in hiring the Auditor General. It is sad that a critical office like that of AG has been vacant for so many years,” Botoman said.

In one of its reports, the Public Appointments Committee (Pac) of Parliament recommended that a permanent AG be appointed.

Chairperson for the committee Joyce Chitsulo said, apart from hiring an individual, the government should ensure that the office is independent.

“Keeping the office vacant for this long is a violation of public audit laws,” Chitsulo said.

But responding to the concerns, Gwengwe said the government has commenced processes to hire the AG.

“We entirely agree with sentiments raised by Parliament, through its committees, that the office of AG needs a substantive Auditor General.

“At the moment, we have submitted adverts for the position to the print media and we are hoping that, soon, they will start carrying the adverts. Talking about the office being independent, we do agree with the committee,” Gwengwe said.

Acting AG Thomas Makiwa once told Pac that some strategic decisions cannot be made by someone serving in an acting capacity.

Makiwa took over as AG from Stevenson Kamphasa and has been acting for four years.