MCCCI decries corruption
The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has expressed worry over continued reports of corruption in the public and private sectors.
In an interview, MCCCI President James Chimwaza described corruption as a deterrent to economic growth.
Chimwaza said the vice was rampant in the country and required concerted efforts to deal with.
“We must join hands in fighting and letting people know that corruption is evil to businesses and when we take away corruption, we will produce quality products and services because we will be accountable,” Chimwaza said.
Economist Betchani Tchereni from the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences concurred with Chimwaza adding that corruption, especially in government departments and agencies, jeopardises quality of investments.
“If we are going to have people who are perceived to be corrupt in key economic and business positions, we will not develop this economy. Therefore, we need to emulate what Singapore did,” Tchereni said.
Minister of Information Gospel Kazako reiterated government’s commitment in fighting corruption saying government has freed the Anti- Corruption Bureau (ACB) and other agencies to do their work without interference.
“We realise that we are in this economic status because of many years of corruption and this is why we ensure and guarantee the independence of the ACB.
“For the first time in the history of this nation, we are seeing ACB which is free and well-funded and this informs out undiluted resolve to put the nation where it is supposed to be,” Kazako said.
Recently, ACB Director General Martha Chizuma indicated that the country should forget about achieving the Malawi 2063 blueprint if the levels of corruption remains the same.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk.
He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
