Mzimba Central Member of Parliament Vitumbiko Mumba has urged Parliament to debate and pass the reviewed Chiefs Act, arguing that discrepancies in the existing law need to be addressed to improve the management of issues affecting traditional leaders.
Mumba made the call today during the funeral of Inkosi Chindi in Mzimba, who died in India on October 23 while receiving medical treatment after being sent there by the government.
The legislator expressed concern over delays in implementing instructions for Inkosi Chindi to return to India for further medical treatment, alleging that the delay contributed to the chief’s death.
According to Mumba, instructions for the traditional leader to return to India were issued last year but were not implemented in time, with the government only sending him back this year.
He argued that the circumstances surrounding the chief’s medical treatment highlight the need for a review of the legal and administrative frameworks governing traditional leadership in Malawi.
However, Local Government Minister Ben Phiri cautioned against using the death of a traditional leader as a platform for political arguments, stressing the importance of respecting the deceased and recognising the role of traditional leaders in national development.
Phiri said traditional leaders remain important partners of the government in advancing development and maintaining effective governance at the community level.
The minister acknowledged the need to address existing challenges and discrepancies in the law, saying the reviewed Chiefs Act should be tabled in Parliament during its next meeting.
He said reviewing the legislation would help reduce inconsistencies and address governance challenges affecting matters related to traditional leaders.
The calls from both Mumba and Phiri have brought renewed attention to the need for legal reforms governing traditional leadership, with the proposed review of the Chiefs Act expected to provide an opportunity for Parliament to consider measures aimed at improving the administration of chieftaincy affairs.
