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(NYASATIMES) Malawians cynical on government’s data base for citizens in diaspora

Malawians cynical on government’s data base for citizens in diaspora
By Nyasa Times
Published: July 10, 2009

Many Malawians have expressed misgiving with announcement by government that it would like to come up with a list of professionally qualified Malawians who are based abroad to comprise an official publication to be known as Malawi’s “who is who”.

“The Malawi’s “WHO is WHO” Publication will serve as a reference document for government in search of expertise that is not readily available in Malawi, to be engaged on specialised assignments on mutually agreed terms,” said a statement issued by the Secretary for Human Resource Management and Development, Isaac Zimba Bondo.

The government invites all professionally qualified Malawians who are resident outside their country to enlist themselves in the “WHO is WHO” publication by submitting personal particulars to the Department of Human Resource Management and Development through a data form or using the email address: dhrmd@malawi.gov.mw.

But citizens have said move has some ‘hidden agenda’ by the government. The subject was discussed on Malawi discussion forum, Nyasanet where mover and checkers of the forum added their voice. John Jangiya said the data is being sought by intelligence agencies in Malawi.

“Avoid it [Malawians] at any cost, they are looking at government critics and trying to find a way of crushing you,” Jangiya wrote.

He added: “Are there enough Lomwes to fill all the positions after all? They should establish database of Muhlakho [wa Alhomwe] and appoint them…who doesn’t know the criteria of getting a government job? You have to be a Lomwe now or some bootlicker and cheerleader.”

But Bondo explained that the information submitted will be handled in the strictest confidence, and will only be utilised by government for the purpose of giving professional in diaspora jobs which may be given to expatriates.

One contributor, Keybord Boyd Kilembey writes: “These people are a confused lot. If their objective is to cut down on the hiring expenses of expatriates, then their motive is exploitative and discriminatory.

“The government should be willing to pay its own citizens the same amount of money they have been paying expatriates. No wonder we still have the same inferiority complexes believing that a local must not earn more than a white expatriate e. It’s pathetic that 45 years after independence, policy makers still believe in this archaic policy of paying its own citizens paltry slave wage salaries”

He advised government to look wider so that diasporas can man parastatals and even as Directors in government departments.

Dr Llolsten Kaonga, who was lecture at University of Malawi before he went to North America and now is moderator of Nyasanet posted his comment saying: “A lot of times in the past — that may be history now — but when I worked in Malawi, many expatriates (not all) were paid from funds provided via some sort of loan, grant or some other external source. Expatriates hired on personal terms – those who came to Malawi by themselves — were paid about the same amount as barefoot flea infested Malawians.

“So unless things have changed a whole lot, Mr. Bondo may need to supply a different reason, I mean, he may need to remove this ‘cut down on hiring expatriates’ as one reason.”

Marion Chibambo another active contributor on the discussion forum stated that the project was started by the government of former president Bakili Muluzi seven years ago “except that they did not advertise it widely like now”.

“I recall, my brother Zililo Chibambo, then Ambassador based in Maputo addressed AMARESWA (Association of Malawians living in Swaziland) on the matter. Some of us sent our personal data including academic & professional qualifications but to date, we have not seen the fruits of the exercise,” Chibambo wrote, adding “I hope, the current government mean it this time round.”

The story also generated a lot of comments from Nyasa Times as some readers welcomed it while most did not agree with the idea.

One posted a comment saying there is already high unemployment rate in Malawi which government should address before looking for services from Malawians living abroad.

“Do we trust this government with such database? This should be a voluntary registry for those who want to be considered for such positions or entry into the database .There could be troubles a head, this database will be misused for intimidation. I hope Dr [Hetherwick] Ntaba is not behind this idea,” commented ‘Ginger Breadwoman’.

Ndugu Ackim wrote: “Am skeptical of this move having lost all trust of Bingu [wa Mutharika] as an honest leader. Is it not a way of looking for more ‘capable/experienced’ Lomwes in Diaspora to fill strategic posts in this Lomwe dominated government? Until proven otherwise, I will maintain my Red Passport and stay put.”

But Daisy Phiri wrote: “That sounds good economically and socially most Malawians abroad would be happy to come back home and work for the benefit of our country. Fingers crossed we are heading home. Proud to be Malawian.”

Watipaso Mkandawire, a Malawian Economist working with the Commonwealth in London writes that he does not see anything tribalistic about asking people to fill in forms that have been retained from an old system.

“What I see is lack of innovation and resistance to change. Civil Service in Malawi has retained certain practices that were introduced donkey years ago and no one has ever questioned why they are still using the practices and for what purpose. Go to any government office, you find things like the so called ‘loose minute’ ‘triplicate’

“Let us not kill a good initiative because we are suspicious of it because government is using an Archaic system. Is it not time to guide and advise Government? I am sure there are many Malawians in Diaspora who will take advantage of this initiative to contribute the little they can. This is not about compelling people to return. This could be about volunteering, consultancy or just advice,” Mkandawire wrote.

Dr Chatonda Mtika another moderator of Nyasanet added his voice to the discourse: “It would be nice if they could compile a database of Malawian experts resident right there in Malawi before looking outside. Those living outside don’t have a magic bullet. Plus, once they fall out of favor with the system after accepting jobs back home, they will be forgotten just like they many skilled people currently on the ground.”

He pointed out that most Malawians in diaspora are willing to offer their services in the development of their country but “it’s the politics that gets in the way”.

Labels: DIASPORA, MALAWI

posted by MrK @ 8:44 PM