Although Alfred Gangata and Norman Chisale have questionable Malawi School Certificate of Education, President Mutharika appointed them as Minister of State and Deputy Minister of Homeland security respectively.
It is frustrating that this is happening at a time when jobless university graduates who spent a minimum of 8 years in the primary school, 4 years in secondary school and 4 years in the university are languishing.
It is contradictory for APM, a professor of law to introduce free secondary school education when he doesn’t value education at all by appointing semi-illiterate people.
Recently, another semi-illiterate person, Isaac Jomo Osman was promoted by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to hold a prestigious position of Mayor of the Blantyre city.
It is unfortunate to appreciate that appointing semi-illiterate individuals to public positions has several negative effects.
Firstly, individuals with limited literacy usually struggle to understand complex policies, regulations, and legal documents, leading to poor decision-making and ineffective governance.
Furthermore, semi-illiterate individuals oftentimes have difficulty communicating effectively with constituents, colleagues, and other stakeholders, which can hinder transparency and accountability.
Additionally, lack of understanding of legal and ethical standards can potentially make semi-illiterate individuals more susceptible to corruption, bribery, and exploitation.
As if this is not enough, inability to comprehend financial documents or reports by a semi-literate officer can lead to mismanagement of public funds and resources, resulting in waste and inefficiency.
Moreover, appointing individuals who are perceived as unqualified erodes public trust in government institutions and officials, leading to disillusionment and disengagement from the political process.
Furthermore, semi-illiterate individuals such as Jomo Osman usually struggle to engage in critical analysis and research, limiting their ability to develop effective policies that address the needs of the community.
It is unfortunate that appointing individuals based on factors other than merit, such as political connections or social status, perpetuates inequality and discrimination within public service.
The resultant effect is that the quality of public services usually declines if those in charge lack the necessary skills to implement programs effectively, leading to dissatisfaction among citizens.
In times of crisis, effective leadership and quick decision-making are crucial. Semi-illiterate individuals oftentimes struggle to assess situations accurately and respond appropriately.
Most importantly, overall community and economic development is potentially stunted if public officials cannot engage with modern technologies, data analysis, and strategic planning.
In conclusion, much as APM is advised to appoint people based on merit, he also encouraged address these issues by focusing on education, training, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure that individuals in public positions are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to serve effectively.