By Burnett Munthali
Malawi’s Vice President Michael Usi has issued a stern warning to public service staff involved in government reform programs, criticizing their apparent idleness and lack of tangible progress. Speaking at a recent meeting with senior officials, Usi expressed frustration with the slow pace of reforms, particularly in key sectors that are crucial for Malawi’s development.
Usi, who has been an outspoken advocate for efficiency and accountability in government, did not mince words as he addressed the lack of commitment shown by some staff involved in public reforms. He noted that while the government had put in place strategies to improve service delivery, many of these initiatives were stalling due to a lack of action and enthusiasm from those tasked with implementing them.
“Reforms are not just about creating paperwork and holding meetings. They are about delivering real, tangible results that benefit Malawians. There are people in offices who are just warming chairs, and this must stop,” Usi said.
His remarks underscored the need for government employees to not only focus on policies but to actively engage in implementing and evaluating the reforms. He emphasized that Malawians expect better service delivery and progress in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and that the government’s reform agenda cannot afford to be derailed by inactivity or complacency.
Public sector reforms have been central to Malawi’s development agenda, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government departments. These reforms are seen as critical to reducing corruption, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and improving the quality of public services.
However, Usi’s comments suggest that there is growing concern within the administration about the pace at which these reforms are being carried out. Usi expressed disappointment that, despite the numerous workshops and meetings aimed at driving change, many departments are still plagued by inefficiency and a lack of results.
The Vice President also made it clear that reforms staff must adopt a results-oriented mindset, where performance and measurable outcomes are prioritized. He stressed that government workers must not treat their roles as routine jobs, but rather as important responsibilities that directly impact the lives of Malawians.
Usi challenged staff to reflect on their roles and ask themselves whether they are contributing meaningfully to the country’s development or merely going through the motions.
“It is not enough to talk about reforms. We need action. We need change, and we need people who are committed to delivering that change,” he added, warning that underperforming officials could face consequences if they continue to neglect their duties.
Vice President Usi’s remarks come at a time when the Malawian government is under pressure to deliver on its promises of transforming public service delivery. President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration has made reforms a cornerstone of its governance strategy, seeking to modernize the civil service and ensure that the government operates more effectively and transparently.
Usi’s tough stance is likely to resonate with many Malawians who have long been frustrated by inefficiencies in public services, such as long waiting times in hospitals, delays in processing documents, and poor infrastructure. His call for reforms staff to step up their efforts reflects a broader push within the administration to ensure that government programs yield real benefits for the country’s citizens.
Vice President Michael Usi’s candid remarks serve as a wake-up call to public reforms staff, urging them to abandon complacency and embrace a results-driven approach to their work. As Malawi continues its journey toward improving governance and service delivery, Usi’s demand for accountability and action is a clear signal that underperformance in government will no longer be tolerated. The future of Malawi’s development relies heavily on the successful implementation of these reforms, and Usi’s leadership may be key in driving the change that Malawians are eagerly awaiting.
