By Deus Chikalaza
Whether Helen Buluma, the former National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was rightly or wrongly appointed in her position by the former President Arthur Peter Mutharika, one thing still remains and stands out about her. She was professional on her job.
The competence or skill demonstrated by Helen was unquestionable. She was key to quality and efficiency and professionalism.
The skill, good judgment, and patriotic behavior was shown by Buluma as someone who was trained and willing to do the job well.
Buluma is a true professional who is reliable, competent, and maintained her poise throughout her job up to the time she resigned. She never gave in to any pressure.
Buluma is a courageous lady who stood firm against being pushed by different forces from Colleen Zamba Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) State House, cabinet ministers, principal secretary, party officials from the ruling government and the Nigerian Chief.
The former Acting CEO resisted the pressure of signing bogus fuel supply deals which would have tarnished the image of Malawi further into being considered as idiots who don’t think.
But who is this patriotic young lady?
Helen Buluma, the Former Acting CEO for Nocma, is an experienced International and Social Development Specialist; a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences obtained from the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College ; a Masters Degree in Development Studies obtained from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing her PhD studies in Public law with the University of Cape Town.
She has a combination of over 22 years national and International work experience having served in various senior capacities for organizations such as Illovo Sugar, Save The Children Federation; Oxfam GB and UN Women amongst others.
Her international work experience has enabled her to gain extensive International relations, policy analysis and negotiations expertise as she worked among other roles to lobby for development aid and assistance; inclusive development ; participatory trade policies focusing on low income countries and their integration into the international trade and development architecture.
In addition to the above she has served on various Boards both in Malawi and abroad among them;
Board Member – Roads Authority of Malawi
Vice Chairperson – National Youth Council of Malawi
Board Member – National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens
Board Director – African Democratic Institute, Johannesburg Area, South Africa
Steering Committee Member – UK Aid Network ( UKAN), London, UK among others.
She is a self-driven and well motivated person with a strong passion towards contributing to poverty reduction through models that allow for equal and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and empowerment of the most vulnerable groups in society; a cause she has worked towards throughout her life.
Buluma is married and has four children.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article are those of the author not necessarily of The Maravi Post or Editor
