Commentators brand Cabinet Reshuffle ‘Useless’

By: Thula Chisamba

Social and political commentators have branded the recent cabinet reshuffle by Malawi President Peter Mutharika as ‘Useless’ on the basis that most incompetent ministers have maintained their positions.

Speaking in an interview with The Malawi Star on Thursday, commentators emphasized that Mutharika has goofed by maintaining most underperforming ministers in his cabinet.

History Lecturer at Mzuzu University, Chrispine Mphande thought Mutharika could have done better if he hired new proficient people.

“Much as it was right for him to reorganize his cabinet, I still feel nothing has been done because those underperforming ministers have maintained their positions,” said Mphande.

In her remarks commentator, Emily Mkamanga hinted  that Mutharika has made an ‘error’ of judgement for signing up Patricia Kaliati to the post of minister of Information and civic education.

She said much as the predecessor, Jappie Mhango, was incompetent but the post needed someone composed and not the vocal Kaliati.

“Experience has it that Kaliati brought chaos in the country when she once served Malawians in the same position. Unless she changes this time, but to me, she is not worthy that position,” said Mkamanga.

Before Mutharika reshuffled the cabinet on Thursday, most Malawians had already advised him to fire some ‘sleeping’ ministers and hire new competent intellectuals.

However, instead, Mutharika seem to have ignored such calls by maintaining most of his cabinet and chopped out only two ministers.

Meanwhile, the hired ministers are expected to be sworn in soon.