Engagement with the Malawi Parliament’s Committee of Chairpersons
On Tuesday, 26 March 2024, Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) hosted a dinner meeting at the Sunbird Capital Hotel in Lilongwe. The event brought together the Committee of Chairpersons of the Malawi Parliament for a strategic engagement to enhance parliamentary oversight through effective analysis and utilisation of oversight agency reports.
35 participants graced the dinner meeting, including esteemed Members of Parliament and Chairpersons of the various key portfolio Committees in the Malawi Parliament. This unique gathering provided a platform for open dialogue and reflection around collaborative problem-solving and a shared commitment by the Committee Chairpersons to strengthening democratic governance in Malawi.
In his welcoming remarks, DWF Regional Director Dr Augustine Magolowondo highlighted the crucial role of Parliament and its Committees in setting the agenda for transparency, accountability, and good governance. He emphasised the need for proactive leadership and strategic oversight by the Chairpersons and their Committee members to ensure that oversight agency reports are effectively utilised to inform legislative processes and hold public officials accountable.
The Chief of Party for the Parliamentary Support Program from Democracy International, Mr Hristijan Gjorgievski, reiterated the Program’s objectives and goals, underscoring the importance of capacity-building and support systems for Parliamentary Committees. He expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts between DWF, Parliament, and the oversight agencies would yield significant improvements in Parliamentary Oversight and public resource management.
Insightful discussions, reflective questions, and actionable recommendations marked the evening. Participants engaged in an interactive session led by the renowned and former Clerk of Parliament, Ambassador Roosevelt Gondwe (Retired). He shared an insightful presentation navigating and analysing critical issues arising from the study commissioned by DWF on the oversight agency reports submitted to Parliament and how they are processed, analysed, and utilised in Parliament. The dialogue was both eye-opening and strategic, paving the way for a more robust and effective Parliamentary Oversight mechanism.
Key takeaways from the discussions included the need for timely and comprehensive reporting by oversight agencies; enhanced collaboration between Parliamentary Committees and Oversight bodies; and the adoption of best practices in scrutinising and following up on recommendations.
Participants also stressed the importance of continuous capacity-building and knowledge-sharing to empower Members of Parliament in their oversight roles.
The successful dinner meeting underscored Malawi’s collective commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance. It served as a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic engagement in driving meaningful change.
As we progress, DWF remains dedicated to supporting the Parliament of Malawi and its Committees’ interface and oversight agencies in their strategic oversight functions. We can build a more transparent, accountable, and democratic Malawi with unrivalled public Integrity.
Empowering Democracy, Inspiring Change.
