By Burnett Munthali
Ombudsman Grace Malera has uncovered serious irregularities in the shortlisting and interviewing process for the position of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) director general. Her findings reveal that two candidates, Hillary Chilomba and Oscar Taulo, were not qualified for consideration based on the stipulated requirements for the position.
According to Malera’s investigative report, Oscar Taulo, despite holding a master’s degree in law, failed to meet a critical eligibility criterion: having at least 10 years of post-qualification work experience. At the time of the shortlisting process, Taulo had not attained the required professional experience, rendering his inclusion in the recruitment process irregular.
Similarly, Hillary Chilomba was also found to have been improperly shortlisted. The Ombudsman pointed out that Chilomba did not meet the necessary qualifications for the role, though specific details about his shortcomings were not elaborated in her statement.
Malera’s findings highlight procedural lapses in the recruitment process for one of Malawi’s most significant public offices. The role of ACB director general is a critical position in the fight against corruption, requiring stringent adherence to qualification standards to ensure credibility and effectiveness.
“The integrity of the recruitment process must be upheld, particularly for a role of this magnitude. Deviating from the established requirements undermines public trust and raises questions about the credibility of the selection process,” Malera said in her report.
The findings have sparked calls for a review of recruitment practices within the public service to ensure that such irregularities do not recur. Stakeholders in governance and anti-corruption advocacy have expressed concern over the implications of the findings, emphasizing the need for transparency and meritocracy in the selection of key public officials.
As the ACB continues to play a pivotal role in combating corruption in Malawi, the findings by Ombudsman Malera serve as a reminder of the importance of adhering to recruitment guidelines. Public confidence in institutions tasked with fighting corruption hinges on their independence, professionalism, and the integrity of their leadership selection processes.
The government is yet to respond to the Ombudsman’s findings, but the revelations are likely to fuel further discussions on accountability and reforms in the country’s public service recruitment systems.
