By Jones Gadama
Traditional leaders in Chiradzulu have praised the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, as a leader of rare humility and respect, following the elevation and installation of Joseph Grant as Traditional Authority Onga on Friday, 22nd May 2026.
The colourful ceremony held at the new T/A Onga headquarters drew hundreds of subjects, chiefs, and government officials. The elevation followed a government decision on 20th April 2026 to upgrade Onga from a Sub-Traditional Authority to a full Traditional Authority, part of the government’s drive to strengthen local governance and bring administration closer to the people.
Dr. Phiri presided over the installation and urged the new chief to work closely with communities to promote education, unity, and the fight against child marriages and misinformation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches every corner of the country, regardless of location or status.
247MalawiNews visited the newly elevated T/A Onga at his palace shortly after the ceremony to hear his reflections. The chief spoke warmly of the minister’s conduct and leadership style.
“We have seen many ministers come and go, but Malawi has never had a local government minister like Hon. Ben Phiri,” said T/A Onga. “He is full of humility. He sits with us, listens to us, and respects our traditions and values. He treats chiefs not as subjects, but as partners in development.”
Other traditional leaders who attended the event echoed the same sentiment. Senior Group Village Headman Chimaliro said Dr. Phiri had restored dignity to the chieftaincy. “For years we felt distant from the government. But this minister comes to our areas, understands our challenges, and acts. He is a blessing to this ministry and to us chiefs,” he said.
Group Village Headwoman Chisomo added that Dr. Phiri’s emphasis on ending child marriages and fighting false information had given chiefs renewed confidence in their role as custodians of culture and peace. “He gives us the support and respect we need to do our work,” she said.
In his address, Dr. Phiri said decentralisation and strong traditional leadership were key to inclusive development. He called on T/A Onga to unite his people and ensure that government programs reach the most vulnerable.
The elevation of Onga is expected to improve service delivery and dispute resolution in the area, bringing government services closer to thousands of residents who previously had to travel long distances to access traditional authority offices.
The ceremony ended with cultural performances and prayers for peace and development in Chiradzulu.
247MalawiNews visited the newly elevated chief to hear more from him, and the message was clear: chiefs in Chiradzulu see Hon. Ben Phiri as a minister who understands, respects, and uplifts traditional leadership.
