By Jones Gadama
Public service must work for the people, and those who deliver must be celebrated.
That was the clear message from the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development on Monday morning during an impromptu tour of office sections within the Ministry.
The Minister moved through different departments to appreciate the work of officers and to personally encourage staff who put service delivery above excuses.
The visit came at a time when the government was pushing for renewed discipline and productivity across all ministries.
During the tour, the Minister noted with concern that Mondays are often marked by absenteeism.
He therefore commended sections that recorded full staff attendance and were already on duty.
He singled out the Planning and Administration Section for special praise.
The team was not only fully present but was also conducting its weekly planning meeting under the leadership of Director of Planning and Policy, Mr. Flemings Nyirenda.
In recognition of their dedication, the Minister announced an immediate gesture of appreciation.
Each member of staff in the section received a MK40,000 lunch allowance for the day, with a promise that lunch would be provided as a further show of gratitude.
Speaking after the tour, the Minister emphasized that the government cannot afford to compromise on service delivery. “When public officers show up, plan, and work, the people feel it. Such commitment must be recognized and encouraged,” he said.
The Minister’s approach mirrors the leadership style of President Peter Mutharika, who has consistently called for a hardworking, accountable, and results-driven public service.
President Mutharika has made it clear that Malawi’s development depends on civil servants who take their work seriously and put citizens first.
By rewarding punctuality and planning, the Minister is walking the talk of the President’s vision: a government where hard work is noticed, laziness is discouraged, and service to Malawians is non-negotiable.
The gesture has been welcomed by staff, with many saying it will motivate teams across the Ministry to maintain discipline and focus on delivering tangible results to communities.
As government rolls out development programs through local councils, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says it will continue to monitor performance and reward sections that uphold the values of dedication, transparency, and service.
