Former ambassador and first Malawian Clerk to the Cabinet, Ron Nkomba, has called for a disciplined, loyal and incorruptible civil service.
He says laxity and corruption are eroding the service’s credibility.
Speaking at a Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources public lecture at Natural Resources College in Lilongwe on Thursday, Nkomba emphasised that professionalism and integrity once made Malawi’s civil service a model in Africa.
His presentation, titled ‘Work Ethics in the Public Service: Do’s and Don’ts,’ coincided with the send-off of land clerks who completed a year-long training in land management.
Said Nkomba: “A civil servant must embody hard work, dedication, professionalism and sacrifice. They should take pride in their work, be honest, reliable and, above all, incorruptible.”
He singled out some corrupt officials, calling them “rotten apples in the pot”, who tarnish the public service’s reputation. He noted a growing laissez-faire attitude, where many prioritise personal gain over public duty.
The former envoy blamed this decline on democracy, arguing that it has weakened respect for public institutions.
“People say the civil service no longer holds the same respect and fear of the political government. Without discipline, it is difficult to uphold the standards required,” he said.
On his part, Secretary for Lands Davie Chilonga emphasised the crucial role the graduating land clerks will play in the ministry’s operations, particularly at the local level, where transactions and land registrations take place.
He urged them to serve citizens with integrity, dedication and commitment, reminding them that they are servants of the people, not their masters.
Ambassador Nkomba had a distinguished career in Malawi’s civil service. He served as Clerk to the Cabinet in 1969, before moving to the Ministry of External Affairs in 1972.
He later served as Malawi’s Chief of Protocol, High Commissioner to Kenya. Upon his return in 1981, served as Permanent Secretary in the ministries of Local Government, Transport and Communications, Health and Foreign Affairs.
From 1991 to 1995 Nkomba served as Malawi’s Ambassador to Germany and in 1996 he led the working committee which established Mzuzu University.
Between 2006 and 2007 he was commissioner in the Special Law Commission on the Review of the Malawi Constitution.
Now retired, Nkomba consults on civil service communication skills.
