Government sets K312 million honoraria for chiefs

Government has set aside K312 million (US$766 585) for chiefs as honoraria, locally known as ‘mswahala’, in recognition of the role chiefs play in fostering development in their areas. Minister of Local Government Rachel Mazombwe Zulu announced this at Longwani School ground in the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Dzoole in Dowa on Saturday during the elevation of group village heads Chipeni, Mbonekera, Mdayenda and Mwamcheka to sub-T/As. She said the elevation of chiefs by President Joyce Banda’s leadership is testimony that she has the welfare of traditional leaders at heart, hence the need for them to support her in developing the country.—VINCENT GUNDE, MEC Stringer