Leadership prerequisite for development—Sanyahumbi

The outgoing DfID country director Sara Sanyahumbi has said Malawi can only develop if there is strong government leadership and cooperation.

She was speaking on Wednesday during a farewell party organised for her by the British High Commissioner to Malawi Michael Nevin.

“It is only through political will that a government can lead its people by taking tough decisions and appropriate action to effect transformational change,” said Sanyahumbi.

She said Malawi should not always depend on donors to assist in transforming people’s lives, noting that development partners can only advise and provide expertise.

“Tackling fundamental challenges faced by Malawians can only be done by government with a trustworthy financial management system,” she said.

She, therefore, welcomed the ongoing public reforms, saying it is one way of making Malawi develop.

In his remarks, Nevin said he is proud of what Sanyahumbi has achieved through her leadership at DfID.

“For instance, she will be remembered for setting up an emergency drug programme that is currently supplying drugs to about 600 health clinics nationwide,” said Nevin.

Sanyahumbi will be leaving for the United Kingdom after serving for 11 years in four countries.