President Mutharika said this at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday 25th April during the swearing in ceremony of the newly appointed Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development Cecilia Chazama.

President Mutharika said the Ministry in question has a huge responsibility of raising awareness and building support for various development projects as civic education is key to changing the mindset of the people.

“I established the Ministry of Civic Education and added Culture and Community Development to the portfolio. I did that for a specific reason. No country can achieve meaningful strides in development if its citizenry are passive. Issues of civic education, culture and community development are therefore important to us at our stage of development. More needs to be done to prepare our youth for citizenship and how they can meaningfully participate in civic life,” explained Mutharika.

President Mutharika added that there is need to ensure that Malawians understand and accept their rights and responsibilities if democracy is to flourish. On this, the Malawi leader said Malawians must be empowered to think and conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with present day realities.

“I expect you, Hon. Chazama to ensure that this noble requirement is properly coordinated and executed. I further expect you to perform this important task in collaboration and with support from the widest range of other stakeholders,” said Mutharika adding that when this happens, many challenges facing the country will cease pointing out the killings of people with albinism, no tax evasion and no abuse of public resources.

“As a Minister, you are now at the pinnacle of the government policy making and strategic decision-making machinery. You are constitutionally responsible for contributing towards national development. I expect you to respect fellow Ministers, because Cabinet works on the principle of collective responsibility and confidentiality. The office of Cabinet Minister demands Confidentiality, Hard work, and Integrity. And I expect nothing less than the highest standards,” he advised.