MANEB criticised the decision to suspend the provision of some of its essential services – Malawi Nyasa Times

As the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) will conduct the 2024 national examinations for the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) from Wednesday, May 22-24, the provision of some services will be temporarily suspended from today, May 20, until July 19.

In a statement by MANEB’s Managing Director, Dorothy Nampota, the public is informed that services will continue until the completion of the Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) from June 4 to 13 and the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) from June 2 . will remain suspended until July 26th.

Therefore, the provision of some services temporarily suspended from today includes the exchange of certificates; certificate by accumulation; certificate update; Verification and authentication of certificates; equality of certificates; Notification result slips and international and local academic certificates, the services of which will resume on July 22nd.

Reacting to the decision, Chifipa Mhango – the respected chief economist at South Africa-based Don Consultancy Group – said he found the decision “very worrying”, adding: “First of all, no government service should be closed for the sake of providing another service.”

“Services such as certificate verification and authentication have serious implications for those seeking a job, whether domestically or abroad. Now imagine that your job offer is delayed because such a service has been closed by MANEB.

“Maneb should certainly consider increasing capacity during this period, even if that means seeking short-term, three-month employment contracts to increase capacity.

“This does not reflect well on the functioning of government in Malawi. Every government function should be customer-centric and focused.

“Decisions should be based on the impact they have on society and not just on inner attitudes. Consultation with all stakeholders in decision-making is part of a good governance process.

“MANEB has failed in its approach here,” he emphasized and recommended that the decision be reviewed by the MANEB administration or the responsible education minister.

“Another question I have is if this was the case in previous years – if not, why now or in this year 2024? Imagine a doctor or teacher has to be hired and the institution has to wait three months to verify their qualifications – what impact does that have on health and education services? Do we think so?”

On its official Facebook page where the notice was posted, Fortune Chapingamanazuba agreed with Mhango in her response, saying: “You can’t suspend operations – leave the management to skeleton staff.”

“Otherwise, a public office cannot stop providing services; Other people’s lives cannot and should not come to a standstill because exams are being held. This is very silly and outrageous.”

Godfrey Mfuni also agreed that such an important office should be closed, saying: “This is not right – so the whole office goes out to hold exams?” Exam time should not be an opportunity to approach everyone for remuneration send.”

Charles Pandipanadya pointed out that conducting examinations is temporary while other services are day-to-day in nature, adding: “It is like a pandemic and an epidemic – first you have to deal with the pandemic and then the epidemic. A big compliment to Dr. Nampota. The Tonse Alliance leadership is great.”

A report published by Zodiak Online also saw reactions agreeing with Chifipa Mhango’s observation and those on the MANEB Facebook page, with Dunstan Chunda describing the situation as very sad: “No wonder, we are not moving forward with such decisions – There have already been concessions.” prioritized. A very sad development.”

Victor T. Kumwenda said, “This is Malawi today, no wonder,” and Jacob Matomola sneered that “being Malawi is no joke these days – it seems government bodies are suffocating,” while Patricia Mgomezulu wondered, “ “An office 60 years after independence.” is unable to multitask.”

Fortune Chiku Banda was of the view that the notification should be made available to the public earlier, which Dolly Daniel agreed with, saying: “It is unfair that it is announced to the public two days before the examinations are conducted.”

She added that MANEB was in emergency mode as if it was the first time to administer exams: “I will soon issue an injunction to educate you.”

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