Concerns Raised Over Recruitment and Governance Practices at the Malawi School of Government

An anonymous lecturer with more than eight years of experience at the Malawi School of Government (MSG) has raised concerns about governance, recruitment practices, and institutional alignment with current government priorities.

According to the lecturer, the top management team at MSG—appointed during the previous administration—may require review to ensure that the institution fully supports national programs. MSG is a key government training institution, and the sources claim that some senior officials may not be fully aligned with the administration’s policy agenda.

The lecturer alleges that the current Director General (DG) was appointed without a competitive recruitment process, contrary to standard provisions in the MSG Act.

The appointment, the source says, raised questions because of perceived political connections to the former administration. Similar concerns were raised regarding the seven directors who currently serve in senior roles, with some staff members suggesting that selections were influenced by networks and affiliations rather than merit.

One example cited involves a Head of Department appointed to lead the Business and Management division despite, according to the source, having qualifications outside that field. Staff members also expressed concerns about the transparency of academic and professional claims made by some appointees.

The source further claims that during the transition to the previous government, several experienced staff members who were seen as neutral or aligned with earlier administrations were removed or reassigned.

This occurred during what was referred to internally as a “Placement Exercise,” which some employees believe favored individuals connected to senior officials of the time.

Those affected reportedly included former Acting Executive Director Mr. Sikelo and his management team. Under their leadership, the institution—then known as MIM—had operated without government subvention and maintained stable performance.

Currently, the anonymous lecturer reports that MSG now receives government subvention but remains “top-heavy,” with a large number of senior positions relative to output. The source alleges that substantial resources have been directed toward procurement of vehicles, travel, and benefits for senior officials, while junior staff continue to face challenges.

While the current DG has highlighted the clearing of pension arrears as a significant achievement, the lecturer argues that the foundation for this progress was laid by previous administrators who managed the institution’s finances prudently without subvention.

The lecturer is calling for a comprehensive review of MSG’s staffing decisions since its restructuring, including an audit of both recruitment processes and financial management—similar to recent audits conducted in other public institutions.

“Our frustration is seeing qualified and experienced professionals displaced and replaced in ways that may not reflect merit or institutional needs,” the lecturer said. “We believe a thorough review would help restore confidence and ensure better alignment with government objectives.”

The concerns outlined reflect the views of the anonymous source and have not yet been independently verified. MSG leadership has not issued a formal response to the allegations.