The Ombudsman, Martha Chizuma, who was rejected by the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) a few days ago has been confirmed to head the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), the committee’s Chairperson, Joyce Chitsulo has attested to the development.
Dowa North East legislator, Sam Kawale moved a motion for rescission of the earlier decision that saw some members of the committee scoring Chizuma lowly.
According to Chitsulo, it is within procedures to have the committee change its mind.
According to Chitsulo out of 13 members present 12 voted in favour of Chizuma’s confirmation one abstained and four DPP members walked out.
“I am personally happy, and I have been saying this that I for one would love to see Chizuma confirmed she said.
Despite some DPP members walking out, the decision stands because the quorum was formed.
Martha Chizuma was appointed the Ombudsman of the Republic of Malawi on 1st December 2015. Holding the position of Ombudsman constitutionally makes her a Commissioner of the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), a Commissioner of the Police Service Commission and a member of Malawi Prison Inspectorate. As MHRC Commissioner, she has previously served as a Commissioner responsible for the Disability and Elderly Rights Directorate. Commissioner Chizuma is currently the Chairperson of MHRC Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Thematic Committee. Besides, she is a member of various MHRC Thematic Committees such as Child Rights Thematic Committee; and the Disability and Elderly Rights Thematic Committee. Commissioner Chizuma has led, participated or provided oversight functions in several low- and high-profile human rights related investigations that MHRC has conducted over the years particularly since 2015 when she became the Commissioner of MHRC.
Carrying out such an oversight and investigative role in human rights violations at MHRC has ably complemented her job as Ombudsman where she has successfully led in investigations of several high- and low-profile cases relating to maladministration and abuse of public office in the process earning wider public and international recognition as one of the fearless, patriotic and outstanding public protector and human rights defenders of our time. For example, some of the national and international awards to her credit include: Woman of the Year Award 2021 African Gender Equality Conference; 2020 Women Lawyer Member of the Year – Government; and 2020 Institute of Marketers Person of the Year. Besides, under her leadership the office of the Ombudsman was voted 2019 Best exhibitor at the first ever Ombudsman Expo in Nigeria, 2019 Best Performer amongst Constitutional bodies and overall best performing public institution in the country.
A member of the Bar Association of Malawi, Women Lawyers Association of Malawi and Women Judges Association of Malawi (founding member and ex-official), Commissioner Chizuma holds a Masters of Law in International Economic Law from the University of East London and Bachelor of Laws with Honors (LLB) from University of Malawi, Chancellor College. Commissioner Chizuma has practiced Law for 18 years having previously worked with Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company as Legal Counsel, Deputy Chairperson of Industrial Relations Court (IRC), Assistant Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal and Senior Resident Magistrate. Commissioner Chizuma is also a board member of several international and local organisations such as the World Vision Malawi (a member of Advisory Council), PSI-Malawi and the Electoral Institute of Southern Africa. She is also the patron of FPAM