Macfalren Mseteka Public Relations officer for Kanengo Police says being shortlisted for the Mandela Washington Fellowship was as an honour as the Malawi Police Service rarely participates in these kinds of programmes hence described the experience as a big win for the institution.
He made the remarks during a Public Management Workshop facilitated by Mandela Fellowship for Young African leaders’ alumni working in Malawi’s public sector.
Through his participation in the Fellowship, the Police publicist learnt topics such as fiscal discipline, public management and was exposed to new systems in the US and believes if these are replicated back home, the public will have a better Police Service.
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Against a public outcry of a battered Police image, he expressed trust in its current leadership which he said is geared for change to serve the public better.
“Despite the public outcry but currently the Malawi Police is different; now we are present online, we’re doing a number of issues, we’re dealing with things in a different way. We’re holistic in terms of responding to media issues; I understand that they’re some things that we lack but I should tell you that currently Malawi Police is one of the best institutions in terms of PR; when you call me at night I’ll respond to you.
“As a fellow from Mandela Washington Fellowship, I feel like Malawi Police is heading in a very good direction and you should expect different things. One of the things I learnt from the US is transparency; our colleagues they work with the community which is one of the things that we’re also doing in Malawi.
“So I believe using some of the remedies which we’ve learnt from the Fellowship, we can engage the community in a better way that will be representing the views of the people”
The officer was attached to the Citizens Police Oversight Commission in Philadelphia where they handled complaints from the people and finding best ways of engaging with the community.
He was drilled on mental health for police officers and is a certified mental health first aider and was involved in community engagement in policing activities to build their trust.
Mseteka stressed that ethical leadership is a cornerstone of trust, accountability and effective governance in public administration and zeal to bring change.
He was selected for the programme when he was the Police Spokesperson for Jenda Police Station in Mzimba.
United States Charge d’Affaires Jonathan Fischer said through programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the US is helping young leaders access the knowledge and resources they need to succeed.
He indicated that the workshop provides an opportunity to share and multiply that knowledge so that great ideas can translate into great public services.
“This workshop is about learning from experience, and it was designed by and for young and future public servants like you. Your facilitators will share practical insights about innovation in the public sector in Malawi and their U.S. exchange experience. Their stories show that meaningful reform often starts with small, practical changes that make a big difference for citizens”.
Fischer noted that accountable institutions improve Malawians’ daily lives and strengthen the foundation for economic growth and partnership between the two countries.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 7,200 young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States, including 156 Malawians who returned home with new skills and a determination to drive positive change in their communities.