ON THE REINSITATEMENT OF MR. HENRY MATHANGA AS DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND THE ASSOCIATED PUSHBACK
By Macheza Mkandawire
The recent debate surrounding the appointment of Mr. Henry Mathanga as Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi has generated unnecessary controversy, much of it founded on a mistaken premise that he is an “outsider” to the institution. This argument is both factually and legally flawed.
Mr. Mathanga has not been appointed from outside the Reserve Bank of Malawi. He has been reinstated to a position he previously held, following the correction of an earlier administrative and legal process. To describe him as an external appointee is therefore misleading and cannot form a credible basis for challenging his return to office.
Reinstatement, by its nature, restores an officer to their former status as though the interruption had not occurred. It does not introduce a new entrant into the institution, nor does it undermine internal succession principles. On the contrary, reinstatement reinforces institutional continuity, preserves corporate memory, and strengthens governance at a time when stability and experience are critically needed in the management of the country’s monetary authority.
However, sources within the bank have attributed the tone of apprehension to some three senior officers, who fear that Mr. Mathanga may be vindictive, considering their role in framing Mr.Mathanga in a crusade of illegally removing him from the central bank. However, such fears are speculative and unfounded. Mr. Mathanga, who is widely regarded as a seasoned professional whose career has been defined by discipline, restraint, and respect for institutional processes, has no record whatsoever, either from his previous tenure or his broader public service, that suggests vindictiveness or an inability to work collegially.
Despite such an impeccable record, the three senior officers, have gone ahead to collude with one Mr. Agape Khombe to publish a press statement that discredits Mr. Mathanga’s reinstatement. The sources further disclose that the press release is a precursor to their next action which is to obtain an injunction to stop Mr. Mathanga from resuming his duties at the central bank. The source further alleged that the trio has already identified a judge to grant the injunction.
The three senior officers should be advised that His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika’s government is working around the clock to stabilize the economy and embark on a growth trajectory. The President is therefore putting in place the expertise that he believes will deliver on this drive, hence the reinstatement of Mr. Henry Mathanga.