Flaws in Nam constitution

Netball Association of Malawi constitution has come under scrutiny following provisions empowering the executive committee to appoint national coaches and umpiring committees. Ironically, one of the contentious issues that led Malawi National Council of Sports to dissolve the Athletics Association of Malawi and set up an interim committee, was…

Netball Association of Malawi (Nam) constitution has come under scrutiny following provisions empowering the executive committee to appoint national coaches and umpiring committees.

Last year Nam, exercising its constitutional right, appointed chairpersons and vices for the two committees.

However, an analyst has questioned the constitution, saying it was weakening good governance practices as appointed officials cannot vote against officials who put them in positions.

Nam used its constitutional powers on article 32.1 to appoint the national coaches committee and also article 36.1.1 to appoint the umpiring committee.

Ironically, one of the contentious issues that led Malawi National Council of Sports (MNCS) to dissolve the Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) and set up an interim committee, was appointing subcommittee members who voted during elections.

Nam Vice President Chimwemwe Bakali said they did not make any mistake as they were empowered by the constitution.

“We simply exercised our constitutional powers to appoint the two committees,” he said.

However, retired netballer Neffie Kam’mata faulted the arrangement, saying it can compromise appointed officials.

“Generally, Nam’s constitution needs review. You cannot have an appointed person voting against the executive which ushered him or her into power. Not everyone is bold to make a decision which is morally right when you have been offered a position.

“Going forward, Nam should consider reviewing its constitution to amend flaws,” she said.

MNCS Public Relations and Communications Officer Edgar Ntulumbwa could not immediately respond.

“I will come back to you,” he said.

Nam appointed Faggie Mwalweni as chairperson of the umpires committee, with Whyte Mulilima as the vice chairperson.

Malawi National Netball Team Coach Peace Chawinga- Kaluwa was appointed chairperson with Joana Kachilika as the vice.