By The Forum

Malawian human rights defender Charles Kajoloweka has declined an appointment to serve on the board of the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA), citing a conflict of interest.

In a letter dated December 15, 2025, addressed to the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Kajoloweka, who is the Executive Director of Youth and Society (YAS), thanked government for the confidence shown in his professional background but said he could not accept the role.

“Accepting a political appointment of this nature presents a clear and foreseeable conflict of interest, both personally and institutionally,” Kajoloweka said.

He explained that YAS routinely engages with governance systems, including those linked to boards, statutory authorities and executive decision-making processes, making it essential for the organisation’s leadership to remain independent.

“In this context, it is imperative that our leadership maintains independence, neutrality and a clear professional distance from political appointments in order to preserve the organisation’s credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness in serving the public interest,” he added.

Kajoloweka said that while a national appointment is significant and reflects government trust, his decision to decline was made in good faith and out of respect for public institutions. He noted that the move aligns with a long-standing personal and organisational principle that the credibility of governance actors — both state and non-state — must be safeguarded through clear ethical boundaries.

TEVETA plays a central role in the government’s development agenda through its mandate in skills development, technical training and entrepreneurship.

Kajoloweka leads YAS, an organisation whose core mandate includes promoting accountable governance, transparency, democratic participation and oversight of public institutions and public policy processes.

This is the second time Kajoloweka has declined a public appointment. In September 2020, he also turned down an offer to serve on the board of the National Youth Council.

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