Ombudsman annuls Buluma’s recruitment as NOCMA Deputy CEO

The Ombudsman has annulled the recruitment and position of the deputy CEO for the National Oil Company of Malawi-NOCMA Helen Buluma.

The revelation has been made today in Lilongwe during the release of a report on investigations and enquiry on how Buluma was recruited.

This follows a complaint that was lodged by some former NOCMA members of staff and the leadership of some civil society organizations.

Her recruitment has been under public scrutiny with some sections of society and other concerned parties questioning on how Buluma was given the position.

And delivering her report, Malera disclosed that there were several flaws by various top government officials who facilitated the recruitment hence rendering it illegal and unacceptable.

On recruitment, no interviews were conducted, which is contrary to section 4 of the Public Service Act, which calls for open recruitment.

-The process of her selection was not open,

-Appointment breached relevant authority

-Appointed flouted conditions of service for NOCMA

-The process was arbitrary, procedural and irregular.

-Tenets of administrative justice were not complied with

The Ombudsman has recommended that the NOCMA board should not renew Buluma’s contract, and that she be let go without her terminal benefits.

The Ombudsman has since given the NOCMA board 30 days to furnish her office with a report on actions taken in line with the office’s determination.

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