On Monday, British High Commision Charge D’Affaires Mr. Kirk Hollingworth spoke at the opening of a ‘Managing Defence in Wider Security Context’ course at the Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO) in Salima. Opening remarks were delivered by MAFCO Commandant Brigadier Chimowa and the course was officially opened by General Henry Odillo.

We hereby bring you the full speech by Mr. Hollingworth:

·    The Commander of the Malawi Defense Force, General Odillo
·    Commandant of the Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO), Brigadier General Chimowa
·    Directing staff
·    Course participants
·    Ladies and Gentlemen.


I am delighted to be here again with you today, a year on after the successful course last year, as we mark the beginning of another Managing Defense in a Wider Security Context Course.

As you know this internationally acclaimed course has been running for the better part of 10 years now. The British High Commission is proud to be associated with this course because it demonstrates our long standing  UK commitment to the security and defense sector in the region, and, in particular our special relationship with the people of Malawi.

I understand this course is delivered in only 8 countries around the world each year. It is based out of the United Kingdom’s Defense Academy, and it draws on the strength and experience of the renowned Cranfield University, as one of its principal academic partners.

It would be remised of me not to acknowledge Professor Naison Ngoma of the Copperbelt University, for his long-standing commitment to the course here at MAFCO.  And I’m sure you would wish to join me in recognizing his contribution to your understanding of the security environment and the importance of a regional involvement.

I would also like to recognize General Odillo for the considerable time and effort that he personally dedicates to the course, and I am especially delighted to be sharing this platform with him today.

Last but certainly not least on behalf of the British government I would like to extend our gratitude to the commandant of MFACO, Brigadier General Chimowa, the staff of POTC and the UK Defense Advisor and his staff for all the enabling work in making this course a reality.

As I look around here today, I can see the diversity of national participants, in particular, the representation here today of officers from the Botswana, Namibian, Zambian and Mozambican Defense Forces.  These courses have created a large network of MDWSC Alumni regionally, and today you are joining that network. Course participants I urge you to exploit it after you leave and to build on this core engagement you will have over the next two weeks.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to touch on the five themes of this course, Security; Governance; Strategic leadership; Management and Professionalism.

·    Security is ever changing and this is especially true in the world we live in today and it is in constant need of analysis. Some of the tools that will be used on the course should certainly enhance performance in your careers.

·    Governance remains an absolute area of interest and we are constantly being challenge on how best to organize the architecture to deliver security.

·     The importance of Strategic Leadership  can  never be underestimated and it underpins the delivery and realization of successful outcomes
·     Successful Management optimizes organization of resources for the delivery of successful security outcomes.
·     And finally, Professionalism – this is an area that we all have to strive at as the security challenges we face around the region multiply and become increasingly ambiguous and complex. The exercising of professional judgment has never been so tested within the security sector as it is being tested today.

I am confident that following this course you will leave enlightened in the face of the many facets that make up our collective understanding of security, and that you will be able to analyze the regional security sector and defense issues. You should develop a better awareness of governance and management issues, and techniques, in order to deliver more effective armed forces within a wider security context. I’m quite certain that when you return to your respective places of work, whether that be within a civilian, police or military environment, you will be able to draw on many of the topic areas, to enhance your professional effectiveness.

Finally, I would like to encourage all the participants, to engage enthusiastically in your commitment during your time here, please make this interactive, the UK has not come here to preach but to share and develop ideas. I urge you to challenge and question your instructors but most of all enjoy the experience and make the most of this opportunity.  

Thank you.
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©2012 The Maravi Post.