Demonstrating her commitment towards empowering women through appointments into higher positions, President Joyce Banda has appointed Meg Kajiyanike as the new Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Deputy Governor.

Kajiyanike will be responsible for operations and replaces Mary Nkosi, whose contract expired last week after a 10-year distinguished service with the central bank.

The appointment of the new deputy governor, who comes from Zomba, is with effect from April 14, 2013, according to a statement from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).

Having seen the corridors of the bank for the past 31 years, Kajiyanike has risen from the position of director, banking & currency management.

Despite government’s failure to renew Nkosi’s contract, RBM Spokesperson Ralph Tseka described her as an exceptional employee and a role model in the bank as well as in the Malawi society.

“Throughout her working life in the bank she has discharged her duties with care and due diligence. She leaves a legacy as a distinguished banker, first female deputy governor, the first ‘two-term’ deputy governor, a person who has served diligently and selflessly, and a very humble individual,” Tsoka said.

Nkosi once served as the first vice-president of Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) in January 1996 before becoming the association’s president in 1998.

The retired banker was also nominated acting Executive Secretary for the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and served on various parastals boards in Malawi such as National Lotteries Board from where she chairperson between 2006 and 2010.

Kajiyanike came in the limelight in 2009 when she chaired the bank’s Internal Procurement Committee, which approved the controversial construction of the two swimming pools at the bank’s club house and cottage at the estimated cost of K66 million ($395 209).