Deputy Minister of Local Government, Halima Daudi, has urged chiefs to promote unity among Malawians if the country is to develop.

Daudi made the remarks during the elevation of Traditional Authority (T/A) Khwethemule and T/A Nsabwe to Senior Chiefs and Sub T/A Thukuta to T/A.

Daudi said chiefs should refrain from corrupt tendencies.

She also urged them to ensure that people are following Covid-19 preventive measures to avoid further spread of the pandemic.

Senior Chief Khwethemule thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for elevating them and promised to work with government.

Member of Parliament for Thyolo Thava, Mary Thom Navicha, thanked government for considering the chiefs of Thyolo, adding it is a sign that the Tonse-led government is not selective.

Navicha has however appealed to government to assist people of Thyolo who have been affected by hunger due to last year’s attack on crops by army worms.