TRADITIONAL AUTHORITIES IN CHITIPA DISTRICT AND THEIR ADCs

In Malawi, traditional authority (TA) describes a particular position in the traditional hierarchy whose authority and legitimacy emerge from an embodiment of culture, customs and values passed from generation to generation.  Chitipa follows a patrilineal system and chieftaincy is handed down from one generation to another within the same clan/royal family. As a district, Chitipa has a total of seven TAs namely Kameme, Mwabulambia, Mwenemisuku, Mwenewenya, Wavikaza, Ntengatenga and Nthalire. Each TA has a representative body of village development committees called the Area development committee (ADC).

                               Area Development Committee (ADC)

The ADC is a representative body of all VDCs under the jurisdiction of a Traditional Authority (TA). It is comprised of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of the VDCs, Ward Councilors, representatives of religious faiths, representatives of youth and women groups in the area, representatives from the business community and chairperson of the AEC. The term of office of ADC members is two and half years and its advisor are the Traditional Authority of the area. There are 9 ADCs in the district which has a total membership of 715 composed 23 % females and 77% males. 

Table below shows actual representation.