Three former Press Corporation Limited (PCL) top executives have filed a K33 billion compensation for unfair dismissal and unlawful labour practices by the conglomerate.

The three are former company secretary Bernard Ndau as first claimant, former group financial controller Elizabeth Mafeni as second applicant and former group chief executive officer George Partridge as third applicant.

In submissions their lawyer John Suzi Banda filed in the Industrial Relations Court (IRC), the trio stated: “We humbly pray that the applicants be granted the following; for first applicant K6 326 535 667, for second applicant K19 459 545 347 and for third applicant K7 479 922 192.”

Court documents show that upon her dismissal in December 2021, Mafeni received K481 million, Partridge took home K452 million and Ndau was paid K179 million as terminal dues.

During assessment proceedings yesterday presided over by IRC deputy chairperson Tamanda Nyimba, PCL lawyer Patrick Mpaka asked Partridge and Mafeni, who were present in court, why they felt they deserved the claimed compensation having already been paid by their former employer.

In an interview after adjournment, Mpaka said Partridge and Mafeni had given the clarification they wanted, as such they would not cross-examine Ndau, a lawyer by who was not present in court.

Suzi Banda, in a separate interview, said that the respective compensations that the applicants are claiming have taken into consideration their remuneration and length of service as well as the inflation rate between December 2021 and December 2024.

Meanwhile, Nyimba has adjourned the case to January 10 2025 when Suzi Banda will re-examine his clients.

The three applicants dragged PCL to court after they were
dismissed in December 2021 following a functional review initiated by the PCL board and conducted by a consultant.

In his ruling on October 22 2024, Nyimba found that while consultations were supposed to be done during the functional review, the applicants were not consulted and were not offered options for lower salaries or redeployment to lower positions.

PCL is the largest conglomerate in Malawi and has interests in banking, telecommunications, energy, real estate and hospitality.

The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA), in collaboration with Bwaila Media Club (BMC), on Friday conducted a media training aimed at bridging the information gap on responsible gambling, at The Forty-Four Hotel in Lilongwe’s Area 44.

The event attracted 40 journalists from the Central Region to enhance their understanding of the gambling sector and promote responsible gambling.

Speaking at the training, MAGLA’s Director of Operations, Lawrence Chikoko, emphasized the critical role of the media in raising awareness about responsible gambling.

“Media is the fourth estate, as it is commonly known. Whatever we are doing, we are not doing it in the darkness, it is for the public to know. Involving the media is the best way to disseminate what we are doing,” said Chikoko.

He highlighted the growth potential of the gambling industry, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Malawi, citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report that associates this growth with increasing smartphone usage.

However, Chikoko stressed the importance of educating the public about the recreational nature of gambling.

“We need awareness that gaming is leisure. We’ve noticed that especially among the youth, due to unemployment and lack of activities, they spend too much time gambling. Everyone should know there are limits to how much one can gamble.”

“We started an awareness campaign in the southern region, moved to the eastern region, and now we are in the central region. These campaigns focus on the dangers of excessive gambling, underage gambling, and the availability of help for those with gambling addictions. We are in partnership with St John of God HospitallerServices which provides treatment for individuals struggling with gambling addiction,” said Chikoko

Bwaila Media Club Vice Chairperson Cathy Maulidi expressed gratitude to MAGLA for organizing the training, noting that it has bridged significant information gaps in the sector.

“This training has provided an opportunity for us to learn about the legal framework guiding gambling in Malawi. Many of us did not know that there are mechanisms to control gambling, such as self-exclusion tools. Now, we are equipped with knowledge to share with our communities and report violations like underage gambling,” said Maulidi.

She acknowledged the importance of the training in empowering journalists to educate the public and hold stakeholders accountable.

“We have been seeing children accessing betting shops, which we now understand is illegal. Moving forward, we will report such incidents to ensure adherence to the law,” added Maulidi.

The training underscored MAGLA’s commitment to fostering a safe and regulated gambling environment while partnering with the media to amplify responsible gambling messages across Malawi.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has proposed introduction of technical lessons in the country’s school curriculum from early classes to enable the country have a good technical base and technical-minded people who will drive the country’s development.

Head of Digital Financial Services at NBM plc, William Kaunda, made the suggestion on Thursday when he handed over the fourth Community Based Care Centre (CBCC) called Kapandajuba, which the Bank, in partnership with Yamba Malawi has constructed at Ekwendeni in Mzimba. 

Kaunda said the Bank values the importance of preparing kids while still young, and that is why they invested over K170 million in the construction of the four CBCCs in Mangochi, Lilongwe, and Mzimba. 

“You see, they cannot only be learning things that they memorize but they also need to gain technical skills. So, as young as they are, we need to start giving them things they can screw and unscrew. In doing so, they can take a screwdriver and fix things they find loose at home.”

“They should not wait until they finish form four to go into technical schools and start getting these skills. As a country, let us start at the beginning and this is the beginning from which we need to start,” he said. 

Chief Programs Officer at Yamba Malawi, Carol Kulemeka commended NBM plc for the investment.

“We have a very big problem with early childhood development. Most children learn in shacks which are not even safe for them. These will create a good environment for learning as the kids prepare for standard one and other classes,” she said. 

Goodwill Kalimanjira from Mzimba District Social Welfare also hailed NBM plc for funding the project. 

“Most of the structures are pathetic and this is a commendable thing. We are very grateful and we believe this is the beginning of many good things to come, we know they will come back and construct more based on the needs. To the community, our word of encouragement to the community is to take care of the structure,” he said. 

Sub-Traditional Authority Yohane Jere also asked his subjects to collaborate in taking care of the facility. 

Mzuzu, Malawi – The highly respected man of God, Apostle Dr. Mchellings Nyirongo of Christ Fellowship Church for All Nations (CFCAN), invites you to a life-changing Bible school, with the topic “Wearing the Garments of the Lord”, from December 26 to 31, 2024, at the Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu.

This five-day Bible school promises to be a spiritual awakening experience, with Apostle Nyirongo delving into the scriptures from Luke 24:49 and John 19:23-24. Attendees can expect to receive profound teachings, training, and impartation of the Holy Ghost.

Christ College of the Holy Ghost, in partnership with CFCAN, offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and development. The college’s mission is to teach, train, and learn the Holy Ghost, with the motto “Training, Teaching, and Learning the Holy Ghost for Success and Prosperity in Life.”

According to Apostle Nyirongo, “By the end of this course, everyone will begin walking and living in the Holy Ghost. Trainees shall have the spirit of excellence and shall never fail in life” (Mark 7:37, Daniel 6:3).

Apostle Nyirongo emphasizes that “without the Holy Ghost, men and women of God are just theologians,” and that “Christians without the Holy Ghost will be frustrated and end up blaming God as a failure to His promises.”

He stresses the importance of receiving the Holy Ghost, stating that “the Holy Ghost is the power that all people need to survive and succeed in life.” He illustrates this point by saying, “any good car can’t start or run without a good battery, so is the life of a Christian with the Holy Ghost.”

This training is open to all men and women of God from all churches, and Apostle Nyirongo assures that it will equip participants with all they need to develop and increase their ministries, making them effective and efficient life-changers in their societies and communities.

Apostle Nyirongo notes that with the Holy Ghost and His gifts, many people will be protected from unsuspecting individuals who operate in occults and spirits of anti-Christ, masquerading as holy men and women.

Men and women of God from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and many others have already registered for this life-changing event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Word and receive spiritual empowerment. Join Apostle Dr. Nyirongo and Christ Fellowship Church for All Nations in Mzuzu this December.

To register or learn more about the Bible school and Christ College of the Holy Ghost, interested individuals can call or WhatsApp +265 997 341371. The church is located behind Kawiruwiru House, opposite MACRO in Mzuzu.

Apostle Nyirongo is a highly respected man of God, renowned for his powerful preaching and prophetic ministry. He has been ordained by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel to all mankind, bringing hope, healing, and deliverance to countless lives.

As a seasoned preacher, Apostle Nyirongo has traveled extensively, ministering in various churches, conferences, and crusades. His messages are characterized by their depth, clarity, and anointing, leaving a lasting impact on his audiences.

Through his ministry, Apostle Nyirongo has demonstrated a strong commitment to equipping believers with the Word of God, empowering them to live victorious lives and fulfill their divine purposes. His Bible school in Mzuzu promises to be a life-changing experience, and all are invited to attend.

NBS Bank Plc on Wednesday supplied lunch hour shoppers at SANA Ginnery Corner with early Christmas gifts ranging from t-shirts to K1 million in Trolley Dash prizes.

Last week the ‘Caring Bank’ rolled out an exciting digital activation campaign as part of its festive season initiatives to promote cashless transactions and encourage the use of swipe machines and digital payment platforms.

NBS Bank Marketing and Communication Officer Sharon Jumbe said the ‘Caring Bank’ thought of giving back to customers and potential customers as part of the festive season celebration.

“Today we had a trolley dash as part of our ‘Easy-mber to Remember’ festive campaign. We are encouraging all Malawians to use our POS Machines this month at various retail supermarkets across the three regions and stand a chance to win various prizes.”

“So far, we are satisfied because we have received a lot of participation. Last week we were in Lilongwe where we also had another K1 million Trolley Dash winner.  It is encouraging that people have embraced the campaign and are interested in it,” said Jumbe.

In his remarks, the trolley dash winner Dr Lajab Mkakosya an Associate Professor of Microbiology at KUHeS thanked NBS Bank for executing a good strategy of wowing customers.

“I’m extremely excited, I was coming for normal shopping, I came here to buy water so I am excited that I have won this Trolley Dash. For some of us who have never opened an account with NBS Bank, you have opened our eyes,” said Dr Mkakosya.

In the month-long promotion, Malawians can participate by paying using any card on an NBS Bank POS Machine.

Giant alcoholic beverages producer, Castel Malawi commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday with a vibrant ‘Employee Day’ event held at its head office in Ndirande Makata Industrial Area, Blantyre.

The event highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding ethical practices, marked by the introduction of a revised Code of Conduct centred on four key pillars of ‘Commit, Fight, Respect, and Manage’.

Speaking during the event, Castel Malawi Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director Gloria Zimba, underscored the proactive approach the company has adopted in combating corruption.

“It’s not that corruption levels are rising, but Castel Malawi, like our parent company Castel Group in France, has made a firm commitment to be part of the fight against corruption in all the countries we operate in. You don’t have to wait for corruption to rise within your organization to start addressing it,” she said.

Zimba emphasized the significant role Castel Malawi plays in the country’s economy, being the leading taxpayer.

“Last year, we were the second-largest taxpayer, but now we’re number one. This reflects our substantial revenue turnover and highlights the importance of managing our employees and suppliers effectively to prevent corrupt practices.”

“The revised Code of Conduct extends beyond Castel Malawi employees to include third-party suppliers. When we train people on the code of conduct, we don’t just focus on our employees; we include all third-party suppliers because corruption can stem from either side.”

“To ensure transparency and accountability, the company has established multiple reporting platforms, including Deloitte Anonymous line and the Ethics Committee, allowing stakeholders to report corrupt practices, bribery, and harassment,” said Zimba.

Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Frank Edgar Kapanda SC, a guest speaker at the event, lauded Castel Malawi’s efforts in fostering ethical practices.

“From the activities and structures, I have seen within Castel, it is clear they are on the right path. Fighting corruption is not just the responsibility of public institutions; it is a shared duty among corporations and individuals alike,” said Justice Kapanda.

The event served as a platform to reinforce Castel Malawi’s dedication to ethical business practices and its broader role in promoting integrity within the corporate world and the nation at large.

With its robust measures against corruption, Castel Malawi continues to set a standard of excellence, contributing not only to the nation’s economic development but also to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, according to Zimba.

The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) on Monday hosted Southern Region-based journalists to equip them with the knowledge to educate the public on responsible gambling and its regulations.

The training attracted a total of 40 Journalists from different media houses including Community Radio stations.

Speaking during the opening of the training session, MAGLA Director General Racheal Mijiga emphasized the pivotal role of the media in driving awareness about gambling and its implications.

“The media has a very important role in informing Malawians about what gambling entails, their rights and responsibilities, and the laws governing the industry. Gambling is not a tool to earn a living; it is entertainment,” said Mijiga.

Mijiga urged the media to help dismiss misconceptions, ensuring the public understands gambling as a recreational activity.

“The first responsibility starts with me, as an individual, to understand what is expected when it comes to gambling, the benefits and the ills. The media’s role is to sensitize and drive awareness, highlighting that gambling should be approached as entertainment after meeting other financial obligations.”

“The Authority has made strides in raising awareness. This year, we have intensified our efforts through mass door-to-door campaigns conducted monthly, and outreach programs at trading centres. These initiatives aim to educate people on what gambling is truly about,” explained Mijiga.

Emmanuel Chibwana, Secretary General for the Southern Region Press Club, underscored the importance of journalists being well-informed about gambling and its regulations.

“Journalists need to understand how gambling operates and the regulations involved for them to report responsibly. As you know, MAGLA is promoting responsible gambling, so as journalists, we need to know what responsible gambling is all about.”

“If a journalist knows and has the information, it will be very easy for him or her to inform others. But for somebody who has no information, it becomes challenging to educate others,” said Chibwana.

The training concluded with a call to action for journalists to champion responsible gambling through their platforms, ensuring the message reaches all corners of Malawi.

MAGLA reiterated its commitment to working closely with the media to uphold its mandate of regulating the industry while protecting citizens.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has invested K170 million towards early childhood development in the country through construction of four modern Community Based Childcare Centres (CBCC). 

The centres have been constructed in Mangochi, Lilongwe, and Mzimba in partnership with Yamba Malawi.

Speaking after handing over the first centre in the area of Traditional Authority Ntonda in Mangochi on Monday, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the Bank is committed to investing in early childhood development to help prepare the young ones for the bigger stage of their education journey.

“As the ‘Bank of the Nation’, we recognise that the first 1000 days of child development are vital in shaping them to be intelligent in their education. Through our corporate social responsibility, we will ensure to invest more in children,” said Hiwa

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Nertha Semphere Mgala, who was the guest of honour at the event commended NBM plc and Yamba Malawi for working with the government to develop education in the country.

“As Government, we can’t reach all the CBCCs including the caregivers in these centres, we therefore need a hand and the gesture by Yamba Malawi through the support from National Bank plc needs to be commended. Together we can help these kids grow into great minds,” she said.

Yamba Malawi Executive Director, Gertrude Kabwazi also hailed their partnership with NBM plc.

“With these centres, we are developing the mental capacity of these kids. You may agree with me that children that started with early education think and behave different from others who did not,” she added.

T/A Ntonda said apart from its core objective to help the children, the centres have also changed the facelift of his area.

“These centres will help encourage the kids to go to school. With these new blocks, my area looks different,” he said. 

Apart from the CBCC blocks, the facilities have kitchens, toilets, and the necessary chairs and tables suitable for the kids. 

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has almost doubled this year’s ‘12 Days of Christmas initiative’ package to K130 million from K70 million last year.

This will be the fourth consecutive year the ‘Bank of the Nation’ has been running this initiative which involves its 11 selected service centres across the country donating various food and non-food items to their preferred beneficiaries.

This year’s initiative started on Monday (December 9) and will run for the next 12 days, each of the selected 11 service centres will contribute K10 million, with a final donation of K20 million at the campaign’s conclusion.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the initiative reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

“Through this campaign, the Bank extends support to institutions and individuals in need, fostering goodwill and community spirit during the festive season. This also allows the Bank to make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate, enhance brand reputation, and reaffirm its dedication to corporate social responsibility.”

“Equally important is the fact that this initiative fosters linkages between service centres and their operating communities,” she said.

The selected service centres this year include Victoria Avenue which will make a donation at Maoni Orphanage in Lunzu.

Mangochi, Mchinji, and Mzimba Service centres will donate school materials at Mangochi Secondary School, Ludzi Secondary School and Kazomba CDSS respectively, while in Lilongwe, Capital City Centre will aid Chisamba LEA in Kawale Township.

Chitipa Service Centre has also opted for an education facility and will donate to Chitipa Model School.

Salima, Mponela, Chichiri, SouthEnd, and Customs Service centres have chosen health facilities and will donate to MAFCO Hospital, Mponela Rural Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Bwaila Hospital, and St Joseph Hospital in Nguludi respectively.

Lilongwe Service centre will donate office materials to Dedza District Council.

Peter Lumbe and Diana Kambale had a grand day on Saturday as they were crowned the overall champions in the 2024 NBS Bank Winner-of-Winners Golf Tournament in the men and women categories respectively.

The tournament, held at Limbe Country Club in Blantyre, attracted 111 golfers and showcased a blend of skill, endurance, and camaraderie.

Playing off a handicap of +3, Lumbe clinched the men’s title with a net 69 points, while Kambale posted an impressive net 68 points to lead the women’s division.

Both golfers were celebrated for their outstanding performances during the event, which also served as the finale for the NBS Bank plc Monthly Mug series and the inaugural Limbe Country Club Champions League Matchplay.

In the men’s category for the December NBS Bank Monthly Mug, Safwaan Jakhura emerged victorious with a net 64 points.

He was closely followed by NBS Bank plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kwanele Ngwenya, who was declared runner-up after counting out Ganizani Lusho.

In the women’s Monthly Mug, Mercy Kamanga reigned supreme with a net 66 points, while Diana Kambale took the runner-up position with her net 68 points.

Bose Kamphulusa rounded out the top three with a net 69 points.

The 38-golfer Limbe Country Club Champions League saw Muhammad Ali Mussa lifting the trophy after beating his runner-up Folindo Rodrick by five points.

In his speech, Ngwenya was glad with the play while committing the Bank’s dedication to supporting the golfing community.

“The Bank is proud to sponsor Country Club Limbe as part of our appreciation for the public’s support. I would like also to thank all our customers and all that are going to be our customers for being with the Bank and believing in us. And I would like to thank all Golfers for being with the bank throughout the journey,” said Ngwenya.

NBS Bank plc Chief Operating Officer Shadrick Chikusilo also expressed satisfaction with the success of the tournament.

“NBS plc is a ‘Caring Bank’, and that’s not mere rhetoric. We demonstrate this through actions. As you know, we also sponsor football and netball. We believe in giving back to our customers by giving them a good environment and, a good round of golf,” said Chikusilo.

On his part, Lumbe said he was excited that he achieved a personal milestone, completing the 18-hole competition without a single bogey.

“I enjoyed my swing today. For the first time, I didn’t register any bogey on my card but pars and six birdies. This is a historic feat for me, and I thank NBS Bank plc for the wonderful experience,” said Lumbe.

The tournament also recognized other exceptional performances. In the Senior category, Chripin Ng’oma posted a net 81 to claim the top spot and in the Beginners category Mwayi Pahuwa led with a net 116.

The NBS Bank plc Winner of Winners Golf Tournament was more than just a competition, it was a showcase of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship that accumulated over the year, according to Chikusilo.