Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Malawi Voice
Published on 2024-03-15 19:29:37
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) recently made headlines by firing UTM senior member Chidanti Malunga from his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Tobacco Commission (TC). This decision came after a heated exchange of words between the MCP and UTM, two key alliance partners in the Tonse administration.
Dr. Godfrey Chapola, the Board Chairperson of TC, officially confirmed Malunga’s dismissal following a closed-door board meeting held in Lilongwe. The board unanimously agreed not to renew Malunga’s contract, which had expired on February 1, 2024. However, they stated that Malunga is welcome to re-apply for the position once it is advertised in the future.
In the meantime, Dr. Chapola disclosed that Malunga has been placed on forced leave with full pay and benefits until the end of the extension period granted by the government in the absence of a board. Additionally, TC’s Director of Finance, Andrew Mfune, has also been asked to leave following an audit query that uncovered irregularities within the Commission. Mfune has been given time to respond to the issues raised before any further actions are taken.
The decision to remove Malunga from his role as CEO has sparked controversy and raised questions about the stability of the Tonse administration. The verbal conflict between MCP and UTM has only added fuel to the fire, leading to speculation about the future of the alliance between the two parties.
The board’s move to address the issues within TC and hold key individuals accountable for any wrongdoing demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability. By allowing Malunga to re-apply for his position, the board is giving him the opportunity to redeem himself and prove his worth to the Commission.
Despite the upheaval caused by Malunga’s dismissal, the Tobacco Commission remains operational and committed to fulfilling its mandate. The board’s actions, while controversial, are reflective of their dedication to upholding the integrity and reputation of the Commission.
As the saga unfolds, all eyes will be on the Tobacco Commission to see how they navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger and more resilient. The future of the TC, and indeed the Tonse administration as a whole, may hinge on how they handle this latest development and the fallout from Malunga’s firing.
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