Malawi: 27 Fired MBC Reporters Demand K688.5m Payout After Shock Dismissals
[Nyasa Times] Twenty-seven district reporters fired by the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) have stormed the Industrial Relations Court in Zomba, demanding a staggering K688.5 million in damages and compensation -- arguing that reinstatement is no longer practical after what they call unfair dismissal and unsafe labour practices.
Twenty-seven district reporters of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) stormed the Industrial Relations Court in Zomba, demanding a significant K688.5 million payout following their abrupt dismissals. The journalists argue it is no longer feasible to reinstate them due to unfair dismissal and unsafe labor practices.
According to court documents, the reporters were given three-year contracts starting April 1, 2025, with performance evaluations each year. However, on May 28, MBC sent termination letters, claiming the reporters were hired specifically to cover the 2025 General Elections held on September 16. The journalists, represented by lawyer Dominic Makawa, maintain that their contracts did not allow for early termination solely because the elections were concluded.
Each of the reporters earned K250,000 monthly and had 22 months left on their contracts. They claim they are entitled to K148.5 million in outstanding salaries plus K540 million in damages for unfair and unsafe labor practices, totaling K688.5 million.
The dispute extends beyond the initial group, as another 16 journalists, hired between October and September 2025, were fired in July. One of them mentioned receiving termination letters on July 24, citing unsatisfactory performance during probation. When asked about MBC's stance, spokesperson Chisomo Mwamadi declined to comment, stating that the corporation was grieving the passing of Director General Brian Banda, who was buried on Monday.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
