By Burnett Munthali
In a bold call to action, Frank Sabola, the President of the Institute of People Management Malawi (IPMM), has emphasized the importance of organisations adhering to the country’s labour laws. He underscored that human resources—often described as “the backbone of every organisation”—must be treated with the utmost care and respect, not just as a legal obligation, but as an essential driver of organisational success.
Sabola’s remarks were made during a cocktail event hosted in Blantyre, where the IPMM took the opportunity to thank various organisations for their contributions to the success of the 2024 IPMM Annual Conference. The event, attended by members of the human resources and people management communities, also included key stakeholders involved in the development and execution of workplace policies and practices across Malawi.
“As an institute, we are here to assist organisations by training them to operate under principles that safeguard their workforce,” Sabola said, reinforcing IPMM’s commitment to promoting ethical and legally sound HR practices. He elaborated on the role of the IPMM in shaping the future of people management in Malawi, stressing that training and awareness were critical to ensuring that human resources are well-managed and treated fairly.
A key focus of Sabola’s address was the importance of aligning organisational operations with the existing labour laws. He acknowledged that the corporate sector plays a pivotal role in the economy but insisted that success should not come at the expense of workers’ rights. By complying with labour laws, organisations not only protect their employees but also build a sustainable foundation for growth and success.
Supporting the stance taken by the Ministry of Labour, Sabola voiced strong backing for the government’s initiative to shut down businesses that fail to comply with labour regulations. He argued that this step was necessary to reinforce the principle that organisations must uphold their legal and ethical obligations to workers, ensuring that workers’ rights are not only recognised but also respected and protected. The initiative, he said, is a move in the right direction for ensuring a fair and just work environment for all Malawians.
The cocktail event provided a platform for discussion and networking among professionals who are shaping the future of human resources in Malawi. The diverse group of attendees included human resources managers, legal experts, business leaders, and other professionals invested in improving workplace conditions and promoting compliance with labour laws.
By fostering dialogue on these critical issues, the event reinforced the need for collective action in creating workplaces where the well-being and rights of employees are prioritised. Moreover, it served as a reminder of the importance of continuous education and training in human resources practices, particularly as Malawi’s economy continues to evolve and as international standards in labour law are increasingly enforced within the country.
In conclusion, Sabola’s remarks reflect a growing recognition within Malawi’s corporate sector of the need to safeguard human resources through compliance with labour laws. His support for the Ministry of Labour’s initiatives signals a commitment to ethical business practices and the protection of workers’ rights. As the IPMM continues its advocacy, it remains focused on fostering a culture of fairness, accountability, and respect within Malawi’s workplaces, ensuring that human resources are nurtured and supported in ways that benefit both workers and organisations alike.
