By Jones Gadama
Press Corporation Limited (PCL) has filed an appeal against a recent Industrial Relations Court (IRC) ruling that ordered the conglomerate to pay approximately K14.1 billion to three former senior executives who were unfairly dismissed.
The executives, Elizabeth Mafeni, George Partridge, and Benard Ndau, were awarded K8 billion, K4 billion, and K3 billion, respectively, after the court ruled in their favor.
The dispute dates back to 2021 when PCL implemented a functional review that recommended reducing staff to promote operational and cost efficiency. As a result, Partridge, who served as Chief Executive Officer, Mafeni, Group Financial Controller, and Ndau, Company Secretary, were among those terminated.
However, the IRC found that the dismissals were procedurally and substantively unfair, citing inconsistencies in PCL’s justification for the terminations.
In its ruling delivered on April 25, 2025, the IRC faulted PCL for mishandling its functional review process and unfairly dismissing the executives.
The court noted that PCL’s board had approved salary increases for the executives just months before terminating their employment, which contradicted the company’s claim that their high salaries were a factor in the decision to let them go.
PCL disagrees with the court’s decision, particularly the ruling that faulted PCL on the implementation of its functional review and the awarding of K14.1 billion to the former executives.
The company argues that the court’s decision was unfounded and that PCL followed due process in terminating the executives.
The IRC’s ruling has significant implications for labor relations in Malawi, highlighting the importance of following due process in terminating employees.
The case also underscores the need for companies to ensure that their actions are fair and justified, particularly when it comes to senior executives.
John Suzi Banda, lawyer for the former executives, emphasized that compensation is secondary to the vindication of his clients. “But for my clients, the compensation is secondary.
What is important is that they have been vindicated as they felt were unfairly treated by their employer,” Banda said.
The appeal filed by PCL will likely draw out the dispute for months, potentially setting new precedents for labor disputes in Malawi.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the appeal court will uphold the IRC’s ruling or rule in favor of PCL. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for labor relations in the country.
As the story develops, it will be crucial to examine the arguments presented by both sides and the potential impact on Malawi’s labor landscape.
For now, the former executives can take solace in the fact that the court has ruled in their favor, validating their claims of unfair dismissal.
