MCTU elects new executive

Affiliates on Sunday booted out almost an entire Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) executive during elections at the labour body’s congress in Blantyre and ushered in new leaders.

Casualties included MCTU secretary general (SG) Robert Mkwezalamba and his president Luther Mambala who served a four-year term each.

Affiliate members from the civil service have filled up the positions with Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) president Chauluka Muwake replacing Mambala after scooping 78 votes against Mambala’s 60.

Civil Servants Trade Union (CSTU) secretary general Pontius Kalichero surprised Mkwezalamba when, with the backing of TUM members and other affiliates, he got 71 votes against Mkwezalamba’s 62 to become SG.

Grace Nyirenda was the only executive member who retained her seat unopposed as deputy SG.

Treasurer general Prince Mdolo served his two terms and did not contest, leaving the position to four contestants. The position went to Mary Dzinyemba, who won after a recast of votes, having failed to muster a 50 plus 1 victory in the first round.

Ronald Mbewe was elected vice-president after beating John Mwafulirwa, Shakespeare Sesani and Maria Ndhlozi.

Controversy

The elections, however, were not without controversy after Labour Minister Eunice Makangala, who opened the congress earlier on Friday, was accused of trying to influence the elections by inviting Muwake to Sunbird Mount Soche, about a kilometre away from Malawi Sun Hotel, venue of the elections.

Muwake claimed in an interview before his victory that Makangala pleaded with him to withdraw to let Mambala go unopposed.

Alleged Muwake: “But I told her it was not possible because I was [chosen] by TUM members to contest. I asked her to address them if she wanted, but she declined.”

Protest

At the venue, TUM members stormed out of the conference room in protest upon realising that their candidate was missing. The situation was calmed down after Muwake showed up and assured his supporters that he would contest.

But Makangala in an interview on Monday said she did not ask Muwake to withdraw, claiming she invited both Muwake and TUM SG Denis Kalekeni to enquire how they were viewing the elections.

Makangala said: “I did not invite them in my capacity as a minister, but as a unionist. I reasoned with them to put people in the position that will carry the organisation forward than weakening it.

“I reasoned with them that if the current team is strong, retain it, if it is not, you replace it. I would not have campaigned for Mr Mambala on a day of elections. If it were campaigning, I would not even have gone to the leaders, but voters.”