There was drama in the course of the compensation listening to of former Press Corporation Limited (PCL) executives when PCL Chief Finance Officer Moureen Mbeye publicly criticized her boss, Chief Executive Officer Ronald Mangani, for his feedback on the case.

The listening to, presided over by Industrial Relations Court (IRC) Deputy Chairperson Tamanda Nyimba, includes three former PCL executives: George Partridge (Group Chief Executive Officer), Benard Ndau (Group Administrative Executive and Company Secretary), and Elizabeth Mafeni (Group Financial Controller). The trio is searching for compensation for what they argue was their illegal dismissal.

During cross-examination by lawyer John Suzi-Banda, representing the previous executives, Mbeye distanced PCL from a press assertion issued by the Minority Shareholders of Listed Companies Ltd (MISALICO). The assertion, which criticized the IRC’s judgment and urged PCL to enchantment, alleged that the executives have been consulted throughout a useful evaluate that led to their dismissal—an assertion opposite to the courtroom’s ruling.

Mbeye categorically denied any collusion between MISALICO and PCL, asserting that the knowledge within the assertion was incorrect. She additionally admitted that it was improper for MISALICO to touch upon an ongoing courtroom matter.

“There was no collusion between MISALICO and PCL, and the facts presented were wrong. It was also not proper for our CEO, Dr. Mangani, to comment on an ongoing court case,” she stated.

The listening to additionally spotlighted governance issues involving Mbeye’s position as a board member of National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, a key PCL subsidiary. Suzi-Banda questioned the propriety of Mbeye making use of for the Chief Finance Officer place at NBM plc whereas serving on its board.

Mbeye defined that she resigned from the board earlier than making use of for the place however returned to her position after failing to safe the job, which was awarded to an inner candidate, Daniel Jere. She now sits on NBM plc’s Finance and Audit Committee, which supervises Jere—a state of affairs Suzi-Banda instructed was a battle of curiosity.

However, Mbeye maintained that she was not conflicted, stating, “I do not see how my position breaches rules of good governance.”

Further drama unfolded when Mbeye was questioned about her relationship with Press Trust Executive Secretary Gibson Ngalamila and PCL Chief Operating Officer Dr. Lyton Chithambo, each of whom have been her college classmates. Press Trust, a majority shareholder in PCL, appoints 4 of the six non-executive administrators on the PCL Board.

The courtroom heard allegations that Ngalamila had posted of their class WhatsApp group about impending management modifications at PCL earlier than the useful evaluate started. This evaluate finally led to the dismissal of the three executives, whereas Mbeye and Chithambo retained their positions.

Mbeye denied the WhatsApp allegations, claiming it was “sheer coincidence” that solely Ngalamila’s classmates have been unaffected by the retrenchments.

The three former executives are demanding a considerable K34 billion in compensation. The courtroom is predicted to ship its judgment on the matter at a later date.

The listening to has not solely highlighted governance and operational issues inside PCL however has additionally raised questions on transparency and accountability within the firm’s decision-making processes.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!