Zimpapers Logo

Joyce Banda

BLANTYRE – Failure to take lawful instructions from authorities has landed Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Director General, Benson Tembo in trouble as President Joyce Banda has ordered him to go on forced leave.
Tembo received his letter today after he allegedly refused to send a television crew to cover President Banda’s press conference yesterday morning on grounds that MBCtv was short of cameras as most of them were deployed to cover the elections.

The letter titled ‘Forced Leave’ reads in part: “I am directed by government that you should proceed on leave with immediate effect until further notice for failure to take lawful instructions from authorities.”

It was signed by MBC Board Chairperson, Evans Namanja.

It is not known what action Tembo will take but workers at the public broadcaster reportedly went on strike demanding that the decision to send the Director General on forced leave be rescinded immediately.

Unconfirmed reports indicate the results were too close to call with Peter Mutharika of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leading, while Malawi Congress Party (MCP) presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera was trailing behind. President Banda is reportedly in third position, and Atupele Austin Muluzi of United Democratic Front (UDF) in fourth postion.

Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) is expected to officially announce the results of the May 20 tripartite elections Wednesday next week. – malawi24.com/HR