Court rules MACRA unlawfully dismissed former director general Daud Suleman

The Industrial Relations Court has ruled that the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) unlawfully dismissed its former director general, Daud Suleman, finding that the regulator failed to follow proper employment procedures before removing him from office.

The court found that MACRA officials did not afford Suleman a fair disciplinary hearing, denying him the opportunity to respond to the allegations against him before his dismissal, in breach of basic employment law.

Under Malawi’s employment regulations, employers are required to hold a fair disciplinary hearing and give staff the opportunity to present their side of events before any decision to terminate employment is made.

Confirming the ruling, Suleman said the court’s decision vindicated his long-running legal battle against his former employer.

Suleman was appointed to lead MACRA, the government body responsible for regulating Malawi’s telecommunications, broadcasting and postal sectors.

His sudden termination from the post sparked considerable public and political interest, with speculation at the time over the circumstances surrounding his removal.

Suleman subsequently took his case to the Industrial Relations Court, arguing that his dismissal was procedurally flawed and violated his statutory labour rights.

Following the court’s ruling that the dismissal was unlawful, MACRA now faces the prospect of being ordered to pay compensation and damages for unfair dismissal, with the full financial implications of the judgment expected to be determined in due course.