Zomba City Council staff strike to demand transfer of CEO Thombozi
Workers at Zomba City Council on Monday started a sit-in strike forcing authorities to address their concerns and immediate removal of their Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Thombozi accusing him of incompetence.
Striking staff blocked the main entrance of civic offices.-Photo by Synd Kalimbuka, Nyasa Times
Essential services such as city clinic, collection of wastes and collection of revenue have been affected.
The striking staffclosed the main entrance to the civic offices near the gates of Zomba State House with tree branches while others used fire brigade vehicle chanting song of a chief achoke.
According to Workers Union President for the city Patrick Manyalo, members of staff are boycotting work because of number of issues including demanding transfer of Thombozi.
Manyalo said Thombozi has been failing to address several issues workers complained before including increment and pension arrears.
He added that the CEO most of the times does not report for work despite having a lot of benefits.
“Members of staff are tired of his misconduct especially he rarely reports for duties where other things at the council are not properly managed”, said Manyalo.
The angry staff members also demanding risk allowances due to Covid-19 pandemic and Personal Protective Equipments on Coronavirus issues.
Manyalo earlier told Nyasa Times that the striking staff started engaging authorities on some of the issues but non of them have been addressed.
“We met management in March and April this year reminding on the same and we warned them that if fails we will hold the sit in from 4th May but did not respond,” he added.
Meanwhile, Zomba City Council spokesperson Mercy Chaluma said the council received the letter in which they indicated to hold a si- in but the staff proceeded with it before a response.
Chaluma further said authorities will meet the striking staff Tuesday to discuss on the matter.
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thombozis the mpinganjila family.
whatelse can we expect. kumangotsonezana mmaudindo osagwilapo ncito.
DEAR LORD THE ALMIGHTY,HOW LONG ARE GOING TO LEAVE US IN SUSPENCE!!!!!!!
Nankhumwa summarily refused to renew the contract of my friend and decided to bring his useless homeboy. Now he is in a fix. Easy come, easy go.
All these strikes?? Mr president after elections let whosoever strike, eat those strikes. We can’t go anywhere as a country like this. Surely.
koma nde thasifa cikuwaphulikile ena .
plesdent akudikila PAC kuti akaletsetse
I know that many people will dismiss this, but this is a Lomwe and Yao alliance that depends on the fecundity of these tribes, that is why you have seen girls as you as 13 being told to go and register. This is pure evil.
Not Nyau and Bibida Coalition