The High Court in Blantyre has ordered Press Corporation Limited (PCL) to pay three of its former top executives 75 percent of the MK14.1 billion compensation earlier awarded to them by the Industrial Relations Court (IRC) for unfair dismissal.
The court ruling, delivered by Judge Jack N’riva, directs the conglomerate to immediately pay MK10.5 billion to the former executives — George Partridge, Elizabeth Mafeni, and Bernard Ndau — who were removed from their positions in 2021.
Partridge was the Chief Executive Officer of PCL, Mafeni served as Group Financial Controller, while Ndau was the Company Secretary. Their dismissal came after a major restructuring exercise carried out by the company.
In its initial judgment, the IRC found that the executives were unfairly dismissed and ordered PCL to pay them MK14.1 billion in compensation. The court later granted a stay of execution of the judgment pending appeal, but on the condition that PCL pay 70 percent of the amount upfront.
PCL contested the payment condition, arguing that it should be allowed to appeal without making any partial payment. However, Judge N’riva not only upheld the payment requirement but also increased the percentage from 70 to 75 percent.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, lawyer John Suzi Banda, who represented the former executives, welcomed the decision, describing it as a clear affirmation of workers’ rights in Malawi’s corporate sector.
“This judgment sends a strong message that employers must act within the law and that employees, no matter their level, deserve fair treatment,” he said.
The case has drawn public attention due to the large sums involved and the high-profile nature of the individuals and company. PCL is one of Malawi’s biggest conglomerates, with investments across multiple sectors including banking, telecommunications, energy, and hospitality.
Legal analysts say the ruling could have wider implications for future corporate disputes in Malawi, particularly regarding the enforcement of compensation awards in unfair dismissal cases. They also note that the increased percentage for partial payment before an appeal could become a reference point in similar cases.
The PCL board has not yet issued a formal statement on the High Court ruling, but sources indicate that the company still intends to pursue its appeal against the original IRC judgment.
For now, the order means Partridge, Mafeni, and Ndau are set to receive MK10.5 billion, a substantial portion of the compensation granted to them, while the legal battle over the remaining amount continues.
