Ex-MYPs give govt 5-day ultimatum
Former members of the disbanded Malawi Young Pioneers (MYP) have given government five days to give them their dues or face unspecified action they have described as ‘Plan B’.
The ex-members of the MYP, initially an institution that imparted agriculture, carpentry, motor vehicle mechanics and other skills but later turned into a paramilitary wing of the then sole political party—the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), held a peaceful march from Area 18 Roundabout to Lilongwe Civic Offices at the City Centre, seeking the intervention of President Peter Mutharika.
The ex-MYPs, whose organisation was disarmed by Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in an operation code-named Operation Bwezani in 1993, are demanding terminal benefits, arguing that their patience has run out.
Reading the petition addressed to the President and presented to Lilongwe City Council acting director of administration Stallishi Mwambiwa, leader of the group, Franco Chilemba, said their grievances have been overdue and they have exhausted all the efforts to come to an understanding.
He said: “We would like to bring to the attention of the President the outstanding issue of compensation, gratuity and arrears, including compensation for personal property which was looted, vandalised and lost during Operation Bwezani.”
Chilemba said they want K1.6 billion from government to be paid to 2 765 ex-MYPs who were State employees and were forcibly retired. He said they are seeking K500 000 each as compensation.
Secretary to the Treasury Ben Botolo was quoted on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) as stating that the demonstration was ill-timed because government is finalising the verification of the members this coming Friday. n
