Queens’ perks pledge remains unfulfilled
The 2013 Africa Netball Championship hosts Malawi Queens remain the least paid at K20 000 for a win despite Youth and Sports Minister Enoch Chihana promising a raise on November 15 2012 at Sunbird Capital.
When hosting the Queens on their arrival from Fast5 Top Six Netball Series, Chihana directed that from that time, the Queens be at par with the Flames’ K30 000 game bonus for a win.
“This is in acknowledgement of the achievement you have done for the nation. There should never be discrimination between you and the Flames in benefits and any other area,” Chihana is quoted as telling the Queens.
The Flames are pushing for a raise. During the week, several Queens players complained that they are still getting K20 000. Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) president Rosy Chinunda on Tuesday confirmed that the Queens are still getting the old bonuses.
The minister’s directive was supposed to be a policy matter.
“They still get K20 000 for a win in a competition such as this one. We have reminded government on their pledge. In any case, the tournament is taking place in Blantyre, where is the private sector? Where are the pledges? Women are big consumers and we deserve support from these companies that produce cosmetics, textiles and hair products,” said Chinunda. Director of Sports Justin Saidi on Tuesday insisted that the minister’s directive was effected the very day it was made, but he could not explain why the Queens are still receiving K20 000. Queens coach Griffin Saenda confirmed that his charges are yet to get the raise and that they had left the matter in the hands of akuluakuluwo [the bosses].
