Over 110 agriculture loan officers at the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) have protested the termination of their employment, describing the process as unfair and lacking consultation.
In a letter to Neef human resource management and development manager Dalitso Mombera dated November 8 2025, the employees expressed concern over notices indicating that their employment will be terminated on December 5.
According to the employees, they were neither consulted nor given opportunity to discuss reasons for the termination as required under fair labour practice.
They further said the termination letters lack information regarding terminal benefits or compensation beyond the notice period.
Reads part of the letter: “Given the current economic hardships and the family responsibilities we all bear, this lack of clarity is causing significant anxiety and trauma.”
The employees have demanded Neef to suspend the termination and allow for a consultative process or provide details for compensation package in line with employment laws.
A termination letter seen by Weekend Nation indicates that the decision is not a reflection of individual performance, but rather a strategic adjustment to align with evolving institutional needs.
In an interview on Thursday, leader of the fired employees Gift Backen acknowledged that some of the employees were on probation after being hired in July, but argued that their letters did not cite performance as a factor.
Said Backen: “The organisation has fired a lot of workers, including interns, assistant loan officers, monitoring and evaluation officers, loan col lection off icers and disbursement officers.”
However, Neef public relations officer Dan Chakhaza said the government-owned institution is conducting a demand-driven staffing review following a slowdown in loan disbursements.
He further said the exercise has only affected interns and individuals serving in temporary positions.
Said Chakhaza: “As operations pick up, Neef may consider re-engaging personnel, where necessary.”
Following President Peter Mutharika’s win in the September 16 2025 General Election, government closed Neef on September 30 and suspended chief executive officer Humphrey Mdyetseni before reopening the institution on October 29 under acting CEO Precious Mtotha.
Meanwhile, National Action Platform chairperson Benedicto Kondowe has urged Neef to conduct a consultative process guided by the law and insulated from political influence.
Said Kondowe: “Restructuring should strengthen institutions, not undermine them and must prioritise continuity, professionalism and public trust.”
Recently, private-practice lawyer Shepher Mumba also cautioned that poorly-handled terminations could amount to unfair labour practices, potentially exposing the government to compensation claims
