National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) has called on its Southern chapter to uphold the constitution by not reversing decisions made at the annual general meeting (AGM).
During the AGM in November, Ntam amended its constitution by extending members’ term of office from three years to five years. However, the Southern chapter has vowed to stick to the old rule.
In an interview, Ntam national publicity secretary Isaac Banda said it is illegal for the chapter to rescind the decision made at national level.
“They should have brought the issue to the attention of the national executive so that we [the Executive] should call for an assembly to discuss the matter. Otherwise, their decision does not stand because issues agreed at national level cannot be reversed at regional level,” argued Banda.
The publicist said the chapter should have known how to channel their concerns because their decision will bring confusion to the association.
“This might even delay further the registration of our constitution because the constitution states one thing while we practise the other,” added Banda.
In a separate interview, Ntam Southern chapter president Lyson Namalomba admitted to have reversed the national decision, arguing that the chapter was in majority.
“We [Southern chapter] are in majority when compared with Central and Northern regions. Moreover, the AGM was not properly represented as there were no board members. And, the national executive did not consult extensively on the need to amend the constitution. So, we are justified to reverse such a decision,” argued Namalomba.
He further said Ntam should call for a referendum if some individuals are not comfortable with their decision.
