By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Labour Vitumbiko Mumba has taken decisive action by ordering the temporary closure of Topmax Malata, a company in Lilongwe, due to degrading working conditions for its employees. This move comes as part of the Minister’s intensified efforts to ensure compliance with labor laws and safeguard workers’ rights.
During an inspection of the premises, Mumba found that Topmax Malata subjected its workers to prolonged periods of temporary employment, with no pathway to permanent contracts, while offering wages well below acceptable standards. The facility lacked basic sanitary facilities, such as toilets, forcing employees to endure unsanitary and dehumanizing conditions. Disturbingly, workers revealed that they prepare their meals near a dump site, raising significant health and safety concerns.
The Minister expressed strong disapproval of the conditions, describing them as a gross violation of labor laws and human dignity. “No worker deserves to endure such inhumane treatment in the course of earning a living. It is unacceptable, and this government will not tolerate such practices,” Mumba stated.
Topmax Malata is the second factory in Lilongwe to be shut down today as part of the Ministry’s crackdown on labor violations. Earlier in the day, Mumba also ordered the closure of CP Feeds factory in Kanengo, citing similar concerns over poor working conditions.
These closures are part of a broader government effort to address systemic labor abuses and hold employers accountable for ensuring safe, fair, and dignified working environments. The Ministry of Labour has emphasized that companies must comply with labor regulations or face severe consequences, including fines and potential legal action.
The affected workers at Topmax Malata and CP Feeds have been assured of government support during the closure period, with the Ministry pledging to facilitate resolution measures that protect their rights and livelihoods.
Mumba’s actions have been lauded by labor unions and workers’ rights advocates, who see them as a much-needed step in tackling exploitation in Malawi’s labor market. However, business owners have been urged to proactively address compliance issues to avoid similar consequences.
As the crackdown continues, the Ministry has vowed to intensify inspections and take swift action against companies that flout labor laws, signaling a strong message to employers that workers’ welfare cannot be compromised.
