By Suleman Chitera
A passionate call for urgent action has been addressed to President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, urging his direct intervention in resolving the prolonged delay in pensioners’ gratuity payments.
In a letter dated August 1, Civil Rights Activist Mike Arnold Mbalale highlighted the dire situation facing many of Malawi’s retired public servants, some of whom have waited over three years for their benefits. The Pensioners Association of Malawi has since issued a one-month ultimatum to the government, threatening to stage vigils starting August 30 if their demands remain unmet.
Mbalale appealed to President Chakwera’s reputation as a listening leader, stating, “With elections just around the corner in September, it would be prudent to resolve this issue before it becomes a campaign matter. The works of your hands, particularly in addressing the plight of these pensioners, will speak louder than any campaign promise.”
He emphasized the severe toll delayed payments have on pensioners’ health and livelihood, noting that stress-related illnesses such as strokes are a real danger for the elderly. Furthermore, Malawi’s ongoing currency depreciation continues to erode the real value of unpaid gratuities.
While acknowledging the government’s forward-looking initiative to seed MK500,000 into bank accounts for newborns, Mbalale stressed the importance of balancing future plans with current obligations. “These pensioners, who have given their all to the country, deserve appreciation and support in their time of need. Is this how we repay their service—by neglecting their welfare and leaving them to struggle?” he questioned.
He cited individual cases, including that of Jonathan Chinkhuntha, who retired in November 2024 but has yet to receive his benefits, and Thokozire Kamwachale, a widow who retired in December 2024, who shared frustrations over the bureaucratic delays and unequal treatment among retirees.
Mbalale concluded his letter with a firm but respectful plea: “Your leadership in ensuring the timely payment of gratuities and pension benefits would not only alleviate the suffering of these senior citizens but also demonstrate your government’s commitment to honoring the service and sacrifices of its public servants.”
As the country approaches the next election, all eyes will be on how the administration responds to this urgent plea from one of the country’s civil society voices.
