God is Good

Students and Industrial Strikes

Last week I attended a recruitment seminar in Blantyre for prospective journalism graduates from the Polytechnic, a constituent college of the University of Malawi. I may not have been a pivotal force in the education of the students, but at least I enjoyed teaching them an english literature course while they were freshmen. Of course they have since developed in mentality, outlook and pysche. I have high expectations of this class, and the one that came after them (now 3rd year). I believe fine journalists, writers and academics will emerge from these two classes! My prayer is that the graduating class will aim high..always!

Switching to another theme, I have been fascinated by the recent spate of industrial action in Malawi. The Labour Minister Yunus Mussa has been making 'surprise' visits to companies and factories and I have seen him on TV making statements on how a particular organisation is faring on conditions of service. He has also mediated in some industrial disputes of late. I appreciate that the minister has exposed alot of rot in many companies and as a result there is hope for improvement.
My worry though is that the process will be hijacked by greedy individuals who will start instigating strikes for no clear reason, while basking in the comfort that minister Yunus Mussa will likely rush to the concerned entity and intervene. I see a busy few months for Mussa!
PS: I'm glad to learn that Gabriel Kondesi, the radio pirate I alluded to in my previous post has not been jailed and that the authorities have promised to set up a proper community radio station in his area which Gabriel will head! Way to go Malawians!! I also appreciate those that have made various donations to Kondesi including a scholarship to study locally.

posted by Joe Mlenga @ 1:30 pm