Some employees of Mphunzitsi Sacco in Thyolo have entered day three of a strike, demanding that the institution’s board address concerns over poor working conditions, maladministration, and alleged corruption involving their Chief Executive Officer, James Tembo.

Speaking to Zodiak Online, employees’ representative Collins Nanlala said the workers feel betrayed by management’s decision to summon 20 staff members to a disciplinary hearing instead of responding to their grievances.

“We expected management to open dialogue and address the issues we raised, not to threaten us with disciplinary action,” said Nanlala. “This move is clearly meant to intimidate workers who are only demanding fairness and accountability.”

According to a formal notice signed by CEO Tembo, the disciplinary hearing for the striking employees is scheduled for October 27, 2025. The notice indicates that the affected staff took part in a work stoppage that led to the closure of SACCO premises starting October 14.

Confirming the development, Mphunzitsi SACCO board chairperson, Flora Seyama, said the workers are being summoned because they violated procedures set under the Labour Relations Act and the institution’s Personnel Policy.

“The employees failed to provide a seven-day strike notice, did not obtain authorization from the District Commissioner, and ignored internal dispute resolution channels,” explained Seyama. “Their actions amount to misconduct, including absenteeism without permission and behavior that may have tarnished the SACCO’s image.”

However, Nanlala insists the workers had exhausted all internal avenues before resorting to industrial action.

“We followed the right steps, but management ignored our concerns for too long. We just want transparency and respect at our workplace,” he added.

Mphunzitsi SACCO, formerly known as Thyolo Teachers SACCO, is a membership-based microfinance institution that provides loans and financial services across the country. The ongoing standoff has reportedly disrupted operations in most of its branches.