Malawi: JUMA to introduce Best Practices Award

JUMA president, Maganizo Fly Mazeze

"The awards will recognise institutions which offer good working conditions for journalists and live up to such," said JUMA president Maganizo Fly Mazeze, in a statement issued after a meeting of the newly elected governing council that was held on 9 June 2011.

Mazeze said the award is to encourage employers to do more to promote the welfare of journalists.

"The award will be presented on 3rd May each year during the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD)," he said.

JUMA to set up welfare fund

From next January, JUMA intends to set up a welfare fund to financially support its fully paid-up members for three months in the event of a professional or labour dispute against an employer that may lead to suspension or dismissal.

"The intention is to alleviate the suffering a JUMA member may be subjected to as a direct result to the suspension or dismissal," he said.

JUMA has also announced the establishment of a legal fund whose modalities are currently being worked on.

"JUMA is working on mechanisms to create a legal fund to benefit members in the event of a labour or professional dispute against an employer," said the JUMA president.

He said the body's governing council and the leaders of the regional chapters of the union have since formed a task force which will develop terms of reference (TOR) for the new services being introduced.

"The union will also work with local, regional and international institutions that share similar interests in its pursuit to achieve better working conditions for journalists in the country," he said.