On 25th March 2022, we hosted the Minister of Labour, Honourable Vera Kamtukule at our offices located along Kidney Crescent road in Blantyre. TAML CEO and Board members led by the Vice Chairperson of the TAML Board of Directors had a very fruitful discussion with the Minister.
The Honourable Minister Ms. Vera Kamtukule posing with TAML Team
The minister recognized TAML has the second largest employer in the country, employing around 60,000 employees making it a strategic sector in the country’s economy. She further highlighted a need for the government through her Ministry to do everything possible to ensure that the Malawian Tea industry operates within an environment that not only advances the country’s socio-economic aspirations, but one that guarantees its sustainability. She recognized the challenges faced by the industry threatening its continued existence. As a result, she assured the industry leaders present that it is her Ministry’s resolve to collaborate with TAML to offer their support in eliminating child labour and all forms of gender based violence.
The Minister and TAML Vice Board Chairperson in the Limbe Tea Auction Room
The TAML team updated the Minister on the progress made by the industry in eliminating child labour, mechanisms being implemented in dealing with sexual and gender based violence and addressing inefficiencies in the workers’ compensation process. Furthermore, the team assured the Minister of how TAML values the partnership it has with government and the joint efforts towards a sustainable tea industry in Malawi.
In our continued effort to promoting decent work between men and women working in the tea industry, Tea Association of Malawi Limited (TAML) has partnered with several International and local Non-Governmental Organizations and Government Ministries. International Labour Organization (ILO), Ethical Tea Partnership, Solidaridad/Trust Africa, Plantation Agriculture Workers Union (PAWU), the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare just to mention a few.
Mr. Grant Bramsen, TAML Board Member
Mr. Tonda Chinangwa, TAML CEO
Lastly, as an industry, we remain committed in supporting the government’s vision and mission towards the achievement of the Malawi 2063. TAML appreciates the gesture by the Honourable Minister and looks forward to continued engagement.