Blantyre Water Board: Yeremia Chihana Dismissal Confirmed

• Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has dismissed its Chief Executive Officer, Yeremia Chihana.
• The dismissal was confirmed in a letter dated October 5, 2026, from BWB Board chairperson Stanley Chirwa.
• The decision followed a disciplinary hearing that Yeremia Chihana did not attend.
• The BWB stated that Chihana had been formally summoned and given an opportunity to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The BWB stated that Mr. Chihana had been formally summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has concluded its employment relationship with Chief Executive Officer Yeremia Chihana, confirming his dismissal from the organization. This significant executive termination was formally communicated in a letter dated October 5, 2026, issued by Stanley Chirwa, who serves as the chairperson of the BWB Board.

The decision marks a definitive end to Mr. Chihana's tenure at the helm of the Blantyre Water Board. The formal notification from the board chairperson underscores the finality of the action taken by the BWB leadership regarding its top executive position.

The dismissal of Yeremia Chihana followed a disciplinary hearing convened by the Blantyre Water Board. A key aspect of these proceedings was Mr. Chihana's non-attendance at the scheduled hearing, despite the board's assertions regarding its procedural steps.

The BWB stated that Mr. Chihana had been formally summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee. Furthermore, the board emphasized that he was explicitly given an opportunity to present his case during these proceedings, even though he ultimately did not attend the session.

This case highlights critical aspects of procedural fairness in executive dismissals, particularly within the framework of Malawi executive employment law. The Blantyre Water Board's explicit statement that Yeremia Chihana was formally summoned and given an opportunity to appear before a disciplinary committee is a crucial detail.

Such emphasis on providing due process, even in instances of disciplinary hearing non-attendance in Malawi, is vital for employers. It helps to establish a defense against potential wrongful dismissal claims, demonstrating that the organization adhered to established protocols and afforded the employee a chance to be heard, regardless of their decision not to participate.

This case highlights the importance of procedural fairness in executive dismissals, even when the employee fails to attend a disciplinary hearing. Lawyers should note the board's emphasis on providing an opportunity to appear, which is crucial for defending such decisions against potential wrongful dismissal claims under Malawi employment law.

Source: Original reporting via Malawi24