Teachers Union of Malawi (TUM) has asked the government to pay their April salaries by Friday this week before the nationwide lockdown commerce.

In a statement written to the minister of education, signed by TUM president Willie Malimba and secretary general Charles Kuchemdwa, teachers need their salaries to buy goods in advance.

“Minister of education must be aware that most teachers in Malawi are working far from their home of origin and TUM is aware that salaries received last month cannot take teachers through this lockdown period, hence our demand,” reads the statement.

TUM said they believe that ministry of education will deal with the matter seriously.

According to minister of health Jappie Mhango, the lockdown will start from 18 April to 9 May and is for 21 days.