Dear Editor,
We are requesting that this news be exposed about our new General Manager by the names of Mike Roach at JTI Leaf Zambia Limited. This Man has brought confusion and misery since he joined the company in December last year, on his transfer from Geneva where he was shunted after having been deported from Malawi on similar complaints by employees. Barely a year in office, he
has made sure that he fights all Zambian Management Staff that are not bootlickers and are able to stand up against him for that which is right.
We are urgently requesting the powers that be, to ensure that Mike Roach is deported out of this country within 30 days of the publication of this of this news.
Here is a synopsis of his clandestine activities at JTI Leaf Zambia Limited, Trinity office Park in Lusaka;
Mike Roach came to Zambia after our very good and caring boss, Rob Royle was transferred to Geneva by the powers that be in JTI Global. Rob was and is a very professional, respectable and generous person. He is a man, one would want to work with for the rest of their career.We really do miss Rob as employees at the center of JTI Leaf Zambia Limited.However since Mike came in, he has made sure a lot of us are bruised from right to center.
An honorable and hardworking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) by the names of Ennie Kihedu – Tanzanian by nationality who worked for over 10 years at JTI, was unceremoniously fired and made to pack her office belongings like a casual worker. This was all Mike’s activities aiming at intimidating all those that are opposed to his leadership style and are able to stand up and say NO, this is wrong. He fought such a vicious battle by embarrassing this hardworking and upright woman till she was dismissed.
Mike uses words like; f…..ck you, I will fire you, I will suspend you,fool, get out, I don’t care, you can report me anywhere, go and tell me,tell me, I will charge you
A lot of employees were shocked to learn of such a development within three months of Mike’s coming to Zambia. Before this incident, JTI Leaf Zambia Limited was a very good place to work from, but this is a thing of the past as this man has declared war on all employees, this includes his muzungu anikondes like the current CFO who is currently subjected to all sorts of directives and commands to execute on behalf of Mike. This man can never manage the responsibility bestowed on him as CFO, never.The Man is too raw for this position of CFO and the quicker this is sorted,the better for JTI as a global Company. He can never handle any issue alone before reporting employees to Mike who happens to be his savior and master.
Currently we have all sorts of disciplinary cases going on; Mike has instructed the CFO to suspend our hardworking and focused Manager in-charge of Farmer Financing – Winston Magutswi.
Paul Chiimba our Leaf Operations Manager FCV Kaoma, has just been given a letter of dismissal by another muzungu anikonde – our Human Resource & Administration Manager, all this under Mike Roach’s scanthing instructions.
There is more coming as Mike’s plan at the moment is to ensure that he crashes all these qualified Zambian workers and carry on with his scheme of employing White guys in jobs that can be carried out by Zambians. What he has forgotten because of his arrogance and greedy is this that the people affected are not resting. We will take Mike on until he is deported out of
this country.We are tired and will not allow one man destroy that strong bond we have had before he came in with his rhetoric behavior.
Mike uses words like; f…..ck you, I will fire you, I will suspend you,fool, get out, I don’t care, you can report me anywhere, go and tell me,tell me, I will charge you, I want this done without fail etc. to intimidate and frustrate employees in the organization. This is our first appeal to the office of the President, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Justice, Director General – Immigration department to at all costs deport Mike out of this country, failure to which, we as employees will deal with him so hard that he will regret ever having come to Zambia!
Enough is enough!
JIF Leaf employees
From the letter, Mike Roach does not appear to be “racist” or to use “racist” language. He appears to have poor communication skills but not racist. There is a difference between “racism” and foul language. The problem with some Zambian workers is that they always scream “racism” when asked to work hard or be accountable/professional in their jobs.
This insect called cock-ROACH must leave Zambians alone to enjoy a conducive, business atmosphere at their place of work in their own country. Fcukson Shamenda needs to look into this matter before Mr. Roach is manhandled. I know the mines problem is beyond Mr. Shamenda’s intellect, that’s why his attempt at making mines change their minds has completely fallen flat on it’s face!
Sometimes its not the words used as much as the condescending tone and facial expression and body language used when dealing with someone of a different race. It’s sad that after one founding fathers fought to rid Zambia of racists they have come back and sad thing is we defend them and give them lavish titles of ‘INVESTOR’…
Thank you for that, Ive known him forever and he doesnt even swear and doesnt have a racist bone in his body, there is obviously just a case of a bitter employee being found out now working and using the race card
”Mike uses words like;….. I want this done without fail etc.”
What is wrong with instituting law and order in a place of work with the clear goal of developing the farming community? I urge my fellow employees to adhere to the code of conduct and deliver their duties within the set procedures. Cry baby is not a solution. Open Challenging Enterprising
I smell a rat here…..
Not unless you know him and his caring for people and their achievements and happiness in life.
@Julia:
Whatever your Ars.e calls you – if he is such an Agel to you, why was he deported from Malawi? We are sick and tired of Arse.whores like you deliterally insulting our intelligence! Just leave us Zambians alone even with our poverty – we will be ok!!
Zambian workers are lazy. Anyone new who instils discipline is a bad boss. They want the old do as you wish boss. Leave Mike to do his work. If you do not like his leadership style resign. Of course Ka Mike stop using abusive language, naiwe but ask these guys to do their work.
And what were you recently fired for Mr JTI employee? Going public in an attempt to cover up the fact you were not up to the job or need to do it better will not work. Your letter below a very telling picture showing what JTI and Mike actually are doing shows your lies.
wa ha ha the best post Ive heard all day!! well read
This looks more PERSONAL. Between the writer and Mr Roach
I can’t believe there are people supporting this man. You can be nice and respectful and still be a firm boss that still demands performance and goal achievements. A boss calling someone a fool, *****, threats of firing or any other degrading actions can never drive a company forward, in fact the opposite is achieved due to loss of working morale, fear of making business decisions by managers and generally a poor work culture as if you are in a military barracks. End of the day, racist or not-racist, respect is extremely important in any business and there is no smoke without fire.Investigate why he was chased out of Malawi, its right across the road and I am sure if a similar pattern of behaviour is discovered, DEPORT!
Something just doesn’t seem right here. Am so sorry but this whole thing sounds like a lie. Sounds like sour grapes to me. Sounds like a bunch of lazy,corrupt and incompetent people are ganging up on poor Mike Roach. I don’t think the government will be dum enough to just fire this guy without properly lookin into the matter.
I fully agree with Ambassador and I would like to add further comments.
There are some fundamental flaws with the article:
1) This article lacks any facts however it is full of frustration and allegations. It clearly gives the impression of a personal issue.
2) It seems that the writer has no knowledge of the facts. I would strongly recommend the writer to gather those facts first, analyze them before putting them in an article.
3) The article is also badly written and it is using inappropriate language.
Racism does happen unfortunately. It becomes even more difficult for worker to deal with when its practised by some one at the pinnacle of authority. Is there a union at JTI? Rather the union for Agric workers to verify this report. If not let the District Commissioner be informed to verify and take remedial actions. It is within the DC’s job description to ensure citizens are not abused. If the workers are lazy (follow procedure) charge or fire them. No ned to racially abuse them!
So sorry you dont know him, he doesnt have racist bone in his body but he obviously does like his staff to do their jobs. Obviously just one of those lazy staff members. And I know its all rubbish because he doesnt swear….
UPND cadres supporting a traitorous boss. Am not surprised. PF are thieves, UPND inferiority infused go figure. He was removed from Malawi for a reason.
Viva President Nawakwi.
I have known Mike for over 10 years and he doesn’t have a racist bone in his body and he is the most respectful caring person I know (bar my husband) and this is obviously from one bitter individual who has been found out for not doing the job he was paid to do. As for saying that ALL the staff are unhappy, I hear nothing from them. My next thing goes to the extremely atrocious journalism on this ”so called article’ – incredibly inept and absolutely no research done and absolutely no chance for Mike to reply in defence, or give his side. And this poor excuse of a newspaper i.e. Lusakatimes.com calls itself a place that Keeps Us Informed is a shocker. I am amazed that such journalism is allowed
which employees lets have facts why can’t Lusaka times first ask why these employees were fired….. I clearly feel something is fishy. I have heard a lot about this Paul Chiimba when I was selling my bales at tombwe floors, being a thief by corrupting people by asking for money to process payments so people ran away to sell to tombwe…. so before you judge ask what the story is… I was a victim… of Corrupt at Mawilo and frankly happy that Mike Roach took action to this. If anything I think JTI should expose Paul Chiimba in public for why he got fired in the first place…..
Mike Roach has been my close friend, confidant, peer, and a ‘son’ to me, for more than 20 years. I have never ever known Mike to be racist, rude, derogatory, or discriminatory towards anybody no matter what their ethnicity. For more than 15 years Mike has dedicated himself to the development of Africans from all walks of life on the African continent. Mike is a loving family man with beautiful children and wife who have chosen to make Zambia their home who I know from the depth of my heart are people of dignity, humility, and respect. It is truly unfortunate that some individuals have used a public domain to make such derogatory comments and lies about Mike which I believe are absolutely untrue.
just thinking why is it just because these two were fired mike roach is a racist….. if u two were incompetent then why stay in a job when pipo are busy looking for jobs and can do them better. don’t waste our time with lies and all. we have better things to worry about in our economy not your weeping and lack of foresight….
Thieves rush to the media to cover their dirty trail of crime.
MAY I SIMPLY CORRECT THE COMPLAINANT OF THIS ARTICLE ABOUT, WHAT IS ALL SAID IN THIS ARTICLE ARE ALL LIES.THE GENERAL MANAGER TAKES HIS JOB SERIOULY SO HE EXPECTS ALL HIS EMPLOYEES TO TAKE THEIR JOBS SERIOUSLY, I HAVE WORKED WITH MR. MIKE ROACH FOR SOME TIME NOW AND I HAVE NEVER MET A WONDERFUL ,SMILLING MAN WHO ENCOURAGES AND BUILDS SELF CONFIDENCE IN YOU, I HAVE NEVER HEARD HIM USE SUCH LANGUAGE, AND IF YOU MEET HIM YOU WILL COME TO KNOW HIM BETTER, HE IS A CHRISTIAN WHO WOULD NEVER USE SUCH LANGUAGE, AM SURE THE PUBLISHER OF THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRED FOR NOT DOING THEIR JOB WELL AND I HAVE SEEN ALOT HAPPENING BECAUSE OF CORRUPT CASES SO SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND MOVE ON. MANY HAVE BEEN FIRED BUT THEY HAVE NEVER MADE SUCH ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ANY ONE, FIND SOMETHING BETTER TO DO. JUST…
But people we should learn to think before we post some silly comments. Honestly Mike is trying to perform his duties and he becomes a racist. There were some innocent people in jti that had higher positions than these *****s and they were fired but they never pointed fingers at anyone because they knew that on this earth there is nothing which is permanent. Whatever is on earth, one day it will come to an end. May these *****s stop worrying about jti as if it is for there fathers. Hey foolish men go out in society and look for other jobs. Stop bothering jti its not for your forefathers. Remember, when you get into employment what follows is leaving employment. If you never used to invest, this is when you are going to feel the pressures of poverty and your girl friends are going to find…
good one at least
I have worked with Mike Roach in Malawi for over 3 year, I left the UK after 12 years to come and work with him. This article is not true and is bias… I think someone is angry about something not true but this is disappointing, please remove this article..
Zambia will never develop with this kind of shallow, narrow minded, backward individuals like the writer of this.
1) I don’t think online media is the best place for such issues, let us go to board room, talk and see way forward.
2) Not Just Mike Roach but every boss would fire underperformers, fraudsters and thieves.
3) I love one comment above which says “thieves first run to the public to cover their sins……
.this article is covered with. INBORN stupidity, unprofessionalism, Ignorance, and I see a sin being covered him by the Sinner
Zambia Wrong place for PUBLIC simpathy for Gross Sins
I have read the poor article, I have just wasted my time reading. Racism absent, We are part of global community, We need pipo like Mike in society
My Opinion
From Comments, it appears Mike is a Victim here
My advice to Mike Roach
Sue this ***** for Defarmation of character, Publication of false news, misleading the public. Me especially
If he is JAILED,
I am the Jailer , u leave him to me, I will Castrate Period.
Regardless of people’s views, we need to look into why he was deported from Malawi. This should raise questions and an alarming bell in my view. In an environment especially corporate we don’t condone insults and a boss should never use degrading terms as mentioned above (if true). The other thing is employing white or expatriates is unsustainable practices. If we have unskilled labour it’s OK to bring expatriates but train Zambian’s at the same time so they are able to take over and benefit the Zambian economy. Not all Zambian’s are lazy. Collaboration is key and getting employees, GM, Minister of labour and Immigration together so this can be looked into is key.
As an interested jti employee from Malawi, the allegations against Mike are false just aiming at turnish his character. Mike is a good guy and he was not Deported from Malawi….check with Malawi Immigration to confirm. This is just a letter from a frustrated fired JTI employee. Be real……and have a life.
If you were true to yourself you could sort a very good forum to settle your anger.
You messed with your job and just be sorry for yourself and family. Tamupepesani boss.
Mike is the man to change JTI from a mechant company to a manufacturer.
Ernest Gondwe STOP this
With a fake smile…
Mike ROACH…please continue, you are just about to discover and uproot a lot more corrupt elements.
ERNEST GONDWE we are know your agenda. PREPARE YOUR LINEN FOR PUBLIC WASHING.
MIKE YOU ARE ALMOST CATCHING UP, BAD SEEDS ARE NOT HAVING IT EASY
This has to be the saddest article I have ever read in my life. Mr Roach was my husband’s boss in Malawi and my husband always had nice things to say about him. Mike is the kind of boss who expects results and he is very quick at rewarding high performers. He was also the most approachable of all the white bosses at JTI Malawi aND he was often seen mixing and laughing with the black staff there unlike most of the stuck up whites.
Mike was NOT deported from Malawi!!!! He was promoted by the company head office and that’s how he ended up in Zambia. Check with immigration Malawi. This man changed things for the better for his team ant JTI Malawi and he always encouraged his team to speak up in meetings. I met him with his wife and kids and he was always so kind and nice unlike the other…
I met him with his wife and kids and he was always so kind and nice unlike the other whites who pretended not to have seen us.
This is a mere smear campaign against a good man who a out to weed out thieves, liars and asslickers. Shame on you! No one believes your rubbish,you writer!
Mike, remain the wonderful boss and man you’ve always been. Even the people who worked at your house miss you and wish you all the best. You’re a wonderful man: don’t let the *****s behind this letter change you. You were the best white boss in JTI Malawi and probably all of the tobacco industry in Malawi.
This seems like a case of few individuals trying to tarnish image of an innocent man. I worked under Mike for three years in Malawi before he was transferred to Geneva. He was not deported. Whilst he was in Geneva and when he is in Malawi for his work, he would make it a point to greet a lot of people that showed that he cares. He was never racist to anybody and till this day never shown to be racist. He was most approachable expatriate who knew how to treat people well, very listening and fair. An white guy who acknowledge your expertise and encourage to do better. Why do you want to destroy a man for simply doing what is right for the business. Is closing loopholes in the business a crime. I have a typical example of one time when I was busy preparing a report over lunch hour in order…
I am saddened with the negative article on our beloved boss whom I worked with closely in Malawi. He is such a nice guy and went to Geneva on promotion and not on trash sentiments put on by our brothers in Zambia. We miss Mike here in Malawi.
The article seems to have been authored by some JTI Corporate Affairs guys, look at the photo, wording etc. We know who they are (CA Managers), don’t fool people around by pretending to be innocent.
Soon it shall be know, wait and see….
Very sad
WINSTON MAGUTSWI and PAUL CHIIMBA we know what you have been up to.
Prepare yourselves, this is now known to all. Your bad ways are up now.
MIKE please get rid of bad eggs at JTI!