Associations get subvention boost

Malawi National Council of Sports has increased minimum annual subvention to associations from K500 000 to K5 million, representing a 1 000 percent hike.

The affiliation fee the associations pay to Sports Council has also been adjusted upwards from K50 000 to K150 000, translating to a 200 percent increment.

Sports Council board chairperson Sunduzwayo Madise disclosed this on Saturday during a meeting with associations on the progress of implementing sports management guidelines.

For years, most associations have been complaining that their annual allocations were not good enough to spur sports growth in the country.

Said Madise: “We believe the increased subvention will help the associations to cope with the current high cost of services and resources.

“We would like to see each discipline being able to, at least, hold a national championship.”

The associations have since welcomed the adjustments, saying they will help make significant progress on sports development in the country.

On his part, Chess Association of Malawi general secretary Gift Howahowa said: “This will trigger growth and promote passion for various disciplines among sports lovers. We commend the government for choosing to continue investing in sports development through Sports Council.”

However, Malawi Wrestling Association general secretary Maggie Chikuni said it is still a challenge for the body to raise funds to pay Sports Council affiliation fees before accessing the subvention as they rely on personal contributions from committee members.

Over 20 sports associations attended the meeting where they also made their contributions on how the sports guidelines should be implemented.