Macra wants K19.4mfrom Multi choice
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has ordered Multichoice Malawi to pay about K19.4 million in unpaid licence fees before its mother body Multichoice Africa Holdings withdraws DStv services from Malawi.
In a letter dated August 10 2023 signed by Macra director general Daud Suleman, among other things, the authority wants the amount to be paid within 30 days from the date of the letter and that the company should commence voluntary licence revocation.
The regulator further wants Multichoice Malawi to indicate the exact date when it will shut down its broadcast service in the country and measures put in place to compensate customers that paid beyond one month period.
Reads the letter in part: “Further, find hereto attached your latest financial statement indicating that you owe the authority K19 372 447.20 in unpaid licence fees. Please settle this amount within 30 days from the date herein; and lastly, submit your audited statements for 2022 for the calculation of 2022 levies.”
On August 8 2023, Multichoice Africa announced the immediate withdrawal of DStv services in Malawi.
In a letter signed by Multichoice Africa Holdings chief financial officer Retief Tromp, the decision followed an injunction granted by the High Court of Malawi sitting in Lilongwe, restraining Multichoice Malawi from effecting upward price adjustment.
Reads the letter in part: “The regulatory environment in Malawi has become hostile and fraught with uncertainty. This has affected the investment environment in which Multichoice Africa Holdings (MAH) B.V provides services and conducts its businesses.”
Multichoice Malawi spokesperson Zena Makunje was not available for immediate comment.
