Mwawi’s container in, but with hurdles
A container carrying Mwawi Kumwenda’s donated sports equipment from New Zealand has finally arrived, but it cannot be opened for her use in netball clinics countrywide as it awaits Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) clearance.
According to Kumwenda’s clearing agent Andrew Ndovi of Artworks Customs Clearing, the container, which is now at Manica offices in Blantyre, cannot be opened duty-free unless the Malawi Queens shooter writes a letter to the MRA commissioner general explaining the equipment is a donation and will be used in primary and secondary schools.
Before being shipped into the country, the container, loaded with desks and netball paraphernalia such as uniforms and netballs, was stuck at Beira Port in Mozambique for over a month due to some other clearance hurdles as the donors had not yet completed the paperwork.
“As a normal procedure, Mwawi has to make an application to the MRA detailing the contents of the container and how the equipment will be used. After the MRA commissioner general approves the letter, the container will be released duty-free,” said Ndovi.
On her part, Mwawi said she has approached the Ministry of Sports so that the clearing process can be faster.
“I need the container as soon as possible for my netball clinics because I only have a month on my holiday before I return to my New Zealand club [Easiyo Tactix],” said Mwawi.
Last month, Kumwenda conducted two netball clinics at Misesa and Sigerege primary schools in Blantyre using improvised equipment.
