Malawi Parliament has intervened and summoned concerned stakeholders on 1t6th August 20223 following the controversial withdrawal of DStv services in the country amid an unresolved heated legal battle on the same.
MultiChoice Africa Holdings-MAH has withdrawn the services after a High Court in Lilongwe issued an injunction stopping it from adjusting upwards DStv tariffs.
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority-MACRA had sought the injunction; citing an unresolved judicial review case on the same following MultiChoice Malawi-MCM’s decision to raise the tariffs in January.
The withdrawal automatically ends at least a 30 good run between the country’s citizens and DStv; prompting mixed reactions on the matter.
Now, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communications Susan Dossi says they want to understand what prompted the withdrawal.
So, they want to hear from Ministry of Information, MACRA and MultiChoice Malawi.
This also comes barely a day after Information and Digitalization Minister; Moses Kunkuyu pledged government would intervene on the matter to ensure there is a win-win situation.
Thursday morning, Zomba Chisi lawmaker, Mark Botoman also sought an explanation from government in parliament; arguing the issue would leave to job losses.
In its argument, MCM said it does not offer the DStv service to the public and that it cannot set or adjust tariffs for the service.
“As a result, the order handed down to MCM is incapable of being implemented by them but carries with it grave consequences for the directors and management of MultiChoice Malawi, including imprisonment,” it said.
It added that “MAH, given the impact on its supplier (MCM) and an increasingly adverse regulatory environment, is therefore left with no option but to terminate the DStv service indefinitely.”
Some Malawians think government should not stop so low but ensure that MCM adheres to legal provisions before raising the DStv tariffs.
Yet others claim MACRA is creating a hostile business environment that might scare other potential investors.
The withdrawal of the DStv services comes just days before major European leagues such as England, Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal throw-off; a move likely to deny most locals who are so addicted to the leagues.
In order to respond to the immediate needs in areas that experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds that resulted in Read more
. The country is to join the rest of the world in celebrating World Consumer Rights day which falls on Read more
```RESOLUTE—Ayuba James (centre) and PDU members Professional Drivers Union (PDU) has announced the resumption of a nationwide strike from March Read more
Former President Bakili Muluzi has described as an honor a decision by President Lazarus Chakwera to delegate him to represent Read more
Minister of Energy Ibrahim Matola insists he will name and shame DPP gurus who were siphoning fuel at ESCOM. According Read more
Despite stating its intention to open a diplomatic mission in Israel, government has not appointed diplomats for the mission. The Read more
Players in the cooking oil industry have expressed commitment to reduce prices of the commodity effective 1st April this year. Read more
Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerned over judicial interference on the house’s decisions and deliberations. Government Chief whip of Read more
Written by MFN Reporter Continued support for flood victims will greatly assist those affected during their time of need towards Read more
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia, held a meeting with the SRWB on the 18th of March, Read more
