Duty-free buses for clubs
TNM Super League clubs and netball teams can now import team buses duty-free once in five years, the government has announced.
Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha made the announcement on Friday during the 2020/21 Budget presentation in Lilongwe.
“Madam Speaker, in order to develop sports in the country, Government has introduced a Customs Procedure Code under the Customs and Excise (Tariffs) Order to allow top-flight football and netball teams to import one bus, with seating capacity of 26 or more, duty free for every five years,” he said.
Meanwhile, Super League of Malawi (Sulom) president Tiya Somba Banda has commended government for the gesture, saying this will enhance clubs’ commercialisation drive.
He said: “We are very happy and grateful to government. We believe this will go a long way in easing the transportation burden for our clubs. This will not only ease the pressure on the teams but also facilitate the professionalisation and commercialisation journey of our game.”
Somba Banda said clubs will also save money for duty when importing buses.
“Teams will now be able to procure good quality buses and invest the funds that would have been used for paying duty in other ventures,” he said.
The development comes just after Chitipa United struggled to clear its bus imported last year.
The club had to seek the help of well-wishers, including politicians and community member, to help in paying duty for the bus.
Apart from the duty free import of buses for netball and football clubs, the government has also increased sponsorship for Presidential Initiative on Sports from K120 million to K400 million.
Said Mwanamvekha: “Madam Speaker and Honourable Members, the President is committed to improving sporting standards in this country, especially at grassroots level. In order to live up to this commitment, this government has increased sponsorship of the Presidential Cup to K400 million from K120 million. “Of this amount, K200 million will be allocated to football, K100 million to netball and the balance of K100 million to cater for other sports disciplines in the districts. Administration of all sports activities under the Presidential Cup initiative will be done through the Office of the President and Cabinet.”
