Entrepreneurs petition MRA
Hundreds of businesspeople in Mzuzu yesterday took to the streets to protest against what they termed corrupt practices, harassment and introduction of unjust taxes by Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
Business came to a standstill in the city as demonstrators marched from Katoto Secondary School to MRA offices situated in the central business district where they delivered a petition.
In the petition addressed to MRA commissioner general Tom Malata, the Mzuzu-based businesspersons have demanded the immediate suspension of the newly introduced Carbon Tax until the public tax collector clearly explains its objective.
They have also demanded the removal of some personnel from the tax authority and asked MRA management to institute investigations into sexual harassment by some officials towards women who are involved in cross-border trade, especially those going to Tunduma and Kyela in Tanzania.
Reads the petition in part: “We are concerned with the behaviour of some of your officers at Mzuzu office who continue to harass citizens and solicit bribes, especially from Malawians of Asian origin. This continued harassment is creating unnecessary animosity between the authority and citizens.
“We are saddened by your insensitivity to and disregard of concerns and grievances of similar nature raised by Malawians before as evidenced by your partisan behaviour that has seen some political party sympathisers dominating top leadership positions at MRA.”
The entrepreneurs are also demanding that some MRA officers be transferred from the region for allegedly advancing selfish motives and corruption.
They have since given MRA 14 days to respond to the demands, failing which they will stop remitting taxes.
“To make things worse, you have sent your team to the North to close all shops that do not have Electronic Fiscal Devices [EFD] which as you know, cost beyond affordability of most indigenous businesspeople.
“Your EFDs are often out of service. It is sad because while other countries are developing deliberate policies to empower struggling indigenous entrepreneurs, our government is developing policies that disempower locals and promote foreigners. We find this sickening,” further reads the petition.
The protesters spokesperson Kiteme Kamanga said in an interview MRA is asking them to remit exorbitant taxes on smallscale business and hefty fines for non-compliance over the usage of EFDs.
When contacted, MRA head of corporate affairs Steven Kapoloma said they have received the petition and that they will respond to the concerns.
However, he said most of concerns emanate from lack of understanding of systems.
Said Kapoloma: “What is clear is that most of the issues raised border on lack of understanding on how MRA operates. People should be aware that we operate under-laws and these laws were passed by Parliament,” he said.
MRA issued a notice at the weekend announcing the introduction of carbon tax on vehicles with effect from yesterday, mainly to expand its revenue base. Various quarters have criticised the move, saying it is based on the wrong premise.
