Tag Archives: Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (Magla)

Business

MACRA, MAGLA date Bwaila media club on responsible gambling

Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has emphasized the need for the media to report effectively on responsible gambling to the public.

The two state agencies are into series of media engagement on responsible gambling.

After engaging Blantyre Press Club, MACRA and MALGA on December 13, 2024 dated Bwaira Media Club in the central region.

During the orientation in the capital Lilongwe, MACRA’s Licensing and Compliance Officer, Miriam Kumbuyo, emphasized the importance of compliance among stakeholders.

She urged a shift in mindset, asserting that gambling should not be viewed as a source of income but rather as a form of entertainment.

Kumbuyo also encouraged Malawians to take personal responsibility when engaging in gambling activities.

“We are making strides in disseminating information about legal gambling through jingles, press releases, mobile vans, and wireless messages, among other methods,” said Kumbuyo.

In his remarks, the Director of Operations at MAGLA, Lawrence Chikoko, noted that the betting industry is growing and positively impacting the country’s economy.

He stated that gambling contributes approximately 0.5% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides employment opportunities.

Chikoko also mentioned that MAGLA is involved in social corporate responsibility (SCR) initiatives, having disbursed funds totaling 1 billion Kwacha.

“We are undertaking several projects as part of our SCR efforts, including the construction of a sports podium in Mulanje to support the Mount Mulanje Porters Race, which promotes tourism in Malawi,” he added.

Cathy Maulidi, Vice Chairperson of the Bwaira Media Club, stated that through the BMC platform, media practitioners will inform their audiences about addressing gambling addictions.

She noted that training has helped the media understand the role of the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority and how to utilize their influence in the information system to encourage responsible gambling.

“For us to effectively promote awareness about gambling, we need capacity building through training, media outreach, and debates, among other initiatives,” said Maulidi.

Business

MAGLA drills journalists on responsible gambling

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) on Monday hosted Southern Region-based journalists to equip them with the knowledge to educate the public on responsible gambling and its regulations.

The training attracted a total of 40 Journalists from different media houses including Community Radio stations.

Speaking during the opening of the training session, MAGLA Director General Racheal Mijiga emphasized the pivotal role of the media in driving awareness about gambling and its implications.

“The media has a very important role in informing Malawians about what gambling entails, their rights and responsibilities, and the laws governing the industry. Gambling is not a tool to earn a living; it is entertainment,” said Mijiga.

Mijiga urged the media to help dismiss misconceptions, ensuring the public understands gambling as a recreational activity.

“The first responsibility starts with me, as an individual, to understand what is expected when it comes to gambling, the benefits and the ills. The media’s role is to sensitize and drive awareness, highlighting that gambling should be approached as entertainment after meeting other financial obligations.”

“The Authority has made strides in raising awareness. This year, we have intensified our efforts through mass door-to-door campaigns conducted monthly, and outreach programs at trading centres. These initiatives aim to educate people on what gambling is truly about,” explained Mijiga.

Emmanuel Chibwana, Secretary General for the Southern Region Press Club, underscored the importance of journalists being well-informed about gambling and its regulations.

“Journalists need to understand how gambling operates and the regulations involved for them to report responsibly. As you know, MAGLA is promoting responsible gambling, so as journalists, we need to know what responsible gambling is all about.”

“If a journalist knows and has the information, it will be very easy for him or her to inform others. But for somebody who has no information, it becomes challenging to educate others,” said Chibwana.

The training concluded with a call to action for journalists to champion responsible gambling through their platforms, ensuring the message reaches all corners of Malawi.

MAGLA reiterated its commitment to working closely with the media to uphold its mandate of regulating the industry while protecting citizens.

Business, Travel & Tourism

MAGLA supports Karonga-Chitipa Festival with MK5 million

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has given MK5 million to the Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Festival scheduled for October 18-19 at Mbande Hills in Karonga.

The event aims to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of the two districts.

Director of Operations at MAGLA, Lawrence Chikoko presented the cheque to the festival organisers in Lilongwe on Friday where he said the authority is committed to supporting artistic and cultural initiatives in the country. 

“We are delighted to support this upcoming festival, as it not only promotes our cultural heritage but also contributes to tourism, which is a key part of our national identity.”

“Festivals like these bring different people together, even people from outside the country. This is a big gesture that directly impacts on the economic activities of the country,” said Chikoko.

In his remarks, Karonga-Chitipa Cultural Heritage chairperson, Marumbo Mwasinga hailed MAGLA for the contribution which he said will go a long way in meeting their budget deficit.

“The donation will help us plan some of the things for the festival. It will go a long way,” he said.

Mwasinga said the event is budgeted at K50 million.

Under the theme ‘Unity in Diversity-Respect and Justice for All,’ the event will be graced by Paramount Chief Kyungu XXIV and will feature traditional dances, urban entertainment, local cuisine, a market for local products, and other activities.

Business

MAGLA supports NPL’s Mothers Fun Run with MK10 million

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) has supported this year’s Nation Publication Limited (NPL) Mothers’ Fun Run Project for Chikwawa District Hospital with MK10 million.

Speaking during a symbolic cheque presentation in Blantyre on Wednesday, MAGLA Director General Rachael Mijiga said the Authority thought of donating the money to support the noble cause that NPL has been doing.

“This is the 19th year for the mother’s fun run to be taking place and we always come in to support because they are doing a great job. Mothers are the bedrock of society, if we have strong and healthy mothers, they will have strong babies that will turn out to be future productive citizens of this country.”

“So, we all need to come in and hold hands as the government cannot do it alone, it cannot be everywhere and that is why we need to chip in,” said Mijiga.

In his remarks NPL Weekend Nation Editor Steven Nhlane hailed MAGLA for the donation which he said will go a long way in boosting the Mothers Fun Run cause of reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.

“Our target is to raise MK300 Million and so far, we have covered about half of that amount. The program this year will be implemented in Chikwawa District which has 12 health facilities, said Nhlane. 

Development

MAGLA  donates MK200 million relief items to Mangochi flood survivors

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The  Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (Magla) has given Mangochi Municipal Council 5, 000 bags of maize flour and other relief items worth K200 million to support people of Mangochi district who have been affected by flash floods.

In an act of benevolence to mankind and as a matter of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Magla’s donation was given out as quickfire response to appeals of  cries of the affected people in the district after rising water levels in Lake Malawi and its only outlet, Shire River over-stream flowed and subsequently destroyed the people’s households, livestock leaving tens of thousands displaced and destitute.

Apart from the 5,000 bags of 25 kgs maize flour, the betting regulator also donated 50 tents to those who need shelter and also social cash transfer of K50,000 to 500 people to alleviate the suffering of the people in the district.

Magla Director General, Rachel Mijiga, speaking after presenting the donation to the Mangochi Municipal Council said: “Our aim is to help relieve the victims’ suffering following the natural disaster. We were told that some relief items that were donated by the Department of Disaster and Management (Dodma) did not reach out to everyone, so we are here to fill up the gaps. We sympathize with the people who are going through hard times as a result of the flash floods.”

Mijiga said they visited Mangochi not as just representatives of an organization, but as fellow human beings moved by the plight of ‘our brothers and sisters affected by the recent floods in Mangochi’.

“The devastating floods have not only taken a toll on our homes and infrastructure but have also deeply impacted our spirit and resilience. In times like these, it is crucial for us to come together as a community, to support and uplift one another. It is in this spirit of unity that we at MAGLA have mobilized resources to provide relief items to those affected by this disaster,” said Mijiga adding that the relief items will be distributed to affected people around Mangochi boma all the way to Cape Maclear.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the beneficiaries, Traditional Authority Mapira thanked Magla for the timely donation, saying the relief food will cushion the suffering of the people.

“I thank Magla for the maize flour. My subjects are going through a difficult time. They lost everything to the floods and rising lake waters. They need help, and this donation will go a long way in easing the suffering,” he said.

Mangochi Municipal Council representative Kenneth Chimombo said: “The maize flour will ease the council’s burden in taking care of the victims, some of whom are seeking shelter in public facilities. We are grateful to Magla for this timely donation.”

“We hope other companies will follow Magla’s gesture of good will to come here and donate more basic needs items,” Chimombo added.

About 3,090 people from 525 households along the lakeshore have been displaced by the flooding caused by the swelling lake.

MAGLA is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament charged with the responsibility of licensing of Gaming and Lotteries in the country.

The organization has the power to regulate all gaming and lottery activities and is tasked to undertake some ancillary and operational functions associated with these principal roles.

MAGLA was formed from a merger between Malawi Gaming Board (MGB) and National Lotteries Board (NRB).

The Authority’s mission is to regulate the Gaming and Lotteries industry to promote a positive social economic impact.