On 20th December, 2023, CFTC commenced investigations against the Malawi School of Government, Kanengo Campus on allegations of misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct.
The investigations established that the Malawi School of Government had advertised invitation for application for cohort 12 for the second time and required applicants who applied upon the first advert to also pay a non-refundable fee of MK10,000 yet the re-advertisement was due to its internal processes.
The investigations established that the first advertisement run before the Respondents’ council had been constituted, and when the council met on 18th April, 2023, they resolved to disregard the first advertisement as it did not capture all enrolment criteria.
The Commission observed that the conduct of the Respondents was unconscionable, and thus in contravention of Section 43(1)(g) of the CFTA. However, there was no conclusive evidence to show that the Respondents engaged in misleading.
Upon deliberation, the Commission made the following orders:
- The Respondents should refund the Complainant and the other 80 affected applicants who made additional application fees of MK10,000,00 each in response to the Respondents’ re-advertisement. Further, the Respondents should provide a detailed report to the CFTC on the refunds made.
- The Respondents should cease and desist from engaging in unconscionable conduct.