October 22nd, 2007 will go down in history as a memorable day for the entire family of Mlambe Consulting Firm (MCF). This is the day MCF received an award, the International Star Award for Quality at the Hotel Intercontinental in Geneva, Switzerland in recognition of its commitment to quality, leadership excellence, technology and innovation. Receiving the award on behalf of MCF was Mr Mavuto Kapyepye, who is also its Director.

Established in December 2000 and initially operating on a part time basis, MCF became a full time service provider in July 2004 and has gone on to become a force to reckon with by sticking strongly to quality service backed by adherence to professional code of conduct. Today MCF provides consultancy not only in Malawi and the Southern Africa (SADC) region, but at international level as well. What makes our service delivery unique?

1. We deliver service with passion and professionalism
2. We submit well documented reports for services rendered in good time
3. Our service is backed by professional training and a continuous learning culture within our team
4. We treat clients equally regardless of their status
5. We engage in constant communication with clients during and after service contracts

What is International Star Award for Quality (ISAQ)?

These awards are given by the Madrid based Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D.) which is the leading private organization awarding companies worldwide. B.I.D. (www.bid.com) has given such awards for the past 21 years on the basis of a voting process carried out among all the participating former awardees. The omination and voting process remain secret and as such the source of nomination can not be known to the prospective awardees. There are therefore no self submissions. The final decision to award an organisation, made by the ISAQ Selection Committee is based on the criteria of the principles of the QC100 TQM: Customer Satisfaction; Communication Strategies; Benchmarking; Information and Data Analysis; Leadership; Planning and Decision- making; Human Resources; Continuing Education and Training; Processes and Production; Financial Outcome; Business Results; ISO 9000; TQM.

Who was present at the Geneva Quality Convention?

The B.I.D International Quality Convention celebrated in Geneva was attended by companies of 42 countries from America, Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa. Among these was ING Funds Co Ltd ranked number 17 in the Global Fortune 500 list. MCF was the only representative from Malawi and becomes the first company in the country to receive the award and in the words of B.I.D. “MCF represents success for Malawi in the business world”. We have attached some pictures from the occasion for you to share the memorable moments to which you have immensely contributed!

As a result of this award, we have been awarded a trophy and a certificate which recognizes our services as meeting the Quality Culture (QC) 100 Total Quality Management Model (TQM) which will also offer us the privilege of using the QC 100 logo on our documents alongside the award trophy pictogram. Besides this we have also signed a commitment document to abide to the principles of the QC 100 TQM Model.

What does this means for Malawi and beyond?

The information we have shows that MCF is the first in Malawi to receive such an award. In the words of BID, MCF represents business success for Malawi. First, this gives Malawi more visibility at international level in positive light – MCF is an indigenous Malawian idea and the identity and ownership remain as such. Secondly, organisations in the public, civil society and private sector in Malawi and beyond are assured of access to services with international standards. This award also serves as an encouragement to other aspiring entrepreneurs in Malawi and the SADC region that with commitment and passion, great things can happen.

Media Coverage

The news of award has received wide coverage in most major media outlets in Malawi and these have included interviews and news bulletins at prime times. Some of the media outlets that have covered MCF’s award news are Malawi Television, Capital Radio, Power FM 101, MIJ FM 90.3, CFC Radio, MBC radio, Joy Radio and the Daily Nation news paper. Mr Kapyepye had this to say during a recent press conference to announce the news of the award.

We collectively and individually extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our clients, partners and supporters for affording us the opportunity to serve them and thereby exposing our skills to the world at large. We dedicate this award to you all. Some say that “your attitude determines your altitude”, we think we agree. A famous African proverb says “If a child washes its hands, it shall eat with kings”, we believe we have washed our hands.