NBS Bank plc on Wednesday celebrated this year’s Mother’s Day by giving out gift shopping vouchers worth K20,000 to customers in its branches across the country.

Acting Head of Strategy, Products and Marketing Inqxhuiniso Dzoole-Mwale expressed that the bank’s initiative is aimed at honouring and appreciating the indispensable role mothers play in families, communities, and the country as a whole.

“At NBS Bank plc, we value the strength and resilience of Malawian mothers. They are our society’s backbone, and we must acknowledge and celebrate their efforts. This small gesture is a way for us to thank them and let them know they are appreciated,” said Dzoole-Mwale.

He added that through initiatives like this, the Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to the communities it serves, touching lives and making a meaningful impact in unique and memorable ways.

Lilian Banda, one of the mothers who received the shopping voucher at Ginnery Corner, appreciated and expressed overwhelming gratitude to the ‘Caring Bank’ for the gift.

“I am so grateful to NBS Bank plc for remembering us on Mother’s Day. This gift will help me a lot, and it’s wonderful to feel recognized and appreciated. Thank you NBS Bank plc, for this thoughtful gesture,” said Banda.

Malawi Gaming Board (MAGLA) Team 2 are the champions of this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Tournament which took place at Limbe Country Club on Friday and Saturday which attracted about 200 golfers including President Lazarus Chakwera.

MAGLA Team two comprising Doreen Mwenitete and Jean Kasenda secured an impressive 50 points to be crowned the champions of the tournament.

On second place was Team Icon properties comprising of Bashir Sharif and General Clement Kafuwa, while Automotive Products Team 1 of Willet Karonga and Eric Chapola took third place.

Speaking on the significance of the tournament as the diamond sponsor, NBS Bank plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kwanele Ngwenya highlighted the Bank’s dedication to uplifting communities in Malawi.

He then encouraged other companies to join President Chakwera in supporting the cause, noting the impact such initiatives have on improving lives nationwide.

“Holistic development must be inclusive and leave no one behind. This is why as a Bank we firmly support this initiative to pay for needy students and victims of Cyclone Freddy, most of whom are still suffering today.”

“Therefore, NBS Bank considers the annual Presidential Charity Golf Tournament as a critical yearly activity in our calendar. Hence, the commitment and passion we attach to it. That is why we decided to be this year’s diamond sponsor with K155 million for this noble cause,” said Ngwenya.

In his remarks, Chakwera expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s success, pointing out that the funds raised are already helping those in need and congratulated the winners of this year’s Tournament.

“I am grateful to all of you for coming out in such great numbers and with such great enthusiasm today. I am grateful to NBS Bank plc for stepping up to be the diamond sponsor of my charity tournament this year. I am grateful to the other businesses and corporations that have responded to my appeal for support by pouring serious money into this cause,” said Chakwera.

Chairperson of the Presidential Charity Golf initiative, Vizenge Kumwenda, praised President Chakwera for dedicating a full day to lead the tournament, and that this indicates commitment to uplifting the lives of Malawians.

“This year’s tournament was a great success. We thank all the golfers and companies for contributing towards the cause. The funds that have been raised through this initiative will change many lives,” said Kumwenda.

This year’s tournament was held under the theme ‘Swing to Serve’ and aimed at supporting over 500 needy students in public universities and helping survivors of natural disasters.

Malawi Stock Exchange (MSE) listed National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has attributed its growth for the past eight years to the vision and good leadership demonstrated by former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Macfussy Kawawa. 

Kawawa joined the ‘Bank of the Nation’ as an Audit Manager some 26 years ago and retired in June this year after rising to the rank of CEO where he has served for the past eight years. 

Speaking during a farewell cocktail party the Bank organised on Friday in Blantyre, which brought together Kawawa’s friends, his predecessor George Partridge, key stakeholders and customers, current NBM CEO, Harold Jiya, who served as his deputy for the 8 years, described him as a mentor, friend and an inspiration to many in shaping the careers of a lot of people at the Bank 

“National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has reached many new heights under his leadership since 2016. For example, from the time he joined, the Bank’s profit was K16 billion and by the time he left in June, the profit was K73 billion,” Jiya praised him.

Taking his turn, NBM plc Board Chairperson, Jimmy Lipunga described Kawawa as a professional, ethical, and hardworking man who has achieved a lot in sustaining the Bank in a turbulent environment.

“Mac Kawawa has demonstrated astute leadership over the years where he has grown the profitability of the Bank and motivated the Staff in various ways. He was a father figure to everyone in the Bank and led by example as a man of integrity he was,” he explained.

Kawawa described his 26-year NBM journey full of satisfaction to have worked, serve, and grow the Bank, and nation at large.

“My time with the Bank will be remembered as almost a quarter of a century of fun, hard work and connection with NBM plc family at all levels, board, staff and customers.”

“I met challenges but also was satisfied with the results I got upon taking on those challenges,” said Kawawa.

He also highlighted how confident he is with his successor, Jiya.

“I have worked with Jiya and I know I have mentored him enough for this role. I have no doubt under him the Bank will grow to greater heights,” said Kawawa.

He also thanked the Banks’ Board for believing in him to take up the senior role.

As an appreciation for his role, the Bank spoiled him with three gifts which include a trip to Egypt, an artwork, and other materials gearing him up for his retirement works.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has given K10 million to this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Initiative.

The Presidential charity initiative seeks to raise funds to aid tropical cyclone victims and support university students facing financial hardships.

Presenting the cheque in Blantyre on Wednesday, NBM plc Head of Corporate Banking, William Chatsala described the initiative as a platform that brings together various stakeholders to make a meaningful impact.

“This is a continuation of our commitment to this cause, which we have supported for many years. We are certain that our contribution will help the initiative move an inch closer to the targeted amount of K600 million that it intends to raise this year.”

“At NBM plc, corporate social responsibility is not just a business obligation, it is an integral part of who we are. Beyond participating in this year’s Presidential Charity Golf, we consistently support initiatives that uplift and transform communities across Malawi,” said Chatsala.

Presidential Charity Golf Initiative Trustee, Sophie Mlumbe thanked NBM plc for the support.

“We are very grateful to National Bank plc for the thoughtful gesture of wanting to contribute to the funds we are looking to raise. So far, we have received overwhelming support from organizations and institutions, we are close to meeting the target but still appealing to those who can contribute to come,” said Mlumbe.

The Presidential Golf Championship will tee off on Friday at Country Club Limbe in Blantyre.

National Bank of Malawi plc has scooped the 2024 Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) Excellence in Corporate Communication award.

The award aims to recognize a private sector institution that has demonstrated exceptional PR strategy campaign and plan execution, significantly impacting business outcomes, enhancing brand reputation, and effectively managing corporate communications.

Announcing the winner at the PRSM Annual Conference in Mangochi on Saturday, Judge Joseph Josiah described NBM plc as one of the leading financial service providers in Malawi, who has taken baby steps over the years to consistently leverage corporate communication building strong relationships with stakeholders and reinforce its brand presence to drive its corporate goals.

“The winner has rolled out several innovative and impactful communication strategies including digital media to strengthen customer engagement, enhance its corporate reputation, and showcase its commitment to community development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR),” said Josiah.

NBM Plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa thanked PRSM for this acknowledgment of the hard work put in by the NBM plc team to attain and sustain Corporate Communication Excellence.

“We are committed to meaningful work and brand excellence. It is therefore heartwarming to note that these efforts do not go unnoticed, particularly in a dynamic landscape where so many other brands are equally outstanding,” said Hiwa.

This year, the ‘Bank of the Nation’ also scooped the Best Digital Banking Award at the ICTAM expo Corporate Awards and the Green Energy Finance award at the Green Finance Conference this year.

Ethanol Company Limited (EthCo) has contributed k5 million to this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Initiative set for this weekend at the Limbe Golf Club in Blantyre.

Speaking after presenting the cheque at Lilongwe Golf Club on Sunday, EthCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lusubilo Chakaniza expressed the company’s commitment to supporting education through the Presidential Charity Initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Chakaniza said for the past few years, EthCo has been actively participating in the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative to help ensure access to quality education for underprivileged students who struggle due to a lack of financial support.

“Our corporate responsibility extends to ensuring that students receive quality Education and to those underprivileged students who are failing to make it because of lack of support into education and receive the assistance they need to succeed.”

“We understand the challenges many young people face in accessing education, especially young women, and we believe our contribution can make a real difference. Being a predominantly male-oriented company, we aim to focus on supporting female students through this initiative,” said Chakaniza.

She then commended the Presidential Charity Initiative for supporting university needy students through the funds.

“We are proud to have been part of this effort for over three years now. The funds have consistently been put to good use, supporting universities and fostering the future of our nation. We look forward to continuing our support for this noble cause,” added Chakaniza.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Presidential Charity Golf Initiative, Chairperson of the organizing committee, Boyd Luwe expressed gratitude to EthCo for the generous donation and support they have been making since 2022 and noted the substantial progress made towards their fundraising goal.

“The K5 million donation from EthCo is a major step forward for the Initiative. It brings us closer to our K600 million target. This contribution has made us reach us to reach the K500 million mark. The funds will support tertiary students and provide aid to survivors of natural disasters. We are incredibly grateful for EthCo’s support and believe it will make a significant impact,” said Luwe.

The Presidential Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled to take place on October 12 with President Lazarus Chakwera playing in the tournament.

This Sunday, 13th October, Stakeout will host an exclusive watch party for the highly-anticipated music video “Controller Remix” by Malawi’s Onesimus and Nigeria’s Joeboy.

African Butter, Onesimus, is set to unveil the official music video on October 14th, but a select few will get to experience it first at Stakeout.

The event promises an electrifying atmosphere, with fans getting to enjoy the new video before its official release.

It’s also an opportunity to mingle with fellow music enthusiasts and the African Butter team.

Limited space is available, so booking in advance is recommended.

The “Controller Remix” watch party kicks off on Sunday at Stakeout.

Nchalo Golf Club Ladies Golf Team of Mercy Kamanga, Jamia M’manga, and Faith Samati emerged victorious at this year’s Ethanol Company Limited (EthCo)-sponsored Inter-Club Ladies Golf Tournament, held over the weekend at the Lilongwe Golf Club.

The victory ended Blantyre Golf Club team’s five-year dominance since the competition was introduced. 

The two-day tournament, featured multiple divisions, with participants from Blantyre, Lilongwe, Limbe and Nchalo golf clubs competing for top honours and attractive prizes, including trophies, hampers, and shopping vouchers from Chipiku Stores.

In A Division, Ireen Matias clinched the top spot with a gross score of 186, followed closely by Regina Mwanza who scored a gross of 190, and Joshbed Mpanga, who also posted a gross of 190 with a handicap of 23.

The Champ division championship went to Roza Mbilizi with the best gross score of 170, followed by Stella Ng’oma and Jean Kasenda.

In the Junior category, Matilda Mandala emerged winner with a gross score of 200, while Beauty Kapiseni took second place with 208 score.

The senior category saw Sheilla Chinkhandwe top the leaderboard with a handicap of 24 and a gross score of 194, while Maria Lee Cho took second place with a gross score of 200.

Division B was dominated by Nchalo captain Mercy Kamanga, who posted a gross score of 196, while Bridget Banda and Elizabeth Mvula followed in second and third positions, respectively.

Kamanga expressed excitement for winning this crocodile trophy for the first time in five years. 

“We didn’t expect that we were going to win, to be honest, but it’s a very big surprise for us. We thought that the hosts, Lilongwe Golf Club ladies, would take the title. It’s been a remarkable achievement for us as a team,” said Kamanga.

Speaking during the prize presentation, EthCo Chief Executive Officer Lusubilo Chakaniza, highlighted that it was one of the most successful events as it was the first time to have that many golfers.

“We have seen the ladies enjoy this tournament, and we have had the biggest crowd ever since we started sponsoring the tournament. It’s been quite interesting to see Nchalo win, but we are happy at EthCo because the trophy has been moving around the clubs and that is what we needed.”

“As EthCo, through this Inter-Club Golf Tournament, we are trying to promote our private brands. We have a private brand concept whereby we are adding value to products,” explained Chakaniza.

Outgoing Ladies Golf Union of Malawi president, Ulemu Luhanga appreciated EthCo for supporting the sport for over five years which has also motivated ladies to take part in the competitions. 

“This tournament has been remarkable, and wonderful. The turn-up has been very great. We had about 62 lady golfers from across all the golf clubs. The sponsorship that we got from EthCo of K13 million, which was the biggest that we have gotten so far, has assisted us a lot. We had quality trophies, and even the prizes themselves were top-notch. And the ladies appreciate the half-time snacks and food,” said Luhanga.

The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Justice Dorothy Nyakaunda Kamanga has found private practice lawyer Alexious Kamangila guilty of perjury for fabricating facts and lying under oath in a criminal case where the lawyer was defending a murder convict.

In her ruling, sitting as a High Court Judge, dated 16 September 2024, Justice Kamanga bashed Kamangila for being dishonest and lying under oath in his affidavit to release his client from custody.

Kamangila was defending Wyson Big Bannet who, together with Myson Viera Chizizira were convicted of murder way back in 2013 in a homicide case which was tried by the late High Court Judge Justice Joseph Manyungwa.

Justice Kamanga said is her ruling that at the time of the demise of Justice Manyungwa in 2013, the judgement against the second defendant (Bannet) remained pending, thereby necessitating the formulation of a case management protocol to assign another judicial officer to prepare and render the judgement.

“After delivering the judgement on 19 April 2018, both the prosecution and the defence were instructed to prepare and file submission as a plea to mitigate the sentence. For reasons presumably known solely to the involved parties and their legal practitioners, this directive has not been complied with, despite numerous reminders disseminated through the office of the Registrar,” said Justice Kamanga.

She also noted that Bannet committed the crime in 2007 but the trial was heard in 2013 and the judgement passed in 2018 and said ‘the main delay that this court deems justifiable pertains to the interval between the demise of the trial judge and the delivery of the judgment’.

She bashed the defence lawyers for the delays occurring between when the judgement was passed and sentencing describing their conduct ‘delay tactics and professional negligence’.

Justice Kamanga therefore sentenced Bannet to 36 years imprisonment starting from the day of his arrest.

But she had no kind words for lawyer Kamangila.

“In the current case, it was procedurally inappropriate for the defendant and his legal practitioner to exploit the passing on of the trial judge and the ensuing delays in reassigning the case to seek applications before courts for unconditional release and discharge,” said Justice Kamanga.

“It is quite perplexing that the defendant and his legal counsel, who has thus far neglected to furnish the necessary documentation relevant to sentencing, are disseminating erroneous information about the legal status of the defendant and the progress of the proceedings in this homicide case, seemingly aimed at undermining the judiciary as a foundational institution and its judicial officers.”

“The judgement that determined the second defendant’s guilt and resulted in his conviction was delivered in his presence, along with that of his legal practitioner at that time on 19 April 2018, thus the current efforts by his counsel to indirectly challenge the conviction by portraying and staging the convict in a motion and in the media as a long-term remand prisoner is to ‘act without diligence’ and is deemed unprofessional and unethical conduct on the part of the lawyer, which the court will not condone,” said Justice Kamanga.

“The defendant and his legal counsel demonstrated a reluctance to conform to the established practices and procedures relevant to the management of criminal cases. It appears that their primary motivation is a desperate endeavour to evade the sentencing process by filing motions before various judges and engaging in litigation within the media sphere, possibly in an attempt to harass and influence the sentencing court to discharge the offender without adhering to the requisite due process.”

“It is regrettable and lamentable that recently some members and leaders of the Malawi Law Society seem to have become enmeshed in a form of publicity contest, wherein they exploit the circumstances of litigants to draw attention to themselves and the noble legal profession, thereby diverting focus from the essential professional responsibilities of legal practitioners and the ultimate objective of improving access to justice for all,” said Justice Kamanga.

“How the defence has managed this case, indicates a significant level of incompetence on the part of the legal practitioners who claim to assist the second defendant. It is also observed that Counsel Alexious Kamangila engaged in perjury in paragraphs 9 to 13 of the sworn statement in support of the application for release, discharge and effective remedy that was filed on 12 July 2022, wherein he swore that the defendant is innocent and is awaiting judgment despite the defendant being fully aware that he appeared in court on 19 April 2018 for the delivery of the judgement.”

“There is always a risk of perjury when parties make statements under oath or counsel swear affidavits on behalf of their clients. Furthermore, it is imperative that when legal practitioners seek to represent a party in a specific matter, they must file and serve a notice of change or appointment of a legal practitioner before undertaking the handling f that matter in compliance with the law.”

“Had the aforementioned legal practitioner adhered to the proper procedure of engaging lawyers, he might have respected the actions of the other lawyers regarding the case and been more informed about the previous proceedings, thereby avoiding the pitfall of fabricating facts, lying and perjury,” said Justice Kamanga.

She said the Bannet retains the right to apply for an appeal against both the conviction and the sentence imposed.

According to Section 102 of the Penal Code, perjury in a written statement is punishable by 7 years imprisonment while Section 105 of the Penal Code, fabricating evidence is punishable by 7 years imprisonment. Section 106 of the Penal Code provides that false swearing before a commissioner for oaths is punishable by 2 years imprisonment.

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), a consortium of four marketing companies in the country, has donated a solar water pump worth K7.8 million to Lulwe Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Nsanje to help solve water challenges.

PIL’s gesture is a direct response to the story that The Nation on Sunday published about the students fetching water from distant sources for use at the school.

Speaking after handing over the pump on Wednesday, PIL General Manager, Martin Msimuko said the company felt concerned with the situation considering that the students were wasting time for classes to fetch water.

“Water is life, and access to clean, safe water is fundamental for the well-being of every community. We heard through the news report that learners used to fetch water from far away. This solar water pump is more than just a machine – it is a symbol of progress, sustainability, and hope. With this solar water pump, the school will have a reliable source of clean water, ensuring better hygiene, access to safe drinking water, and the ability to maintain sanitary conditions.”

“With access to clean water, students will be able to focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs. This is an investment in their future, allowing them to pursue their education with dignity and hope. By utilizing solar power, we are tapping into a clean, renewable source of energy. In doing so, we not only address the water needs of this school but also demonstrate a commitment to protecting our environment,” said Msimuko.

Headmaster at the school, Nasho Simbi conceded that the situation was dire as the school has had no water since 2022.

“So, it was compulsory that each student fetch water to be used at the school. Some had to carry water from their homes every day, but now students will be relieved of such burden and concentrate on their studies. We therefore thank PIL for the assistance,” he said.

Phyless Matchado, a form four student said the situation affected them more as girls.

Apart from the school, the water will also aid challenges faced by the nearby health centre, teachers’ houses, a primary school and the community around Lulwe CDSS who have also been connected.

Pastor Samuel Mpheluka who works at the health centre said they used to hire women to fetch about 200 litres of water to be used at the facility every day, which was too costly and a health hazard considering the unreliability of the water sources.

Lulwe CDSS has 250 students, while the hospital serves a catchment of 10,040 people, and the other side there is a primary school with 860 pupils.

PIL consists of Puma, Total Energies, Vivo Energies, and Petroda.