Thursday, January 16, 2025
الرئيسية بلوق الصفحة 14

Standard Bank in 25% Discount Offer on Gym Membership at Hashtag Fitness

Standard Bank Plc has launched an exclusive 25% discount offer on membership fees at Hashtag Fitness for its Private and high-net-worth clients.

Hashtag Fitness is a premier health and wellness facility consisting of a gym, in-house smoothie and health café situated in the heart of Blantyre.

Head of Client Coverage (Personal and Private Banking) Ewen Hiwa said ag the launch Friday night the exciting offer follows a partnership with Hashtag as part of Standard Bank’s recently revamped Private Banking Customer Value Proposition (CVP).

Launched in July, the revamped proposition launched under the theme “Only the best will do” is designed to provide unparalleled benefits and services to the bank’s private customers.

“This partnership is one of the many benefits that our Private Banking and high-net-worth clients can look forward to enjoying as we take Standard Bank’s award-winning financial services to the next level,” said Hiwa.

He said Standard Bank places a premium on the wellness of its customers as it believes that good health and wealth are complimentary. “At Standard Bank driving the growth of Malawi is our purpose. We are keen to see our clients building generational wealth and when they live a healthy lifestyle they increase their potential for productive years. With this in mind, we are confident that we will lay a strong foundation for the next generation through supporting their parents and guardians who are our clients.”

For his part, Hashtag Gym’s Chief Operating Officer Mr. Jean-Claude de Silva welcomed the partnership with Standard Bank saying it offers immense health benefits to the bank’s private customers.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Standard Bank to bring this incredible offer to their private customers. There is a clear synergy in this partnership as both of our firms are clear leaders in providing exclusive services. For Hashtag, our state-of-the-art facilities and expert trainers will help clients to achieve their fitness goals, while our cafe provides healthy and carefully selected beverage and light food options to keep them energized as they push for their fitness goals,” he said.

Some of the services available at Hashtag include dedicated sections for women to ensure privacy when required, expert and personal trainers, personalized fitness programs, complimentary fitness assessments and training plans and access to wellness workshops and seminars.

This offer is exclusive to Standard Bank private customers. To redeem the discount, customers must present their Standard Bank card or account details at Hashtag Gym.

Through the revamping of its Private Banking services, Standard Bank aims to exceed customer expectations and strengthen their financial well-being.

“Standard Bank is the best private bank in Malawi and Africa; therefore, we are committed to continue providing superb financial solutions. At its core we have a full package of financial services, wealth management, insurance, renewable energy solutions, health and wellness offers, family banking and rewards,” added Hiwa.

CDEDI Demands Commission of Inquiry into June 10 Plane Crash

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The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has urged President Lazarus Chakwera to institute a commission of inquiry into the June 10 plane crash that killed Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima, former First Lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, and seven others.

Sylvester Namiwa, CDEDI Executive Director, commended the President for according a dignified burial to the deceased and engaging international experts to investigate the accident.

However, Namiwa expressed concerns that the preliminary technical report has not addressed critical questions surrounding the tragedy.

“The report shows crystal clear cases of negligence, suppression of material facts, and failure to adhere to laws and regulations governing the nation,” Namiwa said.

“It is shocking that no government official has been held accountable for their actions or failure to act.”

CDEDI has demanded that the President take the following actions within 14 days:

(1)Institute a Commission of Inquiry: Investigate the circumstances leading to the plane crash.

(2)Fire Malawi Army Chief: General Valentino Paul Phiri allowed the Vice-President to travel on an unsafe aircraft and misled the nation about the plane’s location.

(3)Fire Minister of Information: Moses Kunkuyu provided an incorrect narrative about the accident.

(4)Fire MACRA Director General: Daud Suleman initiated a hotline for information on the plane’s location despite the site having a functional tower.

Namiwa warned that failure to comply would lead to peaceful demonstrations.

“Malawians deserve answers and closure on this tragedy,” he emphasized.

All reactions:

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MAGLA supports NPL’s Mothers Fun Run with K10 million

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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 K10 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 K300 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.

Mo626 College Basketball semifinal list complete

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UNIMA ladies in White Jersey in action against MZUNI in sky blue Jersey

The much-anticipated Mo626 College Basketball Top Eight Tournament played on Saturday at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) has managed to produce semifinalists for the men and women categories.

The Elite Top Eight tournament delivered thrilling results as University of Lilongwe (UNILIL), Malawi Assemblies of God University (MAGU), Mzuni University (MZUNI), and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) women teams booked their places in the semi-finals.

African Bible College (ABC), University of Malawi (UNIMA), MAGU, and UNILIL secured their semifinal spots in the men’s divisions after an intense encounter on the court.

MAGU and MUBAS women secured a 20-0 victory each against Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) which failed to turn up and automatically forfeited their points, while MZUNI defeated UNIMA 43-36.

UNIMA bounced back strongly in their second fixture by beating Catholic University (CUNIMA) 49-34, while MUBAS triumphed against Bunda College 50-49.

Akossa Hiwa National Bank of Malawi Plc Marketing Manager

In the men’s division, the competition was intense as Malawi College of Accountancy (MCA-BT) defeated MAGU 44-41, while ABC overcame MUBAS 44-34, and UNIMA secured a close 49-43 win over MZUNI.

UNILIL thumped MUST 65-54, while ABC continued their dominance by beating MCA-BT 41-34 while MAGU cruised to a 41-32 victory over MUBAS.

Mzuni hotshots captain, Sharon Chikaonda who plays point guard, said she is proud of her team’s dedication and perseverance and that qualifying for the semi-finals is a great achievement.

“I feel proud of our team’s performance at the Mo626 Elite 8 Basketball game. We showed great determination and skill, winning against UNIMA and putting up a strong fight against UNILIL,” said Chikaonda.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, hailed the electric performance on the day saying the Bank is proud to be part of this initiative which not only fosters talent, but also encourages youth development, healthy living, and community engagement.

“The tournament was electric, with high energy, and competitiveness, and now we have our four teams for both men and women that will be going into the finals.”

“As we move on to the semi-final and finals on the 27th of September 2024, as a Bank we will continue engaging with our stakeholders at different levels with Mo626 Basketball Teams in tertiary institutions and will commit to investing in the development of tertiary education sports,” Hiwa explained.

Basketball Association of Malawi (Basmal) Vice President, Banthari Banda, echoed Hiwa’s sentiments, expressing his excitement at the level of competition to find the top four teams for both men’s and women’s games.

“The teams prepared diligently, and we have witnessed outstanding teamwork, technical prowess, and tactical brilliance. The level of basketball is exceptional, and we expect even more as the tournament progresses to the finals and this will also help us find top players that will be featured in the National team,” said Banda.

This year’s finals will take place on September 28 at ABC Gymnasium and will see the winners walking away with K5 million as the grand prize, while the runners-up in both male and female categories will cart home K3 million each.

NBS Bank plc swings K155 million ‘caring shot’ to Presidential Charity Golf  

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NBS Bank plc, dubbed ‘The Caring Bank’, has pumped in K155 million towards the 2024 Presidential Charity Golf initiative and have been named the Diamond sponsor of the tournament.

Speaking after presenting the cheque to President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace on Tuesday, NBS Bank plc’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Temwani Simwaka said the presidential golf initiative goes beyond the greens and fairways of golf, as it serves to uplift the most vulnerable in society.

“This is a testament to our Bank’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and our continued belief in the power of partnerships to bring about real change.” 

“We are especially proud to contribute to an event that is raising funds for two noble causes—supporting victims of tropical cyclones and providing much-needed financial assistance to university students. These causes are not just about immediate relief but about restoring hope and empowering tomorrow’s leaders, and NBS Bank plc is honoured to be part of such a meaningful initiative,” said Simwaka.

In his remarks, Chakwera commended NBS Bank plc saying the partnership is extraordinary and that it embodies the true spirit of solidarity, generosity and patriotism.

“The decision by NBS Bank plc to sponsor this year’s Presidential Charity Golf Tournament with a donation of K155 million is a monumental gesture, not just in monetary value but in the tangible hope it inspires in others to do their part and to do it together,” said Chakwera.

A member of the organizing committee of the tournament, Boyd Luwe, also hailed the gesture from NBS Bank because they have proved that they are truly ‘a caring bank’. 

“We applaud NBS Bank plc for leading the way in taking up the anchor sponsorship role for this year. It is a huge sacrifice for the Bank, a significant act of generosity and goodwill, to invest this significant amount in the initiative,” said Luwe.

This year’s Presidential Charity Golf tournament will take place at the Limbe Country Club in Blantyre.

Blantyre Residents Urge Businessman Alex Chimwala to Re-join Politics

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Concerned citizens from Machinjiri Township have penned an open letter to businessman Alex Chimwala, urging him to reconsider his decision to pull out of frontline politics.

Chimwala, a prominent businessman and aspiring lawmaker for South Lunzu Constituency, announced his resignation from politics on Tuesday, citing the negative impact on his personal businesses.

“After a long and careful soul-searching, I have decided to retire from active politics… My involvement in active politics has greatly affected my business,” he stated.

However, the community of Machinjiri is not willing to let him go without a fight.

“We have received your message with heavy hearts… We respect your concern regarding the impact it has had on your business,” the letter reads. “

However, we… must respectfully ask you to reconsider.”

The residents value Chimwala’s commitment to their community, highlighting his transformative impact on Machinjiri through infrastructure improvements, empowering local businesses, and championing education.

“You have never treated politics as an avenue to personal gain; you have consistently stayed true to your roots, serving us with integrity and devotion.”

The letter emphasizes that Chimwala’s leadership is still needed, stating, “Your work is far from done. The future of Machinjiri still needs your vision and dedication.”

Chimwala’s decision to leave politics has sparked concern among his supporters, who are now calling on him to reconsider.

The residents’ plea is a testament to his influence and dedication to the community.

“We hope you will continue your journey with us and lead this community toward greater prosperity,” the letter concludes.

It remains to be seen whether Chimwala will heed the call of his constituents and reconsider his decision to leave politics.

PIL waters Linyangwa Health Centre in Kasungu 

Mchiela (middle) shakes hands with VH Linyangwa as Dr Zulu and others look on

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), a consortium of four oil marketing companies in Malawi, has donated a solar-powered water pump worth K7.5 million to Linyangwa Health Centre in Kasungu to help ease water challenges at the facility.

The health centre, located in the area of Senior Chief Lukwa, has had no potable water for the past three years a situation that caused distress especially in the maternity wing thereby forcing guardians and medical personnel to bank on the secondary school close to the facility. 

Speaking after commissioning the new pump mounted at the health centre’s maternity wing, PIL’s Finance Manager, Kambani Mchiela said they felt the need to donate the pump considering that water is life and hospitals cannot do well without clean and safe water.

“Access to clean water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right. Water is essential for health, hygiene, and life itself. However, we know that access to safe and reliable water sources is still a challenge in many parts of our country, particularly in rural areas.” 

Mchiela washes hands with tap water from the donated pump

“Health centres like this one play a critical role in the well-being of our people, and ensuring that they have the resources they need is crucial,” said Mchiela. 

Mchiela further said that the clean water will help promote hygiene, thereby empowering the members of the community to prevent M-Pox which was detected in some neighbouring countries. 

“By harnessing the power of the sun, this pump will provide a consistent supply of clean water, ensuring that the hospital can maintain high standards of hygiene and care without interruption. This, in turn, will improve patient outcomes and contribute to the overall health of the community within the Linyangwa Health Centre catchment area,” he explained.

District Medical Officer for Kasungu, Dr Ulemu Zulu commended PIL for the water pump saying it will go a long way in ensuring smooth medical procedures at the facility.

Kambani Mchiela

“Most diseases that women suffer from after delivery are contacted during delivery. That is why it is so important to observe hygiene when conducting such procedures, and one key component in all that is water,” said Dr Zulu. 

Group Village Linyangwa also hailed PIL while pleading with his subjects to take care of the pump.

“We have stayed for three years without clean water because some people stole our pump. PIL has brought us a bigger pump than the previous one, we thank them. The situation in the last three years was bad such that people depended on the school and you know how students behave. Sometimes they couldn’t allow the women to draw the water,” he said. 

Linyangwa health centre serves a population of 32, 000 people from Kasungu West, with expected deliveries standing at 1, 800 per year.

PIL comprises Total Energies, Vivo Energies, Puma, and Petroda.

NBS Bank plc posts K32.65 billion H1 profit

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Chief Executive Officer Kwanele Ngwenya

Listed NBS Bank has recorded a consolidated Profit-After-Tax of K32.65 billion representing 169 percent increase compared to K12.16 billion reported in a similar period of 2023.

According to the latest half-year financial performance statement released by the Bank, signed by the Board Chairperson Vizenge Kumwenda, Director Harrison Kalua, Chief Executive Officer Kwanele Ngwenya, and Chief Finance Officer Ernest Tembo, the remarkable performance was driven by the 55 percent growth of customer deposits which were invested in loans and advances by money market instruments, resulting in higher interest.

“This represents a year-on-year increase of 169 percent. Total comprehensive income amounted to K32.32 billion, 165% above the K12.20 billion reported in the half-year ended 30 June 2023.”

“Total operating income grew by 112 percent year-on-year on the back of an increase in net interest income of 109 percent and non-interest income of 122 percent income than the income reported in a similar period of 2023,” reads part of the statement.

Board Chairperson Vizenge Kumwenda

It further says the Bank’s total assets went up by K315 billion over the six months ended 30th June 2024 to close at K973 billion representing an increase of 48 percent.

“Customer deposits and deposits from other financial institutions were the primary drivers of the jump in total assets,” reads the statement. 

Looking ahead, the Bank expects continued growth of the balance sheet among others following the continued raising of cheap United States Dollar funding for Food and Agriculture and drawdowns on related approved facilities.

UGI Awards KUHeS’ Best Performing students

Chibwe (right) handing over cheque to Kumwenda

United General Insurance (UGI) Limited has committed about K10 million to award best performing students in the 2022/2023 academic year at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS).

The awarded students are 100 in total, and are those that appeared on the Dean’s List with distinctions of 75 percent marks and above. 

Speaking at the award ceremony in Blantyre on Friday, UGI’s Chief Operating Officer, MacDonald Chibwe, said the company believes in excellence, and will therefore run the awards every year. 

“UGI is known and believes in excellence, hence we are glad to award these students and recognize their effort by awarding the best performing students. KUHeS is our reliable business partner that is why when they approached us to sponsor this initiative, we did not hesitate to jump in.”

“It is our belief that the students will continue working hard and motivate others through the monetary awards that have been given to them,” said Chibwe.

Mwenebanda(left) Kumwenda(centre) Chibwe(right) and some awardees

Elida Mwenebanda, the best performing student studying Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) scooped seven distinctions and expressed her gratitude to UGI for the awards and prize saying it will motivate other students to work hard.

“Through my studies I have not only trained myself to be a good student, but also to be a good doctor by knowing how to interact with the patients and putting my heart to it. As I finish my studies I am committed to doing my work diligently,” said Mwenebanda.

KUHeS Director of Student Affairs Associate Professor Benjamin Kumwenda, said the aim of the Dean’s List awards is to encourage students by recognizing their achievements.

“Excellence is non-negotiable because we are training doctors, lab scientists, people who will handle and manage lives. Therefore errors, mistakes and mediocrity are not allowed,” said Kumwenda. 

The awards ranged from K75, 000 to K200, 000.

BREAKING NEWS: PIJ accused of extortion…As US Embassy, UK High Commission under fire for sponsoring unethical journalism

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A shocking exposé has revealed that the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) has been engaging in extortionate practices.

The outlet has been threatening to publish damaging articles unless targets pay hefty sums of money.

Led by Gregory Gondwe and Golden Matonga, PIJ has been accused of exploiting vulnerable government officials and private sector individuals.

The outlet’s questionable ethics are allegedly funded by the UK High Commission in Malawi, the US Embassy in Malawi, and International Asset Recovery (ICAR).

Insiders claim PIJ journalists are paid $500 per article, raising concerns about independence and impartiality.

Key questions remain. Why are foreign diplomatic missions supporting such unethical journalism? How many have fallen victim to PIJ’s tactics? And will those involved be held accountable?

The scandal has sent shockwaves through Malawi’s media community, with many calling for a full investigation into PIJ’s activities.

As the story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the integrity of journalism in Malawi has been severely compromised.