NBS Bank Plc on Wednesday supplied lunch hour shoppers at SANA Ginnery Corner with early Christmas gifts ranging from t-shirts to K1 million in Trolley Dash prizes.

Last week the ‘Caring Bank’ rolled out an exciting digital activation campaign as part of its festive season initiatives to promote cashless transactions and encourage the use of swipe machines and digital payment platforms.

NBS Bank Marketing and Communication Officer Sharon Jumbe said the ‘Caring Bank’ thought of giving back to customers and potential customers as part of the festive season celebration.

“Today we had a trolley dash as part of our ‘Easy-mber to Remember’ festive campaign. We are encouraging all Malawians to use our POS Machines this month at various retail supermarkets across the three regions and stand a chance to win various prizes.”

“So far, we are satisfied because we have received a lot of participation. Last week we were in Lilongwe where we also had another K1 million Trolley Dash winner.  It is encouraging that people have embraced the campaign and are interested in it,” said Jumbe.

In his remarks, the trolley dash winner Dr Lajab Mkakosya an Associate Professor of Microbiology at KUHeS thanked NBS Bank for executing a good strategy of wowing customers.

“I’m extremely excited, I was coming for normal shopping, I came here to buy water so I am excited that I have won this Trolley Dash. For some of us who have never opened an account with NBS Bank, you have opened our eyes,” said Dr Mkakosya.

In the month-long promotion, Malawians can participate by paying using any card on an NBS Bank POS Machine.

Giant alcoholic beverages producer, Castel Malawi commemorated International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday with a vibrant ‘Employee Day’ event held at its head office in Ndirande Makata Industrial Area, Blantyre.

The event highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding ethical practices, marked by the introduction of a revised Code of Conduct centred on four key pillars of ‘Commit, Fight, Respect, and Manage’.

Speaking during the event, Castel Malawi Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Director Gloria Zimba, underscored the proactive approach the company has adopted in combating corruption.

“It’s not that corruption levels are rising, but Castel Malawi, like our parent company Castel Group in France, has made a firm commitment to be part of the fight against corruption in all the countries we operate in. You don’t have to wait for corruption to rise within your organization to start addressing it,” she said.

Zimba emphasized the significant role Castel Malawi plays in the country’s economy, being the leading taxpayer.

“Last year, we were the second-largest taxpayer, but now we’re number one. This reflects our substantial revenue turnover and highlights the importance of managing our employees and suppliers effectively to prevent corrupt practices.”

“The revised Code of Conduct extends beyond Castel Malawi employees to include third-party suppliers. When we train people on the code of conduct, we don’t just focus on our employees; we include all third-party suppliers because corruption can stem from either side.”

“To ensure transparency and accountability, the company has established multiple reporting platforms, including Deloitte Anonymous line and the Ethics Committee, allowing stakeholders to report corrupt practices, bribery, and harassment,” said Zimba.

Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Frank Edgar Kapanda SC, a guest speaker at the event, lauded Castel Malawi’s efforts in fostering ethical practices.

“From the activities and structures, I have seen within Castel, it is clear they are on the right path. Fighting corruption is not just the responsibility of public institutions; it is a shared duty among corporations and individuals alike,” said Justice Kapanda.

The event served as a platform to reinforce Castel Malawi’s dedication to ethical business practices and its broader role in promoting integrity within the corporate world and the nation at large.

With its robust measures against corruption, Castel Malawi continues to set a standard of excellence, contributing not only to the nation’s economic development but also to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, according to Zimba.

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.

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has invested K170 million towards early childhood development in the country through construction of four modern Community Based Childcare Centres (CBCC). 

The centres have been constructed in Mangochi, Lilongwe, and Mzimba in partnership with Yamba Malawi.

Speaking after handing over the first centre in the area of Traditional Authority Ntonda in Mangochi on Monday, NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the Bank is committed to investing in early childhood development to help prepare the young ones for the bigger stage of their education journey.

“As the ‘Bank of the Nation’, we recognise that the first 1000 days of child development are vital in shaping them to be intelligent in their education. Through our corporate social responsibility, we will ensure to invest more in children,” said Hiwa

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Nertha Semphere Mgala, who was the guest of honour at the event commended NBM plc and Yamba Malawi for working with the government to develop education in the country.

“As Government, we can’t reach all the CBCCs including the caregivers in these centres, we therefore need a hand and the gesture by Yamba Malawi through the support from National Bank plc needs to be commended. Together we can help these kids grow into great minds,” she said.

Yamba Malawi Executive Director, Gertrude Kabwazi also hailed their partnership with NBM plc.

“With these centres, we are developing the mental capacity of these kids. You may agree with me that children that started with early education think and behave different from others who did not,” she added.

T/A Ntonda said apart from its core objective to help the children, the centres have also changed the facelift of his area.

“These centres will help encourage the kids to go to school. With these new blocks, my area looks different,” he said. 

Apart from the CBCC blocks, the facilities have kitchens, toilets, and the necessary chairs and tables suitable for the kids. 

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has almost doubled this year’s ‘12 Days of Christmas initiative’ package to K130 million from K70 million last year.

This will be the fourth consecutive year the ‘Bank of the Nation’ has been running this initiative which involves its 11 selected service centres across the country donating various food and non-food items to their preferred beneficiaries.

This year’s initiative started on Monday (December 9) and will run for the next 12 days, each of the selected 11 service centres will contribute K10 million, with a final donation of K20 million at the campaign’s conclusion.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa said the initiative reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

“Through this campaign, the Bank extends support to institutions and individuals in need, fostering goodwill and community spirit during the festive season. This also allows the Bank to make a significant difference in the lives of those less fortunate, enhance brand reputation, and reaffirm its dedication to corporate social responsibility.”

“Equally important is the fact that this initiative fosters linkages between service centres and their operating communities,” she said.

The selected service centres this year include Victoria Avenue which will make a donation at Maoni Orphanage in Lunzu.

Mangochi, Mchinji, and Mzimba Service centres will donate school materials at Mangochi Secondary School, Ludzi Secondary School and Kazomba CDSS respectively, while in Lilongwe, Capital City Centre will aid Chisamba LEA in Kawale Township.

Chitipa Service Centre has also opted for an education facility and will donate to Chitipa Model School.

Salima, Mponela, Chichiri, SouthEnd, and Customs Service centres have chosen health facilities and will donate to MAFCO Hospital, Mponela Rural Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Bwaila Hospital, and St Joseph Hospital in Nguludi respectively.

Lilongwe Service centre will donate office materials to Dedza District Council.

Peter Lumbe and Diana Kambale had a grand day on Saturday as they were crowned the overall champions in the 2024 NBS Bank Winner-of-Winners Golf Tournament in the men and women categories respectively.

The tournament, held at Limbe Country Club in Blantyre, attracted 111 golfers and showcased a blend of skill, endurance, and camaraderie.

Playing off a handicap of +3, Lumbe clinched the men’s title with a net 69 points, while Kambale posted an impressive net 68 points to lead the women’s division.

Both golfers were celebrated for their outstanding performances during the event, which also served as the finale for the NBS Bank plc Monthly Mug series and the inaugural Limbe Country Club Champions League Matchplay.

In the men’s category for the December NBS Bank Monthly Mug, Safwaan Jakhura emerged victorious with a net 64 points.

He was closely followed by NBS Bank plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kwanele Ngwenya, who was declared runner-up after counting out Ganizani Lusho.

In the women’s Monthly Mug, Mercy Kamanga reigned supreme with a net 66 points, while Diana Kambale took the runner-up position with her net 68 points.

Bose Kamphulusa rounded out the top three with a net 69 points.

The 38-golfer Limbe Country Club Champions League saw Muhammad Ali Mussa lifting the trophy after beating his runner-up Folindo Rodrick by five points.

In his speech, Ngwenya was glad with the play while committing the Bank’s dedication to supporting the golfing community.

“The Bank is proud to sponsor Country Club Limbe as part of our appreciation for the public’s support. I would like also to thank all our customers and all that are going to be our customers for being with the Bank and believing in us. And I would like to thank all Golfers for being with the bank throughout the journey,” said Ngwenya.

NBS Bank plc Chief Operating Officer Shadrick Chikusilo also expressed satisfaction with the success of the tournament.

“NBS plc is a ‘Caring Bank’, and that’s not mere rhetoric. We demonstrate this through actions. As you know, we also sponsor football and netball. We believe in giving back to our customers by giving them a good environment and, a good round of golf,” said Chikusilo.

On his part, Lumbe said he was excited that he achieved a personal milestone, completing the 18-hole competition without a single bogey.

“I enjoyed my swing today. For the first time, I didn’t register any bogey on my card but pars and six birdies. This is a historic feat for me, and I thank NBS Bank plc for the wonderful experience,” said Lumbe.

The tournament also recognized other exceptional performances. In the Senior category, Chripin Ng’oma posted a net 81 to claim the top spot and in the Beginners category Mwayi Pahuwa led with a net 116.

The NBS Bank plc Winner of Winners Golf Tournament was more than just a competition, it was a showcase of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship that accumulated over the year, according to Chikusilo.

Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL) a consortium of four oil marketing companies in the country on Thursday donated a solar water pump worth K7.8 million to Malomo Health Centre in Ntchisi to help ease water problems at the health facility.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the health centre, PIL General Manager Martin Msimuko noted that access to clean water is not just a basic necessity but a fundamental human right hence their assistance.

“Water is life and hospitals cannot do well without clean and safe water. The installation of this solar water pump represents more than just a technological advancement, it symbolizes progress, sustainability, and a commitment to improving the quality of healthcare services in our rural communities.”

“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 health center catchment area,” said Msimuko.

He asked the people to take good care of the solar water pump.

“As we hand over this solar water pump today, let us remember that this is just one step towards a brighter, healthier future for our community. It is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. I am confident that this project will inspire further initiatives to improve the lives of those in our rural areas,” said Msimuko.

Facility In charge of Malomo Health Centre Zuze Khonde thanked PIL for the donation saying they had problems of accessing safe water especially during electricity blackouts.

“We will make sure that we will take care of this pump so that we offer good care to patients because clean and portable water is essential for us to operate properly,” said Khonde.

He said Malomo Health Centre has a catchment of 70,000 people with some coming from Bua in Kasungu.

The four oil marketing companies that make up PIL include, Puma Energy, TotalEnergies, Vivo Energy and Petroda

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc and Press Trust have partnered to invest K280 million for electrification and drilling of solar powered boreholes in rural schools and health facilities in the country. 

NBM plc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya and Press Trust trustee Symon Msefula signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thursday in Lilongwe witnessed by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mangani Katundu, and his colleague responsible for Administration in the Ministry of Health, James Manyetera. 

In his remarks, Jiya said the money will be used to procure and install solar electricity in schools and health facilities in the targeted rural areas to enhance the quality of education and healthcare services in rural communities through sustainable solutions.

“We aim to empower rural schools by providing solar-powered electricity and access to clean water, creating an environment conducive to quality education and enhance healthcare delivery by equipping health facilities with reliable energy and water systems, ensuring patients receive care in dignified and functional environments.”

“We also aim to advance the adoption of renewable energy solutions in alignment with Malawi’s sustainability goals under the Malawi 2063 Implementation Plan,” he said.

Jiya further said apart from the infrastructure development, the initiative will enable teachers to teach effectively, healthcare professionals to deliver quality care, and children and families to thrive in healthier, safer environments.

On his part, Msefula said the expected outcomes of the initiative include increased enrolment, improvement of sanitation in schools and quality healthcare.

“These schools and health centres will receive tailored interventions, ranging from solar energy systems to piped potable water. This is not merely a stopgap measure—it is a foundational change that will improve service delivery and open up new opportunities for education and healthcare,” he said. 

Headteacher for Matundu Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Dedza, Enerst Chitere, who represented all beneficiary schools at the event commended the two institutions for the initiative. 

“Using solar powered energy means schools and hospitals will be able to save money that was used to purchase torches and pay bills at the facilities. This money will be used to cater for other equally important things at the facilities. We thank NBM plc and Press Trust for this gesture,” he said. 

The initiative is expected to benefit over 100,000 people in 7 districts including Mzimba, Dedza, Mchinji, Balaka, Mangochi, Chikwawa, and Mulanje. 

Some of the earmarked Institutions in these districts are Kabuwa CDSS in Mzimba, Nankumba Health Centre in Mangochi, and Njerenje CDSS in Balaka. 

Castel Malawi Limited is set to fly an enterprising Lilongwe-based young couple of Paul Cullisto Matumbi (25) and Deborah Kaunda (24) to Dubai after emerging winners in the Pomme Breeze #YourSider Competition.

The competition ran from August 16 to September 27, 2024 and invited participants to post creative photos featuring their “Sider” a friend, family member, or partner – alongside a Pomme Breeze beer and then win the all-expenses-paid three-day Dubai trip as grand prize if they get more likes. 

The two got about 1,000 likes from their original entry, posted on Paul’s personal page.

During the winner unveiling ceremony at the couple’s residence in Bunda on Thursday, Castel Malawi’s Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, Lavern Chitakata highlighted the significance of the competition saying it is one way of celebrating the success of the newly-launched product while giving back to the community for their unwavering support.

“It also reflects our commitment to uplifting lives and promoting talent, particularly among young entrepreneurs like Paul and Deborah. We’re excited to see them represent Malawi in Dubai.”

“The two emerged winners from many participants. We selected a top 10 based on the likes from non-private posts. Each top 10 entry was posted on our page, with the rule that the picture with the most likes would win. The leading post had 2,859 likes but was disqualified after our vetting process revealed around 900 bots (fake accounts),” she said. 

Chitakata further said the second entry, with 2,600 likes, was also disqualified due to the use of at least 20 bots. 

“Both entries were removed under Clause #6 of the competition’s Terms and Conditions, which stated ‘Castel Malawi will vet the number of likes to ensure no bots were used’. Ultimately, the third entry, with 697 authentic likes, was declared the winner.”

“So, this is the most genuine post that we found and the likes that were there are genuine and verifiable. It may come as a surprise to a lot of people, but yes, we do not condone any form of cheating for anything that we do. Therefore, the winner is authentic, it can be verified, both by us and the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA),” Chitakata explained.

The couple expressed their excitement and gratitude for the win.

“This is a dream come true. It’s our first time travelling abroad, and we’re thrilled beyond words.”

“We are farmers who grow maize, soya, and other crops. We also engage in livestock farming and sell automobiles. This opportunity motivates us to keep pushing our boundaries,” said Paul.

The competition rewarded creativity and community engagement, with entries competing for likes on the Pomme Breeze Facebook page.

Just a week after Sparc Systems Limited Managing Director Dr. Wisely Phiri was awarded Africa’s Most Impactful and Innovative Business leader at a ceremony held in Tanzania, his company has also earned recognition in Zambia.

During awards gala dinner organised by the Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) Friday night in Lusaka – Sparc Systems Zambia was awarded as the Best ICT Service Provider.

Both Phiri, the Sparc Systems Managing Director, and Sparc Zambia Country Manager Anne-Marie Morin attended the ceremony.

Accepting the award, Phiri said Sparc Systems will continue to aspire for greatness as it implements its vision to be the best skilled based IT Service Provider in Africa.

“We aim to offer the best IT solutions that focuse on addressing core challenges in our clients environments but also offer the best local support with even faster response times and continue to foster a skill-focused growth culture among our employees,” said Phiri.

He further said: “Being voted by customers in Zambia as the best IT Service Provider of year under ICTAZ Awards is a great milestone. It means we are doing great works and our customers are appreciating.”

On her part, Morin who heads Sparc Systems Zambians said receiving the ICTAZ best Service Provider of the Year Award 2024 is both an achievement and a seal of approval for Sparc Systems Limited as an IT firm of choice.

“It is a confirmation that the service we offer the IT industry in Zambia is being recognized and supported by our clients,” she said adding;

“We would like to thank all who voted who saw the value in the services we offer. This has always been a team effort and is a Team Win.”

The ICTAZ awards recognize outstanding achievements in the ICT sector in Zambia
The awards aim to promote excellence, innovation, and professionalism in the ICT sector.

High level guests from government to business captains attended the gala award including Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati.