Sharriff, Chinkhandwe shine at NBM plc Seniors Golf Tourney  

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Bashir Sharriff and Sheila Chinkhandwe were crowned champions in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively; at the inaugural National Bank of Malawi plc (NBM) Seniors Golf Competition held at the Country Club Limbe on Saturday.

With a handicap of 20, Sharriff topped the field with a gross score of 90 and a net 70 points, earning him K200,000 and the trophy.

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He was followed by NBM plc Pension Administration Limited (PAL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), William Mabulekesi, who returned a gross of 84 and a net of 70 points to claim K150,000, while Mac Hanjahanja finished third with a gross of 87 and a net 71 to walk away with K100,000.

In her category, Chinkhandwe led with a gross score of 108 and a net 85, earning her K200,000, followed by Khungekile Madise who posted a gross of 124 and a net 89, receiving K150,000.

The tournament also recognised specialty performances, with Hanjahanja winning the nearest-to-the-pin prize and High Court Judge Justice Masauko  Msungama taking the longest-drive award.

They both received K50,000 for their achievements.

Reflecting on his victory, Sharriff expressed his appreciation to NBM plc and his playing partners for a memorable day on the course.

“I have been playing this game for about 45 to 48 years. Today, I had the privilege to play with the sponsor, and I enjoyed my day on the course. I scored 45 on the front nine and 45 on the back nine. With my handicap of 20, I ended up with a net score of 70, which made me the winner of this National Bank Seniors Championship today,” said Sharriff.

Chinkhandwe, while celebrating her win, also encouraged greater participation of senior lady golfers.

“Only two ladies participated, which I found really disappointing. There are many senior lady golfers in Malawi, but for different reasons, most were unable to attend. I hope that next year we will have more women joining the competition,” said Chinkhandwe.

Speaking on the motivation behind NBM plc’s sponsorship, Mabulekesi, stressed the Bank’s commitment to wellness and active ageing.

“The National Bank takes the well-being of people seriously. We established the Wellness Programme to encourage physical activity and help people unwind from stress. When we looked at the Senior Golfers Society of Malawi, we saw retirees who needed a space to remain active, interact, and build bonds. Participating in golf keeps them physically fit and mentally engaged, helping them manage conditions like hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia,” said Mabulekesi.

Chairman and Captain of the Senior Golfers Society of Malawi, Eric Chinkanda, applauded NBM plc for its support of the event.

“One of our key challenges is securing sponsorships for our exclusive tournaments. Reaching out to corporate entities has been difficult, but in Blantyre we have received support from a few organisations, with the National Bank being one of the notable sponsors,” said Chinkanda.

The event was supported through a K11.2 million sponsorship package from NBM plc, which included cash prizes and golf apparel, further demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to sport, wellness, and community engagement.

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UTM criticizes DPP’s mid-year budget, warns against continued economic mismanagement

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UTM president Dalitso Kabambe
UTM president Dalitso Kabambe

Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The United Transformation Movement (UTM) party has strongly criticized the 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget, accusing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government of continuing what it describes as a “failed economic path” left behind by the former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration.

In a statement released today and signed by UTM Director of Finance and Economic Affairs Simon Mwayang’ana, the party highlighted the fragility of Malawi’s economy, citing rising food prices, foreign exchange shortages, growing public debt, increasing unemployment, and deepening poverty that continues to keep the country among the poorest in the world.

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UTM acknowledged that the DPP inherited these challenges from the previous MCP government but stressed that the new administration must now take full responsibility for addressing them.

The party criticized the mid-year budget for failing to deliver solutions, arguing that the measures outlined fail to respond to the country’s urgent economic needs.

“Malawi needed discipline – it received consumption. Malawi needed a production revolution – it received tax hikes. Malawi needed liquidity control – it received expansion. Malawi needed a credible foreign exchange plan – it received administrative controls,” the statement reads in part.

UTM further noted that the budget does not adequately address structural issues and risks perpetuating fiscal mismanagement, worsening inflation, and further burdening citizens already struggling with high living costs.

The party also raised concerns about the overestimation of Gross Domestic Product projections, the inflation outlook that is not aligned with prevailing economic realities, and ongoing foreign exchange challenges that threaten to destabilize trade and business activities.

Additionally, UTM warned that fiscal deficits and domestic borrowing remain unchecked, and criticized the newly introduced tax measures as heavy, inflationary, and counterproductive, potentially undermining economic growth and development.

The statement concludes with a call for the government to implement policies that prioritize production, fiscal discipline, and sustainable economic reforms to alleviate poverty and restore public confidence in national economic management.

UTM’s critique underscores growing public concern over Malawi’s economic trajectory and highlights the pressure on the DPP to adopt bold measures to address the country’s persistent financial and structural challenges.

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256 Energy excites customers with Lilongwe’s Area 25 new Gas refilling Station opening

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Airtel Malawi

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a bid to expands access to clean energy to its customers, 265 Energy Limited has officially opened its new Gas Refilling Station at Area 25 in the capital Lilongwe.

256 Energy Limited Publicist Philip White told The Maravi Post that “The outlet is designed to make access to gas refills easier, faster, and more convenient for customers in Area 25 and surrounding locations.

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“Located strategically to serve residential and commercial clients, the new Gas Refilling Station will cater to customers from Area 25, Area 49, Area 50, Area 51, and nearby communities ensuring reliable and
accessible gas services closer to home”.

White adds, “At 265 Energy, we are committed to making clean and affordable energy easily accessible to all.

“The launch of this Gas Refilling Station reflects our
ongoing effort to bring energy solutions closer to our customers while improving efficiency and service
quality.”

He explains further, “The new outlet is equipped with an electric automatic pump, which significantly reduces refill waiting times for clients, ensuring a faster and smoother experience.

“In addition to refills, the site provides assistance with
gas cylinder exchanges, safety checks, and basic user guidance for first-time customers, supported by trained
personnel”.

White assures, “Apart from its reliable gas services, 265 Energy also provides cutting-edge solar energy solutions designed
to keep homes and businesses powered during load shedding.

“Our solar systems are built for efficiency and
durability, ensuring uninterrupted power for essential appliances including lighting, fridges, TVs, computers,
air conditioners, and water pumps. Each installation is tailored to suit customers’ energy needs while helping
them save on electricity costs”

265 Energy is one leading Malawian energy solutions provider specializing in solar systems, gas
supply, and energy efficiency services.

The company is committed to promoting sustainable, affordable, and innovative energy solutions that empower communities and fuel economic growth across Malawi.

With the Area 25 outlet launched, 265 Energy now has three refilling centers in Lilongwe, along Kaunda Road
opposite Gateway Mall, Golden Peacock Mall, and Area 25 before Msungwi market.

Additional branches
are located in Blantyre (Trade Fair Grounds) and Mzuzu (Best Oil Katoto Filling Station).

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FDH Bank donates MK150 million to MUBAS endowment fund

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-FDH Bank plc has pumped K150 million into the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) Endowment Fund to support needy students and enhance the university’s sustainability.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Blantyre on Tuesday, FDH Bank Managing Director, Noel Mkulichi, said the Bank remains committed to empowering Malawi’s youth through education, innovation and entrepreneurship.

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“It is always refreshing to be on a university campus where ideas fly freely, dreams stand tall, and future leaders are nurtured,” said Mkulichi.

He explained that the support aligns with the Bank’s sustainability programme, FDH Cares, and represents a long-term investment in human capital.

“We are committed to empowering growth in our community through our sustainability programme, FDH Cares, and education is one of our key pillars. This contribution is our act of doing good, an investment that will continue to yield impact long after today’s ceremony,” he said.

Mkulichi added that the donation builds on ongoing collaborations with MUBAS, including the Graduate Start-Ups Programme, which supports young entrepreneurs.

“Some say banks do not enjoy giving, but today we break that myth, this is not just giving; it is building, empowering, and investing in Malawi’s brightest minds.” he said.

He encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities the Endowment Fund creates.

“Work diligently, dream boldly, and step forward with courage,” he urged.

Receiving the donation, MUBAS Vice Chancellor, Professor Nancy Chitera, applauded FDH Bank for the timely contribution, noting that it advances the university towards its three-year target of raising K5 billion for the fund.

“This donation directly advances our goal of mobilising K5 billion for the Endowment Fund,” she said.

Chitera stressed that the fund reflects MUBAS’ commitment to ensuring no student withdraws due to financial hardship.

“We want every student to have access to accommodation, food allowances, e-resources, electronic gadgets and tuition support,” she explained.

She added that contributions to the MUBAS Endowment Fund represent a strategic investment in the nation’s future.

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UGI donates MK3 million food supplies to visually impaired learners

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-United General Insurance (UGI) has donated food supplies valued at K3 million to St Maria Goretti Resource Centre for visually impaired children in Nkhata Bay, to help the institution sustain its feeding programme.

The donation, made in partnership with Sprodeta on Monday, is intended to benefit the learners since they do not pay school fees.

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The items include maize, beans, cereals, cooking oil, sugar and soap. 

UGI Chief Operating Officer (COO), McDonald Chibwe said the company aims to reduce the challenges faced by vulnerable learners so they can remain in school.

“Ensuring that these children have the basic necessities needed for learning is important to us. This support is meant to ease the pressure on the institution and allow learners to focus on their education,” said Chibwe.

St Maria Goretti Director, Father Andrew Kamanga said the centre depends entirely on donations to operate, making food one of its most frequent shortages.

“This donation will sustain us through the rest of this term and assist us as we begin the next. We are very grateful to UGI and Sprodeta for this support,” said Kamanga.

The centre cares for children with albinism, total blindness and low vision, and continues to face challenges such as limited accommodation, high utility costs and inadequate bedding.

UGI says it will continue supporting interventions that promote access to education and basic welfare for vulnerable groups.

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NBM plc commits MK11.2 million to Senior Golfers Tourney, AGM

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has committed K11.2 million to the Senior Golfers Society of Malawi to support its 2025 Golf Tournament and Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for this weekend.

From the total amount, K5.2 million is cash, while K6 million has been spent on golf shirts for members to wear during the tournament.

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Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony on Friday, NBM plc Pension Administration Limited (PAL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), William Mabulekesi, stressed the Bank’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of senior golfers to Malawi’s development.

“These senior golfers have given so much to our country through their leadership, expertise, and mentorship. Many have guided individuals who now hold prominent positions in both the public and private sectors. Others were captains of industry and continue to mentor even in retirement. It is only fitting that we honour their legacy by supporting their activities.”

“We believe that giving back to the community also means supporting activities that promote wellness and engagement. Sports are an essential part of life. They allow individuals to relax, recharge, and maintain their health. We are proud to support golf as we already support women’s football, including the Scorchers team,” said Mabulekesi.

Senior Golfers Society Chairperson Eric Chinkanda expressed gratitude for the Bank’s support, noting the impact on both the association and its members.

“This year, NBM plc has stepped in, allowing us to host what we now proudly call the National Bank Senior Golfers Closed AGM Tournament. Their support ensures that our members can come together, celebrate achievements, share experiences, and plan for the year ahead. We hope this partnership will continue for many years,” said Chinkanda.

According to Chinkanda, the Society, which has membership from across the country, aims to foster networking, mentorship, and healthy engagement among retirees while exploring partnerships within the SADC region to exchange knowledge and best practices.

This year’s support from NBM plc marks the first corporate sponsorship the Society has received in three years.

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