NBM reaffirms partnership with MDF
The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has reaffirmed its enduring partnership with the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) in supporting initiatives that promote cohesion, physical fitness, and team spirit.
The bank’s Service Centre Manager for Mzuzu Samson Mzungu made the commitment on Thursday during a symbolic Cheque presentation ceremony, in which the bank supported this year’s Malawi Defense Force (MDF) Cross Country Competition with MK11 million.
This event, which takes place on Friday at Mzuzu Golf Course, will feature about 230 male and female athletes in a 10-kilometer race.
Speaking during the Cheque presentation ceremony, Mzungu said the support exemplifies the bank’s shared commitment to fostering excellence, unity, and health among communities.
“As the bank, we will continue supporting such events as they reinforce the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience, qualities the bank holds dear. The MDF Cross Country is not just a sporting event but a platform that brings together athletes from various units to showcase their talent, strengthen bonds, and exemplify the true spirit of sportsmanship,” Mzungu said.
He added; “This sponsorship reflects our recognition of the profound impact of this event, which goes beyond competition. It fosters national pride, unity, and provides an avenue for identifying athletes who will represent Malawi on both national and international stages.”
Mzungu said their commitment stems from the belief in the transformative power of sports as a unifying force and a tool for community development.
“Through this sponsorship, we are also promoting the holistic development of the men and women of the Malawi Defense Force. We understand that a strong and united MDF translates to a stronger and more secure nation. By investing in events like this, we are investing in the very fabric of our society,” he said.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Luke Mwetseni Yetala, the MDF Chief of Training commended National Bank for the support.
“As MDF, we are thrilled with this sponsorship. Our total budget is MK39 million, so you can see the coming in of NBM has lessened our burden and with that we are very happy because this support will take care of some of the things in the budget,” Yetala said.
Commenting on the competition, Yetala said it is important in various ways from promoting physical fitness among soldiers, leadership skills, and contributing to national development.
“Firstly, the military profession demands physical fitness and sports in one parameter of measuring if our soldiers are indeed fit. Other than that, we are looking at team spirit; as soldiers do sports, they work on leadership skills including motivating each other when the going gets tough,” Yetala said.
He added; “Over and above, as an organization that is within the Malawi Government, we are also looking at promoting the programs of the Government. For example, Malawi 2063 agenda demands a healthy nation, so we are also subscribing to the vision.”
“We are also subscribing to the vision by making sure that Malawi should be at a certain level in terms of sports, that is why one of the aims of this competition is to select athletes that would represent MDF at national and international level, you know that most of the athletes that are representing Malawi, are from MDF,” Yetala said.
On his part, Captain John Kaputa Retired, Technical Advisor of Sports to the MDF Management said they are using this year’s Cross Country to prepare for the National Competition, which is organized by the Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM)
“We are doing this to select best athletes both male and female who will represent the MDF at the national competition as we aim to be national champions,” Kaputa said.
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