NBM donates K20m for MPs’ orientation

National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has donated K20,000,000 to Parliament to facilitate the orientation of newly elected lawmakers.

Speaking after a cheque presentation ceremony at the bank’s head office in Blantyre on Tuesday, NBM senior manager for the retail banking division, Eric Munthali they recognize how crucial parliament is in making sound policies.

“We believe in the strength of the country’s public institutions. Parliament is not merely a legislative body; rather, it is also the heartbeat of our democratic governance. It is where the nation’s aspirations are debated, shaped, and transformed into policies and laws that impact every Malawian,” hinted Munthali.

Munthali added that over the years, the bank has supported parliamentary initiatives, including Parliament Week in 2024 and other programmes that promote civic engagement and institutional growth.

On his part, deputy clerk of parliament responsible for corporate services, Chikondi Kachinjika, applauded the high-street bank’s gesture, saying the donation will go a long way.

He said: “We are extremely honoured by the National Bank for this gesture. When we approached the bank, we had a budget that had a deficit, but now we are happy that they have helped us.”

Kachinjika also revealed that they [parliament] are looking at a high-class orientation event which will have experienced local and international facilitators.

So far, 224 legislators are expected to be oriented between Monday and Friday next week with five constituencies currently awaiting fresh and by-elections.