CDH Investment Bank Chief Human Capital Development Officer Chrispin Chikwama (left) presents symbolic funds for the upgraded car park to Blantyre Sports Club chairperson Nathan Nkhata
* The Bank has a long-standing record of collaboration with Blantyre Sports Club, including renovations such as painting, greens management, sponsorships for golf and other events
* This latest initiative underscores the Bank’s philosophy of combining strong corporate citizenship with practical support that benefits residents and business visitors
By Duncan Mlanjira
CDH Investment Bank has reinforced its ongoing partnership with the country’s historic Blantyre Sports Club by supporting the upgrade to the club’s car park — that involved removing the old tar and replacing it with new interlocking blocks and installing security solar lights at a total cost of K159.438 million.
This is in recognition that the club, established in 1896 and incorporated in 1920, stands as a historic monument that continues to benefit the citizenry and business visitors — both local and international.
At the official handover of the refurbished car park, CDH Investment Bank Chief Human Capital Development Officer, Chrispin Chikwama shared that the project marks an infrastructure improvement to enhance the clubs’ facilities for safety and to grow the club.
“CDH Investment Bank has a long-standing record of collaboration with Blantyre Sports Club, including renovations such as painting, greens management, and sponsorships for golf and other events.
“This latest initiative underscores the bank’s philosophy of combining strong corporate citizenship with practical support that benefits residents and visitors.”
Chikwama emphasised that Blantyre Sports Club “is a vital social hub which brings diverse communities together, contributing to social cohesion and community identity”.
“The upgraded facilities are expected to attract more events and spectators, generating additional community revenue around sporting activities and boosting local businesses that serve guests and participants.
“Beyond economic impact, the improvement supports youth development and well-being by providing safer, accessible spaces for training, recreation, and healthy lifestyles.
“The enhanced car park also reduces hazards and improves access for families, spectators, players, and people with disabilities, reinforcing the club’s role as an inclusive community venue.”
The Chief Human Capital Development Officer further highlighted that the Bank’s partnership with Blantyre Sports Club “illustrates how responsible corporate engagement can catalyse sustained collaboration among business, civil society, and community institutions”.
“The project aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by underpinning inclusive growth and improved infrastructure for all.
“CDH Investment Bank remains committed to investing in community infrastructure and to strengthening partnerships which unlock opportunity, resilience, and prosperity for society,” said Chikwama.
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In his vote of thanks, Blantyre Sports Club chairperson, Nathan Nkhata, guaranteed that the car park renovations have enhanced the club access and safety with the new security lights.
“Established in 1896 and incorporated in 1920, Blantyre Sports Club needs a lot of renovations and upgrades in order to better continue serving its members, their family members and business guests.
“This is not an ordinary facility, it caters to the public as a whole for social gathering’s, charity events and is host to several sports disciplines under one estate.
“The club has over 1,000 members who bring in to over 10,000 others as family members and business guests, thus it needs an ambience that befits its historic status.
He profoundly thanked CDH Investment Bank for its commitment to enhance the partnership over the years, “which has helped the club to grow and motivated other partners to take up an active role in enhancing the club and its facilities”.
He unpacked that the Bank’s support includes sponsoring the club’s hole number one tee-off facility as well as the reward of K2.5 million for its hole-in-one — a rare achievement when a golfer drives the ball straight into the hole number 1.
The hole number one tee-off that offers the K2.5 million reward for hole-in-one
CDH Bank head office in the background of the hole number one
On his part, general manager, Ronuel Malikita highlighted that Blantyre Sports Club is host to a diverse sports disciplines, that include the trademark golf, tennis, squash, darts, football, rugby, swimming, snooker, pool — and complete with a gym.
“We have plans to create a tailor-made section for children’s playground that will include several sporting amenities to occupy them when their parents are playing golf and other sports disciplines or engaged in business discussions.
“We want to keep the club’s legacy going to benefit the next generation because this facility is more than just golf — it is a multipurpose establishment that strengthens social ties,” said Malikita.
Ronwell Malikita
Chikwama also encouraged other stakeholders in the business community to join CDH Investment Bank in similar efforts to create lasting value for the country’s communities, while highlighting that they remain “committed to investing in community infrastructure and to strengthening partnerships which unlock opportunity, resilience, and prosperity for our society”.
Chikwama commend Blantyre Sports Club leadership “for pushing partners to support to enhance the club which supports promotion of sport as a driver of development and for prioritising safe, welcoming spaces for all”.
“We also thank our teams, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to delivering this project on time and within budget.”
