Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Maureen Kachingwe presenting the sponsorship
* As it invests K5 million towards the inaugural Inter-Security Agencies Sports Festival at Bingu National Stadium on October 5-9
* Under the theme; ‘Strength in Unity: Promoting Unity, Wellness, Teamwork and National Development Through Sport’
* By coming together in this way, our security institutions are demonstrating the power of unity and setting an example for the nation
By Duncan Mlanjira
Illovo Sugar Malawi has supported K5 million towards the inaugural Inter-Security Agencies Sports Festival as recognition of the power of unity demonstrated by the country’s security institutions through sports.
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The Inter-Security Agencies Sports Festivals — involving the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), Malawi Police Service (MPS), the Department of Immigration & Citizenship Services and Malawi Prison Services — is scheduled for Bingu National Stadium on October 5-9.
It will be celebrated under the theme; ‘Strength in Unity: Promoting Unity, Wellness, Teamwork and National Development Through Sport’.
Presenting the sponsorship at Illovo head office in Limbe this Thursday, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, Maureen Kachingwe, said: “By coming together in this way, our security institutions are demonstrating the power of unity and setting an example for the nation.
“As a business operating in Malawi, Illovo deeply appreciates the critical role played by our security services in maintaining peace, stability and public safety.
“Their dedication and sacrifice create an environment in which businesses can invest with confidence, communities can prosper and national development can flourish.”
She thus expressed Illovo’s appreciation for being given the opportunity to partner with the security agencies, saying: “At Illovo, we firmly believe that meaningful national development is built on strong partnerships.
“Progress is achieved when institutions come together, share a common purpose and work collaboratively towards goals that benefit the nation.
“It is for this reason that we are particularly pleased to partner with you in support of this Sports Festival.”
She further commended the vision of “bringing together Malawi’s security institutions through an initiative that promotes unity, teamwork and mutual understanding”.
“While this event is centered on sport, its significance extends far beyond competition — it provides a valuable opportunity for officers from different security agencies to interact outside their day to day operational responsibilities; and strengthen professional relationships and foster the spirit of cooperation that is essential in carrying out their shared mandate of protecting our nation.
“The challenges faced by our country require coordinated efforts and strong collaboration among all security agencies.
“Events such as this help build the trust, camaraderie and mutual respect that are necessary for effective cooperation and collective success.”
On August 25, Illovo Sugar Malawi and the MPS launched the construction of state-of-the-art-Nchalo Police Station — investing MK2 billion in order to enhance response to security concerns, strengthen investigations and increase police visibility.
Homeland Security Minister Peter Mukhito and Illovo MD Ronald Ngwira laying the foundation stone
Kachingwe thus highlighted that Illovo is particularly grateful for the long-standing partnership with the MPS, whose officers provide security support at Nchalo Estate — “helping to safeguard employees, assets and surrounding communities”.
“Their presence and commitment contribute significantly to maintaining a safe and secure operating environment, enabling us to continue creating value for our stakeholders and supporting economic growth.”
“Our appreciation for the Malawi Police Service extends beyond today’s event. Over the years, Illovo has supported the Service through various contributions aimed at strengthening its operational effectiveness and capacity.
“These include donations of vehicles and other resources to assist law enforcement officers in carrying out their important duties.
“Such support reflects our recognition of the invaluable role that the Police Service plays in maintaining law and order and our commitment to being a responsible partner in the communities where we operate.
“It is partnerships such as these that demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the private sector and security institutions in advancing the shared objective of a safe, stable and prosperous Malawi.
“Our support for this initiative is, therefore, more than a sponsorship — it is an expression of our appreciation for the invaluable service rendered by Malawi’s security institutions and our recognition of the importance of initiatives that strengthen collaboration, wellness and professional solidarity among them.”
Kachingwe further emphasised that Illovo is “confident that the relationships built and strengthened through this festival will contribute positively to the effectiveness and cohesion of our security sector”.
“As Illovo Sugar Malawi, we are proud to be associated with this initiative and are delighted to contribute towards its success.”
Kachingwe reaffirmed Illovo’s “commitment to supporting partnerships and initiatives that contribute to a safer, stronger and more prosperous Malawi”.
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In his vote of thanks on behalf of the organising committee, Immigration Department’s Superintendent Benjamin Gondwe stated that Illovo’s “prompt and generous intervention serves as a resounding vote of confidence in the security institutions and their shared vision for a unified, healthy, and prosperous Malawi”.
“This event serves as a cornerstone for fostering inter-agency synergy, physical fitness,operational readiness, and mental wellness among our officers.
Crucially, it provides a unique platform for positive, friendly interaction between the security sector, the corporate community, and the general public whom we serve daily.”
He stayed that they expected over 5,000 participants and spectators at Bingu National Stadium, which offers “an extraordinary platform for corporate engagement — thus he appealed to other well-wishing public entities to support the festival, whose budget for hosting an event this magnitude stands at close to K193 million.
He highlighted that the corporates and other entities can fully maximise brand visibility and product activation throughout the five-day event.
“By partnering with the Inter-Security Agencies Sports Festival provides your organisation with an unparalleled opportunity to align your brand with national unity, peace, and security — while directly reaching out to thousands of attendees across Malawi.”
Gondwe asked the media to help in “tell the story of unity, teamwork, and discipline with the security services and highlight how public-private partnerships like the one demonstrated by Illovo Sugar Malawi contribute directly to national development”.
To Illovo, Gondwe applauded it “for leading by example and demonstrating true civic leadership”, saying: “Your leadership inspires us as we put the final touches on what promises to be a landmark sporting event.”
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