The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) team of Private Witman Brown and Private Alick Dzonzi emerged winners of the two-day Military Veterans’ Thanksgiving Golf Tournament held at Country Club Limbe from Friday to Saturday.
To emerge winners and claim K250,000 each, a trophy each and hamper from Sigerege Resorts, they had to beat a field of 160 golfers over two days.
Brown and Dzonzi accumulated 50 points, two above the second-placed team of Roza Mbilizi and Charles Chirwa, who accumulated 48 points and each got prizes similar to those awarded to members of the top team.
Brown, who spoke on behalf of Dzonzi, said they were excited to emerge overall winners.
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“We feel excited because we have won a tournament which was premised on honouring war veterans, people who are our role models. Of course, at first, my drive tee shots were not very impressive but I managed to have some birdies.
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“My teammate was equally good. In the end, this is what we are taught in the military; to value teamwork,” Witman said.
On his part, MDF Commander Paul Valentino Phiri hailed NBS Bank for being the main sponsor of the tournament, saying financial resources provided by the bank would go a long way in easing some of the challenges that war veterans face.
“The cause that the golf tournament was promoting goes back to the first and second world wars. Our troops contributed to peace efforts in Africa, Asia and Europe. This week is time to remember the veterans.
“The little that people and institutions can give goes a long way in meeting the veterans’ needs. They have health, accommodation and other needs. For example, they need clothes, food and some of them have grandchildren and great grandchildren they have to take care of. So, we thank NBS Bank for providing K60 million that will go directly to the war veterans,” Valentino Phiri said.
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On his part, Defence Minister Harry Mkandawire said the event was necessary, as it was meant to raise funds to support war veterans who returned home.
“The majority of these individuals are currently residing at the Memorial Homes in Zomba and are facing numerous challenges. It is against this backdrop that we come together during the Poppy Appeal Week to raise funds to alleviate some of these difficulties. Your participation in this noble cause is truly commendable.
“Let me also take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to NBS Bank, the primary sponsors of this event, for their exemplary commitment to honouring those who courageously fought for the freedom we cherish today. NBS has consistently supported this event and numerous others throughout the years, and this support is deeply appreciated,” Mkandawire said.
He said donated items would contribute to programmes that provide essential services, healthcare and livelihood support to the “heroes” and their families through the Veterans Ex-Service League of Malawi.
Taking her turn, NBS Bank Deputy Chief Executive Officer Temwani Simwaka said promoting war veterans’ welfare was one of the causes they promote.
“We hold golf dearly. We also regard the war veterans highly, which is why we have made a full sponsorship of K60 million to them. We are happy that the golf tournament was great. Everything went well,” Simwaka said.
In other prizes, the longest drive prize went to junior golfer Yamikani Mijiga, who has an under-10 handicap. He went away with K50,000, a voucher for one night at Sigerege Resorts and a trophy.
Richard Chilipa got the nearest to the pin prize, going away with K50,000, a voucher for a night at Sigerege Resorts and a trophy.
In the ladies’ category, Mbilizi got the longest drive prize, going away with K50,000 and a voucher for one night at Sigerege Resorts.
