By Pempho NKhoma and Petro Mkandawire.

Blantyre, October 12, Mana: The 2024 Presidential Charity Golf Tournament which was held at Limbe Country Club on Saturday has raised K609 Million through sponsorship and donations, surpassing its target with K9 Million.

This was disclosed during the prize presentation ceremony where Malawi`s President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera was in attendance.

The Presidential Charity Golf Tournament which was held under the theme 'Swing to Serve' aimed at supporting over 500 needy students in public universities with tuition fees and help Cyclone Freddy Survivors.

Speaking during the prize presentation, President Chakwera applauded different sponsors for supporting the initiative saying it's good to help citizens who have lost everything through disasters and building careers of student who are struggling to complete their college education.

"Am grateful to all of us for taking action to support our fellow Malawians by exceeding a half billion. I believe that next year we are going to make history by breaking the one billion record which will contribute a lot to the country," said Chakwera.

Chakwera said had it not been for people   of good will, he would not have gotten educated to tertiary level.

“I went to University of Malawi from a rural family that could not afford the cost of education. It was the provisions of the government and citizens of goodwill that supported our education from which I was able to build a career that I have today.

“Let us who have been able to build our career through others do the same. Let us support education of those children who are struggling,” he said.

Chairperson for Presidential Charity Golf Initiative, Vizenge Kumwenda stressed the need for the tournament in the country saying it shows commitment to fellow citizens and it's a key to life improvements.

"The funds that have been raised through this initiative will change many lives. The preparations started in September but we have managed to hit our target which means a lot to us.

"This year's tournament was a great success, we thank all the golfers and companies for contributing towards the good cause," said Kumwenda.

He therefore expressed gratitude to the President for allowing the tournament to be hosted in Blantyre, saying it has received an overwhelming response and assured the sponsors that the funds will be dispensed to the intended beneficiaries.

Some of the sponsors who supported the events included NBS Bank with k155 Million, Coca-cola Malawi with 40 Million, Reserve Bank of Malawi with 40 Million, Standard Bank, SeedCo, Salima sugar companies, ADMAC, Old Mutual and MRA among others.