The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) has officially announced the return of its flagship fundraising initiative, the Annual Military Veterans’ Thanksgiving Golf Tournament.
Set to take place on Saturday, 31 October 2026, at the Lilongwe Golf Club, the event aims to rally national support for the men and women who have served the country with distinction.
The announcement was made during a press briefing at the MDF Joint Headquarters by the Chief of Staff, Major General Richard Tobias Chagonapanja.
Chagonapanja emphasized that the tournament is more than a sporting occasion; it serves as a critical resource-gathering platform to address the long-term needs of veterans, including healthcare, housing, and livelihood support.
“This is a flagship initiative aimed at supporting our military veterans—men and women who served the nation with courage, discipline, and sacrifice,” said the Chief of Staff.
He further noted that the event holds particular significance as it leads up to Remembrance Day, serving as a reminder of the nation’s duty to honor those who have served.
The tournament is being held in partnership with NBS Bank, which has been a long-standing supporter of the Defence Force.
Chagonapanja revealed that the collaboration has now been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“This MoU gives the tournament a firm footing, so that support for our veterans is planned and lasting rather than dependent on goodwill from year to year,” he explained.
While the government is currently working toward the enactment of a Veterans Act to provide a formal framework for welfare, the MDF stressed that sustainable support requires a “whole-of-society” approach.
The Defence Force has issued an open invitation to the corporate community, financial institutions, and well-wishers to sponsor teams and participate in the tournament.
Beyond the game itself, the event offers business leaders and stakeholders an opportunity to engage in fellowship while contributing to a vital national cause.
“Remembrance is not only about looking back; it is about how we treat those who served,” the Chief of Staff added, urging corporate citizens to participate and demonstrate that Malawi remains committed to the dignity of its veterans.
