Airtel Money, netball marriage rocks capital

Airtel Malawi brought business to a standstill in some parts of the capital Thursday afternoon when they paraded the netball cup to mark the beginning of a three-year marriage.

A record K320 million (about $800 000) sports sponsorship on the domestic scene.

There were scenes so lovely as the carnival-that had over 20 vehicles-passed in the streets to the amazement of onlookers.

The cup was paraded in a pick-up with models hoisting it high for all to see.

The carnival started at Airtel Complex in City Centre and went on to the city mall where there was pomp and fanfare.

The stop-over was spiced by a Police Band performance, acrobatics and a cultural dance troupe.

From city mall, the carnival proceeded to Lilongwe Community Centre ground then to Presidential Hotel where the official launch took place last evening.

A Lilongwe-based vendor Maria Thawani said: “The pomp befits the money Airtel are pumping into the game which puts Malawi on the map but lacked support.”

Airtel Malawi public relations and corporate communications manager Edith Tsilizani said: “We had to make some noise to announce the marriage of two big and successful brands—Airtel and netball.”