FDH Bank Pledges Shop Worth MK2 Million to Veteran Malawian Musician
FDH Financial Holdings recently changed the life of Malawian music legend Giddes Chalamanda, enabling him to achieve a major ambition by presenting him with a grocery shop and goods worth MK2 million.
Ronald Chimchere, FDH Financial Holdings Limited’s marketing manager, explained that the homegrown Malawian financial institution was delighted to make a difference, not just changing the life of Giddes Chalamanda, but making an impact on the local community. Mr Chimchere said that the shop would not only serve as a grocery store, but also as an agent of FDH Bank, delivering banking services to the local community.
Chalamanda’s fellow Malawian musician, Patience Namadingo, who currently serves as brand ambassador for FDH Bank, played an instrumental role in the project. Mr Namadingo confirmed that he was very happy seeing the plan come to fruition. In a conversation with Giddes Chalamanda several months previously, Patience Namadingo had discovered that the veteran musician’s finances were not very solid. He subsequently came up with the idea of building a grocery store for Mr Chalamanda, providing the 90-year-old with a reliable income stream, relieving financial pressure, and enabling him to enjoy his retirement. Learn more about the esteemed career of Giddes Chalamanda by viewing the attached video.
Mr Namadingo said that he was very happy with the outcome for Giddes and indeed, the entire community. Relying on music as a sole source of income all his life had left 90-year-old Giddes Chalamanda in a vulnerable financial position. Patience Namadingo explained that Mr Chalamanda had previously had to travel between Blantyre, Mzuzu, and Lilongwe, but thanks to FDH Financial Holdings’ generous donation, he will be spared these long journeys from now on, making money from his own shop.
Giddes Chalamanda praised what he described as a timely donation. Speaking with reporters, he acknowledged that the grocery shop would change his life for the better and expressed his gratitude to FDH Financial Holdings and Patience Namadingo for providing the grocery store, which in turn will enable him to feed his family.
The project will also benefit Mr Chalamanda’s community. As resident Christina Semi explained, it will enable local people to buy basic commodities with ease, rather than being forced to travel to surrounding towns.
FDH Financial Holdings was established by esteemed Malawian business magnate Dr Thomson Mpinganjira. The organisation implements a strident Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, funding educational and healthcare initiatives, and helping Malawian citizens on both a collective and individual level.
In August 2015, an FDH Financial Holdings subsidiary, FDH Bank, pledged a home worth MK14 million to Dowa domestic abuse survivor, Marieta Samuel. Learn more about the project by viewing the attached PDF.
The grocery store marks the start of a new chapter in Giddes Chalamanda’s life, following significant media speculation over the artist’s financial position. The 90-year-old musician told the audience gathered at the handover ceremony that he was lost for words. Wearing a black suit, he cut a ribbon to officially open the shop. After serving customers gathered to witness the launch, Giddes Chalamanda performed for the crowds, playing his banjo, backed by his children. His wife, Abiti Alafuledi, expressed her delight at the shop, explaining that it was like a dream come true, and pledging to ensure the family managed the shop well.
Known for its commitment to supporting socio-economic development throughout Malawi, FDH Financial Holdings has established a strong reputation as an employer of choice. Learn about exclusive benefits enjoyed by employees of FDH Financial Holdings and its subsidiaries by viewing the attached infographic.
