The Institute of Public Opinion and Research (IPOR), in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), has launched the K20 Million Ziphuphu Njee! 2023 Football and Netball Tournament for Zomba Urban and Rural secondary schools.

The aim of the tournament, which is IPOR’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, is to enhance awareness in the fight against corruption, among the youth from secondary schools in Zomba using netball and football.

Director of Research and Operations, Dr. Boniface Dulani, said at the end of the tournament, the winning secondary schools will receive science laboratory equipment.

Dr. Dulani said: “This is a tangible investment in the educational infrastructure of the institutions, which will further empower our youth to explore their potential, contribute to our nation, and stand as living symbols of a corruption-free future.

“Our collective mission is to nurture a generation, that grows with a corruption-free mindset and becomes the torchbearers of a prosperous and equitable Malawi. Our collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Bureau for this tournament, is a demonstration of our commitment to addressing the root causes of corruption and investing in our future”

He said IPOR believes that through the tournament, the youth, who are the backbone of the country’s future, will learn the values of fair play, teamwork, and determination, all of which are vital in combating corruption.

ACB Chief Legal and Prosecutions Officer, Mr. Anafi Likwanya, while commending the partnership with IPOR, said they are currently concentrating on educating the citizens against corruption to achieve mindset change.

He said if the ACB can educate everyone, more especially the youth to understand the evils of corruption, the nation will have citizens with high integrity, resulting in the reduction of corruption cases in the country.  

Zomba Rural District Chief Education Officer, Mr. Medson Mbilizi, who was guest of honour at the launch, said the Malawi 2063 may be a farfetched dream if corruption is not tamed. He said secondary school students are the future of Malawi hence empowering them against corruption is key for Malawi 2063 attainment. 

Over the years, IPOR has engaged in different CSR activities, which include purchasing and donating a skip-bin loader truck and eight skip bins to Zomba City Council; a donation of computers and printing equipment and supplies to Zomba Police Station and Eastern Region Police Headquarters; a donation of tree seedlings to selected communities within Zomba and Machinga districts.

In addition, IPOR also runs the Edward Chiwayula Trust which provides supplemental upkeep support to disadvantaged students at the University of Malawi (UNIMA).  The Trust, is one of IPOR’s permanent Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and has been operational since the 2017 academic year.