Golf for a Cause

Wonderful Group Pledges K500,000 to Malaria Fundraising Golf Tournament for Malaria fight 

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (Sept. 30, 2025) — Wonderful Group has pledged K500,000 towards the forthcoming fundraising golf tournament in support of Zambia’s End Malaria Program, scheduled for October 17 at State House grounds.

Board Chairperson of Wonderful Group, Gilbert Temba, confirmed the sponsorship on Monday, describing it not merely as a financial gesture but as an affirmation of the company’s responsibility to stand with the nation in the fight against malaria.

“This contribution represents more than financial support. It is a reflection of our shared responsibility as a significant player in the private sector to stand with our country in the fight against this scourge,” Temba said.

He emphasized that malaria continues to claim lives, particularly among women and children, while undermining productivity across all sectors of the economy. Supporting the national campaign, he said, aligns with the company’s broader vision of sustainable development.

The announcement coincides with Wonderful Group’s 15th anniversary, which Temba likened to “a child born with teeth,” symbolizing the company’s rapid growth into agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, and community development.

The Group’s subsidiaries include United Capital Fertilizer, producing 1.5 million tons of fertilizer annually, Marco Polo Tiles, Wonderful Industries, Buffer Equipment and Machinery, and a pioneering silk production initiative. 

Currently employing 7,000 workers, Wonderful Group expects to expand its workforce to 10,000 by year-end with the commissioning of a new urea plant.

Temba revealed that the contribution was inspired by a discussion with End Malaria Council Chairperson, Peter Cottan, who introduced him to the fundraising efforts.

“As we hand over this contribution today, the K500,000 is really a small token for us to demonstrate how committed we are to supporting the End Malaria mission. We believe that through such partnerships, Zambia will move closer to achieving a malaria-free future,” Temba said.

The golf tournament at State House is expected to attract corporate leaders, policymakers, and civic partners, with all proceeds directed to malaria eradication programs nationwide.

End Malaria Council’s Call to Action

End Malaria Council (EMC) Chairperson Peter Cottan confirmed that the high-level tournament will be held under the patronage of President Hakainde Hichilema, who has pledged full support for the initiative.

Cottan stressed the urgency of resource mobilization, noting that malaria remains one of Zambia’s deadliest public health challenges.

“Every day, we record about 30,000 malaria cases and lose four to five citizens, including at least two children under the age of five. These are preventable and curable deaths,” he said.

Wonderful Group has taken the role of anchor sponsor, while First Quantum Minerals has pledged K300,000 as a Platinum Sponsor. According to Cottan, these commitments demonstrate how the private sector is stepping in to play a critical role in saving lives.

The EMC operates under the Ministry of Health as a multi-sectoral body supporting the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC). Its strategy rests on three pillars: resource mobilization, advocacy, and accountability.

Cottan assured partners that all resources would be used transparently and effectively.

 “As finance chair, I can promise that every kwacha raised will be directed towards saving lives,” he emphasized.

Initiatives to Reach Rural Communities

Among the council’s flagship programs is the “Bicycles for Malaria” campaign, which provides bicycles to community health workers to improve testing, treatment, and mosquito net distribution in hard-to-reach rural areas. So far, 8,000 bicycles have been secured out of the 20,000 target.

Cottan also announced plans to introduce malaria vaccinations for children under five, following the success of similar initiatives in Rwanda and Malawi.

“This will be a game-changer because 50 percent of malaria deaths are among children under five,” he said.

The EMC’s efforts are supported by a coalition of faith leaders, traditional chiefs, youth organizations, and international partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Fund. 

Despite the recent withdrawal of USAID as a key donor, Cottan expressed confidence that increased local participation would bridge the funding gap.

“Other African countries have eliminated malaria. Zambia can do it too. What we need are resources, partnerships, and awareness,” he said.