LILONGWE--The 2012 Africa Zone VI Golf Championship officially closed Thursday evening at a prize giving dinner held at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Malawi, where an official from the Zone VI expressed disappointment with the absence of a government official during the official opening ceremony.
 
“This was a very big event but it is a pity that there was no single government official during the opening ceremony on Monday,” said Joe Malanji, vice president for the Africa Golf Confederation.

The Zambia based official made the remark in the presence of top sports ministry officials at the closing ceremony.

Principal Secretary for Youth Development and Sports Alex Mseka, who represented newly appointed Sports Minister Enock Chihana, said the failure was due to the funeral ceremony of former Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika who was buried on Monday, April 24.

“As government, we were closely following the proceedings of the tournament,” said Mseka, who was accompanied by director of sports in the Ministry Jameson Ndalama.

The government official saluted the countries present for embracing the country during the bereavement of the former President: “Government of the Republic of Malawi believes that sporting events such as this one promote regional cooperation. We can all bear testimony of the benefits accrued from such regional integration from the kind of support we got from our neighbours.

“You, our neighbours really showed us love. Your support was tremendous and on behalf of Malawi government and would like to send, through you leaders of delegation our deepest appreciation to your respective governments and citizens,” said Mseka.

Malanje hailed Golf Union of Malawi (Guom) and its organizing committee led by Andrew Baron for organizing the tournament in a prudent manner.

Guom chairman James Chimwaza applauded the governing body R & A and Press Corporation subsidiaries- National Bank, TNM and Carlsberg Malawi for the support rendered to the union during hosting of the event.

During the occasion Africa Golf Confederation presented a certificate of recognition to newly sworn in Malawi President Joyce Banda for being the first female president in southern Africa and the second in Africa.

Host club, Lilongwe Golf Club also conferred the President and her husband retired Chief Justice Richard Banda with an honorary membership.  
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment