The Tea Association of Malawi (TAML) with support from its partners Trust Africa and Solidaridad conducted a series of events from the period 18th June to the 27th June as part of the commemorations of the Malawi Tea Day. The main objective of the commemoration was to raise awareness of the day and promote Malawi tea and the tea industry.
Banner for the Commemoration
On the 18th June, TAML in collaboration with Fitness Revival Brigade hosted a two-hour aerobic session at Kamuzu Stadium to promote Tea as a healthy beverage and raise awareness on the Malawi Tea Day, the event attracted about 303 participants including TAML members and staff. In his speech TAML Board Chairperson Mr. Sangwani Hara highlighted the history of Tea; it’s contribution to the economy of Malawi and its health benefits, he further urged participants to adopt a healthy life style through exercising regularly and increasing their tea consumption.
Fitness Instructors and participants during TAML Aerobics
Following the aerobics session, Tea Association of Malawi (TAML) proceeded to make a donation of black tea and other products at Thyolo district hospital maternity ward. In his welcoming remarks the DMO for Thyolo District Hospital Dr. Solomon commended the Tea Industry for their support to the sector, he also highlighted some of the challenges the hospital is currently facing which include absence of a waiting shelter for pregnant women, lack of equipment for the rehabilitation center among others. Speaking at the event, TAML Board Chairperson indicated that the Tea Industry cherishes the relationship it has with the health sector in districts they operate and indicated to have noted the challenges faced by the hospital.
Symbolic handover of items to Thyolo District Hospital by TAML Board Chairperson
As part of the events leading to the Malawi Tea day, on the 27th of June the Tea Association of Malawi (TAML) engaged the Minister of Trade and Industry. The engagement was aimed at advocating for a favorable policy environment for the Tea industry. The Minister toured Naming’omba and Satemwa Tea Estates in Thyolo District and Lujeri Tea Estate in Mulanje, he also had a discussion with National Smallholder Tea Growers Association and TAML board on the key policy issues affecting the industry. Following the discussion, the Honorable Minister requested TAML to develop a brief paper highlighting the key policy challenges faced by the Tea Industry that would be submitted to the Principal Secretary responsible for Trade.
Honourable Minister of Trade and Industry with members of TAML and TrustAfrica Representative
Following a series of events conducted from the 18th of June to the 27th of June, the Tea Association commemorated the Malawi Tea Day on 28th of June at Mulanje Park Stadium in Mulanje district with the Minister of Trade and Industry as the Guest of Honor. The Malawi Tea day was commemorated under the theme ‘Tea and Fair Trade”, the event attracted over 400 participants including individuals from tea estates, PAWU, Government and TAML social partners.
The event commenced with a solidarity walk from Chitakale trading center to Mulanje park stadium. Following the welcoming remarks by TAML Chief Executive Officer, the Honorable Minister toured the pavilions mounted by the members of the Tea Association of Malawi and other partners.
Solidarity walk from Chitakale Trading Center to Mulanje Park Stadium
Honourable Minister touring United Purpose Pavilion
Honourable Minister touring Chombe Tea Pavilion
Honourable Minister touring a Zoona Trading Pavilion
This was followed by remarks from Trust Africa, National Smallholder Tea Growers Association President, a representative of Tea and Coffee Merchants, TAML board chair and Director of Trade from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
TrustAfrica Representative Ms. Beatrice Makwenda
NSTGA President Princewell Pendame
Tea and Coffee Merchants Representative
TAML Board Chairperson Mr. Sangwani Hara
Director of Trade from the Ministry of Trade and Industry
The Minister of Trade and Industry gave his remarks recognizing the various CSR initiatives by members of the Tea Association of Malawi and retaliated government support towards these initiatives.
Honourable Minister Mark Katsonga delivering his remarks during the commemoration
He urged the industry to continue with its innovative drive and requested players to tap on other market niches such as green tea, chamomile tea etc. Honorable Mark Katsonga Phiri concluded by encouraging the tea industry to continuously engage with his Ministry on issues affecting the industry.