Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Secures Funds For Live Telecast

SPORTS Minister Chishimba Kambwili (right) and sports permanent secretary Agnes Musunga (left) witness the donation of a K100,000 cheque by Meanwood Group chairman Robinson Zulu (second left) to ZNBC director-general Chibamba Kanyama.

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has managed to raise the K650,000 (US$ 100,000) needed to televise live today's Brazil 2014 World Cup qualifier match between Ghana and Zambia after Meanwood Group donated the shortfall of K100,000.

And giant meat products suppliers Zambeef has donated K70,000 to  ZNBC  for the live radio broad of the match.

Meanwood Holding executive chairman Robinson Zulu handed over the cheque to  ZNBC  director-general Chibamba Kanyama at the Ministry of Youth and Sport in Lusaka yesterday.

Zulu said the company felt duty-bound to donate to  ZNBC  and enable Zambians watch the game live on television.

“When  ZNBC  wrote to us, we were humbled to come on board and we thought we should come in because as a Zambian company we are supported by the government, we are also supported by the public and we are supported by the clients so it is important that we help because it is the people who support us,” he said.

And Kanyama said with the K100, 000 donation from Meanwood the national broadcaster has raised all the money it needed.

Kanyama said the donation has enabled ZNBC the buy TV rights for the game from Sport Five who have charged US$150,000.

He said ZNBC starts late to source for sponsorship because holders of the TV rights delays in coming up with the fees.

Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili thanked Meanwood for the gesture and urged other corporate organisations to emulate the company.

Kambwili said Meanwood's gesture is an indication that the company is committed to the development of sport in the country.

Meanwhile, Zambeef has donated of K70,000 to  ZNBC  for the live radio broadcast of the match.

Zambeef Group head of marketing Perry Siame said in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday that the company handed over the funds to  ZNBC  on Wednesday.

Siame said the radio platform reaches the most remote parts of Zambia and gives ordinary Zambians who do not have television sets an opportunity to catch live commentary on critical national team matters.

He said Zambeef sees the support over the years as a means of giving back to the country and customers who have helped build the company over the last 18 years.

Zambia Sports Fans Association patron Peter Makembo thanked both Meanwood and Zambeef for the gesture.