Nedbank’s MTB investment hits E1m mark

MBABANE – For the past 22 years, Nedbank Eswatini has pumped in over E1.3 million to the Imvelo Mountain Bike (MTB) Classic.

This was confirmed by the main sponsor of the MTB event during the official handover of the 2022 edition, where they contributed E150 000. The event was held yesterday at the bank’s headquarters in Mbabane.

“As Nedbank, we are proud to be part of such a prestigious challenge that embodies conservation and promotes fitness and also contributes to underprivileged communities. The Nedbank Imvelo MTB Classic has undisputedly become one of the premier cycling challenges in Eswatini and in Africa as a whole, with cycling coming from different countries in the region,” said Nedbank’s Mcebo Shabangu who represented the bank MD, Fikile Nkosi. The sponsorship started in 2000.

He said Imvelo also contributed immensely to cementing the country as a tourist destination of choice.

Impressively

“This year marked about two decades of a great partnership between Nedbank and Big Game Parks in hosting this challenge that has grown impressively over the years. As Nedbank, we believe that our contribution to this great and noble course reiterates with our purpose and brand promise of being money experts who do good and using our financial expertise to do good,” Shabangu said.

He also said that the bank considered not only what is best for their customers, but for business and all their stakeholders.

He said this event was used to con

L-R:Nedbank’s Mpendulo Shongwe, Bawinile Shongwe, Mcebo Shabangu, Big Game Parks’ Ann Reilly, Jacques Robbertze and Xolani Gama posing for a group photo during the replica cheque presentation yesterday at the bank’s headquarters in Mbabane. (INSET) Nedbank’s Shabangu (L) receiving a gift on behalf of the bank from Big Game Parks General Manager Reilly. tribute to the process of building a strong economy through ploughing back to the community.

“We believe that the Nedbank Imvelo MTB Classic has contributed immensely to various communities and, hence to the economic development of Eswatini. Since 2000 when Imvelo first took place, it has been raising funds for various community projects,” he said.

He also highlighted that with the Nedbank sponsorship and the race entry fees collected, funds were used strictly for community projects. The value of these funds helped in the upliftment of many community projects.

One of the projects is the Hlabazonkhe Community Project that turned out to be a huge success.

“Going forward we are looking to incorporate green initiatives in the Nedbank/Imvelo partnership. We are honoured and feel privileged, as Nedbank Eswatini to have contributed a sponsorship of E150 000 towards the hosting of the 2022 Nedbank Imvelo MTB Classic, which took place at the beginning of September,” he said.

He also congratulated Big Game Parks for once again ensuring that the race was revived after the twoyear break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together, let us continue to be the difference that impacts our communities and the country at large,” he said.