Airtel Malawi to Provide Free Airtime to Cyclone Freddy Survivors

Malawi - Airtel Malawi Plc, one of the country’s renowned mobile telecommunication service providers, has pledged to give free airtime to its customers affected by cyclone Freddy, writes Moses Nyirenda.

The airtime support, amounting to K100 million, is part of a K150 million donation presented to the Malawi Red Cross Society on Wednesday in Blantyre as a response to helping cyclone Freddy survivors.

Airtel Malawi Plc Managing Director, Charles Kamoto, expressed his thoughts on the contribution: “For us as Airtel, and a communication enabler, we wanted to not only support with the K50 million cash but also help people in the affected areas to connect with their loved ones during this difficult time.”

Over 600,000 Airtel subscribers affected by the cyclone will receive free airtime in a form of minutes.

“Each of these customers will receive 5 free minutes per day for two days will make a total of 10 minutes per person, and the targeted customers will be notified via SMS," Kamoto stated.

"We used data on the affected areas from DODMA and mapped these areas to our Airtel sites, and the subscribers using these sites are the ones who will receive the free minutes."

Malawi Red Cross Society Secretary General, McBain Kanongodza, expressed gratitude towards Airtel Malawi Plc for their contribution, stating that “the 100 Million Kwacha free talking time to the areas affected by the Cyclone will ease communication, especially in restoring family links and coordination of humanitarian aid."

The service provider hopes that this initiative will help their customers connect with their loved ones during this difficult time.

"We would like to assure the public and our customers that Airtel Malawi will continue to support Malawi Red Cross Society and the people of Malawi in its efforts to provide assistance in emergency situations," Kamoto concluded.