By Wa Ganyu

BolaBet Malawi has donated 1,000 reflective jackets to motorcycle taxi operators, commonly known as Kabaza riders, in Blantyre and Lilongwe. The initiative aims to promote road safety and reduce accidents involving motorcyclists.

This donation comes amid growing concern about the rising number of road traffic accidents involving motorcyclists across the country.

During the handover ceremony, BolaBet Malawi Country Manager Gift Govati said the company believes the donation will help increase riders’ visibility and prevent accidents.

“We have seen an increase in road accidents, and we believe that with these reflective jackets, we are helping to prevent accidents among motorcyclists,” said Govati.

He added that the initiative shows the company’s commitment to responsible business practices.

“We are committed to responsible gambling, but we also want to ensure safety beyond betting, especially on the roads where our clients travel”, he stressed.

Motorcycle accidents remain a significant public safety challenge in Malawi. Earlier this year, Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu told MIJ FM that the city records an average of 30 motorcycle-related accidents each month.

Nationally, Malawi has one of the highest road traffic fatality rates in the region. With a population of fewer than 20 million people, the road traffic fatality rate was estimated at about 31 deaths per 100,000 people in 2016.

By providing reflective jackets to riders, BolaBet hopes to improve visibility, particularly during early mornings and evenings, when the risk of road accidents is often higher.

The company says the donation is part of its broader commitment to promoting responsible practices and supporting the wellbeing of sports and betting fanatics across Malawi.