This document elaborates on MTC's policy with regard to Sponsorships and Social Investment's . Donation and sponsorship decisions require a strategic approach, since they play a major role in establishing and reinforcing our reputation and image. These guidelines cover broad criteria against which all new donation, sponsorship and social investments shall be considered.
"How much will I gain in return for my investment?"
In sports unfortunately, that question is sometimes difficult to answer and that is why very few corporates embark on sponsoring sports. If it was merely for return on investment, MTC would never have gotten involved in sponsoring sports and sports activities in Namibia in the first place.
We have long graduated from the approach that looks specifically for the monetary returns for such investments, and have always taken a view that sports is an industry just like any other industry, that if well managed contributes nationally to the development of any country, and Namibia is no different.
Today, exactly 17 years of our existence, we are proud to have deliberately and consciously gotten involved in sports that have transformed the face of local sports.
We are still not winning sufficient medals at the big international events but we are proud and shameful of the achievements and failures thus far. MTC's sports sponsorship has been the sole reason why many sports codes were able to continue with their operations.
We have long figured out that our continued investment in sports have and will contribute to sustenance of sports programs, indirect employment and reduction of juvenile delinquency rates, the investment in sports is therefore a justifiable "expense".
We deplore corporate citizenry who takes no pride in elevating and playing their part in sport development. This will and remain a song that we will not tire singing that corporate citizenship must open up their wallets and be generous enough to sponsor sports development.
When we all loose and fare dismally at international sporting events as a result of poor preparation and planning is not because our athletes are not well prepared or they are not of world class standards, but simply that we are not doing enough as a collective to develop sport in the country.
So we are all to blame – and that blame resonates with us for a long time, that is why MTC has always preached that more corporate citizenry should open up their wallets and supports sports in Namibia. We disapprove of entities that take without giving back to the communities – there should be no excuse for not investing in sport development.
The creation of a relationship between sports and a corporate brand should be beneficial to the country and not only the corporate alone. This is why we at MTC always do not hesitate to avail our limited funds to sports codes with a reputable image – because we believe in developing sports in this country and we dare other corporates to join us and put sports funding development at the centre of their operations.
Against that background that we went out of our way to support the Sam Nujoma Marathon, for a second consecutive season, we are of the sound belief that this event will become one of the leading and the premier event in Namibian road running circles and needs our support wholeheartedly.
To this end let me congratulate the organizers of this event – and we accept as true that the marathon will be a resounding success. Equally so let me direct my well wishes and best of luck to all the athletes that will participate at the event on the 29 July 2012."
Give the ball some air!
As official Sponsor of the National Rugby Team, we'd like to wish the Welwit'schias all the best as they take on the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Play for your country with pride and passion because we support you all the way!