The Sunday Mail
The Zimbabwe Defence Forces intends to raise US$2,5 million through its annual golf tournament and a fund-raising dinner later this month to assist war veterans as well as spouses and widows of defence forces personnel suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Among the prominent NCDs are diabetes and cancers.
Announcing the noble initiative in Harare yesterday, Mrs Mary Chiwenga, the wife of ZDF Commander-General Constantine Chiwenga, said the decision to fund NCD treatment was taken after it became clear that this group of diseases has overtaken HIV and Aids-related deaths.
Mrs Chiwenga, who is the chairperson of Musha Mukadzi (Zimbabwe Armed Forces) group, said the two events will be held at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course, Harare, on May 24. “As part of the philanthropic initiatives by the CDF, the golf tournament and a fund-raising dinner are scheduled for the 24th of May at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course,” she said.
“This year we are focusing on NCDs such as cancer, diabetes and mental health, among others, because these NCDs have become the main killers ahead of HIV and Aids. The pain and loss inflicted by NCDs calls for intervention from all able individuals and corporates in our society.” Meanwhile, Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander Lieutenant-General Philip Valerio Sibanda has expressed gratitude to the media for the positive coverage of army charity fund-raising programmes, saying this has helped the projects grow.
Lieutenant-General Sibanda made the remarks while addressing a media reception at the Army Headquarters on Friday.
ZNA has five charities: Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre; Army Widows and Orphans Benevolent Fund; ZNA Benevolent Fund; ZNA School Welfare Trust Fund and ZNA Patients Fund, all of which cater for army personnel and dependants.
The ZNA intends to run several programmes to raise US$500 000 to support the charities.
“Allow me to thank you from the onset for your support in pursuit of the charities’ cause. You have popularised our charity activities year in, year out and this has helped them grow,” he said.
Zimbabwe Newspapers chief executive officer Mr Justin Mutasa, who also attended the event, said the media were always ready to play their part.
“The media is the Fourth Arm of the State because it provides information to the people of this country. So, as various media houses here present, we feel honoured to be in partnership with ZNA fund-raising activities,” he said.
“Let me assure you that we will play our part as partners to ensure the success of the various fund-raising activities that the ZNA has started.”
