$11bn Raised for Rebuilding of Nursing Training School
Source: The Herald (Harare)
Date: 24 September 2007
Author: Anon
Nearly $11,5 billion in cash and pledges was raised in Masvingo at the weekend during a fund-raising function for the reconstruction of the destroyed Chikombedzi Hospital Nursing Training School in Chiredzi.
The money was raised through pledges and donations that were made by individuals and companies in Masvingo at a colourful function that was witnessed by Vice President Joseph Msika.
Some of the money was raised from an auction of wildlife donated by operators in the province.
Cde Msika has since set a target of $50 billion that is supposed to be raised for the nurse training school in one of Masvingo's remotest districts. The chairman of the fund-raising standing committee Cde Walter Mzembi, who was appointed by Vice President Msika, announced that nearly $11,5 billion was raised for the institution.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Msika implored Zimbabweans to take the initiative to develop their own areas rather that exclusively rely on the Government.
VP Msika said the business community and other privileged members of the community were duty-bound to assist financially and materially in a collective quest to rectify social challenges faced by the underprivileged.
"Government alone cannot develop this country at the rate which we want but if we unite and work together we can succeed in improving the welfare of our people.
"I am committed to the spirit of togetherness and I believe that if we unite we can improve our country as Government cannot do everything," said Vice President Msika.
He urged Zimbabweans to develop a spirit of working for themselves and only approach the Government for additional assistance in the battle to develop their own areas.
The Vice President warned against a culture of over-dependence saying it was imperative for Zimbabweans to always try to work for themselves.
He said the plight of the people of Chikombedzi had touched him especially the inconsistent rains, transport woes and the absence of a medical centre which forces some villagers to walk up to 100 kilometres to access medical treatment.
While pointing out that Government would not tolerate people who abuse public funds, the Vice President implored Zimbabweans to collectively work in unison to build a strong foundation that would make this country the envy of its enemies.
He praised the people of Masvingo for showing unity and coming in full force to support a worthwhile cause.
Among those who donated towards the fund were Retired Army General Vitalis Zvinavashe who chipped in with $200 million, Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs President Chief Fortune Charumbira who donated $70 million and Cde Mzembi who put in $300 million.