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Nokutenda Chiyangwa Herald Reporter
Doves Funeral Services and Zimplats Holdings Limited yesterday commended the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) for their contribution to the prevailing peace in the country.
The two corporates made two separate donations to the ZNA in ceremonies held at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks and One Commando Parlour in Harare.
Zimplats donated a fully equipped ambulance worth $70 000 while Doves provided a hearse worth $65 000.
The ambulance will be hnded over to one of the ZNA’s five charitable organisations, Tsanga Lodge Convalescence Centre.
Speaking at the handover ceremony by Doves at One Commando Parlour, Doves board chairperson Lieutenant-General (Retired) Engelbert Rugeje commended the ZNA for their contribution to the peace in Zimbabwe while emphasising that the donation was the parlour’s way of keeping the promise they made to the organisation three years ago.
“It has been years now since we made commitments to each other. We promised to support the renovation of this parlour and we did it. Our support to One Commando Parlour is the work we have done here to provide a facelift of this place and in the process saw us making further promises.
“The national army personnel deserve a decent send-off when their maker calls them. As per our promise, we choose today to extend our humble gesture to Zimbabwe National Army,” he said.
Acting chief executive of Zimplats Mr Stanley Segula said the donation was a stepping stone in the company’s bid to spread its wings to communities that are outside its sphere of influence in Mashonaland West.
“Our donation today speaks to our health pillar which focuses on ensuring we contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare services.
“We acknowledge that a healthy society is a productive society.
“The aim of this goal specifically is to make good health more than just a wish,” he said.
Mr Segula also commended the ZNA for playing an active role in ensuring that there is peace in the country as good health cannot be achieved in a disgruntled nation.
Commander of the ZNA Lieutenant- General Edzai Chimonyo said the donations marked an important milestone in the history of army charities and its beneficiaries as it came at a time when it was much needed.
“Zimplats made a pledge to donate an ambulance valued at US$70 000 to Tsanga Lodge in 2017 during the ZNA Charities’ Ball.
“Doves also made a similar pledge. We are happy to receive the ambulance and the hearse.”
“Tsanga Lodge Convalescence Centre provides shelter, convalescence facilities, environmental and training guidance to members of the security forces who would have been injured while discharging their duties,” he said.
The ZNA aids five charities -Tsanga Lodge Convalescent Centre, ZNA Widows and Orphans Fund, ZNA Schools Welfare Trust Fund, Army Patients Welfare Fund and the ZNA Benevolent Fund.
Online Reporter