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Bulawayo Bureau
Journalists in Bulawayo yesterday held a walk and concert to raise funds that will enable the nine-month-old daughter of Zimpapers journalists Shamiso Yikoniko and Lawson Mabhena to undergo a liver transplant in India. The #SaveManqoba campaign aims to raise US$43 000 for the operation. Since the campaign was rolled out, US$18 000 has been raised.
Manqoba was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia.The walk, organised by Zimpapers journalists, started at the City Hall and ended at the Hillside Dams Conservancy.A song penned by Bulawayo artistes was also sampled during the walk.
Addressing participants, who included artistes, journalists and businesspeople, B Metro editor Tumeliso Makhurane said, “I am grateful and humbled by the work done here. I know people had other things to do today, but you set them aside and came together to assist a worthy cause. May the spirit of ubuntu exhibited here continue with other initiatives.”
Organiser and Sunday News Senior Reporter Robin Muchetu said, “We had very little time to put this together, but it all worked out and we got the much needed support for the event. It will definitely go a long way in assisting baby Manqoba.
“The journey does not end here, but it has just started. We cannot give up now and the sooner we raise the remaining amount, the better. What we do not have now is time. We will stop only when the amount reaches the required $43 000.”
She said they were still tallying the figure raised yesterday and from other initiatives in Bulawayo.
The walk was made possible by various companies from in and around the city.
These include Zimpapers, Hawkflight Construction, Hillside Dams Conservancy, Buy n’ Build, Bonsa Spar, Mimosa Mine, Bakers Inn, Udine, Bravo Tours, Delta Beverages, Travellers Guest lodges, Private Lounge, Wholesale Beef, West Acre Butchery, Unki Mine and Leumar Investments Victoria Falls.
Those who want to assist baby Manqoba can get in touch with her mother Shamiso on +263772935224 or deposit any amount to the banking details below:
Name: Shamiso Yikoniko
FBC Bank Branch: FBC Centre
Account Number: 3070070770125
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