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Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
PREPARATIONS for this year’s Bulawayo Provincial Minister of State’s Independence Ball set for Friday are at an advanced stage with the organising committee aiming to raise about $12,000. Last year $60,000, two houses , a residential stand and groceries were raised, but this year organisers said they are targeting to raise $12,000 due to the prevailing economic challenges.
Nyararai Sibanda, the fundraising committee chairman said the price for tickets for the Minister’s Ball has been reduced from $50 last year to $25 per person this year. Corporates will pay $250 for a table, down from $500.
He said they had received support from corporates and residents of Bulawayo for the event that will take place at the Large City Hall.
“Things are tough for Bulawayo companies. We can’t be seen to be asking for more when we know their situation. That’s why we’ve set very conservative targets. We’re looking at raising about $12,000. It’s very ambitious but if we manage to beat the target we would really appreciate. However, we’re pursuing other ways of surpassing that figure,” said Sibanda.
“The space is running out as 27 tables from the initial 30 tables have been taken up already but we don’t want to close anyone out, we can stretch them to about 40 tables.”
The Minister’s Ball is held annually on the eve of Independence Day, and is aimed at raising funds for the less privileged.
“The distribution of proceeds is at the pleasure of the Minister (Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo). She distributes them to the vulnerable groups in society such as the disabled, elderly and orphans. They’re the main beneficiaries of this fundraising and we also assist institutions such as hospitals who need assistance,” said Sibanda.
He also urged Bulawayo residents to unite and come out in their numbers to commemorate this year’s Independence Day celebrations at White City Stadium on Saturday.
“The spirit of Independence, our hard won independence should prevail. Therefore each one of us must participate regardless of colour, creed and social standing to make this day a success,” said Sibanda.
Launching the Independence Day fundraising committee last month, Cde Moyo said the two houses that were donated were handed to child-headed families.
She said her office works hand in hand with the Department of Social Welfare in identifying the less privileged.
Minister Moyo said this year’s celebrations were open to all communities in the province.
“We feel that it’s important that this year takes a rainbow colour situation, whereby all communities participate. My observation is that we’ve been leaving out some social groupings and sections of the Bulawayo community,” said the minister.
“We want to accommodate everyone, whether Nigerian, Greek, Indian or Italian. I’ve briefed the organising committee that everyone must be embraced and be part of this important celebration.”
She also paid tribute to the corporate sector who in time of economic hardships continue to support the fundraising event.
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