The country's flagship annual golf event the FBC Zim Open has decided to make a contribution to the cancer scourge by introducing a unique dimension to the golf fest by way of fundraising for treatment of the ailment this year.
It is the first time in the history of the tournament that it has been used as a platform to raise funds for a charitable cause.
Over the years, the country’s flagship event has always channeled efforts towards junior golf development.
With one of the country's top financial institutions FBC Holdings Group committing US$200 000 into the prize fund, the Zim Open Committee felt that it would be noble to use the platform for a charitable cause.
“In addition to golf development goals, we are pleased to announce that the 2025 event will provide a platform to facilitate the mobilisation of funds towards charitable causes. This noble initiative will focus on cancer treatment, and we call upon both members of the public and corporate bodies to join us in making a difference to the wellness of our communities,” Livingstone Gwata, who is the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Open Committee revealed.
FBC Holdings Group chief executive officer Trynos Kufazvinei highlighted the organisation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
“FBC Holdings is a responsible corporate leader which is committed to making meaningful contributions to the social, environmental and economic well-being of the communities we serve. Our corporate social responsibility efforts are informed by the evolving needs of society at large.
“We may focus on aligning with national, regional and global development priorities, including the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are popularly known as the SDGs. Over the years, the FBC Holdings Group has become a dominant player in promoting the development of golf in Zimbabwe,” he said.
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The Sunshine Tour tournament director Gary Todd also praised the FBC Zim Open for introducing a cancer treatment drive to the event this year.
“I am not really totally up to speed with the charitable initiatives but I have seen Mike (Mahachi) send me some of the communique around it and I think it’s a fantastic initiative, that is if we can do something,” he said.
“Cancer affects everyone else in the world, not only every one of us but someone along the line will be affected by it. So, anything we can do to raise awareness, raise funds and all that kind of jazz is a step in the right direction.
“And whatever we can do, whatever the corporates can do here in Zim and whoever else wants to get involved, it’s an unbelievable initiative and I hope it’s really well supported by the community and the Zimbabwean people and Zimbabwe corporates,” he added.
Zimbabwe is facing a critical situation with respect to cancer care as a consequence of the country's ailing health-care delivery system, which has compromised survival of patients.
Early detection, diagnostic, radio- and chemotherapy and palliative care are constrained by a number of challenges while cancer treatment services are centralised in Harare and Bulawayo, posing challenges related to transport and accommodation costs.
