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Leonard Ncube  and Leonorah Ncube
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has raised $60 000 to be channelled towards the fight against the cholera outbreak which has claimed 31 lives and affected 5 000 people.

The Government on Monday launched a $64 million appeal to effectively combat the cholera outbreak.

The ZDF raised the money through pledges and donations made by members of the public and business community at this year’s ZDF Executive Interaction Initiative (EII) held in Hwange and Victoria Falls on Friday and Saturday.

ZDF Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, who is the patron of the EII, said the ZDF hopes to provide 2 million litres of clean water to Harare as an initiative to fight cholera.

This is part of ZDF’s corporate social responsibility.

“You ladies and gentlemen have also made a major difference to those affected by the cholera menace by responding to their call for pledges. Thank you all for your generous donations. A total of $60 000 has been donated by the business community and it is to be channelled towards the cholera outbreak in Harare. The cause is to supply 2 million litres of clean water to Harare,” said General Sibanda.

Meanwhile, the EII saw members of the defence forces and general public participate in a fun shoot in Hwange before a golf tournament at Elephant Hills Resort Golf Course where 53 players teed off.

Gen Sibanda, who also took part in the tournament, encouraged ZDF members to take sport seriously as it is good for one’s health.

“To the ZDF this is very important because it brings the military and captains of industry together to share ideas. It can be employment and a money earner hence juniors must take it seriously. The essence of EII is for people to relax and interact as well as create mutual relationship between the military and corporate world,” he said.

The ZDF also got a shot in the arm after Liquid Telecom Group donated free WiFi services to all camps.

Liquid Telecom Group representative, Mr Sam Nkusi, who was guest speaker at the event, made the announcement.

FBC Bank also pledged to sponsor an annual ZDF newsletter while Victoria Falls will be a permanent venue for the EII which will, going forward, now feature international military organisations.

This year’s theme was: “Transforming attitudes as the country opens for business.”