The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FAR from the serious atmosphere that usually comes with the presence of military personnel in their regalia, a festive ambience will engulf Gimboki Range in Dangamvura, Mutare, tomorrow (Saturday) when the 2023 edition of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander’s Executive Interaction Initiative (EII) gets underway.
The EII in Manicalad is an annual fete hosted by the Commander of the ZDF and comprises two major events that include the exciting fun shoot experience at Gimboki Range as well as a golf competition usually held at Troutbeck Resort, all aimed at raising funds for charity.
The fun shoot event starts at 9am and ends at 5pm.
Guest of honour at the Gimboki Range event tomorrow will be Three Brigade Commander, Brigadier General George Chitsva, who will be representing Commander Defence Forces, General Valerio Sibanda.
Deputy organising secretary of the event, Tendai Chitowa confirmed that all is in place and they are expecting a huge turn-out given that this is the first time that it is being hosted since the Covid-19 induced lockdowns.
“This is an annual event that the Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces hosts as a way to raise funds for charity as well as interact with the corporate community and the general public.
“The proceeds from this event are normally channelled to Tsanga Lodge in Nyanga where injured military personnel receive treatment as well as training in different vocations that suit their conditions. The fund also helps widows and orphans as well as other charity work deemed necessary by the Fund,” said Chitowa.
In order to participate at the Gimboki Range fun shoot event, individuals will pay USD20 to fire 12 bullets. The amount will also cater for teas and lunch.
Payments can also be done in groups or as corporates, especially security oriented entities, whereby a group of five can pay USD100.
Chitowa added that the function is an ideal family day outing.
“This is normally an exciting family day out event where even the kids have something to enjoy as there shall be some jumping castles for minors, quad bikes, braai and photo shoot facilities.
“A dollar will be charged for kids’ entrance while adults pay USD2. We hope the people of Manicaland will attend the event in their numbers and let their families enjoy the day while also strengthening the union between the masses and their army for a good cause,” said Chitowa.
