By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
The Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) faced a significant setback yesterday as their highly anticipated fundraising dinner at the Waterfront Resort fell flat due to dismal attendance.
Initially planned for Tamarind Lodges, the event was relocated due to logistical challenges, but this change did little to boost interest.
Despite hopes of welcoming 60 guests, only five individuals showed up for the dinner, forcing the venue to absorb a loss after preparing food for the expected crowd.
Tickets, which were originally priced at $30 for ordinary seats, $40 for VIP, and $50 for VVIP, were reduced to $20 in a last-ditch effort to attract attendees. Unfortunately, even this price cut failed to drive ticket sales.
Stella Chivandikwa, a representative from ZIICC, expressed her disappointment at the turnout. “I didn’t expect this following the efforts made for the success of the event,” she lamented.
Compounding the woes for ZIICC, the National Secretary General, Reverend Thabani Dube, announced at the last minute that the national coordinating team could not attend due to fuel shortages. This development further diminished the event’s credibility and attendance.
The primary aim of the fundraising dinner was to raise awareness about drug and substance abuse, especially among men, youth, and women.
The initiative seeks to mobilize support from churches and provincial ministers to launch programs addressing this pressing issue across all ten provinces of Zimbabwe.
Mr. Tichaona Matiki, owner of the Waterfront Resort, confirmed the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the event.
“It’s common in business where the unforeseen takes the day. We always appreciate such events and will continue to support organizers,” he stated.
As ZIICC reflects on this setback, questions arise about the future of similar initiatives and the challenges of engaging local stakeholders in pressing social issues.
About Author
