Zanu-PF Byo struggles to raise money for Congress, Byo companies shy away

THE Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province yesterday held its first fundraising meeting as preparations for the party's national congress in December but says it is under pressure to raise the $150 00 expected from each province.

The chairperson of the fundraising committee Tshinga Dube yesterday said the committee was under pressure to raise the required funds but was optimistic that the target would be met.

"We only have two weeks left to raise the money and we have just started our fundraising programme. I have pledged one beast and half a tonne of maize and I hope more people will chip in and donate towards our congress," Dube was quoted as saying by the State Press today.

"We are impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the members of the committee and I have no doubt that the exercise will be a success. Everyone in the committee is determined to bring results."

Dube, however, expressed concern that businesses in Bulawayo were not forthcoming with donations as most of the companies were headquartered in Harare.

"It's going to be very hard but we'll try. We're pinning our hopes on the corporate world but the challenge that we have is that most companies in Bulawayo are subsidiaries and they are reluctant to donate. Some of them would have donated to other provinces, especially Harare through their head offices," he said.

"We're therefore going to divide the committee into groups that will approach different companies and try to convince them to assist us. We also expect party members at all levels to be part of the   process."

He warned committee members to desist from misappropriating donated funds and goods to ensure the success of the party's congress.