Diversified business organisation, Bullion Group has continued with its tailor made and community centred initiatives after successfully hosting the Zaka Schools Sports Tournament at St Anthony’s High School in Zaka-Jerera, Masvingo.
Speaking at the event, the company’s CEO Persistence Gwanyanya said they were proud to complement community development efforts.
“Competing needs always outweigh available resources, but we are proud to play our part in complementing ongoing government community development programmes through tailored and community-owned programmes like the Zaka Schools Sports Tournament,” he said.
“This tournament was first held on September 20, 2019 focusing mainly on soccer, but we have also added a gender dimension by introducing netball in the competitions.
“We have also had more corporate partners like Schweppes, Trellish, Delta, Dairiboard, Dextor, Great Miles, Best Comforts and AfroGlobal coming on board which has made the tournament bigger in terms of the prize money and other trinkets for winners as well as inclusion of big-name musicians for entertainment and inspiration.”
The multi-award-winning businessman, who is an alumnus of St Anthony’s High School, said the tournament which also incorporates anti-drug and substance abuse messaging was part of Bullion Group’s corporate social investments programmes covering educational support as well as donations of both food and non-food relief items to disadvantaged communities.
“We are a brand that cares and we feel duty bound to continue playing our part in uplifting communities as well as promoting local talents through our corporate social investment programmes,” Gwanyanya said.
“The tournament speaks to the highest level of consciousness and response to community needs.
“So much talent lies here, both sports related and academic, hence our educational support, sponsorship for the sports tournament as well as other donations made to the school to ensure ease of study.
“The goal is to empower the entire province and ultimately the entire country as part of our auxiliary efforts to government programmes.”
Guest of honour at the tournament, Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Ezra Chadzamira, who was represented by Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Admore Pazvakavambwa commented Bullion Group for their community regard through the sports tournament and other donations.
“We acknowledge the sterling efforts of caring organisations like Bullion Group who continue to spare a thought for marginalised communities through their corporate social investment programmes,” he said.
“Nation building is everyone’s duty and its encouraging when corporate partners come on board to complement government efforts.
“Beyond providing food and drinks for all guests here including students, Bullion Group has availed in excess of US$10 000 towards prize money and also made generous donations of soccer uniforms and boots, sanitary pads as well as internet to the school.”
Pazvakavambwa highlighted that Bullion Group’s initiative dovetails with the province’s comprehensive community development as well as risk reduction strategies, which include educational awareness programmes, counseling services and partnerships with community organisations.
He spoke on the importance of continued programming in the fight against drug and substance abuse through sports and entrepreneurship among young people in Zaka.
Pazvakavambwa emphasised the importance of engaging influencers like guest musicians at the event Holy Ten and Progress Chipfumo in amplifying anti-drug and substance abuse messaging.
The tournament saw Mutimwi High School emerge as the winner in the boys’ soccer category while St Joseph High School won in the girls category.