Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Online Writer
AFRICANS from across the continent have united forces in the fight against Aids and Malaria through the formation of an organisation named Challenge Aids and Malaria in Africa (Chama).
Chama is currently found in a number of countries which include and are not limited to Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Canada, United Kingdom and the United States of America. On Saturday the South Africa chapter was officially launched with the Zimbabwean chapter expected to be officially launched in the coming months.
Chama is a brainchild of Canada based Nigerian Dr Olugu Ukpai and wife Pastor Esther Ukpai.
Dr Ukpai said Chama was founded in 2006 after they lost one of they twin daughters to malaria needlessly at 16 months.
“l was in Canada for my Master’s Degree program under Commonwealth Scholarship Fellowship. My trice application to the Canadian High Commission to issue my family a visiting Visa was all turned down. One day l was in class and got the shocking news that we have lost this beautiful Angel: Goodness, a twin sister to Mercy.
“After much brokenness, we picked up our pieces and decided to turn our pains into the gain of others in pains, our lamentation into laughter for those who are crying, our ashes into beauty, our mourning into the morning for those benighted souls, our mess into a message that no Goodness shall die again needlessly. We vowed never to forget those children we left behind by sharing practical Goodness. For if a man forgets his beginning, God will take him back there,” said Dr Ukpai.
Dr Ukpai said that was their turning point that gave birth to Chama and they wish to spread to the organisation to the whole of Africa.
“Chama is an international missionary organisation (not an NGO or typical foundation). In other words, it’s faith-based and everything we do is anchored on the undiluted word of God and we are not afraid to tell anyone that joins us who we are and our expectations.
“Outside the acronym, Chama is a missionary movement, commissioned by GOD, anchored by the word, propelled by faith, and led by volunteer warriors. Over 800 free surgeries, schools and orphanages have been built saving an estimated 10 million people. Our strong force is volunteers. No paid staff for 18 years, nobody is on salary for 18 years, and no official government funding in these 18 years. The God Almighty is our source and has raised volunteer sponsors within and among us,” said Dr Ukpai.
South African chapter chairperson Zimbabwean born businesswoman Ms Sukoluhle Ncube said the launch was a success and they wish to spread the love to their homeland Zimbabwe.
“On Saturday we had our official launch at Rodizio Restaurant in Melrose Arch in South Africa. Here we formed the chapter on November 26, 2023 with 16 members and now we are above 150 members. Our main core is to visit orphanages, hospitals and we clean the streets as a way of giving to the community.
“The turn out was excellent as we partnered with Rasta the Artiste who drew Dr Ukpai as a way of thanking him for being a malaria activist. Also present at the event were Hilbrow radio station representatives, Mamaz, BWO Foundation was also there and many more. We also have the Zimbabwean Chama chapter led by warrior Patience Ncube. We hope the Zimbabwean Chama will grow and do a lot of activities together since we working hand in hand with them,” said Ms Ncube.
@mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter