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Last week Zimbabweans woke up to the news that legendary author Charles Mungoshi had raised, through the efforts of well-wishers, funds for him to have a life-saving operation.
The Mungoshi family were left in awe by the response to their SOS for $9 000 to allow celebrated author, Charles Mungoshi, to undergo an urgent repeat medical operation after well-wishers instead poured in $12 100.
Scores of Zimbabweans came forward, making donations via EcoCash while others donated via the GoFundMe campaign set up for the cause.
a�?The family is overwhelmed by the support shown by friends and family, too. This is something that has to be done because just from our day-to- day talks, it is easy to pick that mdala (dad) still feels like he has more to offer and he wants to do just that, but he cana��t do it in his present situation,a�? his son Farai told the media last week.
The speed at which support was galvanised for Mungoshia��s cause and the willingness of Zimbabweans to play their part financially showed the spirit of togetherness that prevails throughout the country.
The swiftness of the reaction to Mungoshia��s plight suggested that people still had an immense appreciation for a man whose works had shaped their view of Zimbabwe.
What should not be lost to all and sundry however, is that Mungoshi, at 70, is only one of many elderly people who need such urgent care and attention.
In modern day Zimbabwe, many believe that the sense of community has been lost.
In the old days, especially in the rural areas, the elderly were indispensable as a source of knowledge and leadership.
They were the storytellers that knew the past like the back of their wrinkled hands.
This knowledge also gave them a foresight of the future, as they made sure that the young would not choose the wrong paths that had been trodden by others in the past.
With such an important role, the elderly were taken care of within the family unit once it became clear that they could no longer fend for themselves.
Not only were they taken care of by their families, but they were also seen as a community responsibility.
Today, it is not amiss to see young people helping the old cross busy streets or roads, suggesting that Zimbabweans have not completely abandoned their tradition of community care giving. However, this should extend beyond temporary gestures as community interest and involvement would go a long way in improving the welfare of the elderly.
In 2015, according to the National Ageing Network of Zimbabwe- Zimbabwe had at least 750 000 aged people between the age of 60 and above and 90 percent of them were living under vulnerable conditions.
a�?We are in the process of collecting the statistics, but at least 90 percent live in vulnerable conditions. While many have no form of employment the few who receive their monthly pensions earn as little as $50 per month,a�? Marck Chakanza, co-ordinator of the National Ageing Network of Zimbabwe said at the time.
Such statistics indicate that the situation for the elderly is indeed dire, especially now when the country is not on a sound economic footing. In such harsh times, the elderly and young are the most vulnerable and a spirit of togetherness would go a long way in alleviating their plight.
The push to get Mungoshi the necessary care and treatment can never be begrudged by anyone as his work has warranted such interest in his health. However, Zimbabweans also need to pull together for those members of society who do not have the gift of a famous name. . .
Online Reporter