Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu in Lupane
THE Church continues to play a vital role in Zimbabwe’s development, contributing significantly across key sectors such as education, infrastructure, agriculture and health, all of which drive the nation’s progress, Vice-President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He was speaking at the 75th Jubilee celebrations at the Catholic-run St Luke’s Mission Hospital in Ken Maur, Lupane, Matabeleland North Province yesterday.
He said the relationship between the Church and Government is vital and must not be underrated.
“As we pursue Vision 2030 to become an upper-middle-income society — the Church remains an indispensable ally. National development programmes, including faith-based institutions, are invited to actively participate in Pfumvudza/Intwasa, an initiative in our climate-smart agriculture strengthening food security, empowering smallholder farmers and youth in tourism, which mobilises young people for conservation and sustainable economic activities,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said women empowerment programmes, which promote entrepreneurship, training and access to finance for rural women are also supported by the Church.
Through the synergy between the Church and the State, VP Chiwenga said together, they are constructing a resilient, inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe, anchored on unity of purpose between Government, Church and community.
He said the 75 years celebrations are a remarkable milestone for the mission and the hospital.
“This commemoration is a testament to a legacy built on faith, service, compassion and unyielding commitment to the health and well-being of our people. Today, we gather not only to reflect on a distinguished past but also to embrace the promise of a future where every Zimbabwean has access to quality and dignified health care.
“On behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the entire nation, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to St Luke’s Mission and St Luke’s Mission Hospital for reaching this extraordinary milestone,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said for 75 years, the institution has stood as a beacon of hope and healing, a sanctuary where faith meets science and service meets sacrifice.
VP Chiwenga said the Government recognises the Catholic Church as a strategic development partner not only in health but in education, social protection, poverty alleviation and nation building. He said it serves as a moral compass of society, guiding communities in integrity, peace and accountability.
The Vice-President said he was cognisant of the challenges the institution was facing and pledged to address them.
“I am aware of the challenges St Luke’s is faced with, which include the solar system that requires upgrading, the mortuary that requires repairs. This is an important place where, when our body and spirit separate, we need to give a decent burial to a person and it must be in a good state, so this is a very important and urgent matter that needs to be addressed,” he stressed.
Shortage of student accommodation at the hospital was also noted as a challenge.
“Let me assure you that these challenges will be attended to,” he said, drawing applause from the gathering.
He also donated a cash gift to the institution.
The VP detailed how the mission hospital has grown from strength to strength, taking up a huge role of being a referral hospital while the Lupane District Hospital was being constructed.
“From humble beginnings, St. Luke’s Hospital evolved into a de facto Provincial Referral Centre, serving patients from Lupane, Nkayi, Gokwe, Binga and Bulawayo. Today, with 250 inpatient beds and a vast catchment area, this institution remains a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in Matabeleland North Province,” he said.
In 2019 the Family and Child Health block at the hospital was destroyed by fire. The Archdiocese of Bulawayo, under the leadership of His Grace Archbishop Alex Thomas, rose to the challenge and led the reconstruction effort.
“Sekuru Thomas, we salute your leadership and unwavering commitment to service. Today, as we mark this Jubilee, we also celebrate renewal with the commissioning of a new operating theatre, a modern outpatient department, a lecture block for the School of Nursing and a waiting mothers’ shelter that accommodates up to 150 expecting mothers. These are not mere buildings, they are monuments of compassion and instruments of transformation. I commend the Catholic Church for its sterling partnership in advancing Zimbabwe’s health and education sectors,” he said.
The Vice-President said the 75 year journey is a signifier to recommit, as a nation, to health unity and national development. He said the Government, Church and community must continue working together to ensure that the legacy of St Luke’s Mission Hospital continues to shine as a model of service, faith and excellence.
The Vice-President also highlighted the importance of development of rural health facilities.
“Rural areas, is where we are going, we are talking about rural industrialisation and we cannot talk of rural industrialisation without talking about the most important thing that must be there-health facilities, education, those are key. Other Government departments then come in but what must be there first is health and education,” he said
Turning to the youth, he spoke passionately about the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“To the youth gathered here today, I must address a growing threat to our national future — drug and substance abuse. These substances do not only destroy health; they steal destiny. They extinguish potential, dreams and hope. I implore you, choose knowledge over intoxication, purpose over pleasure and discipline over destruction,” he said.
He also had a message to drug peddlers, “To the drug peddlers and enablers-let it be known: the Government of Zimbabwe will not stand idle as you destroy our youth. We will act, decisively and lawfully. We say no to drugs-asiwafuni,” he reiterated.
VP Chiwenga paid tribute to the late Dr Hans Schales ,who worked at St Luke’s Mission Hospital for over 20 years saying his life embodied compassion, humility and selfless service to humanity. — @NyembeziMu
