Chronicle Editor
Simba Jemwa and Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporters
FOREVER Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) Bulawayo Central Constituency chapter yesterday provided health care services to the elderly and vulnerable families in Fourwinds suburb as part of Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one behind.
At the event, which was also attended by District Co-ordinating Committee chairman, Cde Mnothisi Nsingo, the Zanu-PF affiliate also donated food hampers to five of these families.
One of the two doctors in attendance, Dr Tinashe Tarutira said the initiative was in support of President Mnangagwa’s call of leaving no one behind.
“We are here to support President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s call to never leave anyone behind by providing health consultations to our elderly in our communities. We know there are widows of national heroes like Mrs Letticia Malunga who is the widow of struggle hero Cde Sydney Malunga,” he said.
“We want to remind them that they have not been not forgotten and that as young doctors we are available to assist them with their healthcare issues. Today, we are offering free consultations and we will give them our recommendations. If need be, we will also make referrals.”
His sentiments were echoed by his colleague, Dr Misheck Ruwende who said they are also working on providing free weekly mobile clinics around Bulawayo province.
“We are working on the logistics but we should be up and running in the next week or two. All these efforts are in support of the President’s call to never leave anyone behind. We will be looking at how we can assist as much of the community as possible. When people are healthy, the economy is healthy.
“We have noticed a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases in our country like hypertension, cancers and diabetes. Primarily cervical and breast cancer are known to be killers but they are also treatable. Treatment is now available so we want to screen and make sure we can help,” said Dr Ruwende.
FAZ (Bulawayo Central Constituency) Team Leader Cde Eniel Ndlovu said this was an initiative developed by President Mnangagwa and as such the FAZ mandate is to provide social welfare and health care to all communities.
“Our President and First Secretary of our revolutionary party has been urging all Zimbabweans to be united and never leave anyone behind,” said Cde Ndlovu, also a war veteran.
In address, Cde Nsingo explained that the President is cognisant of the fact that there are a lot of things that are not right in the country especially due to sanctions and these issues have affected the populace. He said President Mnangagwa is making every effort to ensure that none is left behind.
“FAZ is aware of problems faced by local communities and they have an obligation to take these problems all the way to the President. I am happy to see FAZ here to assist our elderly especially in availing health care to all.
“Take note that the President is always in Bulawayo to talk to Bulawayo and find out what challenges are being faced. So given that this is his initiative, we must all support this cause,” Cde Nsingo said.
“The President insists that as a party we must listen to everyone, hear everyone’s problems and see that they are assisted.”
Not only did FAZ provide health care services but it also donated food hampers comprising an assortment of basic groceries.
Food hamper beneficiaries at yesterday’s event were Mr Felix Nkomo, his mother Mrs Nkomo, Mrs Malunga, widow of the late struggle hero, Cde Sydney Malunga, Mr Para Moyo Gwandure, Mr Mari Tagwira and Mrs Magret Masuku.
These beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the free health care services and the food hampers.
Mrs Nkomo said she was very grateful for what President Mnangagwa has done for them.
“I do not know where to begin because of how happy and grateful I am because of what our president has done for us. I am happy to be one of the beneficiaries for my son who is epileptic, has fits, is deaf and dumb as everything we received today is going to help us in a lot of ways. May the good work continue to other people as well so that they are also not left behind and that we also get more food hampers as well,” said Mrs Nkomo.
She said she faces challenges of having to monitor her son all the time because of his mental instability. She said she needs a helper so that she can at least work and fend for her family.
Mrs Masuku (95) who is partially deaf and visually impaired said she was overwhelmed by what FAZ provided.
“The President’s philosophy of leaving no one behind is a very good initiative that pleases me so much because I have already benefited from it and I know that more is going to come from it. I am speechless,” said Mrs Masuku.
She said above all struggles she is happy for the President’s work which considers and caters for their needs. She also acknowledged FAZ for making it all a success.
Mrs Malunga (82) said:
“I am very happy and speechless at the same time about the food hampers that I have received. May God bless the hands that have provided all these items for people present here today.”
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