Khame villagers appeal for support to build clinic

IN a determined effort to improve access to healthcare, villagers in the Khame area of Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, have united to build a local clinic at Khame Business Centre, approximately 90 kilometres from Plumtree town. The community-led project, at foundation level, seeks to reduce the long distances residents must travel to reach the nearest health facilities and is expected to ease the burden on villagers, who often walk several kilometres to access medical care.

While the community has made commendable progress in constructing this vital facility, they are now appealing for additional support to help bring their vision to life.

Several communities across Bulilima District have embarked on similar initiatives, with some clinics already completed and others at various stages of development. Notably, Nyabane Clinic is expected to open soon, while Gwambe and Diba Clinics are nearing completion — highlighting a collective regional commitment to improving healthcare services.

Chairperson of the Khame Clinic Committee, Mrs Sinanzeni Sibindi, said the primary motivation behind the project was the long distances villagers must walk to access healthcare.

“The nearest health centres are Wuwana Clinic, about seven kilometres away and Ndolwane Health Centre, which is 15 kilometres away. This is a community initiative that we started last year. As of now, we have laid the foundation, although it is not yet complete. We pool the little resources we have to buy materials, supported by our children in the diaspora. The expenses involved are significant, and we appeal to the Government and well-wishers to support the initiative.

“We have pregnant women and the elderly, who are forced to walk long distances. Some women have had to give birth at home due to the distance and sadly, some patients have died on the way to the nearest clinic during emergencies,” she said.

Mrs Sibindi said that each homestead is expected to contribute ZAR500, but many families are struggling to meet this amount, which has slowed progress. The community hopes to complete the clinic by 2028, although limited resources may delay this timeline.

Mr Newboy Tshuma, one of the village heads in the ward, said the clinic is centrally located to serve the entire ward.
“The elderly, who need blood pressure medication and other services, have to walk to Ndolwane Clinic, which is very far for them. Building the clinic is also beneficial for job creation, as we have qualified nurses, among our own children, who are unemployed,” he said.

Tjemahale senior village head, Zudu Maphios Vundla, noted that some patients are forced to walk 15 kilometres to reach Ndolwane Health Centre. He also highlighted the dangers posed by wild animals in the area, which sometimes threaten villagers on their journeys.

“Constructing a clinic is a major undertaking that requires a substantial financial investment. Having this clinic will greatly improve our health situation, as we will have access to medical services nearby. It will include a maternity ward and offer a variety of healthcare services,” he said. — @themkhust