Bongani Ndlovu
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage from Bulawayo where President Mnangagwa has arrived on Friday ahead of a fundraising luncheon in support of Ingutsheni Central Hospital and its drug rehabilitation centre.
The President touched down at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport where he was received by Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, Finance, Investment and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Zanu-PF Bulawayo chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda, Politburo members and service chiefs.
Today’s event is expected to mobilise US$5 million towards the transformation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital into a modern, state-of-the-art mental health institution.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Office of Vice President Kembo Mohadi in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
A major component of the programme is the construction of a specialised drug and substance rehabilitation centre as the country intensifies efforts to tackle the growing scourge of drug abuse.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital, which was established in 1908, is set to undergo extensive refurbishment and infrastructure upgrades.
Planned works include the construction of domestic ablution facilities for Compound 39 houses, farm ablution facilities, refurbishment of fowl runs and equipping of the Eastern Farm irrigation project.
Further developments will include the extension of hydrants, irrigation systems, reconstruction of canals and drilling of an additional borehole.
The hospital’s farm infrastructure, staff houses, the J.W. Villa Ward and clinics are also earmarked for upgrading, while a video room will be converted into a training facility.
Our team comprising of Vusumuzi Dube, Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Robin Muchetu and photographer Obey Sibanda will be giving us the live updates.
President Mnangagwa touches down at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport
President Mnangagwa now at Ingutsheni Central Hospital to begin tour
President Mnangagwa has arrived for a maiden tour of Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo, the country’s largest psychiatric Hospital to gain an appreciation of the operations of the critical institution.
Ingutsheni was established in 1908 to cater for long term psychiatric patients.
However, the hospital, has for the past decade been overwhelmed with patients following a surge in cases of drug and substance abuse in the southern region compeling them to admit the patients.
This has put a strain on resources,as such the need to increase assistance being rendered to the institution.
This afternoon, President Mnangagwa will lead in raising funds for the Hospital at ZITF.
President Mnangagwa to grace Ingutsheni Hospital fundraiser in Bulawayo
ALL is set for the Ingutsheni Central Hospital fundraising luncheon set to be graced by President Mnangagwa at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The fundraising is aimed at raising US$5 million to be channelled towards the refurbishment of the referral hospital and construction of a state-of-the-art drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centre.
The luncheon, held in Hall 4, is being organised by the Office of Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The President is firstly expected to tour Ingutsheni Central Hospital to get an appreciation on the operations of the institution.
President Mnangagwa has toured Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital is a mental health referral institution and was built in 1908. The hospital is exclusively concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with psychological or mental disorders as well as post basic training in psychiatry nursing.
The Hospital has a bed capacity of 708 and a daily average in patient population of around 600 patients.
The outpatient’s department attends to an average of 2400 patients per month.
The hospital does not charge its patients hospital fees, and has seen an increase in number of patients coming in.
President Mnangagwa arrives at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre for Ingutsheni fundraising luncheon
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre where he will grace the fundraising luncheon for Ingutsheni Central Hospital on Friday.
Accompanying the President are Vice President Kembo Mohadi who is the host of the fundraiser, together with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Also present are the Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube among other senior government officials.
The event, being held in Hall 4, is targeting to raise US$5 million and funds raised will go towards transforming the health institution.
President Mnangagwa’s presence signals strong commitment to drug abuse fight
THE Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Bulawayo, Mr Paul Nyoni, has commended President Mnangagwa for attending the Ingutsheni Central Hospital fundraising luncheon, describing his presence as a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to tackling drug and substance abuse.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo, Cde Judith Ncube, Mr Nyoni said the President’s attendance underscores the seriousness with which the Second Republic is addressing the growing scourge in communities.
“It is an honour to have the President grace this fundraiser as it shows his commitment towards the fight against the drug and substance abuse scourge,” said Mr Nyoni.
He noted that rising cases of substance abuse are placing increased pressure on existing health facilities, compounded by a shortage of rehabilitation centres across the country.
Mr Nyoni said Ingutsheni Central Hospital has taken a proactive step by moving to establish a dedicated drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centre.
“Due to a shortage of drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres, Ingutsheni has taken it upon itself to host the rehabilitation centre,” he said.
He added that the hospital has developed a comprehensive wishlist to support the establishment and operation of the facility.
“Ingutsheni has a wishlist for this to come into fruition and it is our hope that this fundraiser will help us achieve this dream,” said Mr Nyoni.
The fundraising luncheon is expected to mobilise resources from Government, the private sector and development partners towards setting up a fully functional rehabilitation centre at the hospital.
Vice President Mohadi calls for urgent action over Ingutsheni overcrowding
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has called for urgent collective action to address overcrowding at Ingutsheni Central Hospital, describing conditions at the institution as “heartbreaking” amid a surge in drug and substance abuse cases.
Speaking while introducing President Mnangagwa, the guest of honour at a fundraising luncheon for the hospital, Vice President Mohadi reflected on his visit to the institution in August 2025, where he witnessed the strain under which the facility is operating.
“In August 2025 I noted that the hospital is operating its capacity. The conditions I observed were heartbreaking,” he said.
He said the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse has worsened the situation, leading to severe overcrowding at the country’s main psychiatric referral centre.
“With scourge of drug and substance abuse, Ingutsheni is overwhelmed by overcrowding. What moved me is the dedication by the members of staff, the nurses and doctors,” said Vice President Mohadi.
He commended the resilience and commitment of healthcare workers, noting that despite limited resources and increasing patient numbers, staff have continued to provide critical care.
“The importance of Ingutsheni cannot be overstated, they are essential in the health delivery efforts,” he added.
Vice President Mohadi emphasised the need for a united response from Government, the private sector and the public to improve conditions at the hospital and expand rehabilitation services.
“Together we can ensure that those in need of care can receive it in a conducive environment of hope,” he said.
WATCH: President Mnangagwa avails US$1 Million for Ingutsheni Central Hospital overhaul
Zimpapers Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa on Friday availed US$1 million to Ingutsheni Central Hospital as part of Government efforts to raise US$5 million to modernise the Bulawayo-based mental health facility.
Speaking at a fundraising luncheon held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, the President, who was the guest of honour, said the contributions would take effect immediately.
“I am availing US$1 million for use by the hospital and I am also going to avail farm implements requested, with immediate effect. I understand there are vehicles which require to be repaired, let them be repaired at the expense of the President’s Office,” he said.
The event, organised by the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, was attended by corporate leaders, development partners and well-wishers.
President Mnangagwa began the programme with a tour of the hospital, inspecting facilities and meeting staff and patients.
He described Ingutsheni as “a place of hope and healing for many Zimbabweans who require specialised mental health services”, noting the institution’s over-century-long history of service despite challenges during the colonial era.
Over US$2 Million raised for Ingutsheni Central Hospital
Zimpapers Reporter
The fundraising drive for Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo has achieved a major milestone, with over US$2.15 million raised from Government, corporate, academic, and individual contributors at a luncheon on Friday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital is a mental health referral institution and was built in 1908.
President Mnangagwa personally availed US$1 million to support the hospital, a move hailed as a strong show of commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
The President’s intervention immediately spurred further contributions, with Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, revealing that momentum had already been building even before the formal pledging process.
“By virtue of youe attendance alone, we have already sold seats worth US$600 000 for this luncheon,” said Prof Ncube.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital has been grappling with ageing infrastructure and increasing pressure due to rising cases of mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders.
The fundraising initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise the facility and improve service delivery, with Government and private sector partners expected to play a critical role in bridging the funding gap.
Key financial pledges for Ingutsheni Central Hospital came from a mix of government, corporate, academic, and individual contributors. Dr Kudakwashe Tagwireyi led with a donation of US$350 000, followed by Paul Tungwarara who pledged US$250 000. Obey Chimuka contributed US$150 000, while Vice President Kembo Mohadi and ZANU PF each gave US$100 000.
Economists and business leaders also stepped forward, with Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, in his personal capacity, donating US$20 000, Safeway Technology pledging US$20 000, and the MHMK Foundation (George Manyere) offering US$20 000.
Academic institutions added to the support, with the University of Zimbabwe and the National University of Science and Technology each contributing US$15 000 and Great Zimbabwe University pledging US$10 000.
Other notable donors included the ZIMRA Corporate Social Responsibility Fund (US$10 000), United Bulawayo Hospital (US$10 000), ZITF (US$10 000) and the Ministry of Defence, which gave US$5 000.
In-kind contributions and support were equally impactful.
Arise and Shine Community Development provided psycho-social support and human resources, while the Grain Millers Association pledged staple provisions for the coming year along with staff complement hampers.
Denver Investment donated a beast for relish and a stand to be raffled, valued at US$10 000 and Body Builders for ED contributed soap and towels.
Title Deeds for ED offered scholarships for five children of patients alongside early childhood development support. Nketa MP Hon. Mavunga also lent a helping hand, donating a tonne of rice and a hospital-use chatbot.
President Mnangagwa has felt the venue, marking the end of the programme.
Online Reporter