Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
RENOWNED Bulawayo philanthropist, Sazini Tshuma, through her foundation, MaGolide Omuhle, extended a warm gesture of kindness to patients and staff at Engutsheni Central Hospital on Thursday, after hosting a special Christmas luncheon that brought smiles and song to the institution.
The heart-warming event is part of Tshuma’s ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable communities and restore dignity to people living under institutional care.
For many patients at Engutsheni, particularly those who seldom receive visitors or festive treats, the luncheon offered a rare moment of joy during the festive season.
Tshuma said the visit was driven by her passion for community service and her desire to spread love during a period often associated with family gatherings and shared meals.
“Christmas is a time for giving, and no one should feel forgotten. These are our brothers and sisters. We came here to spend time with them, to share a meal, to remind them that they matter. MaGolide Omuhle stands for love, compassion, and community,” she said.
Patients were treated to a hearty meal, refreshments, and music, with many joining in song and dance. Hospital staff expressed gratitude for the foundation’s generosity, saying such acts not only lift the spirits of patients but also motivate caregivers who often work under challenging conditions.
Tshuma’s foundation has been involved in several charitable initiatives across Bulawayo, focusing on welfare programmes for the underprivileged, orphans, and people with mental health challenges.
She said the Engutsheni luncheon is only the beginning of a broader festive outreach programme targeting various communities before Christmas.
Tshuma encouraged the public to show kindness wherever possible, adding that every small act of generosity has the power to transform a life.
“Our vision is simple: to spread light. I believe that when we give, we inspire others to give too. Let this season be about love, togetherness, and hope. As the festive season approaches, the luncheon at Engutsheni has set a positive tone in Bulawayo, reminding the community that Christmas is not merely a date on the calendar but a spirit of giving,” she said.
Tshuma launched the venture to assist the less privileged members of the society, starting in St Peter’s, a settlement outside Bulawayo.
The self-funded venture was born after realising the need in the community and the passion to see communities accessing at least one hot meal a day.
“I started this project two years ago after realising that there was a gap in St Peter’s where I grew up. I started feeding the elderly, orphans, the mentally ill, and generally the less privileged members of the community.
“The programme is just about me giving back to the community in which I was born, and I use my own resources to feed the beneficiaries. I am looking forward to adding more as I get more resources,” said Tshuma.
She said she intends to empower boys and girls from the same community so that they have hope in their future.
Tshuma said there are high numbers of pregnancies of young girls, school dropouts and alcohol abuse and seeks to change this in her community.
“We have already started sewing and hairdressing lessons. By profession, I am a designer and these are the skills that I know for certain I can empower them with,” she said.
Tshuma said poverty in St Peter’s was a cause for concern that motivated her to begin assisting residents with food.
She said after assisting the community at an individual level, she decided to group them and assist in providing food for the most vulnerable, and she has not looked back. The philanthropist now feeds them daily at lunchtime and allows them to carry the food home if they wish to indulge in their private places.
“I hope to one day feed them three meals a day, funds permitting. For now, they get a meal from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday, they go to church,” said Tshuma.
She said she would want to add more beneficiaries, saying the current 40, given the burden of poverty in St Peter’s. She also hopes to secure medicines for those with various chronic illnesses, as many cannot afford them from pharmacies.
Tshuma also said she would like to partner with donors and well-wishers to provide more food for the vulnerable, saying it would change the face of the poverty-stricken community. She encouraged other people born in St Peter’s to take the initiative to assist and develop the community that raised them.
