Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
PATIENTS and nursing students at Kwekwe General Hospital have received a major boost after Midlands Province donated food hampers and livestock purchased using proceeds from this year’s Independence Day Ball.
The donation, which includes goats, mealie-meal, sugar, rice, salt, cooking oil and tea leaves, is expected to improve the welfare of patients and ease food requirements at the referral hospital.
The handover, conducted by Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, is part of an annual tradition where proceeds from the Independence Ball are channelled towards supporting institutions that care for vulnerable members of society.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister Ncube said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to improving social welfare and ensuring no one is left behind.
“It is with great pleasure that I address you on this philanthropic occasion of handing over goats for slaughter, mealie-meal, sugar, rice, salt, cooking oil and tea leaves to Kwekwe General Hospital patients and nursing students,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the donation resonates with the Second Republic’s development agenda and social protection policies under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“This resonates with the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 2 pillar on social development, gender and social protection, which entrenches the implementation of gender-responsive policies and strengthens inclusive social safety nets and resilience as we march towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
He commended the Midlands business community for raising more than US$53 000 during this year’s Independence Ball.
The funds are traditionally used to support institutions such as hospitals, clinics, prisons, old people’s homes and children’s homes across the province.
“Every year, we channel these resources to institutions that care for our most vulnerable. Today, Kwekwe General Hospital is the beneficiary,” said Minister Ncube.
“I am confident this support will go a long way in improving the welfare of patients and those training to serve them.”
Minister Ncube said Government continues to implement several health-related social safety programmes, including free healthcare for pregnant women, children under five years, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
“I extend my profound appreciation to the Second Republic for spearheading health-related social safety frameworks that aim to protect vulnerable populations against various health hazards and shocks,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe was witnessing increased decentralisation of healthcare services through the construction of clinics, maternity waiting shelters and health posts in marginalised communities.
Minister Ncube also highlighted the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme under which Government has procured advanced ambulances to improve emergency response and evacuation services across the country.
“There is also free nationwide disease screening through routine national screening and treatment campaigns targeting non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, alongside comprehensive communicable disease management,” he said.
He also applauded First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s community-centred programmes, including school feeding initiatives, the Traditional Cookout Competition and the Agric4She programme, which empowers women through agricultural support.
Community members welcomed the donation, saying a well-supported hospital benefits the entire district.
Ms Everjoy Mwale, a Kwekwe resident, said the gesture would positively impact ordinary citizens.
“We are happy to see Government and the business community remembering our hospital. When Kwekwe General Hospital is well supported, all of us benefit because that is where we go when we are sick,” she said.
