Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
HEALTH institutions across the Matabeleland region have received a timely boost through a generous donation from Old Mutual Zimbabwe.
The organisation provided blankets to Mpilo and Ingutsheni Central Hospitals in Bulawayo, as well as Plumtree and Gwanda District Hospitals in Matabeleland South Province, helping to cushion patients against the harsh winter weather.
As part of its nationwide #WinterWarmer Campaign — a compassionate initiative aimed at supporting Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable communities during the cold season — Old Mutual distributed 2 000 blankets across all 10 provinces of the country.
Throughout Zimbabwe, public hospitals, children’s homes and elderly care facilities face a surge in demand for blankets during winter, often struggling to meet these needs due to limited resources.
Beneficiary institutions expressed deep appreciation for the campaign’s significant impact in addressing their urgent requirements.
Chief Medical Officer at Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Dr Nemache Mawere highlighted the severity of the challenge in ensuring patient warmth.
“Ideally, each patient should have six blankets for adequate warmth and comfort. With over 700 patients in our care, we need more than 4 200 blankets.
“We only have 1 500 to 2 000, which is far from enough, especially considering that some blankets will be out for laundry. This donation comes at the perfect time and offers much-needed relief,” he explained.
Health Services Administrator at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, Mr Thabani Makiwa, emphasised the practical benefits of the donation.
“This contribution will greatly improve patient comfort. Previously, we could only provide one blanket per patient, but now we can offer two, ensuring better warmth during the cold season,” he said.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe Group CEO, Mr Sam Matsekete, said the #WinterWarmer Campaign was initiated to bridge the blanket gap and ensure vulnerable populations stay warm.
“We distributed 2 000 blankets to hospitals, clinics, children’s shelters and elderly care centres across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces.
Beyond providing warmth, this campaign promotes dignity, unity and demonstrates Old Mutual’s commitment to supporting the people of Zimbabwe. It aligns with our broader mission to advance the Sustainable Development
Goals by promoting health, reducing inequality and strengthening communities,” he said.
The selection of beneficiary institutions was guided by input from local communities and nominations from Old Mutual employees, reflecting the organisation’s dedication to grassroots engagement and shared responsibility.
“This inclusive approach ensured the campaign reached a wide range of vulnerable groups across Zimbabwe,” the company added.
Notable institutions supported include Jairos Jiri Association and Bumhudzo Old People’s Home in Harare; Ngomahuru Hospital in Masvingo, Mpilo and Ingutsheni Hospitals in Bulawayo, Plumtree District Hospital and Gwanda Provincial Hospital in Matabeleland South as well as Chipinge Hospital in Manicaland.
The campaign also extended to Mashonaland East, supporting Mutemwa Leprosy Catholic and Care Centre in Mutoko, as well as Domboshava Children’s Home.
In Mashonaland Central, Ponesai Vanhu Children’s Home in Bindura received blankets, along with additional donations in Mashonaland West.
In the Midlands Province, Mvuma Hospital and Shekinah Glory Children’s Home in Zvishavane benefitted from the initiative.
To foster a lasting, empathetic connection beyond charity, Old Mutual employees personally visited all 14 beneficiary institutions where they engaged with administrators, listened to their unique challenges and spent quality time with beneficiaries.
Lillian Mbayiwa, Head of Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability at Old Mutual, said the #WinterWarmer Campaign is one of many impactful initiatives championed by Old Mutual Zimbabwe in recent years.
“Our commitment to corporate responsibility extends beyond occasional acts — it’s about building genuine connections and understanding the specific needs of each community. Our employees’ visits to all 14 institutions allowed us to connect on a human level, exemplifying the empathy, unity and shared purpose that define us as mutualites.”
