Never Madzike’s remarkable 49-year stint in operating theatres

GWERU Provincial Hospital recently held a ceremony to celebrate the retirement of some of its most dedicated employees. One individual, in particular, stood out for his extraordinary commitment to the health sector.

Never Madzike dedicated an impressive 49 years of his life to this field. His colleague, Tendai Zhungu, was also recognised for his 47 years of service.

The hospital also bade farewell to other notable retirees, including Chipochashe Chimbunde (35 years of service), Sihle Ncube (15 years), Loveness Utseya (14 years), Amos Barbra (30 years), and Timothy Mpofu (29 years).

Born in 1952, Madzike began his illustrious career on July 1, 1975, as a general hand at Parirenyatwa Hospital (previously known as Andrew Fleming Hospital).
When asked about his long service, he attributed it to his unyielding dedication, commitment, and devotion to the health sector.

“I have worked in the theatre for all my years, from the days I was at Parirenyatwa Hospital and then moved here to Gweru in 1985,” he said.

Madzike became popular among doctors at GPH for his dedication to duty. He contemplated retiring in 2022, but the institution’s leaders persuaded him to stay on the job until this year.

“If one is working in a health institution, he or she should work passionately. I was a general hand who had a good relationship with doctors here. Most of them called me to assist when they were setting up their surgeries. I would train their staff and let them work when they were well conversant with what needed to be done,” he said.

Madzike said he would miss the profession that nurtured him from his youth to the pensionable age he has now reached. He was moved to the Critical Care Services Department last year, where he was assigned light duties as he awaited his retirement. He chuckled at how he used identity documents stating he was born in 1962, when his true year of birth is 1952.

“My identity document says I am 62 years old, yet I’m 72,” he said. Zhungu was born in 1959.

“I came to Gweru Hospital on November 23, 1977, as a general hand. I worked as a general hand for 25 years and became a nurse aide, where I served for 22 years,” he said.

Zhungu described his service at Gweru Provincial Hospital as an exciting journey.

“Initially, I worked with the older generation and later with the new generation after Zimbabwe gained independence. The two generations worked differently, and I had to sometimes defy age to compete with the new generation,” Zhungu said.

Zhungu urged the younger generation working in health institutions to have empathy.

“They must have love for both patients and workmates. They must love their work and demonstrate that they are well-versed in it,” he said. Zhungu said they must always uphold Christian values, as that is where good morals are derived.

The retiring workers received an assortment of goods, including kitchen utensils, door frames, ploughs, solar systems, and garden implements. Health Services Commission deputy chairperson, Dr Rugare Abigail Kangwende, applauded the retiring health workers for their distinguished service.

“We salute and honour you for the services that you have provided,” she said. She noted that health workers operate under very difficult conditions.

“They work odd hours, and travel long distances, sometimes during those dangerous hours of the day to and from work when public transport is scarce. Many have perished in the line of duty from occupational hazards, especially infectious diseases,” she said.

Dr Kangwende acknowledged that many health workers continue to work in the public sector despite better salaries being offered in the private sector and other countries in Africa.

Sister Chipo Chipisa, GPH public relations officer, said the institution celebrates the time they worked with the beloved members they now bid farewell.

“We have, for example, Madzike, who we are bidding farewell to after 49 years of service in the public health sector. Madzike is the best when it comes to his work and has mentored numerous new employees, particularly those who were seconded to the operating theatre department.

“He is not only a great employee but has always guided even professionals new to his department whenever guidance was needed. We are more importantly celebrating his life at our institution and extend our thanks to him for his mentorship and service to the patients and the community at large.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, thank you for all your efforts towards ensuring quality health service provision to the community. We are going to miss him greatly, and the gap he is leaving shall be difficult to replace. The member worked in the operating theatre for most of his years in the health service,” she said.