marble nkomo
Vusumuzi DubeM,[email protected]
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA yesterday led a high-profile fundraising drive that secured over US$2 million for the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
He personally anchored the initiative at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre with a US$1 million donation, further pledging farming equipment and an urgent repair of the mental health facility’s entire vehicle fleet.
“As the President, I am availing US$1 million 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 told the delegates.
Describing Ingutsheni as “a place of hope and healing for many Zimbabweans who require specialised mental health services”, President Mnangagwa reflected on the institution’s century-long history of service, noting its resilience despite significant challenges during the colonial era.
The luncheon, which brought together Government officials, private sector leaders and well-wishers, was organised by the Office of the Vice-President Kembo Mohadi in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Speaking at the event, Vice-President Mohadi outlined the motivation behind spearheading the fundraising initiative. He said he had visited Ingutsheni in August last year to familiarise himself with its operations and had been deeply troubled by the state of the hospital.
“I observed that the facility operates well beyond its intended capacity. I was deeply appalled by the state of the hospital, considering its importance in society and what is expected of it. The conditions I observed were truly heartbreaking.
“Healthcare workers, though dedicated and resilient, face enormous challenges, lacking the essential resources to deliver the level of care that our people deserve. As for the patients, the environment and facilities are disappointing,” said VP Mohadi.
He noted that the surge in drug and substance abuse among the nation’s youth has placed further strain on Ingutsheni, leaving the institution overwhelmed.
“What moved me the most was the unbreakable spirit of the patients and staff members. Despite the conditions, there is hope, strength and a common desire to improve things. Today, we are here with a shared purpose to change that reality, to bring hope, dignity and vital change to Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
“The importance of facilities like Ingutsheni Central Hospital cannot be overstated. They are essential to the mental and physical well-being of many Zimbabweans. They deserve our collective efforts to rebuild, improve and sustain services. Through our collective efforts and generosity, we can turn this vision into reality.”
The President’s donation immediately spurred further contributions, with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, revealing that significant momentum had already been gained even before formal pledges began.
“By virtue of President Mnangagwa’s attendance alone, we have already sold seats worth US$600 000 for this luncheon, meaning that we already have that figure in the donation bag, it is because of this that I am donating US$20 000 from my own pocket to this cause,” said Prof Ncube.
Other key contributions came from VP Mohadi (US$100 000), businessman and chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, Mr Kudakwashe Tagwirei (US$350 000), businessman Mr Obey Chimuka (US$150 000) and special adviser to the President, Mr Paul Tungwarara (US$250 000).
Online Reporter