Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s enduring philosophy — “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo” was on full display in Bulawayo on Friday last week, where a high-profile fundraising luncheon raised over US$2 million for the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
The event, held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Smart City Centre, was not merely a fundraising exercise, but a practical demonstration of a governance doctrine that places Zimbabweans at the centre of their own development.
The President, leading from the front, donated US$1 million, alongside farm inputs and equipment, and further committed to repairing all hospital vehicles in need of attention.
“As the President, I am availing US$1 million and I am also going to avail farm implements requested, with immediate effect,” he said.
“I understand there are vehicles which require to be repaired, let them be repaired at the expense of the President’s Office.”
Philosophy translated into action
President Mnangagwa’s mantra, loosely translated as “a country is built by its own people”, has become a defining pillar of the Second Republic’s governance approach.
It speaks to self-reliance, national pride and the mobilisation of domestic resources as the foundation of sustainable development.
Friday’s event demonstrated that this is not mere rhetoric, but a living philosophy guiding policy and action.
A cross-section of stakeholders drawn from Government, the private sector, academia and the health fraternity — responded to the call, contributing significant resources towards the refurbishment of one of the country’s key mental health institutions.
Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi donated US$100 000, while businessman Mr Kudakwashe Tagwireyi contributed US$350 000. Mr Paul Tungwarara pledged US$250 000, and Mr Obey Chimuka added US$150 000.
Zanu PF contributed US$100 000, while the Ministry of Health and Child Care pledged US$10 000 and the Ministry of Defence US$5 000.
Deputy Minister of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome donated US$500, while Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Albert Mavunga contributed 1 000kg of nutritious rice and an Artificial Intelligence specialised chatbot for the hospital.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini pledged 500kg of beef.
Institutions also played their part, with ZITF Company donating US$10 000, Cde Brian Samuriwo US$10 000, and universities including the University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology and Great Zimbabwe University contributing US$15 000 each. AMAFILIMU donated 10 laptops.
A national response to a national challenge
The fundraiser, organised by the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, was prompted by the dire state of Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
VP Mohadi revealed that his visit to the institution last year exposed severe challenges.
“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,” he said.
“Healthcare workers, though dedicated and resilient, face enormous challenges, lacking the essential resources to deliver the level of care that our people deserve.”
The hospital has also been overwhelmed by rising cases linked to drug and substance abuse, placing further strain on already limited resources.
Against this backdrop, the fundraising initiative represents more than infrastructure rehabilitation , it is a collective national response to a pressing social and public health challenge.
From dependency to self-determination
It is important to note that the Ingutsheni initiative reflects a broader policy shift under the Second Republic, moving away from dependency on external aid towards internally driven solutions.
President Mnangagwa has consistently argued that Zimbabwe must harness its own resources and capabilities, particularly in the face of sanctions and external economic pressures.
This philosophy is increasingly shaping decision-making at the highest level.
In this context, the President’s recent decision to block a proposed US$367 million health deal with the United States has been interpreted by some as controversial, but by others as a bold assertion of sovereignty.
Far from being a missed opportunity, the move has been framed as a principled stand against arrangements that could compromise national interests.
By refusing to allow Zimbabwe to be treated as a “bio-colony”, the President sent a clear message that the country’s health data is a strategic national asset.
This stance aligns directly with the doctrine “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, which emphasises that genuine development cannot come at the cost of independence.
Reclaiming national agency
The emphasis on self-reliance is not unique to Zimbabwe, but it carries particular significance in a global environment where developing countries often face conditionalities tied to financial assistance.
The era of accepting aid that undermines sovereignty must come to an end if Zimbabwe is to chart a sustainable development path.
By prioritising internal resource mobilisation — as seen at the Ingutsheni fundraiser, Zimbabwe is signalling a shift towards economic independence and resilience.
This approach fosters national ownership of development projects, ensuring that solutions are tailored to local realities rather than external prescriptions.
Building resilience in a globalised world
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on self-reliance may appear counterintuitive to some.
However, experts say it is a necessary strategy for building resilience against external shocks.
By strengthening domestic capacity whether in healthcare, agriculture or industry, Zimbabwe reduces its vulnerability to global economic fluctuations and geopolitical pressures.
The Ingutsheni initiative illustrates how local resources, when mobilised effectively, can deliver tangible results.
It also highlights the importance of partnerships between Government, the private sector and communities in driving national development.
Leaving no one and no place behind
The rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital also ties into the Second Republic’s broader development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
Mental health, often overlooked, has emerged as a critical area requiring urgent attention, particularly in the face of rising substance abuse cases among youths.
By prioritising the refurbishment of the institution, the Government is addressing both a health and social imperative.
At the same time, the initiative reinforces the idea that development must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
A model for future interventions
Friday’s fundraising luncheon may well serve as a template for future interventions across sectors.
It demonstrated that when leadership sets the tone and leads by example, citizens and institutions are willing to contribute towards national goals.
The overwhelming response from stakeholders reflects growing confidence in home-grown solutions and collective action.
More importantly, it underscores a shift in mindset — from waiting for external assistance to taking responsibility for national development.
President Mnangagwa’s actions in Bulawayo have once again reinforced the central tenet of his leadership philosophy that Zimbabwe’s future lies in the hands of its people.
The successful mobilisation of over US$2 million for Ingutsheni Central Hospital is a testament to what can be achieved when that philosophy is put into practice.
In the words of the President’s guiding mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”
