adminLiberty Dube
DUTCH Reformed Church in Zimbabwe will tomorrow (Saturday) hold an interdenominational campaign to raise medical fees for Rusape-based kidney patient, Zacharia Mavunganidze in a charity gala to be held at Vengere Stadium in Rusape.
Mavunganidze, a victim of renal failure, has been sweating to raise $32 000 for the kidney transplant since August last year. The figure includes airfares for three people, accommodation and after treatment care while in India.
He needs $20 000 to fly to India where costs are deemed low and service remains good. Mr Mavunganidze (52), a former teacher, developed kidney problems early this year and shuttles to Harare thrice weekly for a dialysis.
In an interview, Mavunganidze’s wife, Ipai, who volunteered her kidney after meeting required medical condition, said: “The Reformed Church of Zimbabwe Rusape congregation has been assisting with prayers and has started mobilising fellow churches and the Rusape community to come to our rescue. “His condition has not improved, he can hardly see, talk, eat, walk or do anything by himself. Worse of all, he is bed-ridden and we are working on his nutrition as per dietician recommendation. Things took a knock when he fell ill because he was the family bread winner,” said Ipai.
She added that Mavunganidze exhausted his savings towards dialysis and drugs.
Dialysis keeps the body in balance by removing waste, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body, keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in the blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate and helping to control blood pressure. It is an expensive process that is offered a few hospitals in the country.
She said anyone willing to assist Mavunganidze should contact Ipai on 0716715258 or 0772915116. Monetary assistance can be deposited in the couple’s joint CBZ Account 10224309500016.
RCZ leader, Reverend Charles Mhuruyengwe appealed to churches, schools, corporate world to join hands to save the life of Zacharia Mavunganidze.
“Let us come together to save the life of Zacharia Mavunganidze in cash or material donations. It is the duty of the church to intervene in times of a crisis. It is in times like this where we need each other most. His health has gone downhill, but we need to do all we can to bring it back,” he said.
Artistes expected to perform at the gala are Blessing Shumba, Agatha Murudzwa, Peter Anthony Masuka, Paidamoyo Marufu, Godfrey Marume, Mickel Maruchera, Bekhimuzi Ncube, Charles Machera and Aringo.
Online Reporter