Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
DULIVHADZIMU Clinic, a healthcare facility in Beitbridge District, has reopened its doors following its refurbishment that was sponsored by the United African Apostolic Church (UAAC).
The church committed more than US$8,000 into the border town’s oldest health facility, which serves the larger part of the urban population and thousands of others who pass through the Beitbridge Border Post — the busiest land port in Southern Africa.
The reopening comes at a time when Beitbridge has been experiencing rapid population growth over the past decade, driven largely by increased cross-border traffic, expansion of housing developments and economic opportunities linked to the upgraded border post.
This has exerted pressure on existing health facilities, many of which have struggled to keep pace with demand. Dulivhadzimu Clinic, established in 1985, had become overstretched and dilapidated, prompting calls from residents and health officials for urgent intervention.
Among other services it offers are sexual and reproductive health care, including treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV/Aids testing and initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART), Tuberculosis (TB) screening and treatment, general health care, baby and men’s clinics and counselling services. Authorities are also working on upgrading the facility to provide maternal health services.
Beitbridge District Medical Officer, Dr Lenos Samhere, commended the UAAC for partnering with the Government to improve the quality of services in the health sector.
“With improved facilities and infrastructure, we expect our medical staff morale to improve, translating into better services to the community,” he said.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, who officiated at the handover ceremony yesterday, said the completion of the refurbishment demonstrates how collaboration among the private sector, churches and Government can drive grassroots development.
“This clinic will serve six wards in Beitbridge town and beyond, providing quality healthcare services to the community,” he said.
Dulivhadzimu Clinic had deteriorated due to a lack of funding and the UAAC, led by Archbishop Itani Joseph Mureri, intervened by contributing materials and labour to restore the facility.
Minister Nguluvhe said the Government remains committed to healthcare development in line with Vision 2030.
“The refurbished Dulivhadzimu Clinic is a shining example of what can be achieved through partnership and dedication. We are pleased to be officially opening a new-look clinic and the community looks forward to improved healthcare services and a brighter future,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe urged the community to safeguard the clinic and its equipment, discouraging vandalism and underutilisation.
Beitbridge town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said the municipality runs two health facilities in the town and has started constructing a third, Mabidi Clinic, launched in 2023.
He said the renovation of Dulivhadzimu Clinic has restored hope for the growing Beitbridge community.
“Our two clinics in the last two months have handled 1,241 patients and this number keeps rising. Around Dulivhadzimu Clinic, the council has increased suburbs with close to 4,000 housing stands within a radius of 5km. This will increase pressure on this clinic and more needs to be done,” he said.
“Given all this pressure, the municipality is planning to extend and upgrade the clinic to a polyclinic and part of this work has now started with the construction of a pharmacy, which is at foundation stage courtesy of UNDP.”
Beitbridge mayor, Councillor Peter Pirato Mafuta, said the reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter for the town’s health services.
“This newly renovated facility is a symbol of partnership between the local authority, our community, and faith-based organisations. It demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to all our residents,” he said.
