Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
St Michael’s Mission in Mhondoro-Ngezi, which was established in 1925, celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday.
The centennial celebrations took place at the open grounds of St. Michael’s Mission High School, where congregants, senior
government officials, traditional leaders, businesspeople, students, and their guardians gathered for this momentous event.
The mission encompasses a 103-bed hospital, two schools, and an orphanage. It started off as an outstation of Chishawasha
Mission in 1913, followed by the construction of the church and primary school in 1925.
St Michaels Mission Mhondoro centre was established in 1922 by a Zimbabwean teacher and catechist, Michael Mhishi, who
was raised by the Chishawasha Jesuits.
During the liberation struggle, the mission provided sanctuary to liberation war fighters, offering them medical care, health-
related services, and meals.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, who officiated at the celebration, praised the
church for aligning with the Government’s agenda of inclusivity.
“The church has always played a key role in supporting the Government’s rural development initiatives.
“Over the past 100 years, St. Michael’s has provided education and healthcare to the people in the rural areas of Mhondoro-
Ngezi district,” she said.
She also assured the community of the Government’s commitment to improving the road linking the mission to urban centres.
St. Michael’s Mission Hospital serves as the primary referral institution in the district, providing essential services to patients
transferred from over 20 clinics.
Mrs Busi Chindove, chairperson of the Harare Archdiocese Pastoral Council, reaffirmed the church’s commitment to delivering
vital services to the community.
She highlighted the mission’s significant contributions to education and health.
“There is a close relationship between the Government and the church,” said Mrs Chindove.
“This mission has made a remarkable impact on education, and the Catholic Church has left a significant imprint on the
education sector of our country.”
In partnership with the Government, the hospital is currently providing free hernia surgeries, attracting patients from across
the country.
Dr Tapiwa Alexio Mhizha, the hospital superintendent and acting district medical officer for Mhondoro-Ngezi, noted that the
institution has become well-known in Zimbabwe for its services.
“We serve a community of about 149 000 people and function as the district referral centre for approximately 20 clinics,
including those in Chegutu and Seke districts,” he said.
“The hospital has expanded its services and now has a resident general surgeon, obstetrician and gynaecologist, paediatrician,
and physician.”
He also mentioned plans to introduce an orthopaedic surgeon in the near future as part of the hospital’s expansion, which
aligns with the Government’s mantra of “Leaving No Place or Person Behind” by decentralising specialist services.
