Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
HUNDREDS of Filabusi villagers yesterday received a heart-warming boost to their health and well-being at an outreach programme organised by the family of Vice- President Constantino Chiwenga in partnership with various organisations.
The two-day outreach, dubbed the Godlwayo Healthcare Outreach, commenced at Singwango Village and provided villagers with free medical services, grocery items, maize seed, and clothing.
The initiative included the provision of mobility aids, with eight individuals living with disabilities receiving wheelchairs.
A team of healthcare specialists, including gynaecologists, orthopaedics, urologists, physicians, neurologists, general surgeons and nutritionists, attended to hundreds of villagers of all ages at Singwango Clinic, with patients also receiving complementary medicine.
Additional eye treatment services were available at the Filabusi District Hospital, with further medical aid accessible at Avoca Clinic today.
Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, representing her clothing company Style By Minie, donated clothing to the elderly, while her husband, Vice-President Chiwenga provided maize seed through his Chivaraidze Farm.
Speaking to a crowd at Singwango Clinic, Col Baloyi-Chiwenga emphasised the importance of the outreach programme.
“This healthcare outreach is part of our efforts to complement the Government’s work in improving access to health services. Access to healthcare is a basic right for everyone, even in remote areas,” she said.
She further explained the voluntary nature of the specialists’ participation.
“We sat down and realised the need to bring this programme to the people. Access to healthcare is a basic right, and that’s why the Government has made efforts to improve the health sector. There are many ailments that people suffer from in silence. Women and men are living with various forms of cancer.”
Expressing her personal commitment to the community, Col Baloyi-Chiwenga said: “This is where I grew up, and this community helped shape me into who I am today. They taught me never to abandon the elderly and that’s why I return to assist not only the elderly but all age groups. This festive season, I want to offer you the gift of health.”
Col Baloyi-Chiwenga also encouraged community members to take advantage of the available health services, particularly addressing issues related to drug abuse and mental health.
She clarified that the outreach was designed for the entire community, regardless of political affiliation and urged stakeholders to collaborate with the Government in furthering national development.
Villagers expressed gratitude for the impact of the outreach.
Ms Phephelaphi Mpofu shared her relief after her nine-year-old daughter received a wheelchair.
“My daughter can’t walk, and she last had a wheelchair in 2016. Carrying her has been difficult and this wheelchair will make life much easier for us,” she said, thanking the Chiwenga family for their generosity.
Elderly recipient Gogo Josephine Dube (82), echoed similar sentiments stating that the wheelchair would enable her to move independently.
“I felt like a burden when I needed help to move around my home. Now, I can do it myself,” she said.
Khulu Naison Nkomo (79) expressed his appreciation for the quality medical services brought to their area.
“We are used to travelling far for specialist care. It’s delightful to see Mrs Chiwenga return to uplift our community,” he said.
“I have heart issues, asthma and eye problems, and I look forward to receiving the assistance I have long awaited.”
For Ms Eveline Sibanda (89) who struggles with mobility, the outreach was a relief.
“Travelling to Filabusi District Hospital has been difficult. It’s a relief to have quality health services brought to us. I hope this outreach is held regularly,” she said.
Chief Sebasa expressed his gratitude to the Chiwenga family for their commitment to the community’s welfare.
“What we are witnessing here today is a rare occurrence. I thank Colonel Baloyi-Chiwenga for remembering her roots and ensuring we are uplifted,” he said.
“Today, people are accessing free medication, those with disabilities receive wheelchairs, and others receive clothing, groceries, and maize seed. The community of Filabusi has not been forgotten,” he said. —@DubeMatutu
mbulelo smpofu
