By A Correspondent
A generous donation of wheelchairs to Mvuma District Hospital has been halted due to political red tape, with Zanu PF officials reportedly blocking the delivery.
Asherboy Mafukidze, a former Forestry Commission employee, has been attempting to donate two new wheelchairs to the hospital since May of this year.
However, he has been unable to do so due to the bureaucratic approval process, which requires sign-offs from several political figures, including the District Medical Officer (DMO), the District Development Coordinator (DDC), the local MP, and the Minister of State.
Mafukidze, who witnessed the dire need for proper medical equipment at the hospital, described the current wheelchairs at Mvuma Hospital as being in deplorable condition. “I experienced excruciating pain in those wheelchairs. They have no armrests, they are all rusty steel, they have no leg rests, and the wheels are tied to the wheelchairs with pieces of wire and strings. I have never sat on something so uncomfortable,” Mafukidze remarked.
Mvuma Hospital, which serves the Chirumanzu District, has long struggled with outdated and broken-down medical equipment. The existing wheelchairs are estimated to be over 20 years old, with only four available for the hospital’s many patients in need.
Mafukidze first approached Dr. Simbarashe Maunga, the District Medical Officer, in May to offer the wheelchairs. He was subsequently referred to Joram Chimedza, the District Development Coordinator, who informed him that approval from the Minister and the MP for Chirumanzu-Zibagwe, Jacob Chokururama, was necessary before any donation could be accepted.
“I have been trying to donate these wheelchairs for months, but politics has gotten in the way,” said Mafukidze.
“They told me I had to get permission from all the politicians before I could help. It is frustrating to see how political bureaucracy is delaying something that could make a real difference for the hospital.”
The political barriers surrounding the donation reflect broader issues within Zimbabwe, where development initiatives not aligned with the ruling party, Zanu PF, are often blocked. Donations and infrastructure projects have been halted in several areas, especially those that could be perceived as benefiting opposition political causes.
Mafukidze, undeterred by the political hurdles, vowed to continue his efforts once he is able to recover from his current health struggles. “Once I am well again, I will appeal for further donations to Mvuma Hospital. The need is urgent,” he said.
Although several officials were approached for comment, staff at Mvuma District Hospital remained tight-lipped on the situation.
The incident highlights how political red tape continues to hinder charitable initiatives in Zimbabwe, leaving vulnerable communities without much-needed resources.