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Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, Senior Health Reporter 

ZANU-PF Umzingwane District Co-ordinating Committee (DCC) in Matabeleland South yesterday donated blankets and groceries to Esigodini District Hospital staff in recognition of the service rendered by healthcare workers at the institution at the height of Covid-19. 

Esigodini Hospital was one of the first health institutions to record cases of healthcare workers who had contracted the deadly virus as it was an isolation centre. 

The team also threw an early Christmas party for the healthcare workers, saying it was a way of appreciating their commitment and hard work.

Part of the donated items include cutlery which will be used by patients in the district which covers at least 20 wards within Umzingwane. 

Speaking before handing over of the gifts yesterday, Cde Butho Tshili, a local businessman and Zanu-PF member, said the ruling party is impressed with healthcare workers who are willing to sacrifice their lives to save members of the public. 

“I am humbled to be part of this day dedicated to our frontline workers who risked their lives to save our nation from the deadly Covid-19. Umzingwane District Hospital services about 71 860 people drawn from 20 administrative wards, which are predominantly rural in nature,” he said.

Cde Tshili said the hospital’s strategic location along the high highway makes it one of the busiest hospitals in the region, which in most cases handles accident victims.

“Being a district referral centre, Esigodini District Hospital has experienced shortage of medical equipment, chemicals, drugs, blankets and food for the patients especially waiting mothers and these healthcare workers continued serving members of the public as if it was business as usual,” he said. 

He said Zanu-PF as a party takes pride in appreciating workers who are bent on building the nation, brick upon brick despite the prevailing harsh economic climate linked to illegal sanctions imposed by the Western countries. 

“We also struggled with transport as we didn’t have an ambulance and it became so costly until President, Mnangagwa and intervened and donated an ambulance. We are grateful to Cde Mnangagwa and continue to encourage other members of the public to remain vigilant and do their best to build a better Zimbabwe,” said Cde Tshili.

President Mnangagwa

Umzingwane Zanu-PF District Coordinating Committee chairperson Cde Dumisani Moyo implored Zimbabwean to play a part in building the country. 

“We are not only a party that is known for making noises, slogans and rallies, but we also promote and appreciate the servant leadership mantra which President Mnangagwa believes in. These healthcare workers put their lives on the line, at some point it ceased to be a job or about money because no allowance was worth the sacrifice,” he said.

“Many healthcare workers died in the process. Your effort and dedication to the call of duty is appreciated by the party hence we are here today to celebrate your love. We extend this appreciation to all civil servants in our district for working hard despite the illegal sanctions.” — @thamamoe