By Kuda Pembere
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has donated over 200 wheelchairs to hospitals countrywide with Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Chitungwiza Central Hospital getting 15.
Speaking at the handing over of wheelchairs to Hospitals under the Harare Provincial Medical Directorate at Sally Mugabe Hospital, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tavengwa said it was pleasing to notice ZESA giving back to the Hospitals.
“I stand before you today with great pride and a sense of responsibility as we gather here to mark a significant moment in commitment to community wellbeing through Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA). Today, ZESA is not just about powering homes; they are also about empowering lives. We are here to witness a remarkable initiative that goes beyond the realm of electricity supply.
“Today, support is extended to the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Sally Mugabe Hospital and Chitungwiza Hospital through the donation of fifteen (15) wheelchairs. In recognizing the diverse needs of the community, ZESA has shown it believes in leveraging resources for the betterment of society,” he said.
He added donation signifies the importance of mobility in health facility settings.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the ability to move freely is a fundamental aspect of human dignity, and unfortunately, not everyone has equal access to it.
“Therefore, the wheelchairs being donated today are not just pieces of equipment; they signify a broader message of empowerment, independence and inclusivity.
“This reinforces the belief that we are a society that values and cherishes every member, irrespective of their physical conditions. It demonstrates that we are united in our commitment to ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources,” the Minister said.
ZESA general manager (stakeholders relations) Dr George Manyaya said the donations are an ongoing process.
“So in terms of our national strategy document which is NDS 1, you know that electricity security is very important and also the health sector is very important. So we are powering the nation and we are trying to meet our supply needs but also in terms of being a corporate citizen, we have a corporate social responsibility program whereby we believe and know that we must give back to the communities that we operate in. So this initiative is an ongoing initiative,” he said.
Dr Manyaya also said they are leaving no province behind as all the 10 provinces have benefitted.
“As you have seen, we have been going around the country, not only in Harare. Today our stop is in Harare, but we have been going around the country distributing several vouchers across the province. In this first phase we’ve done 200 wheelchairs across the country, worth over US$60,000, where we’ve been handing over to several provinces around the country. All the 10 provinces are benefiting.” he said.
He added, “And so they’re giving the hospitals, because we believe that the patients are also our consumers. They are also consumers of electricity.
“So some may be affected by road accidents, some may actually be affected by electricity accidents, when they come to the hospitals and there are no facilities. So as a result, we are saying that we are responsible corporate citizens. We believe that health institutions are also important to partner, despite giving them the sensitive electricity.”
Sally Mugabe Acting CEO Mr Hopewell Mungani said wheelchairs are important for the mobility of patients and appealed for quarterly donations of wheelchairs.
“As you might, everyone here has had an experience with Sally Mugabe in one way or the other. Some people have been delivered here. Some people have brought relatives here.
