Community comes together to pledge further support for disadvantaged Bulawayo caring home

Written by Lewis Jones, ZDDT Field Correspondent Friday, 14 October 2011 13:34

BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE – An invitation from Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home, requesting ZDDT’s presence at an important event, provides a clear indication of strengthening relations between the two organisations.

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>> For background on this story please read: ZDDT Appeal: Caring for elderly infirm at Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home

This occasion was recently held at the Home, in Ward 8, which is situated in one of the City’s oldest and most disadvantaged neighbourhoods named Mzilikazi Township. The activities which culminated in a special tea party replete with cakes, sandwiches and a range of benign beverages, was intended as an appreciative gesture to the Institution’s benefactors.

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The cash and material inputs that went towards making the experience the success it turned out to be, were gifts from some of the well-wishers present. These generous individuals, representatives from businesses, organisations and institutions, including neighbouring Mzilikazi Secondary School, rose to pledge their continued  support for this convalescent home that takes care of the elderly infirm.

Proceedings began with a religious rendition by a choir comprised of nurses from the Home. Pastor Mrs. M. Nyathi then presided over dedication of the occasion.

Next, after welcoming guests, the Institution’s Chief Administrator, Mrs. Sibusiswe M. Khumalo, in a most informed presentation, made introductory remarks which she concluded with an explanation for the purpose of the gathering.

Senator Matson Hlalo of Makokoba Constituency in which the happening occurred, then took the stand. He referred to the Government’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and urged the Institution’s administrators to work with the authorities concerned, including the local Councillor, in obtaining assistance from that facility.

Another key-note speaker was Ward 8 incumbent, Cllr. Mackenzie J. Sibanda, a dedicated supporter of the Home. He pledged to continue seeking assistance for Ekuphumuleni, saying he was confident that the local community would always be ready to chip in with a helping hand. The Councillor expressed sincere appreciation to all benefactors for their selfless dedication in ensuring the well-being of the Centre’s elderly patients.

ZDDT’s National Development Officer, Mr. Simon Spooner, gave insight into the comprehensive social responsibility interventions of the community based organisation he leads. He spoke about the Trust’s media programme that, among other things, is used as a means to link needy individuals and institutions with potential well-wishers. This is achieved by utilising ZDDT’s website, on which the plights of these are posted with the accompaniment of an appeal. The Home is a recent beneficiary of this initiative.

The ensuing stage in proceedings allowed next of kin, to some of the Institution’s beneficiaries, an opportunity to express their appreciation for the loving care being rendered to relatives at the Centre. It was very difficult not to be touched by the addresses they delivered.

As activities progressed, it was interesting to observe the decidedly Christian flavour of speeches made by various orators. This became evident in discourses given by Ekuphumuleni board member and co-founder, Mrs P. G. Dabengwa, Pastor Mrs. M. Nyathi and Chairperson Mrs. H. Mahachi.

The highlight of the event was the moment when the Home’s chief founding member, Mrs. P. Mahlangu rose to speak. To resounding applause, this remarkable woman recalled the testing times undergone at Ekuphumuleni’s birth. She shared, with the gathering, her vision relating to the Institution and how she watched it grow as the dream took on more tangible forms. Mrs. Mahlangu continued by saying; “Today I am pleased to admit, that Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home is a self-sustaining entity, born and maintained by the hard work of dedicated people. I am confident that the Institution will continue to develop in a very positive way.” She thanked those who have invested their commitment in ensuring the Home’s survival and prayed for God’s blessings on them.

Apt sentiments indeed, from this slightly built and neatly dressed woman who, through selfless dedication, has added a new perception to the caring of disadvantaged people in the City of Bulawayo.


You could play your part in saving this vital Institution by responding to this appeal, making use of the following contact details:

The Administrator,

Ekuphumuleni Geriatric Nursing Home,
P. O. Box 1667,
BULAWAYO. ZIMBABWE.

Telephone: +263 9 216877. Mobile: +263 772 953 515
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