Wezhira Munya
A significant clash is unfolding between the residents of Nyabane ward 1 rural area in Bulilima and members of the Zanu PF party over the official opening of a clinic built by the community. The local populace feels that their hard work is being overshadowed as Zanu PF attempts to take control of the celebration and official opening ceremony.
“It is disheartening that the community in Ward 1 Nyabane, located in Bulilima Constituency, has been denied the opportunity to celebrate the completion of a project that required substantial financial contributions from local residents and support from the diaspora”, commented Mrs Thandiwe Ncube.
This denial comes in the wake of inadequate funding and resources from the Zanu PF-led government.
This state of the art clinic is well-furnished and equipped with a borehole and Jojo tanks to address water issues, made possible by the generous donations from both local and diaspora Nyabane citizens.
In an interview with Change Radio, Honourable Bekezela Maplanka, the opposition parliamentary candidate for Bulilima Constituency in the 2023 elections under President Nelson Chamisa’s leadership, condemned Zanu PF’s actions. She emphasized that the clinic was entirely funded through the dedication of local residents and financial support from the Zimbabwean diaspora.
“The Nyabane residents worked tirelessly, aided by the support of local churches and Zimbabweans abroad. We expect the government to build healthcare facilities for its citizens, not to appropriate projects that have already been completed by the community. The residents received no assistance from the government in establishing the Nyabane Clinic,” Honourable Maplanka stated.
MsThokozani Moyo, another Nyabane community member, criticized the Zanu PF government’s failure to provide modern healthcare infrastructure in marginalized areas like Nyabane. She highlighted the government’s prioritization of luxury gifts for entertainers while neglecting the critical needs of citizens. “Many Zimbabweans are suffering and dying due to the lack of qualified healthcare professionals, insufficient medical supplies, and exorbitant medication costs,” she noted.
The Zimbabwe healthcare system is in dire need of improvements, and healthcare equipment is in short supply.
Despite the community’s initiative to establish their clinic due to the government’s inaction, Zanu PF leadership has claimed the right to oversee its official opening and celebrations. Zanu PF Vice President Kembo Mohadi is expected to preside over the ceremony, thereby excluding the community that funded and built the clinic from their own celebration, which is scheduled for 19th December, 2025.
Zanu PF’s actions have not only removed the residents’ right to celebrate their achievement but have also led to threats and intimidation against those who oppose the party’s control over the clinic. Reports have emerged of residents facing threats of violence or persecution if they visit the clinic site.
For years, Bulilima has faced neglect in crucial areas such as access to clean water, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure development. Mr. Goodknows Ncube articulated the community’s frustration, stating, “The people of Bulilima have taken it upon themselves to develop their communities independently. It’s outrageous that the government wants to benefit from our efforts without having contributed.”
Mrs. Nomatter Ndlovu echoed this sentiment, urging Zanu PF members to allow Nyabane residents to celebrate their own hard work.
Reflecting on previous incidents, it is important to note that residents encountered a similar situation in 2023 at the Malalume Clinic in Ward 14, where Zanu PF unilaterally took control of the official opening without consulting the community. Many empty promises were made that year, including commitments to provide an ambulance and refrigerated vehicles for medication transport to the clinic, none of which have been fulfilled, according to a headman who preferred to remain anonymous out of fear of retaliation from Zanu PF.
As Bulilima’s residents continue to push for their rights and recognition, the need for transparency and accountability remains crucial in addressing the pressing challenges they face. Their fight exemplifies the struggle for community empowerment amid political tensions.
