Vice President Kembo Mohadi on Friday commissioned Nyabane Clinic in Ward 1, Tjankwa, Bulilima, marking a major milestone in improving access to healthcare for the rural community.
The clinic is a community-led initiative supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by villagers and traditional leaders, including the Chief and village heads, who welcomed the development, saying they had long relied on Sikhathini Clinic, located several kilometres away.
Vice President Mohadi was accompanied by the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluve; Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mangaliso Ndlovu; and Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, among other senior government officials.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Mohadi said the journey towards establishing Nyabane Clinic began in 2019 when the community identified the urgent need for accessible healthcare services.
“With remarkable determination, you rallied together to fund this project, sourcing locally available materials to build the clinic. Your commitment to improving the health and well-being of your community is truly inspiring and demonstrates the power of collective action,” he said.
He acknowledged the significant role played by the diaspora community.
“Many of you who ventured abroad in search of better opportunities have not forgotten your roots. Your financial contributions, resource mobilisation and advocacy have been instrumental in advancing development in your home community. Your efforts remind us that no matter where we go, we carry the spirit of our homeland with us,” he said.
Vice President Mohadi said Bulilima Rural District Council played a crucial role during the construction process by conducting regular inspections to ensure the facility met the highest quality standards.
He said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supported the project with approximately US$300 000 to complete the clinic.
“Their contributions included plastering, plumbing, electrification and painting of the main clinic structure, as well as the construction of three staff houses, a waiting mothers’ shelter, and the provision of room-loading equipment. This partnership highlights the impact of collaboration in achieving shared development goals,” said Vice President Mohadi.
He added that Nyabane Clinic would serve as a beacon of hope for the community, providing essential primary healthcare services.
“It is not just a building; it is a sanctuary where lives will be saved, health will be nurtured, and futures will be built,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluve, described the clinic as a clear example of what can be achieved when communities take the lead in development.
“I am reliably informed that this clinic is a brainchild of the local community, which mobilised its own resources, with invaluable support from the diaspora, to initiate this transformative project. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints later came in, through the local authority, to support the completion of the clinic, staff cottages and other well-constructed facilities,” he said.
Nguluve said prior to the clinic’s establishment, residents had to walk approximately 15 kilometres to access healthcare services.
“This distance was particularly burdensome for the elderly and expectant mothers. As we implement NDS1 and transition into NDS2, we must prioritise projects like this to ensure that no one walks more than three kilometres to the nearest health facility,” he said.
He added that the clinic would be more than just a healthcare facility.
“It will be a sanctuary of healing, a place where compassion meets professionalism. It will offer medical care, health education and support services to empower communities to live healthier lives.”
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Vusumuzi Msiza said the church’s goal was to nurture children through improved healthcare so they could reach their full potential.
“The church seeks to reduce infant and maternal mortality by prioritising access to quality healthcare for women and children,” he said.
Ward 17 Councillor Ephraim Moyo said the clinic would significantly reduce risks faced by pregnant women.
“We had cases where expectant mothers gave birth at home because they had to walk about 10 kilometres to Sikhathini Clinic,” he said.
“This journey involved crossing a river, which made access even more difficult. The burden has now been lifted from our shoulders.”
Community member Japhet Ncube said the clinic would also benefit children and the elderly.
Village health worker Thoko Sibanda said some villagers had been missing medical reviews due to the long distance to Sikhathini Clinic.
“Some parents stopped bringing children for weight monitoring because of the distance. It was also difficult to follow up on immunisation when vaccines were unavailable at Sikhathini Clinic. We now feel confident that healthcare services will be easily accessible,” she said.