Source: Rehabilitated Dulivhadzimu clinic re-opens doors to public – herald
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
The Dulivhadzimu Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South, has reopened following its refurbishment that was sponsored by the United African Apostolic Church (UAAC).
The church committed more than US$8000 into the town’s oldest health facility, which serves the larger part of the town’s population and thousands of others who pass through the long-distance bus terminus and the Beitbridge border post.
Among other services, it offers sexual and reproductive health, including treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/Aids testing and initiating Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), Tuberculosis (TB) testing and initiating treatment, general health, baby and men’s clinic and counselling services and authorities are also working on expanding the facilities to offer maternal health services.
District medical officer, Dr Lenos Samhere, commended the UAAC for partnering with the Government to improve the quality of services in the health care sector.
He said with improved facilities and infrastructure, they expect medical staff morale to improve, translating into better services to the community.
Matabeleland South’s Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Albert Nguluvhe, who officiated at the handover ceremony from the church to the Municipality of Beitbridge recently, said the completion of the refurbishment was a testament to how collaboration among the private sector, church and Government can drive development initiatives from the grassroots level.
“This clinic will serve six wards in Beitbridge town and beyond, providing quality healthcare services to the community,” he said.
Established in 1985, the clinic had deteriorated over the years due to a lack of funds, and the UAAC, led by Archbishop Itani Joseph Mureri, intervened, contributing materials and labour to restore the facility.
Minister Nguluvhe emphasised the Government’s commitment to healthcare development, citing Vision 2030 and the minimum service delivery standards.
“The refurbished Dulivhadzimu Clinic is a shining example of what can be achieved through partnership and dedication,” he said.
“We are pleased to be officially opening a new-look clinic, and the community looks forward to improved healthcare services and a brighter future.
“As a religious organisation, the people of Beitbridge District have shown true allegiance to the Government of Zimbabwe by working hard as a team towards the refurbishment of this clinic. Health and well-being are the cornerstone for economic growth and development in any community”.
Minister Nguluvhe urged the community to safeguard the clinic and its equipment, discouraging vandalism and underutilisation.
He said the Government will continue to ensure that development takes place in every province and district to ensure that no community or individual is left behind, particularly in the health delivery sector.
At the moment, the Minister said, the Government was rolling out clinics and hospitals nationwide to ensure everyone gets quality health services.
“In pursuit of Vision 2030, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has developed the minimum service delivery standards, which provide a clear framework for what our local authorities must achieve,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
“These standards launched by His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, in June 2025 during the Councillors Indaba serve as a benchmark for improving service delivery, from education and health to sanitation and infrastructure”.
Beitbridge Town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said the municipality runs two health facilities in the town and had started the process of construction of a third clinic (Mabidi Clinic) which began in 2023.
He said the renovated Dulivhadzimu clinic had restored hope for the community of Beitbridge town whose population is ever growing.
Mr Ramakgapola said they were looking at having at least six clinics in the town to service the over 60 000 residents and others passing through the town in transit daily.
“Our two clinics in the last two months have handled 1241 patients and this number keeps rising. Around Dulivhadzimu clinic, council has increased suburbs with a total of close to 4000 housing stands within a radius of 5km. This will increase pressure on this clinic and more needs to be done,” he said.
“The clinic is also surrounded by a busy bus rank (terminus) and hosts the oldest suburb with a high number of the elderly, as well as serving the nearby rural communities. It is the first point of call for all who need medical care and travellers who pass through this town every day.
“Given all this pressure, the municipality is planning and has a plan to extend and upgrade the clinic to a poly clinic and part of this work has now started with the construction of a pharmacy (which is at foundation stage) courtesy of UNDP”.
Beitbridge Town clerk, Mr Loud Ramakgapola, said the municipality runs two health facilities in the town and had started the process of construction of a third clinic (Mabidi Clinic) which began in 2023.
He said the renovated Dulivhadzimu clinic had restored hope for the community of Beitbridge town whose population is ever growing.
Mr Ramakgapola said they were looking at having at least six clinics in the town to service the over 60 000 residents and others passing through the town in transit daily.
“Our two clinics in the last two months have handled 1241 patients and this number keeps rising. Around Dulivhadzimu clinic, council has increased suburbs with a total of close 4000 housing stands within a radius of 5km. This will increase pressure on this clinic and more needs to be done,” he said.
“The clinic is also surrounded by a busy bus rank(terminus) and hosts the oldest suburb with a high number of the elderly, as well as serving the nearby rural communities. It is the first point of call for all who need medical care and travellers who pass through this town every day.
“Given all this pressure, the municipality is planning and has a plan to extend and upgrade the clinic to a poly clinic and part of this work has now started with the construction of a pharmacy (which is at foundation stage) courtesy of UNDP”.
Beitbridge mayor, Councillor Peter Pirato Mafuta ,said the re-opening of the clinic marked the start of a new chapter in the health and well-being of the community.
“This newly renovated facility is a symbol of partnership between the local authority, our community, and faith-based organisations. It demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all our residents, a fundamental right that we hold dearly,” said Clr Mafuta.
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