Source: Health facilities breathe life into Matobo – herald Robin Muchetu, robin.muchetu@sunday.news.co.zw FOR years, expectant mothers in Kezi in Matobo District endured long, costly and often risky journeys to give birth with some going into labour with no option but to scramble for transport to distant facilities. Today, that reality is rapidly changing, as the newly […]
FOR years, expectant mothers in Kezi in Matobo District endured long, costly and often risky journeys to give birth with some going into labour with no option but to scramble for transport to distant facilities.
Today, that reality is rapidly changing, as the newly upgraded Kezi Rural Health Centre stands as a beacon of hope, dignity and accessible healthcare for communities in Matobo District, thanks to President Mnangagwa’ commitment to bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare, ensuring that no one and no place is left behind in the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda, which aligns with Vision 2030.
Central to this drive is the goal of guaranteeing that every Zimbabwean has access to quality healthcare within a 10-kilometre radius by 2030.
The new-look Kezi Rural Health Centre in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province
For Ms Sinikiwe Moyo, a local community member, the transformation is more than just infrastructure — it is a lifeline.
“We used to struggle a lot, especially at night when a woman went into labour. Transport was expensive and not always available as most women were being transferred to Maphisa District Hospital to deliver. Now, the clinic is closer and some women can even walk there. It is a huge relief for us,” she said.
The modernisation of Kezi Rural Health Centre is anchored in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) for 2026–2030, which prioritises the construction of new health facilities, the upgrading of existing ones and the strengthening of primary healthcare systems across the country.
The Government plans to establish at least one fully equipped hospital in every district across the country as part of sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, reducing pressure on referral institutions and improving access to quality services, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Under the programme, rural health centres are being equipped with modern amenities including maternity wings, solar power and improved diagnostic tools, while new district hospitals are being established to ease pressure on referral institutions.
In line with this commitment, the Ministry of Health and Child Care received ZiG30,4 billion in the 2026 National Budget — representing 15 percent of total expenditure — meeting the Abuja Declaration benchmark that urges African countries to prioritise healthcare funding.
Originally opened in 1948, the Kezi Rural Health Centre had deteriorated significantly over the years, with infrastructure weakened and facilities damaged by termites. However, a recent visit by the Zimpapers news crew showed a transformed, state-of-the-art facility now capable of accommodating at least 52 patients.
Ms Sinikiwe Moyo said locals were excitement over several legacy projects being implemented in the district and paid tribute to the Government for modernising the district.
“We are happy as people of Matabeleland South province over these developments. We are grateful for the work President Mnangagwa has done for this province. As the people of Matabeleland, we feel recognised and appreciated,” she said.
The upgrade is expected to play a critical role in reducing maternal mortality, which health authorities say is often linked to delays in reaching medical care.
According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, one of the major reasons for maternal deaths is the delay in reaching health facilities by pregnant women.
District medical officer for Matobo, Dr Matthew Mthunzi, said the Government has undertaken three major projects, which include the completion of the Kezi Rural Hospital, refurbishment of the nursing school and upgrades at Maphisa District Hospital.
He said the refurbishment of the Kezi facility is part of a broader package of health sector investments in the district.
“Kezi Rural Hospital has undergone extensive reconstruction, with contractors effectively rebuilding it from the foundation due to structural damage. The hospital is now old and the plumbing was last attended to a long time ago,” said Dr Mthunzi.
“The ceiling was also affected by termites and it was a challenge for us. The hospital was in bad shape and needed the new look.”
All wards have been completed, while bathrooms and fittings are still pending. Dr Mthunzi said although minor fittings are still being finalised, the facility is already operational, marking a significant shift from years when it could not admit patients.
He said works at the nursing school include plumbing, painting and furnishing, while at Maphisa District Hospital, efforts focused on structural repairs, roofing, plumbing and general rehabilitation.
Dr Mthunzi said the nursing school, one of the key legacy projects, will significantly boost human resources for health.
“The training school will not only benefit Matabeleland South but the entire country. Officials projected that around 40 to 50 students per intake will be taken at Maphisa, provided some will be using local accommodation. The nursing school can accommodate around 20 students only,” he said.
Dr Mthunzi added that the expansion of training programmes is critical, particularly after years of limited nurse recruitment, with the last major intake having been in 2018.
The training school will have one or two intakes each year and is set to start enrolment in May or September.
Project contractor representative, Mr Joseph Mutiyeni, said the team had to deal with severe termite infestation but implemented measures to ensure long-term durability.
“We started work in October last year, resumed in January, and we are now about 98 percent complete,” he said.
