The Government of Zimbabwe has officially opened the Simbarashe Medical Centre in Chibaya Village, a new health facility constructed by the Johane Masowe Chitungwiza Unit J Canaan Sect under the leadership of Madzibaba Simbarashe Nengomasha of the Johane Masowe YeChishanu church.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Sleiman Timios Kwidini, and the Minister of Information Communication Technology, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera. Also present were officials from Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Citimed Clinic, and Discovery Ambulances.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Kwidini commended Madzibaba Simbarashe for establishing the clinic, which will serve both the residents of Chibaya Village and members of the Johane Masowe church community. He hailed the facility as a significant step toward improving healthcare access for apostolic sect members, a group that has historically faced challenges in utilising medical services.
Hon. Kwidini recalled the difficulties previously encountered during national immunisation programmes, particularly within apostolic communities.
“In the past, it was difficult to reach children from the Johane Masowe church for immunisation,” he said. “His Excellency the President advised that places of worship be established first so that health organisations could easily locate communities instead of finding people worshipping in mountains and remote areas.”
He expressed satisfaction that children and adults from the Johane Masowe community would now be able to receive medical services at the newly opened clinic.
“Medicines and medical treatment heal people, just as faith gives strength,” Hon. Kwidini stated. “These should work together. When someone becomes ill, they must first visit the clinic for treatment, and afterwards they may seek spiritual support: ‘Mopihwa mutero kuti musimbe.’”
Madzibaba Simbarashe was also praised for his long-standing contribution to public healthcare. The church leader has a 16-year history of supporting health institutions, including making annual donations to Chitungwiza Central Hospital and other municipal clinics during the Christmas holiday period.
Members of the Chibaya community welcomed the opening of the medical centre, noting that it would significantly reduce maternal and emergency-related deaths previously caused by long distances to the nearest healthcare facilities.
The Simbarashe Medical Centre includes a mother’s shelter, mirroring similar facilities the church leader has constructed in other communities to support expectant mothers before delivery.
This development aligns with the government’s call for stronger public-private partnerships in health service delivery. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly emphasised that a healthy population is key to national productivity and economic growth, making accessible healthcare central to the attainment of Vision 2030.
The opening of the Simbarashe Medical Centre is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for Chibaya Village and surrounding communities, particularly for women and children.
