Over US$2 million raised for Ingutsheni Central Hospital at presidential fundraising luncheon

Ingutsheni Central Hospital entrance

BULAWAYO — More than US$2 million was raised for the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital during a fundraising luncheon held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Smart City Centre on Friday, 20 March. The event was led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who personally contributed US$1 million toward the hospital’s upgrade.

Major contributions and totals

Organisers said the luncheon raised funds through seat sales, direct donations, and high‑value pledges from government officials and business figures. Key contributions included:

• President Emmerson Mnangagwa — US$1,000,000

• Vice President Kembo Mohadi — US$100,000

• Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube — luncheon seats sold for US$600,000; personal donation US$20,000

• Kudakwashe Tagwirei — US$350,000

• Paul Tungwarara — US$250,000

• Obey Chimuka — US$150,000

Organisers confirmed the combined contributions exceeded US$2 million, with additional smaller donations and in‑kind pledges expected to support the rehabilitation programme.

Government commitments and equipment requests

President Mnangagwa not only pledged funds but also supported requests for farming equipment and committed to repairing hospital vehicles that urgently require attention. The government’s interventions aim to address both infrastructure and operational shortfalls at the mental health facility.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the sale of luncheon seats accounted for a substantial portion of the funds and thanked donors for their generosity. He described the event as a demonstration of public‑private cooperation to restore critical health services.

Vice President Mohadi on the hospital’s condition

Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who helped spearhead the fundraising drive, described his motivation for the campaign and painted a stark picture of the hospital’s state:

“I observed that the facility operates well beyond its intended capacity. I was deeply appalled by the state of the hospital, considering its importance in society and what is expected of it. The conditions I observed were truly heartbreaking. Healthcare workers, though dedicated and resilient, face enormous challenges, lacking the essential resources to deliver the level of care that our people deserve. As for the patients, the environment and facilities are disappointing.”

VP Mohadi said facilities like Ingutsheni Central Hospital are vital for the mental and physical well‑being of many Zimbabweans and called for a collective effort to restore and maintain services.

Expected impact and next steps

Officials said the funds will be channelled into a phased rehabilitation plan that includes structural repairs, equipment procurement, vehicle repairs, and improvements to patient care environments. The government and donor partners will publish a timetable for works and accountability measures to ensure transparent use of the funds. Healthcare stakeholders welcomed the fundraising outcome but urged sustained investment and systemic reforms to ensure long‑term improvements in mental health service delivery.

Ingutsheni Central Hospital fundraising 2026