St Michaels Mission Hospital’s centenary celebrations received a significant boost recently as Zimplats officially handed over 30,000 common bricks and 600 bags of cement to support the hospital’s future infrastructure upgrades.
The donation fulfils a pledge made by Zimplats at the official commissioning of the Mondoro Rural Hospital theatre and hospital extension project, officiated by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa.
On Tuesday, 11 November 2025, Zimplats delivered on that commitment when it formally handed over the building materials to the hospital’s Responsible Authority, represented by Father Jim Muchoza.
The bricks were procured from Turf Brick Moulding Company (TBMC), a women-led medium-sized enterprise established in Turf Mhondoro- Ngezi, under Zimplats’ Local Enterprise Development programme. Owned and managed by widows and single mothers, TBMC added a heart-warming gesture to the proceedings by pledging an additional 10,000 bricks to the hospital — a commitment that drew enthusiastic applause from guests.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Chief Murambwa; Hon Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Mhondoro Ngezi Rural District Council (MNRDC) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Itai Mawonde; District Medical Officer, Dr Tapiwa Mhizha; hospital staff, and community leaders. Zimplats was represented by Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Busi Chindove.
Speaking during the handover, Mrs Chindove reaffirmed Zimplats’ purpose of creating a better future for its stakeholders, including the communities within the company’s footprint.
“By providing these materials, we place in the hospital’s hands the building blocks for infrastructure improvements — enhancements that will result in better patient care, more dignified working conditions for health professionals, and ultimately, healthier, more resilient communities,” she said.
Mrs Chindove also highlighted that sourcing the bricks from TBMC was a deliberate investment in inclusive economic empowerment.
“It demonstrates our commitment to enabling inclusive local enterprise development, especially women, to participate meaningfully in the economy and contribute to community development,” she said.
Accepting the donation, Dr Mhizha expressed gratitude, noting that the materials would go a long way in supporting the hospital’s infrastructure upgrade plans.
St Michaels Hospital is the District Hospital for Mhondoro Ngezi Rural District. Its Outpatient Department currently functions as both an emergency unit and a primary care hub, while limited and shared staff accommodation poses operational challenges.
Established in 1925, the hospital is marking 100 years of service — a milestone for an institution that began as a modest clinic before evolving into a referral centre serving 23 health facilities.
Honourable Tavengwa Mukuhlani thanked the company for the investments the company has made in Mhondoro Ngezi District and encouraged the company to seek more opportunities for investment for the benefit of the community.
Representing the MNRDC Chairman, Councillor Lawrence Mutsamba thanked Zimplats for its ongoing support, not only to St Michaels, but to communities across Mhondoro Ngezi and Chegutu. He called for continued collaboration between the PGM producer and local communities.
This is not Zimplats’ first contribution to the hospital. In the past the company donated an ambulance to relieve transport challenges faced by patients. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zimplats also supplied masks, infrared thermometers, disinfectants, and other essentials. In addition, the company constructed and equipped a modern science laboratory for St Michaels School at a cost of around US$95,000.
As Zimplats continues to invest in sustainable community development, the handover demonstrates the company’s enduring commitment to strengthening local health systems and uplifting communities across its operational footprint.
Zimplats’ Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Busi Chindove, hands over scissors to Hon Tawengwa Mukuhlani for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the handover of building materials to St Michaels Mission Hospital. Looking on are Chief Murambwa and Dr Itai Mawonde, Chief Executive Officer of the Mhondoro Ngezi Rural District Council.
Delivered… Zimplats’ Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Busi Chindove, leads guests in viewing the cement donated to St Michaels Mission Hospital. Looking on, from left to right, are Father Jim Muchoza the Responsible Authority, Hon Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chief Murambwa, and Dr Tapiwa Mhizha the District Medical Officer for Mhondoro Ngezi.
Zimplats’ Head of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Busi Chindove, shares a light moment with the Chairperson of Turf Brick Moulding Company, Ms Wonai Manjengwa (centre), and the company’s Managing Director, Ms Musodzi Chimunda during the handover ceremony. at St Michaels Mission Hospital.