Story by Online Reporter
RETIRED Lieutenant General E. Rugeje has donated goods worth US$50 000 to Silveira Mission Hospital in Bikita District, reaffirming his commitment to giving back to the community where he was raised.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Retired Lieutenant General E. Rugeje urged local residents, both in Zimbabwe and the diaspora, to support development initiatives in the area by contributing resources and expertise within their means.
The donation is expected to enhance service delivery at the hospital and improve access to healthcare for the surrounding communities.
“I urge others, especially those who hail from this area, to come and add to what we have done. For our community to develop, it needs healthy people, and to be healthy, you need access to health services. So, we know there are others in Zimbabwe and those abroad; we call upon them to do whatever little they can,” he said.
The goods include medical supplies, heaters, injections, protective clothing and other consumables aimed at improving healthcare delivery at the rural facility.
He noted that the challenges facing the Bikita community and Silveira Mission Hospital are not limited to medication shortages alone. He highlighted the poor state of roads as a critical issue.
“The road from the main highway to the hospital should be tarred to allow easy movement of ambulances carrying patients. I once spoke to people who are responsible for roads in government to help us, and will continue pushing them,” he said.
Retired Lieutenant General E. Rugeje, who completed his secondary education at Silveira Mission, revealed that he has been the mission’s patron since 1990.
He went on to say that being a patron does not mean just cutting ribbons and sitting at the high table.
“Being a patron does not mean you are invited to cut ribbons and sit at the high table giving speeches. You have to be a father figure who provides for the family. I have been donating goods to this mission since 1990,” he said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, the medical superintendent, Dr Zvikomborero Mugwenjedzi, said the gift had come at the right time.
Speaking at the handover, a community member identified as Mr Tichaurawa thanked Retired Lieutenant General E. Rugejefor the kind gesture and said locals should ensure they also benefit from programmes such as nurse recruitment.
“We thank Retired Lieutenant General E. Rugeje for the donation because every area is developed by its own people. We appeal to the authorities to make sure that during the recruitment of trainee nurses, they also prioritise locals who will then serve the local community,” he said.
Retired Lieutenant General E. Rugeje served in the Zimbabwe National Army for decades before retiring. He is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his home district of Bikita.
