By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Dulivhadzimu Clinic has had a major refurbishment funded by the United African Apostolic Church (UAAC), marking a key boost to health service delivery in Beitbridge.
The project was officially commissioned on Sunday by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe.
The UAAC, led by Archbishop Itani Joseph Mureri and driven on the ground by Ambassador Dr Dube, financed and supplied labour for the full upgrade of the 1985-built facility, which had deteriorated over the years due to limited maintenance resources.
“It gives me great honour to officiate at this auspicious occasion, the commissioning and handover of a refurbished Dulivhadzimu Clinic,” Nguluvhe said.
“The church has shown true allegiance to the Government of Zimbabwe by working hard as a team towards the refurbishment of this clinic,” he said.
Work began on 18 August 2025.
The expanded and modernised clinic will now service part of the six wards in Beitbridge town and surrounding communities, easing pressure on the district’s health system.
Nguluvhe praised the church’s intervention, describing it as a model of partnership in local development.
“Let me commend the church for intervening and spearheading such a noble cause. This indeed reflects faith with action,” he said.
He reaffirmed that Government is prioritising nationwide improvement of health infrastructure.
“The Government of Zimbabwe will continue to ensure that development takes place in every province and district. No community or individual will be left behind in the health delivery sector,” he said.
Nguluvhe also linked the clinic upgrade to national reform efforts under Vision 2030.
He said the Minimum Service Delivery Standards launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in June 2025 provide clear expectations for councils on health, sanitation, education and infrastructure.
Nguluvhe urged the community and clinic management to protect the refurbished facility.
“I wish to discourage vandalism and underutilisation of this facility. Proper care and optimal utilisation will ensure sustainability and continued service delivery,” he said.
He encouraged young people to pursue health-related careers to strengthen the country’s health workforce.
“Pursuing a career in health-related fields contributes significantly to the betterment of our communities,” he said.
“With these few remarks I declare the renovations done at Dulivhadzimo Clinic officially handed over to the Municipality of Beitbridge and the clinic officially opened,” he said.
Speaking at the same occassion Beitbridge Mayor peter Mafuta Pirato said the refurbishment of Dulivhadzimu Clinic has been hailed as a turning point for local health services and signals a fresh start powered by strong community partnerships.
He said the reopening marked the beginning of a new chapter for Beitbridge.
“Today is a celebration of what is possible when collaboration and community spirit lead the way,” he said.
“We are gathered here not just to open a building, but to mark the start of a new chapter in the health and well-being of our community,” he said
The United African Apostolic Church (UAAC) funded and undertook the full renovation, a gesture the Mayor described as a powerful example of faith in action.
“This newly renovated facility is a symbol of partnership. It demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all our residents,” he said.
He thanked the UAAC leadership and congregation for their dedication.
“You have shown that proper healthcare goes beyond treating symptoms. It is fundamentally about creating a caring environment where everyone feels that they matter,” he said.
Pirato encouraged residents to take responsibility for safeguarding the upgraded facility.
“Let us safeguard this clinic, ensuring its longevity and paving the way for future developments,” he said.
The reopening was the beginning of long-term improvements.
“Today is not the finish line. It is the starting point. It is our plan to ensure that this clinic becomes a multi-functional centre offering other services it currently does not offer.”
Town Clerk Loud Ramakgapola also applauded the transformation, describing the facility as renewed in both function and spirit.
“My hope is that our community will see one more thing in this clinic, a renewed clinic, a born again clinic, and the hand of God epitomised by the support from the UAAC for us the people of Beitbridge town,” he said.
Ramakgapola said the municipality looked forward to continued cooperation.
“We hope in the next years to come we will continue being partners with the sole aim to help the citizens of Beitbridge and improve their health,” he said.