Coaches Association extend a helping hand to victims of typhoid
Transport costs for families whose loved ones are admitted at Mpilo Hospital getting treatment for the water-borne diseases which are largely affecting Luveve residents have emerged as one of the challenges limiting residents to visit their family members in hospital. Several families have resorted to walking to the health facility so that they can be there for those in need of special care.
The Zimbabwe Coaches Association (ZISCA) Bulawayo Chapter identified six families in a dire situation and donated transport funds which are meant to ease the burden of walking long distances from Luveve suburb to Mpilo Hospital to visit loved ones. The chapter donated $40 ZWL and an Ecocash transfer of $120 ZWL to each of the six families.
By Minenhle Moyo
Speaking during the handover ceremony, ZISCA Vice Chairman, Philani Mabhena mentioned that as an organisation they acknowledge that most footballers who have established a standing career in sport come from Luveve suburb, hence the need to help the future stars of the country.
“I was born and bred in Luveve and that is where most soccer legends hail from,” said Mabhena. “We were moved by the circumstances that these families are encountering so we have decided to come and help those who are affected particularly children as we know that they are the future.”
The recipients expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that the funds will benefit them as hospital visits will be easier.
Sincengile Mpofu a resident from Luveve Old told In Focus News that she commutes twice to get to the hospital which is costly for her.
“I have to board two times; from my place of residence to town then I have to board a commuter omnibus from the CBD to the hospital to visit my sister,” said Mpofu. “I do the same thing when travelling back home and that is quite costly as I have to repeat the routine daily.
“It has been hard so the gesture by ZISCA is greatly appreciated as I know my burden has been alleviated,” she added.
Residents lamented that the City Council is not being transparent with them and demanded for daily updates on the developments relating to the Luveve water issue.
Mrs Ethel Ndiweni, representing the ward 15 Residents Association said the city council should give residents information regularly to keep them well informed.
“It is not respectable that residents are left in the dark on the outbreak that is heightening by the day,” said Ndiweni. “We are pleading with the City Council to give us information on the developments about this outbreak because as it is residents are suffering yet nothing is being said to them.”
Member of Parliament for Bulawayo Metropolitan, Honourable Jasmine Toffa commended the Chapter for its honorable deed towards the six families.
“ZISCA has done a good job by helping these families as we have heard of some of the challenges that these families go through just to make their way to the hospital,” added Honourable Toffa.
Honourable Toffa called upon other stakeholders inclusive of the government, the business community and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to also render aid where possible as the economic situation is a challenge for those whose families are affected by the water-borne diseases.