A First for Hwange
In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering community cohesion, physical wellbeing, and cross-sectoral collaboration, Hwange District successfully hosted its 1st Edition of the Hwange District Health and Wellness Day on Friday, September 11, 2026. Organised under the auspices of the Office of the Hwange District Development Coordinator (DDC), the event brought together local government authorities, leading mining corporations, power companies, civil society organizations, security forces, health workers, and community members.
The event’s overarching mandate was to blend fun, fitness, and networking—a goal it accomplished with resounding success as stakeholders engaged in various health screenings, sports, and collaborative discussions.
Key Highlights & Keynote Address
Due to a packed schedule and time management challenges during the day’s physical activities, the official Guest of Honor speech was delivered during the evening session. Standing in for Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCCL) Chief Executive Officer Mr. William Gambiza, Mr. Benedict Jira (Production Manager at HCCL) served as the Guest of Honor.
Addressing delegates, Mr. Jira emphasized that health and wellness extend far beyond clinical settings:
“Health and wellness cannot be delivered by the Ministry of Health alone. It takes all of us — nurses, doctors, village health workers, teachers, churches, mines, tourism operators, ZRP, ZNA, NGOs, and ordinary citizens walking, screening, and talking together. This is the Hwange we want — a district that networks, that shares resources, and that speaks with one voice.”
The speech aligned the district’s health drive with His Excellency President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, National Development Strategy 1 & 2 (NDS1/NDS2), and the national mantra of “Leaving No One and No Place Behind.”
Major Infrastructure and Policy Announcements
The event served as a platform to announce two major socio-economic developments for Hwange District:
- 5 Miles Hospital Refurbishment (Anti-Drug & Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Centre):In direct response to national directives and Statutory Instrument 75 of 2023, Hwange District has proposed converting and refurbishing the 5 Miles Hospital into a dedicated rehabilitation centre. The centre will provide counselling, detoxification, rehabilitation, aftercare, and skills training to combat substance abuse among youth.
- Hwange District Multi-Purpose Stadium:Applications have been submitted to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for land allocation to construct an all-in-one sports complex. The proposed facility will accommodate soccer, volleyball, basketball, tennis, athletics, swimming, netball, and indoor games (table tennis, darts, pool, chess) to keep youth engaged and promote mental and physical wellbeing.
Evening Festivities: Executive Cocktail & After-Party
The celebrations wrapped up in style across two evening venues:
- Executive Managers’ Cocktail Dinner: Held at the Baobab Hotel, where senior managers, mine executives, and government dignitaries gathered for official speeches, dinner, and executive networking.
- Subordinates’ After-Party: Staff members, participants, and sports teams continued the celebrations at Shadows, enjoying a lively atmosphere and well-deserved leisure.
Notice Regarding Awards and Certificates
Owing to the tight schedule on the day, the formal presentation of certificates and trophies was deferred. Organisers have assured all participating companies, teams, and individuals that awards, certificates, and trophies will be presented at a dedicated follow-up ceremony at a date to be announced soon.
To maintain momentum, Hwange District will establish an annual District Health and Wellness Forum to track progress on healthcare outreach, anti-drug initiatives, and sport infrastructure development.
