shloboe boe
Sipepisiwe Moyo, moyosipepisiwe@gmail.com
This morning, Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo will come alive as it hosts its annual Cake Day for the St Mary wards, which accommodate female patients. Activities are scheduled to take place from 10am to 12pm.
The event will feature performances from local artistes who will spend time with the patients, bringing entertainment and joy. The initiative is spearheaded by Sipho Mazibuko, the founder of Mental Voices Zimbabwe Organisation and a former Ingutsheni patient.
In an interview, Mazibuko said the idea of the event is to show patients at Ingutsheni that they are loved and not forgotten.
“Some have never had a visitor and others, whom I was admitted with 15 years ago, are still here because their families abandoned them – giving false contact details and leaving them to live here until they pass away.
“I love them because I am one of them. I want them to have a joyful day, dance with me and enjoy plenty of cake,” Mazibuko said.
Mazibuko who was admitted at the facility over a decade ago added: “We’ll use this time to tour the wards where I was once admitted – from my isolation ward to the general ward for those able to interact with others. We’ll also have artistes performing, as music was a crucial part of my healing process.”
The line-up of performers includes Khaya Arts, Amaqaqa Music Imbube Ensemble, Mzoe7, and Skhumz the Moonwalker. In addition to musical performances, the event will also address gender-based violence issues.
Mazibuko shared the event’s role in educating young people about the harsh realities of drug and substance abuse.
She has invited some of the Miss Rural Zimbabwe models to witness the conditions and understand the psychological impact such an environment can have.
The guest of honour for the event will be Sandra Ndebele. Other notable attendees will include Chief Dakamela.
Contributions for the event have been made by various individuals and organisations. Something Sweet Café, run by Gugu Dube, has donated 10 cakes, while additional cakes have been provided by Madame Cakes and Cupcakes by Silenhlanhla from Gwanda.
Confirming his participation, musician Mzoe7 expressed his support for mental health awareness initiatives.
“As someone involved in projects like ‘Majita Let’s Talk’, this is a great initiative. I love working with people and understanding their struggles. Shout out to Sipho Mazibuko for her compassion. We’ll be there to uplift spirits and ensure that patients leave with a positive mindset,” he said.
