daniel chigunweTadious Manyepo in Hwedza
Today, thousands of residents from Hwedza and surrounding areas will receive free medical check-ups and treatment in Machakaire Village, Makanda, thanks to the Tinmac Foundation led by Youth Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire.
Over 50 medical specialists are on the ground and they will test, diagnose and treat different conditions on the spot, including taking some referrals, also free of charge.
Those with different disabilities will get wheelchairs, crutches and different motion aides.
This is the second Christmas Day Cheer Festival, but this year’s event has been spiced further with the return of the Hwedza South Arts Festival, which follows immediately after the consultations late in the day.
The Arts Festival which has become a Christmas staple since 2018 was waived last year to allow people to spend more time with their loved ones.
This year the Festival is back by public demand and the who-is-who of Zimbabwean musicians, including the iconic Alick Macheso and sungura star Mark Ngwazi will be part of the cast.
Minister Machakaire, who is also the Member of Parliament for Hwedza South said he decided to organise the medical outreach programme as part of his initiative to address ailments across the area and the country.
“This is my way of trying to give a hand to those who need it during this Christmas. We have scanned around and realised that we have people with different ailments which they need help with. We have brought a lot of specialists to look into that,” said Honourable Machakaire.
“They will be treated for free, including those who are recommended for further specialist treatment elsewhere. Last year we had over 2000 beneficiaries and we are expecting more. That is why we have also increased the number of experts coming in to help.”
Hon Machakaire said the Arts Festival will wrap up proceedings with an array of top-notch performances from various artists.
