The Minister of State for Matabeleland South, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe has launched the newly constructed helipad at Brunaberg in Mangwe District.

The development marks a significant milestone for St. Anne’s Mission Hospital and the surrounding communities, enhancing emergency response capacity and saving lives in the remote district.

St. Anne’s Mission Hospital, which serves a population of approximately 30 000 people, continues to stand as a beacon of hope for the Brunaberg community and surrounding areas. The hospital operates with a dedicated team of two doctors, forty-four nurses, and two laboratory technicians. It also houses a nursing school that enrols one intake per year. In 2023, the hospital underwent extensive government-funded renovations that included the installation of a new theatre bed and a geyser, significantly improving service delivery and patient care.

In addition to healthcare delivery, the hospital has embraced several income generating projects, including a mushroom farming and vegetable gardening initiative that has shown promising early results. The hospital’s canteen project continues to provide much needed revenue to support operations. Community members have played a vital role in the institution’s growth, assisting in the resuscitation of hospital vehicles and the construction of staff accommodation.

During the engagement, the District Medical Officer highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly the shortage of staff housing, which has contributed to high turnover rates. However, he commended the recent improvements in connectivity through Starlink, which have greatly enhanced communication and operational efficiency. The helipad, he noted, has already proven life-saving, facilitating the transportation of more than ten patients to Bulawayo within just two weeks of becoming operational.

Addressing the gathering, Honourable Minister Nguluvhe praised the collaborative efforts that led to the successful completion of the helipad. He assured the community that the government remains committed to improving network connectivity across all districts and reiterated that staff accommodation should be viewed as a shared community responsibility. He urged local leaders and residents alike to take an active role in addressing this challenge.

The Minister also directed the Provincial Medical Officer to ensure that local youths from Mangwe and across Matabeleland South benefit meaningfully from upcoming development initiatives. He reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots engagement, pledging to visit even the most remote areas to fully understand and address the challenges faced by communities.

Furthermore, Honourable Nguluvhe encouraged councillors to strengthen bylaws compelling companies operating in the mining sector to contribute to local development projects as part of their corporate social responsibility.

He also announced that the people of Brunaberg would have the honour of hosting upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

In his closing remarks, the Minister described the helipad not merely as a structure but as a “tool for mercy, compassion, and progress”, a lifeline for the people of Brunaberg and surrounding communities, ensuring that no life is lost due to distance or inaccessibility."

The event was a powerful demonstration of collaboration between government, community, and local institutions, reaffirming the shared vision of a healthier, more connected, and empowered Mangwe District.