By Rutendo Mapfumo
Savy Maseko(72) leaned heavily on her walking stick as she made her way to Kamativi Community Hall. Burdened by severe arthritis, each step was a struggle. Yet, after being swiftly examined and treated by visiting doctors, her face lit up with relief.
“These doctors are angels who have come to ease our pain,” she said, her smile radiating newfound hope.
Maseko is one of 400 villagers who recently received free medical care from a team of 10 Chinese doctors brought in by Kamativi Mining Company (KMC).
The Chinese Medical Team to Kamativi boasts expertise across 10 specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, orthopedics, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Their mission was to bridge the healthcare accessibility gap and uplift the well-being of the Kamativi community.
“For me, this is more than medicine—it is hope walking into our community. The diagnosis of arthritis is very expensive, but here I am today, I got it for free. Thanks to KMC,” said Maseko.
Another villager, 54-year-old Lazarus Sibanda, received treatment for a painful head tumor that had plagued him for years.
“I had lost hope of ever getting help,” Sibanda shared, tears of relief in his eyes. “Today, these angels have given me back my life.”
Access to healthcare in Hwange District is often hindered by poor road networks and vast distances.
According to Dr. Fungai Musinami, Hwange District Medical Officer, the district has 54 health facilities—including government, mining, ZPC, and private clinics—but they are sparsely distributed.
“The district is geographically very vast, but the population density is not high. This means health facilities are far apart, and the distances between them are usually very large,” explained Dr. Musinami.
For Kamativi residents, the nearest fully equipped hospital is hours away by road, making local medical camps a lifeline.
Ward 11 Councilor Joshua Tshuma praised KMC’s ongoing support, noting the growing impact of their medical outreach.
“Last year’s medical camp served more than 250 people. Today, we’ve exceeded that number by midday. This isn’t charity—it’s an investment in human capital that will bear fruit for generations,” Tshuma said.
Chief Nekatambe echoed similar sentiments, commending KMC for prioritising both its mining operations and the community’s health.
“They invited their Chinese medical team to consult the community and check for ailments like TB, blood pressure, and diabetes. They are doing a very good job for the community. Thank you to KMC management,” said Chief Nekatambe.
During the event, doctors performed four surgeries to remove skin tumors—three cases of lipoma and one of neurofibroma.
They also conducted comprehensive first aid training, teaching CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver, thereby empowering local residents with life-saving emergency skills.
Samuel Munsaka, Chairman of the Workers’ Committee at KMC, applauded the improvements in employee health and well-being.
“This commitment reflects the company’s dedication to fostering a safe, healthy workplace and ensuring the welfare of every individual connected to Kamativi Mining,” Munsaka stated.
Kamativi Mining Company, a lithium mining operation in Hwange District, is a joint venture between Sichuan PD Technology Group—a subsidiary of the Chinese-listed Yahua Group—and Defold Mine( Private) Limited. The company’s ongoing social responsibility initiatives continue to transform lives and strengthen the bonds between industry and community.
