The President’s Unannounced Hospital Visit a Testament to Leadership That Listens
By Kudzai Makuku
The unannounced visit by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Harare’s main hospitals is more than just a surprise inspection ,it is a powerful testimony that Zimbabwe is being led by a President who listens. More importantly, it signifies that our health sector is finally receiving the attention it desperately needs.
Yesterday, in an unexpected yet impactful move, the President showed up unannounced at several hospitals in Harare to inspect the conditions firsthand. This wasn’t a media spectacle or a choreographed appearance it was an authentic, purposeful act of leadership. He came to see the situation with his own eyes, not through filtered reports. This visit made me proud. I was not alone. Many Zimbabweans took to social media, community platforms, and conversations on the ground to celebrate the visit, applauding the President for taking such a bold and direct step.
As I watched the pictures and read the headlines, my thoughts immediately went back to a moment that sparked national debate ,when Youth Minister Hon. Tino Machakaire penned an emotional and urgent plea to the President regarding the state of our healthcare facilities. While some praised the Minister’s courage, others criticised him, even calling for his dismissal, arguing that such matters should have been raised behind closed doors. But the President did not react with anger or punishment. In fact, what he did instead speaks volumes about his character.
President Mnangagwa has often described himself as “soft as wool” a man of calm demeanor. But let no one mistake meekness for weakness. His ability to remain composed, to observe quietly, and to act decisively when the time is right is something I deeply admire. Just like a crocodile patient and silent until the right moment ,he waited and when the dust around the Youth Minister’s post had settled, he made his move. Not to retaliate, but to act.
He visited the hospitals, just as Hon. Machakaire had urged him to and in doing so, he proved that he had listened not just to the Minister, but to the cries of the nation.To my fellow youths, this is a reminder that it’s okay to make mistakes when your intentions are pure. One of the advantages of youth is the ability to grow, to learn, and to apologise when needed. When elders see sincerity, they often respond with guidance not punishment. The President’s response to Hon. Machakaire is a powerful example of that kind of leadership.But let me make one thing clear ,this hospital visit is not the end.
Are we going to witness major changes in the coming days or weeks? Based on the President’s track record, I am confident that this is just the beginning of serious change. Accountability will follow. Improvements will be made. And yes, some officials may begin to sweat. The President kept asking a crucial question during his visit: “How do we resolve the problem?” That single question shows he isn’t just looking at the surface ,he is actively seeking solutions.
Imagine how Hon. Tino Machakaire must be feeling now ,his courage not only accepted, but vindicated. The very plea that once made him a target of criticism has been embraced by the highest office in the land. That is what leadership should be about ,hearts that listen, minds that reflect, and hands that act.
May God bless Zimbabwe, and may this land of wonders continue to rise through bold leadership, unity of purpose, and a shared vision for a better future.
