Staff Reporter
Registration has opened for the Great Zimbabwe Ride, a fundraising cycling event set for 15 August 2025, aimed at raising US$78,000 to purchase an ambulance for Gutu Mission Hospital in Masvingo Province.
The Chairperson of the Great Zimbabwe Ride, Mr Solomon Madondo, said the ambulance will improve emergency patient transfers, especially for maternity cases.
“The most critical need now is for a fully equipped ambulance. While the hospital provides different healthcare services to over 200,000 people, it is critical for thousands of mothers who give birth here to be easily transferred to a provincial hospital, when there is need. At the moment, lack of efficient transport is our biggest challenge,” he said.
He added that most preventable causes of maternal and neonatal deaths are linked to obstetric emergencies, which the hospital is trying to respond to.
"A reliable ambulance would enable the hospital to transport urgent cases while providing first aid en route. The nearest hospital with capacity to handle complicated obstetric cases is about 100 kilometres away," he added.
The ride will start at Gutu Mission Hospital and end at the Great Zimbabwe Monument. Cyclists can choose to ride the full 140km route, or opt for shorter options of 60km from Roy and 30km from Masvingo town. The ride is open to both experienced road cyclists and recreational riders.
Gutu Mission Hospital is a secondary referral medical centre for 30 health care facilities in the district. It serves approximately 250,000 people and is owned by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ), with partial Government funding.
The hospital provides outpatient care, maternity services, including caesarean deliveries, inpatient care, surgical and paediatric services. It also runs a nursing school and supports the training of healthcare professionals through local and international partnerships.
The Great Zimbabwe Ride is being organised by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe, in partnership with Cycling Zimbabwe and EMAS Canada.
Donations can be made via the official website:
www.the-great-zimbabwe-ride.com
For more information, contact:
Mr Solomon Madondo +263 772 232 487 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chishuvo Mandivenga +1 416 841 6203 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
