Wicknell Chivayo has offered US$15,000 to cover veteran journalist Geoff Nyarota’s medical expenses.
According to Hopewell Chin’ono, one of Zimbabwe’s leading journalists, Nyarota, who is diabetic and has high blood pressure, is also battling colon cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
Chin’ono shared on X that Nyarota has been on dialysis for a kidney issue for the past two years and is overdue for follow-up surgery in Lusaka.
Additionally, Nyarota is dealing with a blocked artery in his heart, which requires urgent attention and treatment costing US$15,000.
In response to Chin’ono’s post, Chivayo, known for his controversial business dealings, expressed his disdain for journalists but made an exception for Nyarota, offering US$15,000 to assist with his medical costs.
However, Chivayo also took the opportunity to criticize Chin’ono, accusing him of using Nyarota’s health condition to attack the government.
Chin’ono had previously commented on the dire state of healthcare in Zimbabwe, stating that, like millions of other Zimbabweans, Nyarota can no longer afford private treatment, while public hospitals lack the necessary equipment for his treatment.
However, Chivayo defended the ZANU PF-led government, from which he has benefited through lucrative tenders, including the controversial ZESA and ZEC deals.
He claimed the so-called made by the Second Republic has made significant strides in the provision of healthcare, “such as the installation of OVER 120 dialysis machines and numerous chemotherapy machines in public and referral hospitals.” Wrote Chivayo:
HONESTLY SPEAKING, I have never been , I am not and will never be a fan of journalists, ESPECIALLY those who thrive on blackmail or MALICIOUS reporting to advance selfish or personal agendas.
However, after CAREFUL REFLECTION and consideration, I have decided to make the GREATEST EXCEPTION in the case of Geoff Nyarota.
Despite our differences in opinion and political affiliation, I acknowledge Geoff’s contribution as a VETERAN JOURNALIST with a remarkable career that his peers celebrate.
Please advise his wife to COLLECT the US$15,000 needed to cover his medical expenses from my lawyer, SKHUMBUZO MPOFU, at Munangati and Associates Legal Practitioners.
This is a time for COMPASSION and NOT a time to use Geoff’s DESPERATE health condition as an opportunity to attack the Government or promote divisive opinions !!!!!
It is important to acknowledge the SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS made by the SECOND REPUBLIC in healthcare, such as the installation of OVER 120 dialysis machines and numerous chemotherapy machines in public and referral hospitals.
These efforts are a testament to the strides being made to improve healthcare for ALL Zimbabweans.
Challenges exist, but let us ENCOURAGE constructive solutions rather than EXPLOIT a person’s suffering to gain POLITICAL mileage.
Beyond politics and personal opinions, let us remember that we are all HUMAN BEINGS and one big family in the eyes of the ALMIGHTY GOD who must support one another in times of need. Wishing him a speedy recovery…
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